If you’re starting to lose count of the number of tech-heavy Tesla-hunting Chinese automakers, then we can’t blame you; it certainly is an extremely competitive space. Many of these brands and have significant backing from major players (many of them even state-sponsored) and are able to react quickly to local customers’ preferences.

But something all of China’s new crop are learning is that wins at home don’t easily translate into the next frontier that’s named “overseas sales”. Having to challenge the likes of established automakers that have become household names across most of the globe is no mean feat.

Read: We Get Up Close To The Avatr 11 And 12 EVs Aiming To Shake Up The Luxury Market

From what we’ve seen so far, Avatr realizes this – or at least their hiring and marketing departments do. Which is why, before getting behind the wheel of the 11 (pronounced “one one”, not “eleven”) I’m presented with a who’s who of European employees that have been brought in to Avatr’s fold. The company’s design center is based in Munich and is headed by Nader Faghihzadeh, who mastered his trade at BMW with an impressive 17-year stint.

What makes up Avatr is just as interesting, too. It was originally developed between Changan and Nio, with the latter exiting as it started to falter financially. But while the latter departed, two important new partners entered: tech giant Huawei and global battery supplier CATL.

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A True Luxury Offering

If you’re not convinced that Chinese automakers have made the jump to true luxury offerings, then the Avatr 11 serves as a rude awakening. The interior is loaded with plush surfaces, thoughtful features, and genuine comfort. My one complaint was the empty central console, as the space left for wireless phone charging looks bare without a device in there and the location is just a touch scratchy compared to the rest of the interior.

But that’s only because the heated, cooled, and massaging seats are trimmed in Nappa Leather and there are brushed aluminum effect trims around the cabin, including a Meridian-branded 25-speaker sound system ala Range Rover. And the steering wheel, of the quadrant variety, features a thick and well-designed rim, again wrapped in premium leather.

All four doors open and close electrically, which is slower than actually using your arms but makes for a cool party trick. Also of note is that, although there are buttons for the door release, there are also easy-to-spot emergency manual releases (Tesla, better take some notes if you will).

Our test car featured space for five, but there’s a four-seater option for that added luxury GT feeling. Front seat passengers are treated to their own 10.25-inch screen (the same size as the driver’s display), which can be used to play media or show other information related to the drive, while there’s a massive screen in the center too. Unlike the Avatr’s Deepal cousin, this central screen doesn’t swivel towards the operator, but at 15.6 inches, it’s large enough to forgo what is, if we’re honest, a bit of a gimmick.

As EVs begin to converge upon each other performance-wise, manufacturers are keen to capitalize on how their tech can be differentiated. Here, Huawei’s HarmonyOS shines as a system that has evidently been designed to complement the driving experience. Rather than offering a basic reskinned Android system, HarmonyOS in the Avatr 11 really offers that fluidity that more ICE systems should aim for.

More: The Hidden Cost Of Owning A New Chinese Car

Which is good and bad. Good, because virtually everything inside the 11 needs to be controlled through the interface, and bad because, well, it means virtually everything inside the 11 needs to be controlled through the interface. Going a step further than just hiding the climate control and fan speed behind a menu, the Avatr 11’s HVAC vent direction needs to be adjusted via the screen, which brings about the kind of infuriation reserved for watching someone hit “Reply All” to a company-wide email.

Those points aside, the interior of the 11 never fails to make you feel special. The Avatr’s party piece includes “zero gravity” mode for the front seats, allowing you to rest while recharging, enjoying that ridiculously elaborate sound system.

Exterior

The exterior of the 11 is an interesting one. The matte grey paint finish on our demo car, perhaps, wasn’t the best to accentuate as a design that actually looks fairly appealing from multiple angles. Regardless of hue, the high waistline, large wheel arches, and arch-filling 22-inch multispoke wheels really make the 11 imposing on the road.

The odd bit of black plastic on the front fenders is ordinarily used for Avatr’s autonomous driving tech, with radar and LIDAR sensors available in other markets. Also available in other models is an electrically deploying rear spoiler — not something you’d expect (or really want) on something that’s essentially a crossover SUV. Staying at the rear, you’ll notice the impractically small rear window is actually adorned by two flying buttresses, ala Jaguar XJS. In fact, it makes for an interesting design, which is less generic than other Chinese EVs that seem to be conforming to a rather dull mold.

