1 December 2011; Paarl, Western Cape

On Friday 25 November Bentley, Veuve Clicquot, Pirelli, Breitling and LIVEOUTLOUD partnered in an event like no other at the Val de Vie Wine and Polo Estate in Paarl, Western Cape.  The day’s proceedings consisted of an exclusive Polo tournament between four sponsored teams as well as a glitzy unveiling ceremony and cocktail celebration for the much anticipated Bentley Continental GTC during the evening.

Invited VIP guests were given access to the EXCLUSIVE estate for the polo tournament, which saw a round-robin clash between four professional polo teams.  Guests were welcomed to relax under the Veuve Clicquot umbrellas or enjoy a cold Peroni at the bar whilst watching the games against the backdrop of the Paarl Mountain Range.  The start of the tournament was commenced with Kristina Diehl from Bentley UK throwing the opening ball onto the pitch from the passenger seat of the new Continental GTC’s predecessor before they raced away from a slew of horses clashing for the ball.

First on the pitch saw team LIVEOUTLOUD draw an exciting match against team Pirelli, with the final score being 4-4, resulting in the teams tying 3^rd place overall.  The second game saw team Veuve Clicquot take on team Bentley in an impressive tussle for 1^st place, with team Veuve Clicquot taking the overall tournament by beating Bentley 6-3.

Both polo games were followed by fashion shows showcasing casual and evening wear by designer brands Gant by Michael Bastian, Tumi Luggage and Cape Cobra Leathercraft all dressed on models supplied by Roxy Robinson’s Pick-a-Flava events.  Violinist Christine Marie also performed for the guests with ambient entertainment in between the games’ chukkas.  Artwork by The Holden Manz Collection as well as the six commissioned pieces from British artists interpreting the various facets of the GTC and encouraging the viewer to ‘look behind the surface’ was also on display for guests to admire throughout the day.

The evening’s procession consisted of the Bentley Continental GTC’s reveal commencing in irreverent elegance with a passing-of-the-torch style ceremony comprising of eight Bentleys ranging from a 1920’s classic vintage right the way through to the 2011 GTC’s predecessor, specially configured on the polo field.  MC Nico Panagio introduced a dazzling show of fire, lights and manoeuvrability of man, horse and machine, the all new Bentley Continental GTC was revealed on the polo pitch, summating the day’s theme of luxury, lifestyle and passion in one exceptional vehicle.   As the roof of the Bentley Continental GTC came down in an envy generating display basking under the spotlights, Regional Director of Bentley International, Chris Buxton took to the stage to speak on the vehicle, the lifestyle it represents and the direction in which Bentley South Africa is heading.

A small prize giving awards ceremony sponsored by LIVEOUTLOUD took place shortly thereafter with awards going to the most valued player, the best playing pony and a prize for each team with the Bentley trophy handed over to team Veuve Clicquot in recognition of their win.

Michael Eilertsen, CEO of LIVEOUTLOUD explains: ‘The 2011 Bentley Polo Invitational has positioned itself as the pioneer event before LIVEOUTLOUD hosts the inaugural 2012 Beach Polo Festival in Camps Bay, Cape Town.  This festival is set to become one of South Africa’s premier events and we look forward to breaking ground on this truly remarkable and original concept.’

The 2011 Bentley Polo Invitational culminated with guests being entertained by the vehicles on show; a jazz band playing smooth melodic tunes, and drew to a close as the sun set behind the mountains with as much style and sophistication as the vehicle itself, a day encapsulating both sporting and luxury living.

For more information on the Bentley Continental GTC, please visit www.bentleymedia.com or contact Bentley General Manager Rens Rademeyer on (011) 361-6600

1 - Entrance into ballroom in Val de Vie Polo Estate

2 - Branded entrance

14 - Polo players pose

37 - Rear view of venue at night

41 - Bentley Continental GTC

43 - LIVEOUTLOUD polo team with CEO LIVEOUTLOUD Michael Eilertsen. Pirelli polo team with Gianluca Renato from Pirelli

44 - Bentley Polo team with Rens Rademeyer and Chris Buxton from Bentley

48 - Michael Eilersten and Nico Panagio pose for photo

For information on the fashion showcase please visit:

www.gantsa.co.za

www.capecobra.co.za

www.tumi.com

For information on the art displayed please visit:

www.holdenmanz.com

Please visit the sponsors at:

www.liveoutloud.co.za

www.pirelli.com

www.breitling.com

www.veuve-clicquot.com

www.peroni.com/za

For information on Pick-a-Flava Events, please visit:

www.pickaflavaevents.co.za

Porsche’s third dedicated centre has been unveiled in Century City in Cape Town and was the start of our experience with the new cayenne. The R85 million facility covers close to 10 000m² and incorporates a design boutique, coffee shop, full service and tyre facility, as well as a body shop, leaving any kind of maintenance or repair in the hands of the people who sold you your car. The overall look and feel of the facility is a “jewellery box” ambience achieved through lighting, the presentation of the vehicles and the full Porsche international brand corporate identity.

