With the R2 trickling into the hands of owners, Rivian is revamping the R1T and R1S. The changes started earlier this year with the elimination of the entry-level Dual Standard variants and is continuing for the 2027 model year.

As part of an effort to sharpen their flagship status, the R1 lineup has been simplified into three “curated” trims. The R1 Premium has a dual-motor all-wheel drive system developing 533 hp and 610 lb-ft of torque, which enables it to accelerate from 0-60 mph in as little as 4.5 seconds. Customers can also order a $5,000 performance upgrade, which increases the output to 665 hp and 829 lb-ft. This lowers the 0-60 time to 3.4 seconds.

More: Rivian Revives Its Forest Edge Cabin And Wants $9,000 For It

The R1T Premium has a range of 300 miles, while the R1S can travel 329 miles between charges. If that’s not far enough, a $7,000 long range battery increases the distance to 410 miles on the R1S and 380 miles on the R1T.

The R1 Performance family has a tri-motor powertrain producing 850 hp and 1,103 lb-ft of torque. This drops the 0-60 mph time to as little as 2.9 seconds, while both models are rated at 371 miles of range.

While the Dual and Tri names were phased out, Rivian kept the Quad moniker for the range-topping R1. It has 1,025 hp and 1,198 lb-ft of torque, which enables the models to hit 60 mph in as little as 2.5 seconds. Buyers will also find a range of up to 374 miles, depending on which tires and wheels they opt for.

Small Changes Inside And Out

Besides revamped trim names, Rivian has updated the cabin. The Performance and Quad have three Signature interiors known as Slate Sky, Black Mountain, and Ocean Coast. They have colorful seats as well as walnut, ash, or weathered driftwood trim.

Speaking of the cabin, Rivian has finally listened to consumers and delivered the “most requested interior feature to date.” It’s second-row captain’s chairs in the R1S and they cost a whopping $4,000 on the entry-level Premium. However, they’re only $1,500 on the Performance and Quad.

The new six-seat configuration sees the crossover outfitted with heated, second-row captain’s chairs that are separated by a small pass-through. The seats are also notable for featuring integrated cup holders that fold down.

On the styling front, there isn’t much to report but the R1T and R1S gain a new color known as Esker Silver. The R1T Premium also rides on a new 20-inch Adventure wheel, which is wrapped in all-season rubber.

The 2027 Rivian R1 configurator is already live and pricing starts at $79,990 for the R1T and $83,990 for the R1S.

Automakers recently waved the white flag and decided to adopt the North American Charging Standard popularized by Tesla. On top of that, they signed up to gain access to the company’s massive Supercharger Network, which consists of more than 80,000 chargers globally.

While Tesla is the gold standard, they’re not the best. That’s according to a new study, which examined the user experience at various charging stations.

More: Tesla’s V4 Set The Bar At 500 kW, ChargePoint Just Made It Look Slow

Conducted by JD Power, the U.S. Electric Vehicle Experience Public Charging Study found Ionna provided the best experience. The firm – which is backed by numerous automakers including BMW, General Motors, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes, Stellantis and Toyota – operates a handful of “Rechargeries” across the country.

Despite coming out on top, Ionna has big gaps as there are zero stations in Michigan and only one in New York. However, the company inked a deal with Circle K earlier this year, which will see more than 350 gas stations outfitted with Rechargeries.

Second place went to the Mercedes-Benz Charging Network, which has a handful of locations mostly in the south and on the east coast. The final podium position was taken by the Rivian Adventure Network, which is “planned to grow to more than 3,500 fast chargers at over 600 sites across the US and Canada.”

Tesla came in fourth place, which is pretty surprising. Of course, McDonalds also has a lot of locations and you certainly wouldn’t say they have the best hamburger in America.

Rounding out the list is Red E, Electrify America, EVgo, and ChargePoint. As you’ve probably noticed, consumers clearly prefer automaker-back charging networks over ones from private companies.

EV Charging Experience Largely Improves

While the rankings are surprising, the study found satisfaction with DC fast chargers improved. The overall score climbed 12 points to 666 out of 1,000, and JD Power said all ten attributes improved. The biggest gains were charger availability (+27), how safe customers feel at charging locations (+18), and charging cost (+18).

The good news didn’t end there as EV drivers are being greeted by fewer broken chargers. According to the study, the “industry non-charge visit rate” dropped to an all-time low of 12%. That’s down from 14% last quarter and JD Power said the newer OEM-backed networks had the “lowest failure rates.”

It wasn’t all good news as satisfaction with slower, Level 2 public chargers dropped 12 points from a year ago. This was largely due to problems related to “ease of payment and ease of charging.” Drivers were also underwhelmed by DC fast chargers located at dealerships and stand-alone parking lots or garages.

JD Power’s executive director of EV solutions, Brent Gruber, said “The public charging experience is becoming more consistent, and that’s critical as the EV market matures.” He added “data consistently shows that public charging is the top reason new-vehicle shoppers reject EVs,” so these improvements “go a long way toward supporting the infrastructure needed to meet the rise in forecasted EV sales in the coming years.”

Cadillac began Celestiq deliveries last summer, and the ultra-luxury sedan has been slowly trickling into the hands of wealthy buyers. One of the latest to be hand-built in Michigan is this moody 2027 model known as the Night Test.

The specially commissioned Celestiq draws inspiration from Cadillac’s race cars and wears a midnight blue exterior with two-tone wheels sporting a dark finish. The model also trades its usual brightwork for subdued, low-contrast accents.

More: Cadillac Delivers Another Celestiq As The Brand Looks Beyond EVs

The dark and moody styling continues inside, where you’ll find black and white seats with contrasting vertical accents in the center. We can also see metallic door trim as well as carbon fiber on the center console. They’re joined by a familiar panoramic glass roof and two individual rear seats.

Cadillac said the “one-of-one example demonstrates how a bespoke vehicle can embody a singular creative vision, with every visual and tactile detail contributing to a disciplined, unmistakable atmosphere.” They added the Night Test “evokes moments of solitude when perfection is its own reward.”

