Sedan News

Kia’s wild looking Vision Meta Turismo concept looks set for full production as a futuristic, pure-electric successor to the Stinger sedan.As reported by Autocar, the Korean brand’s Executive Vice President and Head of Global Design Karim Habib has said the only thing stopping Kia putting sleek the GT in showrooms is evolving model line-up strategy."At this point, it is more strategic. It's a pure EV and the price of doing a high-performance EV is what is slowing us down.“Hopefully, the upward movement of EVs keeps going. I think there will be more openness to this car. At least that's what we're betting on," he said. Kia said the Vision Meta Turismo has been developed around “three core experiences” - performance driving, lounge-like space and comfort and immersive digital interaction - expressed as ‘Speedster’, ‘Dreamer’ and ‘Gamer’.A production version of the luxurious four-door would likely be underpinned by the Hyundai Group’s dedicated Electric-Global Modular Platform (E-GMP).Its 800-volt electric architecture enables dual-motor performance and ultra-fast charging, with the current EV6 and EV9 charging from 10 to 80 per cent in around 20 minutes on a 350kW pylon.This would put it on a collision course with some of China's latest and greatest, such as the Xiaomi SU7 and Denza Z9GT performance sedans.On the car’s potential role as a Stinger replacement Habib added, “We have a small history of doing cars like the Stinger and that's something we don't want to give up on. “The Meta Turismo is our idea of a sports sedan for the gamer generation. A few years ago, we started thinking about what could we do beyond SUVs?“We do produce and sell a lot of SUVs, which is good, but we also believe that there's more than that," he said. Headline features from the concept car unlikely to make production reality in their current form include an augmented reality head-up display that “distorts the surrounding space as speed intensifies”, a slide-away steering wheel and a series of game-style controllers including a central unit integrated into the front console structure.

Hyundai’s next Chinese-built car has just been revealed and it remains a possibility for Australia.The Ioniq V sedan has appeared in Chinese homologation documents for the first time, having made its official debut at the 2026 Beijing Motor Show last month.The Toyota Camry-sized sedan will have full-electric and range-extender variants when it goes on sale in China.It looks like the Ioniq V will be a China-exclusive model at this stage, with potential for a global launch in the future, meaning Australia has not been ruled out. “We make it our business to study all overseas models and look at their potential for Australia, however there are currently no plans to launch Ioniq V locally,” a spokesperson from Hyundai Australia told CarsGuide.Hyundai's global boss Jose Munoz said at the reveal of the Ioniq V that its Chinese cars will define global vehicles, which points to its future export potential.“With significant investments into Beijing Hyundai, 20 new models coming over the next five years, the official launch of our Ioniq brand in China and the unveiling of Ioniq V, this is the most committed, the most ambitious, and the most exciting chapter we have ever written in this market.“China is where the future of mobility is being defined, and Hyundai intends to help define it, In China, For China, and ultimately, for the world.”Hyundai is already introducing Chinese-built cars to Australia, with the Elexio mid-size SUV, opening the door for future China-sourced models Down Under.The brand has been boosting its EV push in Australia, eager wipe out the fines incurred in the 2025 New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) performance period. Supply (unsold and pre-built stock) of its Inster, Kona electric and Elexio SUVs all increased by at least 50 per cent between Q1 and Q2 of 2026, with more sales expected to follow. There are limited other details available for the Ioniq V, with more expected to be released closer to launch. We know the car will have an 800-volt platform, supporting super fast charging. It has a standout design, featuring a sloping bonnet and frameless windows. It has an angular light set-up with sharp creases along the body. On the inside, there is a 27-inch central touchscreen spanning much of the dashboard, along with a head-up display. The Ioniq V is the first of 20 new Chinese Hyundai models being planned in the next five years. 

