Elite Traveler January-February 2017

elite traveler JAN/FEB 2017 35

We love…Organic picnics With its glorious organic food, courtesy of Daylesford Organic, this Linley Hamper by Mulliner is the ideal way to turn your new Bentley into the perfect picnic accessory. bentleymotors.com

First drive Audi S5

The same, but better was the message at the launch of the new Audi S5 Coupe. First impressions suggest the update has achieved the objective of being evolution more than revolution, bringing the S5 in line with other Audis (with the imposing single front grille), while keeping true to the spirit of the S5, with its distinctive shoulder line and aggressive stance. Since its launch in 2007, the S5 has been a massive seller for Audi all around the world. Playing well to Audi’s sporty heritage, it draws on a lineage dating back to the original Audi Quattro. But looks can deceive and this is more than a slight tweak. It is a completely new car, with new components from the chassis up. It manages to be longer and wider than the old model, but 132lb lighter, more aerodynamic and (yes, Audi still discusses these things) more fuel-efficient. Inside, there’s more “same but better.” Audi interiors have long been noted for quality – both in terms of materials and layout. There is no drop off here, although stepping into the S5 reinforces this as a new car. The on-board technology is impressive. There are, for example, 30 driver assistance systems on board. There is also the option for Audi’s Virtual Cockpit, which allows drivers to define the dashboard setup, allowing it to show the most relevant information in any situation. The S5 driven also boasts heads-up display and too many gadgets to play with in one drive. In truth, few owners fully use the technology available on their car. It is surely time for carmakers to stop adding functionality until drivers can catch up. Mind you, with cars almost able to drive themselves, it gives drivers something to do.

But before we give up driving entirely, there is plenty of fun to be had here. The S5 boasts a slick, 8-speed tiptronic gearbox and a meaty 350bhp, 3.0-liter V6 TSFI quattro engine. It offers a selection of driving modes; in dynamic mode it offers great agility on tight country roads (where it handles wonderfully and makes the right noises when you want it to); while in comfort mode it’s perfect for built-up traffic or long stretches of highway. In short, it’s more of the same, but better.

$110,000 audi.com

BLUE SKY DAWNING NIO EP9

Anyone wondering how either the arrival of the all-electric Formula-E racing championship would affect the future of the car industry, or what impact an increasingly active Chinese automotive sector will have, gets two answers in one with the new all-electric Chinese supercar, the Nio EP9. Launched in London late last year, the Nio EP9 is a stunning addition to the super sports car market. And it comes from NextEV, the Chinese firm that has been a successful

part of the Formula-E setup since it launched in 2014. The firm’s Chinese name, Weilai, translates as Blue Sky Coming, and the Nio EP9 boasts the look and feel of a car of the future. But with six cars already produced, this has moved beyond a prototype but is not yet up to full production. The performance figures are impressive (but some vital EV numbers are missing, such as range or battery charge time) with its Nürburgring lap time

of a fraction over seven minutes and five seconds, the fastest ever for an electric car. It boasts a top speed of 195mph and goes from a standstill to over 120mph in seven seconds. The company claims the aerodynamics are so sophisticated it has twice the downforce of a F1 car, with drivers experiencing over 3Gs while driving. Expect your grin to look a little lopsided should you take a selfie while driving. nio.io/ep9 $2m

Words: Richard Cree