Mercedes is developing a two-door concept previewing its next design direction.
Gorden Wagener says it draws inspiration from the Vision Maybach 6 concepts.
The debut date remains unannounced, though it could be revealed any day.
Mercedes is nearly ready to unveil a new concept car that could resurrect the spirit of the long-departed S-Class Coupe and Cabriolet. The unnamed model has already appeared in official teasers, flaunting a massive light-up grille and a classic two-door coupe shape that feels like Benz trying to remind everyone it still knows how to do glamour.
The brand’s design chief, Gorden Wagener, dropped a few hints about the upcoming debut on Instagram. He called the mystery model “the shape of things to come” and said the new grille first shown in Munich was “the spark for a creative impulse”
One of the teaser shots captures the car’s front three-quarter angle, mostly shrouded in darkness. Even so, the details are telling: slim headlights with star-shaped LED graphics, a deep front splitter, and large, black-finished alloy wheels.
The grille, fully illuminated and completely enclosed, points strongly toward an electric powertrain under the sculpted bonnet.
Another teaser zooms in on the car’s swollen rear arches, confirming its two-door coupe layout. The door handles sit unusually close to the side gills, hinting at rear-hinged doors and frameless windows.
The company has offered a fleeting look at the cabin, bathed in blue light and lined with materials that seem plucked from a bespoke atelier. The styling nods to the Art Deco era, pairing intricate details with a modern layout.
Earlier Instagram posts by Wagener cited the Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6 Coupé and Cabriolet concepts as sources of inspiration for the upcoming model. Those show cars, unveiled at Pebble Beach in 2016 and 2017, remain some of the brand’s most memorable recent design statements, even if they never reached production.
Rumors about the return of a flagship coupe in the Mercedes lineup first sparked earlier this year when the company trademarked a pair of two-door S-Class models in Maybach and AMG forms.
However, these were based on the current generation of the S-Class sedan, which is expected to undergo a facelift next year. The next generation model, expected closer to the decade’s end, should offer both internal-combustion and battery-electric powertrains.
Whether this new concept is merely a design study or a genuine preview of what’s to come remains uncertain. But if the teasers are any indication, Mercedes isn’t done exploring the art of the grand coupe just yet.
Daihatsu teases the Midget X concept, reviving the spirit of the original.
The compact LCV pairs a three-seat cabin with a flexible cargo configuration.
It features an electric powertrain and debuts at the Japan Mobility Show.
Daihatsu joins Toyota’s larger showcase at the Japan Mobility Show 2025, taking part in a series of concept car debuts that highlight each brand’s vision for the future. Among them is the Midget X, a fully electric concept designed to bring one of Daihatsu’s classic nameplates into a new era.
The Midget is a pint-sized workhorse with a big personality. Born in 1957 as a tiny three-wheeler for shopkeepers and delivery drivers, it zipped through Japan’s narrow streets with motorcycle-like agility.
The model returned in 1996 as the Midget II, blending nostalgic styling with a can-do spirit. Production ended in 2001, but it seems Daihatsu isn’t quite ready to let the story end there.
A Tiny Classic Recharged
The Midget X concept appeared in a short teaser ahead of its official debut in Tokyo later this month. Now, the model has been reborn as a tiny LCV with an electric powertrain.
Its exterior design nods to the original Midget lineage, featuring round LED headlights and a helicopter-style windshield. It also has semi-exposed wheels with integrated lights and a battery charge indicator on the profile.
Inside, the cabin adopts a central driving position with an unconventional steering wheel flanked by two passenger seats. The concept shown includes a backpack-style storage compartment and an extended rear bed, although more variants could follow. Another cool feature is the rotational handle design for the rear hinged doors.
Daihatsu
Daihatsu hasn’t released technical specifications yet, only noting that “because it’s small, it can fit into a variety of lifestyles,” and that the company “aims to make everyone happy.”
Carrying the Torch
The Midget X stands as the next chapter in Daihatsu’s story, carrying forward the legacy of some of its most influential models. Among them are the original Midget three-wheeler, the fourth-generation Hijet LCV, the first-gen Charade hatchback, the sporty Mira TR-XX, the Copen roadster, the second-gen Tanto kei car, and the Nibako mobility service that transforms LCVs into mobile shops.
For now, the Midget X remains a concept. Even so, it wouldn’t be surprising if it eventually transitions into a production model, potentially for both Japan and export markets. More details will follow once the Japan Mobility Show opens its doors, and we’ll update this story as soon as new information becomes available
The Brewers earned their first postseason series win since 2018, advancing to face the defending World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers in the best-of-seven National League Championship Series.
The LS Concept is a new take on Lexus’ flagship with a minivan bodystyle.
It features six wheels, a fully electric setup, and a spacious three-row interior.
Akio Toyoda confirmed the team is serious about developing it for production.
Just a few weeks ago, Lexus declared the end of its long-serving LS sedan. Yet, as Mark Twain might have dryly noted, reports of its death have been greatly exaggerated. The brand has revived the nameplate not with another stately four-door, but with something far stranger.
The long-running luxury sedan gives way to something altogether different, a six-wheeled electric minivan with three rows of seats and a distinctly experimental air. The once-conventional LS badge now fronts a concept that feels futuristic, if slightly absurd.
Six Wheels and a Statement
Yet that’s not even the wildest part. After all, it is a concept. What’s really unexpected is that the company plans to evolve it into a production vehicle, though plenty of development still lies ahead before that becomes reality.