Mercedes-Benz has confirmed details of its newest model, the stylish CLA four-door, coming to Australia with petrol-hybrid and electric variants.The five-strong line-up of the 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA will arrive through May and June, with a starting price of $66,500 before on-roads for the most affordable of the three hybrid variants.The small sedan brings with it two fully electric variants for the first time, as well as a next-gen version of the brand’s in-car operating system, over-the-air updates, a ‘Superscreen’ for the multimedia interface AI-powered voice control.The CLA180, CLA200, and CLA220 all run a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine that’s assisted by an electric motor integrated into the eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. It draws power from a 1.3kWh lithium-ion battery and can power the car alone when less than 20kW is needed.The CLA220 is a 4Matic model, so the drivetrain powers all four wheels, while the CLA180 and CLA200 are front-wheel drive.In the two electric variants, the CLA200 Electric is rear-wheel drive with a WLTP range of 470km, while the CLA350 4Matic Electric is AWD with a 663km range.The EVs can be charged at up to 320kW thanks to new-generation 800-volt EV architecture. The CLA200 Electric’s battery is 58kWh while the CLA350 4Matic Electric's is 85kWh.Mercedes-Benz Australia is yet to specify the full list of which features will be available with which variants, but standard across the range are things like panoramic sunroofs, heated front seats, wireless phone charging, ambient lighting and facial recognition.The models above base-level also score AMG design features and trim interior parts, while optional Premium Package features include a head-up display, adaptive LED headlights, Burmester surround sound and illuminated door sills.2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA pricing Australia2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA drivetrain and efficiency

BMW’s performance M3 sedan is expected to achieve close on price parity between its electric and petrol variants.Electric vehicles generally still carry a hefty premium compared to internal combustion and hybrid models, but it looks like that could be all about to change.A report in UK publication AutoCar states the new electric M3 will be priced similarly to the petrol version of the car, following an interview with BMW’s sales director Sylvia Neubauer."The good news is that from a pricing perspective, they are in the same ballpark,” Neubauer told AutoCar.There is no news yet on what the price of the new M3 will be, but it is expected to exceed the current near $160K price tag in Europe, which will be closer to $200K in Australia.The electric M3 will offer 745kW from a quad electric motor set-up, which is significantly more than any M3 model currently on the market.It is even more powerful than the full-blooded 4.4-litre plug-in hybrid turbocharged V8 found in the bigger M5.It will be based on the recently-announced i3, getting a newly-designed platform from the brand’s ‘Neue Klasse’ revamp.The new petrol M3 will be a continuation of the current generation, utilising the same platform, but getting a new design under ‘Neue Klasse’.There are no details yet on the new generation M3’s future in Australia, but it can be speculated it might arrive later on in 2027, following its European launch. We should learn more about the new M3 in the fourth quarter of this year.Right now in Australia, the manual variant of the M3 starts from $169,100 (before on-road costs), with prices rising up to $253,900.There are several M3 variants currently on sale in Australia, which all use a 3.0-litre six-cylinder twin-turbo petrol engine, producing up to 405kW and 650Nm.

Geely has confirmed it will add the Emgrand sedan to its roster of cars in Australia, following the EX2 electric SUV Q3 arrival.The Emgrand will go into battle with the segment dominant Toyota Camry, as well as existing favourites like the Kia K4 and newcomers like the BYD Seal 6 PHEV.Measuring 4806mm long 1886mm wide and 1490mm tall, the fifth-generation Emgrand is in the mid-size sedan category, although sits in the space between the larger Camry and smaller Kia K4.Like the Seal 6, the Emgrand will launch into Australia as a plug-in hybrid initially. A plugless hybrid version is also on the cards, according to Geely’s Australian CEO Alex Gu.CarsGuide understands the Emgrand will launch in 2027, with its EM-i plug-in hybrid system consisting of a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and dual electric motors inside a hybrid transmission.The engine produces 82kW/136Nm, while the electric motor provides 120kW/210Nm. This is backed by the choice of two battery capacities, either a 8.5kWh unit or a 17kWh unit for either 60km or 125km of driving range.These ranges are to the CLTC standard, so expect slightly less once it arrives here. It is likely only the larger battery capacity version will be offered. All versions of the car sold in China are able to provide 3kW of external power via the vehicle-to-load system.Geely says the Emgrand will consume 2.9L/100km even when the battery is depleted to the reserve level, and it manages to maintain a 52-litre fuel tank despite making room for its battery underneath the cabin.Maximum fast charging speed is 35kW, allowing a 30 - 80 per cent charge in 20 minutes, according to the brand.The Emgrand rides on the same GEA platform as the EX5 and Starray, which is a spin-off of Volvo’s CMA architecture for the purposes of Geely’s more mass-market hybrid and electric models.On the inside, it gets a similar steering wheel to the EX5 or Starray, and a console with a multimedia dial and shortcut buttons, the shifter is on the steering column. It also has a 14.6-inch multimedia touchscreen running Geely’s Flyme Auto software and a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster.A 50W wireless charger exists in the centre console, while boot space measures 609 litres.Pricing in China is up to the equivalent of $24,600, suggesting a starting price in Australia of $30,000 or less. The newcomer from Geely will have to establish itself against the just-announced Kia K4 hybrid (from $32,090), BYD Seal 6 (from $34,990), and the segment-dominating Toyota Camry (from $39,990).Expect to learn more about the Emgrand ahead of its launch in 2027. It will form part of a slowly-but-surely product roll-out from Geely, which is likely to include both the Monjaro mid-size SUV and M9 three-row plug-in hybrid.Geely has had a reasonable start in Australia, with its EX5 and Starray EM-i amassing 1437 and 1384 units respectively, capturing close to five per cent of the mainstream mid-size SUV category.

