The Genesis GV60 – the Hyundai Motor Group’s most premium cousin to the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6 – has been updated before its global launch this year. The mid-life update for the electric crossover is relatively minor but does bring some new features that shoppers should welcome.

No significant changes have been made to the overall shape and size of the GV60, and the alterations made to the front and rear fascias are hard to spot. Look a little closer, and you will notice that the front bumper is new and looks slightly sportier than the outgoing model. Genesis has also changed the front grille, positioning it slightly lower, re-shaping it, and making it smaller. The split headlights also feature the firm’s new Micro Lens Array technology.

Read: Genesis Confirms GV60 Magma Launch For Next Fall

The Korean brand has also crafted new 21-inch wheels for the GV60 and has now finished the fenders in the same color as the rest of the body, rather than black plastic as before. While this is only a smaller change, it makes the EV feel slightly more premium. The rear bumper also now matches the rest of the body, rather than being in a contrasting shade of silver.

Making the interior of the new GV60 stand out is the firm’s new 27-inch Integrated Cockpit display that includes the infotainment system and instrument cluster, just like the facelifted GV70. Genesis has rounded out the changes with a newly designed steering wheel.

Genesis has yet to announce market-specific details for the new GV60, nor has it confirmed powertrain or pricing details. The outgoing model had the 77.4 kWh battery pack as the original Ioniq 5 and EV6 models, but both of these have been refreshed and now come standard with an 84 kWh. In all likelihood, the GV60 will get this same enlarged battery.

In certain markets, the current car is available in Standard RWD guise with 225 hp and 258 lb-ft (350 Nm) or as a dual-motor model with 429 hp / 483 hp with Boost Mode enabled. Similar power figures can be expected for the new car.

Korean sales of the new GV60 will start later this quarter before it lands in other markets like Australia in Q3. Genesis hasn’t said when the updated EV will touch down in the US.

While Brabus is best known as a premier aftermarket Mercedes-Benz tuner, it has also maintained a 50:50 joint venture with Daimler since 2001, channeling its expertise into customizing models from the Smart family. Brabus, the same brand responsible for turning AMG monsters into even bigger monsters, has now turned its attention to the Smart #3 that benefits from a raft of modifications.

It goes squarely against the class-leading Tesla Model Y Performance, but also rivals slightly more premium offerings like the BMW iX3 and Genesis GV60 Performance. It’s just landed in Australia and is being sold online and through Mercedes-Benz dealerships nationwide. Does it have the goods to be a serious player in this segment?

QUICK FACTS

Photos Brad Anderson/Carscoops

Competitive Pricing

On price, the #3 Brabus is a compelling option, something I’d never thought I’d say for a vehicle that’s half German. This flagship model starts at AU$70,900 (~$45,200), making it quite a bit pricier than the entry-level Smart #3 starting at AU$57,900 (~$36,900), and the mid-range Smart #3 Premium, which kicks off at AU$61,900 (~$39,500). However, when you look at the competition, the Brabus starts to make a lot of sense.

Locally, a Tesla Model Y Performance starts at AU$84,700 (~$54,000), and while it has a little bit more power, it’s not as quick as the Brabus. Other alternatives are significantly more expensive, including the entry-level BMW iX3 (AU$89,100 / $36,900) and the much more premium Genesis GV60 Performance, which starts at around AU$110,000 (~$70,000). A compelling alternative to the Brabus #3 that will launch shortly is the mechanically-related Zeekr X.

Both the Smart #3 and Zeekr share the same platform, as does the Volvo EX30, and the equivalent flagship X AWD will start at AU$64,900 (~$41,400). For now, however, the Brabus is hard to beat in terms of price and performance.

Photos Brad Anderson/Carscoops

Smart Nailed The Quality

Smart has done a fine job of making the #3’s interior feel fitting of the price tag. It’s a lot more interesting than the bland cabin of the Model Y and is mostly covered in nice materials. Admittedly, there’s a little too much hard black plastic on the door panels, but the rest of the interior does have a German and premium feel to it.

Immediately catching the eye is the layout of the #3. The trio of circular air vents in the center of the dashboard are classic Mercedes-Benz and the central spine running from the dash to the center console is finished in plastic with a silver finish, aiming to imitate metal. It does a pretty good job, and hidden behind a flap under the air vents is a wireless phone charger and two USB ports. The cup holders are also hidden beneath a sliding cover.

