While Western auto shows have largely died since the COVID-19 pandemic, September’s Munich Motor Show remains an important event on the automotive calendar and will host the unveiling of the new VW T-Roc. This second-generation model will be sold with ICE, hybrid, and battery electric powertrains and has just been teased for the first time.

The image released of the T-Roc shows a black prototype covered with bright yellow text. Although it only shows the new model from the side, it’s obvious that this is the same vehicle that leaked images revealed earlier this year.

Read: VW’s Electric T-Roc Will Be Separate From The ICE Version

Those photos showed the new T-Roc with a thoroughly revised front fascia, including a large black grille with honeycomb-shaped cutouts, sharp headlights, and an LED light bar. Plenty of changes have also been made to the rear of the model, including the fitment of new LED taillights.

While the T-Roc may not be sold in the United States, it is a hugely important car for VW in Europe. In fact, it consistently ranks among the top-selling models on the continent, often rivaling the likes of the Golf, Renault Clio, and Dacia Sandero in terms of volume. As such, this new model had better win over customers, or else VW’s European struggles could be compounded.

Expanding The Powertrain Mix

In addition to the combustion models, VW will offer the new T-Roc with a full-hybrid system that will be offered in the Golf and Tiguan too. The setup combines a petrol engine with an electric motor that can power the rear wheels on its own or work together with the engine, operating much like Toyota’s approach where the system can switch between petrol, electric, or a blend of both as needed.

VW chief executive Thomas Schäfer noted that this hybrid variant will be particularly important in South America.

“We needed to do it anyway, because South America has a need for an HEV drivetrain – and the T-Roc is built in South America for South America, and also in China,” he told Autocar. “Interestingly enough, HEV has also become a big theme in the US specifically. It’s a technology that everybody said was not necessary any more, but now with the BEV slowdown in the US, the balance is [moving towards] HEVs.”

Electric Future

The electric version of the T-Roc will be underpinned by VW’s new Scalable Systems Platform (SSP), becoming only the second model to use this architecture. It will bring with it ultra-fast charging and Level 4 autonomous capabilities.

The launches of glitzy supercars and high-dollar restomods at Monterey Car Week may have dominated headlines, but a different kind of automotive show unfolded thousands of miles away. In India, Mahindra used a special event to showcase four new concept vehicles, each serving as a glimpse of production models slated for 2027.

More: Mahindra Built A Batman SUV And Somehow It’s Completely Serious

At the center of the lineup are the Vision.T off-roader and Vision.SXT pickup, both looking like futuristic interpretations of a Jeep Wrangler. They’re joined by two more SUVs, the sporty Vision.X and the more rugged Vision.S, giving Mahindra a wide spectrum of designs aimed at future buyers.

The concepts were designed in Mahindra’s Global Design studios in Mumbai, India, and Banbury, UK, adopting the automaker’s Heartcore styling language. Underneath, they sit on the new NU_IQ platform, a flexible architecture designed for gasoline, diesel, hybrid, and fully electric powertrains in both front- and all-wheel-drive layouts.

Built for Global Reach

The NU_IQ platform isn’t just versatile in terms of propulsion. It also supports both left- and right-hand drive setups, an essential feature for export ambitions. Mahindra says the platform will underpin SUVs ranging from 3,990 to 4,320 millimeters in length (157.1 to 170.1 inches), with a 2,610-millimeter (102.8-inch) wheelbase.

The company claims that the new underpinnings enable a commanding seating position, a spacious cabin with “class-leading” boot space, a flat floor (even on the ICE versions), a lightweight construction, and advanced safety.

The Indian Wranglers

The Mahindra Vision.T and .SXT concepts are an evolution of the Thar.e from 2023. However, they look a lot closer to production status, giving us a preview of the models that will eventually expand Mahindra’s model family next to the existing Thar and Thar Roxx.

More: Mahindra BE 6e (Get It?) And XEV 9e Electric Coupe SUVs Debut With Futuristic Looks

The concepts have sharp grilles with LED headlights, boxy fenders, off-road bumpers, and an upright stance. Both are fitted with all-terrain tires and have a generous ground clearance. The main difference is that the Vision.T has a five-door SUV bodystyle while the Vision.SXT is a four-door derivative with an exposed cargo area. The small bed carries two full-size spare wheels secured behind a custom tailgate.

Inside, the two concepts share a five-seat layout highlighted by a tall portrait-oriented touchscreen running the center console, a digital instrument cluster, and a panel of overhead switches for added functionality.

Compact and Rugged Concepts

Moving on to the other SUV concepts, the Vision.S looks like a baby Land Rover Defender with fancy LEDs and off-road gear. It also has a rugged stance and could evolve into the smallest member of the Mahindra Scoprio family.

Boxy proportions, high ground clearance, and short overhangs give the SUV a rugged, go-anywhere stance despite its compact size. The look is reinforced by details such as roof-mounted LEDs, a roof rack, a small side ladder, and a rear-mounted spare wheel carrier. Inside, two digital displays are split by central air vents, complemented by more physical controls than typically seen in Indian concept vehicles.

More: JLR’s Parent Company Made An Electric SUV With Drift Mode For Just $25K

The final reveal, the Vision.X, is the most athletic of the lineup. With slim LED lighting, sculpted surfaces, and contrasting glossy black accents over matte bodywork, it brings a sportier character. Inside, the curved digital cockpit and two-spoke steering wheel suggest where Mahindra’s design language could be heading for its XUV and XEV families.

Mahindra plans to bring production versions of these concepts to market starting in 2027. The rollout is expected to begin in India before spreading to export markets.

Mahindra

Nissan’s growing partnership with Dongfeng is quickly reshaping its EV lineup in China. After the N7 sedan recently became the country’s top-selling foreign-brand electric car and its upcoming global rollout, the company already has the N6 plug-in hybrid sedan on the way. Now it seems the lineup will stretch even further with the addition of a new SUV.

More: Nissan’s Budget N7 Sedan That Quietly Outsold Every Foreign Rival In China

Camouflaged prototypes testing in China suggest a model that may stand apart from Nissan’s current SUV range. Instead of linking back to familiar nameplates, this appears to be the next member of the N series family developed alongside Dongfeng, joining the N6 and N7 sedans.

Early Glimpse in Spy Shots

The spy shots shared across Chinese social media, reveal two prototypes of a midsize electrified SUV. They show two prototypes of what looks like a midsize electrified SUV. The vehicles don’t have any emblems, and their bodywork is fully covered in a camouflage wrap.

Although the profile appears fairly conventional, the split LED headlights and closed-off grille resemble the styling of the Nissan N6 sedan. At the rear, temporary taillights are in place, likely to be replaced by a full-width LED light bar on the production model. Other details include flush door handles, frameless windows, a roof-mounted LiDAR unit, and side-mounted camera sensors.

According to user Sugar Design, the prototypes share some resemblance with the Dongfeng Yipai eπ 008 introduced in 2024, though the body panels and greenhouse differ. Given the close partnership between Dongfeng and Nissan, however, a mechanical connection between the two models remains a strong possibility.

Sugar Design / Weibo

Size and Powertrain Clues

The Dongfeng Yipai eπ 008 measures 5,002 mm (196.9 inches) long and has a wheelbase of 3,025 mm (119.1 inches), although the pictured prototypes appear to have less room between the axles. The camouflaged SUVs appear to have two rows of seats, instead of the three-row six-seater layout of the Dongfeng.

More: Nissan’s Most Crucial SUV Is Getting A Radical Redesign That Could Save Its Future

While we don’t know if the models will share their underpinnings and powertrain options, the Dongfeng is available in fully electric and range-extender forms. The BEV is fitted with an 82.3 kWh battery pack offering a range of up to 620 km (385 miles). The EREV version has a combined range of 1,220 km (758 miles) and a zero-emission range of 202 km (126 miles).

