Rugged trucks are big business and Ford offers an assortment of off-road focused models including the F-150 Tremor and F-150 Raptor. Besides dedicated trims, customers can get an FX4 off-road package.

Despite the popularity of these models, Ford hasn’t seen it fit to offer a rugged F-150 Lightning. It’s a strange oversight considering General Motors offers the Chevrolet Silverado EV Trail Boss, the GMC Sierra EV AT4, and GMC Hummer EV Pickup.

More: Ford Delays Second-Gen F-150 Lightning And E-Transit To 2028

Ford is now gearing up to respond, but fans shouldn’t get too excited as it looks like the company is raiding the parts bin to cobble together a soft-roader. The changes are so small they’re easy to overlook, but the prototype appears to be riding on black 18-inch wheels sourced from the old F-150 Rattler. They’re wrapped in Goodyear Wrangler Territory all-terrain tires, which are a tad meatier than the all-season rubber typically found on higher-end versions of the truck.

We can also see side steps, covered badging, and some light camouflage. The latter could potentially be hiding a hood graphic as well as bedside decals.

Baldauf

Additional changes are limited, but we can see a brand-new grille with a prominent blue line. This echoes the F-150 Tremor, which has an orange grille accent. Spy photographers also noted the bright blue exterior appears to be new to the F-150 Lightning lineup.

Spy photographers didn’t get a good look inside, but the seats were covered. This could indicate they’ll have special embroidery, but that remains to be seen.

We’ll learn full details soon enough, but the current truck offers 98, 123, and 131 kWh battery packs. They’re paired to dual-motor all-wheel drive systems developing between 452 hp (337 kW / 458 PS) and 580 hp (433 kW / 588 PS).

Baldauf

Nissan’s growing partnership with Dongfeng is quickly reshaping its EV lineup in China. After the N7 sedan recently became the country’s top-selling foreign-brand electric car and its upcoming global rollout, the company already has the N6 plug-in hybrid sedan on the way. Now it seems the lineup will stretch even further with the addition of a new SUV.

More: Nissan’s Budget N7 Sedan That Quietly Outsold Every Foreign Rival In China

Camouflaged prototypes testing in China suggest a model that may stand apart from Nissan’s current SUV range. Instead of linking back to familiar nameplates, this appears to be the next member of the N series family developed alongside Dongfeng, joining the N6 and N7 sedans.

Early Glimpse in Spy Shots

The spy shots shared across Chinese social media, reveal two prototypes of a midsize electrified SUV. They show two prototypes of what looks like a midsize electrified SUV. The vehicles don’t have any emblems, and their bodywork is fully covered in a camouflage wrap.

Although the profile appears fairly conventional, the split LED headlights and closed-off grille resemble the styling of the Nissan N6 sedan. At the rear, temporary taillights are in place, likely to be replaced by a full-width LED light bar on the production model. Other details include flush door handles, frameless windows, a roof-mounted LiDAR unit, and side-mounted camera sensors.

According to user Sugar Design, the prototypes share some resemblance with the Dongfeng Yipai eπ 008 introduced in 2024, though the body panels and greenhouse differ. Given the close partnership between Dongfeng and Nissan, however, a mechanical connection between the two models remains a strong possibility.

Sugar Design / Weibo

Size and Powertrain Clues

The Dongfeng Yipai eπ 008 measures 5,002 mm (196.9 inches) long and has a wheelbase of 3,025 mm (119.1 inches), although the pictured prototypes appear to have less room between the axles. The camouflaged SUVs appear to have two rows of seats, instead of the three-row six-seater layout of the Dongfeng.

More: Nissan’s Most Crucial SUV Is Getting A Radical Redesign That Could Save Its Future

While we don’t know if the models will share their underpinnings and powertrain options, the Dongfeng is available in fully electric and range-extender forms. The BEV is fitted with an 82.3 kWh battery pack offering a range of up to 620 km (385 miles). The EREV version has a combined range of 1,220 km (758 miles) and a zero-emission range of 202 km (126 miles).

More: The Budget EV That Quietly Outsold Every Foreign Rival In China

The upcoming Nissan SUV may carry the N8 nameplate, though the company has also secured trademarks for N9 and N10 to cover larger models. With the prototypes already showing production-ready styling, a market launch in China could be only a few months away. In the meantime, additional details may surface through filings with China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology.

Whether this SUV stays exclusive to China or joins Nissan’s export lineup remains to be seen, but it marks another step in the brand’s steady expansion of the N series beyond sedans.

Sales of Audi EVs jumped by 32 percent in the first six months of 2025, even as the brand’s overall sales slid 5.9 percent, and leading the charge was the Q4 e-tron. Now the compact electric SUV is about to get a facelift that could help it grab a few more sales, including from market leader Tesla, whose global sales fell 14 percent in Q2.

Our spy photo crew already snapped the updated slope-tail Sportback version of the updated Q4 back in April, but this time they’ve captured the more practical standard version. The pair is identical from the B-pillars forward, but the regular e-tron spied here has a flatter roof and more upright rear window to improve rear passenger and luggage space at the expense of some visual drama.

Related: Audi Q4 E-Tron Glow Up Takes Aim At Tesla’s Model Y

Both are in line to deliver the same low-key visual improvements whose main elements are teaks to the lights, bumpers and grille. Audi has stopped short of giving the Q4 duo the split headlight arrangement used on their Q6 e-tron big brother, but it has transplanted the multi-segment DRL technology used on that car, the new A5 sedan and the A6 e-tron.

