Just 18 months after BYD’s Denza brand unveiled its all-electric Z9 sedan as a counterpart to the Z9 GT Shooting Brake, the first images and details of a revised version have surfaced. It has a thoroughly updated design and, fittingly, is now even more powerful.

These images from China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) show the updated Z9 sports all-new bodywork. Visible at the front are revised split LED daytime running lights, while the headlights have been positioned alongside the black lower grille section.

Read: The Chinese Luxury Brand Mercedes Helped Create Is Now Coming For Mercedes’ European Buyers

The sides remain sleek, although there are now new optional wing mirrors similar to those used by Volvo and Polestar models. The door handles have also been redesigned, while new slim LED taillights are found at the rear. The car is 5,090 mm (200.3 inches) long, 1,980 mm (77.9 inches) wide, stands just 1,490 mm (58.6 inches) tall, and has a generous 3,025 mm (119-inch) wheelbase.

Power For All

Two distinct, all-electric versions are mentioned in the MIIT filings. The first is a single-motor version with a rear-mounted electric motor delivering 496 hp. There’s no word on how large the car’s battery pack will be, but the weight of this model will vary between 2,397 kg (5,284 lbs) and 2,438 kg (5,374 lbs), depending on the specification. The top speed is listed at 155 mph (250 km/h).

As we’ve learned from Denza, simply having almost 500 hp isn’t enough. Sitting at the top of the Z9 sedan family will be a tri-motor version with a pair of 416 hp motors and a single 362 hp motor, delivering 1,328 hp. That gives it a power advantage over the existing Z9 GT Shooting Brake that tops out at 1,274 hp. The top speed of this model will be 168 mph (270 km/h), and it’ll be a little heavier, weighing in at 2,588 kg (5,705 lbs).

Details of this new model emerged shortly after Denza announced it was taking the current Z9 GT Shooting Brake global and will start selling it in Europe and Australia. Given that an updated sedan is in the works, it seems likely a new version of the Shooting Brake is also on the cards, mimicking some of the design changes made to the sedan.

The Ioniq brand has served as Hyundai’s premium series of EVs in Western markets for several years. Now, Hyundai is launching Ioniq in China, but it’s not doing so with any existing models. Instead, it has presented two concepts ahead of the Auto China show in Beijing.

All future Ioniq models sold by Hyundai in China will be named after planets. With this in mind, its first two concepts are dubbed the Venus and the Earth, the first of which is a sleek sedan while the latter is an SUV. Hyundai has declared that its Ioniq series will “evolve beyond a product lineup into a broader mobility ecosystem tailored to local customers” as it develops.

Read: Hyundai’s New EV Sedan For China Could Be Everything The Ioniq 6 Wasn’t

Hyundai says the Venus and Earth serve as design ‘barometers’ for future production models. The Venus has been presented in a shade of Radiant Gold and looks unlike any other Ioniq model we’ve seen. Like an Ioniq 5, it sits quite high and has an aggressive front end with slim LEDs and a gaping grille.

The cabin is also quite intriguing, featuring a slew of gold accents and a panoramic screen for the infotainment system and the front passenger, similar to the current Hyundai Elexio built in China. Just how much of this concept’s interior will influence future production models remains to be seen, but it certainly makes a statement.

No Ordinary Hyundai

Hyundai’s Earth SUV is even more dramatic. Sharing some similarities to recent Kia concepts, it has a bold front fascia and a rugged design, painted in a shade Hyundai calls Aurora Shield. A peek inside the cabin reveals suicide rear doors, a tablet-like central touchscreen, and special seats with air-filled modules.

“Starting with the two concept cars unveiled today, we will continue to present products that reflect deep insight into Chinese customers and our genuine commitment to this market,” Beijing Hyundai Motor Company president Li Fenggang said. “Built on IONIQ’s uncompromising principles of world-class safety and quality, we will soon introduce production models that seamlessly combine the smart driving and smart cabin experiences that Chinese consumers demand.”

Hyundai has yet to announce when the first of its China-only Ioniq models will be launched, but they shouldn’t be too far off.

We’re nearly a third of the way through April, but first quarter sales data continues to trickle out. Some of the latest numbers are from Mercedes and they’re painting a mixed picture.

Starting in the United States, Q1 passenger car retail sales fell approximately 3% to around 70,000 units. Unfortunately, it’s hard to get an accurate picture of things as the automaker no longer breaks sales down by model. Instead, the company now lumps vehicles together and cherry picks numbers that it likes.

More: Germany’s EV Market Was In Freefall A Year Ago, Now EVs Are Outselling Gas Cars

With that massive and annoying caveat aside, Mercedes said they had a “strong performance despite significant market headwinds.” Maybach sales jumped 22%, while the G-Class saw a 16% increase. The SL received a 47% boost, while the GLC and GLE were up 17% and 19%, respectively.

Mercedes also claimed that “customer interest and excitement surrounding the CLA continues to build across the U.S. market.” However, the company declined to provide numbers, so they were presumably pretty bad. The automaker stopped short of confirming this, but implied the situation will improve as “wider availability” is expected in the second quarter as they originally prioritized European sales.

Mercedes US Retail Sales Q1

The firm didn’t even bother mentioning the EQE, EQE SUV, EQS, or EQS SUV. This implies sales were as hot as an Anchorage dumpster fire in January, but surely a yoke will turn things around.

On the van side of the equation, sales fell 6% to roughly 8,500 units. The automaker could barely feign interest, but said they remain “focused on delivering versatile, premium van solutions that support evolving business needs.”

That’s meaningless nonsense, but at least we can look forward to the new VLE and VLS. The latter is getting an ultra-luxurious Maybach variant that promises private jet levels of comfort.

Sales Down Globally As Well

Zooming out, global passenger car sales fell 6% in the first quarter to around 419,400 units. This came despite a 9% increase in EVs, which found around 44,300 takers.

Speaking of which, the automaker said the “new electric GLC has generated more orders in the first three months than any other electric vehicle in our history.” They added order books for the CLA, GLB, and GLC EVs are “filled well into the second half of the year.”

EVs weren’t the only bright spot as European orders for the facelifted S-Class were “above expectations.” The automaker is also expecting to receive a boost from the updated GLE and GLS.

Confusingly, the global release said American car sales climbed 20% to 81,100 units. The company noted these are rounded “preliminary figures,” but that’s significantly more than the 70,000 mentioned earlier. However, this appears to be a case of retail sales vs overall numbers.

