Motoring: Mercedes-Benz; Bentley; Range Rover

THE executive sector is one of the most competitive in the automotive industry and has been the territory of the big three German manufacturers for some time – despite attempts by Jaguar Land Rover to steal the crown.

Therefore, it comes as little surprise that Executive Car of the Year in the 2016 Professional Driver Car of the Year Awards has found its way to Stuttgart – home of Mercedes-Benz.

The car in question is the group’s E 220 d AMG Line saloon.

The E-Class, which was launched in the UK earlier this year, was praised for its combination of advanced safety technology and its ‘roomy’ and ‘comfortable’ interior.

Mark Bursa, editor of Professional Driver Magazine, said: “The new E 220 d is a formidable vehicle, taking on a lot of safety technology and interior finish from the S-Class. It’s roomy and comfortable, and it is still the benchmark executive car for chauffeurs.”

Rob East, Head of Fleet, Mercedes-Benz Cars UK, added: “The E-Class is a hugely important model for us – it’s at the very heart of our brand. It’s one of our longest serving models and it’s great to see the car still getting the recognition it deserves. The newest E-Class takes style, comfort and technology to a new level, making it the perfect executive package.”

Professional Driver magazine is the UK’s monthly publication aimed at the private hire, chauffeur and taxi industry. The Professional Driver Car of the Year is chosen from the seven category winners, and the awards are announced at the Professional Driver Awards dinner in November.

The E-Class saloon was launched in early 2016 and is one of the most technologically advanced cars in its segment. The E 220 d features a new 2.1-litre diesel engine, which further boosts efficiency and refinement. In September, Mercedes-Benz enhanced its offer with the launch of the E-Class Estate.

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Bentley BentaygaONE year on from the very first production model leaving the assembly line at Bentley’s UK headquarters in Crewe, it’s SUV offering, the Bentayga has received international praise and recognition.

So far, the off-roader has claimed 12 awards spread across the company’s home market, the Middle East, China and the USA.   
                    
The Bentayga was designed to be the world’s fastest and most luxurious SUV and has been recognised for its high level of luxury, elegant, timeless design execution, off-road performance and cutting-edge advanced technology.

Commenting on the strength of demand for the Bentayga, Wolfgang Dürheimer, Chairman and CEO of Bentley Motors, said: “This independent recognition reinforces that we are setting the benchmark for modern luxury with Bentayga.

“Customer reaction has been outstanding. We have increased production and reduced long waiting times for customers by making more than 5,500 luxury SUVs in 2016. Deliveries have commenced in all 56 markets in which we are active and our dealers are well placed to meet customer demand. Overall I believe this to be a remarkable first year’s performance.”    
                 
The Bentayga received plaudits across three continents in 2016, with the car’s design, performance and level of luxury applauded.       

In the UK, Autocar magazine presented the Bentayga with the ‘Game Changer’ award, marking the SUV as unique in the automotive world. Robb Report UK named Bentayga ‘SUV of the Year’, with judges concluding it its ground-breaking status.             
        
The vehicle was also well received in Bentley’s biggest market, the USA. Robb Report US named it the ‘Best of the Best’ in its prestigious annual awards and men’s magazine Gear Patrol named the SUV a 2016 GP100 Winner, describing the car as the new benchmark for the SUV sector.

This success continued in China, with Car and Driver awarding the car the Jury’s Special Award. The Global Times also praised Bentley’s first SUV, naming it the Annual Best Brand Product in March.

‘Best Sports Utility Vehicle’ and ‘Best Luxury SUV’ accolades from awarding bodies in Singapore and the Middle East respectively complete the global suite of awards.

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One of the images captured by photographer Jonas Bendiksen LAND ROVER might be concerned about the praise being heaped on the Bentayga – but it has many pretenders to the its throne over the years and its status as the World’s Best 4×4 remains intact – at least for now.

To show the range’s flagship model, the company has teamed up with renowned Magnum photographer Jonas Bendiksen for the first in a series of unique works entitled ‘Ultimate Vistas’.

Equipped with one of the vehicles, the photographer ventured into his home country with the aim of capturing the dramatic landscape of his home country.

The result is a collection of some of the most breathtaking landscapes on Earth.

Many of the images have only been captured due to the vehicle’s unmatched ability to tackle rugged landscapes.

The vehicle’s intelligent technology, Terrain Response 2, enabled Bendiksen to reach superior vantage points off the beaten track. It automatically selects one of its individual driving modes to suit the terrain and optimises the vehicle’s settings for all conditions and surfaces.

Bendiksen and his crew began their journey in the distinctly modern urban environment of Oslo, where they explored some of the city’s award-winning, innovative architecture. They then travelled northwest through the Dovre mountains via the epic switchback roads of the Trollstigen.

One of the images captured by photographer Jonas BendiksenThey also visited the snow-covered plateaus and vast fjords of Geiranger as well as the Art Nouveau-inspired town of Ålesund. The entire expedition was completed in a production Range Rover TDV6 Autobiography, which transported Bendiksen, his crew and all their equipment.

Bendiksen’s work has featured in the likes of Newsweek, The Sunday Times Magazine and National Geographic. He is known for his explorations of remote living as well as for capturing the beauty of nature, making him the perfect photographer of Norway’s spectacular landscapes.

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