A new lower grille with a hexagonal mesh pattern replaces the grille made up of horizontal bars on today’s Q4, but the hood’s lack of disguise reveals there are no expensive changes to the sheetmetal. The Q4 also doesn’t get the A6’s flush door handles (the Q6 doesn’t have them either, though it’s Porsche Macan Electric cousin does).

One update we noticed on the Sportback prototype which is duplicated here is a bigger ADAS sensor at the top of the windshield. Unlike some other electric SUVs like the Ford Mustang Mach-E, the Q4 doesn’t currently offer a hands-off cruise control feature, though there’s no guarantee it’ll get it with the facelift.

What is guaranteed when the revised EV debuts later this year is an update to the infotainment system, which already features the ChatGPT-powered AI assistant that’s also been rolled out to other VW Group EVs like the Volkswagen Golf and ID.7. We’re also expecting some improvements to the electric driving range. The single-motor Q4 was boosted to 282 hp (286 PS/210 kW) in late 2023 and the dual-motor models have been able to charge at 175 kW since the same update.

But the most recent Q4 news focused on the addition of an entry-level Q4 35 e-tron (not available in the US) whose small 55 kWh battery can send you 221 miles (355 km) between charges, and a 40 e-tron with a 63 kWh battery that’s good for 263 miles (424 km).

Baldauf

Next year, new car buyers looking for a high-end SUV with a luxury badge and cutting-edge tech will have something new to consider: an all-electric version of the Porsche Cayenne.

The EV follows in the tire tracks of the Macan Electric, offering a distinct design, an entirely battery-powered drivetrain, and a healthy performance boost, all while being sold alongside its combustion-engine sibling. For now, this prototype provides us with the clearest look yet at what’s to come.

Electric Design Language

Like the Macan Electric, the EV variant of the Cayenne will break from the smooth, flowing lines of the gas-powered model. The design appears more upright and muscular, starting at the front with a headlight treatment that mirrors the Macan. Each unit includes four slim horizontal daytime running lights that also function as turn signals.

Read: Porsche’s Next Electric SUV Could Be The Most Controversial One Yet

Baldauf

Much of the front end of this prototype has been covered by non-production-spec parts, but we can make out the shape of the lower grilles, the central positioning of the main radar unit, and the general shape of the bumper. Those lower grilles will be similar to what’s found on the 992.2-generation 911, meaning they have the ability to be opened or closed.

The rear-end design of the electric Porsche Cayenne should also look familiar. Like its smaller electric sibling, the new model will rock narrow LED taillights, likely joined by a light bar. Some of the plastic design details on the bumper and the diffuser also look a little cheap, but these elements should be refined by the time the production model is revealed.

More: Porsche’s Electric Cayenne Dash Packs Four Screens And Barely Any Buttons

Earlier spy shots give us a good idea of what to expect inside. The cabin will feature a fully digital curved instrument cluster, a wide central infotainment screen, a dedicated passenger display, and a separate touchscreen for climate controls. While this modern, screen-heavy layout may not appeal to every longtime Porsche fan, it’s clearly aligned with the brand’s push toward a more connected, tech-centric driving experience.

Serious Electric Performance

While debate may rage about the SUV’s design, power-hungry buyers should be more than satisfied with the performance on offer. Though official specs haven’t been released yet, early estimates suggest the base model could produce around 400 hp, with the mid-tier S variant climbing to nearly 600.

At the top of the range, the Turbo versions could push past 1,000 horsepower, comfortably outpacing the already formidable 730 hp from the current Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid. Expect the quickest model to sprint from 0 to 60 mph (0-96 km/h) in the low two-second range, though Porsche will likely cap top speed at 155 mph (250 km/h), as it often does with its EVs.

When it comes to driving range, Porsche is reportedly aiming for between 350 and 400 miles on a full charge, depending on the variant. That figure would keep the Cayenne EV competitive with other high-performance electric SUVs, while also offering the kind of long-distance capability buyers expect at this level.

Baldauf

Chevrolet recently kicked off the teaser campaign for the 2027 Bolt and now spy photographers have caught the model completely undisguised. However, there isn’t much to get excited about as it’s essentially a facelifted version of the previous Bolt EUV.

The model is instantly recognizable, but adopts a new front fascia with an X-like accent. The intake has also been updated as it trades horizontal lines for a more stylish honeycomb mesh pattern. Furthermore, the lighting units receive subtle tweaks, while there’s a less pronounced nose with a small bowtie logo.

More: GM Brings Back America’s Cheapest EV With A Few New Tricks

The profile appears straight out of 2022, but we wouldn’t be surprised if there are small changes. This could include new wheels and lightly revised cladding.

The prototype was spied testing alongside the Bolt EUV and this allows for an easy rear end comparison. The liftgate and spoiler appear to carryover, but there are new taillights with a more eye-catching appearance. They’re joined by a classier bumper, which features additional paint and slimmer reflectors. We can also see a thin section that appears to have a black geometric pattern.

Chevrolet hasn’t said much about the model, which originally went out of production in December of 2023. However, they recently confirmed it will have a NACS charging port and “some other cool stuff.”

The Bolt will ride on the BEV2 platform and feature lithium iron phosphate batteries that are initially sourced from CATL. This has been billed as a “two-year stopgap” measure until US production ramps up.

