Hybrid News

This Mercedes-Benz SUV just got cheaper in Australia.Mercedes-Benz announced pricing and specifications for the new GLB compact SUV with a price cut of more than $2000 over the outgoing model.It now starts from $65,400 instead of $67,600, before on-road costs for the petrol-powered GLB200.All-wheel-drive power costs more than $10,000 extra, starting from $76,100. The German giant has also introduced a fully electric GLB for the first time Down Under, starting from $74,990, with the range-topping variant starting from $86,200.The mild hybrid petrol version is still more expensive than the Audi Q3 ($61,600), but is now cheaper than the BMW X1 ($67,500).The new Mercedes-Benz GLB is available in Australian dealerships from today. Petrol variants employ a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and mild hybrid set-up that produces up to 140kW and 300Nm.Both front-wheel and rear-wheel-drive variants have an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.The base FWD variant rides on 19-inch alloy wheels, while all other examples feature 20-inch AMG wheels. Electric variants have a single motor, producing 200kW/335Nm in FWD or 260kW/515Nm in AWD. Acceleration from 0-100km can be as fast as 5.5 seconds in the AWD. Electric GLBs are equipped with an 85kWh nickel-manganese-cobalt battery, offering a driving range of up to 626km in the FWD or 609km in the AWD, both according to WLTP standards.The electric GLB uses an 800-volt platform, so it can DC charge at 320kW and add up to 260km of range in only 10 minutes. Inside, there is a 10.25-inch digital driver display and 14.0-inch central touchscreen, with an optional 14.0-inch front passenger display, costing an extra $4000 as part of the Premium Plus pack. Mercedes-Benz also reintroduced physical buttons for key interior functions like audio and climate control to increase functionality and practicality in response to customer feedback.  

GAC has slapped a price tag on its upcoming Denza B5 rival over in China ahead of its anticipated launch in Australia in the future.The GAC Yue 7, which was revealed at the Beijing Motor Show earlier this year, starts from the equivalent of just A$37,342 for its most entry-level 2WD Pro variant, with Chinese prices stretching to nearly A$50,000 for the top-spec 4WD Ultra.It is available in China in four variants, the base 2WD Pro, mid-spec Max in both 2WD and 4WD, and the top-spec Ultra only as a 4WD.All variants get a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine (125kW/245Nm) paired with a front transmission-mounted electric motor (205kW/360Nm), or in higher grades with the addition of a rear motor (220kW/385Nm).Total combined power is quoted at 205kW for the 2WD version, or 425kW/1000Nm for the 4WD.The GAC Yue 7 is only available as a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) with two battery sizes, either a smaller 28.3kWh version (161km of CLTC-claimed electric range), which is only available on the base Pro 2WD, or a larger 46kWh battery on every other variant, which delivers 261km electric range in 2WD or 259km of electric range in 4WD.Combined range is up to 1352km, while the fuel consumption with the battery drained (a required disclosure in China) comes to 6.2L/100km.Unlike some rivals, the over five-meter long SUV rides on a monocoque platform rather than a ladder-frame, although it maintains a full-size spare wheel mounted to the swing-open tailgate.As for its off-road abilities, the Yue 7 has a 34.5 degree approach angle, 36.2 degree departure angle, 310mm of ground clearance, with a wading depth of up to 780mm. It can lock its front and rear hardware differentials, although there is no driveshaft connecting the engine and hybrid transmission in the front with the rear axle. This makes the GAC Yue 7 closer in its design to the Denza B5 than the GWM Tank 500. Regardless, GAC says the Yue 7 can emulate a central locking differential with software and has nine software-based terrain modes to deal with various terrain conditions.The Yue 7 has independent suspension all-round with the top-spec ultra scoring dual-chamber air suspension and continuously variable dampers.Other notable features the Yue 7 has includes two 220-volt vehicle-to-load (V2L) power outlets in the cabin, a 15.6-inch central touchscreen with a three-screen digital instrument cluster and separate 1.1-meter long panoramic information display across the top of the dashboard.Overseas the GWM Tank 500 in hybrid form is priced from nearly A$70,000 (in Australia from $75,990), while the 4WD we know as the Denza B5 is priced from A$60,170 (in Australia from $77,185). The upcoming Geely Battleship 700 is yet to be priced, even in China.While the Yue 7 hasn't been confirmed for an Australian launch, the Chinese pricing suggests it would be competitively priced compared to its natural rivals if it did. With the usual 20 per cent additional pricing that cars from China tend to receive, this would place it at roughly A$52,000 for the entry-level 4WD Max grade in Australia.It is highly unlikely our market would receive the particularly sharply-priced 2WD versions, particularly if GAC wants to make a splash in the off-road space with its first large SUV offering.GAC is nowhere near alone in the launch of its trendy 4WD, with other options headed to Australia including from Chery’s Jetour and iCaur brands.Both of which have recently launched Australian divisions, as well as a likely local launch of Geely’s Battleship 700.This will make for an increasingly crowded off-road space in Australia next year and beyond.Existing options include disruptors like the GWM Tank 500 and Denza B5, alongside more traditional and predominantly diesel-powered nameplates like the Toyota LandCruiser, Nissan Patrol, and upcoming new-generation Mitsubishi Pajero.

