Subaru will unveil an ICE hot hatch and electric STI concept in Tokyo.
The two models are concepts that could preview future production cars.
The Trailseeker joins Wilderness trims of both the Outback and Forester.
One by one, Japan’s major automakers are unveiling their plans for the upcoming Tokyo motor show, now renamed the Japan Mobility Show. This time, the spotlight turns to Subaru, where attention will center on two STI-branded concepts: one fully electric and the other featuring a five-door hatchback design.
For this year event, the automaker has split its presentation into two distinct themes, Performance and Adventure, united under the banner “Driving the Subaru Difference”.
The STI Studies
Leading the lineup are the world premieres from STI, the Performance-E and Performance-B concepts. The Performance-E is a fully electric model described as “spearheading Subaru’s new generation”, hinting that it could evolve into a future production car.
According to Subaru, the Performance-E “combines thrilling aesthetic proportions with outstanding aerodynamics and practicality”. The teaser images show sharp body surfacing, bold LED headlights, and large bumper intakes, with a silhouette that leans toward a hatchback or fastback shape.
Furthermore, the electric concept promises a “driver-friendly layout and a comfortable, spacious interior”, while incorporating “various innovative technologies” for “intuitive, exhilarating driving experiences”.
Hatchback With Heritage
The second debut, the Performance-B STI concept, sticks with internal combustion power. It’s described as broadening Subaru’s range of performance options, and while it was first teased back in June, we now get a better look.
The headlights and the vented hood look identical to the current WRX sedan, but the redesigned bodykit includes wide fender extensions and a different grille.
More notably, it adopts a five-door hatchback profile topped by a large rear wing. Under the hood sits a boxer engine paired with Subaru’s Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive system.
While it’s uncertain whether Subaru will put this hot hatch into production, such a model would recall the third-generation WRX STI from 2008 and could challenge the Toyota GR Corolla in spirit and layout.
On the adventure side of the display, Subaru will showcase prototypes of the fully electric Trailseeker (E-Outback) crossover, the new Forester Wilderness, and the latest Outback Wilderness.
All three will make their Japanese debut fitted with optional outdoor accessories. The Trailseeker carries a roof box, the Forester mounts two large canoes, and the Outback features a roof rack with a bike carrier.
Retro Meets Wild
Rounding out the show stand will be the Family Huckster, a reimagined 1983 Subaru GL Wagon fitted with dramatic performance and aerodynamic upgrades.
Subaru will hold its press conference at the Japan Mobility Show on October 29, where company president Atsushi Osaki is scheduled to deliver a keynote speech.
A Tesla Cybertruck took a huge beating on an internet auction site.
The 5,200-mile EV sold for just $70k months after achieving $147k.
It’s a limited edition Foundation Series with the 600 hp AWD setup.
A 2024 Tesla Cybertruck Foundation Series has just sold for $70,000 on Cars&Bids, showing just 5,200 miles (8,400 km) on the clock. If that sounds like a great price for one of the most hyped vehicles of the decade, it is – but not if you’re the one selling it.
The same Cybertruck sold on the same auction site last year for $146,500 when it had covered a mere 600 miles (970 km), meaning it’s lost more than half its value in less than 18 months.
It’s unclear whether that original owner paid the standard price or a $50,000 markup, as some commentators suggested at the time, but the MSRP stood at $101,995.
The Foundation Series was Tesla’s launch-edition Cybertruck, the limited-run version that kicked off production late in 2023. It came loaded with luxury features, plus various unique badges and trim parts, such as sill inserts.
The first examples were offered only to early reservation holders and were supposed to be collector material. Well, that was the idea anyway. Fast forward to today and the tables have obviously turned. The new owner of this particular dual-motor, 600 hp (608 PS / 447 kW) truck just scored one of the biggest bargains in recent EV history.
The $70,000 sale price (listing here) undercuts Tesla’s own base MSRP of $79,990 for a new dual-motor AWD Cybertruck and shows just how far values have tumbled since the frenzy that greeted the electric truck’s debut. And this price fall is no freak event; used Cybertruck values have fallen across the board during 2025.
When the Hype Runs Out
Cars&Bids
There are a few reasons behind the collapse. Early buyers paid sky-high prices to be first, banking on exclusivity and hype, but that buzz has cooled fast as more Cybertrucks hit the road and social media fills with real-world impressions.