Baldauf

We’ll learn more in the coming months, but the 2023 Bolt EUV had a 65 kWh battery pack that powered a front-mounted motor developing 200 hp (149 kW / 203 PS) and 266 lb-ft (360 Nm) of torque. This setup enabled the model to have an EPA-estimated range of 247 miles (398 km).

Chevrolet has said the Bolt will become their most affordable electric vehicle and this means it will slot beneath the popular Equinox EV. The crossover starts at $33,600 before a $1,395 destination fee.

Voyah, one of Dongfeng’s many brands, already has several impressive models in its range, but its latest might be its most ambitious yet. Currently known by the codename Taishan, the luxury SUV is positioned as a potential rival to the Rolls-Royce Cullinan. Early previews show a test car under heavy camouflage, concealing most of its defining design features.

More: China’s Voyah Dreamer Took The Hilarious BMW Grille Meme Seriously

The company released images of a camouflaged Taishan parked directly beside a Cullinan. Voyah’s CEO, Lu Fang, explained that the prototype was undergoing “intensive summer testing” and confirmed it will feature “Huawei’s latest ADS Ultra four-lidar intelligent driving solution.”

High-profile promotion

In a bid to drum up attention for the new model, Voyah recently adorned one of its many prototypes with a dark brown, Louis Vuitton-themed camouflage wrap and parked it outside LV’s ‘The Louis’ exhibition building in central Shanghai, designed to mimic the look of a large ship. Voyah will be targeting high-income earners with its new SUV, eager to prove it can match the very best from Europe.

Read: Voyah Free 318 Range-Extender Promises A Record 198-Mile EV Range

The SUV’s front end remains entirely covered, keeping key styling elements out of sight, but some details are visible: smooth door surfaces, silver window surrounds, and flush-mounted door handles. A fixed LiDAR unit is mounted just above the windshield.

It’s reported that the SUV will be above 5.3 meters long with a 3.1-meter wheelbase, allowing Voyah to install six seats in a 2+2+2 arrangement. Given that the brand wants to rival Rolls-Royce, as well as the Li Auto L9, we expect to find a cabin clad in plush materials and plenty of screens.

Powertrain possibilities

Local media speculate that both plug-in hybrid and battery-electric options are likely. The plug-in hybrid will probably be similar to the one in the new Passion L luxury sedan from Voyah, which combines a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine and dual electric motors, delivering a combined 657 hp.

Photos Weibo

Despite getting a facelift earlier this year, the formerly dominant Model Y has seen demand sagging, but Tesla has some tricks up its sleeve to help grab buyers’ attention. One is a Performance variant, something absent from the electric crossover’s lineup since the spring. Another is a basic entry-level trim. And then there’s this: the long-wheelbase Model Y L.

The L is already on sale in China and is due to make its European debut later this year. It gains around 6 inches (150 mm) of wheelbase over the 113.8 inches (2,890 mm) on the current Model Y that is used to add a third row of seats, most likely in a 2+2+2 configuration.

Related: This Could Be The Fastest Model Y Ever But Tesla Won’t Tell You

Although both US and European Model Ys were previously available with the option of a third row, it was pretty cramped as the wheelbase was the same and the feature wasn’t offered on the facelifted ‘Juniper’. Bringing a third row back, only this time with extra legroom, should improve the take-up rate and is vital in Europe, because the Model X was recently discontinued in the region.

The overall shape of the L is very similar to the stock Model Y’s, but the L’s stretch is evident in the shape of the rear door. On the SWB variant the wheelarch cuts a big chunk out of the door, but on the L the shutline is almost in front of the wheel. From the B pillar forward, however, the two Model Ys will be identical, both featuring the new LED light bar and slim headlights that arrived with the February facelift.

There’s another little L giveaway, though, one that you’ll spot even if you don’t get a look at the longer profile. And it’s a detail that looks like it ought to be fitted to the range-topping Model Y Performance that’s also due to launch later this year. Instead of a flat spoiler jutting out from below the rear window on the hatch, the L gets a ducktail spoiler worthy of an entry in a BMW tuner’s catalog.

Perhaps the L’s subtly different shape demands more stability at high speeds, not that it’s any speedier than the regular Model Y. In fact, due to a slight increase in curb weight it should, in theory, be fractionally slower than the dual-motor, AWD short-wheelbase model, which Tesla says can hit 62 mph (100 km/h) in 4.8 seconds.

SHProshots

Mercedes teased the redesigned GLA nearly two years ago and now spy photographers have snapped the first pictures of the entry-level crossover. Spotted in the distance, the model will usher in some big changes including a fully electric variant.

Dressed in heavy camouflage, the prototype appears to sport a fully enclosed grille that is flanked by angular headlights. We can also get a glimpse of slender air intakes and a more expressive front bumper.

More: New Mercedes GLB Spied With A Wild Tail Light Design

Continuing further back, the model has pronounced fender flares and streamlined bodywork that’s edgy and taut. Designers also gave the crossover flush-mounted door handles, an angular beltline, and a more dramatic greenhouse.

The rear end has been completely revamped and looks far more interesting. It has a sculpted liftgate with an angular rear window and a wraparound spoiler. They’re accompanied by bold taillights that incorporate a star motif. The bumper looks a little plain by comparison, but it sports a new license plate recess as well as a lack of exhaust cut outs.

