Articles by Tim Gibson

Tesla Australia has confirmed the Model Y L will launch Down Under in the coming months.The brand has revealed few other details about the Model Y L in Australia, so we do not know how much it will cost, or exactly when it will arrive.However, based on its approval for sale in regulatory documents in late February, it is likely the three-row SUV will officially go on sale in Australia within the next few months. The Model Y L offers a six-seat layout, targeted to build on the success of the standard Model Y, which has continued its run at the top of the EV sales charts in Australia. The seats are set up in a 2+2+2 configuration.There are limited three-row electric SUVs on sale, with most carrying a hefty price tag and luxury features, such as the incoming Cadillac Vistiq, which will start from more than $100K. The Volvo EX90 is another car in the category, with a starting price north of $120K. The Model Y L will also likely be a more affordable alternative to the Kia EV9, which starts from $97,000, before on-road costs.The six-seat Tesla measures up overall bigger than its five-seat counterpart. It will be powered by the same dual electric motor set-up found on the existing long-range all-wheel drive variant, producing a combined 378kW.We also know it will have 19-inch wheels as standard, but all other technical details are still not known at this stage. In China, the car has an 18-speaker sound system and a 16.0-inch central touchscreen, as well as an 8.0-inch rear touchscreen. Over there, the car starts from 339,000 Yuan (around $70,000). Cars imported from China usually carry a price hike once they land in Australia.This likely means the Model Y L will also have a price jump over the current Model Y long-range all-wheel drive variant, which has a starting price of $68,900, before on-road costs. 

An updated version of the Cupra Born has just been released overseas, with the all-electric hatchback undergoing a serious revamp.The Cupra Born was pulled from sale in Australia last year, with demand for the small EV limited, starting from sub-$60K.It is unclear at this stage whether the Born will make a return to Australia, given its recent exit. Cupra's local division, has been contacted for comment, but late last year, the brand told CarsGuide it was considering a return to sales for the electric hatchback.“Cupra is monitoring the timings and business case for the Born range to return to the market," a Cupra Australia spokesperson said at the time.“We are currently focused on the dual medium SUV strategy of Terramar ICE and PHEV range, and Tavascan BEV range.”If it does come Down Under, the hatch will resume its rivalry against the Polestar 2 and Renault Megane E-Tech. The Polestar 2 starts from a little more than $60,000, while the Megane E-Tech sits in the mid-$50K bracket.The exterior design of the Born has received a facelift to the front and rear bumpers giving it a sharper overall look, with the new version also coming with a choice of 19 or 20-inch wheels.In the cabin, there have been some big changes, including the introduction of physical buttons, while the digital driver display has almost doubled in size up to 10.25-inches. There is a 12.9-inch central touchscreen, along with a touch-sensitive climate control bar as well as a head-up display. The car comes with two electric motor set-ups. The entry-variant has a rear-mounted motor, which produces 139kW. It has a 58kWh battery with 450km of driving range according to the WLTP testing cycle.Meanwhile, the mid-grade long-range version of the Born gets a 79kWh battery and a power bump to 170kW offering a driving range of nearly 600km.Finally, the top-of-the-range Born VZ, which is positioned as an electric hot hatch, has 240kW of power to pull from.DC charging for all variants hits a claimed maximum speed of 180kW and takes no more than 30 minutes to get from 10 - 80 per cent. Both 79kWh battery variants also introduce a one-pedal drive mode. This increases the strength of the regenerative braking process to virtually alleviate the necessity of using the brake pedal at low speeds.Cupra amassed 2830 sales in 2025, up 21 per cent year-on-year, although the brand is no doubt hoping the addition of the Terramar will see its volume jump in 2026.Signs are looking positive for the sporty Spanish marque, with sales in the first two months of the year trending in the right direction.

Internal combustion power is still by far the most popular type of car in Australia, the latest sales data has revealed. 