Also of note is that, while this is playing in the crossover SUV space, it’s true identity is somewhat confusing. Technically, it could be labelled a sedan because the trunk is actually separated from the interior, with a trunk lid that doesn’t encompass the rear glass. However, people nowadays have fallen out of love with sedans and are totally into SUVs, thus automakers are, naturally, playing to their audience.

On The Road

While our test drive was brief, it was more than enough for us to come up to some pretty solid conclusions. This coupe-like SUV/crossover concoction manages to cocoon you inside, but at the expense of being able to see your extremities. It therefore feels like a big car with almost non-existent rear-view visibility, which makes your rely on the parking cameras a lot.

Speaking of huge, the massive 22-inch wheels are wrapped in Continental rubber – impressive when you consider most Chinese cars ride on cheaper, and much less performance-oriented, domestic market brands.

That’s not the only acclaimed name you’ll see on the 11. Behind those wheels lie painted four-pot Brembo calipers. Avatr likes to make noise about their lengthy list of OE suppliers, and while most names may be known to the nerdiest of nerds (i.e, most of you reading this), having four-pot Brembos on your EV is a flex in its own right to everyone from supercar owners to fast and furious devotees.

Review: We Drive The $7,000 Nissan SUV That’s Taking Asia By Storm

A shame then that the Avatr doesn’t really feel that sporty at all. The steering is numb, and the 22-inch wheels have a tendency to tramline in a way that isn’t what you’d call engaging. That said, despite not riding on air suspension, the ride is comfy, donk-like wheels and all.

There are two battery variants, the standard is a 90 kWh with 575 km of range or a 116 kW battery with 680 km of range on the NEDC cycle. Power is supplied to the rear wheels via a 190 kW motor with 370 Nm of torque. It’s enough to propel this decidedly heavy lump forward to 100 km/h in 7.4 seconds for the smaller battery, and 7.9 seconds for the larger battery.

There’s also a dual-motor all-wheel drive option available in other territories, which features a combined 425 kW of power for a 0-100 km/h time of just 3.9 seconds.

Conclusion

Despite spending less time than we’d have liked behind the wheel of the Avatr 11, it managed to impress us. Not because of drop-dead gorgeous looks, insane performance, or any one outstanding tech feature. But because, combined, it all comes together to offer something that is adequately differentiated from what can only be described as an onslaught of cookie-cutter EVs from the People’s Republic.

And when it comes to genuine luxury, the 11’s key points, such as tech, comfort, and interior ambience, have all been nailed. A European-styled EV with China’s cutting-edge tech doesn’t sound bad at all. In fact, it sounds very enticing. We bet we won’t be the only ones who will feel this way. The established players on the field, however, may start having serious reasons to worry about their own products. Which, in the end, will only benefit the ones that really matter: us.

Photos: Mohamed Shan for CarScoops 

The river flowing through Wauwatosa's Hart Park overflowing with flood water. (Photo by Isiah Holmes/Wisconsin Examiner)

On Wednesday, Gov. Tony Evers formally requested a presidential disaster declaration from President Donald Trump to direct federal assistance to parts of Wisconsin still dealing with the aftermath of unprecedented rainfall and flooding earlier this month. The request for additional support from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Individual Assistance Program includes Milwaukee, Washington and Waukesha counties, as well as support from FEMA’s Public Assistance Program for Door, Grant, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Washington, and Waukesha counties. 

The move comes following joint preliminary damage assessments conducted by FEMA and Wisconsin Emergency Management in Milwaukee, Washington and Waukesha counties, which found over 1,500 residential structures which were either destroyed or sustained major damage, racking up an estimated price tag of over $33 million. Many people lost homes, personal property or were displaced after the historic, 1,000-year storm, which dumped a summer’s worth of rain in a single day. Scientists have long warned that climate change would lead to more intense rainfall and flooding events in Wisconsin. 

Local officials have been on the ground surveying flood damage across neighborhoods. “Having been on the ground to see firsthand some of the areas that have been hit hardest by the disastrous storms and flash floods that have affected folks across our state, it’s clear it’s going to take a significant amount of time and resources to recover,” Evers said in a statement. “My administration and I have been working diligently to respond and support clean-up efforts, but it’s clear more help is needed to support the people of Wisconsin and ensure we can rebuild.”

Evers is calling on Trump to “do the right thing and make the appropriate presidential disaster declaration in coordination with the preliminary damage assessment — and quickly and without delay.” The governor added that, “folks and families whose homes, businesses, schools, and community centers were severely damaged by this severe weather event are counting on this relief.” 