The official teaser is titled “Discover” and signals a new era for Lexus. It shows the profile of the LS Concept, wearing a set of large front wheels and two smaller pairs at the rear.
The concept adopts a single-box minivan silhouette with tiny overhangs and a generous wheelbase. Overall, it looks bigger than the LM, which is based on the Toyota Alphard/Vellfire.
Besides its unusual wheel arrangement, highlights include vertical LED headlights and taillights that stretch into the sides, along with an illuminated roof fin. A wide sliding door opens to reveal a roomy cabin with soft lighting and a six-seat, three-row configuration.
Not Just A Concept Car
While a six-wheeled minivan sounds too wild for production, Chairman Akio Toyoda insists this is more than a design exercise. In a message from two years ago, he challenged the team to reinvent the Lexus flagship:
“If you think of the LS as a BEV chauffeur car, wouldn’t it become a new pillar of Lexus, with a new package that no one has ever thought of? Lexus doesn’t copy anyone else, so that’s the motto, so please start thinking about it...The LM is an evolution of the Alphard, after all, but… Will it evolve further from the LM, or… a completely new form.“
From Luxury Sedan to Luxury Space
The LS nameplate was originally conceived as an acronym for “Luxury Sedan”, but Toyoda now translates it to “Luxury Space”, opening the door for a three-row BEV interpretation. The aim is to create a chauffeured experience that still feels airy and open, even with six occupants on board.
When asked whether the concept will reach production, Toyoda initially hedged: “No, I’m not sure if they can do that yet.” Later, though, he added, “It is still a long way off but everyone is serious about it. So I’m sure it will definitely come true.”
The team’s current challenges involve achieving the trademark quietness and ride comfort expected from a Lexus, while also making the vehicle practical for the road. When asked if six wheels meant a 6WD system, Toyota’s head of design simply replied, “Maybe.”
Toyoda also wants the brand to “demolish the spindle grille for a while,” saying it has “no potential for development.” Designers are now exploring ways to “assimilate the spindle throughout the entire body” instead, signaling a new design philosophy for the marque.
The Lexus LS Concept will be fully unveiled at the Japan Mobility Show 2025. What remains uncertain is whether the team can turn it into a viable replacement for the aging LS sedan. The current LS is expected to end production next year, with Lexus confirming its departure from the US market.
Yet even if Lexus manages to bring the six-wheeled concept to life, its real-world prospects will vary by region. Luxurious minivans have a strong foothold in Asian markets such as China and Japan, but North America is a different story altogether. There’s also the question of where this new concept leaves the LM, Lexus’ existing premium minivan, which already caters to a similar clientele.
Toyota will unveil a Corolla-branded concept at the 2025 Japan Mobility Show.
The electric sedan features sharp styling cues and full-width LED lighting.
It will debut alongside several concepts designed for diverse mobility solutions.
Toyota has shared new details about its broad lineup for the upcoming Japan Mobility Show 2025, promising a varied selection of premieres across its range. Taking the spotlight is a new concept that appears to preview the next chapter for one of the brand’s best-selling and longest-standing nameplates, the Corolla.
The concept made its first appearance in a teaser campaign called “To You, Toyota,” setting the tone for its full debut in Tokyo later this month. At first glance, it bears little resemblance to the current 12th-generation of the Corolla.
Instead, it features crisp, modern lines and proportions more in tune with an electric vehicle, hinting at a new design direction for the familiar compact, much like Toyota achieved with the latest generation of the Prius.
A Sharp Exterior Design
The front end introduces a refined take on Toyota’s hammerhead design, with full-width LED headlights merging horizontal and vertical lighting signatures. Gone is the traditional grille, replaced by a narrow lower intake on the bumper and a subtle vent at the base of the windshield.
From the profile, the car presents itself as a sleek four-door sedan that could carry forward the Corolla nameplate. The front fenders appear to host a charging port beside a new vertical accent beneath the mirrors. Other notable features include a descending window line, sculpted side panels, and conventional door handles.
Toyota
The rear view is defined by a clean, integrated ducktail spoiler extending from the sloping roof. Sharp shoulders lead to full-width taillights with pixel-like illumination, and “Corolla” lettering sits across the flat tailgate. The rear bumper adds some depth with a sculpted finish and centered license plate placement.
Toyota has yet to share any specific details about the concept’s powertrain.
More Concepts in the Spotlight
Beyond the main reveal, Toyota is also teasing a collection of other intriguing concepts. Among them are colorful, futuristic vehicles intended for children, a tennis-capable mobility device for people with disabilities, spider-like transporters for moving goods, and a minimalist cab-over pickup envisioned for developing markets.
All of these will take their place at Toyota’s stand when the Japan Mobility Show opens on October 30. The company also confirmed announcements for its GR, Lexus, Century, and Daihatsu sub-brands, which will be explored in separate reports.
Lucid lessee reports charges months after turn-in despite promised fixes.
One driver was billed $2,400 for underbody scratches after vehicle return.
Some have filed DFPI complaints against Lucid and the Bank of America.
Lucid sometimes offers some pretty sweet lease deals, and on paper, they can look like a solid way to get behind the wheel of an Air without the long-term commitment. But as we’ve seen more than once, there’s usually a sting in the tail. If it’s not a hefty down payment, it’s what happens when the car goes back at the end of the term.
Back in August, we reported that Lucid itself acknowledged problems with its lease return program. The process, it admitted, wasn’t consistent. Damage assessments were all over the place, and some customers ended up with surprisingly high bills for barely noticeable issues.