The initial scarcity that drove those six-figure auction results has faded as production ramped up and deliveries increased. Add to that a shifting used-EV market and growing competition from the likes of Ford, Rivian, and GM, and it’s easy to see why resale prices have come back down to Earth.
Even the Foundation Series edition isn’t enough to hold depreciation at bay, and neither are the mods the seller added during his ownership, including a pricey black wrap, black painted lower body trim and 24-inch T Sportline CTM Monoblock forged wheels for $10,000, per the invoice.
For all its futuristic design and headline-grabbing performance, the market for Elon Musk’s electric truck is behaving like most others: early excitement followed by a sharp correction. But for anyone still dreaming of owning one, now might finally be the time to get their wallet out. The Cybertruck still turns heads, but its once-shiny resale value has definitely lost its gleam – and that means some great deals for buyers looking to get their hands on one.
Tesla has delivered hundreds of Cybertrucks to SpaceX and xAI.
It may only sell around 20,000 electric trucks in total for 2025.
Musk once envisioned annual production of 250,000 units.
The hype that once surrounded the Tesla Cybertruck has well and truly died down. It wasn’t long ago that Elon Musk was boasting about more than a million reservations for the angular electric pickup, confidently claiming Tesla would be churning out and selling 250,000 units each year.
Through the first nine months of 2025, though, the numbers tell a very different story. Tesla has sold just 16,097 Cybertrucks so far, a steep 38 percent decline compared with the same January to September period in 2024, when 25,974 were delivered, according to data from Cox Automotive.
Sales Slide Continues
In the first quarter of this year, Tesla delivered 6,406 Cybertrucks, followed by 4,306 in the second quarter. Deliveries climbed slightly to 5,385 in the third quarter, likely spurred by the expiring federal EV tax credit.
While that Q3 bump might look positive at first glance, it’s actually a 62.6 percent decline from Q3 2024, when 14,416 trucks found buyers.
At this pace, the company is expected to finish the year with around 20,000 deliveries, well below the roughly 50,000 units sold in 2024.
For most car manufacturers, this would be absolutely devastating news. However, Tesla boss Elon Musk also happens to run two other large companies, SpaceX and xAI, and both have started taking deliveries of hundreds of Cybertrucks.
A Convenient Customer Base
Apparently, Tesla now has more Cybertrucks in inventory than it knows what to do with. Reports indicate that hundreds were recently shipped to SpaceX’s Starbase facility, with expectations that hundreds, if not thousands, more could follow to replace the site’s gas-powered work trucks.
Over the weekend, multiple truckloads were also spotted arriving at xAI’s offices, shared widely on X by several users, including Cybertruck lead engineer Wes Morrill, who wrote:
“Love to see the ICE support fleets from Tesla and SpaceX get replaced with Cybertruck. When we were engineering it, this was always part of the dream. Never imagined how hard the fleet photos at starbase would go. Looking forward to more of this.”
Interest Running on Empty
Stopping short of making major price cuts, likely needing to be in the tens of thousands of dollars, it’s hard to envision how Tesla can reinvigorate interest in the Cybertruck. It is no longer the must-have EV in the United States.
Its radical styling, once its greatest talking point, now seems too polarizing for most pickup buyers. Practicality also remains a sticking point, as it lacks some of the everyday utility of traditional gas-powered trucks.
Add to that Musk’s divisive role in American politics, and the Cybertruck’s appeal appears to be narrowing faster than
Love to see the ICE support fleets from Tesla and SpaceX get replaced with Cybertruck. When we were engineering it, this was always part of the dream. Never imagined how hard the fleet photos at starbase would go. Looking forward to more of this https://t.co/M69ImCpamkpic.twitter.com/p1lf4FytY9
Jeep has introduced the 2026 Grand Wagoneer, which starts at $62,145.
The facelifted model replaces both the Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer.
It features a revamped front fascia and a new range-extender powertrain.
Long before there was the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator, the Grand Wagoneer reigned supreme. With this pedigree and Jeep’s upmarket push, Stellantis thought they had a winner on their hands when they brought the model back in 2021.
Things didn’t exactly pan out as expected, so the entire Wagoneer lineup is being revamped for 2026. As part of the makeover, the Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer are merging into a single model, which features an updated design and a brand-new range-extender powertrain.
