Land is one of the most competitive resources of energy transition Utility-scale solar farms require big, flat, unshaded areas-exactly what others may want for farming, housing and preserving habitat. In heavily populated countries, this debate can delay or halt projects well before they start. Floating photovoltaics (FPV), also known as floating solar or “floatovoltaics” provide …
Aston Martin will keep its V8 and V12 engines until at least 2033.
The British brand can source EV components from Lucid and Mercedes.
Boss Adrian Hallmark isn’t interested in turning Aston’s ICE models into PHEVs.
Aston Martin has labeled itself as a “BEV delayer,” confirming that it won’t launch an all-electric model until next decade and that it remains firmly committed to its V8 and V12 engines. Evidently, Aston Martin’s largest shareholder, billionaire Lawrence Stroll, has absolutely no interest in launching an EV in the vein of the controversial Ferrari Luce.
The British brand had been aiming to launch an EV in 2030, but shifting consumer sentiment has allowed it to push that date back. Now, the company only needs to think about building an EV before 2035 to meet regulations in select markets, and isn’t even worried about setting a firm date at this stage.
“We only need BEVs to be compliant for legislative reasons [in certain markets] just before 2035,” Aston Martin chief executive Adrian Hallmark confirmed to Autocar. “I’m not going to give an absolute date, because it’s imprecise. It could be 2035, it might be 2033, but it’s in that three-year window. It’s not 2031.”
Aston Martin Has EV Deals With Lucid And Mercedes
When Aston Martin does release an EV, it will have the latest technologies at its disposal. The company has a deal with Lucid that’ll give it access to the American brand’s latest systems, and also plans to strengthen its relationship with Mercedes-Benz for future electric powertrains and electronics.
Aston Martin’s apparent reluctance to rush into the EV era is something that should be appreciated by the company’s customers. In the same interview, Hallmark confirmed Aston Martin has a “roadmap” to keep its current V8 and V12 engines alive through to the end of 2035, meaning we almost have a decade left to enjoy these fabulous powertrains.
More Hybrids Are Coming
Helping to keep these engines feeling fresh will be some form of hybridization, although Hallmark confirmed that they won’t use plug-in hybrids, declaring that he doesn’t like the added weight of these more complex systems. Curiously, the Aston Martin Valhalla uses a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 with a plug-in hybrid that includes three electric motors and a 6.1 kWh battery pack. Evidently, it will remain the only PHEV in Aston Martin’s range.
As for the battery-electric vehicles that Aston Martin will eventually need to launch, Hallmark says the firm has the time to decide what technologies it would like to introduce.
“Looking at BEVs in the future, even if [we launch our first in] 2033, we’ve got three years where we can keep looking, keep thinking and keep evaluating different technologies and how they’re changing, and the markets and the legislation,” he said. “And it’s only then that we would need to kick off investment. So today we’ve got very low-level investment, but it’s research and study, not even single-digit millions of investment.”
Mazda confirms a next-gen BT-50 pickup is under development.
It could feature sharper styling based on shared underpinnings.
The new midsize truck is expected to hit the road around 2028.
The Mazda BT-50 might not be as popular as its Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger rivals, but it remains an important model for the Japanese automaker. The increased competition in the midsize pickup segment has prompted Mazda to consider a new generation, set to arrive over the next couple of years.
The third generation of the Mazda BT-50 was introduced in 2020, with a mid-lifecycle update following in late 2024. The model is based on the ladder-frame underpinnings of the Isuzu D-Max, with Mazda-specific styling inside-out and is currently offered with non-electrified turbodiesel powertrain options.
Our colleagues at CarsGuide spoke to Vinesh Bhindi, Mazda Australia’s managing director, who confirmed that a new generation of the BT-50 is under development. The high-ranking official didn’t get into details about the specifications, but confirmed it will likely hit the road around 2028.
The same publication spoke to Eiji Kimoto, Mazda’s chief designer, who was responsible for the styling of the current BT-50. When asked about the upcoming pickup, Kimoto said: “I am not allowed to speak much about the future product, but I can tell you, please look forward to it”.
Since Mazda doesn’t have enough R&D resources to develop a pickup on its own, the next BT-50 will likely be the result of a partnership. After all, the first two generations were paired with the Ford Ranger, while the third one migrated to the Isuzu platform.
Collaborative Effort
Illustrations: Thanos Pappas / CarScoops
Mazda could continue the partnership with Isuzu, developing the new model alongside the new generation of the D-Max. Another option would be to broaden its collaboration with Chinese automaker Changan, following the 6e sedan and CX-6e SUV projects.
