Thanks to recent BMW concepts, as well as a series of detailed renderings, we have a good idea of what the next-generation 3-Series will look like. Arriving in both combustion form as the 3-Series and as a fully electric i3, the compact luxury sports sedan will be the latest to carry the brand’s Neue Klasse design language, launching with a more thoroughly updated and modernized look.

Read: The One Badge BMW Didn’t Want Us To See On The Electric M3

BMW has recently begun testing the new model with various powertrains near its base in Munich, Germany, and this particular prototype is interesting. Whereas others snapped testing in recent months have had plenty of faux body panels to throw off our prying eyes, this is the first we’ve seen with production-ready headlights.

A Sharper Face

As we expected, they are very similar in shape and size to the original Vision Neue Klasse concept and suit the new-age sedan nicely. They’re edgier than the ones used in the current 3-Series and flow neatly into a set of much smaller, narrow-style kidney grilles. The result in a classier front end, addressing one of the most controversial elements of the existing model.

Of course, it’s not just the face of the 3-Series that is due for a major overhaul. All of the exterior panels will be changed, too, with some parts, such as the door and rear quarter panels reminiscent of those on the current 5-Series. The taillights also appear neatly integrated into the tail of the four-door sedan, although it’s difficult to know if the ones on this prototype are the final production units.

Two Architectures, One Lineup

Interestingly, the new 3-Series and the all-electric i3 are expected to use different platforms. Whereas the EV will use the Neue Klasse architecture seen in the iX3 SUV, the combustion model will stick with the CLAR platform.

ICE models will be offered with several different 2.0-liter four-cylinder and 3.0-liter inline-sixes, depending on the market. Meanwhile, the next M3 will use a version of current model’s 3.0-liter twin-turbo six, albeit with the addition of a mild-hybrid system.

More: The iX3 Is BMW’s Neue Klasse Future Now With A Surprising Price Tag

BMW has not announced when the new 3-Series will hit the market, but we expect to see it unveiled sometime next year alongside the new i3, before it is introduced as a 2027 model. Until then, the camouflaged prototypes will continue roaming the streets around Munich, offering occasional glimpses of what’s to come.

SH Proshots

In a surprising turn of events, Ram has killed the 1500 REV. The electric truck debuted at the 2023 New York Auto Show and was originally slated to be launched in late 2024.

It was eventually delayed, but the brand was adamant the truck was still coming. Just a few months ago, Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis told us electrification is happening despite the Hemi’s return. The executive also noted the company had the ‘luxury of timing’ and the benefit of being late to the EV game. This enabled them to delay their offering after seeing weak demand for the Chevrolet Silverado EV, Ford F-150 Lightning, and Tesla Cybertruck.

First Look: The Ram 1500 REV Is A Classy, Conservative, 500 Mile Electric Juggernaut

In today’s announcement, Ram hammered home the latter point as they highlighted slowing demand for full-size battery electric trucks in North America. The company said this forced them to reassess their product strategy and decide to “discontinue development of a full-size BEV pickup.”

Michael Gauthier / Carscoops

The move is surprising as work on the truck appears to have been largely completed. As we’ve previously reported, it was originally slated to be offered with 168 and 229 kWh battery packs. These promised to deliver ranges of up to 500 miles (805 km) on a single charge. The truck was also supposed to have a dual-motor all-wheel drive system producing 654 hp (448 kW / 663 PS) and 620 lb-ft (840 Nm) of torque, which would allow for a 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) time of 4.4 seconds.

The REV Isn’t Really Dead, But It’s A Ramcharger Now

Despite the shocking death in the third act, the 1500 REV isn’t really dead. Quite the opposite as Ram has decided to rename the Ramcharger as the REV.

As a result, the ‘new’ 1500 REV will be a range-extended electric vehicle. Its “projected availability” is now 2026 and Ram has, once again, updated the truck’s performance specs.

They’ve lowered the output of the dual-motor all-wheel drive system for a second time and they’re now saying it produces 647 hp (482 kW / 656 PS). That’s down from the original estimate of 663 hp (494 kW / 672 PS), and also a drop from February’s revision of 654 hp (488 kW / 663 PS). The torque rating has also fallen from 615 lb-ft (833 Nm) to 610 lb-ft (826 Nm).

The claimed range of 690 miles (1,110 km) remains as does the updated 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) time of 4.5 seconds. Of course, with multiple revisions, a name change, and the elimination of the electric variant, nothing is written in stone.

Update: Stellantis has clarified that CEO Antonio Filosa’s remarks were focused on Leapmotor’s sales performance in Germany in August and not the entire year. He was specifically referring to the Leapmotor T03, which ranked as the country’s best-selling Chinese electric vehicle that month, while Leapmotor overall claimed the top spot as Germany’s best-selling Chinese battery-electric brand, again for August.

“Antonio Filosa’s statement about Leapmotor’s sales of battery electric vehicle (BEV) in Germany in the month of August 2025 are accurate and confirmed by the national industry’s database (KBA),” the Stellantis spokesperson told us.

“In August 2025, in Germany, Leapmotor was the best-selling Chinese BEV brand and Leapmotor T03 was the best-selling Chinese BEV” he explained. The spokesperson also added,, “All other assessments from the competition cannot be linked to what was stated yesterday by our CEO”.

Original story continues below.

It seems a brewing rivalry has spilled into the press. Chinese automaker BYD has pushed back against comments attributed to Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa, reportedly made on Thursday in reference to Leapmotor, though the original source of his remarks is still unclear. We’ve reached out to both sides for clarification.

A Question of Interpretation

According to BYD, Filosa was quoted as saying that “in Germany Leapmotor sold more than BYD.” While Stellantis does not own Leapmotor outright, it holds a minority stake and controls exports outside China through Leapmotor International, a joint venture in which Stellantis has a 51 percent share.

The Chinese automaker disputes the claim, citing its own sales data that show it still has a clear lead. Along the way, BYD also couldn’t resist pointing out how its numbers stack up against Stellantis’ own brands.

According to BYD, they sold 8,610 vehicles in Germany between January and August 2025, which is a far cry from the 3,536 sales of Leapmotor over the same period. These numbers can be broken down to 5,852 BEVs and 2,757 PHEVs for BYD, versus 3,088 BEVs and 448 PHEVs for Leapmotor.