More: The Budget EV That Quietly Outsold Every Foreign Rival In China

The upcoming Nissan SUV may carry the N8 nameplate, though the company has also secured trademarks for N9 and N10 to cover larger models. With the prototypes already showing production-ready styling, a market launch in China could be only a few months away. In the meantime, additional details may surface through filings with China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology.

Whether this SUV stays exclusive to China or joins Nissan’s export lineup remains to be seen, but it marks another step in the brand’s steady expansion of the N series beyond sedans.

Sales of Audi EVs jumped by 32 percent in the first six months of 2025, even as the brand’s overall sales slid 5.9 percent, and leading the charge was the Q4 e-tron. Now the compact electric SUV is about to get a facelift that could help it grab a few more sales, including from market leader Tesla, whose global sales fell 14 percent in Q2.

Our spy photo crew already snapped the updated slope-tail Sportback version of the updated Q4 back in April, but this time they’ve captured the more practical standard version. The pair is identical from the B-pillars forward, but the regular e-tron spied here has a flatter roof and more upright rear window to improve rear passenger and luggage space at the expense of some visual drama.

Related: Audi Q4 E-Tron Glow Up Takes Aim At Tesla’s Model Y

Both are in line to deliver the same low-key visual improvements whose main elements are teaks to the lights, bumpers and grille. Audi has stopped short of giving the Q4 duo the split headlight arrangement used on their Q6 e-tron big brother, but it has transplanted the multi-segment DRL technology used on that car, the new A5 sedan and the A6 e-tron.

A new lower grille with a hexagonal mesh pattern replaces the grille made up of horizontal bars on today’s Q4, but the hood’s lack of disguise reveals there are no expensive changes to the sheetmetal. The Q4 also doesn’t get the A6’s flush door handles (the Q6 doesn’t have them either, though it’s Porsche Macan Electric cousin does).

One update we noticed on the Sportback prototype which is duplicated here is a bigger ADAS sensor at the top of the windshield. Unlike some other electric SUVs like the Ford Mustang Mach-E, the Q4 doesn’t currently offer a hands-off cruise control feature, though there’s no guarantee it’ll get it with the facelift.

What is guaranteed when the revised EV debuts later this year is an update to the infotainment system, which already features the ChatGPT-powered AI assistant that’s also been rolled out to other VW Group EVs like the Volkswagen Golf and ID.7. We’re also expecting some improvements to the electric driving range. The single-motor Q4 was boosted to 282 hp (286 PS/210 kW) in late 2023 and the dual-motor models have been able to charge at 175 kW since the same update.

But the most recent Q4 news focused on the addition of an entry-level Q4 35 e-tron (not available in the US) whose small 55 kWh battery can send you 221 miles (355 km) between charges, and a 40 e-tron with a 63 kWh battery that’s good for 263 miles (424 km).

Baldauf

Volvo has adjusted course on its electrification strategy, choosing not to go EV-only but instead continuing to offer updated versions of its combustion-powered models alongside their electric counterparts. The first to illustrate this dual-track approach is the 90 series, where the facelifted XC90 joins the all-new EX90. At a recent local test drive event, we had the chance to experience both SUVs side by side, taking each for a spin to see how they compare.

The EX90 was originally introduced in late 2022, but production didn’t start until mid-2024 due to supply issues and lingering software bugs. On the other hand, the second-generation XC90, originally debuted in 2014, received a mild refresh in 2019, and has just been treated to a more thorough update in 2024.

More: Volvo’s Reborn XC70 Is For The EV Skeptics

The two Swedish SUVs have similar footprints with three rows of seats. However, they ride on different underpinnings, as the XC90 retains the original SPA (Scalable Product Architecture) platform, while the EX90 utilizes the much newer SPA 2 architecture. More importantly, the XC90 offers mild-hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrain options, while the EX90 is exclusively available in fully electric form.

QUICK SPECS

With the specifications laid out, the question becomes how these SUVs measure up in design, cabin quality, and on-road character.

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall, Who’s the Fairest of Them All?

Both models cut an imposing figure on the road, though the EX90 stretches a little longer with its extended rear overhang. The XC90’s 2024 facelift, particularly its redesigned front fascia, succeeds in giving the veteran SUV a fresher appearance without altering the bulk of its bodywork.

The XC90’s grille features a distinctive pattern that immediately sets it apart from the EX90’s minimalist, closed-off face. I personally prefer the look of the XC90’s slimmer LED headlights with Thor’s hammer graphics over the EX90’s pixel-style DRLs with the overly complex split-opening theatrics. As for the faux side intakes of the XC90, in my opinion it wouldn’t hurt if they were smaller as they serve no real purpose.

More: Volvo ES90 Takes On BMW i5 With More Style And Range

From the side, the EX90 asserts its modernity with a clamshell hood, sharper dynamic lines, and flared fenders that integrate more seamlessly into the body. The same applies to the futuristic design of the 22-inch wheels that edge out the classy but conservative looks of the XC90’s 21-inch alloys.

The rear end is probably the weakest point of the XC90, with the EX90 looking one generation ahead. Don’t get me wrong – I always liked the aristocratic elegance of the big ICE-powered Volvo SUV but its tail has remained the same over the past decade and it can no longer hide its age. Having said that, I’m not a huge fan of the split taillight arrangement of the EX90 with extra LEDs flanking the rear glass.

Minimalism Over Perceived Quality

Moving inside, the EX90 bets on minimalism, while the XC90 does a better job in the perceived quality with bigger chunks of fabric and wood inserts on the dashboard. The floating center console of the EV has more space for storage and a cool little case for the key, but I still prefer the more traditional setup of the XC90 with the crystal-like shifter.

In terms of tech, the XC90 has recently gained a 11.2 inch infotainment display and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The EX90 has a bigger and more commanding 14.5-inch touchscreen that’s joined by a smaller but easier to read 9-inch instrument cluster.

More: This New Seatbelt Reacts To Your Body Before A Crash Even Happens

The Google-powered infotainment software with crisp graphics is shared between the two, although the absence of physical buttons and shortcuts is a bit more frustrating in the EV. Overall, I didn’t like the fact I was several clicks away from accessing the selectable driving modes, but at least the climate controls are always visible on the lower end of the screen.

Predictably, the cabins of the SUVs feel similarly spacious. According to the spec sheets, the XC90 has slightly less headroom than the EX90, although it does have a touch of extra hip room on the third row. The boot is nearly identical, with 662 lt (23.4 cubic feet) for the EX90 and 668 lt (23.6 cubic feet) for the XC90 (both measured with the third-row seats folded). The seats are superb in both models, offering great levels of comfort and support for various body types.

Staying loyal to Volvo’s safety fixation (and reputation), both models come with sophisticated ADAS suites and a limited top speed of 180 km/h (112 mph). However, only the EX90 has a roof-mounted LiDAR, with the XC90 still relying on radar and camera sensors.

The Driving Experience is the Decisive Factor

My drive started with the XC90, as I wanted to see if it would still impress me as much as its predecessor did when I first drove it many years ago. It most certainly did. The ride is smooth, the cabin is serene, and it still feels like an excellent long-distance cruiser.

Predictably, the XC90 still feels like a big and heavy SUV when you push it in the corners, with a healthy amount of body roll despite the efforts of the self-leveling air suspension. With a combined output of 449 hp (335 kW / 455 PS) from its plug-in hybrid powertrain, the SUV is no slouch, but it’s clearly more geared towards comfort than outright performance.

More: Volvo Doesn’t Need Wagons Anymore, Says SUVs Are The Future

The EX90, on the other hand, feels like a step into the future. You immediately feel the difference the newer chassis makes in ride quality, combined with the more sophisticated dual-chamber air suspension. In Comfort mode, it glides over bumps, while Performance mode tightens it up reducing body roll. Furthermore, the steering of the EV feels quicker and more direct, doing a better job in disguising its heavyweight nature.

The EX90 we drove came fitted with the Performance powertrain which is a $5,000 option in the US. This dials up the combined output of the dual electric motors to 510 hp (380 kW / 517 PS) from the standard 397 hp (296 kW / 402 PS). Overall, the half-second advantage over the PHEV in the 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) sprint might not sound that big on paper, but the instant torque delivery and overall responsiveness make the EV feel significantly quicker on the road.