More Modern Design
The new look was previewed earlier this summer, and the 2026 Grand Wagoneer cribs heavily from the electric Wagoneer S. As part of the makeover, the model adopts an all-new front fascia with a minimalist seven-slot grille. It’s illuminated and visually flows into new headlights.
Further below, there’s a more pronounced central intake that is flanked by new T-shaped LED daytime running lights. Elsewhere, the Wagoneer badging on the hood has been replaced by a Jeep logo.
The rest of the design largely carries over, but there are new full-width LED taillights as well as rear Jeep badging. The model also eschews chrome, while sporting restyled wheels in sizes ranging from 18 to 22 inches.
Minor Interior Updates
Jeep barely mentioned interior changes, but there’s a new heads-up display on higher-end variants. It features a “significantly larger field of view and a virtual image distance twice that of previous versions.”
The Grand Wagoneer also features a larger 12-inch Uconnect5 infotainment system. It replaces the previous 10.1-inch display, which used to come standard on the Wagoneer.
An All-New Range-Extender Powertrain
Under the hood, there’s a familiar twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six producing 420 hp (313 kW / 426 PS) and 468 lb-ft (635 Nm) of torque. Unfortunately, Jeep has apparently dropped the high-output variant that developed 540 hp (402 kW / 548 PS) and 521 lb-ft (706 Nm).
The big news is an all-new range-extender variant known as the Grand Wagoneer REEV. It borrows heavily from the Ram 1500 REV, which used to be known as the Ramcharger, and features a 92 kWh battery pack as well as a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 that acts as a generator.
It’s slated to be the quickest and most powerful Grand Wagoneer ever created as the company is estimating a combined output of 647 hp (482 kW / 656 PS) and 620 lb-ft (840 Nm) of torque.
This should enable the SUV to rocket from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in five seconds flat and have a range in excess of 500 miles (805 km).
The 2026 Jeep Grand Wagoneer will go into production later this year and be followed by the range-extender variant. The latter will have “late availability,” so expect to learn more closer to launch.
Xiaomi SU7 crashed and caught fire in China, killing the 31-year-old driver.
Video footage shows one man repeatedly punching the driver’s side window.
Shares in the technology giant fell by as much as 8 percent after the crash.
It’s not just Tesla under fire for how its electronic door handles respond after a crash, fire, or even a total power loss. In the early hours of Monday morning, a Xiaomi SU7 in China crashed and erupted in flames, and despite frantic attempts by bystanders to open the door and free the driver, the 31-year-old at the wheel did not survive.
Chinese media reported that the black SU7 crashed at around 3:15 a.m. The driver of the Xiaomi is said to have lost control, spinning into a wide median strip lined with shrubs and plants before coming to rest on the opposite side of the road in Chengdu. Moments later, the vehicle burst into flames.
Video captured from the scene showed several men frantically attempting to smash the driver’s window while trying in vain to open the driver’s door. One of the men was repeatedly punching the window, while another can be seen trying to kick it out.
They were soon forced to retreat as the flames spread, waiting for firefighters to arrive. Although the crews managed to extinguish the blaze, they were unable to save the driver.
Early reports suggest the 31-year-old may have been driving under the influence of alcohol.
Questions Over Safety Systems
The Xiaomi SU7 features simpler pull-type exterior door handles compared to some other EVs. As with most modern vehicles, the doors are designed to automatically unlock when an accident is detected or airbags are deployed.
For reasons yet unclear, that system appears to have failed in this case. The car is equipped with a manual release inside the cabin.
News of the incident spread quickly, amplified by images and videos of the burning SU7 circulating on Chinese social media, sending Xiaomi’s stock tumbling by as much as 8.7 percent, its sharpest one-day drop since April. Shares eventually closed 5.24 percent lower, erasing billions from the company’s valuation.
In April, three individuals were killed after a Xiaomi SU7 crashed in China’s eastern Anhui province. It has been claimed that the two individuals in the front seats were unable to open the doors as they immediately locked after the crash. An individual was pulled from the rear after an eyewitness smashed out one of the windows, but they died from their injuries.