More: Europe’s EV Buyers Are Dumping Tesla And China Couldn’t Be Happier=

We checked the official registration data from Germany’s Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA), which confirm a similar picture. Between January and August 2025, BYD recorded 8,563 new registrations, compared with 3,531 for Leapmotor. In August alone, the gap narrowed, though BYD still came out ahead with 1,114 units versus Leapmotor’s 826.

It is possible the remarks were lost in translation, or that Filosa simply misspoke in Leapmotor’s favor. He may also have been referring to narrower metrics that have not yet surfaced. While overall sales figures for August are available, the detailed breakdown between BEVs and PHEVs has not been published. A clearer picture should emerge once both companies respond to requests for clarification.

BYD Compares Itself to Alfa Romeo and Jeep

While January–August sales alone would have been enough to counter the CEO’s alleged remarks, BYD went further, highlighting its performance against Stellantis-owned Alfa Romeo and Jeep.

The Chinese automaker bragged about outselling Alfa Romeo in Germany so far in 2025, a curious flex given the two brands operate in completely different segments and court completely different buyers. More specifically, the Italian marque reportedly sold 5,226 units, 5,222 according to KBA, including just 140 BEVs (Junior Elettrica) and 34 PHEVs (Tonale PHEV).

In the same vein, BYD said it sold more EVs and PHEVs than Jeep, 350 BEVs and 569 PHEVs, and claims it is closing in on overall volume, only 278 units behind. KBA data indicate that Jeep sold 8,884 units in Germany between January and August 2025, which is 321 more than BYD, a small gap that may reflect different cuts of the data or timing.

A Significantly Wider Range Of Products

A quick look at their local websites proves that BYD has a significantly larger lineup in Germany compared to Leapmotor. BYD currently offers the Dolphin Surf, Dolphin, Atto 2, Atto 3, Sealion 7, Seal, Seal U, and Tang EVs, plus the Seal U DM-i and Seal 6 DM-i PHEVs in the German market.

On the other hand, Leapmotor is currently limited to the T03 urban EV, the B10 electric crossover, and the C10 SUV in electric and range-extender versions. The range will expand soon with the the new B05 electric hatchback that debuted in Munich.

It will be interesting to see whether the marketing war between the two Chinese brands will continue with more statements in the future, and how both of them will evolve in terms of sales in export markets. On the global stage, however, the contest is lopsided: in the first half of 2025 BYD sold 2,145,954 vehicles, nearly ten times Leapmotor’s 221,664.

When it comes to lap records at the Nürburgring, few manufacturers approach the challenge with Porsche’s level of obsession. The German automaker not only owns the outright record of 5:19.546 with the blisteringly quick 919 Hybrid Evo, but it also holds three of the eight fastest production car laps ever run on the circuit. So when Xiaomi came along earlier this year and swiped the EV record, it was only going to be a matter of time before Porsche fired back.

Read: Xiaomi Shatters Its Nurburgring Record Again And Immediately Launches Limited Edition

This is our first look at what seems to be that response to the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra, which set a lap time of 7:04.957, edging out the Taycan Turbo GT’s 7:07.55. Reportedly dubbed the Taycan Turbo GT4 RS, this hyper EV was originally thought to be a project from Manthey Racing, but now, it’s believed to be a fully-fledged Porsche model.

Aggressive New Aero

The differences between these two prototypes, and the existing Taycan Turbo GT, are stark. Porsche has fitted a new front end with a larger splitter, canards, and 911 GT3 RS-inspired louvers on the front quarter panels.

There’s also new underbody aero, dedicated aero discs on the rear wheels, and a large fixed rear wing. Additionally, the arches have been flared, and there’s a new rear diffuser. Look closely, and you’ll notice the prototypes also have just a single seat for the driver and a full roll cage.

Our spy photographers report that both cars recently hit the ‘Ring for flying laps, with one piloted by Porsche factory driver Lars Kern. At one stage during the lap, the blue car’s rear diffuser was badly damaged, and while the purple car lapped faster on the same day, it’s understood the balance was not optimal. As such, it’s likely that Porsche will quickly head back to the circuit to go record chasing once again.

Baldauf

Aiming for Xiaomi

What remains uncertain is whether Porsche is only targeting the road-going SU7 Ultra or also setting its sights on the more extreme SU7 Ultra Prototype. That car recently lapped the track in 6:22.091, the second-fastest time ever for an EV, only behind the VW ID.R.

The aero appendages of the Taycan Turbo GT4 RS aren’t quite as dramatic as those of the SU7 Ultra, but they’re much more significant than those of the SU7 road car.

In addition to the new aero, Porsche engineers are believed to be pushing the Taycan’s powertrain past the 1,019 horsepower of the regular Taycan Turbo GT, or the 1,092 horses it can deliver with launch control engaged. If true, it should give the Taycan Turbo GT4 RS the firepower it needs to reclaim Nürburgring bragging rights.

Baldauf

Stellantis is in the verge of a major shakeup of its motorsport activities, with Citroen Racing taking the place of Maserati MSG in Formula E. The French marque may be most closely associated with rallying success, but it has been tapped as the more suitable contender for the all-electric championship.

Citroen will compete in FIA’s Formula E championship starting from the coming season. Its return to motor racing as a factory team is described as an “electric, innovative and passionate adventure that embodies our values and our vision for the mobility of tomorrow”.

More: This Mid-Engine Beast Is No Regular Citroen Hatch

A teaser video on social media gives us a glimpse of the brand’s electric single seater that will be unveiled on October 20. The cover photo on Facebook with the Citroen Racing Formula E Team logo makes us wonder if the new era will mark the end of the brand’s rallying days. A potential exit could coincide with the return of Stellantis stablemate Lancia in rallying, as the new Ypsilon Rally2 HF Integrale could replace the C3 Rally2 that has been around since 2018.

Citroen is known for winning eight Manufacturer’s titles and nine consecutive Driver’s titles in WRC, during the dominant period of Sebastien Loeb and Daniel Elena between 2004 and 2012. It also has four Rally Dakar wins with the ZX Rally Raid back in the ’90s.

