Latest news with #Nappa
India.com
3 days ago
- Automotive
- India.com
Meet India's youngest owner of Mercedes-Maybach S680 Super Luxury Sedan worth Rs..., not Isha Ambani, Akash Ambani, Anant Ambani
New Delhi: We frequently share success stories of individuals from different fields. Today we will talk about Abhishek Monty Agarwal, a graduate of IIT Bombay, who has become the youngest Indian to own a Mercedes-Maybach S680 saloon sedan which is counted among the world's most expensive luxury SUVs. He took the delivery of the brand-new luxury car from a Mercedes dealership in Mumbai. Abhishek was 33 when he bought the Mercedes-Maybach S680 sedan. He founded one of India's biggest fashion houses, Purple Style Labs, after graduating with an M. Tech in Aeronautics Engineering from IIT Bombay. Viral Bhayani, a celebrity photographer and content creator shared the pictures of the car being delivered to Abhishek Agarwal. Abhishek's Mercedes-Maybach S680 has got Bharat registration, which allows for seamless travel throughout the states of India without the need to change the registration plate. The Maybach S680 is based on the standard S-Class luxury sedan which is all about luxury and comfort and has gained popularity among wealthy Indian businessmen and celebrities. Its features include electrically adjustable seats, Nappa leather upholstery, rear-seat entertainment screens, a recliner function for all seats, a massage feature, and both heated and cooled seats. Passengers can control a variety of features from the rear without disturbing the driver. Even the doors of the S680 feature gesture control, allowing occupants to close them automatically without pulling them manually. The driver has buttons to control the rear doors. The Maybach S680 is also available with various customization options. At almost 5.5 meters long, the S680 is currently one of the longest cars available for sale in the Indian market. The S680 is powered by a 6.0-liter V12 turbocharged petrol engine that generates 612 PS and 900 Nm of peak torque. The engine is mated to a 9-speed automatic transmission, and power is sent to all four wheels via Mercedes' 4MATIC technology. Among celebrities in India who own Maybach sedans and SUVs include Kiara Advani, Anil Kapoor, Shahid Kapoor, Sanjay Dutt, Janhvi Kapoor, Shah Rukh Khan, Deepika Padukone, Ranveer Singh, Taapsee Pannu, Shilpa Shetty, Neetu Kapoor, Ayushmann Khurrana, and Ajay Devgn.
TimesLIVE
5 days ago
- Automotive
- TimesLIVE
Omoda to launch new C9 plug-in hybrid in Mzansi in June
Omoda has confirmed its new C9 plug-in hybrid (PHEV) will launch in South Africa next month. The mid-size crossover SUV features a 1.5 l turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine paired with a 34kWh battery pack and four electric motors. According to Omoda, this set-up delivers a combined output of 440kW and 915Nm. Fuel consumption is rated at 1.4 l /100km on the combined cycle, with a claimed electric-only driving range of up to 150km. The battery can be recharged from 30% to 80% in 25 minutes when connected to a DC fast charger. While final specifications for the local market are yet to be confirmed, the C9 PHEV will be offered exclusively in the high-spec Explore trim. Standard equipment is expected to include 20" alloy wheels, a panoramic sunroof, Nappa leather upholstery, power-adjustable front seats and heated seats for front and rear passengers. Further details will be announced closer to launch.
Vogue Singapore
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Vogue Singapore
Ferragamo's Soft-Bag is a spring/summer 2025 archival star Vogue Singapore
There's something particularly memorable when it comes to a beautifully reimagined archival accessory. The luxury fashion circuit has made an unprecedented return to looking through a brand's archive, and a glance at the spring/summer 2025 runways only drives this point further home. A host of emblematic bags from decades past have made their way back to the drawing board, ranging from kittenish mini top handles to delightfully lived-in soft bowling bags. Watching a fashion show today can feel like an exciting and novel uncovering of a treasure trove as glimpses of the building blocks that have shaped a brand's design language are playfully revealed. Available in black, grey, pink, mustard, and a vibrant rust, the Soft-Bag comes in three sizes—small, medium, and large. Courtesy of Ferragamo Nostalgia, it's clear, is far from losing its appeal. Italian brand Ferragamo is one of many that are bringing both heavy hitters and forgotten favourites back to the spotlight. Since Maximilian Davis was appointed as creative director in March 2022, his signature style—defined by a certain thoughtful subtlety and softness—has come alive in all the minute details of the Ferragamo world, from the carefully curated front row of his Milan shows (think Solange Knowles and Marina Abramović) to the designs themselves. It's only fitting, then, that for spring/summer 2025, Davis turned to a lesser-known archival piece: the Soft-Bag, inspired by a style from the brand's past. The collection, which looks to the elegant classicism essential to Ferragamo's one-of-a-kind story and heritage, was brought to life through a campaign lensed by Juergen Teller. Here, he highlighted the anchors of the past in a playful, and as Davis describes it, slightly perverse manner. Faces like Liu Wen and Naoki Sumiya brought the brand's exploration of the world of ballet to life (a key tenet of its spring/summer 2025 offering)—polished, stoic, but ultimately poetic. A luxurious expansion of balletcore, featuring ballet pumps with bows and powdery pink asymmetric dresses, such as the one worn by Alex Consani on the runway, felt right at home within the narrative. Roomy, supple and a statement-maker, Ferragamo's Soft-Bag channels the season's love for vintage-inspired silhouettes. Courtesy of Ferragamo Complementing this vision was the fitting debut of the Soft-Bag. Made from luxurious, buttery-soft Nappa leather, the covetable carryall is decorated with both a shoulder strap and double handles, allowing it to transform into a roomy pouch. The Soft-Bag is epitomised by the brand's iconic Gancio pin, which sits on either side of its folds, adding a sense of volume and softness, while subtly contorting shadows and reflections. Its round silhouette makes a case for its ease-of-wear, making it a sophisticated yet unfussy option for everyday use. And while a glossy leather variation makes for a statement addition, suede is making the rounds this season too. Available in black, grey, pink, mustard and a vibrant rust, choose from an assortment of three sizes, from small to large. If you're in the market for a statement bag with a heaping of history, we'd say this is an option to consider. Vogue Singapore's May 'Sonder' issue is out on newsstands and available to order online.