Mercedes-AMG has released a more affordable version of its warmed-up C43 sedan in Australia.The special-edition variant, called Edition R, starts from $121,200 (before on-road costs), which is $2600 less than the standard C43. This variant will be offered in limited numbers but a Mercedes-Benz Australia spokesperson would not disclose how many will be made available Down Under.The Edition R+ gets performance front seats featuring ‘AMG’ lettering on the backrests, and bigger side bolsters, which the brand said aids dynamic driving. Front seats are also electrically adjustable, heated and have a memory function. Seats are made from the brands’ 'ARTICO' synthetic leather, which has been given a Nappa look. Elsewhere in the cabin, there is an 11.9-inch central touchscreen, head-up display and panoramic electric sunroof. The car has 20-inch alloy wheels painted in a matt back, with red brake callipers.It also features the brand’s new styling look, which was previously only available on more expensive grades.This includes a gloss black front splitter as well as an AMG spoiler lip in the same colour. Additionally, there is a rear gloss black diffuser, taken from the design on the range-topping C63 S E Performance.The C43 is a rival to other premium performance sedans, such as the BMW M340i xDrive, and the Audi S5, with Mercedes’ example more expensive than both. It gets the same 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine, which produces 310kW and 500Nm, along with a mild-hybrid system, paired to a nine-speed automatic transmission. The set-up means the car can shift from 0-100km/h in under five seconds. It will be on sale at Australian dealerships from today.2026 Mercedes-AMG C43 pricing Australia  

Kia has revealed a hybrid version Kia K4 hatch to complement the strong-selling petrol variants remains part of the brand's plans in Australia. The K4 hybrid appears to still be on target for a launch Down Under this year, but timing has not been confirmed, according to local Product Planning Manager Raymond Pok. “We launched with just the petrol variants and we’re pretty keen to get a hybrid as quickly as we can,” Pok told CarsGuide.  “It’s still in the plans, but timing is to be confirmed.” The K4 is a competitive seller in the small car segment, only trailing the Toyota Corolla. It has amassed more sales in 2026 than the hugely popular Hyundai i30 and Mazda3, turning around a deficit to those rivals last year. Currently the K4 is only available with petrol engines.Most of the range comes with a naturally aspirated 2.0-litre unit, with top-spec GT-line models getting a 1.6-litre turbo-petrol engine.  The hybrid starts from $32,090 (before on-road costs) and comes in hatch or sedan body shapes.Expect the hybrid K4 to have a slight bump on price compared to the petrol version when it finally gets to Australia. There are no confirmed details yet on what the hybrid set-up will look like, but there is a good chance it will be a version of the 1.6-litre turbo-petrol electric motor unit found in other Kia hybrid cars and the mechanically similar Hyundai i30 sedan.This means it's in line for a 1.6-litre petrol engine paired with an electric motor, which combines for 104kW and 265Nm. Fuel use in the similar Hyundai i30 sedan is just 3.9L/100km. Kia Australia Chief Executive Officer Damien Meredith revealed 30 per cent of all the brand’s sales at the moment are coming from hybrid models. The K4’s petrol-only lineup could pose problems down the line, with the brand conscious of potential fines leveled at the maker because of the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) . “You just have to look at the penalties for NVES on a petrol vehicle versus a hybrid vehicle,” General Manager Marketing for Kia Australia Dean Norbiato said. “For us to be a sustainable OEM in this market, hybrid obviously makes sense from that standpoint.”

