text Ellfian Rahim
Maserati
It looks like it’s just not all about electrification anymore as we round the last few corners towards a brand-new motoring year. The latest batch of new releases seem to straddle a plethora of shapes, sizes, powerplants and body styles, as the world’s top motoring brands compete for the attention of the buying public, who are, perhaps, a bit distracted by the promise of year-end festivities! But oh my, it’s still quite a selection we have here.
Bentley Bentayga EWB Mulliner
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The brand-new Bentley Bentayga EWB Mulliner is now being offered as the top-trim from the iconic luxury brand’s Mulliner customising division. As many may have already guessed, the ‘EWB’ part in the SUV’s name denotes ‘extended wheelbase’, and this means an additional stretch of just about 19cm, with all of that additional length going to create stretch-out space where it matters most: in the rear seat. The cabin also features tri-tone leather, which is exclusive to the Mulliner, and this can be matched with a bewildering combination of the main, secondary and accent colours.
Up front is the same 4.0l twin-turbo petrol V8 that puts out 550PS (542hp or 404kW) and 770Nm of torque as the ‘ordinary’ Bentayga S, and this is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive system. This setup enables the SUV to get from 0-100km/h in just 4.6 seconds on its way to a top speed of 290km/h.
Other driving-related features include the Bentley Dynamic Ride active anti-roll control system that operates on a 48-volt electrical architecture, along with rear-wheel steering for impressive manoeuvrability in tight spaces, and three-chamber air springs for optimum comfort. Oh, and the Mulliner also has unique 22in wheels fitted with weighted centre caps that remain steadfastly upright, no matter what!
BMW 750e xDrive M Sport
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Not too keen on the all-electric BMW i7 because of the rather iffy public charging infrastructure right now in Malaysia? Well, how about the equally new BMW 750e xDrive M Sport instead? This luxe sedan comes with a 3.0l straight-six turbocharged petrol engine with an electric motor that’s rated at 197hp and 280Nm, integrated into the eight-speed Steptronic transmission.
The new car’s M Sport styling package includes sportier front and rear bumpers, 20in M aerodynamic style 907 alloy wheels, M high-gloss Shadowline trim, M side sills in high-gloss black, and M signature high gloss fine-wood interior trim in Fineline Black with metal effect highlights. Meanwhile, the M Sport variant also gets the BMW Theatre Screen, which is an awesome 31.3in widescreen display that swings down from the ceiling of the car for the benefit of rear passengers, who will also enjoy plush Executive Lounge Seating.
Ducati Diavel V4
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It didn’t seem that long ago that Ducati introduced its daring and genre-busting Diavel concept. But until today, many still struggle to put a label on the big Italian V-twin – is it a cruiser, a muscle bike, a sporty naked maybe or even a tourer? But, 12 years on, the Ducati Diavel has come to define its own purpose and place in the world.
Ducati claims the current Diavel V4 combines “linearity at low revs with vigorous torque throughout the entire range of delivery.” And this is now very, very possible with the use of the V4 Granturismo 1,158cc engine, equipped with ride-by-wire and 46mm diameter throttle body. Putting out 168hp at 10,750rpm, the Diavel V4 sprints easily from zero-to- 100km/h in less than three seconds.
For 2023, we get an all-new Diavel that ditches its V-twin powerplant for the Granturismo V4. Front lighting is now revamped to a less angular shape, with the unique “double-C” daytime running light, while rear lighting now more closely resembles the arrangement found on the bigger Ducati X-Diavel. Finally, the new bike’s front turn signals are now also cleverly integrated into the handlebars.
Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV
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Carrying on from the reveal of the EQS sedan last year in Malaysia, the Mercedes-Benz electric SUV rides on the same platform as its five-door liftback counterpart, although it gains an extra 20cm in height for optimal ground clearance on light terrain.
A 0-100km/h sprint time of 4.6 seconds and a 210km/h top speed come easy courtesy of a dual-motor setup offering 544PS (536hp or 400kW) and 858Nm. This is linked to a floor- mounted lithium-ion battery with 12 cell modules and an energy capacity of 107.8kWh.
Styling-wise, the SUV shares much of the design cues seen on its stablemates. Key to its exterior styling is the aggressive front bumper that comes with black trim to emphasise the slatted and larger side intakes as well as the lower intake. This is completed with the 22in AMG multi-spoke light-alloy units, painted in high-gloss black with a high-sheen finish.
In the cabin, the front occupants benefit from fully electric adjustable seats with ambient lighting and four-way lumbar support. For those in the second row, the three-abreast seats feature an electrically adjustable backrest angle and 130mm of fore and aft adjustment. Meanwhile, an optional third row of seats is also available, expanding the EQS to a seven- seater with two retractable seats, folding head restraints and easy-entry function on the second row.
Maserati MC20 Cielo
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Actually, Maserati’s latest creation shouts out its special features even in its very name: MC stands for Maserati Corse (‘Racing’); 20 refers to 2020, the year that began the brand’s new era with a slew of awesome new cars; and Cielo (‘sky’) highlights its devotion to driving in the great outdoors – all while maintaining the prerogatives of the coupé!
More than anything else, however, the Cielo promises an immersive driving experience, courtesy of the car’s smart glass (electrochromic) roof. Press a button and, in 12 seconds, this lovely sports car opens its top up to the sky. You’ll get to hear a lot more of the car’s ‘Nettuno’ engine with the roof down, though. This 3.0l twin-turbo V6 is a Formula 1-derived system featuring twin-spark plugs. This provides 630PS (621hp) and 730Nm of torque, and is paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission driving the rear wheels.
Porsche Cayenne E3
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Six years after its launch in 2017, the third-generation Porsche Cayenne E3 has now emerged. But this isn’t a full model change, mind you, but a very comprehensive upgrade in all key areas including interior and exterior design, infotainment and lighting technology, and chassis and powertrain performance.
The two body styles on offer – the standard Cayenne and the Cayenne Coupé – get redesigned wings, bonnet and headlamps that visually emphasise its width. The rear end gets a bit of a nip-tuck, too, with redesigned three-dimensional tail lamps and simplified surfaces on the tailgate, while the rear license plate position has been relocated lower, to the rear apron. Matrix LED headlamps are now standard-fit across the entire facelifted Cayenne range, while HD Matrix LED units are optional.
Meanwhile, the base Cayenne continues with V6 petrol power, with its 3.0l turbocharged unit offering 353PS and 500Nm of torque. This combustion engine also serves as the ICE unit in the Cayenne E-Hybrid, which gets a beefed-up electric motor producing 176PS for a combined output of 476PS, and offers a pure electric driving range of up to 90km. Transmission in all variants is an eight-speed automatic and all-wheel-drive.