Outside rallying, it won three consecutive FIA World Touring Car Championship (WTCC) driver’s and manufacturer’s titles between 2014 and 2016 with a racing version of the C-Elysée sedan.

Replacing Maserati

Citroen Racing will replace Maserati MSG that entered Formula E in 2023, taking the torch from Venturi Racing. The team is fresh out of a collapsed takeover earlier this year, and despite striking a total of three wins (one on every season), has reportedly struggled with financial backing.

Another reason for the demise of Maserati from Formula E is the brand’s new strategy in terms of electrification, with less emphasis on the Folgore-branded EVs and the cancellation of the electric MC20 supercar.

More: Nissan’s Next Electric Halo Could Be Born On A Formula E Racetrack

As with Maserati MSG, Citroen Racing will borrow the technical bits from another Stellantis brand that competes in Formula E, DS Automobiles, which has won multiple wins and championship titles over the past decade. DS is currently operated by Penske, but it is not clear whether it will remain on the championship for the upcoming Gen4 single-seater era.

As reported by The Race, Opel could also apply for a Formula E license in the future, something that sounds fitting for its recently renewed GSE performance division.

Citroen Racing will join a grid of 10 Formula E teams for the upcoming season. Rivals include Nissan, Ford, Jaguar TCS, Tag Heuer Porsche, DS Penske, Envision, Lola Yamaha Abt, Mahindra, and Andretti.

For years, solid-state batteries have been viewed as the holy grail for battery-electric vehicles, promising better driving range, quicker charging, and improved safety. While it’s taken longer than many had predicted for solid-state battery packs to hit the market, Mercedes-Benz has demonstrated just how transformative the technology could be.

Read: Lucid Shatters World Record With A Drive So Long It Seems Impossible

The German automaker is testing solid-state packs in specially prepared EQS prototypes. One of these cars recently drove from Stuttgart, Germany, through Denmark, and into Malmo, Sweden, covering an impressive 748.8 miles (1,205 km) on a single charge, without stopping to plug in.

Solid-State Advantage

Compared to the battery in a standard EQS, Mercedes says its solid-state pack delivers 25 percent more energy while remaining similar in weight and size. The pack was developed in partnership with Mercedes-AMG High Performance Powertrains and the company’s F1 technology center in the UK, using lithium-metal cells supplied by U.S.-based Factorial Energy.

The 748.8 miles (1,205 km) driven in this EQS prototype exactly matches a recent Guinness World Record set by a Lucid Air Grand Touring, which covered the same 748.8 miles (1,205 km) on a single charge. What makes the feat notable is that Lucid’s car used a conventional 117 kWh lithium-ion battery, while Mercedes managed it with a solid-state pack that still had energy left over.

Range To Spare

Had Mercedes-Benz wanted to continue its journey with this EQS, it could have. They claim that at the end of the trip, the prototype had an estimated range of 85 miles (137 km) left. In theory, that means the electric sedan could have traveled up to 834 miles (1,342 km) without charging, well beyond anything currently on the market.

“The solid-state battery is a true gamechanger for electric mobility,” member of the board of management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, Markus Schäfer, said. “With the successful long-distance drive of the EQS, we show that this technology delivers not only in the lab but also on the road. Our goal is to bring innovations like this into series production by the end of the decade and offer our customers a new level of range and comfort.”

Sedans and hatchbacks have fallen out of favor with consumers, who have embraced SUVs. Automakers have responded by gutting their car lineups and adding an assortment of new crossovers.

Ford will reportedly add another crossover to their lineup in 2027 and it could fill the hole being left by the departing Focus. The model will reportedly be built in Spain and serve a key role in reestablishing Ford in Europe.

More: $30K Ford Electric Truck Coming In 2027 Based On All-New Platform

Autocar reports the model will be a mid-sized crossover, but won’t replace the Kuga. This is interesting to note as the Kuga’s American cousin, the Escape, is getting the axe.

Instead, the crossover will reportedly be built alongside the Kuga and offered with hybrid and electric powertrains. The two models are also rumored to share key components in a bid to keep costs down.

While specifics are few and far between, the model could ride on the aging C2 platform, which underpins everything from the Bronco Sport and Maverick to the outgoing Focus. The model is also expected to be relatively affordable and positioned as a rival to the Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, and Volkswagen Tiguan.

While it’s probably too early to talk numbers, there’s a huge gap between the £26,245 ($33,600) that the Puma Gen-E costs in Britain and the £39,285 ($50,300) Explorer EV. This means that if the upcoming EV variant was priced at £32,765 ($42,000), it would be perfectly positioned between both those models.

Little else is known about the crossover at this point, but the company will reportedly put an emphasis on design and driving dynamics. Unfortunately, the chances of it coming stateside seem slim to none.

The automotive industry never stops moving, and the latest on Toyota proves it. The Japanese automaker is reportedly moving production of the next Lexus ES from the U.S. back to Japan. On the flip side, it’ll begin building two new electric SUVs, including one that’ll likely carry the Land Cruiser name, here in Kentucky.

More: Toyota’s Lineup Overhaul Could Include A Surprise Sedan And Electric Highlander

This shouldn’t come as a wild surprise because Toyota has hinted at an electric Land Cruiser for a few years. In addition, sedan sales are slowing in the States while crossovers and SUVs continue their trend of popularity. To that end, by focusing on building and selling SUVs in the States, rather than sedans, Toyota can also avoid tariffs on its most popular models.

EVs Based On Familiar Nameplates

According to a source familiar with the matter who spoke to Reuters, the upcoming EVs “will be based on the Land Cruiser and RAV4”. While the phrasing suggests they could be directly derived from those models, it’s also possible the source meant they may simply carry those names, even if the underlying vehicles differ.

The Land Cruiser Se concept, first shown in 2023, lines right up with an electrified version of the popluar off-roader. It was a sleek, three-row EV designed to complement the retro-inspired two-row Land Cruiser currently on sale here in the States as well as the larger 300 series model in overseas markets.