This, combined with a lack of model level details, results in a confusing maze of piecemeal information that – at times – seems contradictory. Regardless, the brand is tanking hard in China as sales were down 27% to around 111,600 units.

When it comes to vans, global sales fell 3% to approximately 80,300 units. Sales of EVs spiked 29%, but Mercedes only sold 6,100.

Mercedes Global Sales Q1

Rolls-Royce is working on an electric crossover to battle the Bentley Barnato and spy photographers recently snapped a prototype undergoing testing in Munich. While that’s notable by itself, the model appears to have an old school split hood.

Thanks to a beefy camera lens, we can see the ‘hood’ will have a central spine with a retractable spirit of ecstasy hood ornament at the front. On either side are two movable panels, which apparently lift up similar to a trunk lid.

More: Next Rolls-Royce Cullinan Is Changing Way More Than You Think

Rolls-Royce filed a patent for the idea in 2024 and it gives you a pretty good idea of what to expect. We can also see what appears to be a hinge at the front of the hood, although it looks like a drill attachment with a Phillips bit when you zoom in closer.

SHProshots

Forgotten tools aside, the crossover has a fully enclosed grille with a top-mounted camera. It’s flanked by split lighting units including lower headlights with “RR” badging. The model also sports a wide lower intake with horizontal bars.

The rest of the design is far more conventional and closely echoes the current Cullinan. As a result, there’s a strong shoulder line and slab-sided bodywork. They’re joined by a familiar greenhouse, a relatively flat roof, and a thick rear pillar.

The déjà vu design continues out back, but the EV has a unique bumper that lacks exhaust cut outs. The bumper also houses the license plate recess, which is a change as it’s mounted to the liftgate on the Cullinan.

These similarities originally had us believing the model was the second-generation Cullinan. However, there’s been some speculation that the two crossovers could co-exist alongside each other – at least initially.

SHProshots

While there are more questions than answers at this point, the model will undoubtedly follow in the footsteps of the Spectre. The coupe sports a 102 kWh battery pack as well as a dual-motor all-wheel drive system developing 577 hp (430kW / 584 PS) and 664 lb-ft (900Nm) of torque.

This enables the model to accelerate from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 4.4 seconds and have a WLTP range of 329 miles (530 km). There could also be a more powerful Black Badge variant with 650 hp (485 kW / 659 PS) and 793 lb-ft (1,075 Nm) of torque.

That being said, the crossover could benefit from newer technologies like the facelifted 7-Series. BMW recently announced the flagship sedan is getting their Gen6 eDrive technology and this will include a cylindrical cell lithium-ion battery with a 20% higher energy density. We can also expect the model to incorporate some other Neue Klasse advancements.

SHProshots

Spy photographers have snapped the Mercedes C-Class EQ on multiple occasions and the automaker officially previewed the model last fall. It now appears to be getting closer to its debut as lightly camouflaged prototypes have been spied undergoing testing in Germany.

While the front end is still heavily disguised, a previous teaser image has revealed the model will follow in the footsteps of the GLC EQ and adopt an illuminated, fully enclosed grille. It will also sport a light up surround as well as nearby star-infused headlights.

More: Mercedes-AMG Turns Electric C-Class Up To 11, Could Offer Up To 800 HP

More notably, we can see our first glimpse at the production hood. It features soft curves and a protruding middle section.

Moving further back, there’s streamlined bodywork and a rakish windscreen that flows into a sloping roof. The overall design recalls the EQE and EQS, but the C-Class EQ has a sportier and less exaggerated greenhouse. We can also see the model will be offered with both traditional and flush-mounted door handles as well as an assortment of different wheels.

Baldauf

Two of the prototypes appear to be equipped with an AMG or Night Package. They have an assortment of changes including sportier wheels, black window trim, black side skirts, and black mirror caps.

Out back, there are muscular rear haunches and a trunk with an integrated spoiler. They’re joined by a rounded bumper as well as taillights with circular accents featuring star graphics.

Spy photographers didn’t get a good look inside, but previous images have suggested the cabin will echo its crossover counterpart. This suggests the sedan could be offered with three different screen setups, including a relatively basic version with a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14-inch infotainment system.

The middle option would be an MBUX Superscreen, which throws a 14-inch front passenger display into the mix. However, the real show stopper should be a 39.1-inch MBUX Hyperscreen that spans the width of the dashboard.

Powertrains And Range

Baldauf

Powertrain details are more mysterious, but the GLC EQ gives us a pretty good idea about what to expect. It has a 94 kWh battery pack, which feeds a dual-motor all-wheel drive system developing 483 hp (360 kW / 490 PS) and 590 lb-ft (800 Nm) of torque. This enables the crossover to accelerate from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 4.3 seconds, hit a top speed of 130 mph (210 km/h), and have a WLTP range of 418 miles (673 km).

However, we can expect additional variants including models with rear-wheel drive. The company has previously said one version will offer 497 miles (800 km) of range, which would fall well short of the BMW i3’s 559 miles (900 km).

There’s no word on when the C-Class EQ will be unveiled, but the photos suggest a debut could be right around the corner and the automaker has previously said 16 new models are coming this year – including six EVs.

Baldauf

Kia’s nearly ready to saddle up and ride into America’s most fiercely loyal segment, and it’ll be doing it with the help of two totally different electrified powertrains.

We’ve known for a while that Kia, along with its Hyundai sister brand, are working on a pair of midsize pickups for the US. They’ll be proper body-on-frame trucks designed to deprive Toyota and Ford salesmen of truck hunters that might otherwise have snapped up a Tacoma or Ranger.

More: Hyundai’s New Pickup Truck Will Be Everything The Santa Cruz Refused To Be

What wasn’t confirmed until today at Kia’s investor briefing, is what will be under the hood of those trucks. A hybrid option seemed likely, but Kia CEO Ho Sung Song says the pickup will offer buyers the choice of both hybrid and range-extender electric powertrains. That means it won’t just be chasing the usual suspects like the Tacoma and Ranger, but could potentially steal sales from more bigger, high-tech machinery like the Rivian R1T and Tesla Cybertruck.

Details are still thin, but Kia says the truck will offer proper capability where it matters. Expect solid towing, genuine off road chops and a roomy double-cab layout designed for real world use.