Final Thoughts

After spending a limited amount of time with Volvo’s two flagship SUVs, I reached two clear conclusions. The facelifted XC90 remains a strong contender in the segment, with welcome improvements in the design and ride quality. However, when driven back-to-back with the fully electric EX90, it’s clear the latter takes the lead in performance, comfort, and driving dynamics. Volvo was right to keep the ICE-powered XC90 in the lineup with thoughtful updates, but for those open to an electric-only option, the newer EX90 makes the more compelling case – even with a higher price tag.

Photos: Thanos Pappas for CarScoops

Those of you who thought the Mahindra BE 6 had a touch of Batmobile flair may feel vindicated, as the company is now offering a Batman Edition of the EV. Marketed as “the world’s first commercially available Batman-inspired SUV”, it will be limited to 300 units and sold exclusively in India.

The Mahindra BE 6 Batman Edition was developed in partnership with Warner Bros Discovery Global Consumer Products, similar to last year’s Pininfarina specials. Unlike the ultra-exclusive, high-priced models from Mahindra’s luxury arm,this collaboration applies the Batman aesthetic to a more accessible electric SUV.

More: Bruce Wayne’s Manhattan Mansion Now Sells Million-Dollar Pininfarina Batmobiles

The movie franchise may have moved on to Matt Reeves’ The Batman starring Robert Pattinson, but this edition takes its cues from Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight Trilogy, where Christian Bale donned the iconic suit.

Bat Stickers Galore

Visually, the stealthy exterior of the BE 6 combines a custom Satin Black shade with gloss black accents. However, the standout feature is the Batman decal on the front doors, complemented by a golden bat emblem on the front fenders. Gold also appears on the springs and brake calipers, tucked behind the 20-inch alloy wheels.

Mahindra designers added more bat emblems on the hub caps, rear bumper, windows, and rear windshield, knowing that the SUV will be driven by the biggest fans of the DC Comics superhero – if not by Bruce Wayne himself.

Furthermore, there is a Batman Edition sticker on the rear door cladding and special puddle lights serving as the equivalent of the Bat Signal spotlight for the road. Another highlight is the Infinity Roof with an illuminated Dark Knight Trilogy Bat emblem on the glass.

More: Warner Bros Is Building 10 Batman Tumblers, Each Priced At $2.99 Million

As expected, the Batman treatment carries through to the cabin. Black suede and leather upholstery are paired with gold accents and detailing. The bat silhouette appears on the seats, interior labels, door straps, dashboard trim, and in the custom welcome graphics of the digital cockpit. A final touch is the “Brushed Alchemy Gold Batman Edition” numbered plaque mounted on the center console.

Mahindra

Pratap Bose, Chief Design and Creative Officer at Mahindra & Mahindra commented: “The BE 6 has always been about boldness and forward thinking. With the Batman Edition, we wanted to go further – to create something so personal, so visually arresting, that owning it feels like owning a piece of cinematic history. We’ve obsessed over even the smallest detail, so that every time you look at it, you discover something new.”

Performance and pricing

This special edition is based on the most powerful BE 6 variant, producing 282 hp (210 kW / 286 PS) and 380 Nm (280 lb-ft) of torque from a single rear-mounted electric motor. Its 79 kWh battery delivers a WLTP range of 550 km (342 miles).

Mahindra even gave it “Batman-inspired” exterior sounds, because if you are going to drive something like this, it might as well sound like it’s about to chase down the Joker.

Pricing starts at ₹27.79 lakh (about $27,200), roughly $1,000 more than the standard model, yet still making it one of the cheapest rides you could picture in Bruce Wayne’s fictional garage. Only 300 will be made, with orders opening August 23 and first deliveries timed perfectly for International Batman Day on September 20, just in case you wanted an excuse to wear a cape to the dealership

Next year, new car buyers looking for a high-end SUV with a luxury badge and cutting-edge tech will have something new to consider: an all-electric version of the Porsche Cayenne.

The EV follows in the tire tracks of the Macan Electric, offering a distinct design, an entirely battery-powered drivetrain, and a healthy performance boost, all while being sold alongside its combustion-engine sibling. For now, this prototype provides us with the clearest look yet at what’s to come.

Electric Design Language

Like the Macan Electric, the EV variant of the Cayenne will break from the smooth, flowing lines of the gas-powered model. The design appears more upright and muscular, starting at the front with a headlight treatment that mirrors the Macan. Each unit includes four slim horizontal daytime running lights that also function as turn signals.

Read: Porsche’s Next Electric SUV Could Be The Most Controversial One Yet

Baldauf

Much of the front end of this prototype has been covered by non-production-spec parts, but we can make out the shape of the lower grilles, the central positioning of the main radar unit, and the general shape of the bumper. Those lower grilles will be similar to what’s found on the 992.2-generation 911, meaning they have the ability to be opened or closed.

The rear-end design of the electric Porsche Cayenne should also look familiar. Like its smaller electric sibling, the new model will rock narrow LED taillights, likely joined by a light bar. Some of the plastic design details on the bumper and the diffuser also look a little cheap, but these elements should be refined by the time the production model is revealed.

More: Porsche’s Electric Cayenne Dash Packs Four Screens And Barely Any Buttons

Earlier spy shots give us a good idea of what to expect inside. The cabin will feature a fully digital curved instrument cluster, a wide central infotainment screen, a dedicated passenger display, and a separate touchscreen for climate controls. While this modern, screen-heavy layout may not appeal to every longtime Porsche fan, it’s clearly aligned with the brand’s push toward a more connected, tech-centric driving experience.

Serious Electric Performance

While debate may rage about the SUV’s design, power-hungry buyers should be more than satisfied with the performance on offer. Though official specs haven’t been released yet, early estimates suggest the base model could produce around 400 hp, with the mid-tier S variant climbing to nearly 600.

At the top of the range, the Turbo versions could push past 1,000 horsepower, comfortably outpacing the already formidable 730 hp from the current Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid. Expect the quickest model to sprint from 0 to 60 mph (0-96 km/h) in the low two-second range, though Porsche will likely cap top speed at 155 mph (250 km/h), as it often does with its EVs.

When it comes to driving range, Porsche is reportedly aiming for between 350 and 400 miles on a full charge, depending on the variant. That figure would keep the Cayenne EV competitive with other high-performance electric SUVs, while also offering the kind of long-distance capability buyers expect at this level.

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Designing a capable off-roader from the ground up is one thing, but adapting a luxury electric crossover that leans more toward minivan than SUV is a different challenge altogether. Lucid took on that challenge with its latest concept, creating a tougher-looking version of the Gravity SUV meant for off-pavement exploration or at the very least, to give the impression it could.

Unveiled at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, the Gravity X concept adds off-road-focused hardware and distinct styling touches that set it apart from the standard model.

Functional Bodywork

The most immediately noticeable changes are up top: integrated crossbars support a roof box equipped with auxiliary LED lighting. Suspension has been lifted to boost ground clearance, and the 21- and 22-inch wheels are wrapped in aggressive all-terrain tires.

More: Lucid Only Registered 9 Gravity SUVs In Six Months? That’s Not The Whole Story

A revised bodykit helps reinforce the Gravity X’s off-road persona. The front bumper now features a prominent skid plate and integrated tow hooks. Plastic cladding surrounds the wheel arches, continuing along matching side skirts and into the rear bumper.

Lucid chose a satin-finished Astral Drift paint for the exterior, accented with brushed metal elements and a contrasting black roof. The concept also wears the Stealth Appearance package, swapping in darker trim pieces throughout. On the hood, a topographical map design showcases Big Sur and Death Valley, while the sill plates and rocker panels display the geographic coordinates of Pebble Beach.

Lucid

The interior keeps the familiar comforts but adds a few thoughtful upgrades, including more durable floor mats, premium leather seats with subtle orange accents, a microsuede-wrapped steering wheel, and walnut wood trim on the dashboard and center console.

