Known amongst residents as the land of opulence, the United Arab Emirates isn’t lacking in posh cars at all. However, just like much of the world, the UAE auto market has been popularized by SUVs of all kinds. Barely a small portion of the populace seriously considers sedans to be their best option.
But there is a certain level of pleasure that can only be derived from owning a high-end sedan. The candidates listed here are full-size luxury sedans, each having its own unique personality. All of them boast high-quality and technically-sophisticated interiors. Let’s look at these cars along with their features, prices, and specifications.
1. Lexus LS
Based on Toyota’s TNGA-L platform, the LS is the most luxurious Lexus sedan. Moreover, it is undoubtedly the most reliable car on this list. It is a symbol of the brand’s engineering and technical excellence, while the LS acronym stands for “Luxury Sedan” – a tag that suits this car well.
The Lexus flagship has no pretense of being sporty, with its specialized suspension prioritizing absolute ride comfort over razor-sharp handling. The rear seats of the new LS come with a 7-stage massaging system, inspired by the Japanese Shiatsu technique. Rear-seat occupants also get a touch-panel controller for managing a multitude of functionalities.
The equipment list of the new Lexus LS consists of triple-beam LED headlights, 20-inch wheels, Ottoman rear massage seats, a 23-speaker Mark Levinson audio system, a powered sunshade, wireless Apple CarPlay, Lexus Connect App, and four-zone automatic climate control. The new Lexus LS in Dubai costs AED 365,000 for the base variant.
|
Specifications |
Lexus LS 350 |
Lexus LS 500 |
Lexus LS 500h |
|
Engine |
3.5-liter naturally-aspirated six-cylinder petrol |
3.5-liter twin-turbocharged six-cylinder petrol |
3.5-liter naturally-aspirated six-cylinder petrol hybrid |
|
Horsepower |
312 hp at 6,000 RPM |
416 hp at 6,000 RPM |
354 hp |
|
Torque |
380 Nm at 4,800–4,900 RPM |
600 Nm at 1,600–4,800 RPM |
350 Nm at 5,100 RPM |
|
Transmission |
10-speed automatic / Rear-wheel drive |
10-speed automatic / Rear-wheel drive |
e-CVT automatic / Rear-wheel drive |
|
Fuel consumption |
8.9 km/L (11.2 L/100 km) |
8.4 km/L (11.9 L/100 km) |
16.1 km/L (6.2 L/100 km) |
|
Fuel tank |
82 liters |
82 liters |
82 liters |
|
Top speed |
220 km/h |
250 km/h |
250 km/h |
|
0-100 km/h |
6.3 seconds |
4.9 seconds |
5.4 seconds |
(2024 Lexus LS UAE specifications shown)
2. BMW 7-Series
Not only a technological tour-de-force, the new BMW 7-Series also possesses a dynamically-competent chassis and a high-quality interior. Its peculiar design aesthetics may not be for everyone, but the massive kidney grille up front makes a solid statement. The 7-Series rides atop BMW’s Cluster Architecture (CLAR), integrating high-tech carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer for increased strength with minimal weight penalties.
The plush cabin gets a massive Panoramic Sky Lounge glass roof with multi-color LEDs and BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant. Other high-end features include a sleek glass bar on the dashboard with LED lighting, high-definition BMW Curved Display screens, plus a huge 31.3-inch BMW Theatre Screen with Amazon Fire TV integration.
The BMW 7-Series gets power-operated automatic doors, while 5.5-inch touchscreens integrated into the rear doors allow passengers here to operate the car’s various systems. A front-facing camera continuously monitors the road, with the variable suspension mechanism adjusting to the conditions accordingly. The entry-level 735i variant of the BMW 7-Series is priced at well over 550,000 dirhams.
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Specifications |
BMW 7-Series 735i MHEV |
BMW 7-Series 740i MHEV |
BMW 7-Series 760i xDrive MHEV |
|
Engine |
3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder petrol + one electric motor |
3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder petrol + one electric motor |
4.4-liter twin-turbocharged eight-cylinder petrol + one electric motor |
|
Horsepower |
286 hp |
380 hp |
544 hp |
|
Torque |
425 Nm |
540 Nm |
750 Nm |
|
Transmission |
8-speed automatic / Rear-wheel drive |
8-speed automatic / Rear-wheel drive |
8-speed automatic / All-wheel drive |
|
Fuel consumption |
12.7 km/L (7.9 L/100 km) |
11.9 km/L (8.4 L/100 km) |
8.9 km/L (11.2 L/100 km) |
|
Fuel tank |
74 liters |
74 liters |
74 liters |
|
Top speed |
250 km/h |
250 km/h |
250 km/h |
|
0-100 km/h |
6.7 seconds |
5.4 seconds |
4.2 seconds |
(2024 BMW 7-Series UAE specifications shown)
3. Mercedes-Benz S-Class
If the three-pointed star represents automotive excellence, then the Mercedes-Benz S-Class represents the best the prestigious German brand can do. Stately and restrained in its appearance, the classy-looking S-Class will appeal to those who find the 7-Series to be loud. The limo is based on Merc’s second-gen Modular Rear Architecture (MRA2) platform.
Being the flagship Mercedes-Benz sedan, the S-Class features the company’s advanced E-Active Body Control air suspension system. It not only provides a supple ride over a variety of road surfaces but also prevents uncomfortable lean during cornering. Rear-axle steering makes driving this 5.3-meter-long sedan a relatively fuss-free affair at low and high speeds.
Premium OLED panels constitute the main displays up front, with an Augmented Reality (AR) head-up display displaying relevant navigation information. High-quality Nappa leather upholstery goes hand-in-hand with active mood lighting, AI-enhanced MBUX infotainment system, perfumed & ionized climate control, a 10-liter rear refrigerated compartment, and an MBUX rear-seat entertainment system.
