The new Mercedes-Benz GLE has a wealth of innovations. For example, the active suspension system E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL on a 48-volt basis is a world first. While the driving assistance systems take another step forward with Active Stop-and-Go Assist. The interior is even more spacious and comfortable, with a third seat row available on request. The infotainment system has larger screens, a full-colour head-up display with a resolution of 720 x 240 pixels and the MBUX Interior Assistant, which can recognise hand and arm movements and supports operating intentions. The exterior design not only exudes presence and power, but also sets a new standard for aerodynamics in the SUV segment. The GLE will receive a completely new range of engines on market launch in early 2019. The new 4MATIC ensures great agility on the road and superior performance off the beaten track. At a later stage a plug-in hybrid variant with a particularly long range will be added to the drive portfolio.

Bentley has introduced the all-new Continental GT Convertible. Designed, engineered and handcrafted in Britain – and representing all Bentley knows about creating the world’s most stylish and elegant Grand Tourers – the GT Convertible is the very essence of the luxury brand.

Adrian Hallmark, Chairman and Chief Executive, Bentley Motors, said: “Elegant understatement that forces you to look; engineering excellence you’ll take for granted – the extraordinary breadth of capabilities offered by the new Bentley Continental GT Convertible is unique and can only be offered by our noble British brand. We have been building luxury Grand Tourers since the company was founded in 1919 and, as we approach our centenary year, the Continental GT Convertible joins a highly acclaimed range – arguably the strongest and most technologically advanced portfolio of products the world has ever seen in one luxury brand.”

Elegant and sculptural exterior styling harmonises perfectly with an exquisite handcrafted cabin, featuring the highest quality leathers and sustainably sourced veneers.

The tailored convertible roof can be deployed or stowed in just 19 seconds, with the car travelling at speeds of up to 30 mph (50 km/h). This transforms the Bentley Continental GT Convertible from a luxurious coupe into an open-top Grand Tourer at the touch of a button. Seven different fabric hood colours are available, including an authentic tweed finish for the first time.

A newly designed neckwarmer (which is both warmer and quieter than in the previous generation model), is seamlessly integrated into the heated Comfort Seats, optimising efficiency and airflow around the electrically adjustable headrests. The styling highlight of the new neckwarmer is a chrome centre vane that stretches the full width of the duct, echoing Bentley’s famous ‘bullseye’ vents. Combined with a heated steering wheel, seat heaters and new heated armrests, these sophisticated comfort features create a luxurious driving experience in all environments.

Prestige, presence and impeccable Audi quality in every detail: the all-new Audi Q8 is ready to combine the best of both worlds by offering the elegance of a four-door luxury coupé and the convenient versatility of a large SUV. Remaining faithful to the dramatic styling of the original Q8 Sport concept first revealed at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show, the series production car will join UK roads this summer featuring a generously dimensioned interior with a variable luggage compartment, state-of-the-art drive and suspension technologies and intelligent assistance systems that make it a convincing companion for business and leisure.

A strong yet efficient 3.0 TDI with a mild hybrid system provides the dynamics which are implied by the muscular exterior design. With the permanent quattro all-wheel drive and a ground clearance of up to 254 mm, the SUV coupé can continue when paved roads end.

At 4,986 mm long, 1,995 mm wide and 1,705 mm high, the new Audi Q8 exudes a presence on the road like no other SUV from the brand with the four rings. With its coupé-style roof line it appears much lower than its Q7 sister model. It is 66 mm shorter, but has become 27 mm wider. The distinctive front end, the short rear overhang and the mighty 21-inch wheels with a diameter of 795 mm paint a picture of powerful dynamics. In the UK, S line specification that is equipped with a host of standard features ranging from sport-configured adaptive air suspension and MMI Navigation Plus with MMI Touch to HD Matrix LED headlights, will be available from market launch. Soon after, an even more comprehensively specified Vorsprung version will join the line-up.

