With temperatures averaging 36°C, the climate in the United Arab Emirates can be inhospitable at times. Despite thriving infrastructure and some of the best irrigation engineering in the world, swathes of the country are naturally characterised by an unrelentingly arid desert climate which is subjected to searing heat in the daytime and severe temperature drops in the evening.

When it comes to long-distance transportation in UAE, it’s important to choose a car that offers reliability, off-road capabilities, plenty of storage space and a great air conditioning system in order to make the hours spent in the vehicle that little bit more enjoyable.

With these criteria in mind, we’ve selected our favorite models for UAE car buyers to traverse the climate in style and comfort:

Subaru Forester

For decades, Subaru has long had a good reputation for offering powerful performance and exceptional traction in all conditions, and the Forester is no exception. The latest model features a 6-speed manual transmission coupled with an all-wheel drive system. Despite having plenty to offer in terms of sheer brute force, the Subaru Forester is surprisingly light, and with nearly 9 inches of ground clearance, it’s perfect for rocky terrains.

Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Unlimited 2016

This Wrangler is perfect – almost like it’s been specifically designed for a desert adventure. Featuring an extra-long wheelbase, large axles, a removable front sway bar and locking differentials, it’s more than equipped for what the terrain of the UAE can throw at it. With an extra-large interior and four doors, it’s fair to say that Jeep has created a truly family-friendly vehicle here.

Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Don’t be fooled by the idea that the G-Class is the preserve of parents in the Hollywood Hills doing the school run; it’s actually a competent sports utility vehicle. Of course, the prowess of the G-Class has long been cemented across the UAE, where car buyers have been impressed by its distance-running capabilities, even in rough terrain. Perhaps the only downfall is that the G-Class tends to use a lot of fuel – so bring a jerry can to avoid getting caught out.

As we have already discussed in previous blogs, the 2017 Geneva Motor Show looks set to be one of the most eagerly anticipated events of the year. Not only will DS be rolling out their new models, Porsche will be displaying their 2018 Panamera and Mercedes are expected to reveal their latest AMG GT concept.

The images and details we do have on the latest AMG offering suggests that it will almost certainly be targeted at buyers of the Porsche Panamera and perhaps the BMW 6 series, but a road version of this GT concept is unlikely to be with us until 2019. The question is will new luxury car buyers be tempted by a vehicle they will not be able to purchase for another two years?

The GT concept is certainly a handsome beast, indeed it would need to be when sized up against the Panamera; the classic coupe shaped four door chassis and shapely rounded rear certainly looks moody enough. As to whether it will stand up against the F1 styled GT hypercar announced not long ago is perhaps a debate that will surface some time soon.

The 4 litre V8 engine and huge diffuser at the rear of the GT concept is suggestive that performance will be a key selling point of the model, while the increased use of aluminium and high strength steel is likely to considerably reduce the overall weight of the car. We can therefore expect improved handling and drive quality as well as economy. There is expected to be a choice between two engine models including the S 4matic+ and the E63 S 4matic+, which was capable of kicking out over 600bhp.

The AMG is expected to have the V8 engine run alongside an ISG (integrated starter engine) allowing an increase of 20bhp in short bursts and a seamless ability to stop-start. The ISG contains a 48V system that is likely to be accompanied by a lithium ion battery which, if this is the case, would represent some interesting developments within that field.

AMG seem to be able to do nothing wrong right now, their sales figures show that they are taking a considerable bite out of the sales of similar cars such as Porsche and BMW. Their existing 31 different models are set to increase to 48, but with that rate of expansion comes a risk of taking their eyes off the ball. The AMG GT concept is an exciting looking car at this stage, but whether it will help keep AMG ahead of the game remains to be seen. We should know a lot more after the 2017 Geneva Motor Show.

Picture Credits : Mercedes Benz

Having only separated from Citroen about two years ago, there has been a lot of discussion surrounding what exactly DS planned on doing with their new-found autonomy and how long it would take them. Well, DS have just released details of four new SUVs and a brand-new hybrid supercar which might well send a few shivers down the spines of some big players such as Mercedes, BMW and Audi.

DS 7 Crossback

The DS 7 Crossback is the first of the models and will get its official debut at the upcoming 2017 Geneva Motor Show this month. The few details that have emerged, as well as photographs circulating the internet, suggest that it is a visually stunning SUV with a remarkably well-designed interior which will essentially challenge existing models such as the popular Audi Q5 in the luxury SUV marketplace.

DS 3 Crossback

The DS 3 Crossback, the slightly less aggressive-looking little sister of the DS 7, displays many of the high-end qualities of the DS 7 but will be a less expensive model. It is also going to be featured at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show with both models expected to go on sale early next year.