BYD has revealed its new "Blade" battery capable of charging its electric vehicles in rapid time, according to reports.It is the second generation of the signature Blade battery, which is found on all of BYD’s electrified vehicles.Targeted charge times range from 10-70 per cent in five minutes, with a charge from 10-97 per cent taking just nine minutes.For reference, the BYD Sealion 7 currently on sale in Australia charges from 10-80 per cent in 38 minutes, so BYD’s latest battery offers a marked improvement.The battery has also been given some other boosts, including a five per cent higher energy density.One of the models it will debut on is the Denza Z9 GT, which is an all-electric wagon earmarked for Australia within the next year. It features a 122kWh unit offering a driving range of more than 1000km according to the more lenient CLTC measuring process.The Denza Z9 GT will take a little more than 5 minutes to charge from 10-70 per cent on a charger capable of the required output, while a 10-97 per cent charge will take roughly nine minutes.The brand said its new battery can also operate effectively in extreme temperatures, with 20-97 per cent charges at -20-degrees and -30-degrees both taking 12 minutes.The boosted charging times on these new batteries are in tandem with BYD’s recently-unveiled T-shaped megawatt-level charger. It is capable of adding around 400km of driving range in five minutes or a charging speed of two kilometres every second.It is claimed this new charging system is the first mass-produced liquid-cooled megawatt terminal for passenger vehicles. It has an overall bigger design, with dual-plug charging ability, which is enabled by the use of a buffer battery to operate without megawatt grid support.Even without the use of these super fast chargers, BYD claimed its new Blade battery charges 30-50 per cent faster than conventional EV batteries.BYD is targeting 20,000 of these new ‘Flash’ charging stations by the end of 2026, giving the brand a greater charging infrastructure landscape compared to rivals such as Tesla.Locally the boss of its Denza luxury arm has earmarked the possibility of BYD entering the charging hardware game, specifically to deploy the tech-leading megawatt-level chargers.Stay tuned for more on BYD's ambitious plans in 2026 as it plots a top-three finish for the year. The brand has already leapfrogged GWM in the first two months of the year to become Australia's current favourite Chinese brand.

Mercedes-Benz has released pricing for its Maybach SL680 luxury large convertible coupe. The SL680 will start in price from $463,900, before on-road costs, making it one of the most expensive cars in the Mercedes-Benz line-up. Maybach variants have usually been reserved for ultra-luxury limousines, such as the S680, but this takes a different line, focusing on a more sporty experience. It lines up as a direct rival to the Bentley Continental GT convertible, which also is powered by a V8, starting from $504,700, before on-road costs. It will also be an alternative to the electric-powered Rolls-Royce Spectre, starting from $800,000 (before on-roads). The SL680’s 4.0-litre V8 produces 430kW and 800Nm, which is more than the Continental GT.The car comes as standard with an all-wheel drive system and is capable of completing the 0-100km/h sprint in 4.1 seconds. It gets a sweeping exterior design, and with 50 paint choices, as well as 21-inch wheels in two options, the second of which is a multi-spoke design costing $12,900.It has polished interior elements, including silver chrome trim and illuminated door sills, along with a wood and leather steering wheel. There are Napper leather seats, which are heated and ventilated, as well as a premium 17-speaker Burmester audio system, which can output 1220 watts. It also gets all the accessories you would expect as standard like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity and wireless phone charging. It also features Mercedes’ augmented reality navigation system.As you would expect, this high-end Mercedes has some seriously pricey options aside from the aforementioned wheels.For $16,900, the car can be fitted with a Mercedes-Maybach pattern on the bonnet and for an extra $24,300 the whole car can be finished in an exclusive paint. The SL680 adds to the Mercedes Maybach range, which already includes versions of the S-Class limousine, as well as the EQS and GLS SUVs.2026 Mercedes-Benz Maybach SL680 pricing Australia 2026 Mercedes-Benz SL680 engine and efficiency2026 Mercedes-Benz Maybach SL680 standard featuresOther standard features include: Head-up display64-colour ambient lightingHeated wood and leather steering wheelSilver chrome trim elementsIlluminated door sillsHeated and ventilated front seats with massage function 2026 Mercedes-Benz Maybach SL680 safetyThe Mercedes-Benz SL680 has not been crash tested by ANCAP.Standard safety features: Adaptive cruise controlLane keep assist360-degree cameraLane change assistSteer assistMemory parking assist2026 Mercedes-Benz Maybach SL680 warranty All Mercedes-Benz models are covered by a five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty. 

The Skoda Superb is now available with a plug-in hybrid set-up, adding a new option to the wagon segment. 