Ongoing Frustrations
Two months on, the situation doesn’t appear to have improved. At least two owners have come forward with worrying stories, and one has even taken the matter to regulators.
Over a week ago, one owner posted a thread on Reddit titled “Just got my excess wear report and it’s ridiculous.” Plenty of folks are upset to pay extra cash after a lease ends, but this person seems to have a really good case.
Photos showing the underside of the Lucid Air, along with the digital invoice from the company, reveal that the $2,400 charge was issued for scratches found on the car’s underbody panel.
We’re not talking about a panel that is torn into several pieces, features a giant hole or two, or one that is somewhat missing. No, we’re referring to the kind of scratches that almost anyone with a low-to-the-ground car would have.
The owner claims that he never had an accident or drove over anything significant, but instead that these marks are from things as innocuous as speed bumps.
“Guess we’re supposed to only drive on perfectly flat roads with no speed bumps, and make sure to ‘research’ every driveway before entering,” the frustrated owner said. Interestingly, Lucid seems to have decided not to charge for the fact that the owner’s manual was missing from the car.
This isn’t the only recent example of Lucid’s lease troubles. Another customer, who was billed $585, may have an even more compelling case. According to the owner, the Lucid representative at the lease return appointment found no damage whatsoever.
Less than two weeks later, though, a third-party company carried out a “final inspection” and identified $785 worth of wear-and-tear damage. The owner says Lucid waived $200 for a wheel, but still demanded the remaining $585.
“I just filed a complaint with the California Department of Financial Protection & Innovation (DFPI) against Lucid Financial Services and their collection agency over a bogus “excess wear & tear” charge,” they wrote in a Reddit thread.
It’s pretty clear that owners are losing faith in the brand’s lease policy. “If that’s what it’s going to be like, we’re all screwed. There’s no possible way that part doesn’t get scratched or gouged – that’s what it’s there for, to protect the rest of the undercarriage,” said one. “Up next, being charged for scratches on the inside of wheels,” said another.
For now, the ball is squarely in Lucid’s court to explain how it’s handling these lease-end assessments and what steps it plans to take to rebuild customer trust. If you’ve leased a Lucid yourself, drop your experience in the comments below, we’d like to hear how it went down.
Ferrari has revealed its first EV will have a quad-motor setup making over 986 hp/1,000 PS.
The product development boss said he wasn’t interested in winning an EV horsepower war.
Gianmaria Fulgenzi described EVs like China’s 1,526 hp Xiaomi SU7 Ultra as “elephants.”
Ferrari has dropped the first details about its maiden EV, next year’s Elettrica crossover, and some people might be wondering if, by doing so, it’s dropped the ball as well. Because while its peak output will be over 986 hp (1,000 PS / 735 kW), Ferrari has confirmed it will not make as much power as the new breed of rapid Chinese electric cars.
“You can see on the market some electric cars that already have 2,000 horsepower,” Ferrari product boss Gianmaria Fulgenzi told media.
“It’s very easy and simple to create that power with an electric engine. So you can see in the market a lot of companies that have never done cars, and now they’re able to produce a car with 1,000 horsepower.”
Fulgenzi didn’t mention smartphone firm turned automaker Xiaomi by name, or its 1,526 hp (1,547 PS / 1,138 kW) Xiaomi SU7 Ultra. But it’s the car that most obviously springs to mind, and we know that Ferrari recently had its hands on an SU7 at its Maranello HQ.
He could also have been thinking of the BYD’s 2,977 (3,018 PS / 2,220 kW) YangWang U9 Xtreme, which this month recorded 308 mph (491 km/h) at VW’s Ehra-Lessien test track, beating the Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+’s record.
“But what is the joke? What do you feel when you drive this kind of car?” he asked journalists, per Auto Express. “They are elephants because you need very big engines and a very big battery.”
Let’s leave aside the elephant in Fulgenzi’s room – the Elettrica’s huge 122 kWh battery dwarfs the ones in the SU7 and U9 – and look at the other figures.
A combination of a 282 hp (210 kW / 286 PS) front axle from the F80 supercar and 831 hp (620 kW / 843 PS) from the rear motors will give “more than” 986 hp, Ferrari says, enough for a 2.5-second zero to 62 mph (100 km/h) time and electronically limited 193 mph (310 km/h) top speed. Those are still impressive numbers in absolute terms, but won’t set the Elettrica apart from the crowd.
It’s kind of funny to hear a company like Ferrari, which for years pushed power outputs, acceleration and top speeds to new highs, talking about how pointless the fastest modern cars are. But Fulgenzi is right: we (and automakers) seem to have crossed a line here in terms of power and performance and don’t know how to stop.
Why? Because horsepower, top speed, and 0-60 times are the metrics by which we’ve judged performance cars for decades. Remove them and we’re kind of lost, unless we actually get a chance to jump behind the wheel and experience them ourselves.
It’d be difficult to explain to a potential customer why they should buy your car if it made less power and was slower than the one they already have (though Detroit had to do that during the emissions-strangled 1970s), so automakers keep pushing. And for years, that was fine.
When you traded in your naturally aspirated E46 330i that required 6.5 seconds to get to 60 mph for a turbocharged E90/92 335i that did the job in 5.5 seconds, you could feel the difference, and that could be fun.
But when even fairly ordinary electric cars like the $54,990 Tesla Model 3 Performance can get to 60 in 2.9 seconds, you have to wonder how much longer automakers can keep pushing in this direction. Beyond bragging rights, there’s little extra benefit in having a car that accelerates more quickly than that.