Boulder’s Brother

Underneath, it will share its rugged bones with a future Hyundai truck previewed by the Boulder SUV concept unveiled at the New York Auto Show earlier this month. Given the Boulder’s butch aesthetic, we can expect both trucks to have plenty of attitude, but hopefully it’ll be less ugly than the Kia Tasman truck (shown above and in the lead image) that’s sold in Australia and other markets.

This new pickup won’t just be a niche addition either. Kia reckons it can shift around 90,000 units annually in North America, Auto News reports, and carve out a meaningful slice of the segment. That’s ambitious for a brand that’s never sold a truck in the US before, but then Kia isn’t exactly lacking in confidence these days.

Hybrids For US, EVs For Europe

The truck also fits neatly into Kia’s broader US push. The company is targeting more than one million annual sales stateside by 2030, with a 6.2 percent market share. To get there, it’s doubling down on hybrids, expanding from four to eight nameplates and adding electrified options to core models.

That includes big hitters like the Telluride, which is set to gain hybrid and range extender variants, plus the Sportage, which Kia wants to push past 200,000 annual sales. Even the smaller Seltos is getting in on the action with a new look (seen above) and a hybrid version aimed at cracking six-figure sales.

And while America gets a tough new truck, Europe is getting something much smaller but just as important. A new EV1 hatch is on the way to take on cars like the Renault 5, proving Kia’s strategy really does cover everything from city streets to dusty trails.

Update: The new NX8 is now on sale in China. Pricing starts lower than expected, and Nissan is offering both a pure electric and a range-extender version. This story has been updated with full pricing, specs, and new photos.

Nissan has introduced a new midsize SUV developed in partnership with Dongfeng in China, marking the latest addition to its growing, budget-conscious N-series lineup. Named the NX8, the model joins the existing N6 and N7 sedans and is offered with a selection of electrified powertrains.

More: Nissan’s New Hybrid Sedan Is As Big An Altima For Thousands Less Than A Versa

The exterior design follows the same styling language as its sedan counterparts, with clean surfacing and a grille-free front fascia. A full-width daytime running light runs across the split headlights and wraps around the front fenders, while OLED tail lights extend across the rear.

The overall shape leans toward conventional SUV proportions, marked by flush-fitting door handles and pronounced shoulders.

How Big Is It?

The midsize NX8 measures 4,870 mm (191.7 inches) in length, 1,920 mm (75.6 inches) in width, and 1,680 mm (66.1 inches) in height, with a wheelbase of 2,917 mm (114.8 inches).

More: Nissan’s Old Kicks Returns, And It Drives Like An EV Without Ever Plugging In

That makes it 222 mm (8.7 inches) longer than the Rogue (X-Trail) and 152 mm (6 inches) shorter than the Pathfinder. Interestingly, its wheelbase is 17 mm (0.7 inches) longer than the Pathfinder’s, which should translate to slightly better interior space.

A High-Tech Interior

Inside, we find dual 15.6-inch infotainment displays on the dashboard, which are separate from the 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and run on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8295P chipset. The flagship trim adds a 63-inch augmented reality head-up display and a 25-speaker audio system.

Additional highlights include AI Zero Gravity Seats 2.0 with massage, heating, and ventilation, along with contactless airflow control, an onboard refrigerator, and Motion Sickness Prevention Technology 3.0.

The five-seater cabin can transform into a comfortable couch/bed by fully reclining the front seatbacks. Furthermore, the boot has extra space under the floor, and is complemented by a frunk in the battery electric versions.

In terms of safety, the SUV is fitted with up to 29 sensors including a roof-mounted lidar unit. This the hardware for the Momenta-based Advanced Driver Assistance promising sophisticated autonomous capabilities.

Powertrain Options

The Nissan NX8 is offered with both range-extender (EREV) and fully electric (BEV) powertrains, each using lithium iron phosphate battery packs supplied by CATL.

More: Nissan Thinks You’re Not Mature Enough To Appreciate What It Just Launched In Japan

The EREV pairs a turbocharged 1.5-liter engine acting as a generator with a single electric motor producing 335 hp (250 kW/ 340 PS). It delivers an EV-only range of 310 km (193 miles) and a combined range of 1,450 km (901 miles) under CLTC testing.

The BEV variant produces either 288 hp (215 kW / 292 PS) or 335 hp (250 kW / 340 PS). Range is rated at 580 km (360 miles) and 650 km (404 miles), respectively, under the CLTC cycle. These figures exceed the Leaf’s 303-mile EPA rating on paper, though CLTC estimates typically run 20 to 30 percent higher than EPA results, so real-world differences may be smaller than they appear. The larger 81 kWh battery supports ultra-fast charging at up to 463 kW, taking it from 10 to 80 percent in 12 minutes.

How Much Does It Cost?

Nissan has initially launched the NX8 in China but as with the N6 and N7 sedans, it is expected to be exported to additional markets. Whether that will include Western regions like Europe and Australia, however, remains to be seen.

In its home market, the SUV is currently priced between ¥149,900-199,900 ($21,900-$29,200), depending on the powertrain and trim level. That’s roughly in line with what you would pay for the older Kicks Play in the US ($21,520), which remains Nissan’s most affordable model there, and still less than the new Kicks ($22,430). It also comes in well below the new Leaf EV, which starts at $29,990 in America.

These figures reflect introductory pricing for the launch period, with standard pricing set at ¥159,900-209,900 ($23,400-30,700). Even so, the China-spec model remains considerably cheaper than the Nissan Rogue, which starts at $29,490 in the US market.

Nissan NX8 Pricing

Kia just pulled the covers off its future plans, and while there’s plenty to digest, the real headline act for Europe is a tiny newcomer with big expectations. Enter the upcoming EV1, a compact electric hatch that’s shaping up to be Kia’s most affordable EV yet when it debuts next year.

Think of it as the lower, sleeker sibling to the EV2. It’s aimed squarely at Europe’s hotly contested supermini class, going up against the Renault 5, Peugeot e208 and Vauxhall Corsa Electric.

More: Kia’s Cheapest Electric SUV Drops A Seat To Hit Its Price

Under the skin, the EV1 is expected to share its hardware with the EV2, meaning a 400-volt E GMP platform and two battery options. Entry models should get a 42.2 kWh pack with roughly 200 miles (322 km) of range, while higher trims could use a 61 kWh battery pushing closer to 300 miles (483 km). Power outputs will likely mirror the EV2’s, so expect something in the region of 145 hp (147 PS / 108 kW) on base or mid-spec cars.

