A growing number of Chinese electric vehicles are drawing comparisons to the Porsche Taycan, but a new contender might be the most convincing lookalike yet. While Xiaomi’s SU7 has already been called out for its resemblance to the sleek German sports sedan, another EV is preparing to enter the scene that arguably takes it a step further.

This new model, the Z7, is being developed by HIMA and will be sold under the SAIC nameplate, also known domestically as Shangjie.

Read: VW And SAIC Extend Deal To 2040, Plan New Hybrids And Range-Extender EVs

For those less familiar, HIMA stands for Harmony Intelligence Mobility Alliance. It’s an initiative led by Chinese tech heavyweight Huawei in partnership with several local automakers including Seres, Chery, BAIC, JAC, and SAIC. Vehicles under this umbrella are marketed through several brands, including Aito, Luxeed, Stelato, Maextro, and SAIC itself.

Does This Look Familiar?

An intriguing teaser image released by HIMA reveals that the new Z7’s side profile will also be the spitting image of a Porsche Taycan. Like the German sedan, the Z7 has a sleek and elegant shape with flush door handles and sculpted rear fenders. The shape of the rear, rear window, and taillights looks like the spitting image of the Taycan’s. Heck, even the doors themselves look exactly like the Porsches.

HIMA released a darkened teaser image hinting at the Z7’s design, and it doesn’t leave much to the imagination. The car’s side profile bears a strong resemblance to the Taycan, right down to its smooth, coupe-like roofline, flush door handles, and pronounced rear fenders.

The tail section, including the rear window and light bar, also mirrors Porsche’s design language so closely it borders on mimicry. Even the door shapes look eerily familiar.

For what it’s worth, there are some differences, at least up front. The Z7’s headlights are styled quite differently, and a prominent LiDAR unit sits just above the windshield, suggesting the car may prioritize advanced driver assistance or autonomous capabilities.

An Estate Variant in the Works Too

Chinese automotive site Autohome has also tracked down a camouflaged prototype of what appears to be an estate version of the Z7. Only one image has surfaced so far, but it’s enough to draw clear parallels with the Porsche Taycan Sport Turismo. The overall stance, roofline, and rear proportions seem closely aligned.

No specifications for the Z7 have been released, so it remains to be seen how HIMA plans to position the vehicle. It could go head-to-head with Xiaomi’s SU7 in terms of performance, or it may aim for a higher price point, with a more premium market in mind.

Whatever the case may be, the Z7 will almost certainly undercut the Porsche Taycan in price. The Taycan starts at around 1 million yuan, or more than $140,000. In contrast, the Xiaomi SU7 starts at just 215,900 yuan, roughly $30,000. Expect the Z7 to land somewhere in that range, offering the Taycan’s silhouette at a fraction of the cost.

We broke the news on Kosmera’s big debut last week and now the company has revealed they’re actually bringing two cars to CES. While we’ve already seen the Porsche-esque sedan or liftback, the company also announced plans to show a “new energy hypercar.”

The startup isn’t saying much at this point, but promised the model will “blend classic supercar heritage with next-generation technology.” They went on to say both vehicles will be “stunning to behold, thrilling to drive, and exhilarating to enjoy.”

More: A Mystery Brand Called Kosmera Is Coming To CES

That’s not a lot to go on, but the teaser image suggests the hypercar will have a prominent grille that gives off Alfa Romeo and Bugatti vibes. We can also see curvaceous fenders, a sloping roof, and a sizeable rear spoiler.

The company added the car will have a high-performance powertrain that produces up to 469 hp (350 kW / 476 PS) per wheel. This means we’re looking at a combined output of up to 1,877 hp (1,400 kW / 1,903 PS).

Kosmera went on to say we can expect a nearly 1:1 power-to-weight ratio as well as a high-tech chassis that uses “aerospace-grade composites” as well as 3D-printed metals. This is said to give the hypercar “exceptional torsional stiffness.”

We can also expect an AI Coach, which is designed to turn normal drivers into experts on the track. As part of this effort, the car will apparently use an augmented reality heads-up display to show drivers the ideal racing line.