The incident adds to mounting scrutiny over electronic and semi-electronic door mechanisms in China. Regulators are considering restrictions on such designs amid broader safety concerns, while U.S. authorities continue to probe similar failures in Tesla models.
Xiaomi shares plunged nearly 9% after a fatal crash involving its SU7 electric car, Bloomberg reports
According to the outlet, a 31-year-old driver in China collided with another vehicle, crossed into the opposite lane, and the car caught fire. Witnesses tried to pull the man… pic.twitter.com/yPQ70FoKXN
Canada imposed 100 percent tariffs on Chinese EVs to protect its industry.
China retaliated with heavy duties on key Canadian agricultural exports.
Some Canadian premiers want tariffs dropped to protect canola producers.
China isn’t pleased about the 100 percent tariffs that Canada imposed on its imports, including electric vehicles, in October last year. Seeking to persuade Ottawa to reconsider, Beijing has offered to lift its own retaliatory tariffs on Canadian agricultural goods.
Even so, Canada’s automotive parts industry head has cautioned against easing the restrictions, warning that doing so could open the door for low-cost Chinese EVs to flood the market.
Trade Tensions at Full Charge
When the tariffs were first introduced, Canada described them as measures to safeguard national security and defend domestic manufacturing. Officials also argued that China’s electric vehicle industry benefited from unfair state subsidies.
Beijing’s reaction was swift. The People’s Republic struck back with tariffs on Canadian agriculture, imposing a 100 percent rate on canola oil and meat, along with a 75.8 percent duty on canola seed.
According to Chinese ambassador Wang Di, Beijing is ready to roll back the tariff measures if Canada does the same.
“If Canada removes the unilateral unjustified tariffs on Chinese products, China will also reciprocate accordingly,” he said, “and if the EV tariffs are removed, then China will also remove the tariffs on the relevant products of Canada.”
The Canadian government says it is conducting an informal review of its tariffs on Chinese EVs, CTV News reports. It adds that since the trade dispute started, exports from Saskatchewan dropped 76 percent in August from the year prior.
Both the premiers of Manitoba and Saskatchewan have called for tariffs to be lowered to protect the local canola industries.
A Divided Response
Still, Flavio Volpe, president of Canada’s Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association, has pushed back against any move to abandon the tariffs on Chinese EVs.
“I am reminding (the premiers) publicly, that if Canada is in a trade war with a country, then the response has to be a Canadian response,” he told CTV.
“These Chinese EVs are not made for profit, they are subsidized. We’re in the middle of a game, and the only thing that changed… was the Chinese ambassador said, ‘If you do this, we’ll give you that.’ And last time I checked, the Chinese ambassador was sent from Beijing, not from Ottawa.”
EV sales hit record highs as shoppers rushed to beat the tax credit deadline.
Ford, GM, and Tesla all saw massive gains before the incentive expired.
Leasing loopholes helped foreign-built EVs qualify for the federal benefit.
For all the talk about market forces shaping the car industry, it still seems that government incentives are doing most of the heavy lifting for electric vehicles. Or at least they were, until the end of September, when the federal tax credits officially ran out.
As much as 90 percent of all battery-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles sold in the United States through the first nine months of the year are believed to have benefited from some form of tax credit, according to market research firm Rho Motion.
A Surge Before the Deadline
The end of the federal EV tax credit on October 1 set off a nationwide rush for qualifying models, driving record sales for several brands and pushing overall EV demand to new highs in August and September.
This year, the EPA determined that 20 battery-electric vehicles and a single plug-in hybrid model were eligible for the New Clean Vehicle Credit, valued at up to $7,500. These vehicles together accounted for 55 percent of all EV sales from January through September.
Of equal importance in propping up sales was the lesser-known Qualified Commercial Clean Vehicle Credit, also valued at up to $7,500.
This credit was available for vehicles weighing less than 14,000 lbs and aimed at fleet and business buyers. This is also the credit that allowed car manufacturers to claim the tax credit themselves, and then to reduce the lease price on new vehicles.
Notably, leased passenger cars and trucks were not subject to the same sourcing and assembly requirements as purchased vehicles. They also didn’t need to be built in North America, which made leasing an especially attractive option for both manufacturers and buyers.
As the September 30 axing date for the credits drew closer, sales of electrified vehicles surged across the United States. As noted by Rho Motion, Ford sold 30,612 battery-electric vehicles in the third quarter, a huge 86 percent increase from Q2.