Kia also says this will be its first car in the segment to be a software-defined vehicle, one where everything from infotainment to vehicle systems is deeply integrated and updateable. Despite the clever tech, prices are likely to start at a little over £20,000 (€23,000), making it a genuine mass market EV.

New EV Platform In The Works

But the EV1 is just one piece of a much bigger puzzle. Kia wants 14 EVs globally by 2030 and annual electric sales of one million units. That’s part of a broader push to hit 4.13 million total sales and a 4.5 percent global market share.

Beyond the EV1, Kia will launch a new electric platform that it says will deliver up to 40 percent bigger batteries with 15 percent greater energy density powering motors that are 9 percent gruntier. An electric SUV to bridge the gap between the EV5 and EV9 is also on the way.

Big Hybrid Push

But Kia isn’t going all in on EVs just yet, especially not in the US, CEO Ho Sung Song admitting that the rate of global electric adoption had slowed. So hybrids are getting a major boost, with 13 HEV models planned and annual hybrid sales targeted at 1.1 million units. New hybrid versions of key models like the Telluride, Seltos and K4 are coming, as are hybrid and range-extender versions of the midsize body-on-frame truck Kia will debut before 2030.

Furthermore, the Korean brand is doubling down on commercial vehicles like the PV5, adding a bigger PV7 in 2027 and PV9 two years later. It’s also pushing robotics, with factory bots and delivery solutions in development. So yes, the EV1 might be small, but it’s leading a very big plan.

Facing mounting pressure to cut costs and speed up timelines, Stellantis is looking beyond its own engineering bench. The automaker is reportedly exploring a plan to co-develop a new EV for Opel, and possibly Alfa Romeo too, with Leapmotor, leaning heavily on the Chinese firm’s underlying technologies.

Read: Stellantis’ Plan For Canada Looks Less Like A Car Factory And More Like A Chinese IKEA, Says Official

The move comes as Stellantis recalibrates its EV strategy following a $25 billion writedown tied to scaling back parts of its electric vehicle roadmap.

China-Based Development Plans

Unnamed sources claim that the new Opel could use the same architecture as the Leapmotor B10. Whether it will share the exact same powertrain remains unclear, but Leapmotor is expected to supply key systems, including electrical and electronic components, effectively doing much of the heavy lifting under the skin.

In addition, much of the development work would take place in China, with Opel focusing primarily on exterior design. Reuters reports that discussions between the two companies began late last year, and a deal could be finalized in the coming weeks.

Stellantis acquired a 20 percent stake in Leapmotor in 2023 and has since supported the brand’s international expansion through their joint venture, Leapmotor International. This entity oversees sales and production outside China. If approved, the new Opel SUV would be built at Stellantis’ Zaragoza plant in Spain, which is also set to assemble the Leapmotor B10 starting later this year.

An Alfa Romeo Next?

It is understood that the new Opel could enter production in 2028, with annual output targeted at around 50,000 units. Leapmotor has responded cautiously to the reports, noting that it continues discussions with partners, including Stellantis, but has no plans for full platform-level collaboration. Instead, it remains focused on supplying its own in-house components.

The close-knit partnership between Stellantis and Leapmotor may extend beyond a single Opel EV. Early discussions have considered applying Leapmotor’s technology to smaller A-segment models, which would likely require separate production lines. The same report also points to a possible Alfa Romeo model based on the B10 architecture, which could also be produced in Zaragoza.

VW’s sporty Spanish brand, Cupra, has revealed its smallest EV yet. Called the Raval, this subcompact sister to the upcoming electric VW ID. Polo and Skoda Epiq hits European roads later in 2026 with bags of attitude and the aim of stealing sales away from Renault’s popular 5.

Also: Cupra Born Again With Real Buttons And A New Face

At just over 4 meters (157.4 inches) long the Raval sits in supermini territory but stretches expectations with a 2,600 mm (102.4 inches) wheelbase and a surprisingly roomy 441 liter (15.6 cu-ft) trunk. It’s wider and lower than you might expect too, giving it a squat, planted stance that screams more fun than frugal.

Underneath, it rides on the Volkswagen Group’s new MEB+ platform, which it’ll share with the ID. Polo and Epiq. Think of it as the budget friendly evolution of the architecture used in bigger EVs like the ID.4 and Born, but tuned here for smaller, cheaper cars, and set up to the drive the front wheels, rather than the rears, or all four.

Buyers get plenty of powertrain choice. Entry level versions badged simply Raval pair a 114 hp (116 PS / 85 kW) motor with a 37 kWh battery, good for around 186 miles (300 km) of range, though limited to just 50 kW DC charging. Step up a rung on the configuration ladder to Raval Plus and you’ll find a 133 hp (135 PS / 99 kW) motor using the same pack, although this time charging peaks at up to 88 kW DC for a 10 to 80 percent top up in roughly 23 minutes.

Hot Hatch Punch

Move into the bigger battery cars and things get spicier. The 52 kWh pack brings 208 hp (211 PS / 155 kW) in the Endurance trim and delivers around 280 miles (450 km) of range, with charging speeds up to 105 kW.

That should be feisty enough for most buyers, but if it’s not, there’s the VZ hot hatch. It pushes output to 222 hp (226 PS / 166 kW) and will hit 62 mph (100 kmh) in 6.8 seconds making it a rival for the Alpine A290, not to mention VW’s ID. Polo GTI. Range drops slightly to around 249 miles (400 km), but speed demons might think it a price worth paying.

Cupra hasn’t just chased power numbers, either. The Raval’s chassis sits 15 mm (0.59 inches) lower than the base MEB+ setup used on the ID. Polo and runs a 10 mm (0.39 inches) wider track, with adaptive dampers, progressive steering, and an electronic limited slip differential on the VZ. There’s also one pedal driving and a dramatic e launch feature for stoplight getaways complete with synthesized sound effects.

Big On Screen, Short On Buttons

Inside, drivers are treated to a usefully large 10.25-inch digital cluster and a 12.9 inch infotainment system, though unlike the ID. Polo, which has multiple physical buttons for features like the climate control the Raval is button-light and stuck with the old-style VW interface and its annoying temperature sliders. At least you get real physical switches on the chunky steering wheel.

