The world’s largest autonomous car race will take place in Abu Dhabi on the 15th of November, as 11 teams from across the globe compete at the frontier of robotics, autonomy and AI for a US$2.25 million prize pool. A2RL Season 2 has been 18 months in the making, with the six fastest teams making it through the tough qualification process to the Grand Final. Ticket allocation for the Yas Marina Circuit event has once again reached full capacity of the main grandstand, as motorsport and technology enthusiasts excitedly prepare to witness an AI competition unlike any other.

Grand Final: Front row seat to AI history

The A2RL Grand Final will mark the first time that six fully autonomous racecars will compete wheel-to-wheel on track. The six teams – TUM, Unimore, Kinetiz, TII Racing, PoliMOVE and Constructor – were determined by a rigorous qualification process in October. Representing Germany, Italy, and the UAE, they will compete in a 20-lap, multi-car race to crown the A2RL Season 2 Champion. Reigning Champions, TUM, have qualified in pole position after a fierce ‘Multi-Car Qualification’ sprint race against rival Unimore, setting the stage for a historic showdown.

For the remaining five teams, A2RL will host a Silver Race, offering them the opportunity to push their algorithms to the limit and cement their overall position in the standings. The Silver Race teams are RAPSON, Code 19, Fly Eagle, FR4IAV and TGM Grand Prix.

Human vs AI: Performance gap closing

Pre-season build-up for the race has seen record-setting performance as the gap between human and AI performance narrows. During qualification, Italian team Unimore was the first to beat a benchmark lap time set by a human racing driver while testing.

This demonstration of machine precision versus human instinct, and the rapid evolution of AI performance, will be showcased on race day. Reigning champion TUM will have the privilege of racing against former F1 driver Daniil Kvyat in A2RL’s second Human vs AI showcase. A close battle is expected in this exhibition, following record-breaking pace from teams during qualifying.

Supercars, Fan Zone, and more

Kicking off the evening’s main events, Group 63 will take to the track for a spectacular Supercar Parade Laps display, setting the stage for the autonomous race. This will be followed by awards for the A2RL STEM Competition, which involved 140 students from across all seven Emirates racing AWS DeepRacer 1/18th-scale autonomous cars, a mirror of the A2RL competition.

This year’s world-class Fan Zone will offer an immersive experience for all ages. It will feature humanoid robot showcases, interactive games, hands-on tech activations, live entertainment, and family-friendly attractions that will bring the excitement of autonomous innovation beyond the track.

The race will be broadcast globally this Sunday, 16th November at 3pm GST, on the Abu Dhabi Media Network, StarzPlay, Motorsport TV and the official A2RL YouTube Channel. Once again, fans can step right into the action with A2RL’s live VR platform, experiencing the track, live car data, and high-speed action unfolding all around them, in real time.

A2RL is supported by SteerAI, alongside leading partner du; official partners AWS and Abu Dhabi Mobility; official supporters Wio and Castore; technical partners PACETEQ, Live in Five, Meccanica 42, and Vislink; as well as event partners Abu Dhabi Gaming, Miral and the UAE Cybersecurity Council.

The UAE is driving one of the most ambitious sustainability agendas in the world. Through the UAE Net Zero 2050 Strategy, the nation has committed to achieving carbon neutrality by mid-century – and sustainable mobility is at the heart of that mission. Across cities, industries, and lifestyles, the conversation has shifted from aspiration to action. Within this landscape, VOYAH UAE, distributed exclusively by Performance Plus Motors (PPM), has emerged as a key force redefining what responsible luxury and intelligent driving mean for the Emirates.

VOYAH’s arrival in the UAE is both timely and transformative. As electric mobility gains global momentum, the brand represents a bridge between sustainability and everyday practicality. Its mission is clear: to make innovation accessible, responsible, and aligned with the UAE’s environmental vision. This philosophy goes beyond technology – it reflects a belief that sustainability should enhance life, not complicate it. For VOYAH, progress is about creating a driving experience that is seamless, intelligent, and inspiring.

At the core of this vision is the VOYAH Free, an Extended-Range Electric Vehicle (EREV) designed around the realities of the UAE’s evolving infrastructure. It operates primarily as a fully electric vehicle, powered by a large-capacity battery for quiet, smooth journeys. When needed, a compact petrol engine activates purely as a generator to recharge the battery – eliminating range anxiety while preserving the serenity and performance of electric mobility. It’s a bridge between today’s roads and tomorrow’s possibilities, tailored for a nation where innovation and adaptability drive progress.

That sense of balance extends throughout the brand experience. The Free’s interior embodies intelligent design and sustainable craftsmanship — a harmonious blend of refined materials, advanced digital systems, and spacious comfort. Ownership has been reimagined to make electric mobility effortless: every vehicle includes complimentary insurance, registration, tinting, and a home wall box charger with installation, alongside a service contract of 3 years or 60,000 km (whichever comes first). It’s a complete ecosystem built around confidence and convenience.

Beyond the product, Performance Plus Motors is actively shaping the ecosystem that enables clean mobility to thrive. Through partnerships with financial institutions, the company has introduced green financing solutions with preferential rates for electric vehicles – supporting the UAE’s broader sustainability and innovation goals. “Sustainability cannot exist in isolation,” says Mohamed Elzawawy, General Manager of Performance Plus Motors and VOYAH UAE. “It requires collaboration across industries – from energy and finance to technology and logistics. We see ourselves as part of that ecosystem, enabling a cleaner, smarter way forward.”