Standing out is a 12.8-inch tablet-like infotainment system. It takes after Tesla and many Chinese cars, adopting an operating system more reminiscent of a smartphone than a normal car system. That means it’s filled with an array of different menus, display screens, and seemingly endless settings. I didn’t like it when I first got in, but after two days or so, I was won over. Less tech-savvy buyers may have a harder time, however.

Photos Brad Anderson/Carscoops

The main display screen consists of a handful of widgets, including one shaped like the Earth for navigation, a media screen, details about driving consumption, weather, and your current driving mode. Scroll over, and you’re taken to an apps screen. Important vehicle settings are then accessed by pressing the vehicle button on the bottom right of the screen, while a strip of handy shortcuts house all the climate control settings.

Read: Smart #3 Brabus Gains Extra Dose Of Brabusness

Positioned below the screen are six shortcut buttons, although they don’t provide haptic feedback, which is a shame. The most important is positioned on the far left and includes quick settings to the lane assist, auto hold, electric parking brake, rear foglight, hill descent control, traction control, and a setting for the one-pedal driving mode, known as s-Pedal. You can also choose between three other regenerative braking settings and enable the ‘Rocket Launch’ control system on this screen. A separate shortcut is used to toggle between the driving modes. Both wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are standard.

A Spacious And Well-Equipped Cabin

Positioned in front of the driver is a three-spoke steering wheel with metal spokes and bathed in black leather and Alcantara. There’s also a narrow instrument display that shows important information like your speed, range, and multimedia. It’s not as good as a full instrument cluster, but it’s better than nothing (like in a Tesla). A large head-up display is also a nice feature you won’t find in a Model Y.

The front seats are electrically adjustable, offer plenty of adjustment, and have heated and cooled functions. They also have quite an intriguing shape and are wrapped in plush leather and Alcantara. As for the second row, legroom is good even for taller passengers. The headroom is adequate but not as good as a Model Y, although that’s hardly a surprise given the car’s slightly lower roofline. Other nice touches include metal speaker grilles and door handles – not something you’ll always find at this price point.

Photos Brad Anderson/Carscoops

Other welcome features of the cabin include a decent 640-watt Beats audio system and a 360-degree camera. A highly configurable ambient lighting system, very similar to those of current Mercedes-Benz models, is also standard.

All Brabus #3 models also have a massive panoramic glass roof as standard. Unfortunately, Smart has taken a leaf from the Tesla playbook and has not provided a sunshade for this glass panel. While it’s well-tinted, heat still gets in, and it doesn’t completely block out the sun, which is annoying on hot summer days.

All of the climate control settings are housed within the screen. While they’re easy to access, the icons you have to press are a little too small, making it annoying while on the move. Settings for the seat heating and cooling are miniature.

Storage is adequate with a 370-liter (13 cubic-foot) boot or 1,160 liters (40.9 cubic-feet) with the rear seats folded down. There’s also a hidden cubby at the back for charging cables and a 15-liter (0.5 cubic-foot) frunk.

Photos Brad Anderson/Carscoops

Great Performance, But Could Do With Stickier Tires

The Brabus #3 is a good drive but does have some peculiarities. All #3 models feature a 66 kWh lithium nickel cobalt manganese battery pack under the floor that drives a pair of electric motors. All up, the EV delivers a punchy 422 hp (315 kW) and 543 Nm (400 lb-ft) of torque, allowing it to hit 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.7 seconds (the same as a Model Y Performance), according to Smart. We recorded a best time of 3.59 seconds with a GPS timer and the ‘Rocket Launch’ setting enabled.

In typical EV fashion, it fires off the line with impressive pace, having no struggle putting all of its power to the ground. When seeking the best performance, it’s a good idea to select either the Sport or Brabus driving modes, as they sharpen up the throttle response and unleash all the power. Eco and Comfort modes are also offered, which are better suited to everyday driving.

The steering feel is next to non-existent, although it does tighten up in the sportier of the four steering settings. Even still, it can be a little tough to feel what the front tires are up to. Speaking of the tires, they’re Continental EcoContact 6Qs at all four corners, measuring 245/40 R20. While they are quiet, they have been designed for economical driving and aren’t all that well-suited to the Brabus. Push the SUV hard into a corner, and the tires will start to slip and screech quite quickly. We’d prefer some slightly stickier tires to come standard.