Go for the launch edition Raval VZ Extreme and you’re treated to CUP bucket seats with 3D knit technology upholstery, as well as Sulfur Green 19-inch wheels and a Manganese matt exterior finish. At the other end of the scale, prices are expected to start at around €26,000, or just under £23,000 in the UK, when the Raval arrives in summer 2026. That puts the smallest Cupra in a head-on battle with the Renault 5 – which would you pick?

Cupra

BYD isn’t content with its core brand competing against the world’s biggest carmakers. It has now launched its premium Denza brand in Europe. There’s a certain irony here, as Denza was originally created as a joint venture between BYD and Mercedes-Benz owner Daimler, blending Chinese EV expertise with German premium know-how. It was established in 2010 before Mercedes-Benz gradually stepped back and exited entirely in 2024.

The rollout begins in Germany, France, Italy, Spain, and the UK, with two key models leading the way. By the end of 2026, Denza is expected to be present in 30 countries across the continent.

Also: BYD Says Five-Minute Charging Adds 310 Miles, BMW Says Read The Fine Print

Those opening acts are the D9 DM-i minivan and the Z9GT Shooting Brake. The D9 leans on a plug-in hybrid setup, while the Z9GT gives buyers a choice between full electric and plug-in hybrid power. Their arrival also lines up with BYD’s wider push to roll out its Flash Charging system internationally. Over the next 12 months, the company aims to install 3,000 charging stations across Europe, with another 3,000 planned for markets beyond China.

Denza has already been selling the Z9GT Shooting Brake in China for quite some time, and it’s one of the country’s most intriguing family cars. Based on the firm’s e³ Platform, the all-electric model uses a sizeable 122.49 kWh battery pack, a front motor with 308 hp (230 kW) and 302 lb-ft (410 Nm) of torque, as well as two 416 hp (310 kW) and 295 lb-ft (400 Nm) motors at the rear axle, giving it a combined 1,139 hp (850 kW) and 892 lb-ft (1,210 Nm) of torque.

Read: BYD’s Premium Z Sports Car Is Gunning Straight For Porsche’s Pride

The sprint to 62 mph (100 km/h) is dealt with in just 2.7 seconds, and the top speed is 167 mph (269 km/h), more than enough for high-speed cruising on the German Autobahn. The EV has a quoted WLTP driving range of 372 miles (599 km), and thanks to BYD’s 1,500 kW Flash Charging system, it charges from 10-70 percent in five minutes and 10-97 percent in nine minutes.

A High-Powered Plug-In

The plug-in hybrid version uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 170 hp (127 kW) and 236 lb-ft (320 Nm), along with a 268 hp (200 kW) front motor and two 248 hp (185 kW) rear motors producing 266 lb-ft (360 Nm) each, resulting in a combined output of 765 hp (570 kW) and 763 lb-ft (1,035 Nm).

More: BYD Boss Brags Z9 GT Is ‘Ten Times Better’ Than Premium Euro Rivals

It also features a sizeable 63.82 kWh battery and can travel 126 miles (203 km) on all-electric power, or 500 miles (805 km) when combined with the engine. It needs just 3.6 seconds to hit 62 mph (100 km/h) and tops out at 161 mph (259 km/h).

Both versions come standard with carbon ceramic brakes and include rear-wheel steering. They also included BYD’s advanced DiSUS-A dual-chamber air suspension system and can tow up to 2,000 kg (4,409 lbs). A rear-wheel-drive-only version of the electric Z9 GT will launch later this year, boasting greater driving range.

The D9 DM-i minivan features a plug-in hybrid, all-wheel-drive powertrain delivering up to 130 miles (209 km) of electric-only range and a combined range of 590 miles (950 km). It also supports BYD’s Flash Charging technology.

Market-specific pricing for the new Denza models has yet to be announced, though details are expected to follow shortly.

Not satisfied with its namesake brand expanding worldwide and rivaling some of the world’s largest car manufacturers, BYD has officially launched its premium Denza brand in Europe. Bringing with it two compelling models, the firm is initially launching in Germany, France, Italy, Spain, and the UK, but by the end of 2026, it will be present in 30 countries across the continent.

The two models launched are the D9 DM-i minivan and the Z9GT Shooting Brake. The D9 is a plug-in hybrid, while the Z9GT is offered in all-electric and plug-in hybrid guises, and the launch of both models coincides with BYD’s planned international rollout of its new Flash Charging system. Within the next 12 months, it plans to establish 3,000 stations in Europe and 3,000 others in markets outside of China.

Read: BYD’s Premium Z Sports Car Is Gunning Straight For Porsche’s Pride

Denza has already been selling the Z9GT Shooting Brake in China for quite some time, and it’s one of the country’s most intriguing family cars. Based on the firm’s e³ Platform, the all-electric model uses a sizeable 122.49 kWh battery pack, a front motor with 308 hp (230 kW) and 302 lb-ft (410 Nm) of torque, as well as two 416 hp (310 kW) and 295 lb-ft (400 Nm) motors at the rear axle, giving it a combined 1,139 hp (850 kW) and 892 lb-ft (1,210 Nm) of torque.

The sprint to 62 mph (100 km/h) is dealt with in just 2.7 seconds, and the top speed is 167 mph (269 km/h), more than enough for high-speed cruising on the German Autobahn. The EV has a quoted WLTP driving range of 372 miles (599 km), and thanks to BYD’s 1,500 kW Flash Charging system, it charges from 10-70 percent in five minutes and 10-97 percent in nine minutes.

A High-Powered Plug-In

The plug-in hybrid version uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 170 hp (127 kW) and 236 lb-ft (320 Nm), along with a 268 hp (200 kW) front motor and two 248 hp (185 kW) rear motors producing 266 lb-ft (360 Nm) each, resulting in a combined output of 765 hp (570 kW) and 763 lb-ft (1,035 Nm). It also features a sizeable 63.82 kWh battery and can travel 126 miles (203 km) on all-electric power, or 500 miles (805 km) when combined with the engine. It needs just 3.6 seconds to hit 62 mph (100 km/h) and tops out at 161 mph (259 km/h).

Both versions come standard with carbon ceramic brakes and include rear-wheel steering. They also included BYD’s advanced DiSUS-A dual-chamber air suspension system and can tow up to 2,000 kg (4,409 lbs). A rear-wheel-drive-only version of the electric Z9 GT will launch later this year, boasting greater driving range.