WEM Administrator Greg Engle applauded “the swift and collaborative effort for these assessments” as “a powerful demonstration of unity between counties, the state of Wisconsin, and FEMA to get help to those in crisis after this historical flooding event…The speed and precision in which this was accomplished speaks volumes. When different agencies come together, the road to recovery reaches the people who need it faster.” 

Initial damage reports collected by the state suggest that over $43 million in public sector damage occurred across six Wisconsin counties. Residents with damaged property are encouraged to save all receipts for damage repair, and to continue calling 211 to make an official record, which will also help support the case for federal support. FEMA’s ability to provide assistance to Wisconsin has been up in the air as  the Trump administration threatens agency cuts . Recently, several FEMA employees were placed on administrative leave just a day after signing a public letter accusing the Trump administration of politicized firings and “uninformed cost-cutting” at the agency. 

Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley also announced that preliminary assessments were completed by FEMA on Aug. 22, and that Wisconsin had likely surpassed the threshold to be eligible for federal support. Crowley said that residents “have shown incredible resilience in the face of this disaster,” adding that the completion of FEMA’s assessment is “an important milestone, but it’s just one step in the process toward federal assistance.” Crowley said in a statement that “we will continue to stand with our communities, fight for the resources families need, and keep residents informed every step of the way….This collaboration helps us respond to disasters with both speed and compassion.”

An emergency shelter in Milwaukee established at Marshall High School will close Wednesday due to the start of the school year. Individuals who were housed at the shelter will be moved to the Milwaukee Environmental Sciences Academy (6600 W Melvina St, Milwaukee, WI, 53216). People displaced from their homes are encouraged to call the American Red Cross at 1-800-RED-CROSS for shelter assistance. Volunteers for clean up operations and to help staff the emergency shelters are also still needed.

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Last week’s storms destroyed Sabrena Henderson’s Milwaukee home, leaving her family displaced. 

Not only did the basement of her Garden Homes rental unit flood, destroying her washer, dryer and freezer, but the heavy rains collapsed her ceiling.

While she does have renters insurance, she said, it’s been a long process of trying to apply for assistance, file claims and figure out next steps. 

“It’s only thanks to my family that we are not homeless,” she said. “But we can’t stay in our house, and we are waiting for the landlord to do their part.” 

Additionally, Henderson is a breast cancer survivor who is still in cancer care and should not be anywhere near her home. Mold buildup could be dangerous for her immune system, she said, making cleanup another major concern.

Henderson’s family is one of thousands trying to put their lives back together.  

Impact

Two American Red Cross shelters have been set up in Milwaukee at Holler Park, 5151 S. 6th St., and Washington Senior Center, 4420 W. Vliet St., to assist temporarily displaced individuals.

Jennifer Warren, the regional communications director with the Red Cross, said on Sunday, Aug. 18, the shelters housed 39 people. 

She said since the shelter has been set up, the Red Cross has served over 1,400 meals and snacks. Workers handed out 3,400 emergency relief supplies.

Vickie Boneck, the director of marketing and communications with IMPACT 211, a central access point for people in need, said her organization is supporting local emergency management offices by collecting reports of property damage caused by flooding.

Days after the storm, calls for flood-related assistance continue. 

As of the afternoon of Aug. 18, over 16,500 flood-related service requests had been made to 211 from Milwaukee County and the surrounding counties of Waukesha, Ozaukee and Washington. About 85% of those requests originated from Milwaukee County alone.

According to 211 data, the highest concentration of service requests came from Milwaukee County’s Northwest Side and the West Milwaukee area, particularly from ZIP codes 53218, 53209 and 53216.

ZIP code 53218, where Henderson’s home falls, reported the most significant impact, with 1,851 damage reports. It also led in utility disruptions, with 2,562 reports, and had over 850 reports of structural damage.

Of the data collected, approximately 6,000 referrals were for storm-related assistance, helping connect residents to county emergency services, disaster food programs, cleanup supplies and other recovery resources.

What’s next

Milwaukee County’s disaster teams are assessing damage. The Salvation Army has teams out handing out water and snacks to those impacted. 

Benny Benedict, the emergency disaster services director for the Salvation Army of Milwaukee County, said people are still trying to understand the full impact of the floods. 

“It takes a while to figure out basically what you’re dealing with, and it seems that this flood is definitely very significant,” Benedict said. 