The ride is good. Plenty of EVs are too stiff, but the #3 is comfortable and plush. It’s not quite as soft as a Model Y, however.

Lots Of ADAS – And A Few Foibles

Four different levels of regenerative braking are available, including a one-pedal mode known as s-Pedal. During my week with the Brabus, I predominantly drove it in s-Pedal mode, and it works just as advertised. If driven with the brake regen in the low, medium, or high settings, the feel through the brake pedal can be a little inconsistent. It seems like the car will subtly and quickly grab the brakes, then release them, and then grab them again, repeatedly, even if you keep consistent pressure on the pedal. It’s hard to pick, and most drivers probably won’t even notice, but it suggests some additional fine-tuning is needed to smooth out the transition from the brake regen to the friction brakes.

We also experienced a couple of small electronic issues. The car repeatedly displayed a warning saying the driver monitoring system was blocked, even though it wasn’t. Additionally, the one-pedal driving mode would sometimes work seamlessly in the Sport and Brabus driving models, while other times, it wouldn’t slow the EV to a stop. There’s also an annoying chime whenever you exceed the speed limit, and it has to be disabled each time you drive.

Plenty of driver-assistance systems come standard, including adaptive cruise control and self-steering on highways. This system performed flawlessly on the highway during our week with the EV. During everyday driving, the lane-keeping assistant can be a little over-eager to provide steering corrections but can be easily disabled with two presses of the screen.

Verdict

Overall, I was pleasantly surprised with the driving experience offered by the Brabus #3. It’s just as quick as some more expensive rivals, is smooth and quiet on the daily grind, and looks very stylish.

A downside of the small 66 kWh pack is the limited range. Smart says it’ll do 415 km (258 miles) on a charge, but a figure of around 350-370 km (217-230 miles) is more accurate if driven sedately. We averaged 19.2 kWh/100 km during our time with it. If it had a bigger battery pack, nearer the 80 kWh mark to boost the range to 450 km – 500 km (280 – 311 miles), the Smart #3 Brabus might be the best option in this segment. As it stands, it’s an excellent buy for the money – just make sure you have a home charger.

Photos Brad Anderson/Carscoops

The Abarth 500 series is one of the most recognizable sporty small cars launched in the past two decades. While it may lack the brute power of some larger hot hatches, its diminutive size and nimbleness have earned it a unique place in its class, making it a favorite for driving enthusiasts who value agility over outright speed.

The all-electric 500e retains much of the same charm as its internal combustion sibling. Although it carries additional weight due to its battery pack, it remains just as compact and maneuverable. However, the question looms: does it possess the right blend of performance and character to live up to its predecessors, or is it a misstep from Stellantis, the automotive juggernaut that’s fighting for survival in an ever-evolving market?

QUICK FACTS

A pricey proposal

It’s impossible to talk about the Abarth 500e without first discussing the price. In Australia, it starts at AU$58,900 (~$38,100) before on-road costs. Compared to the regular Fiat 500 La Prima that initially launched at AU$52,500 (~$33,900) but has since been reduced to AU$49,990 (~$32,300), that’s not bad value for money, given all of the upgrades made to the Abarth version.

However, the Abarth 500e doesn’t represent such good value for money when compared to other sporty EVs out there. For instance, the more practical MG 4 X Power, boasting 320 kW (429 hp), starts at AU$59,990 ($38,800). Similarly priced are the larger Cupra Born, also beginning at AU$59,990 ($38,800), and the Chinese Ora GT, which comes in at a more affordable AU$46,990 ($30,400).

Additionally, a range of bigger and roomier electric sedans and SUVs, such as the BYD Seal and Tesla Model Y, also start around the AU$60,000 ($38,800) mark. Considering the Abarth’s significantly smaller size compared to these alternatives, one might reasonably expect a lower price point.

Abarth continues to sell the combustion-powered 695 alongside the 500e and it too is much cheaper. In fact, it starts at AU$38,900 (~$25,100), all while packing more grunt than the EV, looking just as sporty and having the same tiny footprint. Has Abarth done anything to make the 500e feel worthy of its hefty price tag?

What changes have been made?

To start, Abarth has overhauled the exterior design and done a fine job of it. The front end has been tweaked to look much more aggressive than the standard model, and when painted in Acid Green like our test car, the 500e turns heads in a way that few other vehicles at this price point can. Providing some extra flair are 18-inch wheels, Scorpion badges on the rear quarter panels, and a beefy rear end that looks suitably sporty for a model with an Abarth badge.

