'Trend setting' Dubai Motor Show puts the spotlight on luxury trends

McLaren 650S Spider Al Sahara 79 by MSO (McLaren Automotive)

Over recent years the Dubai International Motor Show has grown from a regional curiosity to one of the most important automotive events for car companies that offer comfort, luxury or exclusivity. This year's event, which draws to a close this weekend, was the biggest in history, attracting everyone from Rolls-Royce and BMW to Mercedes, Land Rover, Lexus, Infiniti and McLaren.

"It is one of the most important and significant auto shows in the Middle East. It is trend setting," said Christopher Buxton, the Lexus Al-Futtaim Motors general manager. "The customers here are very savvy. They know as much about the product as you do."

Buxton was showcasing the RX premium crossover, a very popular segment at this year's show with everyone from Jeep and Cadillac to Ford and BMW out in SUV force.

Infiniti launched its smallest crossover yet, the Q30, in an attempt to offer more luxury to potentially more clients.

"This car is aimed at the compact luxury segment -- the most difficult to break. It is a big battle field," said Infiniti Design director Taisuke Nakamura, pointing out a challenge that Mini was also getting ready to meet with the four-door Clubman estate.

"Our customers like to have some fun with the car and make a statement in terms of lifestyle," said Mini's Daniel Schmit.

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) created its Special Vehicle Operations (SVO) division to build flagship models and to help clients make any type of bespoke statement they liked. Eight of the cars on its stand hailed from the SVO division, including the Range Rover SV Autobiography, the most expensive Range Rover ever built.

"It is important for us to showcase our premium products here," said Bruce Robertson, head of the firm's Mena operations.

Competition in the luxury SUV market is about to get very hot. While unveiling its new hypercar, the Fenyr Supersport, W Motors said its next car will be the world's fastest and most exclusive SUV and will be revealed in Beijing in 2016.

Rolls-Royce is also readying its first SUV but at this year's show focused on its bespoke capabilities with two unique cars -- the Phantom Coupé Tiger and the Ghost Golf Edition.

McLaren also went bespoke with the 650S Spider La Sahara 79. A special model that will be exclusive to the Middle East, it features a paint scheme that includes real 24-carat-gold particles to give it a real pearlescent shine.

"Since launching the brand back in 2011, McLaren Automotive has built extremely close links with the Middle East region," said Ian Gorsuch, Regional Director Middle East & Africa, McLaren Automotive. "This truly unique project -- our first in the Middle East -- is inspired by a region that is home to some of our most loyal customers."