The resulting design looks pretty classy, and it should, as the car likely cost around $400,000. As a refresher, the Celestiq has a 111 kWh battery pack that feeds a dual-motor all-wheel drive system developing 655 hp (488 kW / 664 PS) and 646 lb-ft (875 Nm) of torque. This enables the 217.2-inch (5,517 mm) long car to accelerate from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 3.7 seconds and travel around 303 miles (488 km) on a single charge.

Putting the electric powertrain aside, the Celestiq sports a 55-inch pillar-to-pillar display, an 11-inch Front Command Center, and an 8-inch Rear Command Center. Customers will also find two 12.6-inch rear passenger displays as well as the Super Cruise semi-autonomous driving system.

Cadillac has embraced customization and there’s no better example of that than Cadillac House. Located at the heart of the Warren Tech Center in Michigan, the building is where customers can go to commission their ultra-luxury Celestiq.

Once inside, buyers work with Celestiq designers as well as a personal concierge to craft a one-of-a-kind vehicle. As part of the visit, they’ll browse a “magic wall,” which houses automated panels that open to reveal a host of vehicle options. This includes dozens of paint colors, numerous upholstery options, an assortment of trims, and a handful of metal accent colors.

More: We Visit Cadillac House, Home Of The Celestiq

Last year, the Celestiq commissioning process inspired a new Curated by Cadillac program. It launched with the CT5-V Blackwing and is now expanding to the Escalade IQ.

Designed to set a “new standard in customized luxury,” the Curated by Cadillac Escalade IQ will offer customers more than 160 premium exterior colors and finishes. This includes everything from your typical solids and metallics to tri-coat paint jobs as well as matte and frost finishes.

While the $150,600 Escalade IQ Premium Luxury only offers three interior colors, the Curated by Cadillac version offers up to 44. This appears to include an assortment of two-tone designs including red and black as well as white and tan.

Given the wealth of options, customers and dealers will be supported by a dedicated design concierge. They’ll guide you through the customization process and inform you of your options. As part of this experience, buyers can expect “guided configurator sessions.”

Each vehicle will be hand-built at the Artisan Center in Warren, instead of the nearby Factory Zero. The models will be hand-painted, feature unique VINs, and come equipped with a serialized builder’s badge.

Unsurprisingly, this level of craftsmanship doesn’t come cheap as the Curated by Cadillac package costs $54,995 on top of the price of the Escalade IQ. This means buyers should expect to shell out more than $185,000 and well-equipped models could easily top $215,000.

The Curated by Cadillac Escalade IQ will be offered in “ultra-low” numbers in the United States and Canada. Deliveries are expected to begin in the second half of 2027 and a concept will debut at Monterey Car Week on August 14.

As a refresher, Cadillac’s flagship electric SUV has a 205 kWh battery pack that feeds a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system developing up to 750 hp (559 kW / 760 PS) and 785 lb-ft (1,063 Nm) of torque. This enables the model to accelerate from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 4.7 seconds and travel up to 465 miles on electricity alone.

Mercedes-AMG introduced the redesigned GT 4-Door in May and now it’s almost time for the company to unveil its SUV counterpart. As a result, they released new teaser images on social media this weekend.

“Built to challenge all you know,” the crossover coupe features a wide grille that is flanked by star-infused daytime running lights. They’re slightly less gimmicky here as the inner line is elongated.

More: Will More Power Than A Veyron Convince You This Electric SUV Is A True AMG?

Moving further back, we can see pronounced wheel arches and a long hood that flows into a rakish windscreen. They’re accompanied by a sporty roofline and an angular rear window.

The rear end appears to echo the four-door coupe, but we can only see a pair of circular taillights with integrated star graphics. This stands in contrast to the six found on the car.

While there isn’t much else to see, the cabin will likely feature a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster, a 14-inch infotainment system, and a 14-inch front passenger display. We can also expect sporty seats, a flat-bottom steering wheel, and a dual wireless smartphone charger. They should be accompanied by an ambient lighting system and a Sky Control panoramic glass roof, which transitions from transparent to opaque at the tap of a button.

Powertrains should echo the car and this means we can expect a 53 variant with a roughly 106 kWh battery pack that feeds a dual-motor all-wheel drive system developing 536 hp (400 kW / 544 PS) and 590 lb-ft (800 Nm) of torque. This enables the four-door coupe to accelerate from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 3.9 seconds, before hitting an electronically limited top speed of up to 155 mph (250 km/h).

The GT 4-Door 53 also has a WLTP combined range of between 424 and 503 miles (682 and 809 km). When the battery is low, a 600 kW DC fast charger can deliver 332 miles (534 km) of range in as little as ten minutes.

We can also expect a more extreme 63 variant with three axial flux motors producing a combined output of 1,153 hp (860 kW / 1,169 PS) and 1,475 lb-ft (2,000 Nm) of torque. It enables the car to hit 62 mph (100 km/h) in 2.4 seconds, top out at 186 mph (300 km/h), and have a range of up to 432 miles (696 km).

Most cars have drive modes, but Bentley is mixing things up with a Curation Engine in the Torcal. It’s essentially a mood selector that adjusts the “atmosphere of the entire cabin.”

The automaker isn’t saying much at this point, but said the system is “grounded in sensory neuroscience” and changes based on the journey ahead. As they explained, “Light, sound, climate, air quality and digital information work together in harmony, creating four distinct environments designed to support different moods, moments and states of mind.”

More: Bentley Showcases High-Tech Interior For New Torcal EV

Bentley Mode is the default setting and it promises to deliver a “warm, dynamic and perfectly balanced” environment. That’s vague, but the teaser video suggests the ambient lighting system will change to a subtle orange color. The automaker also said the mode blends comfort with real engagement and is “unmistakably driver-focused.”

Comfort Mode aims to reduce distractions and encourage relaxation. As part of this effort, interior lighting is softened and some appears to be completely turned off. The automaker also mentioned a “digital detox setting,” which limits the amount of information you’re shown.

