GM’s China studio created a sporty EV concept for local market appeal.
Sketches show a grille-less SUV with arrow cues and wraparound glass.
The design may inspire future Chevrolet models for Chinese customers.
The world’s largest automotive market has become a linchpin for General Motors, a place where nearly all its brands are striving to secure a stronger presence. To that end, GM’s China Advanced Design studio has unveiled another fresh concept study, a “sporty EV” created specifically with Chinese buyers in mind.
The exploration sketches and renderings were made by GM designer Charles Huang at the company’s Shanghai facilities. They show what looks like a small crossover – some might even see shades of a future Bolt – with oversized wheels and a contrasting bi-tone paint scheme.
At the front, the concept trades a traditional grille for a clean, enclosed surface with split LED headlights and a Chevrolet emblem that may light up. The bodywork is restrained, defined by crisp lines and minimal decorative detailing.
The most striking element is the wraparound glasshouse, framed by a thick C-pillar that seems to clasp the rear of the vehicle. The contrast between the deep blue and black tones amplifies this visual tension.
GM Design / Instagram
According to the designer, the profile is inspired by a “released arrow”, an idea most evident in the early sketches. The later, photorealistic renderings dial the drama back, edging closer to something feasible for production.
In fact, it’s easy to picture this crossover parked in a Chevrolet showroom, fitted with regular mirrors and door handles, of course, assuming those still have a place in modern EV design.
The presentation on the GM Design Instagram profile doesn’t include any sketches of the interior. We don’t have any specs, either, although a rear-mounted electric motor and a medium-sized battery pack would probably do the job.
The EV seems to have a similar length to the Chinese-spec Chevrolet Tracker RS and the US-spec Bolt. That puts it below the Trailblazer, Trax, Equinox EV, and Blazer currently sold in the States.
While the Chevrolet concept is just a design study with no production intent, GM is working on multiple affordable EVs for the future. It is safe to assume that at least some of them will adopt an SUV bodystyle, possibly similar to the “sporty EV” depicted in the sketches.
Though GM describes the project as a design study with no immediate production intent, it arrives at a time when the company is actively developing several affordable EVs for many markets. It’s likely that some of those models will borrow cues from this study, especially the SUV silhouete.
GM Design revealed two new Buick concept vehicles created in China.
One of them is a family-oriented compact SUV with modern styling.
The other is a sleek crossover with a sporty estate stance and suicide doors.
Buick is enjoying solid momentum in China, with consistent demand for the Envision SUV, LaCrosse sedan, and GL8 minivan keeping showrooms busy. Even so, the design team continues to push forward, developing fresh ideas and refining future models.
Two of these design studies just appeared on the General Motors Design Instagram account: one is a family compact SUV, the other a sportier crossover estate. Different takes, but both look unusually ready for production.
Both concepts were developed at the GM Advanced Design studio in Shanghai, China. One is designed by Sangmin Kim, while the other is designed by Yixuan Feng.
GM Design / Instagram
Starting with the more conventional concept, it’s described as “a fun, family-oriented premium Buick design study” created around the theme “driving in comfort.”
Up front, split LED headlights feature futuristic internal graphics, compensating neatly for the absence of a traditional grille. Along the sides, large bi-tone alloy wheels fill the arches, framed by glossy black cladding and muscular fenders.
The thick C-pillars flow into a rear spoiler that wraps around the back window, where the taillights are integrated beneath the glass. The rear also features a wide tailgate and a sculpted bumper with a discreet diffuser. Despite modest ground clearance, the upright front end, roof rails, and protective cladding lend it an SUV stance reminiscent of the Kia Niro.
Buick hasn’t revealed technical details, but the proportions seem to place this concept between the 171.4 inches (4,355 mm) of the Encore GX and the 182.7 inches (4,645 mm) of the Envision.
GM Design / Instagram
The next concept is described as a “small, expressive premium Buick design study” built around the idea of “driving pleasure.” It adopts an aerodynamic crossover hatchback or estate profile, complete with suicide doors and a split tailgate.
The front end features an illuminated grille, slim headlights, and ADAS sensors hidden in the bumper intakes. The forged aluminum wheels have shiny chrome accents, while the surfacing in front of the toned rear shoulders looks inspired by Lexus.
Other highlights include the panoramic sunroof, the flying buttresses, the swooping rear glass, and the reflective taillights. Overall, the model appears to be smaller in size compared to the Electra-L Shooting Brake concept from 2024.
What’s Next For Buick?
Buick’s design language is shifting toward New Energy Vehicles (NEV), and both of these concepts seem well-suited to fully electric or range-extender setups.
While the models are labeled as design studies, they could easily pass for production vehicles, as they don’t have any wildly futuristic features. Buick is reportedly working on an electric subcompact crossover, which is set to arrive before 2029, followed by a new generation of the Encore GX.
Mazda may replace the 3 with a China-built electric version in some markets.
Trademark filings for Mazda3e hint at a Deepal-based model under Changan.
The sedan may grow in size, offering more tech, screens, and premium touches.
Mazda has been busy polishing its lineup of straight-six-powered crossovers, pouring attention into its larger and more profitable models. Yet, as the Hiroshima brand shifts focus to electrification and SUVs, the rest of its range has been quietly gathering dust.