The new Cayenne was redesigned from the chassis up incorporating typical Porsche elements – the wings above the bonnet, a wedge shape which gives it a coupe look and feel, and the typical shark snout. It is 48mm longer, 6mm higher and 11mm wider but it just looks a lot more streamlined than its predecessor.

We got to drive all five variants of the Cayenne in a round trip through the winelands, taking in 450 kilometres through some of the most breathtaking scenery and some of the best roads this fine country has to offer.

Porsche Centre to Stellenbosch – Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid
Parallel full hybrid 3.0-litre supercharged V6 and synchronous electric motor, 380 hp (279 kW) overall system output; eight-speed Tiptronic S; PTM (Porsche Traction Management) with permanent all-wheel drive; acceleration 0 – 100km/h in 6.5 sec; top speed 242km/h (150mph); fuel consumption 8.2 ltr/100km. The strangest thing about driving this car is watching the rev counter cut completely while you’re still coasting at 120km/h. It’s pricey at R830 000 but it’s making significant inroads toward a cleaner motoring experience.

Stellenbosch to Villiersdorp – Porsche Cayenne
3.6-litre V6, 300 hp (220 kW); six-speed manual gearbox, optional eight-speed Tiptronic S; Porsche Traction Management (PTM) with active all-wheel drive; acceleration 0 – 100km/h in 7.5 seconds. This is the baby in the range which both myself and my fellow journalist, Steve Slotow of FHM enjoyed immensely. The guttural note of the V6 gives that sports car feel and its lighter body weight makes it an absolute joy over mountain passes. At R645 000 it’s pure Porsche for really good value.

Villiersdorp to La Vierge, Hemel & Aarde Valley – Porsche Cayenne S
4.8-litre V8, 400 hp (294 kW); eight-speed Tiptronic S; PTM with active all-wheel drive; acceleration 0 – 100km/h in 5.9 sec; top speed 258km/h (160mph); fuel consumption 10.5 ltr/100km. It’s quiet, it’s fast and, although close to the flagship of the range, I found it the least exciting of the all the cars. You feel a little detached from the road and the driving experience without the serious grunt of the Turbo. At R775 000, you might be tempted to look at the Hybrid or the next car on our list.

La Vierge to Franschhoek – Porsche Cayenne Diesel
3.0-litre V6, 240 hp (176 kW); eight-speed Tiptronic S; PTM with permanent all-wheel drive ; acceleration 0 – 100km/h in 7.8 sec; top speed 218km/h (135mph); fuel consumption 7.4 ltr/100km. It’s the most popular seller and one can see why. It has superior performance to the petrol V6 and keeps the drive nicely in touch with the driving experience. The popularity of diesel SUVs in South Africa will ensure plenty of orders for this variant.

Franschhoek to Porsche Centre – Porsche Cayenne Turbo
4.8-litre biturbo-V8, 500 hp (368 kW); eight-speed Tiptronic S; PTM with active all-wheel drive; acceleration 0 – 100km/h in 4.7 sec; top speed 278km/h (172mph); fuel consumption 11.5 ltr/100km. The acceleration and top speed figures for this car are dead giveaways when it comes to the sublime performance. This is a true supercar in every sense of the word offering exhilarating driving, absolute comfort and the pedigree of Porsche. The price tag won’t be an issue for the true enthusiast – R 1 430 000 – and the experience will make it worth every cent. This car is not for the faint of heart and the smiles on the faces of every participating journalist after stepping out of the Turbo, were a sight to behold.

P10_0137 (800x566)

P10_0143 (800x566)

P10_0121 (800x566)

Porsche Cayenne

Porsche Cayenne

Porsche Cayenne

Porsche Cayenne

Porsche Cayenne

Porsche Cayenne

I wouldn’t mind getting stuck in this maze: vineyards, humbling mountain views and crisp, clean air mixed with that equestrian whiff of hoof and hay. And where to lay your hat? A Cape Dutch manor house refurbished with eclectic flair.