And definitely none to insurance companies, because an uptick in accident rates is surely inevitable if we keep going. Rarely mentioned today is that crippling insurance premiums had as much to do with the death of the original American muscle car in the early 1970s as tightening emissions regulations.
Anyone who lifts weights for recreation might recognise a parallel in all of this to men’s bodybuilding. From the mid 1990s, partly off the back of the use of new drugs like insulin and growth hormone, the guys competing in the top tier literally exploded in size, shifting the focus from aesthetics to freak-show levels of mass.
It was, and still is, fascinating to see what the body can achieve when pushed to the limit, in the same way that it’s impressive that a BYD can do 308 mph. But more recently we’ve seen a huge boom in the popularity of the Classic Physique division, whose shapes hark back to the “golden era” of bodybuilding, when men like Arnold Schwarzenegger still looked super, but also human.
Stepping Back From The Speed Wars
Andrea Canuri for SHProshots
Is Ferrari (of all people) leading a similar shift in the car world with its Elettrica (seen above, testing)? If it is, it wouldn’t be the first time it’s turned its back on the battle to have the biggest numbers.
Although the F40’s 202 mph (325 kmh) top speed broke new ground, for the past 25 years Ferrari has capped its fastest cars at 217 mph (350 kmh) and was content to let Bugatti build cars that ate up a drag strip in less time. That decision in no way diminished Ferrari’s credibility in the eyes of enthusiasts.
But letting other brands make everyday crossovers that are more powerful, accelerate more quickly, and cost less, while also still not publishing any other metrics like a Nurburgring lap time to show us how the sum of the car, including its chassis and brakes, is more important than the schoolyard stats? Now that’s a bold move.
And it’s one that’ll really test Ferrari’s brand strength, particularly among younger buyers who are less familiar with Maranello’s history – one built in large part on cars that were the fastest and most powerful of their time.
Can you see an end to the performance wars? Do you think legislators might eventually step in to curtail the madness? What is the sweet spot for power and acceleration anyway? And is Ferrari right to take its foot off the gas? Throw a comment down below and let us know your thoughts.
Ferrari hasn’t released any exterior images of the Elettrica yet, but it has given us a peek under the skin at the battery and motors, which you can see in the gallery below.
A Milwaukee County Circuit Court judge has ruled that the Social Development Commission’s property corporation defaulted on mortgage payments for its North Avenue buildings and faces foreclosure in the coming months.
This judgment, which was issued Monday, Oct. 6, is the latest development for the Social Development Commission as the anti-poverty agency attempts to reconcile its budget and secure funding amid lawsuits, board tensions and government reviews.
The properties will now enter a redemption period for three months before the court can take further action, including selling the properties at auction.
“I can tell you that (SDC) is working tirelessly to be able to secure and redeem the properties,”said Evan P. Schmit,an attorney with Kerkman & Dunn representing SDC and SD Properties.
Millions owed
Forward Community Investments, a community development financial institution, filed a foreclosure lawsuit in March against SD Properties Inc., the tax-exempt corporation that owns SDC’s buildings. The lawsuit claimed SD Properties defaulted on mortgage payments in 2024 and lists SDC as a guarantor.
On Monday, Milwaukee County Circuit Court Judge J.D. Watts granted a summary judgment for Forward Community Investments, which included a judgment of foreclosure against SD Properties and SDC and declared that Forward Community Investments is entitled to a money judgment.
This judgment allows the foreclosure process to advance, according to Ryan Zerwer, the president and CEO of Forward Community Investments.
The total judgment amount owed by SD Properties was just over $3.1 million, as of June 16, according to court records.
The lender’s complaint outlines that this includes $2.42 million in principal, interest and other costs for a construction mortgage SD Properties entered into in 2020 and $687,000 for an additional mortgage started in 2023.
Additional accrued interest and other costs may be added to the tally before the properties are redeemed or sold.
SDC moves out
The warehouse located at 1810 W. North Ave. is one of the Social Development Commission’s buildings facing a judgment of foreclosure. (Jonathan Aguilar / Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service / CatchLight Local)
SDC voluntarily vacated the 1730 W. North Ave. office and removed personal property, said Laura Callan, an attorney with Stafford Rosenbaum LLP, which is representing Forward Community Investments. William Sulton, SDC’s attorney, confirmed the agency moved out of both the office and the warehouse building at 1810 W.North Ave.
SD Properties still owns a property on Teutonia Avenue that is not included in the lawsuit.
Watts said that both parties have been cooperative.
“This is, of course, a major event in the community, so I’m aware of the importance of this case,” Watts said.
What’s next?
Wisconsin foreclosure laws require a redemption period, which will be for three months in this case.
During this period, SD Properties has the chance to redeem themortgaged premises by paying the total amount of the judgment and other attorney fees, costs and interest.
“The board is gonna have to decide whether they want to try and redeem the building or not,” Sulton said.
SDC is awaiting responses from the federal government on its status as a community action agency and Wisconsin departments on their audits. This is preventing the board from making decisions on the agency’s future direction and services, Sulton said.
If the properties are not redeemed after three months, the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Office will arrange a public auction or sale.
Schmit said a hearing to confirm the sale will be held after the redemption period, which would be the final opportunity for SD Properties to maintain the buildings.
“We will wait for the procedure for the confirmation of the sheriff’s sale, just to be clear,” Watts said.
Meredith Melland is the neighborhoods reporter for the Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service and a corps member of Report for America, a national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on under-covered issues and communities. Report for America plays no role in editorial decisions in the NNS newsroom.
Jonathan Aguilar is a visual journalist at Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service who is supported through a partnership between CatchLight Local and Report for America.