Changan already offers a pickup in the form of the Hunter K50 with a revolutionary range-extender powertrain. However, this one is based on the ladder-frame chassis of the diesel-powered Changan Hunter which has already spawned several siblings from Stellantis brands in South America including the Peugeot Landtrek, the Fiat Titano, the Ram 1200, and Ram Dakota.
Sharp Looks And Upmarket Interior
Illustrations: Thanos Pappas / CarScoops
In any case, the next Mazda BT-50 is expected to adopt the brand’s updated styling language with sharp LEDs and sculpted details. In our speculative rendering we used the proportions of the Isuzu D-Max as a base, infusing elements from the Mazda CX-6e alongside wide fender extensions and a rear canopy.
We also expect Mazda to give its truck a more premium interior, in line with the upmarket move of its entire lineup. This could help the next BT-50 stand out in a crowded segment, targeting a specific kind of buyer. As with most midsize pickups in Australia, the model could continue offering rugged trims like the Thunder alongside a selection of optional accessories for off-road enthusiasts.
What About The Powertrain?
Back in 2025, the Mazda Australia boss said there won’t be a fully electric variant of the BT-50 in the foreseeable future, despite the availability of the closely-related Isuzu D-Max EV. He also didn’t perceive PHEV pickups as a threat, adding that diesel powertrains will probably stick around. Still, the local Managing Director admitted they will let the market pinpoint if there’s demand for electrified trucks and consider the options.
Reading between the lines, Mazda could offer some sort of electrified powertrain options for the next BT-50. If it sticks to the partnership with Isuzu they will likely use a mild-hybrid diesel, while the Changan route would probably result in a range-extender option. That would allow the pickup to fulfil market demand while complying with tightening emission regulations and potentially expanding its scope to markets outside Australia.
Mercedes is streamlining their US lineup by axing some models and trims.
The EQE and AMG EQE are toast, although an E-Class Electric is on the horizon.
Mercedes-Maybach EQS 680 SUV and S63 E Performance are also gone for 2027.
Mercedes’ electric vehicle push has been a disaster in the United States as Americans never warmed up to the EQE, EQS, or their crossover counterparts. The company appears ready to admit defeat as several models are reportedly going away for 2027.
Citing a company spokesperson, Car & Driver is reporting the EQE and AMG EQE are dead. The EQE 320+ started at $64,950 and offered 315 hp (235 kW / 319 PS) as well as an electric-only range of up to 308 miles (496 km).
Likewise, the $96,600 AMG EQE had a dual-motor all-wheel drive system developing up to 677 hp (505 kW / 686 PS) when the boost function was activated. This enabled the model to hit 60 mph (96 km/h) in 3.2 seconds, but it dropped the range to a disappointing 230 miles (370 km).
While the EQE is going away, the company is working on an all-new E-Class Electric. It features a more conventional design that follows in the footsteps of the fully electric C-Class.
Speaking of dead EVs, the Mercedes-Maybach EQS 680 SUV is toast. The model started at $180,000 and featured a dual-motor all-wheel drive system developing 649 hp(484 kW / 658 PS) and 700 lb-ft (948 Nm) of torque. They were fed by a 118 kWh battery pack, which provided 300 miles (483 km) of range.
Last but not least, the Mercedes-AMG S63 E Performance is gone for 2027. The pricey plug-in hybrid produced 791 hp (590 kW / 802 PS) and 1,055 lb-ft (1,430 Nm) of torque, but the company recently introduced a facelifted S-Class.
This means we can expect a new AMG variant in the near future. Car & Driver suggests the model will arrive in around a year and ditch the plug-in hybrid technology for pure V8 power.
Suzuki unveils 10-year tech roadmap with faster vehicle development.
Modular e-Axles will be used across BEVs, Series HEVs, and Light REEVs.
The plan includes a new turbo engine and weight-saving measures.
Suzuki has announced its roadmap for the next decade, focusing on a multi-pathway approach, reduced development times, and increased modularity. The company is working on a new turbo gasoline engine, a mild-hybrid system, and a modular series hybrid family of powertrains which is set to include its first-ever light range extender setup.
According to Suzuki, the new e-Axle 3-in-1 system used in the fully electric e Sky kei car, will evolve into a modular 6-in-1 unit with the exact same dimensions. This will be shared across BEVs and HEVs, under the “Right x Light Mobile Tech” philosophy, and will also be available in a 10% larger version for subcompact, compact, and midsize models.
