Category Archives: NEW CARS

BMW Confirms Final M850i Special Edition as 8 Series Nears End

BMW isn’t letting the 8 Series slip quietly into the night. Instead, the Bavarian marque is preparing a final flourish for its luxury grand tourer, as confirmed by M Division boss Frank van Meel during the Goodwood Festival of Speed. Speaking with German outlet Bimmer Today, van Meel revealed that a limited-run M850i special edition is on its way, marking one last celebration of the nameplate before production ends in 2026.

The announcement may not come as a complete surprise—BMW has long shown a fondness for commemorative farewells—but this time, it’s skipping the full-blown M8 and instead opting for the more accessible yet potent M850i. Currently available in Coupe, Convertible, and Gran Coupe forms, it remains unclear which body style will underpin the final edition. Given the premium positioning of the lineup, expect pricing to land firmly in six-figure territory. For context, the base M850i Coupe starts at $110,575 in the U.S., while the Convertible commands $120,275.

The Final Curtain Call?

The second-generation 8 Series has quietly entered its 2026 model year in North America, but the writing has been on the wall. Reports suggest that production will wrap up globally in 2026, with no direct successor confirmed. Whispers of a fully electric Gran Coupe on the horizon hint at BMW’s future direction, but for now, this special edition may serve as the 8’s swan song.

This isn’t the first time BMW has flirted with exclusive sendoffs. Earlier this year, the Skytop and Speedtop concepts, both based on the M8, stirred excitement—but van Meel was clear: this new limited edition is rooted in the M850i, not its M-badged sibling. That likely rules out a CS (Competition Sport) variant, a designation typically reserved for full-blown M models.

What to Expect

Details remain tightly under wraps, but based on BMW’s past “Individual” efforts, expect bespoke paint finishes, unique wheels, and a luxuriously trimmed interior. Exclusive badging, limited production plaques, and possibly some chassis tweaks could set this model apart from the standard M850i.

More broadly, BMW M has hinted at additional special editions coming before the end of 2025, though no all-new products are planned. Recent examples include 50th anniversary 3 Series models released in China and Australia—proof that Munich isn’t finished with its celebratory streak just yet.

As the 8 Series edges toward retirement, BMW is reminding enthusiasts that luxury and performance don’t have to go quietly. The upcoming M850i special edition may be the final chapter for this generation, but if history is any guide, it’s likely to be one worth remembering.

Source: Bimmer Today via YouTube

The Rolls-Royce Phantom Dentelle Is a Couture-Inspired One-Off Masterpiece

In a breathtaking marriage of haute couture and automotive opulence, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has unveiled the Phantom Dentelle — a one-of-one commission born from the deeply personal vision of a Middle Eastern client. Conceived as a heartfelt gift to their father, this exceptional Phantom is more than a luxury vehicle; it is a rolling piece of embroidery art, imagined and executed through the marque’s ultra-exclusive Private Office Dubai.

At first glance, the Phantom Dentelle is unmistakably a Rolls-Royce — poised, grand, and impossibly elegant. But look closer, and the details reveal a story stitched with sentiment, heritage, and craftsmanship.

A Car Woven From Inspiration

The inspiration for this bespoke Phantom? Not a racing pedigree or a vintage model, but a piece of handmade couture lace. Specifically, lace crafted using a rare Leavers loom — a process revered in high fashion circles for its ability to produce intricate, three-dimensional textures.

This rare textile became the creative foundation for the entire commission, both inside and out. From the shimmering, pearl-like accents to the soft floral themes, Phantom Dentelle is an automotive homage to the fine art of embroidery — elevated to a level never before seen in the automotive world.

An Interior That Shimmers Like Silk

Inside, the Phantom Dentelle showcases Rolls-Royce’s bespoke capabilities at their most poetic. The brand’s signature Gallery — a full-width glass fascia designed to house commissioned artwork — features a hand-embroidered masterpiece inspired by the original lace.

Comprising over 160,000 stitches, the Gallery design uses layered techniques and nuanced color threads in Rose Gold, Sunrise, and Oatmeal to recreate petals, ferns, and mesh textures. A triple-run stitch forms the delicate lace base, over which satin stitching adds depth and silk-like shimmer. Raised pearl accents catch light in motion, recalling the sparkle of a red-carpet gown under flashbulbs.

Even the Waterfall section between the rear seats carries this floral embroidery, adding another 70,000 stitches to the tally. Rose Gold speaker grilles echo the motif with refined subtlety, while the interior finishes — Sunrise and Grace White leathers, Piano White veneer, and embroidered RR monograms — create an atmosphere of calm sophistication.

“The embroidery detailing is incredibly complex… like the shimmer of a couture gown under flashbulbs on the red carpet,” notes Brienny Dudley of Rolls-Royce’s Interior Trim Centre. And indeed, the result is nothing short of theatrical.