Regional traditions surrounding pumpkins in Illinois; the largest collection of jack-o’-lanterns in the world; a fourth generation pumpkin grower; making a pumpkin and squash soup; sampling a pumpkin seed mole.
A Ioniq 5 N driver claims his EV’s been immobile for more than two months.
The owner says Hyundai and his dealer have given no update or resolution.
The company has not yet responded to Carscoops’ request for a comment.
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N is a game-changer. It proved all on its own that electric cars can deliver genuine driving enjoyment, not just straight-line speed. No doubt, that’s partially what convinced one Texas buyer to snap up one of the very first examples available in the state.
The excitement behind the purchase has soured, though, because at the 8,000-mile mark, the Ioniq 5 N allegedly failed. Now, it’s reportedly been sitting at a dealership for two months straight with no end in sight.
The public saga began on August 27 when the owner, William, posted about his situation on Reddit. In a thread with the title “Help me navigate the run around I think I am getting from service,” he details how one day his car displayed a red warning light and refused to charge.
At that point, the car had already been in service for weeks “with no clear answers,” he says. Notably, the service advisor reportedly told him the issue wasn’t the ICCU, or Integrated Charging Control Unit, the system that controls charging and power flow in the car and has been a known weak spot on some Ioniq 5 models.
Shared Frustrations
Other Reddit users claiming to own Ioniq 5 N or Elantra N models described similar frustrations with the same dealer in San Bruno, California. One said their car was misdiagnosed before ultimately receiving a new ICCU after 45 days.
“They are an absolute mess over there,” another commenter added about the same Northern California dealership. A week ago, William posted another update.
“After 2 months, I still don’t have my car and no end in sight. Good luck to folks out there waiting on a battery”, he wrote. In a screenshot from the dealership, a service advisor reportedly confirmed that the vehicle’s main battery was “on backorder” with “no ETA.”
Communication Breakdown
William went on to tell Carscoops that Hyundai’s lack of transparency has been the most frustrating part of the process. “Even giving Hyundai the full benefit of the doubt on supply-chain issues, the lack of transparency is inexcusable,” he said. “Every week it’s the same line – no ETA on a battery and no ETA on my car.”
The owner, who has already initiated a buyback request, says that process has also stalled: “Four weeks in, and no progress.” Carscoops has reached out to Hyundai for comment regarding the reported battery issue and ongoing parts delays.
The automaker confirmed that it is looking into the issue as of this writing, but hasn’t provided any additional insight at this point. We’ll update you here if we hear back.
PROS ›› Comfortable ride, 303 mile range, $29,990 base priceCONS ›› Tight second row, charging quirks, FWD only
The elimination of the clean vehicle tax incentive in the US is expected to slow electric vehicle adoption, but newcomers are still on the horizon. This includes the redesigned Nissan Leaf, which seems perfectly designed for the post-credit era.
When it arrives at dealerships in the coming weeks with a starting price of $29,990, it will be the most affordable electric vehicle in America. A cheaper variant is also in the works and it’s rumored to begin at $25,360.
In both cases, the 2026 Leaf lands well below Tesla’s most affordable offerings yet, the larger Model 3 and Model Y Standard, which shed more features than we can comfortably count just to hit their $36,990 and $39,990 price points respectively.
However, unlike those models, the Leaf is so much more than a cut-rate EV. It’s comfortable, quiet, and surprisingly quick. The model also incorporates lessons learned from the previous two generations, giving it a leg up on a number of competitors.
QUICKFACTS
› Model:
2026 Nissan Leaf
› Dimensions:
173.4 in (4,404 mm) Long
71.3 in (1,856 mm) Wide
61.3 in (1,557 mm) Tall
105.9 in (2,689 mm) Wheelbase
› Battery:
75 kWh
› Output:
214 hp and 261 lb-ft
› Curb Weight:
4,187 – 4,369 lbs*
› Range:
259 – 303 miles*
› Price:
$29,990
› On Sale:
Fall 2025
SWIPE
*Manufacturer
A Crossover-Inspired Design
Photos Mike Gauthier / Carscoops
When the original Leaf was launched in 2010, it looked like an other-worldly hatchback. The second-generation arrived seven years later with a more conventional design, but the timing couldn’t have been worse as crossovers recently began outselling cars.
That trend has accelerated since then, so it comes as little surprise the third-generation Leaf has been transformed into a crossover. This was a no-brainer and the model looks surprisingly upscale as it incorporates a number of high-end features including flush-mounted door handles and a dimming panoramic glass roof.
The latter is typically reserved for ultra-expensive vehicles such as the Cadillac Celestiq and McLaren 750S Spider, but Nissan made one standard on the $38,990 Leaf Platinum+. While it’s not as fancy as some of the other roofs on the market, it quickly transitions from transparent to opaque at the press of a switch. This is done in a sweeping pattern that mimics a traditional sunshade.
The dimming roof is a cool and surprisingly practical addition as officials noted it allows for improved aerodynamics and increased headroom, when compared to a traditional moonroof. The company also noted it provides improved heat and cold protection, which helps to increase efficiency.
Photos Mike Gauthier / Carscoops
Putting the roof aside, the 2026 Leaf has a streamlined face with LED headlights that can be connected by a thin illuminated strip. This helps to emphasize the crossover’s width, which has grown by 0.8 inches (20 mm).
All of the other dimensions are smaller than before as the crossover is 3 inches (76 mm) shorter, while 0.4 inches (10 mm) has been shaved from the wheelbase. Height was also dropped by 0.4 inches (10 mm), meaning the old hatchback was taller than the new crossover.