Skoda has added a mild hybrid variant to its Octavia sedan and wagon line-up, revealing its Australian pricing and specifications.It starts from $43,990 (drive-away), for the sedan, with the wagon unit an extra $2000, as a part of a launch promotion.Before on-road costs pricing is $2000 cheaper than the drive-away. Volkswagen Australia has confirmed this deal will stay in place until at least the end of the second quarter of this year. The Octavia’s new hybrid credentials see it shape up as a more comparable rival to the hybrid-exclusive and dominant player in the sedan segment, the Toyota Camry.Skoda’s Octavia hybrid is more than the Camry, while it comes in cheaper than up-spec versions of the Honda Accord hybrid.It's worth noting the Octavia only has a mild-hybrid system as opposed to the full-on hybrids found in the Camry and the Accord.The Octavia was previously a petrol-exclusive model, with most examples fitted with a 1.4-litre petrol engine. The petrol Octavia starts from $39,590, before on-road costs, so the hybrid represents a slight bump in price in comparison.The hybrid Octavia has the same power output as its petrol counterpart, producing 110kW and 250Nm.On the inside, there is a 13.0-inch central touchscreen and 10-inch digital driver display, with satellite navigation also standard.For an extra $6500, buyers can have 18-inch wheels, leather interior trim as well as power-adjustable front seats, with memory, message, and ventilating functionality. You also get a head-up display and LED headlights, among other things as part of the deal.The Octavia is the latest Skoda model to be given hybrid power, with other models in the lineup also offering plug-in hybrid variants.As part of the Octavia hybrid announcement, the brand unveiled a plug-in variant of the Superb sedan.The Octavia is part of a shrinking number of Skoda models, which do not have a plug-in hybrid option, meaning it could be on the horizon soon.While there is no plug-in hybrid variant currently on sale globally, it is something the brand would consider for Australia. The Octavia hybrid will arrive in Australia next month.2026 Skoda Octavia hybrid pricing Australia 2026 Skoda Octavia hybrid engine and efficiency2026 Skoda Octavia hybrid standard featuresOther standard features include:Leather-wrapped steering wheelKeyless entry and startSatellite navigationDual-zone climate controlHeated seatsElectric tailgate2026 Skoda Octavia hybrid safetyThe combustion range of the Skoda Octavia received a five-star ANCAP safety rating, but this does not include the hybrid. Standard safety features include:Eight airbagsAdaptive cruise controlFront cross-traffic assistFront and rear parking sensorsLane keep assistTraffic sign recognitionRear cross-traffic alert2026 Skoda Octavia hybrid warranty and servicingAll new Skoda models are covered with a seven-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty.

Polestar has lowered the price of some grades of its updated Polestar 3 in Australia. The refreshed electric SUV starts from $116,700, before on-road costs, for the base single motor, which is more than $1700 cheaper than the previous model. The long-range variant is $1600 cheaper than last year’s pricing, while the top-grade Performance has increased nearly $2300, starting from $146,700 (before on-road costs).The Polestar 3 is a rival for the BMW iX and Mercedes-Benz EQE, which both have starting prices north of the $130K price bracket. The main change for the Polestar 3 is the addition of 800-volt architecture, which has improved charging times by more than 25 per cent, according to the brand. Neither the BMW or the Mercedes-Benz are built on an 800-volt platform, both have 400-volt architecture instead, meaning the Polestar offers faster charging times than its rivals. All variants can charge at more than 300kW, facilitating a 10-80 per cent charge time of 22 minutes across the range. The Polestar may charge faster, but driving range remains competitive between the trio. The 111kWh battery on the previous model is no longer available on the Polestar 3, due to compatibility with the new 800-volt platform.The base rear motor variant now comes with a 92kWh battery, which has a driving range of 604km, down from more than 700km. Dual-motor variants get a 106kWh battery. The cheaper dual motor has about the same driving range as before, while the Performance grade has seen its range increase to nearly 600km. The Performance grade also gets a power boost and now produces 500kW and 870Nm, with 0-100km/h taking 3.9 seconds. This is in part due to a newly-developed rear-mounted motor on all variants. As part of the changes for this year’s models, the car is fitted with a premium 25-speaker Bowers & Wilkins sound system and head-up display, among other features as standard. Otherwise, the cabin is much the same as the previous model but new zippy computer processing, provides a boost to tasks and safety performance.This upgrade will be available to existing Polestar 3 owners as part of a complimentary hardware retrofit. 2026 Polestar 3 pricing Australia2026 Polestar 3 electric motor and efficiency 2026 Polestar 3 standard featuresOther standard features includeHead-up displayFoldable boot floorAcoustic rear windowPower-operated steering columnSoft-close doorsUpgradeable features: 2026 Polestar 3 safetyThe Polestar 3 received a five-star ANCAP safety rating. Standard safety features360-degree cameraCurve speed assistLane change assistPark assistAdaptive cruise controlLane keep assist2026 Polestar 3 warranty and servicing The Polestar 3 comes with a five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty and an eight-year/160,000-kilometre warranty for the battery. 