Baldauf

The interior appears to be camouflaged, but it will likely follow in the footsteps of the CLA. This means we can expect a minimalist design focused on screens. The latter should include a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a 14-inch infotainment system, and a 14-inch front passenger display. They’ll run the new Mercedes-Benz Operating System and have artificial intelligence from both Microsoft and Google.

Powertrains should also echo the CLA and this means we can expect an EV with a dual-motor all-wheel drive system producing a combined output of 349 hp (260 kW / 354 PS) and 380 lb-ft (515 Nm) of torque. It should also have an 85 kWh battery pack and a DC fast charging capability of up to 320 kW.

The MMA-based crossover should also have a hybrid powertrain that consists of a 1.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine, a 1.3 kWh battery, and an electric motor that is integrated into an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. A plug-in hybrid variant is also expected, meaning customers won’t have any shortage of options.

Kia’s EV strategy is hitting top gear with a comprehensive range of electrified offerings that, on the surface, is making a certain American rival look a bit, err, underwhelming. Although a non-starter for US consumption, next on the Korean automaker’s product blitz is its smallest electric yet, the EV2 compact crossover.

Positioned as an entry-level EV focused on urban usability and efficiency, it was previewed in concept guise earlier this year. Despite its affordable billing, the EV2 is also tipped to feature in high-performance GT format, offering tantalizing performance within a pint-sized footprint.

If the idea of a pint-sized EV hot hatch sounds intriguing, here’s a closer look at what to expect from the EV2 in GT form.

Daring Design

The transition from concept to production sees the EV2 retaining most of the show car’s key design highlights, which blends city-friendly dimensions with SUV toughness. 

At the front, vertically split headlamps frame a technical fascia with hook-like DRL elements that sweep back across the front fenders. For the GT variant, visual oomph is dialed up with a large EV9-inspired lower intake featuring color-coded elements separated by black inlays for a contemporary, geometric aesthetic. 

Large diamond-cut wheels and neon green brake calipers hint at its sporting pretense. Other visual highlights include pumped haunches, squared-off wheel arches, chunky lower cladding, and a relatively upright silhouette. The rear has a wide, clamshell-style tailgate and angular LED taillights that intersect the rear fender trim. 

Interior Smarts

Kia gave us an idea of what the EV2 will look like with this concept earlier this year.

While the production interior remains under wraps, the concept shown earlier offers some clues. The standard car will feature over-the-air (OTA) software updates, as well as the usual smartphone connectivity, wireless charging, and a suite of ADAS safety features.

In GT trim, expect some standout details like sport bucket seats, neon green stitching, and exclusive color schemes to set it apart from the standard models.

E-GMP Architecture

Underpinning the EV2 is Hyundai Group’s E-GMP 400-volt architecture, which offers competitive fast-charging capabilities and Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability, like its bigger EV siblings. The platform layout places the battery pack under the floor and uses a long wheelbase, maximizing interior space. It also equips the EV2 with a multi-link rear suspension and sports-tuned handling.

Ohm Oomph

Exact powertrain figures for the EV2 have yet to be released, but reports indicate the base EV2 will use a 150–200 horsepower single front-mounted electric motor, with a 0–62 mph time in the mid-7-second range. 

In comparison, the GT could leverage an all-wheel-drive, dual-motor setup in the 250–300 hp ballpark, possibly dropping acceleration times to the 5 second range. It might also utilize the EV3’s larger 55kWh lithium-ion NMC battery, offering a driving range of around 270 miles (435 km). Dedicated sports steering and brakes will round out the performance equation.

Amped Aspirations

Key rivals would include the Alpine A290 and the closely related Renault 5. Others include the upcoming Volkswagen ID.2 GTI, Mini Cooper JCW, Fiat 500e Abarth and a rumored ‘N’ version of Hyundai’s Inster.

As for the reveal timeline, Kia has confirmed that the production EV2 will debut globally in early 2026, while the GT performance variant is expected to follow soon after. Production of the EV2 is set to take place in Slovakia for the European market, aligning with its Euro-centric focus. 

Would you love to see Kia bring a small performance EV to the US market? Tell us what you think in the comments below.

Mercedes-AMG teased its new electric GT earlier this summer with a four-door coupe concept that hid a 1,341 hp (1,360 PS / 1,000 kW) surprise under its bright orange skin. But its SUV take on the same recipe you see in these new scoop shots is sure to be an even bigger hit for the Affalterbach crew.

Related: You Won’t Recognize AMG’s Cars Two Years From Now

Development work on the unnamed, but very sporty utility has switched to the Nurburgring and our spy photo team was on hand to capture the electric SUV pounding the pavement of the 12.9-mile (20.8 km) track.

Testing on the Edge

Interestingly, the photo guys say AMG’s engineers sometimes enter and exit the circuit by some of the other barriers located around the long track, perhaps to avoid the gaze of cameras, or maybe to prevent anyone publishing unrepresentative lap times. But in this case, the two-row EV took in every one of the Ring’s dozens of curves.

Though still heavily disguised, the prototype gives away a shape that’s more crossover than traditional upright SUV. Think Lamborghini Urus or Ferrari Purosangue, rather than Rolls-Royce Cullinan or Bentley Bentayga. It has flush door handles, frameless door glass and a low ride height, though we expect drivers will be able to alter the amount of ground clearance by using a drive mode selector to tweak the air suspension settings.