Apart from the refreshed CX-5 and a few Chinese-sourced EVs, not much has been happening in Mazda’s compact corner. And the silence surrounding a successor to the 3 has been deafening, with no sign of it anywhere in the brand’s future product roadmap.
Reports suggests the compact offering won’t see light beyond 2026, which, if true, is an utter shame for a company that once prided itself on fun-driving sedans and hatchbacks. Has Zoom-Zoom transitioned into the land of doom?
When Mazda axed the long-serving 6 sedan and wagon, many thought it would be replaced by a rear-drive, inline six proposition to compete with BMW M340i and Audi’s S4.
That dream never materialized. Instead, select markets such as Europe and Australia received the Deepal-based Mazda 6e/EZ-6, while North America was left out of the equation.
This begs the question: could the 3 see the same fate and become another Deepal-derived product? After all, it would make sense as Mazda is a small player compared to many of its rivals, leaning into Changan’s portfolio helps keep development costs in check.
Adding weight to the theory are recent trademark filings for the Mazda3e in Australia, the UK, and Europe, while the Chongqing-based automaker has also unveiled its smaller L06 sedan under the newly formed China Changan Automobile Group.
While purely speculative at this point, Deepal’s L06 could very well underpin the first-ever Mazda3e. Curious as to what form it could take? Let’s look at what we can expect.
An Electrified Twist
If Mazda takes the same route as the 6e, the 3e would borrow Deepal’s existing hardware. The L06 itself is set to launch in two forms: a range-extended hybrid (EREV) and a fully electric variant.
The EREV pairs a 97 hp 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine with a 28.39 kWh LFP battery and a 190 kW (255 hp) electric motor on the rear axle. It offers an EV-only range of 180 km (about 112 miles) on the WLTP cycle, while the internal combustion engine’s fuel consumption is rated at 4.38 litres per 100 km, or roughly 54 mpg.
The electric version of the Deepal L06 is equipped with a single rear axle motor that produces 268 hp (200 kW). This variant will offer two battery packs, a 56 kWh battery and a larger 69 kWh pack with a range of 416 miles (670 km).
Inside, expect a more premium aesthetic compared to its Deepal donor car, and (annoyingly) the all-screens trend as seen in the new CX-5 and EZ-60 SUVs.
A 3-nanometre automotive-grade cockpit chip will help power the 50-inch AR-HUD (Augmented Reality Head-Up Display, infotainment, and Level 2+ driver assist systems, with the latter benefiting from standard LiDAR fitment.
It has more space, too. Measuring 190 inches (4830 mm) in length, the sedan is notably longer than the current Mazda3 and just a whisker shorter (and wider) than the discontinued 6. This increase repositions it into a larger segment, which will help remedy one of the 3’s most significant shortfalls: tight rear seating.
Our artistic interpretation of the Mazda 3e retains the automaker’s Kodo design language but keeps the donor car’s glasshouse and doors. The front end is an evolution of the Mazda 6e, with an illuminated front panel flanked by split-tier headlamps and active grille shutters in the lower portion of the bumper.
The side profile sports curvaceous sheet metal, semi-flush door handles and a coupe‑like roofline. Love or hate it, the LiDAR unit sits at the top of the windscreen, while out back, the sports a rear diffuser and full‑width taillight strip with circular elements.
Final Thoughts
It’s worth noting that Mazda has yet to confirm whether the current 3 will receive another generation or if a reskinned Changan product will replace it.
If the latter comes to fruition (likely in the next 24 months), the Tesla Model 3 rival will be off the cards for North American consumption. Still, it will rival a variety of electrified options like Hyundai’s Ioniq 6 and BYD Seal in European and Asia Pacific markets.
Should Mazda tap into its Changan joint venture for the next 3? Share your views in the comments below.
BMW could introduce a two-door i4 Coupe EV by late 2028.
These renderings show the car with Neue KIasse design cues.
It’s possible an i4 Convertible could follow up on this model.
BMW is deep into one of the most ambitious product overhauls in its history. Over the next few years, dozens of new or comprehensively reworked models are set to arrive, and among them may be something rather special: a two-door i4 Coupe.
Believed to carry the internal codename NA2, this sleek coupe is expected to serve as the all-electric successor to today’s 4-Series Coupe, provided it receives final approval for production. It could even pave the way for an i4 Convertible, reportedly called the NA3.
The renderings shown here offer a glimpse of how that future might look in coupe form.
Created by Sugar Design, these illustrations envision the two-door i4 adopting the styling cues of BMW’s recent Neue Klasse concept cars, albeit made to look even classier.
The front end stretches long and low, framed by sharp headlights and slender kidney grilles. Though the new model will be offered solely as an EV, it’s hard not to imagine what sort of combustion engine BMW might have tucked beneath that hood in another era.
There’s a lot to like about the sides, too. As a two-door, it instantly looks better than the four-door Vision Neue Klasse that was unveiled two years ago. The rear also looks pretty neat, sporting thin horizontal LED taillights.
What Do We Know About The i4 Coupe?
Talk of a two-door i4 first surfaced last year, with reports suggesting the car had already been given the go-ahead for production starting in the latter half of 2028, likely sharing most of its parts with the upcoming i3 Sedan. That timeline, however, may not be set in stone.