Geely is set to reveal two new SUV models at the forthcoming Sydney Everything Electric show from September 18 to 20.Both of these two new Geely SUV models are set to launch in Australia during 2027.They will be shown alongside the existing EX5 and Starray EM-i SUVs, EX2 hatchback, as well as the forthcoming Emgrand L EM-i plug-in hybrid (PHEV) sedan.The latter vehicle is set to launch in Australia in the first half of 2027 and will be a key rival to the likes of the Toyota Camry and BYD Seal 6.At this stage Geely hasn’t officially confirmed what new SUV models it will display at the Sydney Everything Electric show.The Chinese carmaker previously showed the flagship M9 PHEV SUV at the Melbourne Motor Show in April.However, it’s unclear whether this is one of the new SUV models it plans to launch locally.Geely offers a sprawling number of SUVs in its global portfolio, including the Galaxy M7, Galaxy Cruiser 700/Battleship and Monjaro, among others.The announcement of Geely revealing two new Australian-bound SUVs follows an international roll-out of the aforementioned Monjaro.The Geely Monjaro is the export market version of the Xingyue L in China. It’s already offered in markets like Latin America, Russia and the Middle East, but recently launched in Egypt as a PHEV offering.The Monjaro is also already offered in Vietnam, which is notably a right-hand-drive market, like Australia. It’s a petrol-only offering in that market though.Globally the Monjaro is available in a series of pure-petrol, hybrid and PHEV powertrains. A rebadged Renault version of this SUV, dubbed the Grand Koleos, is produced and offered in South Korea.Geely’s namesake brand relaunched in Australia 2025 after a brief flirtation in Western Australia during 2010.The first Geely model offered in Australia this time was the EX5 electric mid-size SUV, followed by the Starray EM-i PHEV SUV and most recently the EX2 small electric hatchback.Until the end of August a total of 19,159 Geely vehicles were sold, which is up 600.3 per cent year-on-year.In fact during the month of August the brand sold a total of 4504 vehicles, making it the 10th best-selling brand.

After a small ($210) price adjustment across its Qashqai range in August, this month Nissan Australia has dropped the sporty N-Design grade from the small SUV’s local line-up.The out-going flagship was based on the mid-tier Ti spec, adding a panoramic glass roof, hands-free power tailgate, head-up display, 20-inch alloy rims and Alcantara trim on the seats, dash and door panels. It featured the same e-Power hybrid powertrain as the rest of the range, consisting of a 116kW/250Nm 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine used solely to charge the car’s 2.1kWh lithium-ion battery/inverter and power the electric drive motor.Price at the time of the N-Design’s departure was $54,350, before on-road costs, with the top-spec role now taken by the Qashqai Ti-L e-Power at $53,850, BOC.A Nissan spokesperson told CarsGuide, “The decision was primarily linked to its wheels, which were a key differentiating feature of the N-Design grade and have now been adopted on the Ti-L from MY26.5.”Blind-spot monitoringRear cross-traffic alertLane-keep assistSeven airbagsLED exterior lightsDual-zone climate controlCloth seatsWalk-to/away central lockingAdaptive cruise control12.3-inch multimedia touchscreen12.3-inch instrument displayWireless Apple CarPlay/Android AutoPhone chargerNative sat-navSix speaker audioFront parking sensors360-degree camera view18-inch alloy wheels19-inch alloy wheels (black)Synthetic leather seatsEight-way power driver's seatHeated steering wheelHeated front seatsCustomisable ambient lighting20-inch alloy wheelsPremium quilted leather-accented seats10-speaker Bose audioPanoramic glass roof (with electric shade)10.8-inch windscreen head-up display 