SHProshots

Not visible in these images is the front end design, and though teaser images of the new GLC EV’s illuminated grille revealed last week clued us in to how Mercedes-branded cars will look in future, it’s likely AMG’s SUV will have a different styling.

The GT XX sedan concept had a new take on AMG’s Panamericana grille, where the outer frame was lit up, but the vertical grille bars and Mercedes star were not.

Performance and Launch

We do know the production version of the XX shares its AMG.EA platform with the SUV, as well as its Yasa axial flux motor tech. The SUV’s exact spec is still firmly under wraps, but we understand it could be offered in both two and three-motor configurations, and going by the XX’s numbers, the hottest could deliver 1,341 hp.

That compares with 715 hp (725 PS) for the 6.5-liter V12 Purosangue, and while there’ll be no comparison when it comes to noise, the AMG won’t be completely silent. It will have a synthesised soundtrack that could replicate the tune of an AMG V8 using speakers in its headlights, and you can expect simulated shifting, too. The SUV should debut in 2027, a year behind the sedan.

SHProshots

This month marks the third anniversary of the first GV90 spy photos, but the wait is almost over. That’s clear from the latest batch of pictures, which reveal a modestly camouflaged prototype with coach doors.

Caught undergoing testing in Europe, the brand’s flagship crossover follows in the footsteps of the Neolun concept and features a triangular grille with split lighting units. They’re joined by a sizable lower intake, which is divided into two different sections each sporting a unique diamond mesh pattern.

More: Genesis’ New Flagship Looks Like A Giant Minivan

The profile closely echoes the original concept, but the road-going model sports traditional mirrors and flush-mounted door handles. The latter are placed front to back, just like a Rolls-Royce.

Other notable highlights include a pronounced shoulder line, bright window trim, and a rear-mounted charging port. It’s also worth mentioning the visible part of the third-quarter glass is significantly smaller than the window itself.

shproshots

Out back, there’s a large liftgate with a rectangular window. They’re accompanied by split taillights and a bumper with a large recess.

While the exterior looks a little dull, the interior aims to be a luxurious oasis. Previous spy photos have shown an elegant second-row with captain’s chairs separated by a large center console. The latter appears to house a wireless smartphone charger as well as an integrated tablet.

Baldauf

We can also expect a minimalist cockpit that eschews a traditional instrument cluster. Instead, there will be a large center-mounted display that mimics Tesla’s setup.

Genesis has been tight-lipped about the crossover, but it’s rumored to ride on the new eM platform. It’s expected to be an evolution of the existing E-GMP architecture, and this means the GV90 should be more advanced than the similar Kia EV9 and Hyundai Ioniq 9.

The latter features a 110.3 kWh battery pack as well as a dual-motor all-wheel drive system producing up to 422 hp (315 kW / 429 PS) and 516 lb-ft (700 Nm) of torque. With that powertrain, the model has a range of 311 miles (501 km).

shproshots

Mercedes is breathing new life into what was once its cars’ most distinctive feature. The brand has dropped the first undisguised teaser image of its new GLC compact electric SUV, revealing its retro-futuristic illuminated grille.

More: Mercedes Is Replacing Its Most Disappointing EV With Something Way More Serious

Though EVs don’t have the same cooling requirements as combustion cars, the replacement for the EQC will have the most eye-catching grille of any Mercedes car when it is unveiled at the Munich IAA next month. The wide-set frame bucks current automotive fashion by going big on chrome, and also features a smoked glass-effect lattice structure between the bars.

A Familiar Shape Reinvented

But GLC buyers will have to pay extra to maximize the grille’s look-at-me potential. An optional illumination package adds 942 light-up dots, which are animated to bring the car to life as the driver approaches, and also illuminates the iconic three-pointed star and surrounding panel. 

Mercedes has taken flak for the boring soap-bar design of its slow-selling EQE and EQS electric cars, and the new grille design will help ensure the GLC is more memorable. But it sounds like the BMW iX3 and Porsche Macan Electric rival won’t be the only model to get this new lit front-end.

A Brand-Wide Shift in Design

According to Mercedes design chief Gordon Wagener, the grille marks more than just a facelift. “Our new iconic grille is not just a new front for the GLC, it redefines the face of our brand,” said Mercedes design boss, Gordon Wagener. “It is the perfect fusion of lasting design codes reinterpreted for the future, making our cars instantly recognizable.”

The change is part of a broader strategy. Autocar reports Mercedes CEO Ola Källenius as saying the brand’s reimagined grille would help Mercedes stand out “in current times, with 100-plus Chinese firms.”

Charging Ahead with GLC 400 4Matic

The first of the new GLCs to launch is the GLC 400 4Matic with EQ technology. Though exact specs are still under wraps we know it can add around 162 miles (260 km) of electric range in just 10 minutes thanks to its ability to charge at over 320 kW. Like all new GLCs it features 800-volt tech, and unlike the launch versions of the new CLA EV, will also be able to charge at 400-volt stations from the get-go.

Mercedes

Update: With the Munich IAA show drawing closer, Skoda has released another shadowy teaser of its upcoming Vision O Wagon, this time offering a glimpse of the interior. The latest images reveal little more than the panoramic roof and a few 3D-printed details.