See: This Is The New Toyota FJ Cruiser You’ve Been Waiting For

Another, though less likely, candidate for the Land Cruiser name is the long-rumored compact SUV often referred to as the FJ Cruiser. Given its size, it doesn’t seem suited for a three-row layout. Regardless, reports suggest it could be offered with both electric and hybrid powertrains. Toyota teased a shadowy image of the model a couple of years ago and more recently filed patent images believed to show the production version.

RAV4 EV Could Be Key

The second model, described as a three-row RAV4-based electric SUV, may prove even more crucial for the brand’s strategy. The RAV4 is America’s third-best-selling vehicle so far this year. A family-sized EV positioned closer to the familiar RAV4 branding could give Toyota’s electric lineup the boost that the bZ4X hasn’t. If an electric RAV4 can be anywhere near as popular as the gas model, it’ll be a huge win.

Lexus Production Shifts

On the other hand, Toyota will shift production of the next-generation Lexus ES back to Japan, a move the company first hinted at in 2021. With tariffs in play, we’re not sure if the decision makes sense today, but it may also reflect Toyota reading the market and recognizing the continued decline of sedan sales. Meanwhile, production of the Lexus TX will stay in Indiana, where the same factory is also expected to increase output of the Grand Highlander.

Would you be interested in an electric RAV4 or Land Cruiser? Tell us your thoughts below!

Audi once planned to expand the RS6 lineup with two distinct flavors: a plug-in hybrid based on the new-generation A6 and a fully electric variant derived from the A6 E-tron. But according to a new report, the high-performance EV has been quietly shelved despite earlier sightings of camouflaged prototypes.

More: New Audi RS3 GT Could Be The Most Powerful Hot Hatch Ever Built

Last year, spy photographers captured aggressive-looking A6 E-tron test cars in both Sportback and Avant forms. Their larger bumper intakes and pronounced diffusers hinted strongly at an RS6 E-tron in the works. Now, it appears those hopes have faded.

EV Ambitions Cut Short

Citing Audi insiders, Top Gear reports that the RS6 E-tron project has been canned. The decision reportedly comes down to weak demand for high-performance EVs. This leaves the current S6 E-tron as the most powerful version of the lineup, delivering up to 543 hp (405 kW / 551 PS) from its dual electric motors. Built on the Premium Platform Electric (PPE) co-developed with Porsche, it uses a 100 kWh battery pack that provides between 640 and 670 km (398–416 miles) of range.

A Future With Hybrid Muscle

For enthusiasts who prefer their RS6 with more noise and raw character, there’s still good news. Audi is moving forward with the next-generation RS6 Avant, the long-standing rival to BMW’s M5 Touring. It will feature an RS-specific bodykit with massive intakes, wide fenders, and the signature dual oval tailpipes protruding from the rear bumper.

More: Audi’s Most Furious Family Car Yet Could Be Packing Over 700 Horses

The new RS6 is expected to come with a plug-in hybrid powertrain, offering improved performance compared to its predecessor. Initial reports suggested it would use a twin-turbo V6 as a base, but there is a chance it keeps the V8, helping it stand out from the smaller RS5 Avant that’s also under development.

While a few may lament the loss of an all-electric RS6, the plug-in hybrid offers a middle ground combining supercar-level performance with everyday practicality and some zero-emission capability. In today’s market, that may prove to be the more compelling formula.

Baldauf

China is pulling further ahead of the United States and Europe in the race toward electrification, with a new study shedding light on how quickly vehicle fleets are expected to transition to EVs. While the U.S. and Europe are moving in the same direction, their pace is notably slower.

In a report published this week, EY, one of the world’s largest professional services and consulting firms, forecasts light vehicle sales through 2050 across the three major regions.

Europe On The Rise

One key takeaway is that in Europe, EV sales will surpass those of gasoline and diesel vehicles by 2028. The shift will accelerate from there, with electric vehicles projected to exceed half of all new light vehicle sales in Europe by 2032.

Read: Tesla’s EV Market Share Just Sank Below 40% But It Might Not Even Care Anymore

Interestingly, the study noted that until 2030, hybrids, including PHEVs, will continue to outsell BEVs in Europe until 2030. However, as CO2 regulations become stricter and more affordable pure electric cars hit the market, they’ll soon start to outsell hybrids too.

“The near- to mid-term future will feature a diverse mix of powertrains, shaped by regulatory shifts, tariffs, and evolving consumer behaviour,” explained Constantin M. Gall, EY Global Aerospace, Defense & Mobility Leader. “What’s clear is that e-mobility will remain central to the future of transportation.”

What About The US?

Compared to Europe, the switch to EVs in the United States will be much slower. EY forecasts a brief surge in sales this month ahead of the expiration of federal EV tax credits, but the long-term outlook has weakened. In an earlier projection, BEVs were expected to reach 50 percent of U.S. light vehicle sales by 2034. That milestone has now been delayed to 2039, with factors such as policy uncertainty, import tariffs, and the loss of incentives slowing adoption.

More: Europe’s EV Buyers Are Dumping Tesla And China Couldn’t Be Happier

Hybrids are expected to fill the gap. Their share of the U.S. market could climb to a peak of 34 percent by 2034 before giving way to wider EV adoption.

China Leads The Pack

In China, the shift is happening much faster. This year, combined sales of battery-electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids in the country are tipped to reach 50 percent and will surge past 90 percent by 2034. Interestingly, BEV sales alone are only expected to account for 50 percent of light vehicle sales by 2033, a year behind Europe, showing just how important PHEVs will remain in the country through the next decade.

“The EV transition is advancing—but unevenly,” Constantin M. Gall from EY said. “The US faces policy uncertainty, high costs, and infrastructure gaps. Europe is on a steady recovery path under strict emissions targets. China benefits from stable policy and a robust EV ecosystem. Hybrid technologies are proving essential in bridging the gap to full electrification.”

For automakers, the uneven timelines mean strategy can’t be one-size-fits-all. Success will depend on building flexible platforms that can serve fast-moving markets like China and Europe while keeping slower adopters in North America engaged.

While Hongqi may be unfamiliar to most car buyers outside China, at home it is recognized as the nation’s leading premium brand. Founded in 1958, it is among the country’s oldest carmakers having established itself at the top of the market, with early models reserved exclusively for high-ranking government officials. The name itself translates to “red flag,” a direct nod to the Communist revolution that shaped modern China.

