SUV News

Toyota's new CEO says the world's biggest automotive brand would engage in some big changes as it battles shrinking profits in a tough global economy.Chief Executive Officer of Toyota, Kenta Kon, said while Toyota had strong results thanks to “marketing efforts” in several key markets, including the USA where it had a record sales result, the company was expecting operating income to continue to decline due to the conflict in the Middle East and ongoing challenges with US tariffs.Importantly,  Kon earmarked several big areas of change. One is to reduce the amount of time it was taking the brand to deliver new hybrid models, something Australian buyers of the new-generation RAV4 (or even the previous RAV4 during production shortages of COVID) will be familiar with.“Our hybrid customers have been waiting a long time to receive delivery, so we must deliver to these customers more reliably. That’s the first thing we must achieve, because as a manufacturer, that is our biggest mission,” Kon said at a press conference announcing its 2025 full year financial results.Currently, the new RAV4 has a three-to-six month waiting period, depending on model grade.Toyota Australia's Vice President of Sales Marketing and Franchise Operations, John Pappas, recently told CarsGuide the increase in complexity for the new model range across 2WD, AWD, and now plug-in hybrid variants would have an impact.As a result of these delays, plus a dip in supply between the runout of the old model and launch of the new version, Toyota’s Australian sales dropped 19.3 per cent in March, marking an overall drop of 23 per cent down for the quarter year-on-year.Toyota’s long-touted multi-pathway strategy, which has seen the Japanese auto giant move slowly on its roll-out of battery electric vehicles, is something Kenta Kon will be looking to “accelerate” as part of a new mission to “re-organise our production models".This could mark a big change for the company. As to what Kon means, he said while Toyota was “fortunate” to be in a financial position to keep providing its buyers the “convenience” of hybrids, going forward the brand will need to undertake a “review of the model mix".“As we pursue along the line of multi-pathway, that will naturally increase the number of models and that means an increase in the number of parts and specifications which will make this even more complex for customers” Kon said.“So I believe that if we can review that complexity, that would have a major impact.”However, responding to a question on globally plateauing EV demand, Kon said the company’s strategy would still include increased battery electric sales.“Whatever the cars that our customers want, we would like to deliver - if our customers want BEVs we will deliver them good BEVs and that will remain the fundamental part of our strategy,” he said.Adding to Kon’s comments, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Toyota, Yoichi Miyazaki, said the company had to “adjust the sales numbers to actual demand and in areas where BEVs will grow".Interestingly, he noted the brand would continue to lean into its joint-venture operations for fully electric sales success.Miyazaki noted China, which is already a “mainstream market to begin with for BEVs” was already a success story for Toyota off the back of its FAW and GAC joint-venture models like the bZ3X.He also said Toyota’s strategy to roll out both its own and joint-developed models with Suzuki will continue in Europe. Interestingly, he also earmarked the USA as having strong potential for battery electric growth.Miyazaki also declared one thing Toyota won’t do as part of its strategy going forward, despite the need to repair its profits.“There was a time when we only pursued volumes. We will never go back to that, and each of our employees understand that,” he said.Stay tuned to see what impacts Toyota's global strategic changes will have on the local product offering, as Australia's new emissions laws for passenger vehicles inevitably have an impact on the brand's line-up.