With the global auto market shifting rapidly, BMW could easily adjust its schedule, or even its entire strategy, before the car reaches showrooms.
There’s also a broader question of timing. The market for new EVs has cooled from early expectations in the States, BMW’s most crucial market, and two-door models typically attract smaller crowds even when there’s a combustion engine under the hood.
For BMW, launching an electric coupe right now would be less about market logic and more about image. It’s the kind of car built to make a point rather than a profit. Whether that’s enough to make the NA2 a reality will depend on how the next few years play out.
Renderings reimagine Audi’s E5 Sportback as a high-performance EV.
Digital artist crafted a widebody E5 with flared arches and details.
Concept showcases Audi’s sharper, more daring Chinese-market design.
Some of Audi’s recent designs have sparked a bit of a debate, with a few clear wins and a few that miss by a mile. The new A6 Avant, for instance, looks handsome and well-proportioned, while the Q4 e-tron feels like it was designed by committee after the coffee ran out.
That’s why it might be worth Audi’s European design team taking a closer look at what their counterparts in China have accomplished with the all-electric E5 Sportback. The model shows how Ingolstadt could refresh its global EV aesthetics, blending familiar Audi precision with an edgier presence.
Every version of the E5 Sportback shares the same overall silhouette, but with the right enhancements, there’s plenty of room for visual drama.
Sugar Design/Instagram
These renderings from Sugar Design depict it in widebody guise inspired by the RS6 Avant and it looks absolutely brilliant. Who said EVs need to look bland and boring?
Immediately, the E5 looks a lot more menacing with the blacked-out front fascia, which is ordinarily painted to match the rest of the body on the standard model. By adding black color, the intricate LEDs running around the fascia are more visible.
Additionally, lowering the car and installing a sharp new splitter makes the car look a whole lot more aggressive. The RS badge is a nice touch, too.
Sugar Design/Instagram
Just like a proper RS model, the E5 Sportback has also been imagined with flared wheel arches at the front and rear. It also sits on oversized wheels and, as with the standard model, has a contrasting gloss-black roof.
Completing the stylistic changes is a new blacked-out rear fascia that, like the front, has a transformative effect on the car’s overall design.
For now, we’re not getting our hopes up that Audi will bring some of the E5’s key design elements into global markets. Still, considering how quickly the model has gained traction there, borrowing a few of its visual ideas might not be such a bad move for the global lineup.
BMW will expand Neue Klasse with a new i1 electric hatch.
Rendering imagines the i1 with sporty shooting brake styling.
Market demand in Europe keeps BMW’s compact lineup alive.
BMW’s next generation of models is rolling out fast, and the brand isn’t shy about spreading the Neue Klasse concept across its range. What began with the iX3 will soon expand to the fully electric i3 sedan, and not long after, the iX4 Coupe SUV too, which we covered earlier today.
The 1-Series hatchback is also being prepared for a new chapter, one that could see it offered with both combustion engines and electric power. The EV variant, expected to wear the i1 badge, might resemble what you see here in these new renderings.
Created by digital artist Sugar Design, the i1 hatch blends cues from the Neue Klasse concepts with elements of the second-generation iX3. At the front, it wears BMW’s latest interpretation of the kidney grille.
Unlike the iX3, this interpretation of the i1 uses the elongated grille design previewed by the Neue Klasse sedan concept, merging the lighting units into a single visual element.
Sugar Design
Of course, it’s the overall shape of the i1 that has us really excited. It has an elongated roof and a steeply raked rear window, giving it the Shooting Brake vibes that so many car enthusiasts love, all in a more compact, hatch profile.
Admittedly, not having a more upright rear window would impact luggage capacity, but if you look this cool, who cares?
The Next 1-Series
Earlier this year, the senior vice president of BMW Brand and Product Management, Bern Koerber, underscored the importance of the combustion 1-Series and said that it will live on. The current ICE model is crucial in markets including Greece, Spain, and Italy, and serves as an appealing entry into the BMW family.
Technical details about the next-generation 1-Series are still limited, though it’s expected to share much of its underpinnings with other Neue Klasse models. It may also incorporate components from within the broader BMW Group, particularly from Mini.
A new coupe SUV prototype by BMW has been spotted testing.
The Neue Klasse model is expected to adopt the iX4 moniker.
It will share its platform and interior with the upcoming iX3.
Update: Not long after the first prototype of BMW’s upcoming iX4 was caught testing out in the open, digital artists wasted no time trying to imagine what the final production model might look like. The early spy shots offer just enough visual clues to fuel some well-informed renderings, even as BMW keeps the real details under wraps.
With its close ties to the new iX3, connecting the dots isn’t especially difficult, though a few surprises may still surface in the finer details, particularly around the taillights.
Illustrations Sugar Design
These digital interpretations from Sugar Design present a convincing idea of BMW’s next electric crossover, a model positioned squarely against one of the world’s best-selling EVs, the Tesla Model Y.
Both share a similar overall silhouette, marked by a hatchback-style arched roofline and a steeply slanted rear window that lends the iX4 a more dynamic profile, though the BMW shows more individuality in its detailing, particularly around the front fascia.
