By Shereen Shabnam

Living in Dubai, and more specifically in the heart of Dubai spoils you. What is even better than living near the best area in the country is to stay in a hotel and really explore the neighbourhood as a tourist would. So my weekend at the chilled out Manzil Hotel with the QX50 thrown in to explore my neighbourhood at leisure and a Spa at the Armani was truly a memorable experience.

After settling in to the hotel, I took the QX50 for a customary Emaar Boulevard spin. From an exterior design perspective the QX50 LWB has been enhanced with a new front and rear bumper and lower front and rear fascia, new LED Daytime Running Lights, new signature Infiniti-style double-arch front grille, new side mirrors with integrated LED turn signals and updated side sill styling.

Significant inroads have also been made on its size. The wheelbase increases overall length is boosted. The result is an increased interior volume as well as increased 2nd row rear legroom.

The QX50 LWB also features a host of technological advancements that include; Streaming Audio via Bluetooth® wireless technology, Advanced Around View® Monitor (AVM) which includes front and rear sonar, 7-inch colour display with Infiniti Controller.

Also available is the optional Infiniti Hard Drive navigation System with a colour touch-screen display that is additionally complimented with the Bose Premium Audio System.

I liked the car for its agility and composed ride and for the safety features such as blind-spot warning, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assist, and full speed-range adaptive cruise control with forward-collision warning.

Main elements that helped Infiniti make a mark in the competitive luxury crossover segment is definitely the facelift, the longer wheelbase and the extra interior room.