Kosmera added the model will have a “revolutionary active linear motor suspension system, which is planned to seamlessly transition between a smooth ‘zero-sensation’ ride and a rigid, race-ready chassis setup.” It will be accompanied by a mysterious “dual-steering-wheel unlock mechanism,” which provides further adaptability.

Before you get too excited, the models are being referred to as prototypes and static display vehicles, which will showcase the company’s exterior and interior design chops. These are intended to compete in the premium segment, although the company didn’t mention production plans or availability.

There’s another caveat. It’s unlikely that the cars will be offered stateside as we’ve previously discovered the Kosmera name was trademarked by China’s Xing Chen Future Automotive Technology Co Ltd. This suggests the closest Americans will get to seeing one of these vehicles will be at CES.

Hyundai is gearing up to unveil what it calls “the world premiere of its biggest EV yet” at the Brussels Motor Show on January 9. Billed as a major new entry in the company’s global lineup, the model is expected to go larger than the Ioniq 9 crossover, although for now, that’s just about all Hyundai is officially saying.

A single teaser image provides the only visual clue. Still, it strongly suggests what many have already guessed: an all-electric version of the futuristic-looking Staria minivan.

More: Hyundai Gave Its Futuristic Minivan A Makeover Where It Matters Most

Just last week, Hyundai revealed a facelifted Staria with modest design tweaks, upgraded chassis components, and larger interior screens. The silhouette in the teaser closely matches this refreshed gas-powered version, reinforcing the theory that the EV shares its roots with the Staria platform.

If so, the upcoming reveal in Europe will mark the first public debut of the Staria Electric, roughly a year after a prototype was spotted in South Korea.

Built for High-Voltage Power

Hyundai isn’t starting from scratch here. The Staria-based Iveco eMoovy has already confirmed the platform’s compatibility with electric drivetrains. That light commercial vehicle uses a single electric motor rated at 215 hp (160 kW / 218 PS), paired with either a 63 kWh or 76 kWh battery pack.

While Hyundai hasn’t detailed the technical specs for its own version, it has confirmed that the model will showcase “state-of-the-art electric technology, including an advanced 800-volt charging system.”

The same 800V setup already appears in the eMoovy, allowing it to gain 100 km (62 miles) of range in just ten minutes when using a 350 kW charger. If Hyundai retains this architecture, it could give the Staria EV a significant edge in both fleet and family use.

More: Hyundai’s Staria Is Getting The EV Powertrain Its Futuristic Face Always Deserved

Visually, the electric Staria is expected to carry over several elements from the recently refreshed combustion version, including the full-width LED light bar. A previously seen prototype also revealed a few EV-specific touches, including a new front bumper design with an integrated charging port and what appeared to be custom wheels unique to the electric model.

Hyundai hasn’t confirmed which markets will receive the electric Staria, but if it follows the footprint of the gas-powered model, North America is likely to miss out.

What Else Is Hyundai Bringing To Brussels?

Beyond the headline debut of its largest EV to date, Hyundai’s stand in Brussels will also include the facelifted Ioniq 6 sedan. Enthusiasts will find a dedicated N Zone showcasing the performance-tuned Ioniq 5 N and Ioniq 6 N models. Adding a dose of concept flair, Hyundai will also present the Insteroid, a gaming-inspired concept based on the compact Inster.

During the press conference, Raf Van Nuffel, Vice President of Product at Hyundai Motor Europe, will share more information about the new model and the company’s EV portfolio in 2026.

“he Brussels Motor Show continues to be an important platform for us to highlight how our electric products and technologies are evolving for European customers,” said Van Nuffel. “Hyundai welcomes the event’s strong focus on electrification, which reflects the technological progress shaping sustainable transportation in the region.”

Hyundai

Many of us are looking forward to Christmas and New Year’s, but CES is right around the corner. As a result, we’re seeing announcements trickle out including one for an all-new company called Kosmera.

Details are limited, but the company is planning to stage its international debut at the show. They’re promising to take a “fundamentally different approach to mobility,” which apparently contrasts with firms chasing an “autonomous and connected future.”