Electric cars are finally having their moment. As petrol and diesel prices soar, it appears everyone on the fence about buying an electric vehicle (EV) have taken the plunge.Having steadily hovered around the 10 per cent total market share for the past 18 months, EVs accounted for more than 16 per cent in April. That means approximately one-in-six cars sold last month were battery-powered.But perhaps even more interesting than just the total number of EVs sold, was who was selling them. The days of Tesla dominating the electric market appear to be over, with several new names emerging as popular options for Australians.Here are five of the most in-demand EVs in 2026.BYD Sealion 7For all the hype around BYD’s Shark 6 ute and cut-price Atto 1, the real star for the brand is its mid-size SUV. The Sealion 7 isn’t just a popular EV, it’s also one of the most popular SUVs on the market and was the seventh best-selling vehicle in April.Sales are up 342.2% year-to-date, but it isn’t just a sudden surge in the wake of the fuel crisis. The Sealion 7 has been a popular choice almost since it arrived. It was the eighth most popular SUV in its segment in 2025, behind some of the biggest names in the market - Toyota RAV4, Mitsubishi Outlander, Kia Sportage and Subaru Forester.So regardless of what happens with fuel prices in the coming months, the Sealion 7 looks set to remain a popular choice for anyone looking for a mid-size SUV, electric or otherwise.Geely EX5 If there is a biggest winner of the current surge in EV sales it is the Geely’s EX5. Sales are up 415.4% year-to-date, peaking with 1202 in April alone. That’s up from an average of just 328 sales per month in 2025 and its jump demonstrates that it is genuine demand in EVs, not simply availability, that is driving this current boom. The EX5 was already one of the most affordable EVs on the market, starting at just $41,990, so if it was simply price and choice creating this sales increase in electric options there’s no reason it wouldn’t have started last year.Instead, Geely is taking advantage of its appealing price and benefiting as Australian buyers look for a way to beat the pain at the pump.Zeekr 7X While it doesn’t have the sheer volume of others on this list, selling only 2698 examples so far in 2026, the 7X is proving to be consistently popular while growing in sales.It’s not surprising that it isn’t selling in bigger volumes like the BYD and Geely, as it is positioned as a more premium offering with a starting price of $57,900  that stretches to $72,900 for the flagship Performance AWD model.But averaging nearly 675 sales per month to start 2026, with a spike of 973 sales in April, it’s clear that the 7X is an EV with a growing following.Kia EV3 You may have noticed a theme with the previously mentioned models, as the newer Chinese brands have claimed the role of EV leaders. But one of the established brands holding its own is Kia.Not all of its EVs are proving a sales hit, with the larger EV6 and EV9 still returning relatively modest sales numbers, but the smaller EV3 is doing well. Sales are up 150.2 per cent year-to-date, helping it become the most popular small electric SUV in its price range.The EV3 has garnered critical acclaim and has been slowly building a customer base, likely appealing to those looking to make the electric switch with a brand they know and trust.Sales of the larger EV5 are also up in 2026, but nowhere near to the same level, increasing only 28.7 per cent as it competes directly against the Sealion 7, EX5 and even the 7X.Toyota bZ4XCompared to the other cars on this list the total 2026 sales of just 1323 looks a bit poor, but when you consider how the bZ4X has performed previously it is having a breakout moment.Toyota’s first EV averaged less than 87 sales per month in 2025 but in 2026 it is averaging 330 sales per month so far; peaking at 483 sales in April.This is likely thanks to a renewed marketing push from Toyota, the RAV4 changeover and the high petrol prices leading Australian buyers to give it another look. How long this continues remains to be seen, but given the struggle Toyota has had with this model so far, this is a definite bright spot for the bZ4X.

GWM has confirmed an ‘all-new’ Haval H6 will arrive in Australia during the first quarter of next year, to replace the third-generation version that has been around since 2020.Larger, longer and promising higher-quality fittings, there will also be corresponding price increases to match, we’re told, up from today’s base H6 Lux grade’s $36,000 drive-away.This would put GWM’s vital new mid-sized SUV closer to direct rivals such as the Nissan X-Trail, Mitsubishi Outlander and Mazda CX-5 that all kick off from just under $40,000 before on-road costs.We’ll know more about pricing and other specification details closer to its Australian launch in February or March, 2027.Elsewhere in the world, Haval’s family SUV is actually not a direct replacement for the existing H6, including in its Chinese home market, but a different model altogether and badged as Xiaolong Max, H6L or H6 Max.Released there in early 2023, it was facelifted last year, meaning that the 2027 H6 for Australia is actually a facelift of a series that will be nearly four-years old when it debuts here.Whether GWM Australia adds the ‘L’ or ‘Max’ suffix to the new H6 is unknown at this stage.We understand the larger Jolion Max will be added to the regular Jolion range by the end of this year, to help fill the void left by the demise of the existing H6, allowing the brand to offer a value-focused SUV that is roomy enough for many families’ needs.The Jolion Max is closely related to the Xiaolong Max/H6L/H6 Max.In China, the H6L/Max is offered in a variety of powertrains that broadly mirror today’s existing Australian-market H6.The entry-level models continue to use a 170kW/380Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol engine, driving either the front (2WD) or all four wheels (AWD) via a nine-speed dual-clutch transmission. It