Read: Abarth Is Done With ICE, Eyes A Larger Electric SUV

Then there’s the performance. Like the regular 500e, the Abarth is powered by a single electric motor driving the front wheels. However, whereas the standard model is capped at 87 kW (117 hp) and 220 Nm (162 lb-ft) of torque, the Abarth ups the ante with 114 kW (153 hp) and 235 Nm (173 lb-ft). Driving the front-mounted motor is a 42 kWh battery, and Abarth says the tiny hatch can hit 100 km/h (62 mph) in a respectable 7 seconds.

Photos Brad Anderson/Carscoops

A nicer but cramped cabin

Plenty of changes have been made to the interior, too. Unsurprisingly, it’s just as compact as the standard model but feels slightly more premium thanks to a slew of nicer materials. These include black Alcantara on the steering wheel and dashboard, bright blue and green contrast stitching, and prominent Abarth emblems on the steering wheel and pedals. A set of sports seats comes standard, and they, too, include a nice mix of Alcantara and leather.

Unfortunately, and much like the petrol-powered 695, the seats of the 500e are mounted way too high, resulting in an odd driving position for a sporty hatch like this. This also limits headroom, and at 6’2”, my hair would occasionally brush against the ceiling. It’s also a shame the Abarth has the same flimsy and wafer-thin sunshade for the glass roof as the standard model. It does a poor job of blocking the sun and an even poorer job of blocking unwanted heat from entering the cabin.

Despite the car’s compact size, storage is decent. There are reasonably spacious door pockets, a wireless phone charger, and a surprisingly deep center console. The lack of a tunnel between the front seats also adds to the practicality.

Found in the center of the dash is a 10.25-inch infotainment system that includes wireless and wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, wireless Android Auto proved troublesome during our week with the car. On more than a dozen occasions, the system unexpectedly disconnected from my phone while driving. It would quickly reconnect but after 10 or 15 minutes, would disconnect once again. It was more stable when using a USB-C cable, but it still dropped out a couple of times.

The 7-inch digital instrument cluster is nicer. It’s clear and crisp and offers a slew of different display settings.

The second row is tight and not suitable for adults. Even teenagers will struggle to get back there. We wouldn’t go as far as to say the rear seats are useless but they serve very little purpose other than to ferry small children around, something which we suspect few Abarth owners do. It’d be nice if Abarth offered an option to remove the rear seats, as it would help to make the compact trunk a little more practical.

A punchy performer

Driving the Abarth 500e in a host of different environments reveals plenty of perks, as well as a few faults. In a straight line, it is spritely enough that you have to brace your neck when accelerating or risk slamming your head into the headrest. Where the 500e shines, though, is in handling.

Photos Brad Anderson/Carscoops

Tipping the scales at 1,335 kg (2,943 lbs), it’s not exactly a featherweight given its size. However, the short wheelbase and low center of gravity make it feel like a circa 1,000 kg (2,200 lbs) car. The steering is light and direct, making the Abarth heaps of fun to toss in the turns. It does feel a little numb to steer, but that’s to be expected for the revised electric power steering.

The grip is superb. Aussie-delivered examples come standard with Bridgestone Potenza Sport tires, one of the better ultra high performance summer shoes on the market. The front end offers plenty of bite, and it’s easy to push the tires to the limit of adhesion without exceeding it. It feels like a ferocious French bulldog, clawing at the pavement and sprinting away on the corner exit. The brakes are also very impressive, even though they’re quite small.

Photos Brad Anderson/Carscoops

Efficiency is another one of the 500e’s strong suits. Abarth says the hatch can travel up to 253 km (157 miles) on a single charge, a decent figure when you consider it only has a 42 kWh pack. During our time with the key, which included several ~60 km (37 miles) jaunts, we averaged 13.3 kWh / 100 km, making it one of the more efficient EVs we’ve tested and almost matching the standard Fiat 500e.

Review: The Fiat 500e Review Is A Stylish EV But At What Cost?

A trio of driving modes are offered. For everyday driving, the Abarth is best left in Turismo mode, which slows the throttle response and turns on one-pedal driving. A Scorpion Street mode is also offered. It makes the hatch feel much more responsive while retaining the one-pedal mode. The fiercest mode is Scorpion Track, which feels very similar to Scorpion Street but significantly reduces the regenerative braking.