The approach to Doolhof wine estate and Grand Dedale Country House is a stretch of dirt road bordered by fields of waving wheat. The drive ensures that Toto knows he’s not in Kansas anymore. And by Kansas, I mean Cape Town. Or for that matter, Franschhoek. Once my numero uno country escape, Franschhoek is now marred by tourists, so I am looking farther afield for a bona fide bucolic destination.

Over a glass of bubbly, amiable host and lord of the manor Angelo Casu explained his choice to make Wellington his home. Franshhoek and Stellenbosch have lost their quaint country nature and have become wine-soaked, Disney-esque amusement parks in the vineyards that guarantee a cookie-cutter experience of swirl and spit.

The tour groups brandishing Roussow’s have yet to overrun Wellington, a few kilometres further along the R44. Wellington’s still wet behind the ears. Nestled in the mountains behind the Bain’s Kloof Pass (closed the weekend I visited, but worth a mention nonetheless), Grand Dedale Country House boasts all the bells and whistles of a five-star-stopover while remote seclusion promises to sever ties with town, like cell phone reception and bumping into your dental hygienist over cappuccinos on the main strip.

Schedule your arrival at Grand Dedale to coincide with high tea, a dash of refinement in the mid-afternoon. After a cucumber sandwich and a tour of the house and grounds, I retreated to my assigned suite. The bedrooms are kitted out with the luxuries you’d expect from said stars – extra-length king-sized beds, under-floor heating and an iPod blaster loaded with golden oldies – yet the absence of television imposes distance with the outside world. But fear not if you can’t survive 24 hours without the tube, there’s a communal lounge in the thatch-roofed attic.

As far as on-site activities go, you can book a spa treatment, take a plunge in the saltwater pool, amble through the vineyards, ride a mountain biking trail, sample vintage vino or lounge in the library with a good book. But to me, the point of a luxurious getaway in the country is to do nothing at all. With the Blackberry blissfully out of commission, I switched off with an afternoon snooze on rich cotton sheets.

At seven o’clock we met Angelo for an aperitif in the drawing room. A Pippa Skotnes on the wall sparked a conversation on local artists and galleries. Next our host regaled us with tales of Ernie Els’s private jet, trials and tribulations of years spent in the hospitality industry and travel. Angelo has lived and worked in his native Italy, France, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the Bahamas as well as South Africa, which has been his home this past decade.

I had ‘dressed for dinner’ as one does in old country homes and when you’ve been watching too much of the BBC, yet my finery was made redundant when my plus one and I were escorted back to the bedroom. A table had been laid on the private terrace. If I’d known I was to be all but eating in bed, I’d have traded stilettos for slippers.

The courses commenced with an amuse-bouche of seared white fish and crispy, matchstick potatoes, basically a diminutive portion of fancy fish and chips; it was sublime. Next, a prawn and aubergine starter followed by fillet steak before the meal was finished off with a slice of chocolate mousse cake. Not the most imaginative menu, but well made and paired with large glasses of Doolhof wine. Elegantly attentive service – white table linen was decrumbed with a silver brush and pan between courses – made for a seamless evening and sated appetites. With no need to drive home (we only had to clamber four feet to meet Morpheus) each extra glass was so easily justified.

Breakfast was served outdoors with the scent of fynbos mingling with the morning brew. A tiered stand of pastries, with no bakery in delivering-distance, stood testament to the diverse skills of resident chef Heila Basson. The poached eggs that followed set the mood for an imminently languid Sunday. After the morning repast, a stroll through the paddocks completed the pastoral motif with due diligence.

There are six double-sleepers in the main manor house and a freestanding stone cottage alongside. I’d definitely recommend stealing away to Grand Dedale for a cloistered weekend or booking out the whole estate for an intimate wedding or numerically significant birthday bash.

DSC03719

DSC03722

DSC03731

DSC03736

DSC03749

DSC03769

For further information and bookings call (021) 873 4089 or visit www.granddedale.com

I was smitten when I saw the car for the first time at the unveiling of its new baby sister. And she’s a bit of alright herself. The McLaren MP4-12C, we’ll just call her 12C, returns to the McLaren Automotive fold exclusively and is so much better off for it. That’s not to say the SLR is a bad car, it’s just that it was more Mercedes than McLaren – it had identity issues.