Same Hardware Underneath

Performance hardware remains unchanged from the standard Gravity Grand Touring. The dual electric motors produce 828 hp (617 kW / 839 PS), drawing power from a 123 kWh battery. Lucid claims the SUV can deliver 450 miles (724 km) of EPA-estimated range and hit 60 mph (97 km/h) in just 3.4 seconds.

It’s not yet confirmed if the off-road additions might affect those performance figures, but with a taller ride height compromising aerodynamics and chunkier, less efficient tires, a trade-off seems likely.

More: Uber And Lucid Partner For Thousands Of Robotaxis

Derek Jenkins, SVP of Design and Brand at Lucid, described the Gravity X as a natural evolution of the company’s SUV platform: “[The] Lucid Gravity has redefined the limits of what an uncompromising SUV can achieve. The Lucid Gravity X concept expands on these core principles to explore new possibilities off the beaten path while showcasing the incredible capabilities of the Gravity. Lucid’s range, power and versatility make it an ideal vehicle for those adventurers looking to explore further offroad.”

Could we See a Production Model?

The concept will be on display at the Concept Lawn of the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance on August 17. Whether it leads to a production-ready off-road trim remains to be seen,but given the relatively modest changes from the standard model, there’s little reason it couldn’t make the jump, giving Lucid a viable rival to the more outdoorsy Rivian R1S.

One of Chery’s many sub-brands, Exeed, has just previewed its latest model, known as the Exlantix E05. Set to make its global debut at next month’s Munich Motor Show, the attractive SUV will be sold with a range-extender powertrain and, unlike many other new vehicles coming out of China, should be offered internationally.

Viewed from the front, the shape of the headlights immediately reminds us of the current ICE-powered Porsche Macan, except the lights of the E05 are a little more intricate, each complete with three LED daytime running lights. The main headlamps are then positioned vertically on either side of the small front grille.

Read: Chery Launches New Pickup Brand To Rival Toyota Hilux On Global Stage

While the front half of the SUV looks quite sleek, the rear looks a little bulbous and has been showcased with relatively understated LED taillights. Look closely, and you may also notice the Exlantix E05 comes standard with a roof-mounted LiDAR sensor.

Early information out of China reveals the E05 is 4,780 mm (188.1 inches) long, 1,890 mm (74.4 inches) wide, and stands 1,725 mm (67.9 inches) tall with a 2,800 mm (110.2-inch) wheelbase.

Simple Cabin with Many Screens

Like so many new vehicles from China, the interior is quite minimalist and tech-focused. Positioned in front of the two-spoke steering wheel is a small digital instrument cluster, while in the center of the dash is a large infotainment screen. Exeed has then added an expansive display in front of the passenger.

Other key interior details include two cupholders, a pair of wireless phone chargers, and a pass-through storage area under the center console.

As the new model has yet to be showcased in full, many technical details remain unconfirmed. However, regulatory filings have revealed it’ll use a 1.5-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine alongside an electric motor. The engine will deliver 154 hp (115 kW), but it’s unclear how much power the electric motor delivers.

A few weeks ago, a 25-year-old Integra coupe sold for $204,000. Not a typo. That kind of nostalgia tax speaks volumes about the staying power of Acura’s old coupes The Integra gave way to the RSX in 2001, which disappeared by 2006, but the nostalgia clearly stuck. Now, nearly two decades later, the RSX name is back, just don’t expect it to be anything like you remember.

Instead of a liftback coupe, the RSX nameplate returns in the form of an electric coupe SUV. Previewed by the Acura RSX Prototype, the vehicle will become the first to use Honda’s in-house global EV platform and will enter production in the second half of 2026.

Evolved Styling

Essentially a pre-production model, the crossover was unveiled at the Monterey Car Week as an evolution of last year’s Acura Performance EV Concept. This time, the exterior looks noticeably closer to production, featuring slightly thicker pillars, larger camera-based mirror units, and flush-mounted door handles.

More: Acura Finally Gave The Integra What It Needed All Along And It Wasn’t Power

While the prototype keeps the coupe-SUV silhouette of the earlier concept, a few design tweaks have brought it closer to reality. The bumpers and lighting elements have been updated, and it now rides on more practical 21-inch alloy wheels, down from the concept’s flashy 23-inch set. Finished in Propulsion Yellow Pearl with glossy black trim and red Brembo brakes, the RSX certainly isn’t shy.

At the front, the lower portion of the split LED headlights is hidden, while the central intake creates a smiley face. Along the sides, prominent vents on the front doors and sculpted shoulders add definition, while the rear sports a fastback-style tail with full-width taillights and a neatly integrated ducktail spoiler, which gives off strong Tesla Model Y ‘Juniper’ vibes.

Acura

A New Direction for Acura Design

Yasutake Tsuchida, Acura’s Creative Director and VP of American Honda R&D, described the RSX as “a sporty coupe style that expresses performance through excellent aerodynamics.” He added that this new model will help redefine Acura’s brand identity around “timeless beauty and a high-tech feel that is essential for a performance and unique brand.”

More: Acura Just Pulled The Plug On A Sedan It Once Called A Cornerstone

The interior remains under wraps for now, so there’s no word yet on the digital interface or layout. What is confirmed, however, is that the RSX will debut Honda’s new Asimo Operating System. This software is designed to learn from the driver’s habits and preferences, adapting the in-car experience to suit individual needs.

New EV Platform Promises Sporty Driving Dynamics

Unlike the Acura ZDX, which relies on GM-sourced hardware, the RSX will ride on Honda’s proprietary global EV architecture. It will be equipped with dual electric motors and all-wheel drive, with Acura promising a responsive, engaging driving experience.

A sport-tuned suspension with front double wishbones, a low center of gravity, and Brembo braking hardware round out the performance-focused package. The RSX will also feature Acura’s latest driver assistance tech and serve as a mobile energy storage solution, an increasingly common EV perk.

When Is It Coming?

The Acura RSX Prototype will be on display at The Quail on August 15 and at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance on August 17. The production version is expected to launch in the second half of 2026 and will be positioned below the larger, existing ZDX, which starts at $64,500.

Acura has confirmed that the RSX will be built at the Honda EV Hub in Ohio, using a combination of domestic and globally sourced parts. The Marysville Auto Plant, which also produces the Integra, will handle assembly and is equipped to support gas, hybrid, and fully electric models.

Sales of Lucid’s Air sedan are growing, and its new, high-riding Gravity brother has met with rave reviews, so why are sales of the SUV so awful?

That’s a question you might ask after learning that a pathetic nine examples of the theoretically more on-trend EV in Lucid’s lineup were registered in the first six months of 2025. The figures, first reported by Auto News, come from S&P Global Mobility, whose data set also confirmed the Air logged 4,780 registrations in the same period.

Related: Lucid Prepares An SUV That’s Built For More Than The Highway

Lucid sedan sales were up 52 percent year-on-year, but far more people want to buy SUVs than traditional-shaped four-door cars these days, so the nine-unit Gravity tally was disappointing to say the least.

“The Gravity nails its mission,” wrote Car and Driver after testing the $96,550 utility, praising its speed, range, and cargo space. But since the ultimate mission of any automaker is to sell cars, S&P GM’s numbers suggested it hadn’t nailed, but failed, its mission.

Lucid Pushes Back

Unlike U.S. President Donald Trump did upon hearing less than favorable job statistics, Lucid didn’t have a meltdown and demand the head of S&P GM’s adder-upper. But it did claim to Auto News reporters that the nine-cars figure was wildly inaccurate. The real numbers are in the “multiple hundreds,” it said in an email to the website.

Lucid explained the huge disparity between the two numbers as resulting from a lag between the date on which vehicles are sold and the date on which they’re registered.