Teams from partner agencies are also on site to help residents clean homes and basements. 

Both the Salvation Army and the American Red Cross are accepting monetary contributions to help those impacted as on-site donations are too much to manage at the moment. 

“Today it might be the masks that everyone needs, and then we get thousands of them, and next thing you don’t know, the need is baby formula, and all we have are masks,” he said. “So the monetary donation, we don’t have to sort it, it’s very fluid, and the Salvation Army takes great care in making sure that we’re just meeting the critical needs.” 

Benedict said in his experience, this will be a case of long-term recovery for many of those impacted. 

“Preliminary numbers are showing that there is a significant number of destroyed homes,” he said. “So, we know that the unmet needs are going to be quite large. 
That could be everything from just cleanup kits, flood kits, help getting the house mucked out, basically rebuilding, and then there’s going to be needs for household items that were destroyed.”

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How to get help

Residents who wish to report property damage may contact IMPACT 211 and speak to a community resource specialist. That is also the best way to access information and referral to programs and services that may help in the aftermath of this storm. If people just want to report property damage, the best way is to complete the online form 211 Wisconsin.

Thousands of Milwaukee residents still feel effects of storm wreckage is a post from Wisconsin Watch, a non-profit investigative news site covering Wisconsin since 2009. Please consider making a contribution to support our journalism.

Next year will see Ferrari step into new territory with the debut of its first fully electric model, currently known as the Elettrica. One might expect McLaren to mirror its Italian rival and fast-track an EV of its own, but according to newly appointed chief executive Nick Collins, that isn’t on the horizon.

Read: Inside A $70M McLaren Vault That’s About To Be Unlocked

Collins became the new boss of McLaren earlier this year when Abu Dhabi-based investment group VYVN Holdings finalized its purchase of the British carmaker and merged it with a local start-up known as Forseven. Conveniently for McLaren, CYVN Holdings is a major stakeholder in EV brand Nio and even owns Gordon Murray Technologies.

Commitment To Combustion

However, while speaking with Car and Driver at Monterey Car Week, Collins noted that McLaren will continue to consider combustion engines and hybrid powertrains as its prominent options for a “very long period of time.”

The company has no intention of abandoning its long-serving 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 either, despite the Artura’s strong case for the newer 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6.

As a matter of fact, Collins noted that McLaren recently made its flagship V8 better than ever in the W1, increasing its per-liter output to 229.6 hp, a huge increase from the 185.3 hp/liter output of the 750S. According to the company’s CEO, there will be other uses for this engine moving forward, although he didn’t specify which future products could use this mill.

A Measured Approach To EVs

McLaren isn’t rushing into electrification, the door hasn’t been closed entirely. Collins acknowledged that if McLaren does launch an EV, it would likely be limited to a specific market, such as China. This would make sense as the People’s Republic is by far the largest single market for EVs.

Additionally, when CYVN announced McLaren’s merger with Forseven, it noted that the automaker “will benefit from [its] strategic investment in Nio, to deliver access to visionary technologies and electrifications”.

As for what comes next, Collins teased that the first products under this new chapter will arrive “sooner than you think.” Existing projects that were already in development before the merger are now set to receive a boost from increased investment, hinting at a busy and strategically focused future for the brand.

The Porsche 993 has long been one of the most sought-after 911s, remembered as the final generation to feature an air-cooled engine. That distinction is absent in Everrati’s latest creation, which transforms the 1990s classic into a fully electric sports car while offering a wide range of customization and modern refinements.

The process behind the 911 (993) Founders Edition begins with a full restoration of the donor vehicle, handled by Porsche specialists. From there, the body is reimagined with carbon fiber panels that stay true to the timeless 993 silhouette while borrowing subtle cues from the Turbo S.

More: Gunther Werks Just Built The Most Insane Air Cooled Porsche Ever Seen

Notable exterior changes include new LED lighting, Everrati badging, and of course, the disappearance of exhaust tips. The car rides on 18-inch forged alloy wheels inspired by the classic HRE turbo twists, and buyers can personalize their cars with a broad palette of paint finishes and optional graphics.

Restored Cabin With Modern Touches

Inside, the 993 receives a mix of heritage and modern convenience. Alcantara and Bridge of Weir leather cover much of the cabin, while smaller details such as stalks and touchpoints have been retrimmed. The instrument cluster retains the familiar five-gauge layout of the original, only now updated for the electric setup.