Sport Mode goes in a different direction as it encourages “intent and engagement.” When selected, drivers can expect a “more immersive” sound track as well as brighter illumination that appears to have some animation. Bentley said it’s “designed to make every input feel more immediate, every reaction more precise, and every journey more rewarding.”

Lastly, there’s a Refresh Mode that aims to fight fatigue and increase awareness on long trips. It promises a “lighter, cleaner and more invigorating” atmosphere thanks to bright lighting and a focus on fresh air.

Besides talking about the Curation Engine, Bentley released a new video that gives us a better look inside the ultra-luxury crossover. While we’ve already seen the curved infotainment system on multiple occasions, the latest images show circular air vents with recessed carbon fiber trim. Other sections reveal a wood-lined center console and knurled switchgear.

The clip also gives us our first look at the rear seat, which has a two-tone design that appears to combine premium leather with microsuede upholstery. A closer inspection reveals black door handles with a subtle “B” shape. Elsewhere, there’s a Naim audio system with bronze speaker grilles featuring a geometric pattern.

As we’ve previously reported, the Torcal will ride on the PPE platform and have a lot in common with the Porsche Cayenne Electric. The two models have a similar profile, but the Bentley has unique front and rear ends.

Powertrain details remain elusive, but the Cayenne has a 113 kWh battery pack, a 390 kW DC fast charging capability, and outputs of 435 hp (324 kW / 441 PS), 657 hp (490 kW / 666 PS), and 1,139 hp (849 kW / 1,155 PS). The Bentley will presumably have around 800 hp (597 kW / 811 PS) and the company has already confirmed it will be capable of getting 100 miles (161 km) of range in as little as seven minutes.

We’ll learn more on September 23, but the Torcal is expected to cost $200,000 to $250,000 when it arrives in the United States in the third quarter of 2027.

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The Electra L7 lineup is expanding as Buick has begun accepting orders for the fully electric variant in China. It starts at $25,170 (¥169,900) and will be offered in three different trims.

All feature a rear-mounted motor producing 378 hp (282 kW / 383 PS) and 282 lb-ft (382 Nm) of torque. The good news doesn’t end there as the model can accelerate from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 5.6 seconds, before hitting a top speed of 137 mph (220 km/h).

More: Buick May Bring Sedans Back To America Using A Surprising Platform

Power is provided by an 80.6 kWh battery, which is sourced from CATL and provides up to 436 miles (702 km) of range. When the battery is low, the 6C ultra-fast charging system enables it to get 280 miles (450 km) of range in as little as 10 minutes.

Sticking with the battery, the Electra L7 offers a Vehicle-to-Load function that enables it to provide 6 kW of external power. This means owners can go glamping with all the comforts of home.

The design carries over from the range-extended model, but Buick added two new colors that appear to be called Stardust Green and Cherry Blossom Pink. While changes are minor, the car has 19-inch wheels, flush-mounted door handles, and frameless doors with acoustic front glass.

The entry-level 702 Luxury comes nicely equipped with a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a 15.6-inch infotainment system, and a 25-speaker audio system. They’re joined by perforated leather seats with heating, ventilation, and massage functions.

Buyers will also find a heated steering wheel, starlight wood grain trim, and an ambient lighting system. They’re accompanied by a tri-zone climate control system and a 50W wireless smartphone charger.

An assortment of driver assistance systems come standard including Full-Speed ​​Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Centering Assist, and Automatic Emergency Braking. The model also has Lane Departure Warning, Lane Change Assist, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert – among others.

The $27,689 (¥186,900) 702 Luxury is largely identical, but it features fancier taillights and an upgraded interior with a fragrance diffuser and an air quality monitoring system. They’re joined by a digital rearview mirror, a 50-inch augmented reality head-up display, and an interior camera with facial recognition technology.

More importantly, the mid-level model comes with a “magic carpet” chassis and the Xiao Yao Zhi Xing semi-autonomous driving system. It uses Lidar, three millimeter-wave radars, seven cameras, 12 ultra sonic sensors, and four 360 degree surround view camera systems.

This allows for both City Navigation Assist and High-Speed ​​Navigation Assist as well as Automatic Parking Assist and Remote Parking Assist. The system can navigate “complex intersections and roundabouts” by itself and also perform autonomous lane changes.

Lastly, there’s the range-topping 702 Avenir that begins at $30,652 (¥206,900). It’s distinguished by special lighting units, self-closing doors, and unique 19-inch wheels with a turbine-style design.

The upgrades continue inside with Nappa leather seats and higher quality materials. The flagship also has a 27-speaker premium audio system and a rear climate control display.

Lucid Motors is struggling and the company only delivered 3,953 vehicles in the second quarter. That’s a drop in the bucket, but it was a 19% improvement from a year ago.

Since going from terrible to awful isn’t great, the company has announced an “operational reset.” It aims to slash costs, reduce cash burn, and simplify operations.

More: Lucid To Lay Off 18% Of Its US Workforce, Just Four Months After Cutting 12%

As CEO Silvio Napoli explained, “Lucid has leading technology, compelling products and deeply committed people, but potential is not performance.” As a result, the company is going “back to basics, with a clear focus on cash, customers, and culture.”

Lucid didn’t hold back as they admitted to “premature launches,” an ownership experience that fell short, and quality issues that were not addressed in a timely fashion. To solve the problems, the company has hired more service technicians, expanded their mobile service capability, and slashed wait times for service appointments.

As part of the revamp, Lucid promises “greater discipline” in regards to spending, investment, and capital allocation. The automaker has also deliberately reduced production to better align with anticipated demand. This frees up working capital, while also keeping inventory in check.

Speaking of being frugal, the company has identified $1.4 billion in savings for 2026. Reduced production plays a large part in this, but Lucid is also looking to cut approximately $500 million in capital expenditures. The company also expects to save around $158 million annually thanks to job cuts that were announced last month.

