2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK320 Reviews

Mercedes-AMG’s avowed passion for small capacity turbo-petrol four-cylinder engines in some of its most high-profile models appears to have cooled with the arrival of the new GLC53 powered by a stonking ‘twin-charged’ 3.0-litre, in-line six-cylinder.Highlighting the new engine’s “high-revving character” and “powerful, sonorous sound”, AMG has clearly responded to the lukewarm reception its undoubtedly powerful but relatively low-key 2.0-litre four-cylinder engines have received since the C63S E Performance launched globally in late 2022.Replacing the four-cylinder GLC43 and (for now, the) GLC63S E Performance, the new GLC53 is powered by a revised version of the 3.0-litre in-line six used in the E53 sedan featuring an exhaust gas turbo and an electric auxiliary compressor as well as a switch from full plug-in support to mild-hybrid assistance via a 48V starter-generator in the nine-speed dual-clutch transmission.Undoubtedly designed to prioritise the combustion part of the hybrid equation, mods include a new cylinder head with improved intake and exhaust ports, a new intake camshaft and a larger volume intake system as well as an upgraded intercooler. As a result, the new five-seat SUV hot rod produces 330kW (442hp) from 5800-6100rpm and 600Nm (640Nm on overboost) from 2200-5200 rpm.For reference, the outgoing GLC43 is rated at 310kW/510Nm with the GLC63 AMG S E-Performance pumping out a staggering 500kW/1020Nm.The GLC53’s integrated starter-generator provides a short-term boost of 17kW/205Nm, at the same time facilitating “recuperation, gliding and the almost imperceptible restarting of the engine during the start-stop function”.Drive goes to all four wheels via a “fully variable” AWD system including an electronically controlled rear-axle limited-slip differential. Claimed 0-100km/h acceleration is a rapid 4.2 seconds.The (steel) suspension tune includes a specific spring-damper set-up and adaptive adjustable damping via separate valves for rebound and compression. Rims are 21-inch shod with Z-rated Michelin Pilot Sport 4 SUV rubber (265/40 fr - 295/35 rr) and braking is by ventilated discs (390 fr - 360 rr) with four-piston fixed calipers up front and single-piston floating calipers at the rear. The Mercedes-AMG GLC43 4Matic is currently priced at $147,500, before on-road costs, and Mercedes-Benz Australia told CarsGuide the GLC53 is due to land locally in the fourth quarter of this year.

The Leapmotor B10 and Zeekr 7X are among several models that have received top marks in their Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) safety tests. The B10 is an all-electric small SUV, which went on sale in November 2025. The BYD Atto 3, Hyundai Kona and Kia EV3 rival received some stand out results, including 93 per cent for adult protection and 95 per cent for child protection.Those two results equalled the highest score for those areas under ANCAP’s now outgoing 2023-2025 testing criteria.  The Zeekr 7X (the current 2026 CarsGuide Car of the Year best medium SUV under $60,000), also received five stars and was awarded 91 per cent for adult protection and 87 per cent child protection. The 7X offers a new alternative to big sellers in the mid-size SUV market, such as the Tesla Model Y and BYD Sealion 7.Another car to receive a five-star rating was the Geely Starray EM-i, the second Geely model to launch in Australia after the EX5 SUV. The recently-introduced Kia EV4 has also been rated, receiving five stars. The all-electric sedan arrived in Australia this month, ahead of the hatch variants joining later this year. The other car to pick up a five-star rating, was the Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupe, which rated at 93 per cent for adult protection and 86 per cent for child protection. ANCAP Chief Executive Officer Carla Hoorweg said this latest batch of ratings highlights the importance of maintaining car safety as more brands continue to be introduced to the market. “As more new models and emerging brands arrive on our roads, independent safety assessment remains critical,” Hoorweg said. “ANCAP testing provides consumers with clear, comparable information, and ensures vehicles meet the highest standards for protection, regardless of badge or price point.”ANCAP also announced that the MG HS small SUV’s five-star rating now extended to hybrid and plug-in hybrid variants in addition to petrol offerings.There was also an updated five-star rating for the Toyota bZ4X and its sister car the Subaru Solterra.This latest round of rest results will be the final set of cars tested under the previous criteria, with all new cars to be using the four-stage ‘Stages of Safety’ system. This will examine safe driving, crash avoidance, crash protection and post-crash, but a rating out of five stars will still be awarded for each car. 