Read: China’s Hongqi Rolls Into Germany With Ambitious E-HS9 Electric Luxury SUV

Now Hongqi has its sights set far beyond domestic roads. The company is embarking on a major expansion into Europe, where it hopes to build recognition alongside other Chinese automakers like BYD, Chery, and Changan that are already moving aggressively into the region.

That ambition took center stage earlier this week at the Munich motor show where it unveiled the mid-size electric EHS5 SUV. While it could be easily discounted as yet another electric SUV with a rather generic Chinese design, it will play an important role in the automaker’s growth across Europe. By 2028, Hongqi plans to launch no fewer than 15 new electric and hybrid models across the continent.

Building A Foothold

The premium Chinese brand has already dipped its toes into Europe, with cars currently available in Norway, the Netherlands, and Poland. The broader vision is much bigger: more than 200 dealerships across Europe by 2028, paired with a steadily expanding product line.

Details about the full range of incoming models remain under wraps, but one partnership has been confirmed. Chinese automaker Leapmotor will supply Hongqi with an EV platform that will underpin several upcoming vehicles, the first of which is scheduled to debut in the final quarter of 2026.

The Hongqi EHS5

Visually, the new EHS5 has some strong points, and some weak points. From the front, it’s reminiscent of some models from Deepal and there’s nothing particularly inspired or unique about its profile. However, the rear-end is quite striking thanks to the curvy LED taillights.

Underpinning the EHS5 is an 85 kWh lithium-ion battery pack that’s said to give it a WLTP driving range of around 342 miles (550 km). Hongqi has yet to disclose full specifications for the SUV, but has said it can charge from 10-80 percent in just 20 minutes.

Power figures for the European model have yet to be announced, but in China, it’s available in 339 hp rear-wheel drive and 610 hp all-wheel drive specifications. Given that the Chinese model has a much larger 111 kWh battery, lower power figures are likely for the Euro-spec version.

Concept cars often spark the imagination, and the Volkswagen EVX is no exception. With its sharp angles and an aggressive stance, it looks every bit the futuristic coupe crossover. Yet despite its eye-catching form, the odds of it ever making it to production are near to zero. Designed by the specialists at Italdesign, the EVX takes shape as a 2+2 coupe based on the VW Group’s MEB+ platform.

Read: VW ID.4 Gets A Stealthy Blackout But Something Bigger Waits In The Shadows

Admittedly, calling the EVX a coupe might be stretching the definition, but in all fairness, it does at least come with two doors, unlike most crossovers that borrow the coupe label while offering little more than a sloping roofline.

It measures 166.5 inches (4,230 mm) long, 71.6 inches (1,820 mm) wide, and strands 58.6 inches (1,490 mm) tall, meaning it’s roughly 4.7 inches (120 mm) longer than a VW T-Cross, 2.3 inches (60 mm) wider, and sits 3.4 inches (87 mm) lower.

Breaking From the Mold

It seems that Italdesign, which is owned by the VW Group, was given a blank sheet when creating the car, not needing to draw on influences from existing VW models. This has allowed it to create a car that looks unlike any other VW Group product and, in the extremely unlikely event that it was ever produced, it would also stand out from all the cookie-cutter crossovers on the market right now. It reminds us a little of the latest-gen Toyota C-HR sold in Europe, but isn’t as quirky.

Found at the front is a blacked-out lower grille and two triangular air intakes housing small LED daytime running lights. There are also a pair of sharp LED headlights that catch the eye, as well as a shapely hood with plenty of curves and creases.

From the side, the concept shows off camera-based mirrors mounted on the A-pillars, two-tone wheels in silver and black, and muscular rear arches. The rear design keeps the drama going with a steeply angled rear window, slim LED taillights, and a blacked-out bumper.

Only in the Digital World?

For now, VW is displaying the EVX virtually at the Munich motor show. Whether such a design could ever make it to production remains uncertain, though it’s fair to say it would shake up the usual crossover formula if it did. So the real question is, if a model like this hit the road, would it turn your head or just feel like another electric crossover trying too hard?

Now that the luxurious Gravity SUV is on the market alongside the Air sedan, Lucid can start focusing its efforts on making more affordable models that’ll appeal to the masses. It has already confirmed a sub-$50,000 SUV is in the works, and has now said that the new mid-sized platform will also spawn two more models including a more rugged SUV that takes inspiration from the Gravity X concept.

Lucid released a single teaser image of its third model roughly 12 months ago. The SUV, potentially called the Earth, will have familiar Lucid design cues but be noticeably smaller than the Gravity. While recently speaking at the Munich motor show, Lucid interim chief executive Marc Winteroff revealed the Gravity X will shape the look and feel of one of its upcoming mid-size vehicles.

Read: Lucid Teases New Midsize EV That’s Big On Curves, Starting Under $50K

That influence could translate into standard off-road details such as a raised ride height, all-terrain tires, distinctive bumpers, protective skid plates, and tow hooks. The design points toward a crossover that blends Lucid’s sleek aesthetic with a more adventurous personality.Timing and challenges

Timing and challenges

Sadly, we’ll have to wait quite some time before this vehicle hits the market. Lucid plans to start production of its sub-$50,000 electric SUV by the end of next year, but speaking with Car and Driver, Winteroff confirmed that Lucid needs additional funding to make this happen. When it secures that backing, it’ll be able to ramp up production and likely be in a position to launch the off-road version in early 2027.

Once the midsize SUV and its rugged sibling are on sale, Lucid will move ahead with a third model that remains a mystery for now. The company confirmed it won’t be a sedan but it said it’s targeting a launch by late 2028. All three vehicles are expected to be produced at Lucid’s AMP-2 factory in Saudi Arabia.

While speaking about the mid-size models with CarBuzz, Lucid’s senior vice president of design and brand, Derek Jenkins, said the firm is eager to take the technology from its more expensive models and put them within reach of a larger customer base.