More: Sony Honda Mobility Bringing New Concept And Pre-Production Afeela 1 To CES

While would seemingly imply an analog driver’s car, Kosmera described themselves as “not just an automaker,” but a “technology-driven company developing a platform that connects people with real-world scenarios and digital services.”

That’s a head scratcher, but the company dropped an interesting teaser image. At first glance, it appears to show a stylish sports car that vaguely recalls the Porsche 718 Cayman.

Enhanced Teaser Image

However, after playing around in Photoshop, we were able to enhance the image to reveal it shows a four-door sedan or liftback. We can also see muscular rear haunches and a seemingly massive front overhang. The latter is presumably some sort of distortion, but you get the idea.

Doing a little more digging, we were able to uncover a trademark application from earlier this month. It was for the Kosmera name and was made by Xing Chen Future Automotive Technology Co Ltd. While this doesn’t tell us much, we know the mysterious model hails from China.

We’ll learn more next month as Kosmera’s exhibit opens on January 6.

Mercedes has confirmed when its all-new VLE electric minivan will step into the spotlight, and the date is set for March 10 in Stuttgart. Along with the announcement, the company dropped a teaser image that gives us a close look at the front end. The bright star-patterned daytime running lights immediately tie the production VLE to the earlier Vision V concept.

Related: New Mercedes VLE Could Be The Most Opulent Minivan Ever In America

While the concept turned heads with its bold proportions and almost sci-fi surfacing, the VLE keeps things fractionally more grounded. Even so, the family resemblance is clear, and Mercedes is not shy about saying this is the start of a new era.

It will be the first model built on the brand’s fresh VAN.EA electric platform, which is modular and scalable to cover everything from basic people carriers to plush shuttles and big delivery vans.

Mercedes says the VLE mixes limousine-like ride quality with MPV practicality. Think flexible seating for up to eight, a pillar-to-pillar MBUX Hyperscreen dashboard that runs the latest version of Mercedes-Benz’s (MB.OS) operating system, and tons of clever storage ideas.

A more luxurious VLS variant with lounge-style chairs and a huge 4K rear entertainment screen comes later for buyers who want full chauffeured opulence and fewer seats.

Biggest Grille Yet

The teaser image shows a smooth nose with an even bigger grille than the one on the new GLC EQ flanked by those star-shaped DRLs, which give the van a distinctive identity.

Recent prototypes caught winter testing suggested the overall shape will closely track the Vision V’s silhouette with a lower roofline and more sculpted body sides to avoid the usual slab-sided look of most big vans. Our own Carscoops rendering, seen below, shows how the production VLE could look.

Under the skin, the electric VAN.EA platform is expected to deliver single and dual motor options to cover a wide performance spread, entry versions making do with 268 hp (272 PS / 200 kW) and top models nudging 470 hp (476 PS / 350 kW).

300+ Mile Range

Battery sizes could vary from 90 kWh to almost 120 kWh, with WLTP ranges of over 300 miles (500 km) in the most efficient versions, and all VLEs are able to take 350 kW inputs thanks to their 800-volt electrics. Today’s combustion vans will still be offered, but they ride on a different platform.

Mercedes calls the VLE the world’s first luxury urban SUV, though really it is a high-end electric minivan with big ambitions that arrives after similar vans from Lexus, Volvo, and Zeekr.

We’ll get the full details in March, but the early signs suggest the people mover class is about to get a lot more glamorous, though maybe not quite as glamorous as the Vision V concept shown below.

Mercedes

The holiday season is upon us and that means automakers have rolled out an assortment of Christmas-themed campaigns such as Lexus’ December to Remember. These are easy to overlook, so it’s surprising that BMW decided to sneak a teaser in one of them.

The video begins with an advent calendar opening to reveal an assortment of models including the 7-Series. It then zooms in on December 24 and the box opens as question marks shoot out.

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

We’re then shown a darkened silhouette of a mysterious vehicle. It’s hard to tell what’s being displayed, but the accompanying text gives us some clues. In particular, it notes the video shows the iX1 xDrive30, iX2 xDrive30, i4 M50 xDrive, i5 M60 xDrive Touring, and i7 xDrive60.