Larger models will feature a more potent 174 hp (130 kW / 177 PS) primary e-Axle and an optional 40 hp (30 kW / 41 PS) e-4WD unit at the back. Suzuki wants its electric motors to be free of Heavy Rare Earths, improving their recyclability.
Hybrids And Light REEVs
Smaller models will benefit from a new mild-hybrid system, targeting to cut down carbon emissions by 15% which translates to 150 kg (331 lbs) less CO2 for every 10,000 km (6,214 miles). The more advanced Series HEV powertrain targets a 29% reduction, doubling the CO2 savings to 300 kg (661 lbs) per 10,000 km (6,214 miles).
More importantly, in the new Series HEV powertrain which sounds like a successor to the current Strong Hybrid unit, the ICE will be working as a generator. This allows engineers to evolve it further into a “REEV Light” setup by adding plug-in capability and “right-sizing” the battery pack. Suzuki said that its range-extender won’t require an oversize battery, and will combat range anxiety compared to BEVs.
As reported by Autocar India, the smallest Suzuki models to get the upcoming Series HEV system are expected to be the Baleno hatchback and the Fronx SUV. This means that the S-Cross, Vitara, Grand Vitara, and Victoris, are potential candidates.
New Turbo ICE
Despite the focus on modular electrified powertrains, the Japanese automaker remains loyal to combustion power. A new Direct Injection Turbocharged gasoline engine is being developed for markets like India, likely to be joined by a CNG variant.
The long term goal of Suzuki engineers is to improve ICE thermal efficiency from the 40% of the current 1.2-liter Z12E three-cylinder engine to an ambitious 50% on future powertrains. This can be achieved by high-EGR lean combustion, waste-heat recovery, low-viscosity lubricants, nano-carbon materials, and an improved Miller-cycle operation.
Suzuki is known for producing lightweight cars, and will continue to do so in the future, despite the fact that stricter safety and emission regulations for 2030 and beyond are expected to add 80 kg (176 lbs) to each vehicle. In order to offset these mandatory gains, the automaker plans to reduce weight by 100-120 kg (220-265 lbs) per vehicle across its entire lineup, without compromising safety.
Engineers went to great lengths for the new “S Light” weight-reduction initiative. Examples include the use of M8 bolts with smaller heads that could save 1 gram per unit across over 2,000 fasteners per car, and utilizing 1,470 MPa ultra-high-tensile steel for crash-critical zones.
The strategy briefing also included the “SDV Lite” term for a simplified Software-Defined Vehicle architecture. As for safety, the company wants to find ways to route heavy masses away from the occupants in the event of a crash, and standardize ADAS across its future lineup. Starting from 2031, a new Central Zone ECU will slash electronic costs by 30% and module weight by 15%.
Faster Development To Fight The Chinese
Another important element of the future roadmap is development times. Suzuki wants to halve them to 24 months by 2030, matching the fast-paced cycles of Chinese automakers. The plan includes boosting development efficiency by 30% and production efficiency by 50% at the Manesar plant in India, by using digital tools and modular components.
Finally, the company has announced its goal of increasing its annual manufacturing capacity in India to 4 million units by 2030.
The redesigned Toyota Corolla could arrive as early as next year.
Model could be a liftback that blurs line between sedan and hatchback.
There could be gas, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and electric powertrains.
The Corolla is one of Toyota’s best-selling vehicles, as US dealers moved 131,403 units in the first six months of the year. That was a 9.5% increase, which is a tad surprising as the current model is nearly a decade old.
However, a redesigned car is on the horizon, and it was apparently teased over the summer. The single image suggested the upcoming model will echo the Corolla concept, introduced at the 2025 Japan Mobility Show.
Fast forward to today, and Car & Driver is reporting the traditional sedan could give way to a new liftback body style. This could effectively combine today’s sedan and hatchback into one vehicle.
While that remains to be seen, Toyota’s CEO has made it his mission to reduce the number of variants the company offers as part of an effort to increase profitability. This begs the question of whether the automaker really needs both Corolla variants, especially when they offer a Corolla Cross.
Additional details are murky, but the publication expects the car to ride on an updated version of the current TNGA-C platform. They also suggest the model could be offered with up to four different powertrains.
Starting with the hybrid, it’s expected to use a new 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine. The powertrain will reportedly have a combined output of around 134 hp (100 kW / 136 PS), which is roughly the same as today’s model.
While that’s a bit of a bummer, fuel efficiency could climb by 10 to 20%. Furthermore, like today’s Corolla Hybrid, there could be an optional all-wheel-drive system.
Buyers looking for more efficiency will reportedly be able to opt for a plug-in hybrid variant. It will presumably have a larger battery pack as well as a beefier electric motor.