The D9 DM-i minivan is equipped with a plug-in hybrid, all-wheel drive powertrain offering 130 miles (209 km) of electric driving range, and a combined driving range of 590 miles (950 km). It also supports BYD’s Flash Charging technology.

Market-specific pricing details for the new Denza models have yet to be announced, but are expected to be confirmed soon.

Denza D9 DM-i

Denza Z9GT Shooting Brake

Honda slammed the brakes on its EV push, and now it faces the prospect of being stuck at a development red light with not much new to show customers. After canceling several electric models, the company is staring down a product gap in North America that could stretch into 2027 and far beyond.

That’s a problem in a market where newness sells. Analysts say there may be no fully redesigned core models arriving next year, leaving Honda to rely on cars that are starting to feel a little long in the tooth.

More: Honda Went To China, Saw The Future, And Reached Back To The 1960s

The irony is that only a couple of months ago, Honda dealers were preparing for a massive influx of exciting new metal. Honda had gone all in on EVs, shifting engineers and resources away from traditional development. Then demand softened, policies shifted, and suddenly those future models didn’t make financial sense anymore.

So the company pulled the plug. That included the wild looking 0 Saloon, the 0 SUV, and even Acura’s planned RSX revival. Cool ideas, all gone, along with billions in investment. What’s left is the hangover. Development pipelines for gas powered cars have slowed, and the company is left trying to rebuild momentum while competitors keep rolling out fresh vehicles. Its first fresh vehicle will be a redesigned CR-V due in 2027, Nikkei Asia reports.

Rivals More Efficient

It’s not just about product timing either. Honda’s development efficiency has been under scrutiny for years, and the gap versus rivals like Toyota isn’t helping. Pricing pressure is another concern. In the US, Honda is already offering bigger incentives than some rivals to keep cars moving. If newer competitors arrive while Honda’s lineup stays largely unchanged, those discounts may have to climb even higher.

No New Cars But Plenty Of Bills

Financially, things don’t look much rosier. The EV retreat is expected to trigger massive losses, and not just in wasted development time and money. Nikkei Asia says the automaker could have to pay $10 billion to suppliers who were all geared up and ready to build parts for the cancelled electric cars. And there’s growing chatter that dividends could come under pressure if earnings don’t recover soon.

Honda insists it’s stabilizing things and focusing on hybrids while reorganizing development to speed things up again, and there’s even talk of potential collaboration with Nissan in North America. But nothing concrete has emerged yet, so don’t expect many new-model fireworks for a couple of years.

Honda

It hasn’t taken long for the EV pendulum to swing back in Germany. Less than a year after Europe’s biggest car market pulled the plug on EV subsidies and watched demand stumble, fresh incentives have stepped in and buyers are piling back in like the discount aisle just reopened.

Despite economic jitters tied to trade tensions and the war in Iran, Germany’s car market picked up pace in March, with registrations rising 16 percent compared to the previous month. A total of 294,161 vehicles were registered, and a striking 24 percent of them were battery-electric. That translates to 70,663 EVs sold during the month.

Read: EV Buyers Just Got A Huge Break In Germany That Lasts Ten Years

This surge has pushed EVs ahead of both petrol and diesel models, which now account for 22.8 percent and 12.8 percent of the market, respectively.

This represents a significant 66.2 percent increase over the 42,521 sold in March of last year. Year-to-date, a total of 159,630 BEVs have been sold, up 41.3 percent from the 112,968 sold across the January-March period in 2025.

Hybrids Join The Party

It’s not just EVs that have surged in popularity this year. Sales of hybrid models, including plug-in hybrids, climbed 16.2 percent in March to 117,845 units. First-quarter figures are up as well, rising 10.4 percent to 282,600 units. Hybrids now account for 40.1 percent of all new car registrations in the country.

Several brands contributed to the surge in electrified vehicle sales. For example, BYD sold 3,438 vehicles in March, up 327.1 percent from the year prior. Sales from Leapmotor also rose 318.1 percent to 1,388, and Tesla sales climbed 315.1 percent to 9,252 units. This year, 12,829 new Tesla models have been sold in Germany, up 160 percent from the same period last year.

Among established brands, Opel (+43.0%), Audi (+25.0%), and BMW (+16.5%) posted strong gains in March, while Skoda reached an 8.4 percent market share, making it the top import brand.

As of January 1, new electric vehicles registered in Germany are exempt from motor vehicle tax until December 31, 2035. Additionally, EVs are eligible for a base subsidy of €3,000 ($3,500) and up to €6,000 ($7,000) for lower-income households. Similarities, plug-in hybrids, and extended-range EVs can receive subsidies of up to €4,500 ($5,200).

Overall registrations for the first quarter of the year rose by 5.2 percent compared to the same period last year.

Germany Car Sales March 2026

Volkswagen recently stopped accepting orders for the Touareg as the company prepares to sunset the model. However, the automaker is reportedly considering an electric successor that would enable them to hold onto well-heeled customers.

In an interview with Autocar, Volkswagen’s sales and marketing boss said ,”We are the brand for the people,” but the Touareg has “its place and this is why we are looking into opportunities for a next-generation. ”

Martin Sander went on to acknowledge low sales, but noted there’s a certain type of customer that wants “great design and space, and a very high level of quality and sophistication but, for whatever reason, do not want to be associated with a premium brand.”

More: VW Ending Its Longest-Running SUV After Two Decades With Touareg Farewell Edition

In essence, it’s for people that want the luxury and style of an Audi, but with a Volkswagen badge. Sander went on to describe Touareg customers as “very down-to-earth people who are affluent,” but “low-key” and don’t want to show off. He went on to note many are business owners and it might send the wrong signal if they show up to a customer’s home in a vehicle like a Porsche Macan.

Little is known about the next-generation Touareg but, if approved, Sander said it would be fully electric and a large SUV. This suggests the model could be based on either the PPE or SSP platform. The former underpins the electric version of the Porsche Cayenne and that model has typically been closely related to the Touareg.

If history repeats itself, the ID. Touareg could follow in the footsteps of the entry-level Cayenne Electric and have a roughly 113 kWh battery pack, a 390 kW DC fast charging capability, and a dual-motor all-wheel drive system producing a combined output of around 435 hp (324 kW / 441 PS). Of course, the Volkswagen could be less advanced to help keep prices down.