Honda will follow Toyota’s lead by going hybrid only in Australia in the not-too-distant future.Until recently the Japanese carmaker has only offered single high-spec hybrid grades across most of its model lines, including Civic, HR-V, ZR-V and CR-V. But it’s in the process of ramping up the number of hybrid model grades, given the market’s clear shift to electrification.In late 2024 Honda boosted the number of hybrid grades of the Civic small hatch and HR-V small SUV from one to two each, while the updated CR-V goes on sale this month with four available hybrid grades. The ZR-V will follow suit in the next couple of months, too.Honda Australia Director, Automotive, Robert Thorp confirmed the plan to go hybrid only, with the plan set to kick in from sometime next year.“First answer is, yes, I don't have a definitive time, but I will say it's probably not too far away. It's not too far away at all. I'd say somewhere between 27/28 to be honest, it'll be 100 per cent hybrid,” he told journalists at the recent 2026 CR-V launch.“Whilst we've got our line-up set and our plans set, it is always subject to change, you know? So you can lock these things in, but you have to make those adjustments strategically when markets shift or consumer preferences shift, or whatever that may be. So it's hard to be super definitive of a time period when that would be but I'd say within the next 12-18 months, it's likely all of our line-up will be hybrid in nature.”Toyota went hybrid only on all non-performance-focused passenger cars, and all monocoque SUVs in mid-2024. That meant Yaris, Yaris Cross, Corolla, Corolla Cross, C-HR, Camry, RAV4 and Kluger shifted to petrol-electric power only.Honda’s petrol range currently consists of one base HR-V grade, two CR-Vs and three ZR-Vs, but again, the ZR-V line-up will change imminently.The Accord mid-size sedan and soon-to-arrive Prelude coupe are both offered as single-grade hybrid models. And the sold-out Civic Type R hot hatch won’t be impacted.While the hybrid focus makes sense, don’t expect to see increasingly popular plug-in hybrid tech roll out across Honda’s line-up anytime soon.A PHEV version of the CR-V is offered in some markets, including right-hand-drive countries like the UK, but when asked about this, Thorp said:“Probably too early to say.”Given the age of the current CR-V - it was revealed in mid-2022 and went on sale locally in late 2023 - CarsGuide believes Honda Australia will hold off on a PHEV version until the next-gen version, which is still a few years away.Honda has dropped most of the petrol grades from the updated 2026 CR-V, with just two on offer compared with four hybrids. The carmaker is expecting 85 per cent of CR-V sales this year to be hybrid.It also anticipates overall sales to be 80 per cent hybrid as well.