Lexus has unveiled an upgraded version of its NX mid-size SUV featuring subtle design tweaks, a revised hybrid system and new battery tech as well as improved body rigidity and better ride quality.Offered across 300h, 350h and 450h+ variants in Japan, it’s likely the same line-up will be offered locally when the new car hits Aussie showrooms in the first part of 2027.The 300h is a 2.0-litre, front-wheel drive series-parallel hybrid with an overall output of 145kW, the 350h is a 2.5-litre hybrid in front- or all-wheel drive producing 140-180kW, with the 2.5L AWD plug-in hybrid flagship 450h+ delivering 215-240kW (with an EV-only driving range of 140km in Japan). At 4690mm, the new NX is 30mm longer than the model it replaces with width (1865mm), height (1660mm) and wheelbase (2690mm) unchanged. An exterior design refresh includes integrating reshaped headlights and DRLs with a raised mesh grille which is claimed to improve aero and cooling performance. Car-spotters should also look out for exterior mirror covers in black rather than chrome and LED tail-lights featuring a ‘Double L Signature’ graphic.Inside, a 12.3-inch instrument display is joined by a 14-inch navigation/multimedia panel with a ‘Sensory Concierge’ combining ‘linear illumination’, music, air conditioning, seat temperature, fragrance and ‘indirect lighting’ to “create a calm and sophisticated atmosphere.”The new car’s compact ‘e-Axle’ which integrates the transaxle, motor and PCU (Power Control Unit) now uses silicon carbide (SiC) in the inverter's power elements to enhance efficiency and improve fuel economy.At the same time the flagship NX450h+ features a new battery pack boasting eight per cent higher output and a 30 per cent capacity increase for additional range and even faster DC charging.By changing battery cell orientation from longitudinal to lateral, body rigidity has been improved and the car’s centre of gravity lowered for improved handling dynamics.Torsional strength has also been improved across the board through “reshaping of the engine block and increased rigidity of the transaxle and engine connection using reinforcing materials.” This also contributes to reduced noise, vibration and harshness (NVH).Floor rigidity has been improved by approximately 25 per cent and the suspension towers have been integrated more thoroughly with connected components.The claim is a 30 per cent improvement in overall rigidity “resulting in improved handling, ride comfort and reduced road noise.”In fact, Lexus said the new NX’s performance characteristics have been fine-tuned at the Toyota Technical Centre Shimoyama, west of Tokyo and Germany's Nürburgring.New dampers feature ‘ultra low-speed valves’ for a better balance between handling response and ride comfort.The variable-ratio steering set-up has been recalibrated to adjust to changing demands faster and accelerator control has been revised for a more linear response. The steering wheel itself is also 10mm smaller in diameter.Standard wheels are 18-inch alloy shod with 235/60 rubber with F Sport grades stepping up to 20-inch rims and 235/50 tyres.Active (crash-avoidance) safety has also been “evolved to recognize objects more broadly and from a greater distance, expanding the range of accident scenarios it can address.”Other safety systems have also been upgraded, including:Active cruise controlLane-change assistPre-collision safetyDriver monitoringAdaptive high-beamBlind-spot monitoringPanoramic overhead 3D view Pricing and exact specification will be confirmed closer to the new car’s launch date but for reference the existing line-up starts at $71,830, before on-road costs, for the 350h 2WD Luxury and tops out at $96,090, BOC, for the 450h+ F Sport.  