All five of them are electric, so it’s safe to assume the mystery model is as well. The vehicle also appears to be a crossover that recalls the new iX3.

We’re not sure what BMW has up their sleeve, but spy photographers have already snapped pictures of the iX3 M60. It’s expected to have a sport-tuned suspension and beefier brakes. We can also expect styling tweaks inside and out.

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Another possibility is the new i3. BMW has been teasing the car for months and the automaker could use Christmas Eve to share more details.

Another outside possibility is a glimpse at the upcoming iX5. It’s expected to debut next year and prototypes have already been spied on numerous occasions.

Still, the safest bet remains a new take on the iX3. In fact, when BMW introduced the iX3 50 xDrive in September, they said “further fully electric variants will follow, including a single-motor rear-wheel drive model.” The holiday clip may be the brand’s quiet way of saying that time is near.

H/T to BMW Blog

Kia’s effort to cover almost every EV base takes another big step forward in January with the debut of the smallest car in its electric family. We’ve already seen the EV2 in concept form at the beginning of this year, but 11 months on we’ll get to see how much of it has made the leap to the street.

The trending Korean brand didn’t reveal too much about the production version of its baby SUV this week beyond announcing its scheduled appearance at the Brussels Motor Show and confirming it will be built in Europe for its local clients.

Related: Kia’s Smallest EV Could Become One Of Its Most Thrilling Performance Models

But Kia did release three teaser images, and though the car is covered in a sheet in all of them, we can where the production EV2 differs from the concept unveiled at Kia EV Day 2025. The good news is the overall profile and chunky proportions are unchanged.

Small changes, same effect

We can see the squared-off nose, the kink in the waistline, the slightly sporty slope to the rear section of the roof and the spoiler at the top of the rear hatch. Those same details appeared on the EV2 concept, and though the production car’s DRLs, visible through the sheet, aren’t exactly the same, they’re close enough.

But it’s also easy to spot some major, and inevitable, departures. The front overhang looks longer, because concepts don’t need to meet crash regulations but road cars do, and there looks to be a conventional B-pillar too.

Kia

Kia promises the EV2 will feature “roomy, adjustable space,” but we’ll have to wait until January 9 to find out exactly what that means. By folding the rear seats and sliding the front bench backwards, passengers in the concept could relax, stretch their legs, and sit on the flat floor when parked.

AWD looks, FWD reality

Other details that won’t be uncovered until the debut include the power and range stats. But from what we know about Kia’s other affordable (sub-EV6) electric cars, we can be sure it will have 400- rather than 800-volt charging and despite its all-wheel drive styling, will feature a single motor acting on the front wheels even on sporty GT models.

The closely related Hyundai Inster has a choice of 39 kWh and 46 kWh batteries, is rated at 203-229 miles (327-369 km) of range and the biggest of its two available motors makes just 113 hp (114 PS / 84 kW). Let’s hope Kia’s version punches a little harder.

The EV2 will go on sale during 2026 and Kia is believed to be targeting a €30,000 (£26k / $35k) price to compete with other electric SUVs such as the Renault 4 E-Tech.

The images below are of the EV2 Concept revealed at Kia Day in February 2025.

Kia

Cupra has peeled back just enough camo to give us our first proper look at the little Raval, its feisty new electric compact hatch that promises to inject some welcome attitude into the small-EV segment when it lands in early 2026.

Also: Cupra Builds A Street Hatch That Thinks It’s A Race Car With Removable Rear Seats

The Raval sits on Volkswagen Group’s updated MEB+ platform, the same one that will underpin the VW ID. Polo, ID. Cross and Skoda Epic.

All four will be built in Spain and Cupra didn’t just design its own version – it actually led the chassis-tuning development for the whole family. Each brand still gets its own flavor, but the Raval is, predictably, the spicy one.

What Sets It Apart?

At just over 4,000 mm (157.5 inches) long, the Raval is subcompact-sized, but Cupra insists it’s not just for the school run. That’s why the engineers dropped the chassis 15mm lower than on other MEB+ cars, stiffened the suspension, added progressive steering and fitted disc brakes at both ends.