Improved performance in all aspects

The Lamborghini Aventador SVJ’s Nürburgring-Nordschleife lap record is living proof of its benchmarking performance. With its optimized power plant making it the most powerful series production V12-engined car produced to date by Lamborghini, the SVJ features an increase in power to 770 hp (566 kW) at maximum 8,500 rpm. The SVJ outputs 720 Nm of torque at 6,750 rpm, while a dry weight of just 1,525 kg gives the SVJ a weight-to-power ratio of 1.98 kg/hp. The SVJ accelerates from standing to 100 km/h in 2.8 seconds and from 0 to 200 km/h in 8.6 seconds. A top speed of more than 350 km/h is complemented by a braking distance of 100 km/h to 0 in 30 meters.

Mercedes-Maybach stands for the ultimate in exclusivity and individuality. The absolute top-of-the range model from the luxury brand is the Pullman (fuel consumption combined: 14.6 l/100 km; combined CO2emissions: 330 g/km) with vis-à-vis seating behind the partition screen. Now the high-end luxury class from Mercedes-Benz is becoming even more exquisite. A new radiator grille and new exclusive colour combinations in the interior make for a new appearance. The longest model from the S-Class family with a length of 6.50 metres can be ordered starting on 15 March.

A reinterpretation of the Mercedes-Maybach radiator grille with its fine, vertical struts accentuates the front end. The grille was inspired by a pinstriped suit. It celebrated its world première in the Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6, the exclusive coupé concept car which thrilled connoisseurs and fans of the brand in 2016. The exterior appearance of the top-of-the-range model is rounded off by the 20-inch wheel in 10-hole design known from the Mercedes-Maybach. For an even more individual appearance, the range of paint finishes by customer demand now also includes the two-tone paint finishes presented with the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class. The new exclusive colours magma grey, mahogany brown and silk beige/deep sea blue are available in the interior.

Porsche has added two extra sporty models to its Panamera range. With a powerful performance from the four-litre V8 biturbo engine (338 kW/460 hp), extra dynamic chassis systems including three-chamber air suspension, and their own unique design elements and equipment, the Porsche Panamera GTS and Panamera GTS Sport Turismo harness a one-of-a-kind performance package. For example, the Sport Design package with black exterior elements and large Alcantara surfaces in the interior is included as standard. What’s more, Porsche has expanded its portfolio of comfort and assistance systems to include a head-up display with various configuration options for the entire Panamera range.

At the heart of both of the new Porsche Panamera GTS models is a four-litre V8 engine with 338 kW (460 hp) of output and maximum torque of 620 Nm, cultivating an emotional sound and driving experience when combined with the standard sports exhaust system. The biturbo engine, which features a gasoline particulate filter, outperforms its predecessor by 15 kW (20 hp) and 100 Nm, accelerating the Panamera GTS and Panamera GTS Sport Turismo from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.1 seconds as it works in conjunction with the standard Sport Chrono package. The two models achieve a top speed of 292 and 289 km/h respectively. There are no interruptions in tractive force as power is transmitted to the Porsche Traction Management (PTM) all-wheel drive system by the eight-speed PDK dual clutch gearbox. Their exceptional performance is achieved with moderate consumption of just 10.3 l/100 km (Sport Turismo: 10.6 l/100 km) (see footnote); the CO2emissions are 235 g/km (Sport Turismo: 242 g/km).

The new BMW X7 represents the next stage in the premium carmaker’s ongoing model offensive in the luxury segment. Its increased presence in the class and the systematic expansion of the BMW X model portfolio are among the key areas the BMW Group has identified – as part of its NUMBER ONE > NEXT strategy – to ensure sustained growth in the world’s car markets in the future.

The expansive exterior dimensions of the new BMW X7 take luxury to a new level. At 5,151 millimetres in length, 2,000 millimetres wide and 1,805 millimetres tall, and with a wheelbase of 3,105 millimetres, the X7 displays harmonious proportions and establishes itself very clearly as the new head of the BMW X model family. The high-impact presence of the new BMW X7 is underscored by its upright front end, while the chrome elements that ring the car and accentuate its unique character also influence its distinctive appearance. A new use of forms, dominated by clearly structured surfaces and precise lines, lends the BMW X7 its modern and progressive aura.