The overly firm ride was a bit of a letdown. As someone who daily drives a Renault Megane RS, a hot hatch known for having a firm ride, I’m used to some level of harshness on the road, but the Abarth 500e is noticeably stiffer, not only compared to my Megane RS but others at this price point. The positive of the suspension setup is that the car has very little roll while cornering.

Silly sounds

Engineers from Abarth spent over 6,000 hours developing a Sound System Generator for the 500e designed to replicate the sounds of its ICE-powered models. It is… interesting, to say the least.

The sound generated from the external speaker is quite organic and does a better job of replicating a combustion engine than the synthetic soundtrack used by the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N. However, it’s far from perfect, which makes me wonder just how hard those engineers were working during those 6,000 hours.

My biggest criticism of the system is immediately apparent when you start driving the 500e with the sound turned on. While accelerating, having a thumping soundtrack adds to the thrill of driving the car. However, once you hit the speed limit and start cruising, the speaker continues to pump out an exhaust note just as loud as when you’re accelerating. It’s as if you’re sitting at the top of 2nd gear in an ICE car and almost bumping into the rev limiter.

By comparison, the Ioniq 5 N’s fake sounds work in conjunction with the augmented eight-speed transmission, meaning you can manually go into ‘8th gear’ and limit the sounds. The Hyundai also offers 20 different levels of sound output, whereas the Abarth only has one.

Activating the external speakers is also a pain. The setting is buried within the gauge cluster and requires several taps to find. We can forgive Abarth for this, as burying drive settings in clusters and infotainment displays has become commonplace across the industry. However, the settings menu needed to access the speaker control is only available when the car is stationary, not when you’re on the move. That means the soundtrack can only be turned on or off when the car is stopped.

Verdict

The Abarth 500e does have its appeal, as it’s genuinely fun to drive, grips the road like a caffeinated gecko, and has the kind of looks that make heads turn. But let’s not beat around the bush: it’s exorbitantly expensive. With a AU$20,000 ($12,800) premium over the ICE-powered Abarth 695, it’s hard not to see this as Stellantis banking on brand loyalty while leaving buyers to absorb the financial punch. And then there’s the competition—more practical, better-equipped EVs in the same price range that leave the 500e feeling like a shiny toy with a sky-high price tag. Fun? Sure. Worth it? That’s a harder sell.

Photos Brad Anderson/Carscoops

In a world where cars are often either all business or all spectacle, Toyota has gone for something a bit different. The automaker has unveiled a one-off electric vehicle designed for the popular Australian children’s music group The Wiggles. Dubbed the Big Red Ute, it combines playful design with Toyota’s off-road heritage, and while it may look like a bit of a gimmick, there’s some genuine engineering at work beneath the colorful exterior.

Designed and developed locally by Toyota’s Product, Planning, and Development division, the Big Red Ute isn’t just a show pony. While this one-off clearly serves a specific purpose, some of its styling elements could hint at the upcoming ‘baby’ Toyota FJ Cruiser.

More: Toyota’s Electric Hilux Goes Beyond The PR Stunt With Real-World Mine Testing

The front end draws from the tough, utilitarian design of Toyota’s classic Cruiser J70, with a playful twist. The headlights, for instance, are LED screens that can display everything from pupils to hearts. Muscular fenders, exposed wheels, and underbody protection reinforce the pickup’s off-road character, while the 3,120 mm (122.8 inches) length keeps it compact enough for the stage without losing presence. The same applies to the chunky tires wrapped around the rainbow-themed 12-inch Turbofan wheels.

The exposed cabin accommodates four passengers, each with their own seatbelt attached to the oversized bull bar. Adding to the fun, there’s an integrated bubble machine at the rear, capable of producing 6,000 bubbles per minute, a feature guaranteed to captivate toddlers.

Toyota Australia

The name Big Red Ute is inspired by the latest song release from The Wiggles, while the colorful livery mirrors the Toyota Hilux featured in the music video.

Despite its toy-like appearance, this one-off is a fully functional vehicle, powered by a 48V electric powertrain, independent coil spring suspension, and drum brakes. Naturally, the top speed is limited to 20 km/h (12 mph), because, really, no “ute” needs to go faster than that on a music stage.

The Big Red Ute made its debut on December 7, when The Wiggles performed in Melbourne. The EV will accompany the band on the remainder of their Australian tour, before joining them for their global tour dates. The Wiggles have been around for three decades, earning the title of “the world’s most popular children’s entertainment group.”