There are Dynamic Chassis Control adaptive dampers – presumably not standard, details are still TBC – and even base models at launch come with a single, front-mounted electric motor making 208 hp (211 PS / 155 kW). That gives a range of 278 miles (450 km) from a battery of an unspecified capacity.

Stepping up from base Dynamic trim to Dynamic Plus adds more ADAS features, intelligent parking functions, Matrix LED headlights, bucket seats, and a posh Senhheiser 12-speaker audio system.

The Performance Step-Up

However, the flagship VZ is a different animal altogether thanks to its more powerful 233 hp (226 PS / 166 kW) motor, electronic differential and sporty steering knuckle.

The VZ also gets a 10 mm (0.39 inches) wider track, standard 19-inch wheels with an awesome circular-saw-style design and Dinamica bucket seats, though Cupra’s teaser pics don’t show the interior.

The downside is a range drop to 249 miles (400 km). Other less powerful models could arrive down the line to make the Raval more affordable once the initial buzz has died down, but the launch range is targeting a starting price of €26,000 (£23k / $30k).

Cupra

Mercedes has kicked off the teaser campaign for the new generation GLB, ahead of its debut on December 8. It follows in the footsteps of the CLA and features a high-tech interior with seating for up to seven people.

Details are still under wraps, but Mercedes confirmed that the GLB will feature an optional MBUX Superscreen. The setup is expected to combine a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster with a 14-inch central infotainment screen and a matching 14-inch passenger display.

More: 2026 Mercedes GLB Spied With Gas And Electric Power

Buyers will also find the latest Mercedes-Benz Operating System, which features an MBUX Virtual Assistant with avatars as well as Google Maps navigation. We can also expect plenty of artificial intelligence.

Technology aside, the GLB has circular air vents and a floating center console. The latter houses large cup holders and an available wireless smartphone charger. They’re joined by a new steering wheel as well as five- and seven-seat configurations.

What Else Is New Inside?

Mercedes wasn’t ready to talk numbers, but they revealed the redesigned crossover has “noticeably more headroom in the first two rows of seats.” Second-row passengers will also find additional legroom, added thigh support, and an adjustable backrest.

Third-row occupants haven’t been forgotten as entry and egress has been improved. When not needed, the rear seats fold into the load floor.

A panoramic glass roof comes standard and customers can upgrade to a fancier version that can transition from clear to opaque in a matter of milliseconds. Customers can also get an illuminated roof that features a “starry sky.”

Speaking of the roof, it features heat-insulating laminated safety glass as well as an infrared-reflecting coating. Mercedes says this keeps the interior cool in summer, while also minimizing heat loss in winter.

The GLB will come with a “comprehensive range of driver assistance systems.” These will be supported by “eight cameras, five radar sensors, 12 ultrasonic sensors, and a water-cooled high-performance computer with sufficient power reserves for future functions and regular over-the-air updates.”

Testing Continues

With a debut less than a month away, the automaker is wrapping up testing at the Mercedes Technology Center in Sindelfingen. As part of this effort, the GLB is being subjected to cold-weather testing in climatic wind tunnels that can simulate temperatures of up to -40° F (-40° C).

Mercedes added the tunnels have cutting-edge snow cannons that can “simulate fierce blizzards where snowflakes race towards the test vehicle at speeds of up to 124 mph (200 km/h).”

These tests appear to have paid off as the upcoming GLB EQ heats the interior twice as fast as its predecessor on a 20‑minute drive in temperatures of 19.4° F (-7° C). This undercuts the heating time of a conventionally powered model and it uses half the energy as the outgoing EQB.

The company went on to say the added efficiency increases range and can be partially chalked up to an innovative heat pump. It collects waste heat from the electric motors and battery as well as from ambient air.

Electric And Hybrid Powertrains

SHProshots

Mercedes didn’t mention performance specifications, but the GLB EQ will presumably have an 85 kWh battery pack as well as at least two powertrains. The entry-level variant could have a rear-mounted motor developing 268 hp (200 kW / 272 PS) and 247 lb-ft (335 Nm) of torque.