12C is ultra light, beautifully sculpted, as fast as you’ll get and she’s got brains as well. The technology in this car gets any red blooded petrol head shaking at the thought. It starts with the carbon Monocell, made in a revolutionary process that allows higher volume. Then there’s the engine – a 3.8 litre V8 twin turbo that produces the same power as the F1’s V12 but is more efficient, cleaner and lighter. The air brake forces the rear wheels onto the road under braking and the hydraulic suspension system relegates heavy anti-roll bars to the garbage, providing intelligence to the art of keeping all four wheels on the road.

There are Formula One brains in the gearbox, in the positioning of the radiators on the rear flanks, in the placement of the engine low and close to the middle, and in the endless hours of testing and telemetry.

Daytona Motors has the local relationship with McLaren so you’ll soon be able to see the 12C in the flesh in their complex on Sandton Isle. But go to www.mclaren.com and start putting your dream 12C together. Only 1 000 cars are being built in the first year, with 20 allocated to our shores, thereafter we’ll get about 15 a year. You have to agree, this is a beautiful car and she’s more than worthy of a place beside her gorgeous sister.

[nggallery id=41]

CLICK HERE TO ENTER

Why Waste Your Night Sleeping?

Passionate, flirtatious and full of intrigue, Midnight Rain is a delicious fruity floral fragrance that unleashes its seductive powers when the sun goes down.

And just as the night arrives gradually – deepening from dusk to dark – so Midnight Rain works its sensual sorcery in stages. Enhancing your aura of mystery and taking the night by storm.

The fragrance from La Prairie (an iconic brand born in Switzerland) features delicious floral notes and is built around sensual woods, juicy watery top notes and natural, rich, yet young fruits creating a sensation of pleasure, comfort and richness. Embodying a free-spirited passion, Midnight Rain is just the scent to complement a glamorous night on the town- perfect for those who won’t waste their night sleeping.

In order to win a bottle of La Prairie Midnight Rain valued at R1 180, simply answer this easy question.

Question:

In which country did La Prairie originate?

Email your answers through to daniela@liveoutloud.co.za before the 15 December 2010.

Brazil is the land of the free, or rather the land of women who feel free enough to wear anything – or in most cases very little. Interestingly enough and perhaps very comforting to most, is the fact that the women of Brazil come in a variety of shapes and sizes compared to women in the rest of the world. Nevertheless it beckons the argument, “when are you too old for a bikini?” The most diplomatic answer is, if you have to ask the question, you probably shouldn’t opt for a polka dot two-piece. Nevertheless, a confident woman embracing her curves in a trendy well made bikini is far more appealing than a woman in her dated one-piece with elastic dating back to Dynasty days.

Keep in mind when it comes to the battle of the bikini, several things might make you feel more at ease. If it’s made in Brazil, chances are it is made to last the summer sun and will last several years of wear (and hopefully not tear). Don’t place emphasis on squeezing into a small size. If a bigger size is a better fit, your comfort will make all the difference – it’s the reason the label is on the inside. Brazilian bikinis also require you to be bootylicious, with a high, round bottom which is a blessing for most. The Brazilians are also known for their love of colour, so there is bound to be a shade and size for you. So this summer, for a sexier you – embrace a little Samba… one, two – piece.

The prices on all the Banco de Areia bikinis are available on request from Pororoka in Bedford Centre. For more information call (011) 615 4275 or visit www.pororokafashion.co.za

1 (26) (800x532)

1 (31) (800x532)

1 (2) (800x532)

1 (6) (800x532)

1 (7) (800x532)

We stood staring at this brute of a car on a freezing Highveld morning after coffee and rusks, some of the group having a smoke, some just standing around chatting and some getting a few pictures in near perfect auroral light. It was here for one day only, for the motoring and lifestyle press to sample on a drive out west, destination Sun City.

Ten of us travelled in three cars, the Mulsanne, a Continental Flying Spur and a Continental GT Speed, taking turns at driving and taking turns at being passengers with crazy motoring journalists at the wheel. We lifestyle journalists love taking the car for a brisk drive but far prefer the space and opulence of the back seat, it gives one time for champagne and a manicure before lunch. When a motoring journalist is driving, you spend a lot of time holding on for dear life. They are fantastically skilled drivers who find it impossible to drive slowly. It allows one to experience the thrill of the car and not have to concentrate on keeping it away from the barriers and oncoming traffic.

I was the first to drive the Mulsanne in peak hour between Bryanston and De Hoek Country House in Hekpoort. Bentley’s relationship with Breitling meant I, as the driver, was to wear the Breitling 6.75, an exquisitely handsome sports time piece, to complete the brand references.