In other news, Lucid aims to accelerate decision-making by “simplifying the organization, reducing layers and clarifying accountability.” The automaker didn’t go into many specifics, but noted the “new structure halves the number of direct reports to the CEO and places experienced leaders in key roles across finance, technology, customer experience, transformation, digital and program execution.”

On the product side of things, Lucid said their robotaxi program with Uber and Nuro is a “top priority.” Nearly 100 vehicles are already being tested in the San Francisco Bay Area and the company has begun delivering production-validation Gravity SUVs to Nuro.

The ‘final’ robotaxi is slated to go into production in the fourth quarter and the company is eyeing a launch in late 2026. Lucid has high hopes for the model as estimates suggest automakers could make billions on robotaxi manufacturing in the years ahead.

Work on the company’s all-important midsize Cosmos is progressing as Lucid said Atlas drive units and prototypes are “advancing through validation, durability testing, crash certification, battery-pack manufacturing validation, and cold-weather testing in New Zealand.”

Interestingly, the press release didn’t mention the biggest news of all – the Cosmos is being delayed. During the related earnings call, officials said their AM2 plant in Saudi Arabia won’t be ready to build the model until the second half of 2027.

The Cosmos crossover will be the first vehicle fully built at the plant as well as their first midsize model. It’s essentially their version of the Rivian R2 and it’s a make or break vehicle for the company.

Its delay is a serious setback, but officials used the call to say they won’t repeat the mistakes of the past. In particular, they said the Cosmos will only launch when “every process and quality requirement” has been met. In effect, the company doesn’t want to release a half-baked product onto the market.

The fully electric Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 was met with mixed reactions last month, so the company has decided to demonstrate its capability. There’s no better place for this than the Nürburgring, where the car blazed a trail on the Nordschleife.

When it was all said and done, the model crossed the finish line in 7:32.070. That means the CLA 45 is now the “fastest vehicle in its segment.”

More: 2027 Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 EV Debuts With 3 Motors, 671 HP And A Vibrator

The record was set by Kevin Berger in Race mode, which is available as part of the optional AMG Dynamic Plus package. Besides the aforementioned mode, it raises the top speed to 168 mph (270 km/h) and throws in red or black calipers with contrasting AMG lettering. While the record breaking car appears to have been mostly stock, the company confirmed it was outfitted with Pirelli P Zero Trofeo RS tires.

The record was set on July 28 and Mercedes said it was made possible thanks to the CLA 45’s tri-motor powertrain. It consists of a front-mounted axial flux motor as well as two more located out back. The combination gives the car all-wheel drive as well as a combined output of up to 671 hp (500 kW / 680 PS) and 1,297 lb-ft (1,759 Nm) of torque. Those are insane figures and they enable the model to rocket from 0-62 mph (100 km/h) in three seconds flat.

Power is provided by a 94 kWh battery pack, which gives the sedan a WLTP range in excess of 416 miles (670 km). When the battery is low, a 330 kW DC fast charger can take the CLA 45 from 10-80% in as little as 22 minutes. If that’s too long, a ten minute charge can deliver over 168 miles (270 km) of range.

Other highlights include variable torque distribution and torque vectoring as well as an AMG Ride Control sports suspension with steel springs and three-way adaptive damping. They’re joined by a high-performance braking system, active aerodynamics, and a screen-focused interior. The latter houses a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a 14-inch infotainment system, and a 14-inch front passenger display.

Like a globetrotting dog with gastrointestinal issues, Smart has dropped #2s in cities across the world. They’re part of a teaser campaign, which is designed to promote the upcoming ForTwo successor.

Jokes aside, the murals – which have been created in Berlin, Buenos Aires, Hong Kong, Melbourne, Paris, and Shanghai – effectively reveal the design of the model. The road-going city car follows in the footsteps of the #2 concept, but adopts a ventilated grille as well as a lightly revised shark nose front end. The hood has also been pushed further back, while the production model trades fancy lights for vertical air curtains.

More: Smart Teases The Production #2, The Two-Seater It Swore Off Years Ago

Moving down the sides, there’s curvaceous bodywork and rounded fenders. They’re joined by aerodynamically optimized wheels and what appears to be an available contrasting black roof. Elsewhere, we can see proper door handles and a hint of Toyota iQ.

Smart didn’t show much of the rear end, but we were able to get a better look by zooming in on a planning sheet. It reveals the #2 will have circular taillights and a pronounced spoiler. They’re joined by a more conventional liftgate, which features a mid-mounted license plate recess. We can also see a black bumper that trades a digital display for what appears to be a reflector.

As we’ve previously reported, the #2 will ride on the Electric Compact Architecture and have a roughly 35.7 kWh battery pack that provides around 186 miles (300 km) of range. When it’s low, a DC fast charger can take the battery from 10 to 80 percent in less than 20 minutes.

The model measures 109.9 inches (2,792 mm) long and will have a turning circle of just 22.8 feet (6.95 meters). This means the new car will be 3.8 inches (97 mm) longer than the second-generation ForTwo.

Getting back to the murals, they were jointly created by the Mercedes-Benz design team as well as local artists including Martín Ron, Georgia Laurie, Zhu Bin, and the group known as Parents Parents. The brand went on to note art is in their very name as Smart is a combination of Swatch, Mercedes, and Art (s+m+art).

Audi is gearing up to introduce the A2 e-tron this fall and they’ve announced it’s the “most efficient” vehicle they’ve ever made. More importantly, the company has released some initial specifications.

Jumping right into the numbers, the automaker confirmed there will be a variant with a 61 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery that powers a rear-mounted motor developing 188 hp (140 kW / 190 PS). The latter is hardly surprising as the similar Volkswagen ID.3 Neo also has a motor with the same output.

More: Audi A2 E-Tron Ditches Disguise And Reveals A Familiar Design

Audi was coy on additional details, but confirmed the model will offer an optional efficiency package. It will enable the A2 to have an energy consumption of 12.8 kWh per 100 km (62 miles). Doing some quick math, that suggests the car will have a range of around 477 km (296 miles) under the Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicles Test Procedure.