A fully electric variant is also expected, and it could offer an optional dual-motor all-wheel drive system. Details are hazy, but the magazine expects the EV will offer at least 250 miles (402 km) of range.
That brings us to the gas-powered variants. The ‘regular’ model could have a turbocharged 1.5- or 2.0-liter engine, while the GR Corolla is expected to get a 2.0-liter turbo packing up to 395 hp (295 kW / 400 PS).
Alfa Romeo launches new Edizione Luna Rossa special editions.
They include the Junior, Tonale, Giulia, and Stelvio in Europe.
The models gain yacht-inspired colors and special touches inside.
Alfa Romeo is gearing up for the debut of a mysterious concept at the Paris Motor Show next month, but before that happens they have a new special series in store. The Biscione brand has introduced Edizione Luna Rossa editions for its entire lineup, including the Junior, Tonale, Giulia and Stelvio.
Luna Rossa is an Italian yacht-racing team competing at the America’s Cup. Its collaboration with Alfa Romeo was inaugurated in June 2025, followed by the debut of the ultra-exclusive Giulia Quadrifoglio Luna Rossa in January 2026. While the first model was only produced in 10 units with custom colors and a unique aero package, the Edizione Luna Rossa models are available for everyone, serving as the flagships of their respective lineups.
The special editions feature boat-inspired colors, custom touches inside-out, and a dedicated Alfa Romeo emblem. However, not every model is the same, with the Junior and the Tonale getting a different treatment than the stealthier and more exclusive Giulia and Stelvio.
Alfa Romeo Junior Edizione Luna Rossa
Starting with the subcompact and compact SUVs, the Junior and the Tonale Edizione Luna Rossa feature a gray shade with Gloss Black accents and red stripes on the profile, although buyers can also choose black or white for the main color of the body.
The wheels measure 18 inches on the Junior and 20 inches on the Tonale, both featuring a gloss black diamond cut finish and three-spoke designs. Besides the larger wheels, the Tonale also gets Brembo brakes with red brake calipers.
Alfa Romeo Tonale Edizione Luna Rossa
Inside, we find black and gray upholstery, with 3D knit technology on the premium fabric, red stripes featuring Luna Rossa lettering, and red Alfa Romeo emblems. The SUVs also feature aluminum sports pedals and kick plate, new graphics for their digital cockpits, and ambient lighting.
Equipment is pretty generous, with the Edizione Luna Rossa being the highest-spec trims. In terms of powertrains, the Junior offers the option between hybrid and fully electric setups, while the Tonale is available with hybrid and PHEV options.
Alfa Romeo Stelvio Edizione Luna Rossa
Moving on to the midsize offerings, the aging Giulia and Stelvio take a different route, focusing more on exclusivity and sportiness. The mechanically-related models are pictured with a blacked-out configuration, but the color palette of the Edizione Luna Rossa editions also include white and Etna Red shades.
Independently of the color, the aging duo benefits from extensive use of carbon fiber on the exterior and the interior, red Alfa Romeo emblems, and the Luna Rossa logo on the mirror caps. The Giulia features Quadrifoglio-inspired side skirts and rear spoiler combined with Gloss Black 19-inch alloy wheels, with the Stelvio riding on 21-inch wheels.
Alfa Romeo Giulia Edizione Luna Rossa
The monochrome interior features a generous amount of carbon fiber on the dashboard, center console, and door cards, alongside leather and recycled Econyl fabric upholstery. Red stripes on the steering wheel and seatbacks break the monotony of black, alongside the matching Alfa Romeo emblems.
The Edizione Luna Rossa Giulia and Stelvio come standard with a Harman Kardon Hi-Fi system and the electronically controlled suspension. Finally, the electric sunroof is standard on the sedan and optional on the SUV.
As with the regular Giorgio-based models, the special editions are available with the 2.2-liter turbodiesel in two power outputs, while UK buyers also have access to the 2.0-liter gasoline engine that has been phased out in Europe. In other words, only the V6-powered Quadrifoglios escape the Luna Rossa treatment.
The Junior, Tonale, Giulia, and Stelvio Edizione Luna Rossa will gradually go on sale on European markets, positioned at the top of the lineup of each non-Quadrifoglio model. Pricing will be announced closer to the market launch.
According to Stellantis, the partnership between the two Italian brands goes deeper than colors, materials, and special emblems. More specifically, Alfa Romeo “has provided its expertise in simulation, dynamics and virtual analysis to Luna Rossa, while also collaborating on the development and fine-tuning of the control software for the systems that manage sail movement.”