The Mulsanne is a very elegant and poised car, almost nimble, even in dense traffic. It’s probably because other drivers are terrified of the size of it that they stay far way from you. We eased along the N1, gracefully exited at the next off ramp and glided through Kya Sand past Lanseria. Then it was onto the quieter N14 and an opportunity to stretch the car’s legs. The irritating buzz was heard several times as we breeched the alarm at the 160kph mark, in fact we did go 200kph in the car at stages during the day and it felt like 80.

Solid wood surrounds you throughout the car and cradles the instruments and controls, including the “iDrive” style management system without the wheel and mouse, climate controls, the Breitling timepiece, familiar Bentley air vents and rather unusual speedometer and rev counter which swing anti-clockwise starting at one o’clock. It is all the opulence you expect with hand stitched leather and an uncanny feeling that relativity is actually happening here – inside so fundamentally separated from the outside. The growl of the 6 3/4 litre twin turbo V8 can be heard on occasion when one of our motoring journo friends wants to test the 8-speed sequential gearbox.

The famous Le Mans straight, dubbed ligne droite des hunaudièrs, that touches the town of Mulsanne and turns away through the tight right hand corner, is where the heritage of Bentley’s performance was developed. Bentley’s marketing material says “Our second home is France” stating its relationship with the marque and the 24hour endurance race, won five times by Bentley between 1924 and 1930, and again in 2003.

This car is a great mix of performance and refinement, a gentleman’s carriage or an accomplished performer. Because of this it will be spared the indignity of the car of choice for overpaid yobbo footballers.

It takes two months to build a Mulsanne at the facility in Crewe and 50 percent of the car is handcrafted, so the price tag attached to one of these is around R5.4 million. And at 5.4m in length, seasoned motoring journalist and colleague Egmont Sippel pointed out, it’s about a million rand a metre.

Nobu is, arguably, the greatest sushi master in the world and certainly one of the savviest cooks-turned-businessmen to export his heritage as a dining commodity. The occasion is Cape Town’s One&Only hotel’s first birthday, so Nobu-san has flown out for a weekend of festivities. This is his only outpost in Africa, frequented by forex-touting tourists and recession-evading locals. Along with Gordon Ramsay’s Maze (also at the One&Only) and Bombay Brasserie at The Taj, Nobu is a mark of South Africa’s attempt to claw her way onto the circuit of internationally identifiable gastronomy. It’s the Golden Arches with a sommelier and linen napkins. In AA Gill’s inimitable words: “the upmarket version of the Hard Rock Café, without the T-shirt.” Albeit a few Michelin stars separate Nobu from the franchised masses.

Nobu arrives munching on a pastry snatched from the high tea buffet, eating on the run as the perpetually busy do. He’s well kept for his 51years, with a hint of salt and Szechwan-pepper creeping through his crew cut. We chat about what he eats for breakfast and his belief that passion is the premise of good food. He lionizes his mother, whose cooking-from-scratch approach – “no frozen ready meals!” – spurred his own love of food and consequent career path.

“Simplicity is key. Eating at home isn’t supposed to be fancy. I will never complain about a simple home-cooked meal of soup, fish and steamed rice.” Nobu’s sense of humour and obvious affection for his mother, who raised him and his brothers after his father was killed in a traffic accident when Nobu was just six years old, is endearing, and my preconception of a cleaver-wielding sushi samurai wanes.

Despite his delight in the domestic, Nobu agrees that running a restaurant is a different kettle of sushi-grade fish. How does he ensure the quality of every dish leaving every one of his kitchens around the world? His staffing strategy is to build a familial hierarchy. He can’t stand over each sliver of sashimi every night, but he trusts his employees, travels regularly and runs a tight ship.

“The word weekend is not in my vocabulary,” he tells me. After Cape Town, he is heading straight to Dubai, and then hopes to stop in here again during the 2010 games, where he’ll be rooting for the Japanese side. When time permits leisure, Nobu flees to his second home in Hakone, Japan, where his private chef – read: Mrs Matsuhisa – takes care of the catering.

When asked about the state of South African cuisine, Nobu speaks highly of our seafaring foodstuff – the sardines in particular – and our wine. His favourite tipple? A Constantia Uitsig vintage paired with a meal at La Colombe.

A man of many talents, you might recognise Nobu from cameos in Hollywood blockbusters Casino, Austin Powers in Goldmember and, a little closer to home, Memoirs of a Geisha. I ask if business partner Robert De Niro helped him prepare for his screen roles, and he laughs, “He is a good partner, a good friend and a good actor. But he can’t cook. I can act and I can cook.”