Thanks to the use of Volkswagen’s latest APP350 drive unit, the powertrain is more efficient than previous versions as it sports silicon carbide semiconductors, variable switching frequency, thinner laminations, and an improved transmission that reduces friction losses.

The automaker also noted the LFP battery uses a cell-to-pack design, which increases density and allows for a relatively beefy battery in a small package. They added the battery “does not require rare earth elements, ages more slowly than many alternatives, and is considered particularly safe.”

The 188 hp (140 kW / 190 PS) A2 e-tron will have a 105 kW DC fast charging capability that will take the battery from 0-80% in as little as 26 minutes. Buyers will also find an “adapted cooling strategy” that allows for 89.6% wallbox charging efficiency.

Audi also mentioned two other variants. The first uses a more powerful APP350 unit developing 228 hp (170 kW / 231 PS) and 258 lb-ft (350 Nm) of torque. The other has a rear-mounted APP550 with up to 322 hp (240 kW / 326 PS) and 402 lb-ft (545 Nm).

As expected, the model appears to be rear-wheel drive only. That’s a notable departure for a brand that is famous for quattro all-wheel drive, but the A2 e-tron is focused on efficiency and affordability.

Speaking of which, the car has a relatively basic 400V electrical architecture and rides on the MEB+ platform. Those aren’t anything to get excited about, but the model will have Vehicle-to-Load and Vehicle-to-Home bidirectional charging functions.

To help ensure the A2 e-tron was efficient as possible, designers focused on aerodynamics and equipped the model with wheel deflectors, underbody paneling, and a diffuser. They’re joined by aerodynamic wheels, air curtains, and a splitter.

On top of that, the model has been equipped with an active air intake. It stays closed most of the time to reduce drag, but opens during charging, rapid acceleration, and high temperatures to keep things cool.

Thanks to these efforts, the A2 e-tron has a drag coefficient of 0.24. Audi also said the styling features lower energy consumption by up to 0.9 kWh/100 km (0.9 kWh/62 miles).

BMW unveiled the M Concept Neue Klasse in June and it’s quickly inching closer to production. That’s clear from the latest spy photos, which show the high-performance EV undergoing testing at the Nürburgring.

Dressed in familiar black and white camouflage, the model follows in the footsteps of the standard i3. Despite the similarities, we can see the M variant will adopt a unique front bumper with a pronounced air intake. The latter features a triangular center support as well as horizontal fins.

More: BMW’s New Electric M3 Proves The Concept Wasn’t Kidding

We can also see a pronounced front lip and familiar headlights. Bulky cladding at the outside edges suggests the production model could mimic the concept and sport stacked fog lights instead of the typical air curtains. Elsewhere, there’s a ventilated hood and a double bubble roof.

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The profile carries over virtually untouched, but the model rides on lightweight wheels that are backed up by a high-performance braking system with bronze calipers. The ride height has also been reduced and this is undoubtedly the result of a sport-tuned suspension.

Moving around back, the trunk has been equipped with a relatively subtle spoiler. They’re accompanied by a unique bumper and a sizable diffuser. The latter features air channels on the sides and center as well as small slots between it and the bumper. Speaking of the latter, the bumper appears to have four square reflectors like the concept.

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Spy photographers didn’t get a good look inside, but the cabin should closely echo the i3. This means we can expect Panoramic iDrive as well as a 17.9-inch infotainment system. We also wouldn’t be surprised to find an M steering wheel, sport seats, and special touches.

The model will slot above the i3 50 xDrive, which has a dual motor all-wheel drive system producing 463 hp (345 kW / 469 PS) and 476 lb-ft (645 Nm) of torque. They’re powered by a 108.7 kWh battery pack, which delivers an EPA-estimated range of 440 miles (708 km). The model also has an 800-volt architecture, which allows for an impressive 400 kW DC fast charging capability.

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The M3 EV will improve on those numbers thanks to a quad motor powertrain that “elevates driving experience and racetrack capability to a new level.” BMW has been coy on numbers, but rumors have suggested anywhere from around 691 hp (515 kW / 700 PS) to 986 hp (735 kW / 1,000 PS). For comparison, the Mercedes-AMG C-Class Electric is expected to have approximately 789 hp (588 kW / 800 PS).

While the final numbers are a mystery, BMW has already suggested the car won’t be called the i3 M. Instead, the model will simply be known as the ‘Electric M3’ or ‘M3 EV’ as the company wants customers to know this is a ‘real’ M3 and not just an electric pretender.

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The Volvo EX40 starts at $56,545 and largely flies under the radar. However, the company is reportedly plotting an all-new model that could adopt the EX50 moniker.

Expected to be significantly cheaper than the outgoing EV, the new EX50 will allegedly be priced in the “high $40,000s.” This would make it far more appealing as the current EX40 is only $3,250 less than the EX60.

More: Volvo’s Entry SUV Gets A Successor, But Dealers Aren’t Sure It’s The Right Priority

According to Automotive News, the entry-level crossover will arrive in the fall of 2027 and be based on the new SPA3 platform, which debuted on the EX60. It will be made at the company’s new Slovakian plant and the brand is reportedly aiming to sell 10,000 units in the United States in its first year. That would make it one of Volvo’s best-selling vehicles in America, although the publication noted the automaker could end up prioritizing production for Europe.

Little is known about the crossover, but it’s said to be longer and taller than the EX40. That should make it more appealing to Americans and buyers can also expect an 800V electrical architecture that offers faster charging.

When asked about the model, Volvo spokesperson Thomas McIntyre Schultz declined to comment. However, he said “we’re going to continue to invest in expanding our EV lineup.”

The XC40 Could Survive With A Facelift

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While the crossover is expected to replace the EX40, the gas-powered XC40 could continue chugging along. Back in June, spy photographers snapped a facelifted variant undergoing testing in Spain.

The updated model features a new front fascia with a revised grille and restyled headlights. They’re joined by a revamped bumper and a revised lower intake.