Miami Herald
16-05-2025
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
Auto review: Mercedes-AMG's 2025 GLC 63 S E Performance delivers speed without V-8 soul
Mercedes-AMG's 2025 GLC 63 S E Performance is a paradox, one that carries the weight of its own contradictions like a luxury sports sedan with a guilty conscience. Under the hood resides something you'd never expect from Mercedes-AMG: a plug-in hybrid. The enormous V-8s and V-12s that once powered AMG vehicles are vanquished, replaced by something completely unexpected: a 469-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Being an AMG powerplant, it's the most powerful four-banger in production, generating an impressive 236 horsepower per liter. The engine pairs with an electric motor on the rear axle to deliver a combined 671 horsepower and 752 pound-feet of torque through a nine-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Power is routed to either axle from the engine or motor. The result? An AMG-like 0–60 mph time of 3.4 seconds and a top speed of 171 mph. Be sure to hold onto your lederhosen. Of course, this is very much a performance vehicle. So, despite being a hybrid, it's no surprise that it's EPA-rated at 20 mpg in combined city/highway driving and that premium gas is required. And don't expect to be going far purely on electric power, as the EPA says you won't be able to travel more than one mile. Then again, the battery is designed for fast power delivery not the longest possible battery-electric range. But being an AMG, why would you want the longest possible electric range? But in a world increasingly leaning towards electrification, it's a necessary compromise. And let's not forget, the GLC 63 S E Performance is not a sports car. Sure, it boasts rear-wheel steering, adaptive suspension and active roll stabilization. But it's an SUV, one equipped with a plug-in hybrid driveline. There's no hiding its weight of more than 5,100 pounds. This results in a driving experience that is a mix of exhilarating acceleration and ponderous cornering. It's like watching a heavyweight boxer dance - impressive, but not quite graceful. But its speed is intoxicating, as the software ensures short shifts. But there's an amazing amount of adjustments. You can change the adaptive damping to Comfort, Sport and Sport+, while the powertrain can be set to Reduced, Battery Hold, Electric, Moderate, Sport, Dynamic, or Race Start mode. Finally, the driver can change the vehicle's all-wheel-drive set-up, rear-wheel steering, limited-slip differential, and stability control by choosing among the Basic, Advanced, Pro, and Master AMG Dynamics settings. Got all that? On the road, the GLC 63 S E Performance is a study in contrasts. It can cruise quietly, offering a serene driving experience, but when provoked, it unleashes a torrent of power. The exhaust note tries to mimic the growl of a V-8 but falls short. It's like a symphony with a synthesizer pretending to be a cello. There's no V-8, and the feel that goes with it. Inside, the GLC 63 S E Performance is all Mercedes-Benz. The cabin is adorned with Nappa leather and a 12.3-inch digital display run that houses all of the vehicle's many, many controls. The seats are supportive, and the ride, when not in Sport+ mode, is surprisingly comfortable despite being fairly stiff. But the interior lacks the visceral connection one might expect from a performance vehicle. Yes, the 2025 Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S E Performance is a marvel of engineering. It's fast, luxurious and technologically advanced. But it's also a reminder that sometimes, in the pursuit of efficient performance, we lose a bit of soul. It's a car that impresses on paper and in a straight line, but whether it resonates emotionally is another matter entirely. 2025 Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S E Performance Base price: $86,050 Powertrain: 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder plug-in hybrid Horsepower/Torque: 671/752 pound-feet EPA rating (combined city/highway): 20 mpg Fuel required: Premium Length/Width/Height: 187/76/64 inches Ground clearance: 6.7 inches Payload: 3,500 pounds Cargo capacity: 16-54 cubic feet Towing capacity: 3,500 pounds Copyright (C) 2025, Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Portions copyrighted by the respective providers.