Dashcam footage from a multi-story parking lot in New South Wales, Australia, has captured the shocking moment a Tesla Model S went rogue, careening into multiple vehicles before launching through a barrier and plummeting to the level below. If you’re expecting the usual “driver error” explanation, you might want to think again. This one’s still a mystery.

The crash occurred last Saturday at a DFO mall in New South Wales, Australia. A video shows the Model S initially slamming into the front of Toyota LandCruiser Prado, briefly lifting it into the air and spinning it around. The Tesla then continues to speed across the parking lot, hitting the car with the dashcam. Just two seconds later, it can be heard smashing into the barrier and falling to the pavement.

Read: Tesla Cybertruck Crash Leaves Three Dead After Catching Fire

Despite the severity of the multiple impacts, the 59-year-old driver and 68-year-old passenger were not seriously injured, although they were transported to hospital for treatment.

The damage to the Model S was extensive. The front end was nearly unrecognizable, the tailgate and rear window were shattered, and one of the wheels was ripped off entirely. It’s not every day you see a car come apart like that without some sort of catastrophic failure at play.

No official cause for the crash has been given at this stage, but officers from the New South Wales police force are investigating. The wrecked Model S has also been taken to a garage to have its electronics checked to determine the cause of the crash. It’s unclear if the 59-year-old male driver was in complete control of the car at the time or if it suffered some kind of mechanical and software-related failure.

Numerous crashes involving Teslas in the United States have been blamed on the carmaker’s Autopilot driver assistance systems, but it would be highly unusual if the driver had tried to enable the system in the parking lot. Nevertheless, the cause of this particular incident is still under investigation, and it’s important to determine whether it was related to the vehicle or driver to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

Tesla rarely does things quietly, but in a departure from its usual theatrics, the company has subtly reintroduced a feature for its latest compact sedan in select markets. Dubbed the Acceleration Boost, this upgrade for the refreshed 2024 Model 3 Long Range AWD promises to make an already quick EV even quicker by unlocking performance that’s already baked in. Predictably, though, this thrill comes at a cost.

Read: Nearly 1 In 4 New Cars Sold In California Are EVs

The feature, already familiar to owners of the current Model Y crossover and the pre-facelift Model 3 sedan, has been introduced as an option in Australia for AU$3,000 (around $1,900 at current exchange rates), as well as in China and Taiwan, where it’s priced at 14,100 yuan (~$1,900).

The boost unlocks additional performance from the electric motors, slashing the 0–100 km/h (62 mph) time from 4.4 seconds to 3.8 seconds. However, vehicles must be running the 2024.20 software version or newer to support the upgrade.

A Software Shortcut to Speed

Tesla offered a similar Acceleration Boost for the pre-facelifted Model 3 and Model Y. It proved quite popular as it offered better straight-line performance, bringing the cheaper Long Range AWD models closer to the flagship Performance variants. This didn’t just provide owners with the opportunity to experience bigger straight-line thrills, but also allowed them to retain the softer suspension setup and tires of the mid-range model, compared to the range-topping Performance model.

The thoroughly updated Model 3 Performance can hit 100 km/h in 3.1 seconds or 60 mph (96 km/h) in 2.9 seconds. However, it’s also much pricier. In Australia, the Long Range AWD can be purchased for as little as AU$70,578 (~$46,000), whereas the Model 3 Performance starts at AU$87,250 (~$56,900). Add in the AU$3,000 Acceleration Boost, and you can get a Long Range AWD that only requires an extra 0.7 of a second to reach 100 km/h, all while saving over AU$13,600 (~$8,900).

Admittedly, the Model 3 Performance benefits from a raft of upgrades not found on lower-tier versions, including trick adaptive suspension and forged wheels in a staggered setup—though they’re only available with summer tires. It also boasts a higher top speed of 261 km/h (162 mph), compared to the Long Range AWD’s electronically limited 201 km/h (125 mph).

Where the Long Range AWD really strikes back is range. With a WLTP-claimed 629 km (391 miles) on a single charge, it significantly outpaces the Performance model’s 528 km (328 miles). For most drivers, that extra range is likely to carry more weight than shaving fractions of a second off the 0–100 km/h dash. After all, what good is a rocket ship if it’s constantly tethered to a charging station?