Changes continue out back with a new bumper and updated taillights. The model also adopts smaller, repositioned reflectors.

The modifications will be more than skin deep as images showed a revamped interior that echoes the EX30. Most notably, there’s a new portrait-style infotainment system that protrudes above the dashboard.

SH Proshots

Rivian has released its second-quarter financial results, and things are looking up for the automaker. Jumping right into the numbers, revenues were up 27% to $1.658 billion. The company also achieved a gross profit of $179 million, which was $385 million more than a year ago.

More: For $50 A Month, Rivian Will Make You A Passenger In Your Own EV

Despite a glimmer of good news, Rivian still expects to lose $1.8-2 billion this year. CNBC notes that’s down slightly from a previous estimate of up to $2.1 billion.

Putting the financials aside, the automaker announced Amazon now has over 40,000 electric delivery vans, and they recently surpassed one billion miles (1.6 billion km) traveled. The company also confirmed they’re developing new variants to support the online retailer.

According to Rivian, they’re working on models with all-wheel drive as well as a larger battery pack. The latter is “expected to offer a 30% increase in range,” which would equate to around 210 miles (338 km/h). The all-wheel drive variant, on the other hand, appears aimed at markets with snow as well as rural areas with muddy dirt roads.

As a refresher, the current Delivery 500 and 700 are front-wheel drive and offer a range of up to 161 miles (259 km). Pricing starts at $79,900, and the larger of the two can hold up to 652 cubic feet (18,463 liters) of goods.

Besides talking about Amazon, Rivian said they expect to begin rolling out “point-to-point advanced assisted driving capabilities by the end of this year.” This is an evolution of their current Universal Hands-Free driving system, which works on more than 3.5 million miles of roads in the United States and Canada.

If everything goes according to plan, eyes-off driving will arrive in 2027. A Level 4 robotaxi could then follow in 2028.

The company delivered 12,194 vehicles in Q2, and the R2 launched on June 9. Rivian is still ramping up production, but CEO RJ Scaringe said “I believe R2 will be a game changer for our customers and a driver of Rivian’s long-term growth and profitability.” He added the “U.S. automotive marketplace is starved for high-quality EV choice, and I believe R2 is an attractively priced option for everyday adventures that will resonate with a broad set of consumers.”

Genesis has announced pricing for the 2027 GV60 Magma will begin at $69,950 before a $1,545 destination fee. That means the model costs $10,050 more than the 2026 Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, but costs $55 less to be delivered. That’s a pretty sizable difference, but Genesis is a luxury brand and there was little doubt it’d carry a hefty premium.

Despite its luxury roots, the GV60 Magma is focused on performance and has an 84 kWh battery pack, which feeds a dual-motor all-wheel drive system producing up to 641 hp (478 kW / 650 PS) and 583 lb-ft (790 Nm) of torque. This enables the model to accelerate from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 3.4 seconds.

More: 2027 Genesis GV60 Magma Wants To Make BMW And AMG Sweat

Set to arrive at select dealers in California, New York, and New Jersey in the coming weeks, the hot GV60 has launch control, virtual gear shifts, and an electronic limited slip differential. They’re joined by an e-Active Sound Design Plus system, which “simulates engine sounds through two external speakers.”

Genesis said surprisingly little about the model, but noted the glorified hatchback has an aggressive front bumper, canards, and exclusive 21-inch forged wheels. They’re joined by a sizable rear wing and a color palette that includes Magma Orange, Uyuni White, Vik Black, and Makalu Gray Matte.

The interior largely carries over, but the Magma comes equipped with performance seats that have heating and ventilation. They’re wrapped in Obsidian Black suede and feature orange contrast stitching.

Drivers will also find a sport steering wheel with dedicated Boost and Magma Mode buttons. They’re accompanied by alloy pedals and unique displays for the 27-inch OLED screen. Genesis also noted the car comes standard with a Bang & Olufsen premium audio system.

Mercedes styling is pretty hit or miss these days, but the company scored a solid double with the redesigned GLA. It goes up for order tomorrow in Europe, while a US launch is scheduled for the second half of 2027.

Looking far more stylish and upscale than its predecessor, the crossover adopts the company’s new “iconic grille.” It’s larger than before an offers optional illumination.

More: New Mercedes GLB Arrives With Electric Power And AI

The grille is flanked by standard LED headlights that feature a chrome-plated star design. On models equipped with the optional Multibeam LED headlights, the daytime running lights are shaped like a star.

Moving further back, there’s streamlined bodywork, flush-mounted door handles, and pronounced cladding. They’re joined by muscular rear haunches and 18- to 20-inch wheels.

The sportier styling continues at the rear end, where the license plate recess has moved from the liftgate to the bumper. The model also sports squared off taillights that are connected by a slender bar.

The exact look varies and there will be AMG Line, AMG Line Plus, and Night Edition packages. The latter has a Cosmos Black Magno exterior with high-gloss black accents and black 20-inch wheels. They’re joined by two-tone sport seats, illuminated door sill plates, and Dark Shadow flourishes.

In terms of size, the redesigned GLA measures 179.7 inches (4,565 mm) long, 73.7 inches (1,873 mm) wide, and 63.1 inches (1,604 mm) tall with a wheelbase that spans 109.8 inches (2,790 mm). This means the model is 6.1 inches (155 mm) longer and has an extra 2.4 inches (61 mm) between the wheels.

An Interior Dominated By Screens

The cabin largely carries over from the CLA and this means buyers will find a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a 14-inch infotainment system, and a big blank section with star graphics.

The latter serves as a permanent reminder of your cheapness and nudges customers to buy the optional MBUX Superscreen. It adds a 14-inch front passenger display that provides access to more than 40 apps including Disney+ and YouTube.

On the topic of options, Mercedes offers a Sky Control panoramic roof that can go from transparent to opaque in a matter of milliseconds. Customers can also get a 16-speaker Burmester 3D surround sound system – among other things.