A discreet Porsche Classic navigation unit sits in the center console, providing Bluetooth connectivity and the option of pairing with a higher-grade sound system. For those who want a sportier layout, Recaro Sportster CS seats can replace the standard front chairs, and a rear seat delete is available.

More Power, Same Weight

The most important changes happen under the skin. The air-cooled flat-six is gone, giving way to a single electric motor with 760 hp (567 kW / 771 PS) and 810 Nm (597 lb-ft) of torque. These figures eclipse even Porsche’s most extreme 993 models, including the Carrera RS, Turbo S, and GT2. A custom differential channels power to the rear wheels, enabling a 0-60 mph (0-97 km/h) sprint in 3.3 seconds and 0-100 mph (0-161 km/h) in 8 seconds.

More: Ruf’s Rodeo Is Just Like A Vintage 911 Dakar, But Better

Energy is supplied by a 63 kWh battery pack with advanced management and temperature control systems. On a full charge, it delivers up to 320 km (200 miles) of range, though enthusiastic driving will likely bring that figure down. The system supports 100 kW fast charging, allowing the battery to replenish from 20 to 80 percent in about 25 minutes.

Everrati also emphasizes that the conversion closely matches the original car’s weight and balance, preserving the 993’s driving character.

Handling And Reversibility

The classic Porsche benefits from power-assisted steering, regenerative braking, as well as new suspension components and uprated brakes. For those who want the best handling, the company offers an optional performance package that adds active suspension and more durable materials for the brakes.

Importantly, the process is reversible, meaning the donor Porsche can return to its factory state if desired, an assurance that could help protect resale values.

The 911 (993) Founders Edition is already available to order at an undisclosed price. The question is whether there will be enough 993 owners willing to convert their air-cooled Porsches into BEVs.

Photos Everrati

In addition to developing a steer-by-wire system, Rivian also appears to be working on rear-wheel steering, two features that could significantly impact how its EVs handle. That said, there’s no clear timeline for when these updates might roll out, so current Rivian owners probably don’t need to consider trading in their vehicles just yet.

News about Rivian’s latest developments doesn’t come from a press release or a comment made by an executive, but rather from a job listing that the automaker recently posted. In the listing, it says it is looking for an engineer to join the Vehicle Hardware Engineering – Chassis – Product Development team.

Read: Rivian’s R2 Spotted With A Very Interesting Rear Window

Their work will include the product development of important chassis steering hardware components, “such as steer by wire, rear wheel steering, and advanced ADAS steering technologies.”

Given that the current R1S and R1T are both big vehicles with a keen focus on off-roading, it’s somewhat surprising they don’t already have a rear-wheel steering system. The Tesla Cybertruck debuted with rear-wheel steering a couple of years ago, helping its maneuverability on tight trails, as well as in carparks and on the road.

Following In The Footsteps of Tesla and Lexus

Adding steer-by-wire also seems like a logical development for Rivian to make, allowing i t to completely remove any physical link between the steering wheel and the wheels. Like Tesla and Lexus, it would need to add redundancies in case the system fails. Steer-by-wire would also allow Rivian to adjust the steering ratio depending on vehicle speed, something both Tesla and Lexus have done.  

As mentioned, there’s no word on when the systems could be ready, but if Rivian is only now starting work on them, they’ll likely still be a few years out. They could conceivably debut on the R1T and R1S, although they were only recently updated, meaning another significant update would be needed. The smaller R2 and R3 are also possible candidates for the new steering systems.

A recent software update intended to improve Rivian’s navigation system has instead sparked frustration among some owners. Last month, the company rolled out an upgrade that brought Google Maps integration to its in-built navigation, including features like Google Places and real-time data on lane closures and accidents reported by the Google Maps community.

However, some Rivian owners have begun reporting that following the update, their GPS systems frequently freeze, leading to concerns that the rollout may have been a bit rushed by the carmaker.

Some Owners Affected, Others Not

Several Rivian owners have taken to Reddit to detail their experiences with the system. According to the original poster, their GPS has been freezing every other day after the Google Maps update. The only way to fix it is to perform a soft reset of the infotainment system, which can be done by holding down the far left and far right buttons on the steering wheel for roughly 15 seconds.

Read: Rivian’s Lawsuit Exposes The Car Industry’s Most Absurd Barrier

Multiple users have confirmed the same issue, reporting that a soft reset is the only way to get the navigation back on track. Interestingly, the glitch doesn’t appear to affect all Rivians. Owners of newer Gen2 R1S and R1T models say the updated system with Google integration works without problems. A few drivers of earlier Gen1 vehicles also reported no issues post-update.