Skoda says the interior concept is designed to balance simplicity with practicality, combining clean lines and airy 3D-printed headrests with plant-based, compostable materials that help reduce the car’s environmental footprint.

“The interior design concept of the Vision O showcases our commitment to combining simplicity and sustainability with enhanced comfort,” said Oliver Stefani, Head of Skoda Design. “The combination of clean lines and intuitive functionality reflect our efforts to create a harmonious and functional interior. It features materials and design elements that are not only aesthetically an evolution of our Modern Solid design language but also emphasize environmental responsibility.”

The original story continues below.

It’s a great time to be a Skoda salesman. The Czech company’s registrations were up 13.6 percent in the first six months of 2025 due in no small part to the success of its electric SUVs, the Elroq and Enyaq. They’ll be joined this year by the smaller Epiq, but today Skoda reminded us that its big-selling sedans and wagons are also getting the EV treatment.

VW’s non-nonsense Czech brand is teasing the Vision O concept it will reveal in full at the Munich IAA in September. The ‘O’ tells us it previews the next-generation Octavia compact, which is due on sale before the end of the decade and features an EV drivetrain for the first time.

Related: Your Insane Appetite For SUVs Is Killing Skoda’s Dreams Of Fun Sports Cars, But There’s Hope

A single silhouetted image shows the unmistakable profile of a wagon, and one that looks sportier than anything Skoda has produced up until now. The windshield is swept back into a low roofline that drops slightly at the rear, where it’s met by a rear hatch angled to earn style and aero efficiency points, rather than luggage-carrying ones.

There’s a definite Audi feel to the design, which calls to mind the A6 e-tron Avant from sister company Audi, though the front and rear LED signature makes clear this is Skoda’s work. Skoda says the concept will show how the brand is developing its Modern Solid design language for the next generation of its cars.

Under the skin, the next Octavia isn’t twinned with the bigger A6 e-tron, which uses VW’s PPE platform, but the smaller VW ID.Golf that’s due to hit showrooms by 2029, around the same time as the Skoda. The Golf and Octavia EVs will ride on the Group’s SSP platform, and each gets 800-volt charging tech, but a longer wheelbase and overall length mean the Skoda will offer more interior and luggage space, and should cost slightly less. Owners have long argued that the Octavia is the best Golf.

Single and dual-motor powertrains will be on the menu when the production car hits the street in three to four years, but don’t expect it to render the current combustion Octavia obsolete immediately. The popularity of hybrid powertrains in Europe means the two models will likely overlap for some time.

The gallery below contains renderings Skoda released in 2023 when it first revealed plans for an electric Octavia.

Skoda

The 2026 Kia EV4 won’t arrive in the United States until early next year, but spy photographers have already caught a high-performance hatchback in Europe. It combines performance and practicality in a bid to battle rivals such as the Volkswagen ID.3 GTX.

The prototype is heavily disguised, but we can see a few telltale signs indicating this isn’t your typical run-of-the-mill model. The most notable are the neon yellow brake calipers, which have been a fixture on the EV6 GT and EV9 GT. They’re joined by two-tone wheels that could be unique to the model.

More: 2026 Kia EV4 Arrives To Take On The Tesla Model 3 And VW ID.3 

While the black disguise hides most of the design, we wouldn’t be surprised to find sportier bumpers and additional body color accents. The EV4 GT could also come equipped with a revamped interior featuring a sport steering wheel, special seats, and plenty of GT badging.

The standard EV4 rides on the E-GMP platform and offers a 58.3 or 81.4 kWh battery pack. They’re joined by a front-mounted motor producing a modest 201 hp (150 kW / 204 PS). In sedan form, this should allow for ranges of 235 miles (378 km) and 330 miles (531 km).

shproshots

The EV4 GT will undoubtedly kick things up a notch, and we can expect it will have an 81.4 kWh battery that feeds a dual-motor all-wheel drive system. This could enable the car to have an output over 402 hp (300 kW / 408 PS), and some are speculating it could have up to 480 hp (358 kW / 487 PS).

Regardless of the final power figure, we can expect a sportier driving experience thanks to a retuned suspension. We also wouldn’t be surprised to find a virtual gear shift feature, which simulates shifts with engine sound effects, visuals, and a tactile sensation through motor torque adjustments.

Fun retro style and a bargain price tag have helped make Renault’s 5 EV a massive hit, and now the automaker is looking to replicate that success one rung down the size and affordability ladder. The automaker has already shown next year’s Twingo in concept form, and now we’ve got pictures of the baby EV testing in prototype form.

Renault has bolted its Twingo badge to various small cars over the years, but the new one harks back to the 1993 original, an egg-shaped one-box hatch with distinctive frog-like eyes. But instead of two doors and a wheezy petrol engine, the new one has a practical four-door layout and zippy all-electric powertrain.

Related: Renault’s Updated Twingo Concept Hints At Next Year’s €20,000 EV

The 5’s baby brother goes on sale next year when it’s expected to cost less than €20,000 (£17k / $23k). That’ll make it slightly more expensive than the most basic Dacia Spring and Leapmotor 01, and put it into battle with the €19,990 Dolphin Surf from China’s BYD and – eventually – VW’s ID.1.

Renault previewed its budget EV with the Twingo E-Tech concept, which made its debut last year and was wheeled out again at the start of 2025, after some minor cosmetic surgery. The first shots of a prototype tell us the production car will stick close to the concept’s promise. Its wheels are pushed tight into each corner to free up as much interior space as possible, the windshield is swept back, just like the original Twingo’s, and the bulging headlights ensure it has the same friendly face.