Volkswagen’s new ID. Era 9X range-extender luxury three-row SUV has reportedly begun mass production in China, and will launch this month.It is unlikely the ID. Era 9X will come to Australia, given it is currently targeted towards the Chinese market. The luxury range-extender segment has been growing rapidly in China, with several major local manufacturers launching models.The ID. Era 9X is similar in size to the Zeekr 9X SUV, which is also uses an electrified powertrain and launched in China in late 2025. It is expected we will see the 9X in Australia some time this year, sitting in the $100k-plus bracket.VW’s new SUV will also take on BYD’s Great Tang large luxury SUV, the launch of which in China was delayed until the second quarter of 2026, with the brand further refining the car as competition in the space intensifies. The ID. Era 9X is a product of a partnership between VW and Chinese juggernaut SAIC, which also owns MG and LDV. The car comes in single and dual electric motor variants in the currently sought-after range-extender hybrid layout.The single motor version is rear-mounted and produces 220kW. The top-spec version has two electric motors, which combine to produce 380kW. There are two battery choices, which are 51.1kWh and 65.2kWh, with the latter offering an electric-only driving range of up to 340km (WLTP).Combined driving with the bigger battery is more than 1000km, keeping the car in line with many other range-extender rivals. All variants of the ID. Era 9X are fitted with a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine, producing 105kW, which solely charges the battery as opposed to driving the wheels. With high-end technology and specifications a key point of difference for these luxury SUVs in China, VW’s car features some standout features. There is a 21.4-inch TV-like roof-mounted display, along with dual 15.6-inch displays mounted on the dashboard.The six-seat layout of the car is in 2-2-2 configuration, swapping the middle seats for extra rear passenger room to give an increased luxury and roomy feel.The ID. Era 9X will be one of Volkswagen's largest cars globally, and could potentially serve as a replacement for the Touareg if it headed for export marekts. The German brand has been vocal about expanding the use of range-extender plug-in hybrid powertrains for larger vehicles which aren't as well suited to being fully electric.The company's upcoming off-roaders for the US market from its Scout subsidiary will also use range-extender hybrid powertrains.

Mercedes-Benz has announced sharp drive-away pricing for a limited edition variant of its popular GLC mid-size SUV. Pricing will start from $89,000 (drive-away), until the 30th of April, and is limited in numbers according to the brand. This is a special version of the GLC 200 known as the ‘Avantgarde Edition’, not to be confused with the base ‘Avantgarde’ variant.This deal makes the GLC 200 more price competitive with some of its key mid-size SUV rivals, including the BMW X3 and the Audi Q5.The Avantagarde starts from $90,200, before on-road costs, so the deal on the Avantgarde Edition represents a solid saving for buyers, but it comes with some compromises. The Avantgarde Edition swaps 19-inch alloy wheels for 18-inch ones, with the car's lower sills and side-steps also getting a less flashy design. It is powered by the same 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine, producing 150kW and 320Nm. Like its rivals, the car comes with all-wheel drive as standard.On the inside, the Avantgarde Edition keeps much of the gear found in other models, including an 11.9-inch central touchscreen and 12.3-inch digital driver display. There are also power-adjustable front seats, which have a memory function. The GLC-Class was Mercedes-Benz’s most popular model in 2025, topping the sales numbers of other big hitters in the line-up such as the the GLA-Class compact SUV. 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC 200 Avantgarde Edition pricing Australia2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC 200 Avantgarde Edition engine and efficiency2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC 200 Avantgarde Edition standard featuresOther standard features include:Metallic paintAutomatic climate controlPower seats with memory functionKeyless entry and start2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC 200 Avantgarde Edition safetyThe Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class received a five-star ANCAP safety rating.Standard safety features2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC 200 Avantgarde Edition dimensions2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC 200 Avantgarde Edition warranty and servicingThe Mercedes-Benz GLC 200 comes with a five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty.Mercedes-Benz offers three-year, four-year and five-year capped price servicing plans GLC models, with intervals occurring every one year or 25,000km. Capped-priced servicing plans: