If consumers in the UAE are spoilt for choices, nowhere else is it more evident than in its dynamic automotive market.  An unprecedented number of new arrivals are populating the market, many of them Chinese cars seeking their fortune in the new world order of trade and technology. As with phones and gadgets, they seem to be upholding the mission of bringing those features and tech that are the privilege of the premium segment within the reach of value-seekers. However, while choice is a great privilege, choosing right is part of the bargain. Design and technology weigh high on the scale, but a few brands woo customers with the reassurance of a legacy too – like Bestune. Meet their compact SUV bearing the badge of T77.

Bestune comes from the stables of FAW (short for its original name First Automobile Works), one of the oldest and largest automotive companies that also builds the luxurious HongQi – an impressive calling card to begin the Bestune T77 review.

The dimensions: L x W x H 4525 x 1845 x 1615 mm

Wheelbase: 2700 mm

Wheels: 16” to 19”

The drivetrain: 1.5 L turbo, 7-speed dual clutch, Front Wheel Drive

The warranty: 6 year or 200,000 km with buy-back options

The service interval: 6 months / 10,000 kms

The price: AED 82,500 – 97,500 (offers are worth checking out)

Designed to impress

Buying an automotive could largely be a rational call but ‘love at first sight’ still works its magic. Just three centimeters over four and half meters from bonnet to tailpipe, T 77 fills in with an intriguing grille, sharply sculpted rear, deliberate pinch-lines and narrow light assembly design. T77 has a low, sporty profile, accentuated by 19” wheels in the top variant (ambitiously named ‘limousine trim’). Squint a little and you might see a blur taking the form of a Range Rover Evoque.

The sporty design continues inside as well, largely due to the bucket seats in leather with a racing-styled headrest. The flat-bottomed steering and the short, flat transmission slider follow suit. The dashboard and door-side trims look elegant in a two-tone finish of beige and black. Even the plastic trims with a wood-like finish don’t come with the cringe they usually bring.

Interestingly, the cool blue tones and the fonts on the 12.3” dual screens as well as the dual array of console buttons – both suggest watered-down German inspiration straight from Stuttgart (Mercedes-Benz and Porsche if you want me to spell them out!) However, what is even more reassuring are the collaborations of the company over its 70 year history – with the likes of Toyota and Volkswagen. The lessons show up in the drivetrain technology, choice of transmission and the smoothness with which the T77 performs.

The drive

Bestune T77 is driven by a 1.5 L turbo engine mated to a 7-speed dual clutch transmission. The choice of tranny underlines the German influence – it has been an example of smooth power delivery and fuel-saving shifts. Even when a heavy foot demands immediate power, the drivetrain delivers it by rapidly rising in engine speed before settling into top gear, quickly enough. A highly practicable fuel economy figure of 10 – 11 km per litre of petrol is effortlessly achieved.

T77 can move, brake and park by itself!

Bestune 77 has a bundle of safety features and driver assistance technologies that is normally expected in premium luxury cars. The limousine trim I tested had the all-round protection of 6 airbags (side and curtain inclusive) and electronic warnings enveloping every journey. While T77 is not a four-wheel drive vehicle, there are features like Hill descent control and Autohold. The former regulates the grip and speed on a downhill roll while auto hold is a boon when parked at a slant. It ‘holds’ the car for a couple of seconds when the brake is released, giving enough time to safely switch to the accelerator pedal.

Think of it, these cars of Chinese origin have been a great leveller when it comes to advanced features – especially the ones based on camera and sensor technologies. My T77 came with features like Adaptive Cruise Control (that allows to maintain distances according to the speed and position of the car in front), Blind Spot Warning, Front Collision Warning, Lane Departure Monitoring and Automatic Emergency Brake.

Bestune T77 not only levels the ground, it assumes a higher plane by offering some features urban drivers will be grateful for. The T77 can not only park itself, the technology works for parallel and perpendicular parking. Now, if you think parking is your privilege and you shall not let go of it, the 360-degree camera offers multiple views and a bird’s eye view that will make it a breeze! WATCH THE AUTOMATIC PARKING IN ACTION

Another piece of bragworthy tech is the one that lets you watch the live-stream from a rear camera instead of a traditional rearview mirror. The advantage: you don’t have to worry about tall passengers or extra-large bags in the boot blocking your view! T77 not only makes your driving easy but also tells you when you shouldn’t. At the end of a long day, if your fatigue finally shows up, a face scanning app would detect it and a screen sign will tell you to stop for coffee!

Accessing technology on the Bestune T77

The console screen can be flipped to access the dozens of features. The T77 is not only equipped with driver assistance features but the most important of them are laid out on the central console for one-touch access. This includes the 360-degree camera and auto parking. Choosing each function is complemented by visually pleasing cool graphics on the screen. Often used functions can be controlled from the steering too.

It is perhaps this abundance of tech that makes us notice the absence of a wireless charger but the tech that allows both Android and Apple phones to be mirror linked to the screen is rather useful. Navigating some functions on the screen could seem a bit layered, but only till you get used to it.

Space for stretch and storage

Storage is a network of well-segregated cubbyholes in the cabin. The front armrest with its butterfly-opening reveals deep storage while a clever partition clip can change cupholders into something else. Sunglasses have their space but the door-side bottle-holders feel a bit squeezed.

Settle comfortably into the rear seat of a Bestune T77 and wonder how they scoop out such headroom despite the low-arched roof! The rear passengers get their dedicated air-conditioning vent, USB charging ports and armrest with cupholders.

As you will see in my review video, the boot space can accommodate two mid-size suitcases and two duffel bags easily… perhaps even more.

Price and decision pointers

Bestune T77 is available in four trim levels ranging from AED 82,500 to 97,500. The company has generously equipped all trims with some desirable features such as leather seats, panoramic sunroof and rear parking sensors with camera. Limousine trim gets an advanced multi-view camera and six airbags but the point is, even the basic gets four!

Besides the price, the compass of car purchase also points to the regional distributor, the warranty offered, ease of service, parts availability and resale value, many of which earn a badge of reassurance for Bestune.

Bestune has been present in the UAE since 2021 and is represented by Al Khalid Auto, a part of the Al Khalid business group with a history of 60 years. The brand offers an extensive 6 year/200,000 km warranty – a strategy that has helped a couple of prominent Chinese brands to build trust. Another hugely reassuring clause is the guaranteed buyback. Further, Bestune has compelling discounts and after-sales ‘offers of the month’. In the past, it has included a dealmaker discount of AED 20,000 and conditional free service offer for life. Check with the dealer for the offer currently running. Happy test driving.

The Bestune range includes T99, the midsize SUV and B70, a stylish mid-size sedan. Reviews coming soon.