The Mercedes-Benz eSprinter offers a big payload rating with zero tailpipe emissions, but is that enough to win favour with buyers given its limited driving range and six-figure price tag?

Turning into a particular street near where I live is like accompanying Dorothy and Toto on their tornado fuelled journey from Kansas to the Land of Oz.A uniformly monotone carscape transforms to a world of vivid colour where the seemingly never-ending stream of black, grey, silver and white vehicles we face in 2026 is displaced by an eye-opening line-up of brightly coloured SUVs, sedans and hatches parked nose-to-tail on the left-hand side of the road.A bright orange Subaru XV, behind an identical but glowing yellow XV, behind a vibrant blue Suzuki Swift, behind a rich red Tesla Model 3, behind a fierce green Skoda Octavia RS.A rare, glowing conga line that not only catches the eye but kicks off a little burst of serotonin. Maybe there are some coloured cars in the world, after all!I did some digging and even the colour names feel like they’re designed to lift your spirits - ‘Sunshine Orange’, ‘Plasma Yellow Pearl’, ‘Frontier Blue Pearl’, ‘Ultra Red’ and ‘Mamba Green’.But the run comes to a depressing end with a ‘Shadow Black’ Ford Ranger near the corner.We've previously quantified the phenomenon. In 2024 the most popular new car colour in Australia, accounting for 44 per cent of sales, was white. That was followed by grey (16 per cent), silver/chrome (14 per cent) and black (8.0 per cent).So, how did we get here? Why have brightly coloured cars become an exception to what appears to be the boring black, grey, silver and white rule?I have a theory, and in short, you can blame it all on ‘Astral Silver’ and ‘Delphin Grey’.Back in the 1980s while yuppies were firing buy/sell messages to their stockbroker on the car fax, the vehicle they probably aspired to was a Merc SL, or even an S-Class, finished in Astral Silver (paint code 735).Mercedes-Benz had managed to connect upper luxury status with metallic silver, and Astral Silver, often matched with a blue or black interior, bridged the late 1970s transition between W116 and W126 S-Class models, as well as the shift from W123 to the landmark W124 E-Class.At the same time BMW was coming of age as a producer of serious luxury performance cars with the E32 7 Series taking the fight to Merc’s top-tier in the latter part of 1980s just as the E34 5 Series represented a quantum leap for its mid-size offering.The signature, aspirational colour this time was Delphin Metallic Grey (paint code 184), often generically referred to as gunmetal grey.So, my theory is, over a generation or two, those colours, or something approximating them, have been buried in our collective automotive psyche.Silver and dark grey paint equals European luxury, specifically uber-cool German luxury. And while the majority of new car buyers can’t stretch to a BMW or Merc flagship, many can afford to tick the option box that says silver or dark grey metallic paint on their vehicle of choice.   Hence the ocean of uniformly silver and grey machines moving as a drab mass across our highways and byways.As for white, it’s invariably a no-cost choice, often the only $0 paint option in the new car spec sheet. Add in the plethora of white commercial vans and utes and no surprise it’s everywhere.Black is a little trickier. Why, oh why, is the most impractical of all shades such a popular choice?Again, it could be down to the ‘80s, but this time it’s Hollywood leaning into jet black Lincoln Town Car limos as a mega status symbol, combined with Aussie prestige hire cars transitioning from white to a more mysterious black, complete with dark tinted windows. There you have it. Subconscious alignment between 1980s aspirational vehicles and car colour choices made en masse 45-odd years down the track.What do you make of my theory? C’mon you black, grey, silver and white car owners, let me know your thoughts in the comments.