The Gravity entered production in December 2024, but 2025’s first quarter production was ringfenced for showroom models and demo drives. Customers didn’t begin to get their own SUVs until spring, and even then, the production ramp-up was happening slower than anticipated, interim CEO Marc Winterhoff told AN in June. The loss-making company also trimmed its 2025 production forecast.

More Trims, More Volume to Come

Currently, the Gravity is only available in GT trim with 828 hp (840 PS / 617 kW) and a 450-mile (724 km) EPA range, but a year from now, with SUV production in full swing, the numbers will look very different, and registrations should relegate the Air sedan to a side-man.

Update: Ford told us that while they are still investigating the incident, they referred us to a statement from the California Highway Patrol’s Redwood City Area office. The CHP confirmed it was aware of the video circulating on social media and said the Mustang Mach-E driver was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence.

The agency reported that the crash happened on August 13, 2025, at about 1:08 p.m. on US-101 southbound, just south of Holly Street in San Carlos. “The preliminary investigation indicates the driver of a green Ford Mustang Mach E crashed into a red Mitsubishi Mirage then collided with the right shoulder wall near the Holly Street overcrossing,” the release states.

Investigators determined the vehicle “was not operating in autonomous mode,” and officers arrested the driver “on suspicion of driving under the influence, resulting in injuries to another.”

Original story follows below.

An unusual and unsettling crash involving a Ford Mustang Mach-E unfolded yesterday in the San Francisco Bay Area. Captured on video by a nearby driver, the electric crossover was seen speeding down the highway while scraping along the side wall, just moments before colliding with another vehicle at an entrance ramp.

More: “We Can’t Figure Out How Anyone Could Have Walked Away From This” Say Firefighters After Driver Vanishes

The footage, recorded by a commuter heading to work in San Carlos, shows a green Mach-E with its hazard lights flashing, grinding against the wall. Inside, the driver appears alert but has both hands raised and off the wheel, seemingly in a state of distress or prayer.

Unexpected Impact

The situation escalated quickly as the vehicle reached an on-ramp. With no guardrail to stop its path, the Mach-E veered into what appears to be a red Mitsubishi Mirage merging from the right. The impact caused the smaller car to roll over. Both vehicles came to a stop with airbags deployed. According to TikTok user Marty.Byrde3 who filmed the scene, both drivers escaped without serious injuries.

The viral clip has already racked up around half a million views on TikTok in just a few hours. Commenters are baffled as to why the Mach-E driver could not regain control using the steering wheel or brakes, which typically override the vehicle’s electric drive system.

Reddit

Still More Questions Than Answers

From the video, it’s difficult to determine whether the vehicle was malfunctioning or if the driver was unable to take control for another reason, such as experiencing a medical episode or simply panicking.

Even in the event of a serious fault with the BlueCruise driver assistance system, like a locked steering wheel, the gas and brake pedals should still have been responsive. It’s also strange that the automatic emergency braking system didn’t activate when the car first hit the barrier or just before the final collision.

More: Tesla Pierced Front To Back And Somehow That’s Not Even The Craziest Part

In critical situations like this, drivers can attempt an emergency stop by repeatedly pressing the parking brake button, though it’s unknown whether that was tried. The witness notes that earlier, the Mach-E had been riding the central barrier, suggesting the driver might have been using physical contact with the walls to slow the car down.

Carscoops has reached out to Ford for comment on the incident and will update this story if they respond.

@marty.byrde3 Today on the way to my job in San Carlos #sancarlos #bayarea #415 #707 #viralvideo ♬ Move Bitch – Ludacris

Video & screenshot TikTok u/Marty.Byrde3

Despite getting a facelift earlier this year, the formerly dominant Model Y has seen demand sagging, but Tesla has some tricks up its sleeve to help grab buyers’ attention. One is a Performance variant, something absent from the electric crossover’s lineup since the spring. Another is a basic entry-level trim. And then there’s this: the long-wheelbase Model Y L.

The L is already on sale in China and is due to make its European debut later this year. It gains around 6 inches (150 mm) of wheelbase over the 113.8 inches (2,890 mm) on the current Model Y that is used to add a third row of seats, most likely in a 2+2+2 configuration.

Related: This Could Be The Fastest Model Y Ever But Tesla Won’t Tell You

Although both US and European Model Ys were previously available with the option of a third row, it was pretty cramped as the wheelbase was the same and the feature wasn’t offered on the facelifted ‘Juniper’. Bringing a third row back, only this time with extra legroom, should improve the take-up rate and is vital in Europe, because the Model X was recently discontinued in the region.

The overall shape of the L is very similar to the stock Model Y’s, but the L’s stretch is evident in the shape of the rear door. On the SWB variant the wheelarch cuts a big chunk out of the door, but on the L the shutline is almost in front of the wheel. From the B pillar forward, however, the two Model Ys will be identical, both featuring the new LED light bar and slim headlights that arrived with the February facelift.

There’s another little L giveaway, though, one that you’ll spot even if you don’t get a look at the longer profile. And it’s a detail that looks like it ought to be fitted to the range-topping Model Y Performance that’s also due to launch later this year. Instead of a flat spoiler jutting out from below the rear window on the hatch, the L gets a ducktail spoiler worthy of an entry in a BMW tuner’s catalog.

Perhaps the L’s subtly different shape demands more stability at high speeds, not that it’s any speedier than the regular Model Y. In fact, due to a slight increase in curb weight it should, in theory, be fractionally slower than the dual-motor, AWD short-wheelbase model, which Tesla says can hit 62 mph (100 km/h) in 4.8 seconds.

SHProshots

Audi models with the S badge sure as special. Sure, they aren’t as quick or as thrilling as RS-badged models, but they offer a good mix of performance, comfort, luxury, and premium German build quality.

One of the more recent additions to Audi’s range of S-branded models is the SQ6 e-tron. First unveiled last year, it sits atop the all-electric Q6 e-tron family and serves as a rival to the likes of the Porsche Macan 4S, Mercedes-AMG EQE 53, and even lower-end versions of the Lotus Eletre.

Does the SQ6 e-tron feel fitting of the S badge and is it a legitimate top contender in its segment? To find out, I recently spent a week living with a blacked-out example. It revealed itself to be a strong all-rounder, but it did have a few niggles.

QUICK FACTS

Photos Brad Anderson/Carscoops

The Powertrain

In Australia, prices for the 2025 Audi SQ6 e-tron start at $151,400 (~$98,200), while in the US, it’s available from $72,900. On paper, the specs are very impressive.

All SQ6 e-tron variants, regardless of market, come standard with a 100 kWh lithium-ion battery pack which sends power to a pair of electric motors that combine to produce 360 kW (483 hp), or 380 kW (510 hp) with launch control enabled. The front motor also delivers 275 Nm (203 lb-ft) of torque, while the rear motor is good for 580 Nm (423 lb-ft). According to Audi, the SQ6 e-tron can run to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.3 seconds, or 60 mph (96 km/h) in 4.2 seconds.

Audi says the SQ6 e-tron can average between 17.5 – 18.6 kWh/100 km over the combined cycle and is good for a WLTP range of 568 km (353 miles). However, as I found out, both of those claims seem extremely ambitious.

Photos Brad Anderson/Carscoops

A Cabin Dominated By Screens

The SQ6 e-tron has Audi’s latest generation of interior, also featured in the new Audi A5 models. It has both its strengths and weaknesses.

Immediately standing out are the three massive screens. An 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.5-inch MMI infotainment screen are housed within a curved panel, while a 10.9-inch touchscreen is positioned in front of the passenger.

Read: Audi’s Electrifying Crossover Coupe Arrives With A 509 HP Range-Topper

Like other Audi models sporting s virtual cockpit, the cluster is highly configurable and one of the best in the business. Similarly, the central infotainment screen is excellent, well shielded from the sun and provides snappy responses to inputs thanks to the Android Automotive operating system it uses; moreover, it also includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard.

Photos Brad Anderson/Carscoops

The passenger screen offers plenty of functions, too, like displays for the navigation, entertainment system, and passenger-specific settings, including for the massaging seats. Speaking of the seats, they are trimmed in beautiful leather with electric adjustment and heating. However, the lack of ventilation seems like a glaring omission at this price point.