Nobu is happy to discuss all of the above and his weakness for French fries. What he won’t discuss is the bluefin tuna debate. You haven’t been following? Here’s the précis: international bluefin tuna stocks are dangerously low due to overfishing. The fish is absurdly valuable, fetching tens of thousands of US dollars on auction at Tokyo’s Tsukiji market every day. Conservation groups, environmentally aware celebs (Sting, Stephen Fry and our own Charlize Theron) and sustainably conscious chefs (Raymond Blanc, Heston Blumenthal and Gordon Ramsay) alike have campaigned to ban bluefin on restaurant menus.

Despite much public pressure about this inconvenient truth, including a feature-length documentary narrated by Ted Danson, End Of The Line, Nobu has blatantly refused to remove the beleaguered bluefin from his menus. After an outcry from Greenpeace, his London menus now carry a cursory asterisk leading to the disclaimer that bluefin tuna is ‘environmentally challenged’. When I ask Nobu-san, he says no more than, “we are not doing anything illegal”. I begged for further comment, and elicit an indignant, “I didn’t kill a kangaroo”. This isn’t a soapbox, so I won’t push the point. I guess slippery buggers like tuna don’t get as much sympathy as the panda. The maître d’ had warned me that Nobu-san, true to his culture of minimalist tradition, is a man of few, measured words. This is a man of firm convictions and sturdy beliefs and he can hold his own, in and out of the kitchen.

The competition to the public was held in the banking court of Sandton City and over 500 people took their time to write down their Live Out Loud Moment. Two winners were chosen: MacDonald Kgare who was the first in his family to get his degree, cum laude, and Ilana Friedman, who brings joy to the lives of children. We could have chosen entries from people who had made billion rand fortunes or who had achieved great material things but that was not the point of the competition.

The other two categories involved a photographic competition won by Kit Bruyns and a media competition won by Pabi Moloi of All Access and Highveld Stereo. We gathered in Johannesburg late on a Friday night to travel to Cape Town, all with our partners and all total strangers from all

walks of life. We got home on Sunday as friends having shared unforgettable experiences and having all had a glimpse into each others’ lives.

Our arrival in Cape Town was late, 11pm and there stood luxury Bentley limos at the arrivals door ready to take us to our hotel.

The management of 15 on Orange were waiting for us as we arrived close to midnight. We were welcomed, given a rundown of the facilities and shown to our rooms in which we found designer snack platters and complimentary truffles.

After breakfast on Saturday we made our way down to the marina and on to Princess Intrepid arranged through Barron Charters. She’s a 20m motor yacht with all the luxuries of ice cold bubbly, sushi and the fresh sea wind through your hair. We were limited by a fairly high sea but weather permitting, the entire peninsula is your oyster with any of the yachts offered by Barron Charters.

Dinner that evening was at The Grand Café & Beach in Granger Bay with its astounding views across Table Bay and its innovative dining concept. The energetic of the group hit Cape Town’s night spots after dinner and partied to the wee hours.

We bade our farewell to the staff of 15 on Orange on the Sunday and arrived at Allée Bleue wine estate for a decadent picnic in the winelands.

That’s about as much as we could have squeezed in to our magical weekend and it was back to Johannesburg with fond memories of once in a lifetime experiences and great people.

The highlights? Watermelon and Rose cocktails on the 15 on Orange Terrace, sushi and sparkling wine on the deck of Princess Intrepid, and the lights of Table Bay twinkling in the distance at the Grand Café & Beach.

_MG_7336CR2a v1 (800x533)

_MG_7317CR2a v1 (800x539)

_MG_7779CR2a v1 (800x512)

_MG_7745CR2a v1 (800x533)

_MG_7636CR2a v1 (800x533)

_MG_7564CR2a (800x533)

_MG_7514CR2a v1 (800x600)

_MG_7443CR2a v1 (800x533)

_MG_7362CR2a v1 (800x533)

_MG_7351CR2a v1 (800x600)

BMW MEDIA INFORMATION – It stands out through modern aesthetics in design, conveys all of the Sheer Driving Pleasure so typical of BMW, and offers unparalleled efficiency in the upper midrange segment. The premium character of this outstanding Sedan is underscored by features and technologies otherwise to be found only in the luxury class. In the sum total of its features, the new BMW 5 Series Sedan thus represents the outstanding competence in development of the world’s most successful manufacturer of premium cars.