After their electrification plans fizzled, Bentley is becoming more flexible.
CEO said “predictable planning” is no longer possible and may never come back.
Automaker is speeding development and wants new models created in three years.
Bentley once had grand plans for electrification, revealing at their Beyond 100 event in 2020 plans to become a “leader of sustainable luxury mobility.”
Under the initiative, the automaker was supposed to drop conventionally-powered vehicles by 2026, and only offer plug-in hybrids or EVs. The brand was then slated to go EV-only by 2030.
Needless to say, things didn’t work out, as Bentley just got around to introducing their first electric vehicle. The Bentley Torcal arrived nearly a year behind schedule and offers a range of up to 375 miles (604 km).
While reaction to the Torcal has been mixed, it will reportedly be Bentley’s only electric vehicle for years to come. According to Autocar, the firm’s next EV won’t arrive until sometime after 2030.
That stands in sharp contrast to Rolls-Royce, which introduced the Spectre in 2023 and is preparing to launch an electric crossover. The latter has been spied on multiple occasions and follows in the footsteps of the Cullinan.
However, Bentley CEO Frank-Steffan Walliser believes they were right to tap the brakes on electrification. As he told the publication, they’re simply becoming more flexible, as consumers aren’t ready to go fully electric and regulators have backed down from ambitious adoption timelines.
“In the past, you made a plan for 10 years and then you just went with it. We delivered the cars in a relatively stable environment. It’s not the case anymore.”
Walliser added the company is working on building plug-in hybrids and EVs on the same production line, so they can more easily adapt to changes in demand and requirements. He went on to say the automaker is shortening cycles and development times. Speaking of the latter, it now takes Bentley four years to create an all-new model, and the automaker eventually wants to lower that number to three years.
Getting back to the Torcal, Walliser ruled out the possibility of a plug-in hybrid variant. As he explained, the crossover rides on the EV-only PPE platform and adding an engine would only create “overlap” with the Bentayga.
Volvo’s new product offensive includes 13 new model launches in 4 years.
Seven models will reach Western markets, and six will be reserved for China.
Lineup to include hybrid and EV powertrains across different bodystyles.
Volvo has presented what it calls “the largest and most ambitious global product push in its 99-year history”, in an effort to improve profitability and double its market share. The automaker will launch 13 new models by the end of 2030, including hybrids and EVs.
The announcement comes shortly after Volvo introduced updated versions of the XC40, EX40, EC40, and XC60, alongside a new plug-in hybrid powertrain for the XC60 and XC90 with up to 124 miles (200 km) of EV-only range.
Unlike the aforementioned extensive facelifts, the 13 announced models will be all-new. Seven are destined for Western markets including Europe and North America, while the other six will be heading to China.
More importantly, Volvo has confirmed that its future lineup will include cars in new segments, so expect a few surprises, and a potential return to wagons.
The company will preview an evolution of its styling language with a new concept car in 2027. This will be penned under the direction of Thomas Ingenlath, who returns as Volvo’s Chief Design Officer after a seven-year stint as the Polestar CEO.
The new models destined for Western markets will ride on the SPA2 (EX90, ES90) and SPA3 (EX60) architectures, using the HuginCore computing platform. The Chinese models will use shared platforms and a market-specific tech stack developed in collaboration with parent brand Geely. The goal is to increase component commonality across Geely Group vehicles from the current 10 percent to as much as 30 percent by 2030.
Hakan Samuelsson, Volvo president and CEO, said: “Our showrooms will look very different in 2030”, adding that they want to become “the leading premium car brand”. The CEO outlined the four pillars behind the new product offensive as “regionalized product offerings, leadership in electrification, unique synergies with Geely, and complete customer offers that goes beyond the car alone”.
Overall, Volvo wants to double its market share by introducing more EVs alongside third-generation hybrids for those not ready to make the switch. The company promised to treat its customers with regular over-the-air software updates, and make buying a new Volvo easier and more transparent with special offers and fast-delivery model variants.
MG launched the Hector Tomahawk EV three-row SUV in India.
It is a rebadged Wuling available with EV and PHEV powertrains.
Prices start at ₹13.99 lakh ($14,600) for the EV minus the battery.
Chinese automakers have put out an average of 3.6 new models per day across the past five months, a pace that guarantees a certain amount of overflow into markets beyond China. The new MG Hector Tomahawk is one of those exports, a three-row SUV that has just gone on sale in India with a choice of fully electric or plug-in hybrid power.