More than fifty years after the model designation was first formally applied to Mercedes-Benz’s top-tier sedan, the German maker has unveiled a substantially upgraded version of its S-Class flagship.Claimed to consist of 50 per cent newly developed components and scheduled to arrive in Australia in the fourth quarter of this year, the update also corresponds with the three-pointed star’s celebration of 140 years since Carl Benz patented his ground-breaking motorwagen in 1886.Mercedes-Benz Australia told CarsGuide the local model line-up is yet to be confirmed, but there are no fewer than seven variants on offer for European markets (S350d, S450, S450d, S450e, S500, S580 & S580e) with standard and long versions available, the latter adding 110mm to the wheelbase and overall length.Engine options range across a 3.0-litre, in-line, six-cylinder, turbo-petrol producing up to 330kW/600Nm, a 3.0L twin-turbo diesel delivering 230kW/650Nm and a 4.0L twin-turbo flat-plane crank V8 pumping out 395kW/750Nm.Revised plug-in hybrid powertrain options combine the six-cylinder petrol engine with a single electric motor for up to 430kW (+55kW) and 750Nm of combined torque. A 22kW battery delivers an electric-only driving range of 93-103km.On the outside, luxury car-spotters should look out for a larger (illuminated) grille with the option of an illuminated star on the bonnet.Digital micro-LED headlights are new, as are tail-lights featuring chrome-framed stars. A fresh 20-inch wheel design incorporates 50 cross-spokes. Striking, or a detailing nightmare?Inside, the Mercedes-Benz ‘MBUX’ multimedia interface consists of a central 14.4-inch screen and a 12.3- inch passenger display combined under a continuous glass surface.Larger 13.1-inch displays are offered in the optional ‘MBUX High-End Rear Seat Entertainment System’. Speaking of entertainment, an optional Burmester ‘High-End 4D-Surround-Sound’ system includes ‘tactile transducers’ in the seats to “vibrate and pulse in time with the music” as well as 39 speakers, four exciters, 1750-watt output and Dolby Atmos.A fourth-gen ‘MB.OS supercomputer’ enables an expanded app portfolio including streaming platforms like Disney+ as well over-the-air updates and AI from ChatGPT4, Microsoft Bing and Google Gemini combined in one system to power up the car’s ‘Hey Mercedes' virtual assistant.Other tech highlights include upgraded park-assist functionality, the option of integrated video conferencing and heated seat belts “with a soothing warmth of up to 44°C”.Air suspension is standard across the line-up with ‘E‑Active’ body control an option.Also available to order is the new S680 Guard 4Matic special-protection vehicle combining an in-house developed ‘Integrated Protection System’ comprising an aluminium outer skin to achieve VR10 20, which Mercedes-Benz said is the highest civilian protection level.Pricing and final specification will be confirmed closer to the car’s local launch but in Germany the entry-level S350d 4Matic starts at €121,356.20 (including 19 per cent VAT) which, on a direct currency exchange translates to just under $206,000. For reference, the current (non-Maybach) Mercedes-Benz S-Class range starts with the S450 4Matic at $244,700, before on-road costs, rising to $335,100, BOC, for the S580L 4Matic.

