Porsche News

Understandably, expectations are elevated in this high-altitude corner of the market, the luxury large SUV category (starting under $220K) in the 2026 CarsGuide Car of the Year awards, with our 10 shortlisted models all suitably impressive vehicles.Four contenders from BMW (iX, X5, X6 and X7), three from Mercedes-Benz (EQE SUV, G-Class and GLS) and a solo entry from Porsche (Cayenne) give this group a distinctly Germanic flavour, with singles from Genesis (GV80) and Range Rover (RR Sport) to leaven the mix.In short, there are no bad options here. But, as with any new vehicle purchase, the fundamentals apply. Value, practicality, safety, cost of ownership and driving performance are all critical considerations for prospective buyers. But maybe, just maybe, the badge on the bonnet counts for a lot, too. Voting calculations came down to an exceptionally fine point following robust and positive COTY ‘War Room’ discussion across the judging panel before three contenders rose to the top. Having landed here in 2021, the pure-electric iX was given a mid-life refresh in late 2025 and several judges highlighted the specific benefits it delivered.Contributing Journalist Andrew Chesterton called out its “incredible road presence” and Senior Journalist Chris Thompson noted its bigger battery, increased range and faster charging capacity, introduced with a relatively modest price increase.“After the update it picked up more range. It’s not that much more expensive, it looks cool and points go to BMW for saying, ‘let’s try something with this’,” he said.It was a sentiment shared by Deputy News Editor Tom White who noted: “Every time I drive it I’m shocked with how it feels. It’s really special on the inside and it’s got this ethereal driving quality.“It’s ambitious, and forced other manufacturers to respond. And think about the value play. At the entry point for a combustion X5, you can get an electric one for only a few grand more. That’s pretty impressive,” Tom added. BMW was one of the first premium car brands to jump into the global SUV pond, its X5 sending heads spinning on arrival in 1999. And through four generations it’s maintained status as the go-to five-seater for family car buyers wanting extra luxury, performance and safety to go with thoughtful day-to-day practicality.In summing up its universal appeal, Senior Journalist Laura Berry had War Room heads nodding in agreement when she said: “It’s the 3 Series of SUVs. It does the job so well”.A choice of inline six-cylinder plug-in hybrid, petrol and diesel powertrains as well as a twin-turbo petrol V8 in the powerhouse X5 M illustrates how much the X5 has evolved over time, with pricing and specification consistently fine-tuned to maintain a competitive value proposition.  The line-up also won plaudits from Deputy Editor James Cleary who noted the X5’s quality, safety, space efficiency, updated tech and generous standard spec.And then there was one. A mid-life overhaul in late 2023 for Porsche’s ground-breaking large SUV brought a refined exterior treatment and comprehensive interior makeover which, among other things, added a ‘full-screen’ dash treatment.The current 10-variant (!) line-up offers two body styles (SUV and Coupe) and four engine choices (turbo V6 petrol, V6 petrol-electric plug-in hybrid, twin-turbo V8 petrol and V8 PHEV), with prices ranging from under $150K for the entry-level SUV to around $380K for the stonking Turbo GT.News Editor Dominic Tripolone summed up much of the judging group’s feeling for the car when he said: “It does everything a Porsche should but with a family inside”.Chris Thompson chipped in: “Dynamically it’s so impressive. Driving it in anger it’s as if some wizardry has happened. It feels like a sports car.”And Laura Berry also noted Porsche’s ability to make a high-riding SUV behave like a low-slung sports coupe. “It doesn’t feel like it’s made out of separate parts. It feels like it’s one part, so well built it just moulds around you. I love it.”

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!

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.

One of Porsche’s top executives has weighed in on the solid-state battery debate, saying he doesn’t see them happening any time soon.

If you’re even a sliver interested in cars, you’ll know the name Nurburgring. It’s a 20.8km circuit cut into a forest in Germany, and it’s considered by many to be motoring Mecca.

As we prepare to close the curtain on 2025, the Australian new car market looks a very different place than it did at this time last year.

Volkswagen Group has become the top-selling EV brand in Europe, overtaking Tesla, through the first 10 months of 2025, according to an article in AutoNews.

There’s good news for fans of Porsche’s iconic two-door sports cars.

Genesis wants to build a better Porsche 911. Or, at least, its own 911.

If you’re worried the new Porsche Cayenne Electric is a sign of the end of the combustion Porsche era, the head of the Cayenne model line has some reassuring words for you.Petrol power will be around for “a long, long, long, long time”, says Michael Schaetzle, Porsche’s Vice President of Product Line Cayenne.Schaetzle says the internal combustion engine (ICE) Cayenne, which is still the model’s third generation, will be sold alongside the fourth generation Cayenne Electric. On top of that, he says there’s still more to come for the petrol Cayenne.“We are working on the ICE as well, and the development will go further with the ICE,” Schaetzle says.“And we really want to give the customer a real choice between these cars. So don't be afraid, in several years it will be possible to buy a very good ICE from Porsche in the Cayenne segment.Unsurprisingly, Schaetzle is very excited about the Cayenne Electric, but says there’s still an overwhelming demand for combustion-powered Cayennes.“We saw that a lot of people are not accepting EVs at the moment. We think, in the beginning, we will sell more ICEs now than the EVs.”Schaetzle also admits that he would like to see more EVs being sold due to the emissions regulations in Europe and in other markets worldwide.“We are happy about every customer buying the EV because of the CO2 regulations. We think in the 2030s, things will change, and will sell more EVs than the ICEs.“The Cayenne is special, because at the moment you’ve got both.”