The name suggests a relationship that does not exist, because the Hector Tomahawk shares nothing with the ICE-powered Hector. What MG has actually done is rebadge the Wuling Starlight 560, a model that broke cover in late 2025 and reached Chinese showrooms in early 2026.
Visually, the BEV and the PHEV variants are distinguished by the different grille and front bumper, each introducing small differences compared to the equivalent models from Wuling. The PHEV has a body-colored nose, a larger cooling intake, loads of black cladding, and an aluminum-style skid plate. The EV adopts a simpler and boxier face looking nearly identical to its Wuling sibling.
Regardless of powertrain type, the SUV measures 4,745 mm (186.8 in) long, has a 2,810 mm (110.6 in) wheelbase and a ground clearance of 230 mm (9.1 in).
MG
The right-hand-drive cabin comes with two or three rows of seating. Cargo space is 610 liters (21.5 cubic feet) in five-seat form, dropping to 192 liters (6.8 cubic feet) once the third row is in place. The kit list runs to a 15.6-inch infotainment screen, an 8.8-inch digital gauge cluster, gesture controls for the touchscreen, a dual-pane panoramic sunroof, 256-color ambient lighting, and a 10-speaker stereo. The party piece is an AI-powered assistant with a karaoke mode and a library of more than 8,000 songs across multiple genres.
The Hector Tomahawk EV utilizes a single front-mounted electric motor producing 201 hp (150 kW / 204 PS), with a 69.2 kWh battery allowing over 500 km (311 miles) of range while supporting 90 kW DC fast charging and V2L/V2H functions.
On the other hand, the Hector Tomahawk PHEV pairs a naturally aspirated 1.5-liter engine/generator with a single electric motor and a smaller 20.5 kWh battery pack. The combined range is over 1,100 km (684 miles), including 115 km (71 miles) on EV power alone.
The Battery Rental Math
MG
The MG Hector Tomahawk EV costs between ₹19.49 lakh ($20,400) and ₹23.49 lakh ($24,500) in India. Buyers can also take it under the Battery-as-a-Service (BaaS) scheme, which drops the entry price to ₹13.99 lakh ($14,600) and then charges ₹4.90 ($0.05) per kilometer (₹7.89 or $0.08 per mile) for the privilege of using the battery.
Meanwhile, the MG Hector Tomahawk PHEV starts at ₹25.70 lakh ($26,900) outright, or ₹21.79 lakh ($22,800 / €19,600) under BaaS with a battery rental rate of ₹3.20 ($0.03) per kilometer. Deliveries for the EV begin in September, followed by the PHEV in November.
PROS ›› Luxurious, extremely powerful, bold looks CONS ›› No brand cache, unknown prices, heavy
We’ve seen several Chinese car brands come and go over the past few years, failing to crack the ultra-competitive market in their home country or overseas. It’s a cut-throat industry, and new brands have to nail the performance, safety, technology, and practicality requirements of car buyers, all while delivering at a price point that most Western legacy brands couldn’t dream of matching.
Among those Chinese brands that appear to have proper staying power is Zeekr. The company was founded just five years ago as one of Geely’s EV- and plug-in-hybrid-focused luxury brands, and has already made aggressive expansions outside China into countries across Europe, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand.
Earlier this year, we spent a few days with the superb Zeekr 7X, finding it to be not only a real Tesla Model Y rival but also a legitimate competitor to the BMW iX3, all at a far lower price. For as impressive as the 7X is, Zeekr has several even more enticing products just around the corner, and we recently put a handful of them to the test, on snow and ice, no less.
The focus of this preview was to get behind the wheel of the Zeekr 8X and 9X, two uber-luxurious SUVs that will land in Australia next year. Aimed at the BMW X5 and BMW X7, respectively, they both have the potential to shake up the luxury SUV market. We also spent some time behind the wheel of the smaller Zeekr X, the new 7GT shooting brake, and the brand’s wild 001 FR.
Zeekr 8X
Due to time constraints, we didn’t get to drive the 8X, but we did get an up-close look at it and thoroughly explored the interior. It became immediately apparent that legacy brands like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Audi should be worried.
Measuring in at 5,100 mm (200.8 inches) long, 1,998 mm (78.7 inches) wide, and standing 1,780 mm (70.1 inches) tall with a 3,069 mm (120.8-inch) wheelbase, the 8X is roughly 170 mm (6.7 inches) longer than an X5 and has 94 mm (3.7 inches) extra length between the wheels. It’s pretty big then, and it’s available with two or three rows of seats.