Interestingly, ground clearance falls from 5.9 inches (150 mm) to 5.3 inches (135 mm). This is surprising and designers deserve a lot of credit for making the model look more rugged and capable than it really is.
Design trickery aside, the Leaf adopts soft curves and flowing surfaces. They’re joined by hidden rear door handles and a pronounced spoiler. These elements help to lower the drag coefficient from 0.29 to 0.26.
Rounding out the highlights are 18- or 19-inch wheels and an available motion-activated power liftgate. The model also offers a stylish two-tone paint job as well as 3D holographic taillights. The latter have a “2-3” iconography, which is pronounced as “ni-san” in Japanese.
A Nice, But Cramped Cabin
Nissan adopted a ‘class above’ strategy for the latest Leaf and that’s clearly visible inside as the model feels surprisingly premium. That’s certainly true of our range-topping Platinum+ tester, which features dual 14.3-inch screens as well as a bright heads-up display.
They’re joined by heated Zero Gravity front seats that are wrapped in TailorFit upholstery. Nissan says the covering is softer than traditional leather, while also being more durable and eco-friendly as it’s made with 65% recycled materials.
The front seats are nicely bolstered and feature an interesting pattern that helps to elevate the cabin. They’re joined by power adjustment and lumbar support, making it easy to get comfortable.
Unfortunately, the rear seats leave a lot to be desired as legroom was tight for this 6’2” scribe. There’s a mere 31.8 inches (808 mm) of real estate, although the model offers plenty of headroom. While things are a mixed bag, the rear seats are heated and occupants will find two USB-C charging ports as well as air vents.
Speaking of space, the Leaf holds 20 cubic feet (566 liters) of luggage behind the second-row. That can easily be expanded to 55.5 cubic feet (1,572 liters) by pulling the releases on the second-row, which are accessible from the cargo area.
While there’s a decent amount of cargo room, the Leaf trails the Kona Electric and Niro EV by 8.2 cubic feet (232 liters). Both models also have a far more spacious second-row with over 36 inches (914 mm) of legroom.
Moving back up front, the Leaf sports a perfectly positioned wireless smartphone charger and a Bose premium audio system with speakers integrated into the front headrests. Other highlights include a frameless auto-dimming rearview mirror, a 64-color ambient lighting system, and a heated steering wheel.
The 14.3-inch infotainment system is fast and responsive, and features Google built-in. This provides easy access to Google Maps, Google Assistant, and the Google Play Store. The latter is worth mentioning as owners can download entertainment apps such as Prime Video and HBO Max. They can then watch movies or shows on the infotainment system, while their vehicle recharges.
Photos Mike Gauthier / Carscoops
The Google integration provides other perks as it makes long distance trips far less stressful. Once users enter their destination, Google Maps will recommend charging stops along the route and estimate how much charge they’ll have left once they arrive. Users can also adjust their desired charge level, so you could arrive at your hotel with an 80% charge instead of 30%.
Nissan continues to embrace ‘digital’ switchgear and there’s a row of high-tech climate controls below the infotainment system. I’ve had mixed feelings about these in the past, but the company has been working to improve them and they feel more natural than those found on the Murano.
Further below, there’s a push button shifter and dedicated audio controls. Buyers will also find a camera button, which offers a dizzying array of options. Highlights include a new Front Wide View, an Invisible Hood View, and an Intelligent Around View Monitor. The latter offers eight different angles, so you can see a virtual representation of the Leaf in its real-world environment.
Photos Mike Gauthier / Carscoops
Despite its affordable price tag, the cabin feels relatively upscale as there are soft touch plastics, metallic accents, and a stylish cloth accent on the dashboard. Controls are also intuitively laid out and fairly conventional.
That might sound minor, but EVs used to be purposely weird. This is no longer the case and the traditional approach should make the crossover more appealing to newcomers. That’s important as Nissan is expecting roughly 75% of Leaf buyers to be new to EVs, and they want to make the transition as easy as possible.
An Impressive Powertrain With 303 Miles Of Range
Electric vehicles have been getting better and that’s especially true of the Leaf, which can now travel up to 303 miles (488 km) on a single charge. That’s 91 miles (146 km) more than its predecessor and a whopping 230 miles (370 km) more than the first-generation EV.
A large part of this is due to the car’s new 75 kWh battery pack, which is significantly bigger than the previous 40 and 60 kWh options. It will eventually be joined by a smaller 52 kWh battery, which will power the entry-level S trim and be paired with a motor developing 174 hp (130 kW / 177 PS) and 254 lb-ft (344 Nm) of torque.
The rest of the lineup uses the 75 kWh battery as well as a motor producing 214 hp (160 kW / 218 PS) and 261 lb-ft (353 Nm) of torque. That’s 11 lb-ft (15 Nm) more than the old model, but you’re looking at a weight gain of around 331 lbs (150 kg).
Photos Mike Gauthier / Carscoops
While the S+ breaks the 300 mile (483 km) mark, the mid-level SV+ has 288 miles (463 km) of range. That drops to 259 miles (417 km) on the Platinum+, largely due to its 19-inch wheels. However, even in range-topping guise, the model offers 47 miles (76 km) more range than its predecessor.
Of course, most people travel less than 40 miles (64 km) per day. This means many owners could go a week without charging, so range anxiety shouldn’t be an issue.
That’s especially true nowadays as the Leaf features a NACS charging port and access to the Tesla Supercharger network. The latter consists of more than 20,000 fast chargers in the United States and they’re supported by a Plug & Charge capability.