Mercedes-AMG is readying the next instalment of its ultra high-end Mythos series of vehicles and it will be an “extreme” take on the CLE coupe.This forthcoming and yet-unnamed Mercedes-AMG CLE Mythos is currently undergoing cold-weather testing in Sweden with heavy black-and-white camouflage to disguise the design features.Compared to the regular, V6-powered AMG CLE53 which is currently the most powerful version of this car, it has very aggressive front and rear fascias for additional cooling, wider wheel arches for the wider track width, as well as a large rear wing.As reported by Autocar, it will be powered by a new 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 petrol engine with a flat-plane crankshaft.Mercedes-Benz will also reportedly use this new flat-plane V8 in the facelifted version of the S-Class, which is set to be revealed later today.It will reportedly produce 395kW and 745Nm in the facelifted S-Class, however in this forthcoming CLE Mythos the outputs will be increased to over 484kW and 800Nm.For context, the AMG GT63 Pro with its cross-plane crank 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine produces 450kW and 850Nm.Flat-plane crank V8 engines are used in many Ferraris, McLarens, as well as the Chevrolet Corvette Z06 and allow for a lighter and smaller overall package, higher revs and sharper throttle response.Mercedes-AMG’s first foray into a flat-plane crankshaft V8 was the limited-production AMG GT Black Series in 2020.Given the Mythos line of vehicles is similarly focused on exclusivity and limited production, this will likely make the CLE Mythos the most direct successor to the C63 AMG Black Series from 2012. Only 800 units of it were made globally.The first Mythos vehicle was the Mercedes-AMG PureSpeed which was revealed in 2024 and is a roof-less and windscreen-less version of the AMG SL roadster. Only 250 units are being made.

Large, luxurious SUVs with copious amounts of power and performance as well as the standard features commensurate with a healthy six-figure price tag. They may account for a relatively modest percentage of new vehicle sales but the technology they contain and the standard they set establishes a benchmark for others to chase. Yet the family transport fundamentals still apply. Practicality, space-efficiency, cost of ownership and safety remain critical factors for buyers in this part of the market and competition is fierce. In this top-shelf category from the 2026 CarsGuide Car of the Year awards, here are our top 10 large SUVs with an entry-price under $220K (listed in alphabetical order) with a summary detailing why they’re on the shortlist.Our top three, including the category winner, will be announced on February 6.Dramatic design and an ultra-smooth ride as well as rapid acceleration, impressive dynamics and strong value for money set the pure-electric BMW iX apart from other large SUVs in this segment.Updated in September last year (after four years in the local market), the iX now boasts even more power, a bigger battery for increased range and faster charging capacity.There are still some niggles around ergonomics (a lack of physical controls) and energy consumption is relatively high for a car of this size, which despite an improvement, limits range.Offered in three dual-motor, AWD grades - xDrive45, xDrive50 and the powerhouse M60 - the BMW iX is a sleek and sophisticated machine.Through 25 years and four generations the ground-breaking BMW X5 has been a family favourite at the top end of the large SUV market.Boasting a spacious interior, leading-edge tech and top-shelf safety, the X5 also presents a compelling value proposition on top of the German brand’s well-deserved reputation for dynamic performance.Thoughtful design touches across the cabin and load space make the X5 a supremely comfortable, low-stress proposition for day-to-day work around town as well as effortless freeway cruising.   Available in plug-in hybrid (xDrive50e), pure-petrol (xDrive40i / M60i xDrive) and turbo-diesel (xDrive30d) form the BMW X5 is a consistent, high-quality, luxury all-rounder. The X6 brings swoopy coupe styling to BMW’s luxury SUV formula, aiming to capture buyers with a head that says family practicality and a heart that longs for a sporty design personality.  Facelifted in 2024, the X6 is currently offered in three flavours for Australia, two petrol (xDrive40i / M60 xDrive) and one diesel (xDrive30d). As their model designations imply, all are all-wheel drive.The relatively recent update delivered new adaptive LED headlights and an even more highly polished interior treatment including a sleek curved display housing a 12.3-inch digital instrument screen and 14.8-inch touchscreen multimedia system.Despite the sloping roofline, interior space is generous, as is boot volume. And despite big rims and a solid kerb weight, the X6 manages to combine superior dynamics with supreme comfort.BMW has multiple options at the smaller end of the large luxury SUV market, but for the time being (until the rumoured X9 arrives) the three-row X7 is the German maker’s SUV flagship. Measuring close to 5.2 metres end-to-end, the X7 is offered in a seven- or (optional) six-seat configuration, with powertrain choices including