Exterior: A Dual-Tone Masterclass in Subtle Glamour

The Phantom Dentelle’s exterior coachwork is presented in a luminous two-tone: Crystal over Arctic White for the lower body and Crystal over Palais Nemasker Dawn above — the latter a hue created exclusively for the client. The delicate interplay of tones is accented by hand-painted coachlines in Sunrise, which culminate in a motif of a leafy branch bearing pearl-like “berries” — a direct visual echo of the lace embroidery inside.

The vehicle rides on polished 22-inch Disc wheels, each with Arctic White center pinstripes. Completing the composition are Rose Gold accents: from the engraved treadplates to the Spirit of Ecstasy herself, crowning the Pantheon Grille in gleaming elegance.

Commissioned Through Private Office Dubai: A Tailored Experience

The Phantom Dentelle is the latest testament to the capabilities of Private Office Dubai, Rolls-Royce’s regional design sanctuary where clients can curate their vision alongside in-house designers and Client Experience Managers. Invitation-only and highly personalized, this hub brings the spirit of Goodwood to the Middle East, facilitating creations that are as culturally personal as they are technically remarkable.

“We always say that inspiration can come from anywhere,” reflects Michelle Lusby, Bespoke Designer at Private Office Dubai. “With Phantom Dentelle, we’ve proven that again — translating the delicacy of lace into a statement of automotive couture.”

The Rolls-Royce Phantom Dentelle is not just a car — it’s a tribute. A tribute to a father’s legacy, to the finesse of haute couture, and to the art of coachbuilding in its highest form. It reinforces Rolls-Royce’s commitment to crafting personal stories into every detail, using the car as canvas and legacy as ink.

And in this case, the ink is thread — more than 230,000 stitches of it.

Source: Rolls-Royce

Gallery:

2026 GMC Acadia Denali Ultimate: Elevating Premium to New Heights

In an increasingly crowded midsize SUV segment, GMC is taking bold steps to distinguish itself with the introduction of the 2026 Acadia Denali Ultimate — a top-tier trim that redefines luxury and capability within the brand’s expanding portfolio.

The Denali Ultimate trim, already seen on other models in GMC’s lineup, now graces the redesigned Acadia, bringing with it a suite of exclusive features and a striking new identity. According to Jaclyn McQuaid, global vice president of Buick and GMC, this addition represents “the pinnacle of premium expression for the GMC brand,” blending real-world performance with meticulous craftsmanship.

Design That Commands Attention

The 2026 Acadia Denali Ultimate makes a bold visual statement right from the first glance. A signature Vader Chrome grille and matching GMC logo introduce a distinctive face, flanked by animated LED daytime running lights. Enhancing the SUV’s presence are 22-inch machined aluminum wheels finished in After Midnight Metallic and complemented by exclusive Denali Ultimate badging.

But the luxury doesn’t stop at the surface. Inside, the Acadia Denali Ultimate offers a uniquely refined environment. Heated and ventilated Woodland Mahogany leather massaging seats—complete with plaited contrast stitching—set a tone of opulence. Paldao wood trim, laser-etched with topographical map designs, adorns the dashboard and doors, while unique floor mats and premium detailing provide a truly upscale atmosphere.

Technology That Enhances Every Journey

GMC has outfitted the Denali Ultimate with a generous package of high-tech features designed to improve both comfort and safety. At the heart of the cabin is a Bose 16-speaker Performance Series sound system, offering crystal-clear audio. The 8-inch configurable Head-Up Display, nine available camera views, and the AutoSense Power Liftgate further enhance everyday usability.

One of the biggest highlights is the inclusion of Super Cruise, GMC’s semi-autonomous hands-free driving system. Paired with a three-year OnStar One plan, it allows for stress-free cruising on compatible roads—especially valuable for long-distance travelers.

Performance Without Compromise

Under the hood, the 2026 Acadia comes standard with a 2.5-liter turbocharged engine, delivering 328 horsepower and 326 lb-ft of torque. Paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, the SUV offers a smooth, confident ride and boasts a towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds.

An available performance suspension system ensures ride comfort while maintaining sharp road manners. Drivers can also choose from up to six selectable drive modes, tailoring the Acadia’s behavior to match different driving conditions—from urban commutes to off-road exploration.

Safety Comes Standard

The 2026 Acadia lineup places a strong emphasis on safety, with more than 19 standard safety and driver assistance features. Every model now includes a Rear Camera Mirror, allowing drivers to toggle between a traditional mirror and a digital camera feed for an unobstructed rear view—especially useful when passengers or cargo limit visibility.

Availability

Production of the 2026 GMC Acadia will take place at Lansing Delta Township Assembly in Michigan, with standard models arriving at dealerships in Q3 2025. The highly anticipated Denali Ultimate trim will follow later in the year, targeting discerning buyers looking for a midsize SUV that refuses to compromise.

Source: GMC