Mercedes-AMG G63 Brabus 800

The G63 is already the most recognisable shape on Sheikh Zayed Road, and the Brabus 800 gives it the firepower to back up the look. Brabus rebuilds the 4.0 litre twin-turbo V8 to 800 horsepower and 1,000 Nm of torque, driving all four wheels through the nine-speed automatic. That moves more than three tonnes from rest to 100 km/h in 4.1 seconds, with top speed held to 240 km/h. The Widestar body, the 23-inch forged wheels and the carbon details mark it out from a block away.

Inside, the Brabus Masterpiece treatment means quilted leather, carbon trim and a cabin that stays calm and hushed even when the exhaust is loud outside. Five people travel in real comfort and the boot swallows proper luggage. The raised driving position and surround cameras make the wide body surprisingly easy to place through Business Bay traffic and down tight valet ramps. It can command attention at DIFC and still climb the dunes near Al Qudra without complaint.

Dubai is the natural home for a car like this. It belongs outside the hotels on Palm Jumeirah and cruising the JBR strip at night, where presence matters as much as pace. The flat torque of the rebuilt V8 makes light work of the long straights, and the air conditioning and adaptive suspension keep the cabin civilised through the worst of the summer heat. Few vehicles look this serious and remain this practical day to day.

Owning one runs into the millions of dirhams, and the depreciation is steep on a car most people drive a fraction of the time. A few days behind the wheel gives you the full experience without the commitment. Insurance and delivery are built into the price you are quoted. We deliver it to your door fuelled and detailed, and collect it when you are done.