Business Times
09-05-2025
- Automotive
- Business Times
Zeekr 009 review: If Bentley did an MPV, it might look like this
[SINGAPORE] In 30 years reviewing cars, the Zeekr 009 is the first one to turn up for me with a chauffeur. As Sean, my affable driver for six hours, slid open the door to usher me into its vast interior, I chose to believe that Premium Automobiles really wanted me to experience what it's like to ride around in the back of the plush electric multi-purpose vehicle (MPV), instead of suspecting that they'd heard rumours about my driving. Anyway, who would mind being in the business end of a car thoughtfully crafted to deliver a uniquely Chinese take on luxury? For a start, this was the six-seat Flagship version, not the seven-seat Premium one, so the door opened up to a pair of airline-style thrones that reclined into what Zeekr describes as an Eames chair mode. Climb aboard and it's immediately clear that the 009 is a rolling lounge kitted out with every modern convenience known to man except plumbing (although I'd bet a stack of yuan that the Chinese are working on putting a lavatory in, complete with bidet). Meanwhile, you get a huge flip-down screen, a fridge, fold-out tray tables and a Yamaha sound system with 30 speakers. In terms of electric-vehicle hardware, it comes with a 116 kilowatt-hour (kWh) battery good for 582 km of range, and if you plug in a 150 kilowatt DC charger, it'll go from 10 to 80 per cent in just 30 minutes. Riding in the back feels like floating on a cloud, only one with seats that cool you, warm you and massage you, all at once if you want. PHOTO: BIG FISH PUBLISHING The cabin itself is an 80 square-foot masterclass in plushness. It's swathed in soft-touch materials, upholstered in top-grade Nappa leather and dressed in a high-end colour palette that mixes elegant tones with brushed metal accents. Even the crystalline seat switches glint like something from a jewellery counter. In short, the 009 is Zeekr's upscale riposte to the Toyota Alphard market, but done with such refinement that if Bentley ever did an MPV, it might end up like this. The electric drivetrain helps, of course, but it's the combination of whisper-quiet motors and standard air suspension that gives the 009 its uncannily smooth, gliding ride. Riding in the back feels like floating on a cloud, only one with seats that cool you, warm you and massage you, all at once if you want. A NEWSLETTER FOR YOU Friday, 2 pm Lifestyle Our picks of the latest dining, travel and leisure options to treat yourself. Sign Up Sign Up As reluctant as I was to leave my massage session, duty made me climb into the third-row seats. I found them surprisingly habitable, even for adults, the big windows keep things feeling light and airy back there. I was more impressed with the suspension. Unlike the Denza D9, which can get bouncy, the 009 keeps things level and composed. I quizzed Sean about his thoughts on the Zeekr, because I figured I would be the kind of benevolent tycoon who wanted to hear from the hired help from time to time. 'I had a preconception about electric cars. You know, people say they have no soul,' he said. 'Then I drove this and I was like, 'Okay, this is actually really good!'' Sean continued his review by enthusing about the 'bucket loads' of power from the 009's two motors and its smooth braking, but wasn't too hot on the touchscreen controls ('There's just too much going on,' he said), and wished for more physical switches. A man after my own heart. Sean, the writer's affable chauffeur for six hours, ushers the writer into the Zeekr 009's vast interior. PHOTO: BIG FISH PUBLISHING Just in case he was after my job, too, I eventually took the tiller. I'd say the 009 feels vaguely like a land yacht slicing through calm waters, all majestic and smooth. But steer it into a tight car park, and you're suddenly aware that there are several metres of expensive metal behind you. It's a huge car, with all the attendant challenges of driving one, but thankfully the 360-degree camera system is top-notch. Elsewhere, there are sensors galore to keep you from straying out of lane or generally crashing into things, so its size is more daunting than disastrous. As a family MPV, the 009 is less convincing, since the boot isn't particularly big for a car this size, but it's clear that practicality isn't the point here. Zeekr's priorities didn't lie in building you a car for the grocery run, but to arrive like someone who's used to being met at the door. It's a car for someone who prefers to be driven, and who doesn't flinch at a road tax bill of S$6,526 a year. If that's you, the Zeekr 009 definitely has a place in your fleet. Unlike me, however, you'll have to supply your own chauffeur. Zeekr 009 Flagship Motor Power/Torque: 534 hp/ 686 Nm Battery Type/Net Capacity: Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt/116 kWh Charging Time/Type: 30 minutes 10 to 80 per cent (150 kW DC), 13.5 hours (11 kW AC) Range: 582 km 0-100 km/h: 4.5 seconds Top Speed: 210 km/h Efficiency: 22.3 kWh/100 km Agent: Premium Automobiles BEV Price: S$419,999 with COE Available Now