“We’re working on our mid-size program right now, and of course, these are going to be compact, lighter vehicles with every bit of focus on aero, efficiency, and space,” he said. “It’s not going to be as quick as Air, but it’s going to be impressive, and it’s going to be at a value that many more people can access. The whole idea is to take our technology and hit a wider swathe of consumers and accelerate that transition.”

Chinese automakers are no longer quietly edging into Europe, they’re making a full-scale push that is chipping away at local brands’ sales. The latest entrant is GAC, arriving with an ambitious target of selling more than 50,000 vehicles a year in Europe by 2027.

At the Munich motor show, the company displayed the GAC Aion UT compact hatchback and the GAC Aion V midsize SUV. Its European lineup will also feature the fully electric GAC Aion Y crossover along with the more premium Hyptec HT coupe-SUV. Every model is electric for now, though a plug-in hybrid will join the portfolio later.

More: GAC Aion UT EV Starts At $9,600, Packs Up To 260 Miles Of Range

The president of GAC International, Wei Haigang, told CNBC at the Munich show that Europe is one of the company’s five key markets. “It is a strategic market,” he said, adding that GAC hopes the region will become a major part of its overseas business in the years ahead.

Growth by the Numbers

Haigang projected sales of 3,000 GAC cars in Europe this year, climbing to 15,000 in 2026 and more than 50,000 by 2027. That would represent a seventeenfold increase in just two years, yet the figure still pales next to the company’s domestic performance. In 2024, GAC sold 127,000 vehicles in overseas markets, contributing to global sales of 2,003,058 units.

Photos Stefan Baldauf & Guido ten Brink

To ease the impact of tariffs on Chinese imports, GAC is weighing the idea of producing cars within Europe. Haigang emphasized hopes for progress in trade negotiations but said the company is also preparing to localize manufacturing to better serve European customers.

“We are hoping the Chinese government and the European Union can negotiate further to bring the tariffs down,” Haigang said. “In the future, we hope to accelerate the manufacturing localization. So that we can build up manufacturing capability in Europe, to better serve the European markets.”

More: Chinese Smartphone Giant’s European EV Push Might Spell Trouble For Tesla

Industry data underscores how quickly Chinese brands are gaining ground. According to Jato Dynamics, their combined market share in Europe nearly doubled in the first half of 2025 to 5.1 percent, equal to 347,135 units. BYD leads with 70,500 sales, while other names such as Jaecoo, Omoda, Leapmotor, and Xpeng are posting sharp growth as well.

Photos Stefan Baldauf & Guido ten Brink

The Trump administration urged global automakers to “build it in America”. The Hyundai Motor Group and LG Energy Solutions did exactly that, pouring billions into US battery factories to power the EV transition.

More: ICE Storms Hyundai’s Georgia Plant Detaining Hundreds In Massive Immigration Raid

Then, last week, immigration officials raided a Georgia plant where the Korean group was working to ramp up production. The sweep led to the arrest of nearly 300 Korean nationals, triggered a diplomatic clash, and put projects across the country on hold.

Visa Trouble At The Factory

The raid saw the arrests of almost 500 individuals allegedly in the States illegally. Now that the dust has settled, it turns out that around 300 were Koreans in the country under ESTA or B-1 visas. These programs allow short-term business activity such as equipment installation and training. In other words, the workers were helping to get these plants up and running.

While some may have exceeded their visa limitations, others were lawfully present to help launch the facilities that the administration clamored for. According to Bloomberg, the move hasn’t just shaken things up at the Georgia factory, it’s also caused several plants to shut down. That’s because Korea is sending a plane to the US on Wednesday to bring home all detained workers. The CEO of the company is personally joining the trip.

“To see their employees treated like this, to the point of being banned from visiting the U.S. again, companies would feel humiliated and ashamed,” Chang Sang-sik, head of the Korea International Trade Association’s International Trade and Commerce Research Center, told the news outlet.

Engineers On Edge

According to Chang, top engineers are usually the first ones shipped over to get factories humming, but he warned that after this mess, convincing them to go stateside will be a hard sell, no matter how much pay or prestige is dangled.

“Unless there are clear guarantees that workers won’t face such a situation, it will be even more difficult for companies to invest in the U.S. going forward,” he said.

A worker who’s navigated the short-term visa process called it “completely unrealistic” to replace South Korea’s seasoned battery experts with fresh U.S. hires. He told Bloomberg that these projects depend on homegrown specialists to launch plants before American crews can keep them running. After the raids, he added, there’s no way he’d return without airtight paperwork.

Billions At Risk

The Georgia facility is just one piece of a much bigger LG Energy buildout. Other plants in Arizona, Michigan, and Ohio are supposed to start operations next year to supply Hyundai, GM, and Honda. At this point, those plants are reportedly stalled. LG has evidently told all workers and contractors in the US under the ESTA or B-1 visa program to return to Korea.

When and if they’ll come back is the big question now. Without them to be the vanguards of plant production ramp-up, billions could disappear into thin air. Since this goes against the Trump administration’s stated goals, we can’t help but wonder whether the raid was a wise idea…

Chinese cars are making huge gains in Asia, Europe and South America, but brutal 100 percent tariffs have so far kept them locked out of North America. There’s a chance, though, that this won’t last much longer as Canadian lawmakers are considering scrapping the steep tariffs – and the country’s drivers think they should.

In a recent pole conducted by Canada’s CTV News, almost two thirds of respondents said they either supported or somewhat supported removing the 100 percent duty on Chinese-made EVs. A total 29 percent supported the removal of tariffs and 33 percent somewhat supported the move. Nine percent of those asked weren’t sure, while 27 percent either opposed or somewhat opposed ditching the duty altogether.

Related: Canada Freezes EV Mandate And GM Boss Can’t Stop Smiling

Canada’s government imposed the tariffs 11 months ago claiming the measure would shield local automakers from unfair Chinese competition. An EU study that led to similar, but less harsh, tariffs in the Old Continent found Chinese automakers received various forms of financial help from their country’s government.

Sliding EV Sales

Now, however, Canadian lawmakers have admitted that the tariffs are up for review. One of the reasons is that EV sales have cratered in the country, with figures released this week showing registrations of fully electric cars north of the US border are down a massive 39.2 percent, in part due to the lower availability of incentives.