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again – Chinese brands have shattered the illusion that you need to pay premium money to get a high-class, luxurious interior. Zeekr says it wants to combine BMW’s luxury with Tesla’s technology. In the case of the 8X we experienced, it’s noticeably more luxurious than any X5, with premium leather surfaces, plenty of metallic touches, a suede headliner, and massive dual screens across the dashboard. In China, car buyers love having a big screen for the front-seat passenger, although we’re not convinced Australian buyers will be quite as receptive. The premium feel continues into the rear with plush seats, tables folding out from the front seats, and Mercedes-style seat adjustments on the doors.
Then there’s the performance. Local specifications haven’t been confirmed, but in China, the 8X uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with either two or three electric motors. The dual-motor version delivers 660 kW (885 hp), while the tri-motor has 1,030 kW (1,381 hp) and 1,410 Nm (1,039 lb-ft) of torque, and offers 55 kWh and 70 kWh batteries.
The Chinese Cullinan
Photos Brad Anderson/Carscoops and Zeekr Australia
The Zeekr 9X takes things to another level entirely. It’s absolutely massive, measuring 5,239 mm (206.2 inches) long and featuring a 3,169 mm (124.7-inch) wheelbase. In Ningbo, China, where Zeekr is based, it’s been nicknamed the ‘Hangzhou Bay Cullinan,’ and since launching in late 2025, more than 62,000 examples have been sold. Not only will it soon land in Australia, but it’s also heading to Europe.
Like the 8X, the 9X uses Zeekr’s advanced new 900-volt electrical architecture. It is also available with 55-kWh or 70-kWh batteries and is configured as standard with a 2.0-liter turbo and either two or three electric motors. The example we drove was the tri-motor version, delivering a hypercar-rivaling 1,030 kW (1,381 hp) and 1,410 Nm (1,039 lb-ft) of torque. Zeekr isn’t saying whether or not Australia will get this version, but in Europe, power has been capped at 660 kW (897 hp), so something similar may be done Down Under.
While I did drive the 9X in the snow, it was only for a few minutes, and objectively, it’s difficult to comment on how it performs based on that. On first impressions, it doesn’t feel too big, nor does it feel overpowered. We’re eagerly awaiting its local arrival to give it a proper test. For now, I can say it feels surprisingly dynamic given its size and weight, is happy to kick out its tail, and is easy to hold powerslides with.
Beyond the driving, or lack thereof, the 9X feels absolutely deserving of its nickname. It feels more special inside than an X7 and is more akin to a Mercedes-Maybach GLS in fit, finish, and choice of materials. As one industry colleague told me, it even seems to out-Cullinan a Cullinan, and that’s high praise. Whether or not it’ll stand the test of time like a Rolls-Royce remains another question, of course.
Photos Brad Anderson/Carscoops and Zeekr Australia
The front half of the cabin is great, with a digital instrument cluster and a central infotainment screen as standard, although it is also offered in China with a passenger display. Taking lessons from the 007 sedan, which was almost entirely devoid of physical buttons, Zeekr has ensured that all subsequent models, including the 9X, have plenty of real switches, dials, and knobs.
The second row is the standout, featuring a pair of massive captain’s chairs similar to those in Zeekr’s 009 minivan. With heating, ventilation, and massaging functions, the 9X has them all, and the seats can even spin around 180 degrees.
Drifting On Snow
While I’ve driven on snow before on ski trips and the like, I’ve never had the opportunity to push EVs and plug-in hybrids with supercar power to their limits on snow and ice before. All the cars we tested were equipped with studded winter tires, but, as you’d imagine, they were all happy to kick out their tails with a healthy dose of throttle.
Photos Brad Anderson/Carscoops
I spent a good part of the session on snow behind the wheel of the refreshed 2026 Zeekr X, the company’s entry-level SUV. In all-wheel-drive configuration, it uses a 66 kWh NMC battery and has a pair of electric motors with 365 kW (489 hp) and 573 Nm (423 lb-ft) of torque. On the road, it can apparently hit 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 3.7 seconds.
While I wasn’t able to put the straight-line acceleration to the test, I was able to explore the X’s dynamics through a series of oversteer exercises and slaloms that were set up for us. Typically, the X doesn’t let owners completely turn off the traction and stability control systems, but the ones we tested had been tweaked to shut them down.
Yanking hard on the steering wheel and pinning the accelerator is enough to send the X into easily controlled drifts. Much to my surprise, while enjoying some sideways action in the X, I never yearned for driving something with a combustion engine.