Thanks to the increased dimensions, occupants will find a roomier cabin. There’s an additional 0.3 inches (7 mm) of legroom up front, while the back seat adds up to 1.5 inches (38 mm). Mercedes also noted there’s an extra 0.9 inches (24 mm) of rear seat headroom as well.

On the topic of space, the boot now holds 14.5 cubic feet (410 liters) of luggage and that’s an increase of 2.5 cubic feet (70 liters). It can be expanded to 49.4 cubic feet (1,400 liters) by folding the rear seats down and there’s a 3.8 liter (107 liter) frunk on electric variants.

Electric Powertrains

The GLA will be offered with a bewildering number of powertrains and kicking things off is the GLA 200 Electric. It features a 58 kWh LFP battery as well as a rear-mounted motor producing 221 hp (165 kW / 224 PS) and 247 lb-ft (335 Nm) of torque.

This enables the crossover to accelerate from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 8.1 seconds, before topping out at 130 mph (210 km/h). Buyers can also expect a WLTP range of 245 – 278 miles (394 – 447 km).

When the battery is low, a 200 kW DC fast charging capability can take it from 10-80% in as little as 20 minutes. If that’s too long, a ten minute charge can deliver 103 miles (165 km) of range.

The mid-level GLA 250+ Electric has a beefier motor producing 268 hp (200 kW / 272 PS) and 247 lb-ft (335 Nm) of torque. Thanks to the extra oomph, the crossover hits 62 mph (100 km/h) in 7.3 seconds, but the top speed is unchanged at 130 mph (210 km/h).

Buyers will also find a beefier 85 kWh NMC battery, which delivers 359 – 408 miles (577 – 657 km) of range. The model also has an upgraded 320 kW DC fast charging capability, which delivers 168 miles (270 km) of range in ten minutes.

Sitting at the top of the electric lineup is the GLA 350 4MATIC Electric. It has a dual-motor all-wheel drive system producing a combined output of 349 hp (260 kW / 354 PS) and 380 lb-ft (515 Nm) of torque. 62 mph (100 km/h) comes in just 5.4 seconds, while the top speed remains 130 mph (210 km/h). Range also takes a slight hit as it drops to 345 – 400 miles (555 – 643 km).

The United States will only be getting the 250+ and 350 4MATIC variants. However, Mercedes also announced a fourth variant is coming in 2027 with a 71 kWh NMC battery.

Hybrid Power Arrives Next Year

Besides the EVs, Mercedes confirmed plans for hybrid variants with front- and all-wheel drive. The company didn’t say much about them, but noted they’ll have a turbocharged 1.5-liter four-cylinder, a 1.3 kWh battery pack, and a 30 hp (22 kW / 30 PS) electric motor integrated into an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission.

While Mercedes is playing coy, the powertrains should carryover from the CLA. This means there could be a GLA 200 with a combined maximum output of 190 hp (142 kW / 193 PS) as well as a GLA 220 with 217 hp (162 kW / 220 PS).

It’s also worth noting the GLA will be offered with the new MB.Drive Assist system that provides a “state-of-the-art” Level 2 semi-autonomous driving experience.

The second-generation BMW iX3 debuted less than a year ago, but the electric crossover is already a hit. More than 10,000 units were sold in Europe within a matter of months and the company has seen an influx of orders.

Speaking of the latter, the automaker recently announced they’re on track to hit 100,000 orders relatively soon. To meet the “high demand,” BMW has been ramping up production in Debrecen, Hungary.

More: Two Months Was All BMW’s iX3 Needed To Crack 10,000 Sales In Europe

Production began last fall and the influx of orders pushed BMW to add a second shift in February 2026. The company noted that was “well ahead of schedule.”

Thanks to the rapid ramp up, BMW has already built the 50,000 iX3. This came just nine months after production began and BMW’s Raymond Wittmann said, “Never before have we built so many vehicles so quickly at a new plant.”

Those sentiments were echoed by Debrecen plant president Hans-Peter Kemser, who said “The production of the 50,000th BMW iX3 reflects the dedication and expertise of our team. As the home of the first series-produced Neue Klasse model, Plant Debrecen is helping shape the future of the BMW Group’s global production network.”

BMW has a lot riding on the iX3 as 40 new or updated models will incorporate Neue Klasse designs and technologies by the end of 2027.

As a refresher, the crossover launched in iX3 50 xDrive guise, featuring a 108.7 kWh battery pack and a dual-motor all-wheel drive system with a combined output of 463 hp (345 kW / 469 PS) and 476 lb-ft (645 Nm) of torque. It enabled the model to have a WLTP range of up to 500 miles (805 km).

More recently, the automaker introduced a cheaper iX3 40. It features a smaller 82.6 kWh battery as well as a rear-mounted motor developing 316 hp (235 kW / 320 PS) and 369 lb-ft (500 Nm) of torque. This enables the crossover to accelerate from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 5.9 seconds, hit a top speed of 124 mph (200 km/h), and have a WLTP range of up to 395 miles (636 km).

The teaser campaign for the Bentley Torcal is kicking into high gear as the company has released a new clip that showcases the interior. The ultra-luxury brand has also released a few new details about their first electric vehicle.

Starting outside, the automaker said the crossover will have a “jewel-like floating diamond grille” that “transforms a functional necessity into a captivating design statement – one that is unmistakably Bentley and unlike anything else on the road.” The video doesn’t give us a very good look at it, but the grille is expected to echo the one found on the EXP 15 concept.

More: Bentley’s Electric SUV Has An Ultra-Lux Interior With Curved Displays

Bentley also provided a peek at the three dimensional taillights, which have a diamond pattern. The pointy shape is a bit of a theme for the Torcal and the company noted the historical design feature has been “reinterpreted for a new era.”

The automaker went on to say they teamed up with Cumbria Crystal to commission “bespoke hand-cut crystal objects designed specifically for the project.” Details are limited, but the company suggested the crystals will be illuminated to create a “distinctive visual signature rich in depth, movement and texture.”