Canada recently scrapped its mandate that 20 percent of all new vehicles be zero emissions by 2026 having realized the target was unworkable. Giving drivers access to more EVs, and ones with attractively low prices at that, could potentially boost electric car takeup – or so the thinking goes.

CTV Survey: Do You Support Removing 100 Percent Tariff on Chinese EVs?

Source: CTV News

Pressure From the Fields

There’s another force pushing for the removal of tariffs, though, and it’s nothing to do with cars or meeting lower emissions targets: it’s farmers. The agricultural industry hopes that by Canada agreeing to scrap 100 percent tariffs on EVs, or at least lower the rate, might make China willing to remove its own 75.8 percent tariffs on Canadian crops such as Canola.

Canada’s PM Mark Carney last week pledged $370 million CAD ($267m US) in support for the Canola market to help it weather the tariffs. The Canola industry supports 206,000 Canadian jobs and contributes $43.7 billion CAD ($31.6 bn US) to the country’s economy, according to Canola Digest, so the local government obviously pays great attention to it.

The buzz around Hyundai’s performance EVs is growing, and while the electric Ioniq 5 N has impressed critics, its steep price tag keeps it from being the natural successor to the popular i30 N hot hatch, which disappeared from Europe under tighter emissions rules That gap in the lineup could soon be filled by the smaller Ioniq 3, though Hyundai has reportedly considered badging it as the 2 or even the 4.

More: Hyundai’s Smallest Ioniq Looks Like A Veloster From Outer Space

The sporty hatchback was previewed in Munich this week with the Hyundai Concept Three, a show car with a playful, offbeat character that called to mind a modern Veloster reimagined for the electric era, though Hyundai downplayed the resemblance and described it simply as a compact hatchback.

Could Hyundai Build an Ioniq 3 N?

Hints about a performance-focused Ioniq 3 have already come from within the company. Xavier Martinet, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor Europe, suggested the idea is under serious consideration, telling Auto Express: “The concept is quite sporty, and obviously you have heritage with N brand. I think it’s a fair topic to consider.”

At the same time, the hot hatch project has yet to receive official approval. Martinet acknowledged the uncertainty around demand, noting, “The question is always if there is customer demand? Is there a market? How do you make your car the one that customers want to buy? Generating its emotions is fundamental.”

Photos Stefan Baldauf & Guido ten Brink

Simon Loasby, Hyundai’s head of styling, addressed why the concept car carried no N branding. “It is an opportunity. We’re not calling it N, it’s not approved yet. But I think everyone in the company is realizing what Europe needs, and that’s compact hot hatches, so it’s a topic for discussion.”

What the Production Model Will Look Like

The new Ioniq 3 (or whatever Hyundai calls it) is expected to arrive in mid-2026, serving as the electric equivalent of the aging i30. Recent spy shots suggest that the production EV will adopt a sleek hatchback silhouette with a sloping roofline. Unlike the Concept Three that features a Veloster-inspired asymmetrical door layout, the Ioniq 3 will have a more conventional five-door body.

More: Hyundai Is Giving Its N Cars A Big Powertrain Shakeup And One Loses A Manual

For now, the concept makes a striking impression with its wide fenders, splitter, transparent ducktail spoiler, and a diffuser housing speakers styled to look like twin exhaust tips, which it doesn’t have, of course. A slightly toned down version of this aggressive look could suit a potential Ioniq 3 N, especially if paired with a dual-motor setup and chassis tuned for handling.

Photos Stefan Baldauf & Guido ten Brink

When Could It Arrive?

If approved, the Hyundai Ioniq 3 N could arrive around 2027, joining the existing Ioniq 5 N and Ioniq 6 N. The company has also confirmed that it is working on a new generation of the i20 N hatchback with a hybrid powertrain, and a new Elantra N sedan with a gasoline engine.

Of course, Hyundai won’t be alone in the electric hot hatch market. The upcoming VW ID. Polo GTI will compete with the Peugeot 208 GTi, Alpine A290, and Mini JCW Electric in the subcompact segment. Still, an updated version of the larger VW ID.3 GTX that will likely adopt the GTI moniker sounds like a more fitting rival to the Hyundai Ioniq 3 N.

Photos Stefan Baldauf & Guido ten Brink

Volvo may have walked back its commitment to transition to an all-electric brand by 2030, but despite that, it still acknowledges that EVs are the way forward, even if it takes the industry a little longer than originally forecast to make the shift.

Read: New Volvo XC70 Dumps Its Wagon Past And Goes Full Crossover

As electrification begins to grow and brands from China establish themselves as serious global juggernauts, the Swedish automaker’s CEO predicts that some Western carmakers will collapse.

Since April, Volvo has been led by Hakan Samuelsson. The 74-year-old Swede had previously steered the carmaker for almost a decade but stepped down as boss in 2022, only to be brought back on a two-year contract to steer Volvo through choppy waters. Samuelsson believes that “there’s no turning back,” against the inevitable electric transition of the industry and that new dominant players will emerge.

Industry Upheaval Ahead

“The industry will be electric – there’s no turning back,” he told Bloomberg. “It may take a bit longer in some regions, but the direction is clear. In (about) 10 years, cars will all be electric and they will be lower cost. There will be new dominant players, exactly as Ford, GM, Toyota and Volkswagen were in the old world.”

“In the new world, there will be two or three very strong Chinese brands,” Samuelsson added. “That makes the room for the old ones tougher. So this will trigger a (wave of) restructuring. Some companies will adapt to new circumstances and survive. Others will not.”

An Electrified Future

To ensure it can survive, Volvo is investing heavily in battery-electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids, ensuring it can cater to demand for different electrified vehicles around the world. According to Volvo’s boss, plug-in hybrids will serve as an important “bridge until charging is everywhere,” noting that it “may take some more years beyond 2030,” before EVs can dominate, depending on customer demand and charging infrastructure.

Chinese Ties As An Advantage

Volvo is in a unique position among European car manufacturers as its parent company, Geely, is Chinese and among those brands at the forefront of the EV revolution as the owner of brands including Lotus, Zeekr, Polestar, and Lynk & Co. Samuelsson noted that “the stronger the Chinese car industry becomes, the more valuable our connection with Geely is.”