Elsewhere, the SQ6 e-tron comes standard with plush Alcantara across the central part of the dashboard and door cards. On the downside, other than the Alcantara and the fancy capacitive switchgear on the driver door for the lights, mirrors, and seat settings, the doors feel cheap. They are clad primarily in hard black plastic. Audi hasn’t even bothered to redesign the door handle trimming, leaving a blank plastic button that in older models housed the door lock and unlock buttons. I was also disappointed not to find any metallic speaker grilles, particularly since the model we tested came with a fancy Bang & Olufsen system.

The same piano black console is featured as in other new Audis. As we’ve come to expect, it looks nice when it’s clean, but it is prone to scratches. The steering wheel also has capacitive buttons that are a nightmare to get used to. On the plus side is a nice ambient lighting system that extends beneath the base of the windshield, comes with a charging display and even flashes when you switch on an indicator.

Overall, space and comfort in the front are good, but it’s obvious some cost-cutting measures have been made. The second row offers plenty of space and feels very airy thanks to the panoramic glass sunroof. But it’s a shame that climate control settings at the rear are limited to switches for the heated seats and fan speed controls.

Audi says the SQ6 e-tron can carry 526 liters (18.5 cubic-feet) of cargo in the rear, or 1,529 liters (53.9 cubic-feet) with the rear seats folded down. There’s also a small storage area in the frunk, but charging cables take up most of the available space.

Photos Brad Anderson/Carscoops

Quick And Agile, Like An Audi S Should Be

With up to 380 kW (509 hp) on tap, it should come as no surprise that the SQ6 e-tron feels pretty nifty in a straight line. With launch control enabled, I was easily able to match the claimed 4.3-second sprint to 100 km/h (62 mph). Much like the RS e-tron GT, it feels as if it starts to pull harder the faster you’re going. However, unlike the e-tron GT, the SQ6 e-tron doesn’t have a two-speed transmission.

Accompanying the acceleration is a spaceship-like soundtrack when you’re in Dynamic mode, which took me by surprise the first time. Similarly, I was surprised to see that as you accelerate, the speed reading on the head-up display begins to zoom in and grow bigger, adding a fun piece of theater to the experience.

Nevertheless, as impressive as the SQ6 is in a straight line, it’s around corners where it really shines. Despite tipping the scales at a portly 2,425 kg (5,356 lbs), it handles incredibly well and feels very agile. This is no doubt due in large part to how brilliantly Audi has optimized the feel of the electric power steering, giving it the perfect amount of weight.Contributing to the SUV’s handling are the grippy Bridgestone T005 tires.

Photo Credits: Brad Anderson/Carscoops

As with other Audi EVs, the SQ6 e-tron has paddle shifters behind the steering wheel to adjust the level of brake regeneration. For the most part, both the mechanical brakes and the regen work well. However, I frequently heard a clunking sound originating from the rear of the SUV when I quickly lifted off the throttle and touched the brakes, primarily when the SQ6 was still cold. It was a little disconcerting and should have been picked up during the vehicle’s development. It’s possible, though, that it was only something impacting the particular vehicle I tested.

Review: The Audi e-tron GT Is The Sports Sedan Electric Cars Forgot

Some of the driver-assistance systems also leave a little to be desired. For starters, unlike other markets, in Australia the SQ6 e-tron does not have any active lane centering. This is a glaring omission for a vehicle that costs AU$80,000 (~$51,800), let alone one that costs almost twice as much. Additionally, I experienced a couple of hiccups from the rear collision avoidance system when, while I was safely reversing into a parking space, it suddenly slammed on the brakes, seemingly thinking I was about to hit something, even though I wasn’t.

Efficiency and Charging

Efficiency isn’t the SQ6 e-tron’s strong suit – not that that comes as much of a surprise. During my week with it, I averaged 22.4 kWh / 100 km,despite primarily driving in Efficiency mode with regen on full, and occasionally also driving in ‘B’ mode to enable one-pedal driving. That’s worse than the 21.4 kWh / 100 km I averaged in the Lotus Eletre a few months ago, despite it being larger, heavier, and having more power. This reduces the Audi’s real-world range closer to roughly 450 km (280 miles).

On the plus side, the SQ6 e-tron’s 800-volt architecture supports DC fast charging speeds of up to 270 kW. That means it can charge from 10-80 percent in just 21 minutes. It also comes with an AC fast charger that can plug into a standard household socket. However, Australian-delivered models include the installation of a 7kW home charger as part of the purchase price, plus a one-year Chargefox public charging subscription, so that’s a nice perk.

Much like the e-tron GT, Audi has also fitted charging flaps on both sides of the SQ6 e-tron, making public charging that little bit easier.

Photos Brad Anderson/Carscoops

Verdict

From a performance standpoint, the SQ6 e-tron certainly feel like a true Audi Sport product. It’s seriously quick in a straight line and handles great for an SUV that weighs this much. Sure, it lacks the emotion of something like a petrol- or diesel-powered SQ5, but that’s part and parcel with high-performance EVs nowadays.

The dynamics are excellent, as is the steering and braking. Plus, you get the space and practicality that comes with an SUV. If all of the niggles were ironed out, it would be superb.

Lexus is taking a more adaptable path for the second half of the decade, building on its well-established hybrid lineup while steadily advancing into full electrification. The company has eased back from its earlier plan to go EV-only by 2035, yet several battery-powered models are still on the way, including a sports car, a sedan, and a three-row SUV.

This approach gives Lexus more flexibility to meet different customer needs and market conditions while still pursuing its long-term electrification goals. Here’s a closer look at the upcoming models, from performance-focused coupes to family-ready SUVs, and how each fits into the brand’s evolving strategy.

Sports Coupe Inspired by LFA Spirit

One of the upcoming models appears to draw heavily from the 2021 Lexus Electrified Sport Concept, envisioned as a way to carry the spirit of the V10-powered LFA supercar into the zero-emissions era. According to Auto News, the as-yet-unnamed coupe could arrive in late 2026, coinciding with the expected retirement of the V8-powered LC 500.

More: Lexus Just Killed Its Hybrid Coupe For Guilt Free V8 Thrills

Toyota chairman Akio Toyoda is said to be directly involved in the electric sports coupe’s development, aiming to ensure it delivers genuine driving excitement even without a combustion engine. The concept featured solid-state batteries capable of 430 miles (700 km) of range and electric motors that could launch it from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in the low two-second range. Whether the production version will match these figures remains to be seen.

Earlier this year, Japanese media reported that Lexus might be working on a hybrid sports car that could be twinned with the next-gen Toyota GR Supra, although the absence of any official confirmation keeps the speculation alive.

Hybrids and Sedans Continue

While Lexus has significantly toned-down earlier plans for becoming an EV-only brand by 2035, this doesn’t affect the development of future EVs. The difference is that nameplates like the ES sedan will offer both hybrid and electric powertrain options, covering a wider spectrum of the market.

Speaking of which, the new generation of the Lexus ES that broke cover earlier this year in China and Europe is expected to reach US dealers in the second half of 2026.

More: Lexus Sedan’s Radical Redesign Could Finally Bring Back The IS Spirit

The smaller IS sedan will drop the V8 powertrain (IS 500) next year, though hybrid versions are expected to remain available in North America for a while longer. Most of the IS lineup will end production in Japan in November 2025, and with the current model already 12 years old, rumors suggest a new-generation IS could debut in 2026 with both hybrid and electric powertrain options. By contrast, the RC and RC F coupes are likely to be discontinued without replacements.

There is still no word on what lies ahead for the Lexus LS flagship sedan, which debuted in 2017 and received a mid-cycle update in 2020.

Facelifted SUVs And A Fully Electric TX

On the SUV front, Lexus is working on major updates. First of all, the smaller UX will reportedly be “re-engineered” for 2026, dropping the fully electric option that has been confirmed to bow out of production in November 2025.