BMW is already working on a replacement, but it reimagines the formula for the electric age. The all-new iX4 is designed as a sportier counterpart to its square-roof sibling, the Neue Klasse iX3.
Our spy photographers captured the first camouflaged prototype during development testing. At a glance, the iX4 appears to borrow its front end from the iX3, including the headlights, grille, bumper, hood, and fenders.
From the B-pillar rearwards, though, the bodywork tells a different story. The profile has been reworked with a sloping roofline that flows into a fastback-style tail.
SH Proshots
The rear glass is more steeply angled than on the outgoing X4 and carries a discreet spoiler at its tip. Its sportier posture is further accentuated by broader, muscular rear shoulders that appear cleaner and more sculpted than those of the smaller, boxier X2 and iX2.
At the rear, the iX4 features slim LED taillights positioned close together, while the license plate has been relocated to the bumper. The prototype sits on ten-spoke alloy wheels with a diamond-cut finish, though it remains uncertain whether this design will make it to the production version.
Although exact dimensions remain unconfirmed, the iX4 is expected to be marginally longer than the new iX3, which measures 188.3 inches (4,783 mm), while maintaining the same 114.1-inch (2,898 mm) wheelbase. It may also improve upon the iX3’s already low drag coefficient of 0.24 cd.
That means BMW’s Panoramic iDrive stretching pillar to pillar, a 17.9-inch infotainment touchscreen, and an optional 3D head-up display, all running on the new BMW Operating System X.
The new model will be built on the Neue Klasse architecture, meaning it will be offered exclusively as a battery-electric vehicle. Its powertrain range is expected to mirror that of the iX3.
Currently, the iX3 50 xDrive delivers 463 hp (345 kW / 469 PS) through dual electric motors, while future variants are expected to include single-motor rear-wheel-drive options and higher-performance M-badged versions.
The BMW iX4 is expected to debut in late 2026. It will be the second fully electric coupe SUV from the Bavarian company, following the iX2 that was introduced in 2023. A larger iX6 is also rumored to follow at a later stage.
Xpeng and VW are collaborating on a new ID electric sedan.
Based on the Xpeng P7, it features a unique exterior design,
VW plans 30 new models for China, including 20 electrified ones.
If anyone needed a reminder of just how central China has become to the global car industry, look no further than to Volkswagen’s partnership with Xpeng.
Announced last year, the collaboration centers on a next-generation electrical architecture set to support a wide range of future models, from pure EVs to traditional combustion and plug-in hybrid vehicles.
This joint effort is already bearing fruit. Among the first of these shared creations is an as-yet-unnamed sedan from Volkswagen that’s expected to join the ID family.
What Does It Look Like?
Recently seen testing under camouflage on Chinese roads, the upcoming electric sedan is believed to be based on the Xpeng P7, whose second generation debuted only a few months ago, while also reflecting design elements from Volkswagen’s ID. Aura and ID. Evo concepts showcased earlier this year.
Sugar Design
Digital artist Sugar Design produced a series of renderings based on those camouflaged prototypes, and there’s no denying that, compared with several Volkswagen models currently sold in Western markets, it has a distinctly sleeker and sportier presence.
At the front, it features split LED headlights and a small illuminated badge in the center, as well as a large open black grille and smooth lines. It’s nowhere near as radical as the sharp-looking second-gen P7, but for the German brand, it’s still quite a bold shift in style.
The side profile is particularly eye-catching, highlighted by its pronounced rear haunches and a smooth, flowing roofline. At the back, intricate LED taillights frame a softly illuminated VW badge, with a discreet black diffuser completing the look.
What Could Power It
Whether Volkswagen’s upcoming sedan will mirror the Xpeng P7’s specifications is still uncertain, but the P7 itself measures 197.5 inches (5,017 mm) in length and offers two battery options: a 74.9 kWh pack and a larger 92.9 kWh version.
The standard rear-wheel-drive layout produces 362 hp (270 kW) from a single motor, while the all-wheel-drive setup adds a front unit for a combined 586 hp (437 kW). The AWD variant is expected to hit 62 mph in 3.7 seconds and reach a top speed of 142 mph.
Range depends on configuration, from roughly 436 miles (702 km) in base form to 509 miles (820 km) for the long-range RWD model.
VW’s Chinese Plans
VW is taking the Chinese market extremely seriously. Beyond confirming that its jointly developed electrical and electronic architecture with Xpeng will underpin future EVs, the company has made clear that the same foundation will serve combustion and plug-in hybrid models.
Sugar Design
The new system won’t simply enable over-the-air updates; it’s also designed to streamline vehicle development, cutting production timelines and allowing faster adaptation to market trends.
The German brand has committed to launching more than 30 new models in China, including 20 new-energy vehicles. In addition to working with Xpeng to make these a reality, it is collaborating with partners through the FAW-Volkswagen and Volkswagen Anhui joint ventures.
Opel may rebadge the Leapmotor B10 for Europe by 2026.
Production could begin at Stellantis’ Zaragoza plant in Spain.
Local output could help avoid steep EU tariffs on Chinese EVs.