can scoot to 100km/h from standstill in 7.6 seconds (AWD: 7.8s), hit 215km/h and average 7.8 litres per 100km (AWD: 8.3L/100km) on the Chinese WLTC cycle.More economy-minded motorists can choose a 182kW/535Nm (2WD) or 182kW/670Nm (AWD, or Hi4 in GWM-speak) HEV hybrid versions, boasting similar performance but a handy 5.6/6.1L/100km.As with today’s H6, there are also plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) grades, adding an electric motor and a choice of battery (23.7kWh and 33.8kWh), for 240kW/535Nm (2WD) and 280kW/670Nm (AWD Hi4). It is unclear whether these figures are combined. WLTC consumption is 1.0-1.3L/100km, the Hi4 PHEV manages 0-100km/h in 5.6s, while WLTC-rated EV-only range is between 95km and 140km depending on battery size.So, how much larger and more family-friendly is 2027 H6?Coming in at 4780mm long, 1895mm wide, 1730mm high and 2800mm in wheelbase, it meets or exceeds the current model’s corresponding measurements by 77mm, 9mm, 0mm and 62mm respectively.However, at 436 litres, the newcomer’s luggage capacity falls nearly 30 per cent short of the current H6’s 560L. Closer to the swoopier H6 GT (B03) SUV coupe’s 392L, it is not much larger than the smaller Jolion Max petrol’s 412L.All the H6L/Maxx figures quoted are for the Chinese domestic market versions, meaning many will invariably change for Australia.Lower boot capacity and higher prices aside, the newcomer’s sleeker styling, increased dimensions, claimed quality uptick and uprated powertrains should resonate with Australians.And that’s not forgetting the Australian steering and suspension changes GWM is implementing on all new models as they roll them out, courtesy of ex-Holden dynamics engineer Rob Trubiani.We’ll find out more later this year, ahead of the Haval’s debut early in 2027.

Chinese carmaker BYD is making history as it rockets its way up the Australian sales charts that could see it finish in second place by the end of the year.Year-to-date BYD has sold 25,243 vehicles in Australia. Perennial top five seller Hyundai has recorded 25,103 so far, while Ford, the second-best selling brand in Australia last year, has managed 25,920.What’s so impressive is not just how many cars BYD selling, but the speed of its conquest of our market. This time last year BYD had sold 11,974 cars and somehow in the space of a year the brand has pushed past nearly every other carmaker in the country and looks to be headed to finishing second in 2026.The brands that still stand in BYD’s way are Kia with (27,080 cars sold so far in 2026), Mazda (27,526) and of course Toyota (59,675).Toyota is like the final big boss of the Aussie car game and BYD is one hundred per cent not going to beat it this year or possibly ever. It would be fun to entertain the idea that BYD could beat Toyota at some point in the future, but the only way that could happen is if Toyota tripped so badly in the sales race it couldn’t get back up again.We have seen huge brands rise and fall. Holden was once Australia’s top selling brand and today… well, it doesn’t exist.So Toyota’s is a lock for top spot this year, and the reality of BYD taking the silver medal is a very real possibility.That would send shock waves through the industry and mark the end of time for established brands such as Ford, which relies almost entirely on one model — the Ranger ute — to keep it on top.Ford would be anxious and brands such as Mazda, Kia and Hyundai would be feeling the heat, too.   Monthly sales for BYD show just how quickly the brand is striding ahead. In April BYD sold 7702 cars in Australia. Kia sold 6450, Hyundai 6002, Ford 5748 and Mazda 5636.Toyota, by the way, sold 15,185 cars in April.Are we living in unusual times? Interesting times, but not unusual. It seems that every 10 to 15 years a new big force arrives. Kia and Hyundai were the previous big force. Now it’s the Chinese brands' turn, and they're currently elbowing each other out the way to get to the front while the old guard scratches its head wondering what just happened. The catalyst for change has been the switch to electric cars and with Toyota, Ford, Mazda, Nissan and Mitsubishi hardly having an EV between them, Chinese brands have swooped in to offer what people want.BYD, Chery, MG, GWM, Geely and Zeekr are offering outstanding and affordable electric cars and hybrids from hatches and sedans to SUVs and utes.MG and GWM were first on the scene, and both have become a part of Australia’s automotive landscape.BYD has won over Aussies even quicker.Four years ago almost nobody in Australia had heard of BYD, or Build Your Dreams as it was known then. As motoring journalists we were aware of the new brand from China, but hardly saw it as an immediate threat to the likes of MG, which had already won over Aussies with models such as the MG ZS. Nope, in 2022 BYD appeared to be just another Chinese brand hoping to ride the wave of interest in EVs that had taken off in Australia.The popularity of BYD models such as the Shark 6 plug-in hybrid ute, Atto 3 small electric SUV and Sealion 7 electric SUV have been central to the brand’s success. Crucial to the brand’s continued rise is bolstering its line-up with a multitude of other models, such as the Atto 1 electric hatchback, Atto 2 electric small SUV, Sealion 5 compact plug-in hybrid SUV, Sealion 6 mid-size plug-in hybrid SUV and Sealion 8 seven-seat plug-in hybrid SUV.BYD could just make it to second spot this year, but how long it can stay there is another story. Hyundai or Kia could make a comeback, but what is looking even more likely is a challenge from a fellow Chinese brand such as Chery. Chery only has five models but sold 4322 cars in April, and this year it will launch its diesel hybrid ute to rival the BYD Shark 6 and that could add an extra 1000 sales a month. Then again the ute market appears to be headed into troubled waters - again, another story for another day.For now it’s BYD time in the sun and while that might not mean being number one, number two would do.