Moving up the ladder, the NX and RX are expected to received mid-lifecycle updates in 2028, together with the rugged GX and LX models. More importantly, Lexus is reportedly working on a fully electric three-row SUV that’s rumored to debut in 2027.

The production version of the 2021 Lexus Electrified SUV concept could serve as a zero-emission alternative to the similarly-sized TX that is also up for a facelift in 2027.

More: Toyota And Lexus Are Ready To Flood America With New EVs

Last but not least, the Lexus RZ which is currently the sole electric offering in the automaker’s North American lineup has recently received a mid-lifecycle update in Europe. It is expected to hit US dealers before the end of the year, bringing simulated gear shifts and a steer-by-wire system, while a more potent F-Sport trim is set to follow in 2026.

Mercedes-AMG teased its new electric GT earlier this summer with a four-door coupe concept that hid a 1,341 hp (1,360 PS / 1,000 kW) surprise under its bright orange skin. But its SUV take on the same recipe you see in these new scoop shots is sure to be an even bigger hit for the Affalterbach crew.

Related: You Won’t Recognize AMG’s Cars Two Years From Now

Development work on the unnamed, but very sporty utility has switched to the Nurburgring and our spy photo team was on hand to capture the electric SUV pounding the pavement of the 12.9-mile (20.8 km) track.

Testing on the Edge

Interestingly, the photo guys say AMG’s engineers sometimes enter and exit the circuit by some of the other barriers located around the long track, perhaps to avoid the gaze of cameras, or maybe to prevent anyone publishing unrepresentative lap times. But in this case, the two-row EV took in every one of the Ring’s dozens of curves.

Though still heavily disguised, the prototype gives away a shape that’s more crossover than traditional upright SUV. Think Lamborghini Urus or Ferrari Purosangue, rather than Rolls-Royce Cullinan or Bentley Bentayga. It has flush door handles, frameless door glass and a low ride height, though we expect drivers will be able to alter the amount of ground clearance by using a drive mode selector to tweak the air suspension settings.

SHProshots

Not visible in these images is the front end design, and though teaser images of the new GLC EV’s illuminated grille revealed last week clued us in to how Mercedes-branded cars will look in future, it’s likely AMG’s SUV will have a different styling.

The GT XX sedan concept had a new take on AMG’s Panamericana grille, where the outer frame was lit up, but the vertical grille bars and Mercedes star were not.

Performance and Launch

We do know the production version of the XX shares its AMG.EA platform with the SUV, as well as its Yasa axial flux motor tech. The SUV’s exact spec is still firmly under wraps, but we understand it could be offered in both two and three-motor configurations, and going by the XX’s numbers, the hottest could deliver 1,341 hp.

That compares with 715 hp (725 PS) for the 6.5-liter V12 Purosangue, and while there’ll be no comparison when it comes to noise, the AMG won’t be completely silent. It will have a synthesised soundtrack that could replicate the tune of an AMG V8 using speakers in its headlights, and you can expect simulated shifting, too. The SUV should debut in 2027, a year behind the sedan.

SHProshots

Update: Nearly eight months after Acura first previewed the reborn RSX, a nameplate returning in a form few expected, the company has released a second teaser, this time revealing the front of the pre-production model. The new RSX is an electric coupe-crossover, and its face adopts a clean, aggressive design. There’s a subtle nod to Acura’s classic “beak” in the sculpted lines, but no traditional grille. Instead, slim headlamps anchor a minimalist front end.

Alongside the teaser image, Acura also confirmed that the RSX Prototype will make its global debut during Monterey Car Week in California, running from August 8 to 17. Original story continues below.

Hot on the heels of the company’s retro-name revival that has already included the likes of the Integra and the Honda Prelude, Acura has announced the comeback of the RSX. The catch? Well, it’s nothing like the RSX you might remember from your early 2000s daydreams.

This time around, the new RSX adopts an SUV body and will be Acura’s first model to ride on an all-new dedicated EV platform. Unlike the Acura ZDX, which borrows its underpinnings from General Motors, the RSX will ride on Honda’s newly developed in-house EV architecture, a significant step forward for the automaker’s electrification plans.

Read: Acura Plots Electric Future To Reverse Declining Sales And Reignite Brand Appeal

The introduction of the RSX is part of Acura’s plans to claw itself back up the sales charts. The automaker lost market share to competitors in 2024, as multiple models recorded double-digit drops in 2024. This will be only the second production EV to appear with an Acura badge on it, with executives highlighting the need for more battery-electric offerings.

A New EV Platform From Honda

The Honda-developed EV platform has already been shown off at CES 2025, underpinning the Honda 0 Series Saloon and SUV prototypes that will evolve into production models next year. Honda’s aim with its new EV platform will be to create lighter vehicles, as well as to reduce the overall height that most EVs require to fit their batteries inside the floor.

The new Acura RSX will also be the first EV produced at Honda’s new “EV Hub” in Ohio. The facilities at the Marysville Auto Plant, the East Liberty Auto Plant, and the Anna Engine Plant are undergoing a $700 million makeover and retooling. The Anna Engine Plant will be where the megacasting for Honda’s new Intelligent Power Unit (IPU) is made.

The IPU is a big step forward in Honda and Acura’s ambitions for EVs, serving as an integral part of the new EV platform. It’s also much larger than anything that Honda has die-cast before, and the initial development in North America, using domestic and globally sourced parts, is a win for American manufacturing.

Coupe Dreams Dashed

When news broke that the RSX name had been trademarked, first in Japan and then in the U.S., many predicted that the reborn nameplate would be affixed to a sporty coupe. Although the Integra nameplate has been revived, the fact that it’s attached to a four-door sedan rather than a sporty coupe has been a sore point for longtime fans of the brand. The fact that Honda has revived the Prelude name even made some wonder if the new Acura RSX would be a more premium riff on the new coupe.

See: Honda Trademarks RSX Name In Japan, Is Another Icon Returning?

Instead, Acura takes a leaf from Mitsubishi by turning one of their beloved coupe nameplates into an SUV. When asked by CarScoops as to why the company opted to revive the RSX name for an electric SUV and not a sports car, a spokesperson said, “We believe RSX is the right name for our new all-electric SUV. This isn’t a “revival” of the previous RSX coupe. Globally, that model was sold and marketed as Integra, and we have seen resounding fan enthusiasm for the 5th gen Integra  — especially with the Type S.”

The RSX is said to take inspiration from the speedboat-like Performance EV Concept. From the one image we’ve been furnished with, it appears the new model retains some of the elements of the concept but goes for an overall more conventional approach.

The dramatic NSX-inspired rear appears to have given way to something more reminiscent of a BMW X6 or Tesla Model Y. Meanwhile, the coupe-like roofline has been profiled to be, well, less coupe-like. Still, it’s early days.

Acura hasn’t confirmed a firm on-sale date, but prototypes of the all-electric RSX will begin real-world testing this week. What we do know is that it’ll be the first car from either Honda or Acura to be built on the new EV platform at the Ohio EV Hub, so expect to start seeing the new RSX in showrooms in early 2026.

The sands of the automotive industry are always shifting, but 2025 has been on another level. The Trump administration’s policies, flip-flopping on tariffs, and removal of regulatory hurdles are changing the landscape incredibly fast. One byproduct is the expectation that big SUVs and trucks will get a new lease on life. Automakers couldn’t be more excited about that.

Specifically, the CEOs of the ‘Big Three’ in America are clearly fans of what they see coming. Trump’s EPA has removed penalties for automakers that fail to meet CAFE standards. That’ll save car companies billions every year.

With no penalty for building gas-guzzling trucks and SUVs, they have the ability to lean into those high-margin segments even more than they already do.

More: US Tariffs Just Hit This Dodge So Hard It May Skip 2026 Entirely

The Wall Street Journal reports that Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa openly said, “This will mean to us a lot of additional profit.” Speaking of the new industry landscape, GM CEO Mary Barra said on an earnings call that “It also gives us the opportunity to sell EV vehicles… Excuse me, ICE vehicles, for longer and appreciate the profitability of those vehicles.”