two petrol (xDrive40i / M60 xDrive) and one mild-hybrid diesel (xDrive40d) engine, each driving all four wheels.Launched here in 2019, the X7 was given a substantial facelift in mid-2023 which brought an aggressive two-tier headlight treatment that hasn’t met with universal approval.But the car continues to be a consistent performer for BMW accounting for around 20 per cent of Upper Large SUV segment sales.Despite a gradual expansion of the brand’s model range and retail footprint, Australian Genesis sales have remained at a steady but relatively modest level in recent years. That said, the GV80, in coupe and more conventional wagon form, consistently stands as the Korean luxury brand’s second-best seller, combining comfort and overall refinement with sleek looks and impressive value.Powered by a 3.5-litre, twin-turbo V6 petrol engine sending drive to all four wheels via an eight-speed auto transmission, the GV80 is available as a six- or seven-seater.The flip-side of its strong performance, however, is a relatively substantial thirst for premium unleaded fuel. But in terms of included features, quality and ownership costs (complimentary servicing for the first five years) this is a compelling luxury package.The Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV (as opposed to the similarly named EQE sedan) is a popular pure-electric choice for families chasing a luxurious, tech-laden mid-sizer with comfort, quality and performance to burn.Available in three grades across the single-motor, rear-wheel-drive 300, dual-motor all-wheel-drive 350 4Matic and high-performance AMG 53 4Matic, the EQE is offered alongside the internal-combustion GLE line-up.We like its useful size and clever packaging, high level of standard equipment for the price and top-tier safety as well as the car’s refined, luxurious feel and impressive technology.Gripes are confined to the EQE’s substantial weight for its size and relatively high maintenance costs. But overall it’s a high-quality option at the top end of the segment.The long-serving five-door, five-seat Mercedes-Benz G-Class 4WD has come a long way from its utilitarian, military-focused ‘Galendawagen’ roots of the late 1970s to now be offered in multiple forms.The local line-up includes the hard working G450d Professional models, powered by a 3.0L inline six-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, as well as the brutal twin-turbo, V8 petrol Mercedes-AMG G63.Plus the recently introduced G580, a wild, pure-electric beast boasting a powerful motor on each wheel for fine off-road control and spectacular on-the-spot ‘G-Turns’.While this machine’s ultra-tough character remains intact, successive upgrades to safety, tech and comfort features have allowed it to thrive in the 21st century. A unique luxury SUV.The S-Class limousine has long been a luxury figurehead for the three-pointed star and the three-row Mercedes-Benz GLS channels that premium positioning into the high-end SUV space.Entry-point to the local line-up is the GLS 450d 4Matic AMG Line, powered by a 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder turbo-diesel engine and featuring racy 22-inch AMG rims and AMG body elements.The full-fat Mercedes-AMG GLS63 4Matic brings twin-turbo V8 propulsion and an even more impressive specification, while the Mercedes-Maybach GLS600 4Matic pushes the luxury quotient through the roof.If your family demands even a base model featuring genuine leather upholstery, multi-zone climate control and screens galore in a package providing heaps of space and smart, comfort-focused features, this is the large SUV for you.  The model that turned the car enthusiast world upside down on arrival more than two decades ago is now a mainstay of the German brand’s global line-up.No less than 10 Porsche Cayenne variants are on offer in Australia across pure-combustion, plug-in hybrid, and more recently, pure-electric form.All are all-wheel drive, with Porsche refining the Cayenne SUV formula over three generations to deliver the brand’s characteristically brilliant dynamic performance in combination with effective day-to-day family practicality.Even the entry-grade 3.0-litre turbo-petrol V6 delivers a stonking 260kW/500Nm, while the Turbo E-Hybrid flagship pumps out a staggering 544kW(730hp)/950Nm. Quite the large luxury SUV. As the name implies, this large five-seater puts a performance spin on the Range Rover luxury SUV formula. Slightly smaller and lighter but packing the performance required to add a satisfying dynamic edge.A more overtly muscular stance is another sign of this SUV’s intent, with powertrain options including a 3.0-litre turbo-diesel, 3.0-litre petrol-electric plug-in hybrid and a fearsome 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 in SV models packing 467kW/750Nm for a claimed 0-100km/h sprint time of 3.9 seconds.We’ve been impressed by the Sport’s sharp handling, especially for a car of this size and weight as well as its deluxe interior, subtly muscular good looks and the PHEV’s useful EV-only driving range.At the same time, we’ve been wary of Range Rover’s pricey options list prices, but the overall value equation across the Range Rover Sport range remains strong. Not just a pretty SUV face, then.