The sophisticated aesthetics and dynamic looks of the new BMW 5 Series Sedan are the result of perfectly balanced proportions. Again in the typical style of the brand, the new 5 Series Sedan boasts a long and contoured engine compartment lid, short overhangs, a coupé-like flowing roofline as well as the longest wheelbase in the entire segment. The charismatic flair of the upright front section and the BMW kidney grille inclined slightly forward from certain perspectives, the stylish elegance of the side view and the muscular sportiness of the rear end all come together in typical BMW design language to provide an outstanding look of style and supremacy.

Within the interior horizontal surfaces and exciting lines create a truly generous and harmonious ambience. The clear structure of the cockpit enhances the high level of driver orientation, while the stylish, modern design of the interior may be further refined by top-quality materials and tastefully composed colour combinations reflecting the individual choice of the customer.

Benefiting from BMW EfficientDynamics naturally featured as standard, the new BMW 5 Series Sedan further extends BMW’s leadership in the segment also when it comes to efficiency. All power units fulfil the EU5 emission standard. Intelligent lightweight technology is borne out among other things by chassis components as well as the engine lid, front side panels and doors all made of aluminium.

The new BMW 5 Series Sedan is entering the market with one eight-cylinder and three six-cylinder petrol engines as well as one six-cylinder diesel. The top model is the BMW 550i powered by a V8 with BMW TwinPower Turbo featuring High Precision Injection (300 kW). Then there is the world’s first straight-six petrol engine with TwinPower Turbo, High Precision Injection and VALVETRONIC (225 kW) in the BMW 535i as well as two straight-six petrol engines with bi-VANOS and VALVETRONIC in the BMW 528i (190 kW) and the BMW 523i (150 kW).

The latest generation straight-six diesel featuring an all-aluminium crankcase and common-rail direct injection develops 180 kW. Due to supplement the model range in the near future, the new BMW 520d comes with a thoroughly upgraded 135 kW four-cylinder diesel. Offering average fuel consumption of just 5.2 litres/100 km in the EU test cycle and a CO2 emission rating of 137 g/km, this high-tech power unit sets a new benchmark in its segment.

An eight-speed automatic transmission comes as standard with all engine variants of the BMW 5 Series. Sports Automatic with shift paddles on the steering wheel is also available as an option. With its innovative gearset configuration, a unique level of inner efficiency and optimised weight, the eight-speed automatic transmission combines outstanding gearshift comfort, dynamic performance and efficiency of the highest level.

The combination of a double track arm front axle and the Integral-V rear axle ensures supreme driving dynamics and motoring comfort all in one. Further efficiency is provided by EPS Electric Power Steering including Servotronic as standard feature for the first time in the BMW 5 Series. Optional Integral Active Steering, finally, adds a controlled rear axle steering function to the active steering on the front wheels, with a steering lock of up to 2.5o.

In its driving behaviour, the new BMW 5 Series Sedan is even more dynamic than before and offers a significant improvement in motoring comfort. In its agility it follows the benchmark set by the BMW 3 Series, in its supremacy it comes very close to the BMW 7 Series Luxury Performance Sedan. All the car’s driving characteristics may be set and tuned individually by Dynamic Drive Control available in conjunction with the Sports Automatic, Dynamic Damper Control and Integral Active Steering options.

The clearly structured cockpit and intuitive controls enhance Sheer Driving Pleasure in typical BMW style to an even higher level, at the same time underlining the sophisticated ambience within the passenger compartment of the new BMW 5 Series. The driver-oriented cockpit in Black Panel technology, the multifunction steering wheel featured as standard, the two highly functional steering wheel columns, and the separation of driving and comfort functions further enhance the feeling of supremacy at the wheel. An important option for the truly discerning customer is the BMW Head-Up Display optimised once again in terms of the information provided, image resolution and the size of the image presented.

The new BMW 5 Series Sedan comes as standard with the latest generation of BMW iDrive control. Both the standard and optional audio, navigation and communication functions are masterminded via the Controller on the centre console and the 10.2- or, respectively, 7-inch Control Display integrated harmoniously in the instrument panel.

BMW offers a unique range of functions for enhanced comfort, safety and infotainment, unparalleled even in this superior segment. For the first time the new BMW 5 Series Sedan comes with a Parking Assistant, a collision warning and brake initiation function in conjunction with Active Cruise Control and Stop & Go, Surround View and the Speed Limit Device all available in the new model. Further options are Lane Departure Warning, Lane Change Warning, a High-Beam Assistant, BMW Night Vision able to detect even individual persons, Park Distance Control and a reverse-view camera.