In one case, an owner said the navigation tab on their infotainment display becomes unresponsive every two to three days and must be reset. Even when it does work, it keeps thinking their current location is at home, even if it’s not. Another R1S owner on the Reddit thread says they haven’t experienced any freezing issues, but the system’s search function no longer works.

Temporary Fixes While Rivian Investigates

In all likelihood, a software issue is to blame for the bug, and if Rivian is aware of the fault, it may already be developing a fix. Carscoops has reached out to the carmaker for a comment. In the meantime, owners dealing with the bug may have to continue resetting their systems every few days.

For years, Rivian has gone it alone with its infotainment system, refusing to add Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, much like Tesla. However, things are changing. Kind of. As of Tuesday this week, new Rivian models will come with a new and improved in-built navigation system using Google Maps technology.

Read: This CEO Just Called Out The Biggest Threat To EVs And It’s Not Trump

The update is not quite Android Auto, but it’s a step in the right direction. The news is not so good for iPhone users accustomed to using Apple Maps, however, and they’ll just have to get used to using Google.

Google Maps at the Core

Rivian says it has worked directly with Google to create a navigation system specifically designed to support its EVs. Thanks to Google, the new system includes real-time traffic and place information. It also supports reports made by the Google Maps community for updates like lane closures and accidents. Google Places has now also been incorporated, providing Rivian owners with information about roughly 250 million locations around the world, including details like opening hours, contact information, and reviews.

Importantly, the system retains all of Rivian’s in-built navigation features. These include the ‘range on arrival’ function that provides accurate range information depending on an owner’s driving style and whether they are using accessories, like a trailer. All Rivian models can also curate charging stops for the fastest-possible trip and will provide real-time data for compatible charging networks, including Tesla Superchargers and the Rivian Adventure Network.

Updates Beyond the Dashboard

All updates made to the infotainment systems of the R1T and R1S will be incorporated into the Rivian mobile app, making it easier for owners to manage navigation and settings remotely.

This isn’t the first time Rivian has rolled out a new Google feature to its vehicles. Late last year, it announced that it would add Google Cast. It’s unlikely that any kind of Apple CarPlay support will be added in the future, even though Rivian’s system does include Apple Music. By keeping its infotainment software in-house, Rivian says is able to better tailor the experience to suit its customers.

When we first laid eyes on it, we didn’t give the Nissan N7 the kindest of receptions, calling it a straight-up copy of the Xpeng P7. As it turns out, Chinese buyers clearly didn’t have a problem with its looks; they voted with their wallets and made the N7 the most popular foreign-brand car model last month.

Also: Toyota’s New Electric Flagship Sedan Takes A Shot At Tesla Model S

The N7 sedan scored 6,189 sales in June in a tight battle where the top three models were closely matched, and everyone else was two laps behind, so to speak. Buick’s GL8 New energy minivan was right on the N7’s tail, eventually recording 6,082 sales, while Toyota’s bargain-priced Platinum 3X, also known as the bZ3X, found 6,030 buyers.

Tight Competition at the Top

Trailing well behind in fourth place was Volkswagen’s ID.3 with 3,950 sales, according to data from China’s Autohome, and there was another big drop to the fifth-placed Smart #1, which 2,324 buyers took home. BMW’s i3, an electric sedan similar in shape to the N7, proved far less popular. Only 2,270 people snapped up one of those in June.

Though the Maxima-sized N7 wears Nissan badges it’s actually the result of a joint venture between the struggling Japanese company and China’s Dongfeng, and shares components with Dongfeng eπ 007. For a tempting 129,900 yuan, or roughly $17,800, the base N7 510 Pro comes with a 58 kWh LFP battery claims 317 miles (510 km) of range on the Chinese CLTC cycle.

CHINA’S FOREIGN BRAND BEST SELLERS

At the other end of the scale, the N7 625 Max features a much fuller list of standard equipment and a 73 kWh battery that claims a 388-mile (625 km) range. Bear in mind, though, that this is according to China’s testing standards, so take the range claims with a large pinch of salt.