Putting marketing hyperbole aside, we can see the crossover will have sculpted door panels with an interesting ridge-like pattern. Elsewhere, there are knurled climate controls and a rotary dial with a start/stop button. They’re joined by physical buttons as well as dedicated Sport and Comfort modes.

The latest pictures also give us another look at the crossover’s curved infotainment system. It features a portrait orientation as well as a lower bar that shows climate and seat information.

While there isn’t much else to see, previous spy photos have shown the model will have a three-spoke steering wheel with wing-like stalks similar to the Audi Q3. The right side has a shifter, while the left side has an assortment of light and wiper controls.

Well-heeled customers will also find a curved digital instrument cluster and circular air vents. They’ll be joined by real metal accents and a wide swath of wood trim on the passenger side dashboard.

Performance specifications remain mysterious, but the Torcal will ride on the PPE platform that underpins an assortment of models including the Porsche Cayenne Electric. It sports a 113 kWh battery pack, a 390 kW DC fast charging capability, and outputs of 435 hp (324 kW / 441 PS), 657 hp (490 kW / 666 PS), and 1,139 hp (849 kW / 1,155 PS). The Bentley will likely fall somewhere in between the latter two numbers and the company has already confirmed the model will be capable of getting 100 miles (161 km) of range in as little as seven minutes.

A debut is scheduled for September 23 and the model will arrive in the United States in the third quarter of 2027. When it does, it’s expected to start around $200,000 to $250,000.

Rivian launched the highly anticipated R2 on June 9 and it appears the excitement was short-lived. One of the first models recently sold at auction and it only garnered four bids.

The electric crossover ended up selling for $63,500, which was only $2,015 above its sticker price of $61,485. This means the seller likely ended up losing money on the vehicle after factoring in taxes and expenses.

More: Rivian’s Most Affordable Model Arrives First In Its Most Expensive Form

The R2 Performance Launch Edition was listed on Cars&Bids and the auction wrapped up yesterday. The Catalina Cove crossover only had 71 miles (114 km) on the odometer and it was purchased last month.

Cars&Bids

The seller said they were a “day 1 deposit holder,” which suggests they reserved the R2 back in March of 2024. The seller added they’ve owned several Rivians over the years, but ended up buying a Kia EV9 for his wife.

Despite this, they decided to take the first Catalina Cove R2 that arrived at their local center with the expectation of keeping it and selling the EV9. She apparently liked the three-row EV better, so they decided to flip the Rivian.

While that could just be a story, it seems plausible enough as it’s hard to plan out your vehicle needs and timing nearly two and a half years in advance.

Regardless, it’s interesting that the R2 didn’t sell for more money. The model is still in short supply and the company is “inviting reservation holders to order in rolling batches.” If you reserve today, it’ll take roughly a week to get estimated timing for your order invitation.

As a refresher, the R2 Performance starts at $57,990 and features a dual-motor all-wheel drive system developing 656 hp (489 kW / 665 PS) and 609 lb-ft (825 Nm) of torque. It enables the crossover to accelerate from 0–60 mph (0-96 km/h) in 3.6 seconds and travel up to 330 miles (531 km) on a single charge.

It comes nicely equipped with Matrix LED headlights, Compass Yellow accents, and 21-inch wheels. Buyers will also find 12-way power front seats with heating and ventilation as well as heated rear seats and a heated steering wheel. They’re accompanied by birch wood trim, a nine-speaker premium audio system, and a flashlight integrated into the driver’s door.

The Launch Edition adds a handful of notable extras including a special key fob and a lifetime subscription to Autonomy+, which provides Universal Hands-Free driving on over 3.5 million miles (5.6 million km) of roads in the United States and Canada. The special edition also comes with a tow package that enables the model to haul up to 4,400 lbs (1,996 kg).

Cars&Bids

Android Automotive OS and Google Maps have been adopted by a number of automakers, but Apple is fighting back with a MapKit for Automotive SDK. It promises to provide a “beautiful and easy-to-use navigation experience powered by Apple Maps directly to the vehicle’s displays.”

The technology will be integrated into Ford’s Universal Electric Vehicle Platform, which will underpin their highly anticipated $30,000 pickup as well as an assortment of other affordable EVs. Furthermore, Ford will use “road-level information from Apple Maps as part of the development of its next-generation BlueCruise” semi-autonomous driving system. The automaker said this will result in a more seamless hands-free driving experience.

More: Ford’s $30K Electric Truck Looks Tiny Next To Expedition In New Spy Photos

The companies didn’t release pictures or many details, but said drivers can expect natural language turn-by-turn directions as well as real-time traffic and incident information. Users can also look forward to an intuitive search feature with “detailed place cards.” There will also be multiple “routing options to help users easily find the best route to their destination.”

While the automaker and tech giant didn’t elaborate, there’s little doubt the routing options will factor in recharging stops for long distance trips. This functionality is already built into Apple Maps as it monitors the battery and analyzes elevation changes as well as other factors along your route to identify appropriate charging stations along the way. It can also provide real-time charging station availability and help to find the nearest compatible charging station when the battery gets extremely low.

Baldauf

Aside from already existing features, Ford confirmed the new integration will have a battery preconditioning function. This likely means that when drivers navigate towards a charging station, the battery will precondition itself for optimal charging when it arrives.

Ford CEO Jim Farley remarked, “Our new midsize electric vehicle will be priced around $30,000 and redefines what advanced technology can be – simple, useful, and truly attainable for more customers. We’re proud to embed Apple Maps’ navigation and mapping technology directly into our Universal Electric Vehicle Platform, giving customers the ultimate navigation experience alongside our Ford app, a full suite of software, and next-generation BlueCruise, all enabled by a new zonal architecture.”

Apple’s senior vice president of Services and Health, Eddy Cue, added “With our new MapKit for Automotive SDK, we’re bringing Maps further into drivers’ daily lives, giving them an incredibly accurate and easy-to-use navigation system that is seamlessly integrated into Ford vehicles.”

Apple CarPlay