Oddly enough, the NACS port is DC-only. For home charging, there’s a CCS (J1772) port on the driver’s side. This is a strange setup, but the Leaf was already in development when automakers started adopting the NACS standard so it’s kind of a half step.
Quirks aside, the Leaf has a 150 kW DC fast charging capability and this will enable the battery to go from a 10% to 80% charge in 35 minutes. Buyers will also find an improved 7.2 kW onboard charger and a portable charging cable that has 120V and 240V plugs.
The Leaf comes standard with a vehicle-to-load capability that transforms the EV into a giant battery pack. An adaptor can plug into the CCS port and provide 1,500 watts of power. The Platinum+ also offers a 120V outlet in the cargo area, which allows the car to put out a combined 3,450 watts. This should make the Leaf pretty handy during power outages and camping trips.
Getting back to the battery, Nissan focused on improved cold weather performance. As part of this effort, the battery is insulated and features an enhanced thermal management system. The model also captures waste heat from the motor and on-board charger, and repurposes it to warm the battery. This helps to increase range and charging performance.
On the topic of cold climates, the SV+ and Platinum+ offer a dedicated battery heater for $300. Those two trims also come with a heat pump, which warms the cabin more efficiently.
A Well-Rounded EV
While the Leaf is no lightweight, its 214 hp (160 kW / 218 PS) electric motor propels it with ease. It’s reasonably quick off the line and the motor’s instantaneous response further enhances the experience.
If you floor it, you’ll get a bit of torque steer. However, the overall experience is well-rounded and should feel familiar to those coming from ICE-powered vehicles.
Despite being around for nearly two decades, the 2026 Leaf is the first to ride on a dedicated electric vehicle platform. It’s the CMF-EV architecture, which also underpins the Ariya.
Michael Gauthier / Carscoops
This helps to deliver “segment above comfort” and the effort is aided by a new multi-link rear suspension, which reduces impact stiffness by nearly 30%. It replaces the old torsion beam setup and delivers a refined ride quality that soaks up road imperfections without making a fuss.
The good manners extend to the power steering system, which feels responsive and nicely weighted. However, there isn’t much joy to be had and it comes off a little lifeless.
The driving experience can be adjusted by a switch on the dash, which offers Normal, Sport, Eco, and Personal settings. The latter is customizable and offers two steering options, three acceleration profiles, and four levels of regenerative braking.
Speaking of the latter, there’s an E-Step button on the dash that significantly ramps up the regenerative braking. It takes a little getting used to, but the learning curve is relatively quick.
Thanks to the various settings, it’s easy to tailor the Leaf to your liking. This means owners can get everything from an ICE-like experience to a more traditional EV setup. That being said, there are limits and the crossover favors comfort over sport.
Suburban streets in southeast Michigan didn’t provide the most engaging driving route, but the Leaf felt secure and capable in corners. This comes despite the Platinum+’s 4,369 lbs (1,982 kg) of mass, which is roughly 1,300 lbs (590 kg) more than the similarly sized Kicks. While it’s undoubtedly porky, you don’t really get a sense of the crossover’s weight unless you really push it.
Around town, the Leaf is surprisingly comfortable and quiet. There is a little bit of wind noise at higher speeds, but the overall experience is relatively hushed.
A Value-Focused EV That Doesn’t Feel Cheap
All of this adds up to a compelling electric vehicle that’s comfortable and features a stylish new design. The $29,990 base price is also impossible to ignore, especially in the post tax credit era. As Nissan recently noted, the 2026 Leaf is actually $2,790 cheaper than the 2011 model despite tariffs, inflation, and 15 years of change.
While the base model comes nicely equipped, the sweet spot is the $34,230 SV+. It features heated TailorFit front seats as well as 14.3-inch displays. They’re joined by a wireless smartphone charger, a six-speaker audio system, and a host of driver assistance systems including ProPILOT Assist.
The Leaf also compares favorably to key competitors as it costs a whopping $9,610 less than the 2025 Kia Niro EV, despite offering an extra 50 miles (80 km) of range. The model also undercuts the Hyundai Kona Electric by $2,985 and can travel an additional 103 miles (166 km).
However, the biggest X factor is the reborn Chevrolet Bolt. It starts at $29,990 including a $1,395 destination fee, which means it undercuts the Leaf by $1,495. The company has also announced plans for an even cheaper variant that will arrive later for $28,995. That sounds pretty compelling, but the Bolt only provides an estimated 255 miles (410 km) of range.
Hyundai has also drastically cut prices for the 2026 Ioniq 5, dropping the model down to $35,000. That’s roughly the same as the mid-level SV+, which could make it an interesting alternative.
Competition aside, the Leaf is a fantastic car and a great electric vehicle. It builds on its predecessors, while also introducing a number of notable improvements. While we wish there was more second-row legroom and an all-wheel drive option, the redesigned model is a big step forward and one that will likely attract EV fans as well as new converts.
Lamborghini needs to make a call on its Lanzador crossover.
The fourth model was promised as the brand’s first ever EV.
But Lambo is now edging towards a switch to plug-in-power.
The all-electric age at Lamborghini might be about to short out before it even starts. After promising the Lanzador as its first-ever dedicated battery-electric model, the Italian marque is now wavering and could instead launch its high-riding GT as a plug-in hybrid.
According to multiple news reports, Sant’Agata will make the call within weeks on whether its sleek 2+2 grand tourer goes full battery or blends volts with V8 thunder in preparation for its production debut at the end of this decade.