DS 5

The DS 5 is a handsome if not slightly more conservative-looking hatchback, proudly displaying its original Citroen DS heritage. Part coupe, part sports estate, perhaps even part family saloon, it is slightly difficult to pin down but that is not an inherently bad thing. The vehicle looks to be impeccably designed and thought out, however, and whilst it might not be quite the giant-killer the DS 7 is, it remains unique and certainly packs a good punch for its price.

DS Hybrid Supercar

The DS hybrid supercar, however, is another kettle of fish altogether. It is perhaps comparable to the BMW i8 and is no doubt part E-Tense, the DS concept car that sent jaws to the ground at the Geneva Motor Show two years ago. It features 600bhp hybrid plug-in technology, autonomous capabilities and is so devastatingly handsome it risks reducing everything else that happens this year to a footnote.

There was concern and doubt as to how serious a contender DS would be once they had decided to go it alone. Their concepts, however, have been beautifully brought together, married with up-to-date technology and with more than enough reasons to tempt car buyers of BMWs, Audis and Mercedes.

It’s around this time of the year, prior to the highly anticipated Geneva Motor Show, that car buyers with an eye on luxury cars find their pulses racing. This year Porsche are expected to debut their new Panamera Turbo and there is an understandable buzz surrounding it right now. The 2018 Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid appears to be once again upping the ante in the world of hybrid technology. The pace of progress in hybrid super-cars has been pretty outstanding in recent years, yet Porsche’s new offering could set another new benchmark.

Building on the success of previous Panamera E-Hybrid models the 2018 model now packs a fierce new and smaller 4 litre V8 engine with a 136 hp electric motor that churns out an impressive 680 hp (up from the 2016 model’s 416 hp) and 626 pound-feet of torque. This is a more powerful, lighter engine than previous models and due to some design tweeking is considerably more efficient.

The Porsche developed ZF 8DB Eight Speed PDK transmission is now standard on all Panamera models, replacing the previous seven speed version with an improved gear ratio spread and a taller top gear. Power loss has been reduced by over a quarter due to reduced friction provided by the improved lubrication system creating what will be noticeably improved performance.

The 14.1kw thirteen prismatic lithium-ion battery cells on two levels with it’s own dedicated cooling circuit allows the Panamera to travel roughly 31 miles on electricity alone with a low end torque capable of propelling it to 96mph in roughly 3.2 seconds. If you were to keep your foot down you could expect to reach a top speed of over 305kmph.

The specifications beneath the hood do indeed suggest that the new Panamera is something quite special, even in the fast-paced world of luxury hybrid cars. Inside the vehicle is equally impressive with a 12.3 inch touchscreen incorporating the Porsche Communication System, air suspension, Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus and a composite ceramic breaking system.

Visually however, very little has changed as the improvements to the new 2018 Panamera are predominantly technologically geared towards increased power and superior efficiency. Porsche continue to punch above their weight and many people expect the 2018 Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid to be a success and help further propel the evolution of luxury hybrid cars.

For those of us who end up spending a considerable amount of time in the car travelling to and from work, especially in hot temperatures, the level of comfort a car provides is a primary consideration when choosing to buy a car. We have chosen the three most comfortable cars 2017 has to offer for car buyers who primarily seek comfort.

Audi A4

The timeless Audi A4 has seen few cosmetic changes in recent years, and although some people will maintain that the Mercedes C-Class is a technically better car, it is the additional options available that make the Audi A4 so special. Even the standard interior on the A4 models is remarkably well thought out; the three zone climate control is incredibly effective, the passenger space is cavernous and the Audi Air Shower keeps you feeling fresh throughout your entire journey. The acoustic window upgrade provides a wonderfully quiet journey – ideal for making phone calls or getting on with some work on the way to a meeting.

Range Rover

The Range Rover remains to this day one of the most popular top-end SUVs on sale. Always with a focus on comfort, the Range Rover offers adjustable air suspension which although is designed for off-road use, ensures a sense of gliding effortlessly across any road you are likely to encounter. Recent efforts to increase comfort levels have included a reshaped windscreen to cut down on cabin noise and the option of a long wheelbase for extra leg room. Technologically well considered, the rear seats have access to electric fold-out tables, USB ports and even a champagne cooler. As you would expect with a car of this class, the finishing is superb – it really is hard to fault a car such as this.

Rolls-Royce Phantom

The name Rolls-Royce is synonymous with excellence and comfort for very good reason: luxury cars do not come any more luxurious than this. Those who can afford the level of comfort offered by the Phantom will arguably enjoy the highest level of comfort to be found in any new car. The sheer volume of space available can only be described as Epicurean, while the double glazed windows ensure that you are unlikely to notice whatever happens outside. The Phantom really is the epitome of luxury, comfort and decadence.