The potential new generation of Hyundai’s popular i30 sedan is one step closer to Aussie shores. The brand has priced the new Avante sedan in its local South Korean market ahead of its Australian arrival in 2027.The current i30 sedan sold in Australia is called the Avante in South Korea, so this is likely to be the case for its new generation.It starts from 23,980,000 won (about $24,000), with prices ranging up to 31,520,000 won (roughly $32,000). There is also a high-performance Avante N variant that starts from $33,560,000 won (about $34,000). The i30 lines up as a sedan rival to the Toyota Corolla ($32,585) and Kia K4 ($32,090), both before on-road costs.The Avante is available with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, producing 111kW, and a 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor, making 117kW.It is expected the car will only be offered with the hybrid set-up here to appease stringent emissions regulations. The new-generation features a bold, outgoing design, with boxy proportions and distinctive body panel creases, matching up with Hyundai’s current design language. The car has a large central touchscreen and pop-up digital driver display instead of a traditional unit embedded into the dashboard. Hyundai confirmed its in-car software has undergone major changes, including Over-The-Air (OTA) updates, and a Gleo AI voice assistant for navigation and climate control. There is no official word from Hyundai on when the new Avante will launch in Australia as the next i30 sedan, but it is expected to arrive in the first half of 2027. There is likely to be more information about its Australian future towards the end of 2026.The i30 sedan currently starts from $30,000 (before on-road costs), but its predicted hybrid-only status will push that price up. Korean pricing can provide a rough indication on where it might land in Australia. Its 23,980,000 won (about $24,000) price tag will probably receive an extra 30 to 40 per cent bump here to account for shipping, import and distribution costs.This means it could be offered from the region of $35,000-plus. 

The Jaecoo J7 just got more expensive for Australian buyers. Jaecoo has trimmed its J7 variants from five to three, with the cheapest ‘Ridge’ petrol grade now $39,990, drive-away - a $5000 jump on the previous ‘Core’. However, petrol and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) power are both available from $39,990. The range-topping plug-in hybrid Summit is now the only grade available with a choice of two or all-wheel drive, starting from $47,990. The petrol and range-topping PHEV variants are available in showrooms now, with the mid-spec Track arriving in October. The J7 is the larger sibling of the smash-hit J5 small SUV.It takes on popular family SUVs like the petrol or conventional hybrid-powered Hyundai Tucson ($39,100) and petrol-powered Mazda CX-5 ($39,990), both before on-road costs. The base Ridge grade is powered by a 1.6-litre turbo-petrol engine, making 137kW and 275Nm. The first of two PHEV set-ups uses a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine and single electric motor to produce 205kW and 365Nm. The top-spec PHEV adds a rear electric motor, boosting total power up to 260kW and 490Nm. Both PHEV variants are equipped with an 18.4kWh lithium-iron-phosphate battery, with J7 capable of travelling as much as 100km on electric-only power. The J7 PHEV has a total driving range of up to 1200km when the battery is fully charged and the fuel tank is at capacity. DC charging from 30 to 80 per cent at 40kW takes 20 minutes. The J7 comes as standard with a 10.25-inch digital driver display, but other equipment depends on what grade you buy. The base and range-topping variants have a 14.8-inch central touchscreen, while the mid-spec PHEV has a 13.2-inch unit.You get synthetic leather seats in the Ridge petrol and Summit PHEV grades, with the front seats heated and ventilated. Those grades also receive an electrically operated panoramic sunroof and power tailgate as well. All grades ride on a variant of 19-inch wheels and feature Jaecoo’s waterfall grille as on all its petrol- and hybrid-powered models. 

Denza has confirmed a pure-electric version of its Range Rover-baiting N8L large SUV will launch in the Chinese domestic market this month, joining the existing plug-in hybrid (PHEV) model, already offered across four grades.Denza Auto General Manager Li Hui confirmed the arrival timing, with documents already lodged with the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) pointing to power for the luxurious six-seater coming from a single permanent magnet synchronous electric motor, sending 370kW to the rear wheels with a 130.2kWh LFP battery delivering a range of no less than 960km (to the more generous CLTC protocol).Overall dimensions are unchanged from the N8L PHEV, the pure-electric model measuring 5.2m long, a fraction under 2.0m wide and just over 1.8m tall with a 3075mm wheelbase. The front trunk measures 208 litres.Kerb weight is a sturdy 2900kg but claimed top speed is still an impressive 240km/h.Standard specification and pricing is yet to be confirmed but it’s likely the N8L EV will retain features from the PHEV including:Fast-charging capacity (taking advantage of parent company BYD’s rapidly expanding Flash Charging network)‘God's Eye 5.0’ (end-to-end large-scale reinforcement learning model)An extensive active safety suite and nine airbagsCrab parking capabilityDual-cavity air suspensionMotion sickness preventionNappa leather seat trimAuto-extending running boardsMultiple large-format entertainment, media and information screensHigh-end audioMulti-zone climate control The Denza N8L PHEV currently ranges in price from ¥299,800 to ¥349,800, which would translate to Australian prices of around $80,000 and $95,000, respectively. There is no word yet on whether the Denza N8L PHEV or EV will come to Australia but it’s clear BYD is aggressively expanding its high-end sub-brand’s line-up locally.The B5 large PHEV SUV, B8 upper-large PHEV SUV and D9 pure-electric people mover are already on-sale here with the high-performance Z9GT ‘arriving soon’.