In the interest of enhanced agility and safety, the new BMW 5 Series Sedan boasts a particularly stiff body structure. Appropriate use of high-strength and ultra-high-strength steel increases the mean stiffness of the new model car by approximately 55 per cent over its predecessor, at the same time optimising the weight of the car.

Standard features include three-point inertia-reel seat belts on all seats, frontal and side airbags as well as crash-activated headrests for the driver and front passenger, curtain head airbags at the side, a tyre defect indicator as well as an active engine compartment lid for optimum pedestrian safety. Daytime driving lights, foglamps, two-stage Adaptive Brake Lights and cruise control complete with a brake initiation function all come as standard, bi-xenon dual headlights, Adaptive Headlights with variable light distribution, adaptive headlight range control and bending lights are all available as options. The wide range of sophisticated features offered as standard in the new BMW 5 Series comprise Comfort Start without requiring the driver to even insert the key, the BMW Professional radio complete with a CD player, an AUX-In plug and six loudspeakers, automatic air conditioning with separate temperature and ventilation control on the driver’s and front passenger’s side, as well as an Integrated Owner’s Manual. The exclusive comfort options clearly oriented to the luxury class, finally, include Comfort Access, a USB plug, a multi-channel audio system, rear seat entertainment systems, four-zone automatic air conditioning, active seats, Soft Close Automatic on the doors, a contoured sliding roof optimised for supreme acoustics, as well as an electrically retractable trailer bar.

Power units:

BMW 550i V8 petrol engine with TwinPower Turbo and High Precision Injection Capacity: 4,395 cc, max output: 300 kW from 5,500 – 6,400 rpm Max torque: 600 Nm/442 lb-ft from 1,750 – 4,500 rpm Acceleration: 0 – 100 km/h in 5.0 seconds Top speed: 250 km/h Average fuel consumption to the EU standard: 10.4 ltr/100 km CO2 emissions to the EU standard: 243 g/km, full compliance with the EU5 emission standard.

BMW 535i Straight-six petrol engine with TwinPower Turbo, High Precision Injection and VALVETRONIC Capacity: 2,979 cc, max output: 225 kW at 5,800 rpm Max torque: 400 Nm from 1,200 – 5,000 rpm Acceleration: 0 – 100 km/h in 6.1 seconds Top speed: 250 km/h Average fuel consumption to the EU standard: 8.4 ltr/100 km CO2 emissions to the EU standard: 195 g/km full compliance with the EU5 emission standard.

BMW 528i Straight-six petrol engine with bi-VANOS and VALVETRONIC Capacity: 2,996 cc, max output: 190 kW at 6,600 rpm Max torque: 300 Nm from 2,600 – 5,000 rpm Acceleration: 0 – 100 km/h in 6.7 seconds Top speed: 250 km/h Average fuel consumption to the EU standard: 7.6 ltr/100 km, CO2 emissions to the EU standard: 178 g/km, full compliance with the EU5 emission standard.

BMW 523i Straight-six petrol engine with bi-VANOS and VALVETRONIC Capacity: 2,996 cc, max output: 150 kW at 6,100 rpm Max torque: 270 Nm from 1,500 – 4,250 rpm Acceleration: 0 – 100 km/h in 7.9 seconds Top speed: 234 km/h Average fuel consumption to the EU standard: 7.6 ltr/100 km CO2 emissions to the EU standard: 177 g/km, full compliance with the EU5 emission standard.

BMW 530d Straight-six diesel with aluminium crankcase, turbocharger with variable turbine geometry and common-rail direct fuel injection (piezo-injectors, max injection pressure 1,800 bar) Capacity: 2, 993 cc, max output: 180 kW at 4,000 rpm Max torque: 540 Nm from 1,750 – 3,000 rpm Acceleration: 0 – 100 km/h in 6.3 seconds Top speed: 250 km/h Average fuel consumption to the EU standard: 6.2 ltr/100 km CO2 emissions to the EU standard: 162 g/km, full compliance with the EU5 emission standard.

BMW 520d Straight-four diesel with aluminium crankcase, turbocharger with variable turbine geometry and common-rail direct fuel injection (magnetic valve injectors, max injection pressure 1,800 bar) Capacity: 1,995 cc, max output: 135 kW at 4,000 rpm Max torque: 380 Nm from 1,900 – 2, 750 rpm Acceleration: 0–100 km/h in 8.1 seconds (provisional), Top speed: 225 km/h (provisional) Average fuel consumption to the EU standard: 5.2 ltr/100 km CO2 emissions to the EU standard: 137 g/km (provisional), full compliance with the EU5 emission standard.