Kia has unveiled a new generation of a car that Australia will never see. The next-gen Kia XCeed is a compact SUV expected to arrive in Europe towards the end of the year.It is a jacked up version of the Ceed hatch, which is a rival to the Toyota Corolla and the Volkswagen Golf.The car has already been officially ruled out for Australia, with several issues at play for the European-focused SUV. XCeed is built in Kia’s Slovakia Factory, which makes it expensive for the brand to import to Australia.It is the same factory where the EV2 hatchback is being built, which Kia Australia is keen on brining to Australia if it can it at a competitive price.There are currently no European built models on sale in Australia.Unlike the EV2, the XCeed does not fit neatly into the brand’s lineup either, with it treading on the toes of the petrol-powered Stonic and the new hybrid-only Seltos.The EV2 remains the most likely European-built vehicle to come to Australia, but its feasibility for sale remains up in the air.In Europe, it costs the equivalent of $30,000, which would put it up against the Mazda CX-30 in Australia.The XCeed is available with petrol and mild hybrid power in Europe.These set-ups also mean the car is not ideal from a New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) standpoint.NVES is something Kia has been paying increasing attention to, with the emissions regulations forming a key part of the brand’s product thinking in Australia. With the car a while away from an official launch, there are limited details available, currently.   On the inside, there is a 12.3-inch digital driver display and 12.3-inch central touchscreen, giving a car a revamped modern feel. Production on the new-generation XCeed will begin at the end of this month. 

Ineos is still pushing to launch its follow-up model to the Grenadier off-roader later this decade despite delays.As reported by Autocar, Ineos Automotive CEO Lynn Calder said the smaller Fusilier off-road SUV will launch “probably by 2028”.The British carmaker will reportedly lean on partnerships with other brands to help simplify and speed up the development process.“We're not building any other cars from the ground up, like we have with the Grenadier,” said Calder to Autocar.“Now for us, it is about technology sharing, and once we have got that set, we will be able to bring more models to market in shorter order.”Previous reports have indicated the Fusilier will come with a range-extender (REEV) powertrain that is sourced from Chery’s iCar brand, which is known as iCaur in international markets.The iCaur V27, which has been confirmed for an Australian launch in 2027, features either a single- or dual-electric motor setup with a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine that acts purely as a generator to charge up the battery pack.Maximum power is up to 335kW and, depending on the battery size, it offers up to 210km of electric range, according to lenient CLTC testing.Ineos hasn’t officially confirmed if the Fusilier will receive this iCar REEV powertrain, nor any other partnerships it has made to bring the car to life.The British carmaker first revealed imagery of the Fusilier in early 2024 and confirmed that production would commence around 2027. This was later postponed.Unlike the Grenadier, which is a rugged, body-on-frame SUV or ute, the smaller Fusilier is understood to be built on a monocoque platform but will likely still offer a degree of off-road capability.At this stage it’s unclear what models Ineos is planning to build after the Fusilier, however Calder did say the Grenadier will stay largely the same.“We don't plan to change the wheelbase of the Grenadier or do a huge amount more work on the Grenadier platform. So you won't see a short-wheelbase Grenadier, but you will see a smaller 4x4,” said Calder to Autocar.

