© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
The Lap of Luxury
if you’re fortunate enough to be shopping for — or simply dreaming about — the ultimate luxury vehicle, look no further than the 2017 the Geneva Motor Show, which runs from March 9th through the 19th. Given the expansive venue showcasing new products from premium marques such as Audi, Bentley, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Rolls-Royce, luxury-car lovers might have a tough time deciding where to spend their money — or mental capital. Click through to feast your eyes on some of the most luxurious vehicles from the 2017 Geneva Motor Show.
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Audi Q8 Sport Concept
Following the introduction of the Q8 concept in Detroit earlier this year, in Geneva Audi took the wraps off the next concept iteration: the Q8 sport concept. Designed as the flagship of the German automaker’s SUV lineup, the Q8 sport introduces a stronger hybrid powertrain. With a 3.0-liter V6 engine and a mild hybrid system, the total output is rated at 476 horsepower. Not only can this big SUV reach 62 mph in a mere 4.7 seconds, it also has a range of almost 750 miles.
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Audi Q8 Sport Concept
“The drive system of the Audi Q8 sport concept is a major step towards optimizing efficiency and sustainability in large-volume series production,” said Rupert Stadler, chairman of the board at Audi AG. “In the future, this combination will be used in many Audi models,” Stadler noted. Inside is a luxurious cabin for four passengers with a fully digital instrument panel and multiple screen displays.
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BMW 5 Series Touring
BMW introduced an all-new 5 Series sedan earlier this year in Detroit, so it seems logical that the German automaker would showcase the worldwide debut of the wagon in Geneva. Referred to as the 5 Series Touring, the new model carries forward the updated styling of the 7th-generation sedan. It will be available with the latest high-tech display screens and other infotainment features.
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BMW 5 Series Touring
“I am sure that the versatility of this new, fifth generation will prove even more popular with those customers who appreciate the 5 Series Touring’s characteristic roomy, variable loading space combined with its distinguished appearance and — of course — its BMW-typical driving dynamics,” said Dr Ian Robertson, member of the management board at BMW AG. The new Touring makes extensive use of aluminum, magnesium and high-strength steel to improve handling while reducing weight.
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Bentley Bentayga by Mulliner
Sure, it’s already one of the most luxurious SUVs on the market, but that doesn’t mean the Bentayga can’t go even more upscale. Case in point: the Bentayga Mulliner. Mulliner is Bentley’s in-house division responsible for customization and personalization, which means these wizards can create just about anything a customer might want. The Mulliner Bentayga features duo-tone paint, 22 inch Paragon 7-spoke wheels, unique exterior badges and bright chromed grilles.
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Bentley Bentayga by Mulliner
A two-tone treatment sets the mood inside the Bentayga by Mulliner — front and rear seats are different colors, and both feature hand-stitched leather trim with unique embroidery. Rear-seat passengers can partake from a Mulliner Bottle Cooler in the center console, featuring an illuminated chilling cabinet and bespoke Cumbria Crystal flutes. A Naim audio system channels 1,950 watts through 20 speakers. This special version of the Bentayga will be available to order in spring 2017.
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Bentley Mulsanne Hallmark Series by Mulliner
Hidden at the back of the Bentley stand in Geneva was one of only 50 Hallmark Series Mulsannes that will ever be built. Press materials refer to this limited-edition luxury sedan created by Mulliner as “the ultimate statement of luxury from Bentley’s flagship model.” Buyers have a choice of either a silver or gold version. Depending on the choice, the Flying B hood ornament can either be solid silver or finished with gold plating. A hand-painted line that runs the length of the car can also be silver or gold.
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Bentley Mulsanne Hallmark Series by Mulliner
Inside, the spacious rear quarters of the Mulsanne Hallmark Series pamper passengers with luxurious seating, leather trim to match the silver or gold theme, large video screens and matching Alcantara pillows. An optional Mulliner cocktail cabinet can also be installed.
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Bentley EXP 12 Speed 6e Concept
The luxury British marque surprised attending media in Geneva with a glimpse of a new concept car, the EXP 12 Speed 6e. Not only does this concept provide a look at a possible small, sporty roadster, it showcases Bentley’s commitment to offering an electric vehicle at some point in the future. Smaller than the Continental GT, the two-seat roadster has a clean exterior design with flush door handles and cameras instead of rearview mirrors.
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Bentley EXP 12 Speed 6e Concept
The interior environs of the EXP 12 Speed 6e concept are gorgeous, with dark leather, chrome and a solid piece of curved glass for the high-definition screen. Not many details on the electric powertrain were revealed during Bentley’s press conference, but it was suggested that the roadster would have the range needed to be a proper grand tourer — meaning that it should be able to drive between London and Paris (via the Chunnel, of course) on a single charge.
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Lexus LS 500h
A few months ago in Detroit, the world took its first look at the new Lexus LS 500 sedan. In Geneva the luxury brand took the wraps of the hybrid version, the LS 500h. The flagship luxury sedan gets power from a new Lexus Multi Stage Hybrid System that combines a 3.5-liter V6 engine with two electric motors for a total of 354 horsepower.
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Lexus LS 500h
Easily one of the most luxurious hybrids on the road, the LS 500h coddles its passengers with seats that offer multiple power adjustments as well as heating, cooling and massage functions. The wheelbase is longer on the new LS than the long-wheelbase version of the previous generation, which translates to an invitingly spacious rear seat.