The cabin of the S-Class is a touch quieter than the 7-Series, remaining more cocooned from unwanted exterior noises. The S-Class is also packed with state-of-the-art active safety features plus a 31-speaker Burmester 4D audio system with few rivals in the industry. A new Mercedes-Benz S-Class S 450 4MATIC starts from AED 670,900 in Dubai.
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Specifications |
Mercedes-Benz S-Class S 450 4MATIC |
Mercedes-Benz S-Class S 500 4MATIC |
Mercedes-Benz S-Class S 580 4MATIC |
|
Engine |
3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder petrol + one electric motor |
3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder petrol + one electric motor & electric compressor |
4.0-liter twin-turbocharged eight-cylinder petrol + one electric motor |
|
Horsepower |
367 hp |
435 hp |
503 hp |
|
Torque |
500 Nm |
520 Nm |
700 Nm |
|
Transmission |
9-speed automatic / All-wheel drive |
9-speed automatic / All-wheel drive |
9-speed automatic / All-wheel drive |
|
Fuel consumption |
12.8 km/L (7.8 L/100 km) |
11.9 km/L (8.4 L/100 km) |
9.4 km/L (10.6 L/100 km) |
|
Fuel tank |
65 liters |
65 liters |
65 liters |
|
Top speed |
250 km/h |
250 km/h |
250 km/h |
|
0-100 km/h |
5.1 seconds |
4.9 seconds |
4.4 seconds |
(2024 Mercedes-Benz S-Class UAE specifications shown)
4. Porsche Panamera
If there is one brand that outweighs the premium market presence of BMW or Mercedes-Benz, it is Porsche. The new Porsche Panamera is based on the Volkswagen Group’s MSB platform. It caters to those who want a luxury sedan that can handle like a sports car and is brimming with advanced features.
The third-generation Panamera gets a redesigned front & rear design with angular and more wedge-shaped styling cues. It might not be the prettiest car on the market, but the Panamera definitely drives like a true Porsche. Its low-slung and aerodynamic design helps make this a really fast family car.
The adaptive air suspension system of the Panamera makes it a treat to drive on a racetrack as well as on public roads. While it’s not as quiet or roomy as an S-Class, the Porsche’s cabin feels a lot more premium and advanced. The seats are also sportier and keep occupants in place, while comfort isn’t sacrificed.
The rear seats get ventilation & massaging functions and a dedicated touchscreen controller. The Panamera also gets Matrix LED headlights, sports exhaust, four-zone climate control, and climate-controlled front seats. Adding to its equipment list is a 10.9-inch front-passenger & infotainment displays, along with a high-definition 12.6-inch digital gauge cluster. In the UAE, the Porsche Panamera starts from AED 409,800.
|
Specifications |
Porsche Panamera |
Porsche Panamera 4 |
Porsche Panamera GTS |
|
Engine |
2.9-liter twin-turbocharged six-cylinder petrol |
2.9-liter twin-turbocharged six-cylinder petrol |
4.0-liter twin-turbocharged eight-cylinder petrol |
|
Horsepower |
348 hp |
348 hp |
493 hp |
|
Torque |
500 Nm |
500 Nm |
660 Nm |
|
Transmission |
8-speed automatic / Rear-wheel drive |
8-speed automatic / All-wheel drive |
8-speed automatic / All-wheel drive |
|
Fuel consumption |
10.3 km/L (9.7 L/100 km) |
8.9 km/L (11.2 L/100 km) |
7.8 km/L (12.7 L/100 km) |
|
Fuel tank |
75 liters |
75 liters |
65 liters |
|
Top speed |
272 km/h |
270 km/h |
302 km/h |
|
0-100 km/h |
5.3 seconds |
5.0 seconds |
3.8 seconds |
(2024 Porsche Panamera UAE specifications shown)
5. Bentley Flying Spur Speed
Assembled at the British brand’s Crewe facility in England, the Bentley Flying Spur Speed is a special luxury sedan. Based on the same MSB platform as the Panamera, the strengths of the Flying Spur lie in its innate focus on high-end luxury. Fortunately for those who have an affinity for performance as well, this Bentley has you covered.
While you can sit in the luxuriously contoured & finished back seats, the Flying Spur Speed also rewards those who drive it. With its beautifully composed yet raw exhaust note, driving this 2.4-ton limo enthusiastically will be a fun experience. The well-appointed cabin has its share of road and wind noise, though none of it feels intrusive to be bothersome.
The hand-built nature of the interior trim can seem a bit off at times, but some may find that affable. The top-notch leather and stitching feel second to none, while contrast piping and a ‘Speed’ insignia make their presence felt. Bentley also allows for custom paints & finishes based on what the customer wants.
The Bentley Flying Spur Speed has 22-inch wheels, with Bentley Dynamic Ride being powered by a 48-volt anti-roll system. Then there’s the all-wheel steering, 10.1-inch rear-entertainment screens, self-leveling ‘Bentley’ badge on the wheels, a 20-channel Naim audio system, and a night-vision camera. The fastest car on this list, a new Bentley Flying Spur Speed could potentially cost over AED 1.2 million.
|
Specifications |
Bentley Flying Spur Speed |
|
Engine |
6.0-liter twin-turbocharged twelve-cylinder petrol |
|
Horsepower |
626 hp |
|
Torque |
900 Nm |
|
Transmission |
8-speed automatic / All-wheel drive |
|
Fuel consumption |
7.1 km/L (14.0 L/100 km) |
|
Fuel tank |
90 liters |
|
Top speed |
333 km/h |
|
0-100 km/h |
3.8 seconds |
(2024 Bentley Flying Spur Speed UAE specifications shown)