Lexus must be feeling artistic as the company has introduced two separate one-off vehicles in the past week. One embraces style, while the other is focused on music.

Without further ado, the automaker teamed up with Alex Alpert to unveil a unique IS 350 at EXPO Chicago. It embraces the artist’s “signature line-art style” and features black lines that largely accent the shapes of Lexus’ entry-level sedan, giving it the look of something sketched before it was built.

More: The Next Lexus IS May Go In A Very Different Direction

The F Sport variant has black wheels, matching mirror caps, and dark window trim. It should also have a familiar 3.5-liter V6 developing 311 hp (232 kW / 315 PS) and 280 lb-ft (379 Nm) of torque. This enables the sedan to accelerate from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 5.9 seconds before hitting a top speed of 143 mph (230 km/h).

Besides the art car, Alpert will paint custom IS 350 hoods at NYCxDesign and Art Basel. They’ll feature a “series of symbolic illustrations that connect to Lexus brand values and Japanese heritage, including motifs representing Lexus’ elite and precise craftsmanship, hospitality, engineering precision, performance, and smooth driving.”

RZ Blue In Green

The second model is an RZ that celebrates what would have been the 100th birthday of musician Miles Davis. It was created in collaboration with Laufey and was inspired by her “reimagined interpretation of Davis’ iconic composition Blue In Green.”

As part of the makeover, the electric crossover features a unique paint job that “shifts from deep blue to green as light moves across its surface.” The model also sports a custom illuminated “L” badge as well as brass-colored brake calipers that are a nod to Davis’ trumpet.

The brass theme continues inside, where it’s joined by red and black upholstery. Other highlights include written lyrics in the cargo area as well as a unique startup sequence that plays the first notes of Davis’ Blue In Green.

Forget zero to 60 mph (97 kmh) times, the EV world has a new kind of electric performance battleground and China’s Geely just claimed top honors. It says its new batteries can charge even faster than the BYD batteries that sent us into a spin last month with their crazy top-up times.

Geely’s Lynk and Co brand says its latest 95 kWh battery – the hopefully not prophetically named 900V Energee Golden Brick – can charge from 10 to 70 percent in just 4 minutes 22 seconds. That compares with BYD’s megawatt flash charging results of 5 minutes for the same race, an achievement that itself is way ahead of anything European or American automakers can deliver.

Related: BYD Says Its New Battery Can Recharge As Fast As Filling Up Your Gas Tank

Stretch the experiment from 10-80 percent and the Geely EV does the job in 5 minutes 32 seconds, and even going from 10-97 percent, which takes account of batteries charging more slowly as they get close to full, the clock only registers 8 minutes 42 seconds. BYD’s second-generation blade battery needs 9 minutes to get to 97 percent when hooked up to one of the company’s new megawatt flash chargers.

Destroys Western EVs

The secret sauce is a high voltage setup paired with seriously beefy charging hardware. We’re talking peak power of around 1,100 kW with strong input of more than 500 kW at 75 percent charged, and 350 kW at 97 percent. That 350 kW figure is higher than the peak charge rate achieved by all but the fastest-charging Western EVs.

There is a catch though, or more likely several. These charge speeds rely on next level charging stations that aren’t exactly everywhere yet. Geely’s network is growing, but it’s way behind BYD in terms of super-fast rollout, being about one quarter the size, Car News China reports. So while Geely may have bragging rights today, the real winner could still be whoever builds the infrastructure fastest.

BMW Not Convinced

Not everyone’s convinced this race is worth winning anyway. BMW has been openly skeptical about the obsession with ever faster charging.

“You always have to be careful with those kinds of announcements,” BMW’s battery production boss, Markus Fallböhmer told Carsales last month. “It is possible to optimize one single performance indicator, but you have to make compromises on other sides.”

That’s BMW’s polite way of saying there’s no free lunch. Push charging speeds high enough and something else may give, whether that’s longevity, cost, or overall performance.

While President Donald Trump has shown an unexpected openness to Chinese automakers building cars in the United States, three senators from the other side of the political spectrum have now joined Republican voices pushing to ensure that never happens.

Late last week, Democratic Senators Tammy Baldwin, Elissa Slotkin, and Chuck Schumer urged the administration not to allow Chinese car companies to manufacture vehicles locally, noting this could severely harm American companies. China is none too pleased and has accused the US of engaging in “trade protectionism.”

Read: US Senator Calls Chinese Cars “Cancer,” Wants Permanent Ban

“We must be clear-eyed that inviting China’s automakers to set up shop in the ⁠United States would confer an insurmountable economic advantage impossible for American automakers to overcome, and it would trigger a national security ​crisis that could never be reversed,” the senators wrote in a letter to Trump, first reported by Reuters.

They sent the letter to President Donald Trump following comments he made in January. Speaking at the Detroit Economic Club, Trump said that “if they [Chinese companies] want to come in and build a plant and hire you and hire your friends and your neighbors, that’s great, I love that.”

Responding to Reuters about the letter from Baldwin, Slotkin, and Schumer, the White House said that “while the administration is always working to secure more investment into America’s industrial resurgence, any notion that we would ever compromise our national security to do so is baseless and false.”

China’s Not Happy

Chinese car companies have effectively been banned from selling vehicles in the United States due to policies enacted by the Biden administration in early 2025. However, it appears the Trump administration is more open to Chinese companies coming to the US than ex-President Joe Biden was, particularly if it can help to reverse the trend of ongoing job losses in the manufacturing sector.

According to the Chinese Embassy in Washington, the US has “engaged in trade protectionism and set up obstacles, including discriminatory ⁠subsidy policies ​to obstruct access to the U.S. market by Chinese-made cars.”

Jim Farley has been saying it for a while now, and he’s not backing off. Ford’s CEO doesn’t want to build boring cars, and now that promise stretches from American pickups to small European EVs, with even a supercar tease thrown in for good measure.

Farley first floated the idea back in 2024, but in a new chat with Top Gear, he reasserted his position, this time with Europe firmly in his sights.

Related: Ford Killed Fiesta For A Crossover, Now It Might Return Like This

“No more generic vehicles,” Farley told TG’s reporter at an interview in Detroit recently. “People loved Focus and Fiesta because they were affordable vehicles with great driving dynamics. They were not boring vehicles.”