Nissan is reportedly fast tracking the development of its new-generation X-Trail in order to claw back declining sales.As reported by Automotive News, this new mid-size SUV from the Japanese carmaker is set to launch in the US badged as the Rogue in November 2026. It was previously set to arrive in mid-2027.At launch a single, high-spec trim with the e-Power hybrid powertrain will reportedly be offered in the US. More variants, including versions with a standard petrol engine, will follow at a later date.This specific trim level has reportedly been strategically selected for volume and margin, however stock is expected to be slim.Nissan is set to initially import US-spec versions of the X-Trail/Rogue from Japan. This means these examples will attract tariffs in the US.However, the Japanese carmaker is reportedly set to begin domestic production of the petrol-powered variants at its US production facility in Tennessee in mid-2027.Domestic production of the e-Power hybrid variants is planned for early 2028.For reference, all Australian-specification versions of the new-generation Nissan X-Trail will come from Japan.Although the US launch of the new-generation X-Trail/Rogue has been fast tracked to November, it appears the Australian launch timing remains unchanged for now.CarsGuide understands the new-generation X-Trail will launch in Australia in late 2027.The Japanese carmaker is still rolling out versions of the outgoing X-Trail in Australia.There are new, two-wheel drive X-Trail e-Power hybrid variants coming in Australia, as well as a tough-looking Rock Creek trim level.Nissan revealed the new-generation X-Trail earlier in 2026 and it’s based on an iteration of the Renault-Nissan Mitsubishi Alliance CMF-CD platform that underpins the current model.Despite the carryover architecture, Nissan claims it reworked the structure and it’s much stiffer than before. Additionally it has completely reworked the suspension system with a wider track width.Under the bonnet is a new-generation e-Power hybrid that’s claimed to be quieter, smoother and more fuel efficient than the current version. A pure petrol powertrain will be offered globally, though it’s unclear whether it’ll be offered in Australia.It appears the glasshouse has carried over but with new body cladding and styling. At this stage the interior design hasn’t been revealed.

Geely’s Starray plug-in hybrid mid-size SUV will soon be available with all-wheel drive for Aussie buyers.The increasingly popular Chinese brand has confirmed it will add a new ‘Inspire’ AWD grade to its growing line-up. Starting from $44,990, before on-road costs, it will be $3500 more expensive than the top-grade two-wheel-drive variant. This means it will undercut the smaller Toyota RAV4 AWD PHEV by nearly $20,000.The new variant provides competition for the BYD Sealion 6 AWD ($52,990) and the 2WD-only Chery Tiggo 8 PHEV ($49,990, drive-away).It will arrive in dealerships in mid-September 2026 as the brand’s third Starray EM-i variant, with increased popularity encouraging the brand to broaden offerings.It went on sale in Australia in September 2025, following on from the fully electric EX5 earlier in the year.The AWD Starray uses the same 29.8kWh battery as the 2WD top grade, capable of travelling 130km (WLTP) on electric-only power. This is marginally less than the Inspire 2WD, but Geely has given the AWD a 60L fuel tank (up from 51L), boosting total driving range to 1065km from 996km. This variant boasts the most powerful set-up in the range.It adds a rear motor to compliment a front motor and 1.5-litre petrol engine, to make a combined 220kW and 412Nm.The new set-up means the car can accelerate from 0-100km/h in 6.3 seconds, down from 8.2 seconds.It is slightly more thirsty than its 2WD sibling, registering 1.7L/100km for fuel efficiency, as opposed to 1.6L/100km.  Geely has added a five-link rear suspension compared to the four-link unit on other variants for improved comfort and handling, according to the brand. It also has two new all-terrain-focused driving modes called ‘Snow’ and ‘Off-road’.