A new luxury electric family SUV has broken cover, and it could be on the cards for AustraliaThe new Lexus TZ remains a possibility for Australia as the brand is currently considering its prospects Down Under. “Lexus Australia continually reviews opportunities to enhance our local line up and is currently assessing the TZ for potential introduction,” a spokesperson said. This contrasts the statement from Toyota Australia following the announcement of the Highlander three-row SUV, which the TZ is based on.The brand has already ruled out the Highlander for now, which would have been expected to wear a Kluger badge Down Under.The TZ is a luxury version of the Highlander, with it likely to be targeted at the North American market, before launching globally. The TZ will launch in Japan around winter 2026, although the exact timing is still to be confirmed, according to Lexus.This adds further fuel it'll come to Australia, as Japan is another right-hand drive market.The TZ shapes up as a competitor to Korean three-row EVs such as the Kia EV9 and the Hyundai Ioniq 9. Both have price tags around the $100K+ mark, so expect something similar from the TZ if it gets here. It will have a dual electric motor set-up, producing a total system output of 300kW, with a sprightly 0-100km/h time of 5.4 seconds. The car will come with an all-wheel drive system as standard. It has also been given a monster 96kWh battery, offering a driving range of 530km (WLTP).DC charging from 10-80 per cent at 150kW takes roughly 35 minutes.Measuring at 5100mm long, it is noticeably longer than the current Kluger on sale in Australia. The TZ comes with plenty of luxury features as standard, such as a panoramic glass sunroof. Seats are configured in what looks to be a 2-2-3 layout, with captain’s chairs in the second row and three-abreast seating in the back row, but there is also expected to be a six-seater option.Pictures also show the car has a large tablet-like central touchscreen, with a digital driver display as well.This could be the same 14.0-inch central touchscreen and 12.3-inch digital driver display as on the new Highlander.

Safety ratings have been handed out for the hotly-anticipated Tesla Model Y L, BYD Seal 6 and other EVs, with a surprise for one family SUV.This latest batch of results were assessed using the Australasian New Car Assessment Program's (ANCAP) outdated 2023-2025 testing criteria, with the revamped 2026 criteria still to be officially brought in.The new testing protocols will have a greater focus on accident prevention, emphasising safe driving and crash avoidance, while crash protection remains an important factor.These vehicles are now able to hold a five star rating for six years."We can expect to see ratings assessed under 2023 to 2025 criteria for some time as they enter the Australian and New Zealand markets," ANCAP Chief Executive Officer Carla Hoorweg said in a statement to CarsGuide. "The first vehicles rated against the new 2026 criteria are expected later this year.”The incoming six-seat Tesla Model Y L SUV has been awarded a five-star rating, which is based on the rating of the standard Model Y. The Model Y L is Tesla’s first three-row car on sale, with deliveries starting last week. ANCAP said there were additional tests undertaken on the car to ensure results were applicable to the Model Y L.While achieving a protection rating of 91 per cent for Adult Occupant, ANCAP noted there were difficulties in correctly installing child restraints. This resulted in an 11 per cent decrease to 84 per cent for Child Occupant protection compared to the standard Model Y.The incoming BYD Seal 6 also received a five-star rating, with the car arriving imminently in the Australia as a plug-in hybrid sedan or wagon. The Seal 6 received an overall adult protection rating of 92 per cent, with maximum points for side impact and oblique pole tests, with good protection generally offered on the frontal offset test.Elsewhere Child Occupant protection was at 90 per cent, while Vulnerable User Protection was 84 per cent. MG’s new MG4 Urban budget EV has also picked up a five-star rating, courtesy of protection ratings of 87 per cent for Adult Occupant and 86 per cent for Child Occupant.The MG4 was marked down for marginal protection of the driver’s legs due to upward pedal movement.The Skoda Octavia was also awarded five stars, following reassessment of vehicles built from July 2025.