Keep in mind that these driving range figures apply to the Australian market models. In the United States, the updated Model 3 achieves an EPA-claimed range of 363 miles in RWD form, 346 miles for the Long Range AWD, and 303 miles for the Performance variant.

What About the U.S.?

So far, there’s no official word on when the Acceleration Boost will be made available to U.S. customers. But given Tesla’s penchant for rolling out updates globally, it’s safe to assume it’s only a matter of time. For now, international buyers get to enjoy this digital dopamine hit, while the rest of us watch Tesla continue to perfect the art of charging extra to unlock features the car already had all along.

Australia has joined the growing band of countries whose car buyers are finding themselves turned off to the idea of splashing out on an EV. Sales of electric cars in the country dropped by 25 percent in the three months to October, new data from the Australian Automobile Association reveals.

EV registrations fell from from 25,353 in Q2 to 18,990 units in Q3, taking battery vehicles’ share of the car market down from 8.1 percent to just 6.6 percent, the lowest it’s been in two years. The overall car market was down by a far less dramatic 7.6 percent in the same period.

Related: EV Sales Drop 10.8% In EU As Buyers Flock To Hybrids

Those EV refuseniks aren’t all jumping back into plain-old combustion cars – petrol sales didn’t fall as badly as EV registrations, but were still down 9.2 percent. Instead, they’re increasingly switching their focus from full electric to partially-electric. Sales of hybrids improved by 3.3 percent in Q3 from 46,727 to 48,282 units, but sales of plug-in-hybrids grew by a shocking 56 percent.

Modern PHEVs now offer such long electric ranges that many buyers find they can cover all of their commuting on battery power, and still have the security of a gas tank and combustion engine. But analysts think the main reason for the switch from EVs to hybrids is a financial one.

Rebates for fully electric cars have been removed everywhere in the country except Western Australia, creating a disincentive for buyers. But PHEVs are still exempt from fringe benefits tax until April 2025, potentially saving drivers thousands of dollars on a lease, the AAA explains.

“There have been significant quarterly fluctuations over the past seven quarters, but sales figures over that period confirm a clear trend of growth for hybrids, while battery electric vehicle market share appears to have peaked for now,” the AAA said.

“In the first half of 2023, battery electric vehicles outsold hybrids, but since then hybrids have outsold battery electric vehicles in five consecutive quarters.”

Source: Australian Automobile Association
Images: Brad Anderson for Carscoops

EV owners in Queensland, Australia, have just lost access to the Willowbank Raceway dragstrip. The track’s operators have announced a blanket ban on racing and testing of all “road-registered EVs,” citing safety concerns in the event of an accident. Interestingly, the door is still open for vehicles with hybrid powertrains.

Willowbank Raceway, a fixture just outside Ipswich in Queensland since 1985, made the announcement via a press release that left no room for interpretation. Effective immediately, electric vehicles are persona non grata on the strip. The reasoning? The track’s owners referenced guidelines from Motorsport Australia, NEDRA, and various emergency response protocols, concluding that EVs present risks they aren’t equipped to manage.

More: State Farm Removes All EV Chargers From Its Garages Over Fire Concerns

“After careful consideration and investigation, Willowbank Raceway has decided that we can no longer allow road-registered Fully Electric Vehicles to race or test at Willowbank Raceway,” said the track’s owner in a statement.

“We have been reviewing the regulations from Motorsport Australia, NEDRA, as well as the emergency response procedures for specific vehicles and after information provided by these departments, we have determined that the risks associated with racing and testing Electric Vehicles are too high,” the company added.

The announcement mentions the following safety concerns:

• The battery may release toxic and flammable gas after a collision
• First Responders may not be able to confirm that the car is “off”
• Doors may not unlock from the outside after a collision
• If the driver is unconscious after an incident (including a medical incident) there is a chance that the chassis is live and removing the driver would put the responders at risk
• The car may not roll with the power disconnected and towing the car with our current equipment would be impossible
• Electric vehicles require specific fire suppression systems such as water baths.

While these points are valid to an extent, some feel they only tell part of the story. For instance, certain internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles with electric door latches face the same post-crash unlocking issues. And what about electrified supercars like the Ferrari SF90 Stradale, McLaren Artura, or Lamborghini Revuelto? These vehicles include EV modes yet seem to escape the scrutiny leveled at their fully electric counterparts.