“Chinese brands are already more than half the market in China, and they are entering Europe. That puts pressure on Europeans and Americans, who are competing in a shrinking part of the market,” he added. “China, whether we like it or not, will be a very big player in the car industry in the future, not just in China.”

A Chinese company whose business involves making things that literally suck has teased its first car, which definitely doesn’t. But we see legal trouble brewing because vacuum maker Dreame’s maiden EV is a dead ringer for a Bugatti Chiron, only reimagined with four doors.

The exterior renders, which seem to have been created entirely or at least partially with AI (telltale signs include the grille pattern) were shared on social media by Dream Technology founder Yu Hao. They show a swoopy four-door coupe that could easily pass for a stretched Bugatti Chiron variant that never made production.

CES Debut?

Chinese media reports the new automotive division of the company plans to display a physical prototype of the car at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas next January.

Related: Chinese Vacuum Giant Aims To Beat Bugatti With The World’s Fastest Hypercar

Though not an exact clone, the design is similar enough to make you do a double take. The headlights are different but the other core Chiron design elements like the horseshoe grille, central spine and C-shaped rear quarter motif are shamelessly carried across.

The interior at least looks more original, and doesn’t feature the vertical bank of dials fitted to the Chiron, whose steering wheel was milled from a single chunk of aluminium billet, but which didn’t feature any kind of touchscreen. That of course would be absurd for a Chinese car in 2027, so Dream Technology’s Chiron-a-like has a large widescreen tablet mounted above the console, plus a secondary display on the console itself.

Last month Dreame, which was founded in 2017 and styles itself as China’s answer to Apple, confirmed plans to enter the automotive space in 2027 with an electric hypercar capable of outrunning machines from Bugatti and Koenigsegg.

Shopping for Space in Tesla’s Backyard

The company is currently scouting potential production locations for a new plant to build the EV in Berlin, Germany, which include a site next door to Tesla’s Gigafactory, Car News China reports. Yu Hao previously posted images of the Tesla plant, along with text that said “factories in Europe are being selected for several businesses.” And Chinese media outlet Jieman claims Dreame is getting cosy with French bank BNP Paribas to bring its automotive plans to fruition.

While the Chiron was equipped with a quad-turbo W16 making 1,479 hp (1,500 PS / 1,103 kW) in stock form and its Tourbillon successor has a naturally-aspirated hybrid V12 that cranks out 1,775 hp (1,800 PS / 1,324 kW), Dreame’s car will be a pure EV.

Will Bugatti’s lawyers suck up this egregious theft of its IP, or will they fight back? We’ve reached out to the company for comment. Check out the images below of the pretend Chiron and the real thing.

Dreame Technology/Bugatti

Update: We’ve added live shots straight from the floor in Munich, so you can see the Leapmotor B05 in all its yellow-gold painted, black-accented glory. The display car still wears Chinese-market badges and the Lafa 5 nameplate, but otherwise it’s the same hatchback headed for Europe.

A new contender has rolled into the compact EV arena, making its first appearance at the Munich motor show this week. The Stellantis-backed Leapmotor pulled the cover off the B05, a fully electric hatchback positioned to compete with models like the VW ID.3 and MG 4.

More: I Drove Stellantis’ Chinese Electric SUV That Rivals Tesla For Just $30K

In China, the car goes by the name Lafa 5, which is what Leapmotor showed in Munich, but when it goes on sale in Europe it will carry the B05 badge. Production is set to begin next year, and buyers will have the option of an “Ultra” trim that adds a sharper, sport-inspired body kit.

The B05 serves as a low-slung alternative to the B10 crossover that is already available to order in Europe. It is designed for young buyers who are interested in an affordable EV with a stylish exterior and a high-tech interior.

Photos Stefan Baldauf & Guido ten Brink

The sleek hatchback body incorporates familiar styling traits from other Leapmotor products. Highlights include the dark-tinted headlights which are connected via a slim grille, the sporty bumper intakes, the frameless doors, and the full-width LED taillights that send subtle Porsche vibes.

The example that is exhibited in Munich is painted in a vibrant yellow shade, combined with glossy black accents and a matching set of 19-inch alloy wheels. Setting aside the name, the European version is identical to the Chinese-spec Lafa 5, although the latter is also fitted with a LiDar sensor on the roof hinting at more sophisticated autonomous driving capabilities.

The company has also shared photos of the Ultra trim that will be formally unveiled later this year ahead of a 2026 market launch. This one is distinguished by a pronounced splitter, a larger rear wing, and a slightly redesigned rear bumper.

Stellantis

The B05 measures 4,430 mm (174.4 inches) long, 1,880 mm (74 inches) in width, and 1,520 mm (59.8 inches) tall, with a wheelbase of 2,735 mm (107.7 inches). For comparison, the B10 crossover is 85 mm (3.4 inches) longer, 5 mm (0.2 inches) wider, and 135 mm (5.3 inches) taller, with an identical wheelbase.

More: Stellantis’ Chinese Brand Unveils Its First Sedan

While Leapmotor has yet to announce the full specifications, the B05 is expected to share the LEAP3.5 architecture with the B10. This means it could be powered by a single electric motor producing 215 hp (160 kW / 218 PS) and 240 Nm (177 lb-ft) of torque, and offer the option between 56.2 kWh and 67.1 kWh battery packs. The latter provides a WLTP range of up to 434 km (270 miles) in the B10 crossover, so expect a similar figure for the sleeker hatchback.

The automaker proudly states that the chassis setup of the B10 was developed with the help of Stellantis‘ engineering team and sports a 50:50 weight distribution and a multi-link rear suspension. The same could apply to the electric hatchback. The EV siblings could also share a similar interior layout, with a 14.6 inch infotainment display powered by the Snapdragon 8155 chip and running on the Leap OS 4.0 Plus system.

Stellantis didn’t announce pricing for the Leapmotor B05 hatchback, but it will be more affordable than the B10 crossover that currently starts from €29,900 ($35,000) in certain European markets. This would make it more affordable than the VW ID.3, which is currently priced from €33,330 ($39,100) in Germany.

Leapmotor