The lifestyle pick-up truck segment is dominated by American manufacturers and one such contender is the RAM 1500. While the Ford F-150 is heralded as the reigning champion of the segment, the all-new RAM is out to push the boundaries and set new benchmarks, as was made evident at the truck’s glamorous launch event held in Dubai.
Altering preconceptions, the all-new RAM 1500 attempts to rob the F-150 of its ‘Most Luxurious Truck’ title and balances luxury and practicality to become the ideal everyday vehicle. Better than ever before, the RAM offers greater capability, strength and performance, and pushes the luxury and refinement bar to levels unseen in the segment.
With plenty of leather and real wood trim, the cabin of the RAM 1500 is luxurious – a feeling that is heightened with a class-leading 45.1-inch inches of rear legroom, heated and ventilated rear seats, and plenty of storage areas around the cabin, behind the seats, and under the floor. This includes a center storage box that can be configured in 12 different ways to suit different purposes.
Catering to the needs of its well-connected clientele, the all-new RAM 1500 welcomes a class-exclusive Tesla-esque 12-inch touchscreen display that runs the brand’s fourth-generation Uconnect system and offers plenty of features including split-screen capability, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and new Type-C USB ports that charge devices up to four times faster than standard USB outlets.
On our drive from Dubai’s Meydan Hotel to the mountainous region of Hatta, the RAM dominated the gravel tracks and tarmac with its legendary 5.7-liter HEMI V8 delivering 395 horsepower and 556 Nm of torque to all four corners. The class-leading drive and handling characteristics are delivered by a unique optional air suspension system that offers 5 different modes including an aerodynamic mode that is automatically selected for improved fuel efficiency.
Off the beaten path, the RAM’s best-in-class breakover and departure angles of 24.2-degrees and 27.8-degrees allow it to conquer all obstacles in its path. The Frequency Response Damping (FRD) shocks offer the best combination of ride and handling. During cornering and heavy braking, the bypass valve is closed for more aggressive damping, which provides additional stability and poise. When driving normally or exposed to faster shock inputs - which is common on rough roads or at higher speeds - the valve opens to soften the damping, giving more comfort, confidence and control.
A whopping 102kgs lighter than the model it replaces, the all-new RAM is currently only available in full cab configuration in four unique trims (Big Horn, Laramie, Rebel, Limited) with prices starting at AED 162,000.
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