Premium medium-sized SUVs are a small but consistently popular segment of the new-car market, and it’s easy to understand why.While providing an aspirational mix of luxury, performance and technology, they’re still spacious, practical, versatile and – perhaps most importantly – relatively accessible SUVs.Basically, they’re the sporty family friendly reward purchase for people who’ve earned it –which means they have a lot to live up to.As part of our ongoing 2026 CarsGuide Car of the Year awards, here are our top 10 mid-size SUV model ranges from the sub-$130K category in alphabetical order and why they made the cut. Our top three, including the category winner, will be announced on February 6.Nearly four years late to Australia, the Q4 e-tron is available in elegant SUV wagon and racier SUV coupe body-styles that are both pleasingly spacious and practical.And despite leveraging a shared dedicated-EV architecture with other Volkswagen Group vehicles, the interior quality, layout and presentation are on-brand, matching the slick and easy driving experience, with a lovely balance of speed, agility, control and comfort.But the lack of full single-pedal braking and spare wheel are disappointing, while the 55 twin-motor/AWD’s prices are too high.Still, the Q4 e-tron is smart, stylish and sophisticated. And the 45 is all the Audi SUV EV you need.The third generation of Audi’s popular Q5 steps up in several ways, including in price, size and tech, adopting new mild-hybrid assistance for the petrol and diesel choices as well as a PHEV option.Chunkier than before, the Mexican-made medium-sized SUV sits on an evolved architecture. With the same wheelbase as before, it isn’t as roomy as its increased length suggests, whilst the screen-heavy dash looks modern but lacks physical buttons for too many vehicle functions.On the other hand, the boot is big, all powertrains deliver on performance, refinement and efficiency, whilst the handling and ride qualities have improved noticeable from before.Not class-leading, then, but certainly now highly competitive.BMW’s renaissance continues, following on after the excellent X5 and X1, with the fourth-gen X3, sharpening its reputation as the driver’s choice among mid-sized SUVs.Larger yet lower than ever, with ample space, the futuristic, tech-heavy interior is artfully executed, while there’s more equipment as standard nowadays.It’s mild-hybrid xDrive AWD all-round for the punchy inline petrol and diesel engines, along with a PHEV AWD providing ample muscle as well as impressive economy.As you’d hope, the chassis dynamics are first class, with an immersive and flowing driving experience that’s second to none.Expensive options, divisive styling, a fiddly transmission selector and no spare don’t overshadow a brilliantly executed luxury/performance SUV.Another VW Group EV, Spanish brand Cupra’s take on the Audi Q4 e-tron effortlessly melds style and attitude, elevating the genre in the process.With point-and-squirt acceleration, sharp steering and immersive handling – and all without ruining ride comfort – Tavascan is the keen driver’s delight. You can thank the sober German engineering underneath.The interior is spacious for its compact proportions, the ergonomics are fine and the front seats are brilliant, but the scaly-looking dash texture seems cheap, the lack of a spare wheel jars and, being sourced from China, we expect more standard equipment in the base Endurance.Still, there’s personality aplenty in this unique EV SUV and we’re here for it.Challenger brand Genesis’ take on the BMW X3, the GV70’s styling has the visual swagger of a Bentley, while providing a comfortable and functional cabin experience.The Series II facelift brings sweeping improvements, especially to refinement and tech updates, with lots more equipment, upping the lush Korean luxury SUV’s value quotient.Neither petrol engine is a slouch, but the V6’s considerable performance better suits the commanding roadholding and aggressive aesthetics more, while the GV70 Electrified EV’s effortless, isolated pace make it a peaceful retreat. Too bad the former is thirsty and the latter lacks a spare.Whichever you choose, Genesis’ mid-sized SUV is highly enjoyable – and better than you might think.One of this decade’s greats, the Ioniq 5 has been a breathtaking symbol of