More: Chevrolet’s Latest Electric SUV Has A Secret Chinese Twin

Power output varies by trim. Buyers can choose between 215 hp (218 PS / 160 kW) or 268 hp (272 PS / 200 kW), with pricing and performance adjusted accordingly. Demographics for the N7 skew young and family-oriented: 68 percent of buyers are men, 74 percent are married, and 60 percent are under 35, according to figures released by Nissan.

Currently, the N7 is a China-only model, but Nissan has already confirmed it’s exploring international markets. A global launch could be on the table under a different name, potentially reviving the old Primera badge. Just don’t expect to see it on American roads anytime soon.

Nissan

Rivian introduced the second-generation R1S and R1T last summer and now the company has unveiled the new quad-motor variants. They’re high-performance EVs that start at $115,990 for the truck and $121,990 for the SUV.

Designed to be more powerful and capable than ever before, the models are equipped with four electric motors that produce a combined output of 1,025 hp (764 kW / 1,039 PS) and 1,198 lb-ft (1,622 Nm) of torque. This enables the R1T to accelerate from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 2.5 seconds, while the R1S can accomplish the same task a tenth of a second later.

More: 2025 Rivian R1S Is An Imperfect But Promising Look At The Future

Rivian was coy on full details, but claimed both variants have an EPA-estimated range of up to 374 miles (602 km). That increases to 400 miles (644 km) in Conserve mode, which disengages the rear drive unit. However, Rivian’s configurator lists less impressive ranges of 338 and 360 miles (544 and 579 km) for the Launch Editions.

Putting that aside, Rivian said the vehicles are equipped with their newest drive units. Each features two electric motors that were designed and manufactured in-house. The company added the “rear drive unit has a larger gear ratio and is built for maximum performance and torque delivery, while the front drive unit is optimized for maximizing efficiency at cruising speeds.”

Rivian went on to say the new motors are oil-cooled, which helps to significantly improve their thermal performance during “high-torque, low-speed driving such as rock crawling.” They also help to improve efficiency during high-speed driving on highways.

Familiar Looks With A Handful Of Special Touches

Besides the new powertrains, there isn’t much to report as first- and second-generation R1s look virtually identical. That being said, the Quad variants feature an Ascend interior with quilted seats, extended stitching, and fancier door panels. They’re joined by plaid accents, bronze flourishes, and new fabric on the front seat backs. Other highlights include Brown Ash, Walnut, or Driftwood trim.

Moving outside, there are new 20- and 22-inch wheels that are backed up by Laguna Beach Blue brake calipers. Customers can also get Dark or Dune Satin Graphite wheels wrapped in 34-inch all-terrain tires.

Other highlights include a glass roof and a standard Darkout Package. They’re joined by an air compressor and underbody protection. More notably, there’s a rear-mounted Gear Guard mascot with “wind-swept hair” that hints at the vehicle’s performance.

Rivian is throwing in a number of high-tech toys including a Launch Mode with a Launch Cam. As the name implies, it records your Launch Mode adventures and then displays real-time stats when showing replays in the Videos app.

Quad-Specific Features Including A Kick Turn Function

More interestingly, Rivian announced a RAD Tuner is coming in September. It promises to give drivers “better control over their vehicle’s dynamic behavior” as there will be “intuitive sliders” that can be used to create personalized and savable driving modes. These can be built from scratch or based on presets such as Sport or Rally mode.

A Kick Turn function is also coming this fall and it promises to make tight off-road turns easier. As the company explained, “When you engage Kick Turn, your R1 Quad smartly adjusts the power to the inside wheels, slowing them down or even reversing them. This precise control over wheel slip ensures your vehicle turns exactly as quickly and smoothly as you intend.”

A more useful addition is a native North American Charging Standard (NACS) port, which will come standard on every 2026 R1. It provides easy access to Tesla’s Supercharger network, although Quad-Motor variants will also come with a complimentary CCS adapter.

Launch Edition Arrives First

To celebrate the introduction of the new Quad, Rivian has announced a Launch Edition. It offers an exclusive Launch Green exterior and special badging on the dashboard. Buyers will also find added equipment including a Camp Speaker, a Gen 2 key fob, and lifetime access to Connect+ as well as the Rivian Autonomy Platform+.

The Launch Editions are unsurprisingly more expensive as pricing starts at $119,990 for the R1T and $125,990 for the R1S. The special edition will also be offered in Canada for $196,990 CAD and $207,990 CAD.

Deliveries of the R1 Quad will begin later this month and the initial focus is on Launch Editions. Rivian’s website shows customers can expect them to be available in two to three weeks.