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Mercedes-AMG E63 S Wagon
We admit to a certain bias when it comes to the E63 S Wagon, since it is one of our dream cars. With a near-perfect blend of luxury, performance, style and utility, this AMG wagon can fit any number of lifestyles and needs. There’s plenty of cargo space — increased by folding the rear seats — and with Mercedes’ 4Matic all-wheel-drive system, the E63 can handle all kinds of inclement weather.
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Mercedes-AMG E63 S Wagon
What really makes this luxury wagon a standout is its handcrafted AMG 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine under the hood, which generates an extreme 603 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque. Sprints to 60 mph take 3.4 seconds and top speed is limited to 180 mph. Both figures put the wagon in the company of some rather exotic sports cars. The AMG E63 S Wagon should begin to arrive in American showrooms this fall.
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Mercedes-Maybach G650 Landaulet
The classic G-Class has been part of the Mercedes lineup since 1979, but this is the first time the Maybach name has been associated with the go-anywhere SUV. The G650 Landaulet carries its rear passengers in luxurious seats from the flagship S-Class sedan, and — for the first time in a G-Class — the push of a button retracts a large folding top for open-air enjoyment. A glass panel can be electrically raised between the front and rear seating areas, and it can even be changed from clear to opaque with the press of a different button.
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Mercedes-Maybach G650 Landaulet
Rear seats in the Mercedes Maybach G650 Landaulet have folding tables as well as thermal cupholders that can be heated or cooled. There will be no lack of power with the G650 — the AMG biturbo V12 generates 630 horsepower. Only 99 copies of the Landaulet will be built, and currently there are no plans to bring this unique SUV to America.
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Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet
With the introduction of the E-Class Cabriolet in Geneva, Mercedes-Benz completes the redesign of the entire E-Class lineup. The E-Class utilizes a classic soft-top rather than a heavier, more expensive hardtop. The top is multilayered and insulated to keep the interior quiet, even when driving at high speeds.
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Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet
The top on the E-Class Cab can be raised or lowered in 20 seconds at speeds up to 30 mph. With the top raised, the cabriolet has a similar silhouette to the E-Class Coupe. The E-Class also features the signature M-B Airscarf, which circulates warm air near the neck when ambient temperatures are low. Mercedes now offers the E-Class Cabriolet with 4Matic all-wheel drive for the first time ever.
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Land Rover Range Rover Velar
In Geneva Land Rover expanded its lineup of luxurious, capable SUVs by introducing the all-new Range Rover Velar. The name has significant meaning, even if a bit obscure — Velar was the code name used on the original pre-production Range Rovers of the 1960s. Slotting between the Evoque and Range Rover Sport, the “Velar brings unprecedented glamour, modernity and elegance to the Range Rover family,” according to Land Rover Chief Design Officer Gerry McGovern.
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Land Rover Range Rover Velar
In addition to its expected off-road prowess, the Velar features premium seating for five. A standout feature is the all-new infotainment system called Touch Pro Duo, designed to make in-car technology clearer, quicker and more enjoyable to use. The system features two high-definition touchscreens and learns from the user, anticipating needs to provide what the user wants, when it’s wanted. The new Range Rover Velar will arrive in U.S. showrooms later this year with a starting price of $49,900.
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Rolls-Royce Dawn
The ultra-luxury British automaker didn’t show any new models in Geneva; however, it did present three bespoke Rolls-Royce Dawns to showcase the level of personalization possible for the Rolls-Royce buyer. The three models on display were part of “Dawn — Inspired by Fashion” featuring unique color schemes. Each Dawn was first swathed in Andalusian White, with the idea being that this pure base would be the canvas for three vibrant colors: Mugello Red, Cobalto Blue and Mandarin.
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Rolls-Royce Dawn
Most noticeable on these fashion-inspired Dawns are the soft-tops in each exclusive color. Inside are Arctic White leather seats as well as a dashboard covered in a clean Piano White wood finish. Breaking up the monochromatic treatment are interior door pockets that match the featured color.
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Volkswagen Arteon
Volkswagen introduced the all-new Arteon at this year’s Geneva show — a premium sedan that will eventually replace the aging CC. With sleek coupelike lines, the new Arteon is actually a fastback with a wide-opening rear hatch that offers impressive cargo capacity. As the future flagship of the VW lineup, the Arteon will be available with the latest high-tech safety features including — for the first time — predictive cornering lights that use camera and navigation information to illuminate curves in the road as you approach them.
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Volkswagen Arteon
“The new Arteon has the proportions of a Gran Tourismo (sic.) with a highly functional overall concept. It offers the very latest infotainment features and semi-automated driving functions. At the same time, our new top-of the-line model offers great value for money,” said Dr Herbert Diess, chairman of the management board for the Volkswagen brand. The Arteon is expected to go on sale next year as a 2019 model.
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Volvo XC60
The Swedish car company seems to be on a roll — shortly after coming to market with an all-new XC90, S90 and V90, Volvo introduces the next-generation of the versatile XC60. Representing about 30 percent of Volvo’s global sales, the XC60 is very important for the company. “We have a strong heritage in designing stylish and dynamic SUVs that offer the latest in technology. The new XC60 will be no exception. It’s the perfect car for an active lifestyle, and it represents the next step in our transformation plan,” said Hakan Samuelsson, president and chief executive of the Volvo Car Group.
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Volvo XC60
Billed as one of the safest cars ever made, the new XC60 features a new system called Oncoming Lane Mitigation, which can autonomously steer out of the way to avoid a head-on collision. Production of the new Volvo XC60 will begin in April at the Torslanda Plant in Sweden.