Stellantis could soon find itself stepping into unfamiliar territory, as it is reportedly exploring the idea of adding Chinese-built models to its European lineup under familiar badges. According to insider sources, Opel is eyeing the electric Leapmotor B10 as its first possible contender.
German outlet Automobilwoche reports that the Chinese SUV might wear Opel badges as early as next year. Leapmotor, a Chinese EV manufacturer partly owned by Stellantis, has been steadily expanding its footprint both at home and abroad.
The unnamed source notes that while a final decision remains pending, the proposal represents “an interesting opportunity to offer a well-equipped and affordable EV in the compact SUV segment.” For now, Opel has declined to comment on any speculation surrounding its future product plans.
The Leapmotor B10 was introduced last year as a compact SUV with fully electric and range-extender powertrain options, although the latter has yet to reach the Old Continent.
Built on the LEAP3.5 platform shared with the B05 compact hatchback, it features a high-tech cabin and a full suite of driver-assistance systems that reflect the brand’s growing technical capability.
What Could It look Like?
While the scope of Opel’s redesign remains uncertain, we produced a speculative rendering that applies a few subtle styling tweaks. These include the brand’s Blitz emblem, Vizor grille, and Compass lighting signature to the front of the Chinese model, while the rest of the bodywork stays untouched
In terms of size, the B10 measures 4,515 mm (177.8 inches) long, which makes it 130 mm (5.1 inches) longer than the Opel Frontera and 135 mm (5.3 inches) shorter than the Grandland, so it slots between the two. Rivals in Europe include the VW ID.4, Skoda Elroq, and BYD Atto 3, among others.
The Leapmotor B10 is already available in Europe, but it is currently being imported from China. However, Stellantis is reportedly considering producing it in Zaragoza, Spain starting from 2026. The same factory is where Opel builds two subcompacts, the Corsa hatchback and the Mokka SUV.
Local production would also help sidestep the European Union’s steep tariffs on Chinese-built vehicles, which add 20.7 percent in duties on top of the standard 10 percent import fee.
Fighting China with China
The aim, insiders suggest, is to keep pricing competitive, possibly undercutting the current €29,900 ($34,700) starting figure in Germany. For comparison, the electric Opel Frontera begins at €28,990 ($33,700) in the same market.
According to Dataforce, Leapmotor has sold 16,485 vehicles in Europe in the first nine months of 2025. These can be broken down to 11,064 units of the T03 urban EV, 5,080 units of the C10 midsize SUV, and just 313 units of the B10 compact SUV.
The automaker recently passed the one-million-vehicle production milestone and now aims for 50,000 to 60,000 exports this year, a sign that Stellantis’ Chinese partner is becoming a more significant player in global EV manufacturing.
Skoda designers reimagine the classic 1000 MBX coupe as a modern EV.
It features a 2+2 cabin, rear suicide doors, and added cargo versatility.
The concept envisions EV power with height-adjustable air suspension.
Skoda continues its digital concept series that reimagines past icons through a modern lens. Following reinterpretations of the Felicia Fun pickup, the Favorit hatchback, and the 110 R coupe, the automaker now revisits the 1000 MBX coupe from the 1960s, transforming it into something reminiscent of a Mazda RX-8 in form, though powered by electricity.
The new concept was created by Skoda designers Antti Mikael Savio on the exterior and David Stingl on the interior. Development took around three to four weeks, beginning with rough sketches on scraps of paper and concluding with a complete 3D digital model.
What Inspired the Look?
The project draws inspiration from the classic 1000 MBX, which was introduced in 1966 as the two-door coupe version of the 1000 MB sedan. Skoda produced a total of 2,517 units, making it a rare sight today.
The modern interpretation keeps a similar bodystyle but adds an extra pair of rear-hinged doors for easier access to the 2+2 cabin, giving the whole design a hint of the now-discontinued Mazda RX-8.
As with earlier concepts in the series, Skoda avoided leaning into retro pastiche. Even so, it nods to the original through carefully chosen details that align with the brand’s Modern Solid design philosophy.
The LED front lighting signature echoes the chrome grille of the classic, while the headlights rise slightly from the hood in a familiar gesture. The C-pillar shape and tail contours also recall the past. A central fin topped with a rearview camera replaces the traditional rear window, lending a futuristic twist.
Antti Savio, who was responsible for the exterior design, explained: “Our concept is sportier overall, yet, still has a friendly look. Modern sports cars often appear overly aggressive, while those from the ’60s and ’70s carried a certain elegance, even endearing charm – and that’s what I wanted to preserve.”
Inside the Cabin
The interior has a 2+2 layout with a front bench seat made possible by the flat floor of the EV architecture, and two individual tip-up seats at the back. The latter can easily move out of the way, creating an open space that can be used to transport a bicycle or other sports equipment.
At the front, a transparent oval-shaped dashboard replaces the traditional setup, and there’s no central console, a design choice inspired by classic interiors.
Interior designer David Stingl said, “This car should encourage its crew to go exploring without a moment of hesitation. It’s not meant to be just a fun weekend coupé or a second car in the family, but a vehicle with genuine everyday usability.”
Electric Vision
Skoda didn’t get into specifics about the fully electric powertrain of the concept, though the designers imagined it with adaptive air suspension capable of adjusting ride height for either a low, sporty stance or greater clearance on rougher ground.