Additionally, GM’s BEV sales jumped 44 percent to 66,501 units. Tesla also reported a 27 percent sales increase, and Hyundai also enjoyed substantial growth, thanks to a more than doubling of demand for the Ioniq 5.
What Comes After the Incentives?
It remains to be seen how sharply BEV and PHEV sales will dip in the fourth quarter now that the tax credit has ended. Rho Motion expects demand to “decline sharply.”
The research firm also points out that tariffs, high local manufacturing costs, and relaxed fuel efficiency standards are likely to deter investment in domestic EV production, creating further pressure on demand in the months ahead.
Fixing the faulty subwoofer requires replugging four wires in the trunk.
Owners say the simple solution makes a big difference in sound quality.
A similar issue was experienced by Hyundai Tiburon owners 20 years ago.
Do you own a Kia EV6 with the optional Meridian sound system? If so, you might have noticed that the subwoofer isn’t delivering the deep, satisfying bass you’d expect. It turns out your EV’s subwoofer could be wired out of phase, limiting its punch.
Fortunately, one Reddit user uncovered a straightforward fix that anyone can perform with a few basic tools.
The Redditor who discovered how to rectify the wonky subwoofer says he used to be a member of the Hyundai Tiburon forums. Roughly 20 years ago, members of those forums discovered that the stock subwoofer’s sound could be improved by reversing the positive and negative terminals.
Applying the same principle to the Meridian setup in his EV6, he found that the results were immediate, with stronger bass and a more balanced overall sound.
A Simple, DIY Adjustment
To carry out the fix, EV6 owners first need to open up the trunk where the subwoofer is stored. They then need to remove a piece of rear trim to gain access to a plug running into the sub.
Once they do so, it’s just a matter of using a small screwdriver to release the four wires, which are typically arranged red, black, red, black from top to bottom, and then reconnecting them in reverse order, black, red, black, red.
Shortly after the Reddit post gained traction, YouTuber Technically Jeff posted a clip of him performing the same fix, and he found it made a huge difference. Dozens of EV6 owners have jumped into the comments section to confirm that the fix transforms the subwoofer’s performance, making the listening experience much richer.
According to two audio specialists who spoke with The Drive, the problem likely stems from the EV’s active sound cancellation system. They explained that the subwoofer’s low frequencies are being partially canceled out by opposing frequencies from other speakers positioned throughout the cabin.
It’s not yet clear if the same issue is present on other Kia, Genesis, and/or Hyundai models with Meridian sound systems, but if you own one, it may be wise to take a look at the subwoofer to see if it, too, has been wired incorrectly.
Audi revives plans for a rugged flagship SUV with real off-road capability.
Upcoming model would rival the Mercedes G-Class and BMW’s future 4×4.
It may share its platform and U.S. production line with the Scout Traveler.
The Mercedes G-Class has been around since the 1970s, yet it’s never faced a true rival from fellow German heavyweights BMW or Audi, which is surprising considering how often all three companies shadow each other’s every move.
That, however, may be about to change. Both brands are reportedly developing their own rugged SUVs, hinting that the G-Wagen’s long-standing reign could finally meet some proper competition.
A Rugged Dream Revived
Audi has been flirting with the idea of a Quattro-badged SUV positioned above the Q7 and Q8 for years. Back in 2023, former design chief Marc Lichte first hinted at the project, believing there was enough room in the market alongside the Land Rover Defender and the Mercedes G-Class.
Although Lichte has since been succeeded by Massimo Frascella, the concept appears very much alive.
Audi CEO Gernot Döllner recently spoke to Autocar, adding fuel to the speculation. He confirmed that the brand hasn’t abandoned its ambition for a true off-road 4×4, encouraging enthusiasts to “stay tuned.”
Illustrations: Theottle
While Audi continues to streamline its lineup as part of the Volkswagen Group’s cost-cutting drive, Döllner still believes there’s space for a halo model.
“There is no niche banner,” he said. “It’s just the opposite. It works perfectly to have a more focused line-up in the core, and in addition to that have some niche models to build the brand and to also transfer new ideas from a niche segment into the core products. That works perfectly and this is part of our strategy.”