Unveiled as a concept in 2023 as a rolling preview of Lamborghini’s electric future, the Lanzador looked like a mashup of the Urus SUV and Huracan Sterrato supercar, showcasing sci-fi surfacing and promising more power than a small solar farm.
Lambo claimed over 1 MW (1,350 hp / 1,369 PS) of output and next-gen 980-volt tech, pitching it as a figurehead for its post-gasoline ambitions. But somewhere between the concept stand and the balance sheet, reality hit. Lamborghini boss Stephan Winkelmann now admits the brand is rethinking the plan.
“We could do a BEV, but I think it is a bad offer for the next few years,” he told Autocar, adding that Lambo buyers “don’t see BEVs as an alternative today.”
Photos Lamborghini
If the decision tips hybrid, expect some familiar hardware under the skin. The plug-in systems from the new Temerario and Urus SE are ready-made for the job, combining a twin-turbo V8 with electric assist for both punch and conscience-soothing emissions.
A move to PHEV power for the Lanzador would put Lamborghini slightly out of sync with Ferrari, which is preparing to unveil its first EV, the Elettrica crossover, soon.
But this isn’t exactly a company afraid to be loud or different. And Winkelmann is the kind of level-headed, pragmatic boss who goes where the money takes him.
“‘It’s not important what you can achieve in technology, it’s important what the customer wants,” the Lamborghini boss told Car Magazine recently.
Which powertrain would you give the green light to if you were in Winkelmann’s pointy shoes?
Although President Donald Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” offers new tax deductions and credits across different income levels, low-income households – the bottom 20% of income earners – are largely excluded from any significant tax benefits.
“It’s particularly shocking because the law is so big,” said Elaine Maag, a senior fellow at The Urban-Brookings Tax Policy Center. “Typically, when trillions of dollars are spent, you see it really spread across the income distribution.”
The bill was signed into law over the summer.
Benefits that people with low incomes do receive may be outweighed when considered alongside other provisions in the bill, said Andrew Reschovsky, professor emeritus of public affairs and applied economics at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
“This is the dilemma – if you count those things in with the tax side, the net will be that a lot of people are going to be worse off.”
Credits and deductions
A credit is an amount subtracted directly from the tax you owe while a deduction reduces the amount of income that can be taxed. Both can help keep more money in taxpayers’ pockets.
The bill establishes new credits and deductions.
The bill increases the:
Child Tax Credit from $2,000 per qualifying child to $2,200.
Child and Dependent Care Credit, which allows taxpayers to subtract certain costs associated with caring for children under 13 or dependents incapable of self-care.
The bill introduces new deductions for:
Workers in jobs where tips are common, allowing them to deduct up to $25,000 of tip income.
Individuals who work overtime, allowing them to deduct up to $12,500 of overtime pay.
People 65 and older, allowing them to deduct $6,000.
Limitations
These changes may appear to help people who are financially struggling. But the bill affects federal taxes, so its new deductions and credits apply only to income taxable by the federal government.
People with low income generally owe little or no federal income tax.
Older low-income adults, for example, often rely primarily or entirely on Social Security benefits and are generally not subject to federal taxes. This means that a new $6,000 deduction would not benefit them, Rechovsky said.
Rechovsky noted other reasons the new deductions are misleading or extremely narrow.
“Yes, you’re a waiter and you benefit from not paying taxes on your tips,” he said. “But take someone in the same income range who works as a home health care worker – they don’t benefit at all.”
Reschovsky also questions how those with low incomes would benefit from reducing the amount owed on overtime pay.
“One of the reasons some people are low-income is that they’re lucky to get a 40-hour workweek,” he said.
The same limitation applies to the new credits.
An analysis by Maag estimates that in 2025 about 17 million children under 17 – or one in four – will receive less than the full value of the Child Tax Credit because their parents earn too little.
The bill also changes which families qualify based on citizenship status.
The Child Tax Credit will be limited to children who are U.S. citizens and have at least one parent with a valid Social Security number.
About 2 million U.S. citizen children will lose their Child Tax Credit because of this new requirement, Maag wrote, citing an analysis from the Joint Committee on Taxation.
Safety nets
One benefit to people with low incomes from the bill is that it makes permanent many provisions from the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, including lower income tax rates and larger standard deductions.
“It’s true across the board that if taxes go down, your income after taxes goes up,” Reschovsky said.
But for those with low incomes, the increase is minimal and will likely be outweighed by changes to Medicaid, premium subsidies provided by the Affordable Care Act and changes to SNAP.
“It’s just that classic view … that, ‘Well, these people are just sucking on the teat of the federal government, so we’re going to just make it as hard as possible for them to do that, because they’re just freeloaders,’” said Anthony Myers, program director of the Riverworks Financial Clinic.
Where to get help
For people with incomes under $67,000, free tax assistance is available through programs such as the IRS’ Volunteer Income Tax Assistance, or VITA.
Attorneys from liberal firms are urging the Wisconsin Supreme Court to quickly appoint a three-judge panel to hear lawsuits claiming the state's congressional districts are gerrymandered and should be redrawn before the 2026 election.
A new study on Lake Beulah in southeastern Wisconsin indicates that wake boats should operate in deeper waters and farther from the shore to reduce impacts to the lake bottom and shoreline.
On Wednesday, a family in Wisconsin filed a lawsuit against the video game giant Roblox, alleging that it failed to protect their child from abuse. A researcher focusing on adolescent internet use gives advice for parents on how to navigate platforms like these.
Login
