Have no doubt, the world of motoring is still wrestling with a discursive sense of self. To electrify or not, how many niche models are too many, what to do about the China Problem, what role should technology play in self-driving, how to address the north/south affordability disparity? Despite all that, the new-year elite looks set to provide a welcome dose of style and substance. Compelling new models from all the luxury manufacturers are lined up, with Private Edition tracking the cream of the crop.
Audi RS e-tron GT Performance
Cream indeed. There’s not much that comes close to Audi’s latest electric missile in terms of speed or looks. The marque is laying claim to the electric performance crown in the shape of their achingly beautiful flagship e-tron, the RS GT Performance. Ingolstadt’s ground-to-air missile has won a plethora of design prizes, notably Hanover’s coveted iF Design Award. Now add supersonic speed to its bucket of attributes: the RS bullets to 100km/h in three seconds. Three quiet seconds, unless you choose one of Audi’s bespoke sound signatures. In the cabin – surprisingly spacious for such a ground-hugger – the effect of such rapid acceleration is science fiction: you were there, now you’re here. Given that Audi’s speciality is unfussed, light, elegant motion, electric fits the brand perfectly. There’s more good news. The techies reduced the time it takes to charge the batteries to a useful 18 minutes (from 10 to 80 percent). The range is also excellent at 500km, application and attitude notwithstanding, of course.
Mercedes SL63
At the top of the sportscar heap it’s still all about power, and Mercedes-AMG are clearly playing for keeps. Witness their latest SL63 SE Performance, heading for our shores soon. The E stands for electric, which in this case is a helping hand – the main power unit is AMG’s legendary 4-litre V8 bi-turbo engine and those electric motors simply add more shove. A lot more. A whopping 600kW worth, as well as a frankly outrageous 1 420Nm of torque. In simple parlance, that translates to effortless around-town gliding (when the electric motors come to the fore) and ballistic touring when the main taps open up. Roof down, of course. The SL’s raison d’etre has always been about la dolce vita afternoons and windswept sorties down to the coast, Hermès luggage in the boot, Moët chilling on the other side. That roof is fabric now with a three-layered design (outer shell, roof liner and acoustic mat) and opens in 15 seconds. There’s also more room in the boot, thanks to the compact roof design, good for real luggage in real life. On the road, the 63 SE is firmer than its brethren but, again, the baseline is all about comfort, so it is rarely uncomfortable – only manhole covers catch the electronically adaptable suspension out. Switch things up, select Sport from the Drive programme and the car hunkers down, bullets for the horizon and owns its reputation as a continent crosser. There are few better, more exhilarating ways of eating up distance than in Merc’s tasty roadster. Heaven.
Porsche Macan EV
More electric dreams, this time from Porsche, they of the superb Taycan and upcoming 718 Boxster and Cayman. The big news for 2025 will be that last note: 719 Boxster and Cayman are not Porsche’s bestsellers, despite being entry-level cars, and their electric versions will help generate interest. More importantly, they will showcase how Porsche intends to approach the electrification of 911, a tricky proposition given the latter’s iconic status. In the meantime, Porsche’s mid-sized SUV, the Macan, has been given the full electric treatment. It’s the company’s first all-electric SUV, something of a surprise given the popularity of the Cayenne range. Interestingly, Porsche has made provision upfront for a ‘frunk’, a front trunk; traditionally, electric vehicles, despite having no engine, don’t allow access to the front end of the car. Porsche has also increased the cabin space (again, because there’s no engine upfront), making the compact Macan feel far more spacious than its external dimensions suggest. Its electric figures are better than industry standard: a 600km range and a 21-minute charging time from 10 to 80 percent. It will be interesting to see what kind of success it sees in South Africa, especially in the funky grape-coloured Amethyst Violet tone flighted in all the pre-launch fuss.
Bentley Flying Spur
Equally arresting is Bentley’s new Tourmaline Green, one of two new colours for the soon-to-be delivered Flying Spur (grey is the other). Acid green isn’t exactly South Africa’s idea of a Bentley colour, but it underlines the marque’s willingness to play – and attract new, younger clients. Flying Spur confirms that. It is as fast as the celebrated new Continental GT Speed and a full four-seater made for the overachiever who wants to be driven… and driven quickly. Just how quickly? The V8, coupled to those two electric motors fore and aft, manages a 0-100km/h time of 3.8 seconds. Which is remarkable, given its 2 500kg weight. Its adaptive suspension means it can keep going through the twisties too. A great deal has been written about the Continental GT’s legendary agility and it seems much of that learning has found its way into the Flying Spur. Inside, of course, it is London club meets bespoke private yacht, a rich synthesis of wood, aluminium and carbon fibre. Just how the various elements combine is up to the owner; a crucial part of Bentley ownership is a private visit to the Bentley factory in Chester to choose the bespoke interior and exterior. Tourmaline Green included. How times have changed.
Peter Frost