Kia’s new generation Seltos small SUV will use only hybrid power, putting it on a collision course with big name petrol-electric SUVs such as the Toyota Corolla Cross.The Seltos is one of Kia’s best-selling models in Australia, with only the Sportage SUV and the Carnival people mover better sellers for the brand.Kia Australia’s Chief Executive Officer Damien Meredith said other brands have paved the way for a hybrid-only strategy. “We’re pretty confident the hybrid-only strategy is going to be ok,” Meredith said.“The Australian market is very open to hybrid for obvious reasons with what Toyota have been able to do.” Toyota has gone hybrid-only on many of its key models, including the RAV4 SUV and the Corolla hatchback. The move brings the Seltos into direct competition with other hybrid SUVs in the segment such as the Toyota Corolla Cross and Hyundai Kona.According to Kia Australia Product Planning Manager Raymond Pok, the emissions benefits hybrid power’s growing popularity were contributors to the switch-up. General Manager Marketing Dean Norbiato highlighted the impending fines on petrol models under the federal government's New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES).“You just have to look at the penalties for NVES on a petrol vehicle versus a hybrid vehicle," Norbiato said. “For us to be a sustainable OEM in this market, hybrid obviously makes sense from that standpoint.”Meredith said the brand is not concerned about losing potential sales on petrol Seltos.He said Kia is content with its current split of 40 per cent electric, 30 per cent hybrid and 30 per cent petrol. While the new generation Seltos will not have a petrol option, the brand will continue to offer other petrol options in its range.The likes of the budget hatch Picanto and the Stonic compact SUV, along with the K4 sedan will all remain petrol-only for the foreseeable future. 

Geely Australia CEO Alex Gu confirmed the brand is working on bringing a three-row SUV to our market in 2027.“This model, we’ll bring next year,” said Gu, when asked if something like the brand's M9 six-seat hybrid SUV was on the cards.“We’re already in the process, it will be a little bit different from M9. The M9 is a six-seater, but we’ll have a more traditional seven-seater.”Gu hinted the M9 (or something like it) will maintain its plug-in hybrid set-up, which it is sold with in China.“I have noticed other Chinese brands right now rely on ICE [internal combustion engine] but we know that the Australian market is an emissions-sensitive market, so Geely doesn’t have any plans to do ICE, but I’m sure you’ve also heard about our plans to do i-HEV," said Gu.“So actually, we benchmarked Toyota for this,” he said. “It’s very friendly for emissions. It around 2.22L/100km, so this is very good.”Gu was confident this incoming plugless hybrid system, which Geely debuted at the Beijing Motor Show, had low enough emissions that it could be kept for the long-term, even as Australia’s New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) begin to make it difficult for existing plugless systems by 2028.The M9 could form part of a slowly-but-surely new model roll-out for Geely in Australia, as it takes its time observing the strategy of rivals, according to Gu.The three-row SUV, which is sold under Geely’s Galaxy marque in China and was displayed at this year’s Melbourne Motor Show, measures over five meters long with an enormous 3030mm wheelbase.It rides on Geely’s latest space-maximising GEA Evo platform, and pairs a 1.5-litre petrol turbo four-cylinder engine (163kW/255Nm) with an electric motor in the front transaxle for the FWD models (180kW/350Nm), adding dual electric motors on the rear axle in AWD models (170kW/280Nm x2).There is no mechanical connection between the engine and rear axle for the all-wheel drive system, with the maximum system output for FWD models being 300kW/605Nm and the maximum output of the AWD models being 640/1165Nm.The M9 for the Chinese market is offered with two battery packs, either an 18.4kWh or 41.46kWh pack, which are good for 85km and 185km electric only driving range respectively.Combined driving range, also to WLTC testing, is 1140km for the small battery or 1255km for the long range battery. All batteries are sourced from CATL and use an Lithium-Ferro-Phostphate (LFP) chemistry.DC charging speed allows a 30 - 80 per cent charge in 20 minutes for the standard range, or 15 minutes for the long range battery. Even when the battery is at the reserve level, the M9 consumes 5.7L/100km to WLTC testing, and all versions come equipped with 6kW vehicle-to-load.Expect high-end features like every Chinese car, with the M9 having a 15.4-inch multimedia screen, a 12.66-inch digital instrument cluster, with a 32-inch head-up display and 30-inch roof-mounted entertainment screen for rear passengers on high-grade cars.It even offers 328 litres of boot space, even with the third row up, or 1025 litres with the third row down.As for price, the base M9 for the Chinese market starts from around the equivalent of A$40,000, with the top-spec AWD car topping-out around $55,000. With Chinese cars usually attracting a 15 - 20 per cent premium by the time they land in Australia, it wouldn’t be a stretch to see pricing from $50,000 - $75,000, putting it in direct competition with the Hyundai Palisade (plugless hybrid-only - $76,500 - $89,900) and BYD Sealion 8 ($56,990 - $70,990).A plugless hybrid version, which is effectively a scaled-down version of the plug-in system on the Chinese-market car, would be even more affordable again, without the need for the large CATL-sourced battery. Watch this space.