While Skoda fans might wish for a production version of this compact coupe, Skoda has no such plans. The “Icons Get a Makeover” concepts are designed as creative tributes, celebrating the brand’s history while allowing its designers the freedom to explore new ideas without the limits of production requirements.
Rendering reimagines the S-Class with cues from Mercedes’ Vision Iconic concept.
The flagship sedan blends opulence and aggression with a bold illuminated grille.
A production version of the S-Class with this design language remains years away.
Whenever an automaker unveils a concept that captures the spotlight, you can almost hear the styluses hitting tablets as rendering artists get to work, grafting the new look onto everything else in the range. And of course, the Mercedes Vision Iconic hasn’t dodged that creative frenzy.
Digital artist Sugar Design has already dreamed up what a next-generation S-Class might look like if it borrowed the coupe concept’s styling playbook. The result feels sharp and believable, though anyone expecting it to reach production anytime soon might want to take a seat.
Still, considering that many suspect the Vision Iconic could evolve into a future S-Class Coupe, the styling exercise isn’t entirely without merit.
Vision-Inspired Sedan
Sugar Design’s take on the S-Class borrows the illuminated grille, aggressive headlights, and bumper intakes from the Vision Iconic concept, infusing them into a sedan silhouette. The profile features clean surfacing with pronounced front and rear fenders, framing the seven-spoke alloy wheels.
Illustrations Sugar Design
The rear treatment leans toward grand tourer territory, with flowing curves, an aerodynamic roofline, slim LED taillights, and a subtle diffuser. Altogether, it reads as a thoroughly modern luxury sedan that could pass for a Maybach with different badging and a two-tone finish.
The cabin remains speculative, but it’s easy to imagine a softened version of the concept’s Art Deco-inspired interior, blending rich materials with cutting-edge technology.
The current W223 generation of the S-Class was introduced in 2020, and a mid-lifecycle update is scheduled for 2026. This means that the debut of an all-new model has been pushed back closer to the end of the decade.
Earlier spy shots suggest that the facelifted S-Class won’t undergo a radical redesign. Instead, Mercedes designers will focus on tweaking the lighting units and bumpers, while retaining most of the sheet metal on the profile.
Based on how the GLC EV gained its illuminated grille late in development, it’s likely the S-Class facelift will receive similar treatment. Expect interior updates too, possibly including a yoke-style steering wheel and expanded autonomous driving features.
So what does this mean for the Vision Iconic’s design language? It’s reasonable to assume an evolved version of its styling will influence future S-Class models and other Mercedes flagships arriving in the 2030s. The overwhelmingly positive reception to the concept will only strengthen that direction.
Mercedes Vision Iconic Concept
Mercedes has already confirmed that the next S-Class will offer both ICE and EV powertrain options, signalling the death of the unpopular EQS. Its competition may thin out as well, with the Audi A8 and Lexus LS expected to exit or morph into entirely new formats, possibly even something as unconventional as a three-row luxury van.
This leaves the upcoming Neue Klasse facelift of the BMW 7-Series / i7 as the only European rival, although there are many flagship sedans from China that want a piece of the sales pie. In any case, the sinister looks of the Vision Iconic concept and the expected technological innovation that might come with it could help Mercedes to remain at the top of the segment.
That leaves BMW’s upcoming Neue Klasse iteration of the 7-Series and i7 as the S-Class’s main European rival, though several ambitious Chinese luxury sedans are vying for attention. Still, the Vision Iconic’s darkly elegant styling and the technological advances likely to accompany it could help Mercedes maintain its grip at the top of the luxury sedan hierarchy.
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.
Audi plans to launch the all-electric A4 e-tron sedan in 2028.
It will ride on the advanced new Scalable Systems Platform.
We can also expect a radical design inspired by the Concept C.
Update: It’s the weekend, which means time to sharpen our digital pencils and let the imagination run a little wild. We’ve put together a rendering of the next-generation 2028 A4 e-tron, offering a glimpse at how Audi’s design playbook could evolve, shaped by recent remarks from the brand’s CEO.
Borrowing design cues from the latest Concept C and the A5, our rendering imagines a clean, minimalist sedan that ties the classic A4 proportions to Audi’s next generation EV identity. Of course, the final design could take a different turn, particularly in the profile or rear styling, but until test prototypes hit public roads, this remains our most grounded prediction. The original story continues below.
BMW and Mercedes are preparing to roll out electric takes on their best-selling 3-Series and C-Class, known respectively as the i3 and C-Class EQ Tech models. That leaves Audi in an unusual position, with a lineup already heavy in electric crossovers and soon to expand even further with the Q2, yet still lacking an affordable electric sedan.
And as history has shown, when one German premium automaker changes course, the others quickly follow, sparking another round of competition on the autobahn.
That’s expected to happen in 2028 with the debut of the all-new A4 e-tron. Besides reviving the classic name, the electric sedan will reportedly bring a new platform and a sharper design influenced by the Concept C, distinguishing it from the more conservatively styled ICE-powered A5 that replaced the previous A4 in the lineup.