The large charging port flap on the passenger fender is a different shape, sitting on the other side of the one on the concept, and this test car appears to have conventional door handles, whereas the show car had them concealed in the front door skin and the upper door frame next to the C-pillar. We’re hoping they’ll have migrated to their original concept positions by the time the car makes its production debut.

Nicolas Laperruque/SHProshots

We don’t get to see inside the Twingo this time, but the concept had a 7-inch digital gauge cluster and a separate 10.1-inch floating infotainment screen. Renault doesn’t make a habit of overpromising and underdelivering. It didn’t reveal any tech specs for the Twingo E-Tech, but common sense says it’ll identify on a shortened version of the same AmpR Small architecture found in the Renault 4 and 5.

If it gets the same 40 kWh battery and 94 hp (95 PS / 70 kW) single-motor setup as the base 5 it should be good for over 200 miles (320 km) of range and zero to 62 mph (100 kmh) in around 11 seconds, though 121 hp (122 PS / 90 kW) and even 148 hp (150 PS / 110 kW) upgrades could be an option tick away.

Renault

Ferrari has promised to reveal its first ever EV next spring, having given us a look at the Elettrica’s (name still tentative) electric heart at the back end of this year. It’s uncharted land for the Italian supercar brand so it appears to be checking its work against a Chinese car that’s already wowed the world with its performance.

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

That car is a Xiaomi SU7 Ultra sedan, which was spotted coming out of the gates of Ferrari’s Maranello headquarters in Italy, its yellow paint and dual silver stripes – the same combo used in most of Xiaomi’s marketing pics – making it difficult to miss.

An Unexpected Visitor at Maranello

Ferrari, like every other brand, is constantly buying and borrowing cars from rival automakers for research purposes. But even five years ago the idea of the world’s most famous sports car company thinking a Chinese car was worth investigating would have been laughable.

Plenty has changed in those five years. The SU7 Ultra is currently the fastest electric production car around the Nurburgring, its 7:04.957 time improving on the Porsche Taycan’s by almost three seconds. And separately, an Ultra prototype has recorded an unholy 6:22.091, putting it ahead of everything except VW’s ID.R racer and Porsche’s 919 Evo Le Mans weapon.

The SU7’s Taycan-like coupe-sedan bodywork hides a triple-motor electric drivetrain that makes 1,526 hp (1,547 PS / 1,138 kW), sends it to 62 mph (100 kmh) in 1.98 sec and delivers a 223 mph (359 kmh) top speed.

Ferrari already knows how to make cars handle, so it seems possible that its focus of interest would be the electric platform and things like thermal management during sustained fast driving. And we also know that Xiaomi’s CEO shares an equal interest in Ferrari’s products. Lei Jun was spotted last year driving a red Purosangue, and we’re sure he’ll be keen to get his hands on Maranello’s EV when deliveries begin in fall 2026.

Company insiders have suggested the Italian brand’s first EV will be a limited production car to get people used to the idea of an engine-less car with a horse on the hood, and that it’s the second EV, which will take on an crossover-like form, that will be more significant. But Ferrari has delayed that car until 2028 due to weak demand in the luxury EV space, Reuters reported last month.

Weibo/Sago Soup/Piniluoshan

H/t to CarNewsChina

It’s been three years since the long-awaited Polestar 5 made its dynamic debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed as a heavily-disguised prototype. In that time, the Polestar range has grown to include the Polestar 3 and Polestar 4, and yet, we are still waiting for the sleek Polestar 5 sedan to hit the market.

Thankfully, the electric automaker continues to work on this new model. Roughly seven months after our spy photographers snapped it during testing in Scandinavia, a YouTuber and Carscoops reader filmed a Polestar 5 being tested in Germany.

Read: 2025 Polestar 5 Revealed, Aims To Be The New Electric Benchmark With 872 HP

Visually, this prototype resembles the others we’ve seen, except for the addition of a glistening white rear diffuser, rather than the more subtle black one. According to Sascha Pallenberg, who filmed the car, the Polestar 5 was filmed around the training area of Borussia Dortmund, one of Germany’s most decorated soccer teams.

Some players from the team even reportedly sat shotgun in the prototype for some short test rides, prompting speculation that Polestar may soon become one of the team’s sponsors.

Targeting High-Performance Rivals

Polestar will position the 5 as a rival to the Audi e-tron GT, Porsche Taycan, and the upcoming Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door EV, recently previewed with a dramatic concept. In 2022, Polestar said its flagship sedan could deliver 872 hp and 664 lb-ft (900 Nm) through a pair of electric motors. It’s possible that power could be lifted slightly, particularly since the latest RS e-tron GT Performance delivers 912 hp, and the AMG could have upwards of 1,000 hp.

Regardless of the car’s final horsepower and torque figures, it should be an absolute straight-line weapon. Think 0-60 mph (100 km/h) in the low 3-second range, if not even slightly quicker.

Visually, the 5 will remain easily identifiable as a Polestar thanks to its aggressive split headlights and dramatic rear end with a full-width light bar. The interior will also remain similarly minimalist to other Polestar models, meaning the 5 will be mostly free of physical buttons and switches, as the vast majority of its controls will be found within the infotainment display.