Concept Hints and Shared DNA
Earlier this year, Audi presented the Q6 e-tron Offroad Concept featuring a raised stance, portal axles, a reworked body kit, and grippy all-terrain tires. While this study could evolve into a production vehicle, any true G-Wagen rival would likely be a standalone model rather than an off-road variant of an existing SUV like the Q6 e-tron Sportback.
A logical foundation for the project could come from the Scout Traveler SUV and Tera pickup, potentially sharing their ladder-frame chassis, 4WD setup with locking front and rear differentials, and both fully electric and range-extender powertrain options. More importantly, it could help Audi avoid costly R&D investments.
Based on current VW Group resources, an internal combustion version seems improbable, as the only available ladder-frame platform is that of the aging VW Amarok from South America.
Built In America?
The toughest Audi yet could be manufactured in the Scout facility in South Carolina, sparing it from import tariffs. Döllner confirmed that the company is considering U.S. manufacturing for upcoming models, though the final decision will depend on a “stable tariff situation” and other “regulatory boundary conditions.”
He added that while it would be logical for the brand to employ an existing VW Group facility on this side of the Atlantic, a “specific Audi factory” could also happen, depending on how they are “aligned” with the US government.
What It Might Look Like
Shortly after the report came out, independent digital artist Theophilus Chin released renderings of a speculative Audi Q-Wagon, built on the Scout Traveler’s proportions. The design integrates Audi’s cues into a full-size SUV body, balancing squared-off lines with smoother surfacing.
If Audi does bring such a model to life, it could adopt styling elements from the more recent Concept C, whose slim vertical grille and horizontal headlight arrangement are expected to influence several upcoming models, including the next A4 e-tron.
Mercedes unveils sleek two-door concept previewing its future design direction.
It evolves the Vision Maybach 6 theme with an illuminated signature grille.
Highlights include a retro-inspired cabin, solar paint, and Level 4 autonomy.
Mercedes has unveiled the Vision Iconic concept, a stunning two-door coupe that shows the brand still knows how to do glamour. Besides the elegant proportions and the illuminated grille, the grand coupe features a retro-inspired cabin and comes with advanced autonomous driving capabilities.
The exterior blends styling cues from Mercedes’ past fused with futuristic details. The “Iconic Grille”, first shown in the production GLC EV, proves that a large illuminated panel can look good on a vehicle if the stars align properly. It’s shape is inspired by classics like the W108, W111 and the 600 Pullman. Here, it is combined with the classic Merc hood ornament and aggressive headlights.
The profile is reminiscent of the Vision Mercedes-Maybach 6 Coupé and Cabriolet concepts from 2016 and 2017, although the overhangs are shorter. The long hood is emphasized by the side gills on the fenders, continuing the lines of the short windshield. The sloping roofline leads to a curved tail, with clear references to the iconic 300 SL Gullwing.
According to Mercedes design chief Gorden Wagener, the show car draws inspiration from “the golden era of automotive design of the 1930s.” He describes it as “a sculpture in motion, a homage to timeless elegance, and a statement for the future.”
Art Deco Interior
The interior of the Vision Iconic is equally as impressive as the exterior. The company chose the Art Deco movement as an inspiration, targeting “lounge-like comfort and an entirely new experience of hyper-analogue and digital luxury”.
A round (yes, it sounds redundant until you’ve seen how many squared ones exist today) four-spoke steering wheel fronts a transparent Zeppelin-shaped dashboard, while the instrument cluster features animated analogue-style displays reminiscent of fine chronographs.
At the center of the concept’s dash, four traditional-style clocks include one that doubles as an AI companion, adding a futuristic twist to the retro aesthetic.
Seating takes the form of a plush bench trimmed in deep blue velvet, complemented by mother-of-pearl accents and a handcrafted straw marquetry floor bringing us back to the 17th century. Mercedes has also introduced a collection of six outfits for men and women, matching the interior of the concept with a dark blue shade and silver-gold accents.
Technology From The Future
Despite the nostalgic touches, the Vision Iconic packs some serious technology. It targets Level 4 autonomy powered by “neuromorphic computing,” a system modeled on human brain function. Mercedes claims it’s ten times more efficient than current setups at interpreting surroundings and can cut AI processing energy use by up to 90 percent.