But it sounds like their replacements, built around the same Renault AmpR platform that’s helped make the 5 a hit, will be much funkier, and also tangibly different from Renault’s own products.

Aspirational Appeal In Europe

“Our EV strategy is changing in Europe and we intend to compete differently,” Farley says. “The cars will have a specific feel that is not mid-market. Even in the EV world I think that’s possible, but we’re going to have to take some risks.”

He even reached for a big-name comparison to underline the point.

“We’re making passion products, this is not a marketing conversation. This is a Steve Jobs kind of conversation. I’m challenging the concept that the Fiesta ST is the best example of democratized performance at Ford. Whether they’re based on a VW or Renault platform, we’re going to execute those cars with a swagger that’s specific to Ford of Europe.”

Affordability For America

Meanwhile, in the US, Ford’s taking a different route to the same destination. Instead of chasing premium EVs, it’s working on a smaller, cheaper, $30k electric pickup (seen above) aimed squarely at the mainstream. The idea is simple: build something affordable that people actually want, not just something that ticks regulatory boxes.

Related: Ford’s $30K Pickup Wants To Beat Cybertruck At Its Own Game

It’s all part of a broader rethink that also pushes hybrids and new production methods designed to cut costs and complexity. If it works, Ford could finally crack the code on making electrified vehicles both desirable and profitable.

A New GT?

And then there’s the wildcard. Right at the end of the interview, Farley hinted that a new halo performance car has already been decided, and suggested his team was way past the question of what kind of car it should be.

“We’re not pondering, we’ve already answered it,” he teased. Farley didn’t spill details, but the message was clear. Ford wants excitement back at every level, from entry EVs to whatever sits at the very top.

Ford

The UK’s sales charts don’t usually throw up surprises, yet March 2026 did exactly that. A relatively new Chinese SUV, the Jaecoo 7, jumped straight to the top spot, becoming the best-selling new car in the country. It’s the first time a Chinese model has led the UK market, landing right in the middle of the industry’s busiest sales month, which also saw electrified vehicles and BEVs hit record numbers.

More: UK Buyers Now Love This ‘Temu Range Rover’ More Than The Real Thing

Not everything is rosy, though, as some analysts are already questioning how long that pace can last.

Chinese Intruder Steals The Crown

The compact SUV from Chery, carrying styling that leans heavily on Range Rover cues, has even picked up a nickname online, with some calling it the “Temu Range Rover” in a tongue-in-cheek dig to its bargain-luxury vibe and resemblance to the real thing.

It racked up 10,064 registrations in March, enough to push past familiar heavyweights like the Ford Puma, which logged 9,193 units, and the Nissan Qashqai with 8,718. The rest of the top five followed a predictable script, with the Kia Sportage at 7,310 units and the Vauxhall Corsa close behind at 6,315.

More: Ford Fixes Puma Gen-E’s Biggest Weakness And Adds A Clever Upgrade

Since arriving in the UK in September 2025, the Jaecoo 7 has steadily hovered around the top ten, but this latest jump changes the tone. It now sits second in the year-to-date rankings with 15,569 registrations, closing in on the Ford Puma, which still holds the overall lead for the first quarter of 2026 with 16,128 sales. The gap is small enough to make the next few months worth watching closely.

According to Jaecoo, the plug-in hybrid version equipped with its Super Hybrid System (SHS-P) has quickly become the star of the lineup, accounting for 85% of the SUV’s sales in March.

More: The Brand Behind The ‘Temu Range Rover’ Just Made A Temu Mercedes GLS

In the UK, the Jaecoo 7 starts at £29,105 ($38,600) for the gasoline model, climbing to £35,175 ($46,600) for the range-topping PHEV. Even at the top end, it undercuts plug-in hybrid rivals of similar size, which gives it a clear pricing edge. It also manages up to 56 miles (90 km) of electric-only driving, enough to land in a lower tax bracket and make it appealing to fleet buyers.

The Chery-owned brand leans on a 7-year warranty to ease the usual doubts that come with a new badge. Its UK presence is growing quickly too, with a retail network now up to 124 locations. Together, sister brands Omoda and Jaecoo have moved more than 80,000 vehicles in the UK in just 19 months. March alone accounted for 17,861 registrations.

The Biggest Month On Record For Electrified Vehicles

The UK’s new car market picked up pace in March, with the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders reporting a 6.6% increase to 380,627 registrations, making it the strongest month since 2019. Private buyers led the charge with a 10.1% jump, while fleet sales rose 3.5% and business registrations climbed 18.8%.

More: Rivian Beat Four Major Automakers In EV Sales, And Its Biggest Model Hasn’t Even Launched Yet

Electrified vehicles delivered a record-setting month, led by a 46.9% surge in plug-in hybrids. Self-charging hybrids followed with a 7.3% increase, while battery electric vehicles climbed 24.2%. It also marked the strongest month on record for fully electric cars in the UK

In market share terms, plug-in hybrids took 13%, self-charging hybrids reached 15.8%, and battery electric vehicles claimed 22.6% of UK sales in March. That last figure looks strong, but it still sits well short of the government’s 33% Zero Emission Vehicle target for 2026.

UK New Car Registrations 2026

Source SMMT

Clouds On The Horizon

Even with record numbers on paper, the mood behind the scenes is far less celebratory. SMMT says automakers are leaning heavily on discounts just to keep momentum going. At the same time, battery costs are running about 30% higher than expected, while public charging prices have climbed 140% over the past five years. That combination leaves margins looking increasingly fragile.

More: The Iran War Could End Tomorrow. The Auto Industry Could Still Lose Over A Million Sales

The situation is further complicated by the ongoing Iran crisis. While the conflict has pushed fuel prices sharply higher and nudged more drivers to consider EVs, it also risks eroding consumer confidence as everyday costs rise across the board.

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said:

“The strongest new car market since 2019, with the highest ever volume of EV registrations, is a boost to the industry and the economy. However, the headlines belie the costs incurred and the challenges involved. Much of March’s performance will be from orders placed before the start of the Iran conflict, which threatens to raise the cost of living, undermining consumer confidence. Against this backdrop, and with the EV market falling further away from mandated levels despite record levels of incentives, an urgent review of the transition is required to secure a sustainable market, economic growth and the UK’s net zero ambitions.”