VW Underpinnings and Rivian Tech
According to Autocar, Audi CEO Gernot Döllner confirmed the A4 e-tron will ride on the Scalable Systems Platform (SSP), which will also be used on several other Volkswagen Group vehicles. These are said to include the next-generation Golf as well as the Skoda Octavia and Cupra’s flagship crossover.
While little is known about the platform, it should be more advanced than the Premium Platform Electric (PPE) architecture that underpins the Porsche Macan Electric as well as the A6 and Q6 e-trons.
The A4 e-tron could also become the first Audi to use software developed in partnership with Rivian. This is supposed to pave the way for “software-defined vehicles” that become “more intelligent, more sustainable, and more enjoyable over time.”
Döllner told the publication, “We are heavily working on it with the Rivian-Volkswagen joint venture, building up mules right now and working intensively together, so the first cars are already on their way.” He suggested the software will debut in two new vehicles and help to reduce complexity.
Beyond the technical overhaul, the A4 e-tron will adopt the new ‘Audi brand face.’ This means we can expect a minimalist front fascia that features a rectangular grille with a portrait orientation. It will likely be flanked by slender four-element headlights, as Audi has previously said they’ll define their visual identity.
Little else is known about the car at this point, but Döllner suggested we can expect “less virtual buttons” and more dedicated switchgear. As he noted, that’s what customers prefer, and it’s hard to argue with that.
X7 gets a major redesign inspired by the iX3’s Neue Klasse styling.
Panoramic Vision tech adds a massive pillar-to-pillar digital display.
Gasoline and diesel engines stay, joined by the first all-electric iX7.
BMW’s largest crossover is set for its biggest makeover yet, bringing a heavy redesign that leans into the Neue Klasse school of design. Codenamed G67, the next X7 is also set to spawn an all-electric iX7 variant for the very first time.
Our spies behind the lens have snapped the new X7 testing out in the wild, but that hasn’t stopped us from decoding the camouflage to give you a sneak peek as to what Bavaria’s next luxury SUV will look like. Read on as we break down everything we’ve uncovered so far.
Controversially, the X7 retains its split-headlamp array, with the DRLs mounted high up against the hood line, whilst the main beams are repositioned into squarer units lower down. The redesigned twin kidneys remain equally as bold as before, but now feature lighting elements in place of chrome and the lower intake is more rectangular in shape.
Where the Neue Klasse aesthetic really takes hold is in the side profile, where the front and rear fenders, along with the smooth, flush surfacing, draw clear parallels to the recently revealed iX3.
Baldauf
Conventional door handles are gone, replaced by subtle ‘winglets’ that rise from the beltline in a style reminiscent of the Mustang Mach-E. The rear quarter glass is a pinch larger and has more of that traditional ‘Hofmeister kink’ than other recent BMWs.
The rear will retain the split tailgate, and the taillights will be slimmer LED units. M-performance variants will sport quad tailpipes, while the all-electric iX7 will have a different lower valance to reflect its petroleum-free powertrain.
Panoramic Vision
Inside, BMW will introduce its Panoramic iDrive infotainment system in the new X7: a pillar-to-pillar display at the base of the windshield with customizable sections for both core driver information and passenger entertainment.
This is accompanied by a 3D Head-Up Display and a large central touch display for key infotainment functions, though traditionalists ergonomics advocates alike may lament the removal of the physical iDrive rotary controller.
Other interior touches will likely follow the new iX3 in terms of cleaner surfacing and reduced clutter, but will use more glass inlays, atmospheric ambient lighting, and premium materials.
Improved driver assistance features include hands-off capabilities for motorway driving and City Assist with traffic light detection, which allows the car to stop and then resume movement automatically.
Platform and Powertrains
Underneath it all, the X7 will continue to use a heavily updated version of BMW’s CLAR architecture (Cluster Architecture). Expect adaptive air suspension with adaptive dampers, possibly including rear-axle steering and active anti-roll control.
Alongside petrol and diesel engines, there will be an electric iX7 variant for the first time. Using the iX3 as a guide, we can expect a dual-motor version pumping out 463 hp (345 kW).
SHProshots
If that’s not enough, a thumping 800-horsepower M70 is on the roster, alongside an even more powerful Alpina option. As our own Chris Chilton reports, the system will use an 800-volt architecture with a 110 kWh cylindrical-cell battery pack.
Expect the B58 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six with 48-volt mild-hybrid technology to continue, alongside the 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 derived from the S68. The 40d xDrive inline-six diesel will also return for markets where oil-burners remain popular.
An official reveal is scheduled for sometime between late 2026 and early 2027, with production set to commence shortly thereafter. Both the X7 and the iX7 will be produced at BMW’s Spartanburg assembly plant in South Carolina.
What do you think of the X7’s Neue Klasse-inspired look? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
BMW is expected to unveil a new generation of the 3-Series sedan in 2026.
The Neue Klasse sedan will be available in ICE (3-Series) and EV (i3) derivatives.
Despite riding on different underpinnings, the models will look very similar.
Update: A lot has happened since we last looked at the future G50 3 Series. Thanks to new renderings, fresh intel, and the latest spy shots, we now have the clearest picture yet of how Munich’s defining sports sedan is set to evolve in its next generation.