More: ICE, Hybrid Or EV? BMW M3 CS vs. AMG C63 S vs. Tesla Model 3 Performance

In any case, the track’s comments highlight that handling incidents involving EVs often requires specialized training and equipment. The same applies to EV fires. Although recent studies show that EVs are significantly less likely to catch fire compared to ICE or hybrid vehicles, their ever-igniting battery cells present a much more complex challenge.

As reported by Australia’s Drive.com.au, the decision has sparked a predictable mix of reactions online. Some EV owners suspect foul play, joking that drivers of ICE-powered cars were simply “tired of getting smoked” by torque-laden Teslas and other EVs in drag races. Others were happy about the change, as they prefer watching races between V8-powered Holden Commodores and Ford Falcons compared to “racing electrical appliances”.

It’s worth noting that Willowbank isn’t the first track to take this stance. Summit Point Raceway in West Virginia implemented a similar ban on EVs in 2023, and Anglesey Circuit in Wales followed suit earlier in 2024. However, both of those tracks extended the ban to include hybrid vehicles—a move that at least avoids the selective logic currently in place at Willowbank.

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Toyota is pressing forward with its electric Hilux project, unveiling a new prototype built for Australian roads. This Hilux BEV double-cab marks Toyota’s first venture into the all-electric utility truck market, developed in partnership with mining giant BHPP. This zero-emissions workhorse isn’t just for show, as it’s set for a full-year trial in the unforgiving conditions of Australia’s mining operations. Toyota’s goals is gather raw, unfiltered data to shape the future production model and demonstrate that an electric Hilux can meet the rigorous demands of heavy-duty work.

The original Toyota Hilux BEV concept was unveiled in Thailand in December 2022, featuring a single-cab bodystyle. The new prototype is based on a double chassis-cab Hilux, and it looks just like the ICE-powered version, albeit with a charging port on the front fender. Toyota’s given it a few extra touches too, like a fortified front bumper with embedded LEDs and a sturdy bull bar.

More: Toyota Hilux Transforms Into A 6×6 Military Truck Ready For Battle

BHP will deploy this new BEV prototype at Port Hedland, one of the world’s largest iron ore hubs, situated in Western Australia. For the next 12 months starting in late November, it’ll replace diesel trucks across a “range of applications”. This is no gentle proving ground; if the Hilux BEV can survive here, it can survive almost anywhere.

Toyota is keeping the powertrain details close to its chest. In fact, nearly two years after debuting the concept, we’re still in the dark about the motor’s power output, battery capacity, and expected range.

Matthew Callachor, President and CEO of Toyota Australia said: “Toyota has long advocated a multi-pathway approach towards decarbonization, and when we do something, we want to make sure we do it right”, adding that the trial will provide valuable insights for testing in “harsh and demanding mining environments.”

Geraldine Slattery, BHP President Australia, added: “Our ambition to electrify our light vehicle fleet and lower greenhouse gas emissions across our operations depends on enabling technology that can only be achieved through collaborations like this, with leading suppliers like Toyota. With around 5,000 light vehicles at our sites across Australia, we look forward to putting the Battery Electric HiLux through its paces and seeing the potential it can bring, not only to reduce diesel use in mining but eventually for all HiLux drivers too”.

The announcement follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding by Toyota Australia and BHP in August 2023 to collaborate in safety, engineering, and product development, towards decarbonization.

Electric Hilux For Mining And Private Use

This is not the first time we hear about a fully electric Hilux aiming to replace diesel-powered trucks in mining facilities. Last year, SEA Electric and MEVCO announced an AU $1 billion (US $700 million) deal for building 8,500 EVs over the next five years, based on the Toyota Hilux and Land Cruiser. A similar project for a BEV-converted Hilux had been under development since 2022 by the Australian-based startup ROEV, before being scrapped in 2024 due to limited funding.

As for factory-backed programs, Toyota began testing ten FCEV prototypes of the Hilux in the UK in mid-2024, after unveiling a hydrogen prototype in September 2023.

More importantly, the first commercially available version of the fully electric truck will arrive by the end of 2025. The BEV will initially roll out in Thailand and could be followed by other markets, including Europe.

The eighth generation of the Toyota Hilux has been around since 2017 with subsequent facelifts in 2020, and 2024. This makes us believe that the fully electric variant could be based on the next-generation model. Depending on the market, the BEV will join more traditional diesel and mild-hybrid powertrain options.