BLACKBOOK ON THE ROAD M850i xDRIVE BMW Introducing the German giant’s brand new flagship. Well not brand new exactly because the first 8 Series was phased out in 1999, but this second generation continues the luxe grand tourer philosophy and it’s been revived to help BMW bridge the gap to the superpremium space. Its impressive silhouette and contemporary styling combined with BMW’s engineering know-how should help lure drivers looking for something different but still under the radar. bmw.com BMW M850i xDrive Engine: 4.4l twin-turbo V8 Power: 523bhp 0-100kph: 3.7 seconds Top speed: 249kph/155mph I-PACE JAGUAR The first all-electric car from Jaguar has been billed as a game-changer and it no doubt deserves much of this hype. With an impressively usable 322km range and similarly practical charging options, it certainly makes a strong case for its electric credentials, but on top of that its quirky design, roomy interior space (thanks to the absence of a conventional engine), astonishing acceleration and off-road credentials all add up to a car that takes the fight to Tesla. jaguar.com Range: 480km battery-only Power: 395hp 0-100kph: 4.8 seconds Top speed: 200kph/124mph Jaguar I-Pace McLaren 600LT 600LT MCLAREN Short for Longtail, the LT models are reserved for McLaren’s lightweight, high-performance series – hand-built in very limited numbers – which only adds to the allure. This latest is just the fourth since 1996, taking the 570S as its base and adapting with special carbon-fibre bodywork and many other weight-trimming tweaks to achieve a subthree-second 0-100kph time. cars.mclaren.com Engine: 3.8l twin-turbo V8 Power: 592bhp 0-100kph: 2.9 seconds Top speed: 328kph/204mph CONTINENTAL GT BENTLEY Let’s face it, there are some things you just know Bentley is going to deliver on. Effortless straight-line speed; a stunning interior, craftsmanship and detail; more power than the national grid. What you might not expect, at least given the previous GT, is a car with sporty dynamics and handling, which is why this new version is such an allround winner. With four drive modes to cater for mood and conditions, it’s right at the top of the Grand Tourer table. bentleymotors.com Bentley Continental GT Engine: 6l W12 twin-turbo Power: 626bhp 0-100kph: 3.7 seconds Top speed: 333kph/207mph 36 CENTURION-MAGAZINE.COM