The Vision Iconic also has a steer-by-wire system combined with rear-axle steering for improved handling and agility. The automaker didn’t reveal the specifications of the fully electric powertrain.
Another standout feature is the solar coating that covers the entire body. This finish not only charges the battery but can also deliver up to 12,000 km (7,500 miles) of annual range purely from sunlight, depending on weather and location. With 20 percent efficiency, the coating is adaptable to any color and designed for easy recycling, hinting at a sustainable edge beneath the glamour.
Will It Make 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, those designs were based on the current generation of the S-Class sedan, which is expected to undergo a facelift next year. The next generation that’s expected towards 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. Still, it is an indication that 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 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 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?
The $121,000 Lucid Gravity failed to meet its reserve during a recent auction.
Visible scratches and possible keying raised questions about its condition.
The seller also claimed to be listing it for a friend without a title in hand.
The Lucid Gravity is one of the most luxurious and fastest electric SUVs to hit the market, but despite all it has going for it, one low-mileage example recently failed to sell at auction, as bidders were unwilling to meet the seller’s reserve. It seems that both the vehicle’s condition and the seller’s handling of inquiries turned off potential buyers.
This particular Gravity is a Touring model finished in Abyss Black, equipped with the Dynamic Handling Package, the Surreal Sound Pro audio system, and Lucid’s DreamDrive 2 driver assistance suite.
A look at the window sticker shows it had an MSRP of $121,050, and as it had only been driven 1,700 miles (2,735 km) at the time of the auction, it could have been expected to fetch bids of over $100,000, but that wasn’t the case.
After a week on the platform, bidding for the SUV topped out at $87,287. For the most part, the exterior looks to be in good condition, but there is a deep, three-inch gash on the tailgate, an eight-inch scratch on the passenger side rear door, and a three-inch scratch on one of the quarter panels.
There’s no word on what caused this kind of damage, but it appears as though it’s been intentionally keyed, and the panels will need to be resprayed, which could be a costly endeavor for any new buyer.
Cars & Bids
According to the seller, he listed the Gravity on behalf of his friend who owned it for two weeks but decided he preferred his old Tesla Model X.
However, some people in the comments section questioned whether this was true or not and suggested the seller was simply trying to flip the SUV.
Paperwork Problems
The seller also mentioned that the title for the vehicle had not yet arrived and could take up to two weeks to process. For any buyer, that delay would complicate the handover and slow the completion of the sale.
Inevitably further impacting the sale of this Gravity is that it’s possible to order a Grand Touring model directly from Lucid with immediate delivery for just over $100,000.
Ford and GM have abandoned plans to use the EV tax credit loophole.
The move comes after a Senator said they were “bilking” taxpayers.
The companies are now offering their own incentives to prop up demand.
In an era where many companies suck up to the Trump Administration, Ford and GM dared to be different. They rather blatantly exploited a loophole to extend the clean vehicle tax credit beyond its September 30 expiration date.
There’s a lot of back story, but the IRS released guidance earlier this year saying the credit could be extended to vehicles received after September 30 as long as there was a “written binding contract” as well as a nominal down payment.
Playing the System
To take advantage of this, Ford and GM used their financing arms to place down payments on EVs and stop the clock. This means they could then lease those vehicles to consumers at discounted rates.
Needless to say, this raised a lot of eyebrows and Ohio Senator Bernie Moreno wasn’t happy. In a letter to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, he said the IRS guidance was “being taken advantage of by certain car companies who wish to continue bilking the U.S. taxpayer.”
He added, they’re “gaming this guidance by instructing their captive financial entities to enter into written binding agreements with dealers for electric vehicles, paying a nominal down payment, to secure the credits on vehicles that may not be leased to the end user for months.”
Moreno also mentioned the “Green New Scam,” so that might tell you about his feelings towards EVs. Regardless, GM and Ford have apparently decided the bad optics and pressure weren’t worth it.
Backing Down
GM was the first to fold and they were quickly followed by Ford. As a spokesperson told Reuters, “Ford will not claim the EV tax credit, but will maintain the competitive lease payments we have in the market today.”
Speaking of which, Ford is promoting a 2025 Mustang Mach-E Select lease for $253 per month. That’s for 36 months with $3,493 due at signing and an allowance of 10,500 miles (16,898 km) annually. Of course, there are plenty of caveats.
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