The Zeekr 7GT is one of the company’s most exciting new models. In July, it and the BMW iX3 became the first two cars to earn five-star safety ratings under Euro NCAP’s overhauled testing procedures. While we spent plenty of time driving it, we can’t yet comment on how it feels. Another Zeekr product I can comment on is the 001 FR.
Hypercar Power In A Sedan
The 001 was Zeekr’s first model, a sleek shooting brake originally designed for the Lynk & Co brand but later adapted for Zeekr. Because of this, it’s at odds with the designs of other Zeekr models, instead sporting the design language of Lynk & Co. In FR guise, it’s an animal.
The car is fitted with a 100 kWh CATL battery and has four electric motors, combining to produce 1,248 hp that’s enough to send it to 62 mph (100 km/h) in just 2.02 seconds. It could be considered Zeekr’s answer to the Tesla Model S Plaid, though it’s arguably even more track-focused, with a host of carbon-fiber parts and huge AP Racing brakes.
Despite its extraordinary power, the 001 FR doesn’t feel intimidating, at least not on snow. It’s far more rear-biased than the likes of the X, 8X, and 9X, only requiring small throttle inputs to kick out the tail and hold slides.
Final Thoughts
Zeekr Australia
Regardless of how you may feel about the age of electrification, there’s no denying we are living in very exciting times for the auto industry. In America, the EV evolution led to the creation of exciting firms like Rivian and Lucid, both of which have proven that a brand doesn’t need a century of history to develop, manufacture, and sell class-leading vehicles.
The same thing has happened in China. Thanks to huge investments from conglomerates like Geely and Chery, as well as juggernauts like BYD, the era of high-performance, ultra-luxurious vehicles being attainable only by the rich is long gone. Zeekr is still in its infancy, and there’s no telling where it’ll be in a decade, or two, or three decades. What it’s been able to build in the last five years is impressive, and vehicles like the 8X and 9X suggest the future is bright.
Whether Zeekr can attract Western buyers from established premium brands remains to be seen. In the segments where the 8X and 9X will compete, buyers of vehicles from rival brands like BMW, Mercedes, Audi, Land Rover, Bentley, and Rolls-Royce are fiercely loyal to what they know. If Zeekr can get prices right and deliver good after-sales service, there’s little stopping it from achieving the same success it’s enjoying in China elsewhere.
BYD will introduce 300 Flash Charging stations in the UK over the next year.
Technology can charge a new EV battery from 10-97 percent in just 9 minutes.
The first eligible model to be sold in the UK will be the powerful Denza Z9 GT.
Owning an EV in the UK is about to become much more convenient. In the coming weeks, BYD will introduce its first Flash Charging stations in the country, dramatically reducing charging times and potentially convincing many to make the jump and purchase their first electric car.
Unveiled earlier this year, BYD’s Flash Charging stations have already been deployed en masse across China and are now rolling out in Europe. Each charger includes two connectors, and when one is in use, peak charging speeds of 1,500 kW can be achieved. When both connectors are being used by two vehicles, each plug can supply up to 1,000 kW.
Charging speeds are extraordinary. It takes just five minutes to charge a battery pack from 10-70 percent, and a mere nine minutes to charge from 10-97 percent. Even in freezing temperatures of -30°C (-22°F), a 20-97 percent charge takes just 12 minutes.
To get an idea on how far ahead of the pack that is, Tesla’s UK Supercharger network runs V2 units at 150 kW and V3 and V4 units at 250 kW. On a 250 kW post, a Model 3 needs around 25 to 30 minutes to go from 10 to 80 percent, or 15 minutes to pick up roughly 170 miles (274 km) of range. V5 hardware is coming and will reach 500 kW, assuming your car can actually take it. That is still a third of what BYD is quoting.
World-Leading Battery Tech
The secret to these extraordinary charging speeds is the batteries. Each Flash Charger uses two on-site storage batteries, each with a capacity of 185 kWh. The energy from these batteries is then transferred to the vehicle. The storage batteries are charged and topped up via the grid at speeds of up to 560 kW.
BYD plans to install 300 Flash Charging stations across the UK over the next 12 months, focusing on BYD and Denza dealerships as well as motorway service stations and existing charging hubs. The brand’s first model to support 1,500 kW charging is the Denza Z9 GT. BYD’s latest-generation plug-in hybrid models with the Blade Battery 2.0 also support ultra-fast DC charging, starting with the D9 MPV.
Charging prices have not yet been announced. BYD says that owners of compatible vehicles will qualify for preferential electricity rates “that will be considerably lower than prevailing ultra-rapid charging retail prices” across the country. EVs from other brands will also be able to use the chargers, although they will have to pay more.
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