Ford’s Jim Farley is on board too, saying, “This is a multibillion-dollar opportunity over the next couple of years.”

EV momentum slows as profits take priority

All three of these brands have spent billions on EV development, CAFE fines, and other tech in an effort to expand into more sustainable products. GM promised years ago that it would be an EV-only brand by 2035. Ford was planning to build a three-row EV in Canada. Stellantis famously axed the HEMI and kicked off the latest Charger generation with EV power only.

Clearly, it’s proven very tough for them to successfully break into the EV space and so the incentive now is to lean back into what they already know makes a big profit, ICE vehicles. Stellantis is going to announce new information on the gas-powered Dodge Charger with the Sixpack in just a few days.

Ford is now going to build big trucks in Canada rather than the three-row electric SUV, and GM hasn’t mentioned its all-EV by 2035 plan in quite some time.

Trucks, SUVs, and a new strategy

From a business standpoint, the pivot makes sense. American consumers continue to buy large vehicles in high volumes.

“Americans do like buying giant vehicles,” said Adam Lee, chairman of Maine-based Lee Auto Malls. “They’re going to see how many more giant SUVs they can pump out, because they sell a lot of them and make a lot of money on them.” He’s concerned that without continued investment in EVs that the US will fall behind in terms of sustainability and technology. 

For now, there’s no reason to think that automakers are going to scrap the EV work they’ve done, but their focus is likely changing for at least the next few years. It’s easy to see a path where the roadways are even more full of giant vehicles than they already are. 

An all-electric version of the Nissan Juke is headed to Europe next year, bringing a new chapter to the popular compact crossover’s story. But while the EV is on the way, it may not be the only option on the table.

Read: Nissan’s Next Juke Is So Different, You Might Not Recognize It

As shifting sales trends continue to challenge Nissan’s electrification plans, the company appears to be reconsidering a full switch from internal combustion. That means gasoline-powered versions of the Juke might stick around a little longer.

Rather than phasing it out entirely, Nissan could keep the current combustion model in production alongside the upcoming EV. The move would mirror strategies seen elsewhere in the industry, where maintaining ICE variants has helped bridge the gap for customers not quite ready to go all-electric.

Shared Foundations

Nissan’s third-generation Juke will be underpinned by a shortened version of the CM-EV platform from the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance that’s currently used by the Nissan Ariya and Renault Megane E-Tech. It’ll be built at the carmaker’s Sunderland plant in the UK alongside the Ariya and Leaf, debuting with a radical design inspired by the Hyper Punk Concept from a couple of years ago.

Initially, Nissan had planned to completely replace the current ICE model with this EV. However, while recently speaking with Auto News, Nissan Europe’s head of product planning for minicars and small cars, Alexandre Armada, said that may no longer be the case.

“Given the very different path of transition to electrification across Europe, keeping the internal combustion Juke in production is an option on the table,” he said.

Sales Figures Suggest a Split Strategy

Keeping the combustion-powered Juke might be a smart move for Nissan. So far this year, it’s the brand’s second-best-selling model in Europe, behind only the Qashqai, which has sold 78,397 units.

Since the electric Juke is expected to come at a higher price point, it will likely see slower sales compared to the current version. In Europe, the Juke is currently available with a 1.0-liter three-cylinder gasoline engine producing 114 hp, as well as a 1.6-liter hybrid that delivers 143 hp.

What to Expect from the EV

Many key technical details about the Juke EV remain under wraps, but some rumors have suggested it could be offered with similar 63 kWh and 87 kWh battery packs as the Ariya. However, there’s also a chance that a smaller pack in the 40-55 kWh range could be offered, which could be well-suited to Europeans living in large urban centers.

The electric Juke will enter a competitive field, going up against models like the Jeep Avenger EV, Kia EV3, Renault 4 EV, Hyundai Kona Electric, Citroen C3 Aircross, Peugeot e-2008, and the upcoming Ford Puma Gen-E.

Mazda isn’t diving headlong into the electric transition, but it’s not standing still either. Instead, it is following a measured path, blending hybrid models with steady electrification efforts and continued updates across its core lineup. This includes a hybrid CX-5, updated sales targets, future EVs, and even new sports cars.

The company recently introduced a new generation of its top-selling model, the CX-5. While the redesign matters, the more significant news is the addition of a hybrid powertrain set to arrive in 2027. This move expands Mazda’s range of electrified SUVs in the US, aiming to attract more buyers during a time of shifting attitudes toward EVs and growing uncertainty around tariffs.

More: One Country Asked Mazda For Something And Actually Got It With The CX-5

Through the first half of 2025, Mazda reported global sales of 636,968 units, a 2.6% year-over-year increase. The US remained its largest market with 210,297 units sold, up 3.9%, while sales surged 18.7% in Japan but declined in Europe and China by 12.2% and 18.7%, respectively.

According to Automotive News, the company has revised its US sales target of 450,000 units for 2025 in response to potential tariffs and is monitoring the market closely, though pricing for imported models has not yet been adjusted.

A Hybrid-Focused Core Lineup

Mazda’s current lineup in North America includes an electrified version of the locally-produced CX-50 compact SUV with a Toyota-sourced hybrid system, as well as plug-in hybrid options for the larger and more premium CX-70 and CX-90 twins. In 2027, these will be joined by a new variant of the third-gen CX-5 fitted with an in-house developed hybrid powertrain based on the new 2.5-liter SkyActiv-Z engine.

The automaker expects its two similarly-sized hybrid SUVs that compete in the hugely popular compact segment against the Toyota RAV4 will result in combined annual sales of 250,000 units in the US. However, before that happens, the new CX-5 will reach dealers with a gasoline engine in 2026.

More: Mazda Just Made The Same SUV Twice But Swears You’ll Want Both

Although the CX-30 is smaller by US standards, it holds the position as Mazda’s third-best-selling vehicle in the region, just behind the CX-5 and CX-50. Introduced in 2019, the CX-30 will continue with minor updates until a new generation launches in 2029.

Likewise, the CX-50 that arrived in late 2021 might get a comprehensive redesign in 2030. As for the CX-70 and CX-90, they will reportedly benefit from mild facelifts in 2026, with new generations arriving after 2030.

Finally, the Mazda3 that is available in hatchback and sedan forms and remains largely unchanged since 2018 is expected to carry on for at least four more years. According to the latest reports, a new generation of the model could arrive in 2032.

The BEVs Of The Future

Mazda plans to launch the mechanically related Mazda6e sedan and CX-6e SUV in Europe and Australia, both originating from its Chinese joint ventures. However, US customers may have to wait a bit longer before they see a fully electric Mazda on showroom floors.

The first EV developed entirely in-house is slated for a 2027 debut and could reach US dealerships in 2028. Though details remain under wraps, the vehicle is expected to be a crossover and will likely pave the way for more electric models as Mazda moves toward its 2030 targets.

What About Sports Cars?

If the SUV-heavy lineup isn’t quite your thing, there’s still good news. Mazda has two sports cars in development, each aimed at reviving the brand’s enthusiast credentials before the decade wraps up.

More: Mazda Is Bringing Back The Rotary RX-7 And Building A New Miata

The most exciting arrival is the production version of the 2023 Mazda Iconic SP Concept fitted with a rotary range-extender electric powertrain. Reports from Japan suggest we might first lay eyes on the new sports car as early as next year, although others expect it in the first half of 2028.

Either way, the low-slung two-door coupe is designed to be a spiritual successor to the RX-7, rather than a replacement for the MX-5.

Also: Mazda’s Stunning Vision SP Morphs Into Next-Gen MX-5

On that note, the MX-5 is getting a new generation as well. Development is already underway, and the next iteration of the world’s most popular roadster could launch in 2029. Encouragingly, it’s expected to keep its four-cylinder gasoline engine and further refine its reputation for agile, accessible performance.

Lead illustration Theottle