We can also expect 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.

Customers can also look forward to an assortment of hybridized powertrains that consist of a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine, a 1.3 kWh battery pack, and an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission with an integrated electric motor. In the European CLA, this provides outputs of 154 hp (115 kW / 156 PS) and 206 lb-ft (280 Nm) as well as 181 hp (135 kW / 184 PS) and 243 lb-ft (330 Nm).

Update: For American EV shoppers already feeling left out after Kia’s decision to delay the EV4’s US launch “indefinitely” over what it calls “changing market conditions,” a polite way of saying “no more federal tax credits,” this one might sting a little more.

More: Kia Suddenly Pulls Its Tesla Model 3 Rival Right Before US Launch

The EV4 GT hatchback, recently teased and pictured below, isn’t the only body style of the performance variant on the way. As new spy photos confirm, Kia is also developing an EV4 GT Fastback, which means yes, that one will slip through American fingers too.

SB-Medien

This sedan variant promises a roomier rear section than the hatch thanks to its more conventional silhouette, though the styling at the back is anything but conventional.

Despite the heavy camouflage, telltale signs point to this being the GT model. The chunky tires and the same tall alloy wheels from the GT hatchback are visible, and behind them, we see the neon green brake calipers. Inside, the bright green seatbelts and the matching ring around the steering wheel rim are additional giveaways.

Everything else applied to the EV4 GT Hatch carries over here as well, including the dual-motor powertrain rated at around 400 horsepower and the performance-tuned chassis.

There’s no official debut date yet, though the EV4 GT Fastback is likely to appear either alongside the hatch next year or shortly after. (by John Halas)

Original story on the EV4 GT Hatch continues below.

SB-Medien

Kia has quietly unveiled the EV4 GT, ahead of its market launch in 2026. The performance version of the electric hatchback was shown with a special camouflage wrap that does little to hide its exterior design.

The GT is expected to pack a dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup and a round of targeted chassis upgrades. Together, these are designed to place the EV4 GT squarely in the path of both electric rivals such as the VW ID.3 GTX and long-standing combustion favorites like the Golf R.

More: Kia’s 2027 Telluride Finally Shows Its Face Ahead Of LA Reveal

The company used the unveiling of its new GT Wrap as the pretext for a series of teasers. The livery blends glossy black with matte gray and streaks of neon green, described by Kia as a look meant to “evoke energy and speed.”

The same fragmented design theme will carry across all electric GT prototypes during the later development stages.

Sharper Exterior Details

Beneath the custom camouflage, the EV4 GT stays close in shape to the existing GT-Line trim, with only subtle differences. Up front, the performance flagship gains vertical slits in the lower bumper intake, lending a more assertive look.

From the side, diamond-cut alloy wheels hide neon-painted brake calipers, while the rear adopts a GT-specific diffuser with a central vertical LED light cluster. The setup recalls the facelifted EV6 GT crossover, suggesting a family resemblance.

Kia hasn’t released interior photos yet, though early glimpses reveal sportier bucket seats accented in neon.

What Drives It?

The real transformation will happen beneath the surface. Sources point to a dual-motor AWD powertrain producing roughly 400 horsepower, paired with simulated manual shifts and an artificial rev limiter to give drivers more engagement.

The energy source is expected to be the familiar 81.4 kWh battery pack from the long-range FWD variant.

More: There’s A Simple Way To Fix The Kia EV6’s Most Annoying Sound Issue

True to Kia’s GT philosophy, the EV4 GT will receive dedicated chassis tuning, including a stiffer suspension and a quicker steering ratio for more precise handling and livelier responses on winding roads.

Rivals of the Korean model will include the VW ID.3 GTX, Cupra Born VZ, and MG 4 X Power. It will indirectly compete with ICE-powered hot hatches like the VW Golf R and Toyota GR Corolla. Hyundai is also working on its own zero-emission hot hatch, the Ioniq 3 N.

Kia has also confirmed that every future GT model will be fully electric, marking the current K5 GT as the final performance model in the lineup to feature an internal combustion engine.