Hyundai’s tremendous engineering ambition, creating an EV benchmark that’s still yet to be equalled for the money.Yes, prices are creeping up, but the 5’s ability to deliver elevated performance, efficiency, driving athleticism, refinement and pleasure shade rival efforts.And that’s not even taking in the timeless design, vast cabin, thoughtfully presented ergonomics and exceptional practicality.We wish it included a spare wheel and some of the interior plastics look more Aldi than Audi, but otherwise there’s so much that’s radiant about the Ioniq 5. It remains a modern motoring masterpiece. And that’s before even considering the supersonic 5 N that out-Porsches any Macan.The second-gen NX cracks the German mid-sized luxury SUV code that its underwhelming predecessor could not, without abandoning hard-won advantages like exquisite quality and reliability.Basing it on the enduring fifth-gen RAV4 ensures a robust and refined platform, along with affordable hybrid tech access.Yet the NX transcends those with its unique design, sumptuous interior, great seats and ample practicality. The base turbo is rapid, the hybrids are efficient and the PHEV flagship powerful, while the steering, handling and ride qualities are also up to brand expectations.Inevitably, a spare wheel isn’t offered and the PHEV’s electric-only range pales against Chinese alternatives, but the NX provides luxury without the risk.A step forward in quality, ride comfort and refinement over the patchy previous model, the second-gen GLC from 2022 has remained Mercedes-Benz’s best-seller for sound reasons.Along with advanced technologies, a sturdy cabin, top-shelf safety and family-orientated practicality, the GLC provides the luxury of choice – from an attainable 200, through to indecently-quick AMG versions. The newly released PHEV is on the money for buyers seeking efficiency. And the GLC Coupe boasts a sleeker silhouette.The model’s sheer ubiquity may put some people off, options can be very expensive, servicing isn’t cheap, the stop/start tech can be annoying and most models are not exciting to drive, but there’s solid engineering behind the GLC.Devised before the global EV sales slowdown, the second-gen Macan was meant to be a bold, electric-only statement of intent, with Porsche’s formidable engineering expertise delivering a breakthrough experience.Though almost identical at first glance, everything changes, including the body structure and alluring double-screen interior presentation.But it is the 800-volt architecture (shared with the Audi Q6 e-tron) that moves the game on, providing tremendous steering, handling and ride-comfort attributes, along with a powertrain ranging from a brisk (and very on-brand) rear-mounted electric motor opener to the twin-motor AWD missiles.The Macan II’s driver-focused tactility, alacrity and control rewrite the rulebooks. Mission accomplished, then, but we wish it wasn’t so expensive.Launched in 2017, the second-gen XC60 proved to be a compelling premium contender, with lovely proportions, a gorgeous interior, stellar seats and state-of-the-art Volvo safety.An advanced platform provided a sophisticated base, adding to the luxury aspirations of the Swedish family SUV, and enhanced by progressive powertrains, including a rorty PHEV. The XC60 II was ahead of its time.Which explains why the 2025 facelift is so minor – a more-contemporary nose, updated multimedia and fresh trim are the main changes.But the driving experience feels as dated compared to the leading BMW X3 as the styling. Which is classic Volvo: evolve over time. The beloved 240 of the ‘70s lived nearly 20 years and XC60 II could be next!

The Australian new car market is going through one of its biggest changes to date.A wave of budget-focused Chinese brands has washed over the market in the past two years, eating away into the sales of many established carmakers.The emergence of new technologies such as hybrid, plug-in hybrid and battery electric vehicles will change the cars we drive forever.Despite that, some things have stayed the same. Diesel-powered utes and 4WDs are the dominant force in Aussie motoring, but new models are snapping at their heels.Here are the best selling 100 vehicles in Australia during the past year.

Some of Australia's favourite models will see their safety ratings lapse in 2026.