Geely has revealed several concepts at the Beijing motor show, as well as crucial details on its upcoming Toyota Prado-rivalling hybrid off-road SUV.The brand’s major reveals were for two prototypes previewing the company’s future direction for passenger cars and tech.The Galaxy Light concept, a large luxury sedan, was shown with key design elements (dubbed “ripple aesthetics”) which Geely says will roll out across its range in the future.While the sedan format may be waning in popularity across the globe, elements of this flagship concept, including its imposing “waterfall” grille, high beltline, “blade” style headlight fittings, and completely new interior design direction will inform future Geely production cars.Importantly, the interior also features an array of physical buttons to go with its somewhat toned-down screens, in what Geely says is a move to be more “human-centric.”Geely says a significant part of the Galaxy Light concept was inspired by the Hangzhou West Lake, an iconic destination in its home province of Zhejiang, leaning into an unapologetically “Eastern aesthetic".The brand also said that the key elements of its new design language are specifically to “make no distinction between ICE, hybrid, or EVs,” suggesting that Geely products will unify in design in the future regardless of powertrain.Geely has also teased an upcoming boxy off-roader in much the same vein as the Denza B5. Teased in concept form at last year’s Shanghai Motor Show, the upcoming Geely Battleship 700 as it’s known in China wasn’t shown in production form at Beijing.Instead, the brand showed off its new off-road platform which will underpin this, as well as other off-road vehicles into the future.The new platform has several key elements. Firstly it places a large battery pack between the front and rear axles and frame rails, leaving no room for a mechanical propshaft connection. This means the platform will work more like the Denza B5 or BYD Shark 6 than GWM’s Tank 500 or Cannon Alpha.Geely says this design also helps strike a balance between off-road capability and urban comfort, thanks to this layout maximising cabin and cargo space, as well as having crash safety benefits.In addition, the platform is equipped with a combustion engine mated to a hybrid transmission driving the front axle, with dual electric motors driving the rear axle. Geely says this system can support up to 1000 horsepower (745kW) and features “AI-driven” torque distribution. Off-road pundits disappointed with the Shark 6’s off-road systems will be pleased to know the concept was also equipped with a rear differential lock.Finally, the brand also revealed its EVA Cab, a purpose-built fully autonomous ride-hailing vehicle. Taking the form-factor of a people mover, Geely says this concept is an “industry first purpose-built robotaxi prototype.”To support a theoretical fleet of EVA Cabs, Geely said it would continue to invest in a technological ecosystem, which includes a Geely-owned and operated satellite constellation, a “world-first full-stack AI model for the automotive industry” and a new onboard AI assistant, which will also debut on Zeekr’s range of passenger cars in the near future.Other curious from Geely’s stand included its new i-HEV plugless hybrid system, which will debut on the updated Preface sedan and Monjaro mid-size SUV.This system, claimed to be one of the most efficient engines in the world with a 48.4 per cent thermal efficiency, can be paired with either a 1.5- or 2.0-litre engine with or without turbocharging. The hybrid transmission these engines are paired with use new-generation electric motors which can provide up to 230kW of power and up to 80 per cent electric drive.The brand says it has certified fuel consumption as low as 2.22L/100km in test conditions, but will use less than 4L/100km in the Preface sedan, and less than 5L/100km in the Monjaro SUV.Expect to learn more about Geely’s roll-out plans in Australia for these technologies, with the brand gearing up for an expansive model roll-out for the rest of 2026 and throughout 2027.

BYD has revealed two new flagship models at this year’s Beijing motor show.These are the 2026 BYD Sealion 08 SUV and Seal 08 sedan which shouldn’t be confused with the existing Sealion 8 and Seal sedan as they’re completely different vehicles.As reported by AutoHome, the Sealion 08 is available with either two- or three-rows of seating and measures in at 5115mm long, which is 100mm longer than a Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series.It’s understood it will be offered with both pure electric (EV) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrains. The former will feature BYD’s second-generation version of its lithium iron phosphate (LFP) Blade battery technology and offer up to 900km of range, according to CLTC testing.Other expected highlights include air suspension and a rear-wheel steering system.The Seal 08 on the other hand is a large sedan that measures in at 5150mm long, 1999mm wide and 1505mm tall, with a 3030mm wheelbase. This makes it larger than a BMW 5 Series sedan.Similarly to the Sealion 08, both EV and PHEV powertrains are on offer. The former also receives a second-generation LFP Blade battery and operates on an 800V electrical architecture, allowing flash charging.The all-wheel drive version is reported to offer over 480kW and have a 0-100km/h sprint time of less than 5.0 seconds.The PHEV version of the Seal 08 on the other hand has a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine producing 115kW with an 200kW electric motor. No total system output has been detailed yet.The electric motor is fed by a 45.36kWh LFP battery pack and will offer over 400km of claimed electric range, according to lenient CLTC testing.Like the Sealion 08, the Seal 08 will offer a rear-wheel steering system that is aimed to reduce the turning circle at low speeds, but increase stability at higher speeds.At this stage it’s unclear whether the 2026 BYD Sealion 08 and Seal 08 will be offered in markets outside of China, or if right-hand drive versions are in the works.BYD only recently launched the Sealion 8 PHEV three-row SUV, as well as the Seal 06 PHEV sedan and wagon in Australia.