The UAE’s progress toward electric mobility underscores this shared vision. EV sales across the Gulf nearly doubled in 2024, while Dubai alone plans to operate over 1,000 charging stations by 2025. Consumer attitudes are also shifting: inquiries for Chinese automotive brands rose by more than 70 percent last year, reflecting growing demand for innovation, quality, and environmental consciousness. Backed by Dongfeng, one of China’s most established automotive groups, VOYAH stands at the forefront of this evolution – merging precision engineering, design, and sustainability into one cohesive driving experience.

As mobility continues to evolve, so too does the meaning of luxury. Today, luxury is not only about power or performance – it’s about purpose. Drivers want vehicles that contribute to the planet, enhance their lifestyles, and inspire confidence in the future. VOYAH’s strength lies in merging these expectations – transforming sustainability into sophistication, and innovation into daily comfort.

Looking ahead, VOYAH’s plans for the UAE reflect the nation’s forward-thinking spirit – focused on innovation, sustainability, and real-world progress. With new models on the horizon and rapid advances in battery technology and connected systems, the brand is poised to remain a central player in the UAE’s transition toward net zero. Every VOYAH that takes to the road embodies a shared vision – of progress, of possibility, and of a cleaner, smarter tomorrow.

Amalsha VS

MODERN, AESTHETIC & CHARACTERFUL

The current-gen Nissan X-Trail takes a sharper exterior approach compared to the previous generation’s smoother, more curvaceous design language. Although not as boxy as the earlier generations, I personally think the latest X-Trail has a bit more character than its immediate predecessor. It blends in well while standing out just enough not to be an NPC-looking generic modern SUV. And the model we drove, garbed in Boulder Gray Pearl, perfectly adhered to this design philosophy.

FAST & FUN ENOUGH FOR ON-ROADING AND SOFT-ROADING

The 2025 Nissan X-Trail offers a striking combination of everything you would expect from a midsize SUV.

Looking at the X-Trail’s evolution since its inception, it has evidently transitioned into a softer version after each generation. But this time, we felt that it has travelled back to its “Tough Gear” roots, reviving a bit more of its original prowess in tackling minor sessions off the paved path. Hence, we found the new X-Trail performing admirably at whatever we threw at it, ranging from the hectic Sharjah-Dubai commute to speed bursts on some trails, although nothing like proper dune bashing in the desert.

The 2025 Nissan X-Trail is powered by a 2.5-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder motor, mated to a CVT transmission, pushing out a respectable 181 horsepower and 244 NM of torque. These figures are competent enough, and the transmission is tuned well-enough to deliver satisfying kicks without ever getting stuck in the stagnancy of the “rubber band effect” often associated with CVT transmissions. The all-wheel-drivetrain does a respectable job in delivering confident and dynamic handling on and off the tarmac. However, if you’re seeking something that can deliver decently hardcore off-roading abilities, you should consider the bigger, bolder, Nissan X-Terra.

Highway-cruising at 160 kph is effortless as a breeze, with no stability issues or crosswind scares whatsoever.

There are five drive modes to choose from, namely Auto (the equivalent of Normal/Comfort for Nissan), along with ECO, Sport, Snow and Off-Road. Auto mode redeems its identity by delivering an evidently noticeable shift in the way the X-Trail behaves under different driving conditions and styles. Efficiency is impressive in ECO mode, and still respectable in Sport mode, which unlocks the full potential of the X-Trail. 0-100 kph took just above the 8-second mark in our testing, and highway-cruising at 160 was effortless as a breeze, with no stability issues or crosswind scares whatsoever.

WELL-BUILT WITH ALL THE COMFORT AND TECH YOU’LL EVER NEED

The interior of this midsize Nissan turned out to be more plush and comfy than we expected. Although there are both five-seater and seven-seater variants available, we would call it a 5+2-seater in real world conditions and recommend the third-row to be reserved for kids. The seats are well cushioned with plenty enough electrical adjustments provided, especially if you’re obsessed with finding that perfect driving posture like some of us. The second row too is decently spacious, with enough space for three adults without sacrificing headroom or legroom.

It is more than practical enough for families & luxurious enough to deliver a wow factor each time you step into it.

Another point to note is the presence of enough physical, tactile buttons. I personally consider this a blessing in today’s world where automakers tend to cram everything into a single, lifeless touchscreen screen or even worse, assign them to touch-sensitive buttons.

PLENTY OF TECH FEATURES

A pair of 12.3-inch screens are provided, one as the central infotainment touchscreen and the other as the instrument console. A head-up display which lets you glue your eyes onto the road and wireless charging are also features offered as standard in the top-end trims.

Among the abundantly provided tech features, we were the most impressed by the effortless wireless smartphone connectivity offered via both Android Auto & Apple CarPlay. Specifically this part which some might not consider as a pivotal aspect because we have faced issues with wireless connectivity, particularly with Android Auto in much more luxurious vehicles, some that even cost more than double the X-Trail.

Effortless wireless smartphone connectivity is offered via both Android Auto & Apple CarPlay.

Some other praiseworthy bits in the X-Trail include all the driver-assistance features you would expect in a modern car, including a rearview mirror that doubles up as a camera screen that doesn’t obstruct the view of the driver.

FINAL FIRST IMPRESSIONS

The 2025 Nissan X-Trail offers a striking combination of everything you would expect from a midsize SUV. It is more than practical enough for a family and luxurious enough to deliver a wow factor every time you step into it. From the driver’s seat it is playful and confidence-inspiring, enough to put a smile on your face whether it be on the road or on a mild trail. Overall, it is one of the most ideal machines for the region, in terms of size, segment, and performance, offering a versatile and all-inclusive personal mobility solution.

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