Baldauf

Tesla sales are in free-fall and the automaker doesn’t have any genuinely new product on the horizon ready to save the day. Instead, as Elon Musk himself hinted, Tesla is stripping features from the existing Model Y to build a more affordable SUV. Today, we got our first look at the no-frills EV that could cost as little as $36,000.

Also: Tesla’s Bigger Model Y Just Leaked And It’s Packing More Than Extra Legroom

The de-contented Model Y was spied in China where Tesla is facing stiff competition from domestic rivals engaged in a fierce price war. Images show a prototype of the budget Y parked next to a regular version of the SUV featuring the facelifted ‘Juniper’ look that was revealed earlier this year.

Scaling Back the Juniper Touches Inside and Out

But Chinese reports and spy shots suggest some of the key Juniper features, the front light bar and full-width rear light strip, have been cut from the entry-level machine.

There are some important omissions inside, too, where rear-seat passengers might find themselves feeling rather more claustrophobic. And that’s not because there’s less rear space, but because it looks much darker in there. Tesla has junked the panoramic roof to cut costs, replacing it with a simple black panel.

Other features missing from the interior include the 8-inch rear compartment touchscreen and the console found on all other facelifted Model Ys. The new EV does have a console, but it’s split, the portion between the seats ending with a pair of open cupholders just after the armrest.

What’s Still Included, and What Might Not Be

The 15.4-inch touchscreen is still present, and another aspect of the new base car that won’t be simplified, China’s Autohome reports, is the ADAS. We expect the budget Y to come equipped with Autopilot, just like other trims, though whether Tesla will reduce the power and range remains to be seen. America’s current entry-level Model Y, the Long Range RWD does zero to 60 mph (97 kmh) in 5.4 seconds and has an EPA range of 357 miles (575 km).

That LR RWD is available for $37,490 in the US right now, but only thanks to a $7,500 tax credit that is being phased out in September – its MSRP is $44,990. By stripping out some of the luxuries Tesla hopes it can deliver a Model Y at a tax-credit price even after the subsidy has disappeared. Some reports have suggested the price could be a low as $36,000 when it goes on sale in the final few months of 2025.

Geek Piggy/Garage 42 / Weibo

Kia has introduced a slew of affordable electric vehicles including the EV3 and EV4. The company has also shown an EV2 concept, which is headed for production.

Hyundai, on the other hand, has been focused on larger and more expensive vehicles such as the Ioniq 6 N and the Ioniq 9. However, an affordable model is on the way as spy photographers have caught what is believed to be the Ioniq 2.

More: Kia EV2 Spied As An Affordable Electric Box

The prototype is heavily disguised, but appears to be roughly the same size as the EV2. Despite the similarities, the Kia is positioned as a crossover while the Ioniq 2 is a more traditional hatchback. It sports an upright front fascia with a wide lower intake. They’re joined by an angular sensor and what appears to be slender lighting units.

The profile screams hatchback and the car features a gently sloping roof. We can also see a compact greenhouse as there’s a curvaceous sweeping beltline, which is contrasted by angular upper window frames. Hyundai also gave the prototype a set of modestly sized wheels, which are wrapped in Hankook iON GT rubber. These are summer tires designed specifically for compact electric vehicles.

shproshots

The rear end isn’t as tall as the camouflage suggests, but it appears the Ioniq 2 will have an upright rump with a relatively plain bumper. We can also get a glimpse of LED taillights and an angular rear window.

Little is known about the car at this point, but it will presumably have a lot in common with the EV2 as well as the EV3. This means it should ride on the Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP) and have a 58.3 kWh battery pack. They could be joined by a front-mounted motor producing 201 hp (150 kW / 204 PS).

shproshots

Mercedes EQS sales plunged 52% last year to a dismal 6,963 units. That meant the EQS Sedan and EQS SUV were outsold in the United States by the regular S-Class, which found 8,809 buyers.

The company knows they have a huge problem on their hands and it looks like they’re about to put a band-aid on the situation. As part of this effort, the EQS SUV will follow in the footsteps of the sedan and get a minor facelift.

More: The 2025 EQS Actually Looks Like A Mercedes Now

Recently spied undergoing testing, the prototype has a heavily camouflaged front end with star-infused headlights. Additional details are hard to make out, but the crossover could mimic the sedan by adopting a fully enclosed grille that echoes the one found on ICE-powered models. The updated sedan also gained a hood ornament, but it remains unclear if the SUV will also get one.

The rear end doesn’t reveal much other than a camouflaged bumper, which hints at an updated design. Furthermore, while the taillights carryover from the current model, we wouldn’t be surprised if they’re given a starry makeover.

SHproshots

Spy photographers didn’t get a good look inside, but the cabin appears to eschew disguise. This suggests updates will be relatively minor.

While the extent of the changes remains unclear, we can expect an updated infotainment system running the new Mercedes-Benz Operating System. The AI-infused software features an MBUX Virtual Assistant, which has been billed as a “living avatar” that takes the form of a Mercedes star.

Additional details are limited, but the crossover is rumored to benefit from significant powertrain updates. These are said to include an upgraded battery as well as electric motors that were developed in-house. This could improve range and efficiency, which would likely enable the model to travel more than 323 miles (520 km) between charges.

Plenty of questions remain, but we could get some answers at the Munich Motor Show. If the crossover does indeed debut there, it could be launched in 2026.