Sedans may no longer dominate sales charts in an SUV-driven world, but the3-Series still has plenty of road left ahead of it. This compact executive four-door has been a pillar of BMW’s lineup for fifty years, valued as much for its reputation as for the way it drives.
The next chapter begins in 2026, when a new generation arrives in two distinct forms: the all-electric i3, codenamed NA0, and the traditional internal-combustion 3 Series, codenamed G50. If that sounds familiar, it’s because BMW’s been work-shopping this approach with their bigger sedans, the i5/5-Series and i7/7-Series.
The 3 Series and its EV sibling are now set to follow the same playbook, giving customers a choice between conventional gasoline power and fully electric performance.
Spied And Rendered
Illustrations Kelsonik / Kolesa
Recent spy shots of prototypes have revealed both gas-powered and fully electric versions of the next-gen 3-Series. While both share the “Neue Klasse” design language, the differences in proportions are telling.
The ICE testers feature a slightly longer hood, a sharper dash-to-axle ratio, and a more upright windshield. These elements combined make it look less like a complete EV-inspired redesign and more like an extensively reworked version of the current G20-generation BMW 3-Series.
These sightings have inspired digital artists Theottle and Kelsonic from Kolesa to create their own renderings of the next 3 Series, each offering an early glimpse of how the sedan’s styling might evolve.
BMW’s signature shark-nose design returns with a sharper, more athletic edge, framed by a fresh take on the kidney grilles. Slimmer and wider than on today’s models, the grilles now stretch across the front and now double as housing for sensors and tech that support advanced driver-assistance features. A deeper front bumper and lightly flared fenders complete the look, adding some muscle without drifting into excess.
Flush door handles bring the styling in line with BMW’s latest clean-surfaced aesthetic, while the greenhouse and Hofmeister kink stay intact.
The next generation of the BMW 3-Series sedan (Photos: SHProshots)
The BMW i3 Neue Klasse sedan.
Out back, heavy camouflage forces a little guesswork. Theottle’s rendering draws from the 2023 Vision Neue Klasse concept, with a full-width light bar and crisp LED signatures, while Kelsonic’s interpretation borrows slimmer light units reminiscent of the production iX3. Lower down, both envision sportier bumpers inspired by BMW’s M division, in line with prototypes wearing large alloys, upgraded brakes, and quad tailpipes.
Tech Blueprint From The iX3
While we have yet to get a glimpse of the 3-Series prototype’s interior during development testing, we have a pretty good idea of what to expect, largely thanks to the new iX3 that serves as the blueprint for BMW’s next generation of models.
At the center is the new Panoramic iDrive system that replaces the traditional instrument cluster with a wide digital display stretching across the full width of the dashboard. It places essentials like speed and electric range directly in the driver’s line of sight while allowing the rest of the information to be tailored to both driver and passenger. The screen itself is divided into three flexible sections, each configurable to suit individual preferences.
BMW will also offer an optional head-up display with animated guidance that counts down to the next turn. The setup is joined by a large, asymmetrically shaped infotainment touchscreen on the center console and a handful of physical switches for everyday functions.
Two Platforms, Two Paths
Unlike the i5/5-Series and i7/7-Series, where BMW paired EVs and ICE models on the same platform, the i3 and 3-Series are believed to head down different paths.
The all-electric i3 sedan will ride on the Neue Klasse architecture, shared with the upcoming iX3 SUV, while the combustion-powered 3-Series will reportedly stick to the CLAR platform, which also underpins the forthcoming G45 X3. This would explain the differences in proportions and styling details we see in the i3 and ICE 3-Series prototypes here.
Based on what we’ve seen with the mechanically related X3, the next-gen 3-Series will likely offer mild-hybrid upgrades of BMW’s proven 2.0-liter four-cylinder and 3.0-liter inline-six, with the latter forming the heart of the next M350. Both should see gains in efficiency and power over today’s units.
Interestingly, even the mighty M3 isn’t immune to electrification. However, as BMW officials told us in a recent trip, the next M3 will forego the heavy plug-in hybrid setup of the M5, instead opting for a lighter mild-hybrid system. This should provide outputs in excess of the current ratings of 473 hp, 503 hp, and 523 hp, depending on whether you’re looking at the standard car, the Competition, or the Competition xDrive, not to mention the inevitable special editions.
Meanwhile, for those following BMW’s EV push, a quad-motor all-electric counterpart to the M3, possibly called the iM3, is already under development. With over 700 horsepower and near instant torque, it promises tire-melting lunacy for the brave few. And there may be more to come, as BMW has hinted the setup could be pushed past 1,300 horsepower, though whether that kind of excess ever makes it to production in some form of a special edition is another story.
The downside is weight, and plenty of it, as spy shots suggest the electric M3 could be at least 465 kg (1,025 lbs) heavier than today’s car. Hardly surprising, then, if carbon-ceramic brakes show up on the options list, just as they do on the current M3 and M4.
When Will They Arrive?
The current G20-generation BMW 3-Series first graced the stage in 2018, with minor facelifts arriving in 2022 and 2024. BMW has already confirmed the electric i3 for next year, and while it hasn’t given a timeline for the ICE 3 Series, it will most likely be introduced in 2026 as a 2027 model year, with the actual market launch possibly slipping into 2027.
Login
