Wagon News

Avatr has confirmed that the 07L electric vehicle (EV) will not be the only new model that the brand is preparing for Australia next year. The large-sized SUV rival to the popular Zeekr 7X will also be joined by the 06T mid-sized wagon, and that’s set to launch several months after the 07L’s second quarter arrival, probably towards the end of 2027. While no pricing or specification details have yet to be revealed, both models will feature an elevated level of technology and features expected by buyers in Australia. The Avatr 06T is the wagon – or shooting brake – version of the 06 four-door mid-sized luxury sedan released in China last year. Already sprung in Australia and exposed on various social media platforms, the five-door model mirrors its fastback counterpart by offering EV and range-extender EV hybrid powertrains. In the EV models, the base model features a rear-mounted electric motor with rear-wheel drive, while more money buys all-wheel drive, courtesy of two additional motors (two on the back axle, one over the front axle). In China, the most powerful of these makes 712kW of power and 996Nm of torque, for a 0-100km/h sprint time of under 2.8 seconds. Just as impressively, if range is your thing, Avatr claims the most efficient is capable of averaging a staggering 741km, though that is using the more-lenient CLTC, not WLTP, methodology. According to Changan Automobile Australia Head of Brand and Marketing, Andrew Haurissa, both the 06T wagon and closely related 07L SUV will position the Chinese brand directly against premium and luxury offerings. Along with Zeekr (part of Geely), these include Denza (part of BYD), Wey (part of GWM), IM (part of MG), Tesla and others, like BMW, Audi and Mercedes-Benz. “Definitely in the premium segment to begin with (is our goal),” Haurissa said. “So, the Germans (definitely)… and we’re coming in as an emotive luxury proposition for Avatr. “I would like to think (it will sit higher than Zeekr… but) the public will decide. The kit itself is there. It has all the pedigree to compete.” Expect the 07L (pronounced Zero Seven L – and L is for long wheelbase) to mirror the 06T by offering single-motor rear-wheel drive and tri-motor all-wheel drive guises, as a laser-focused alternative to the 7X. Looking beyond next year, Avatr is set to offer up to five different models in Australia by the end of 2028, though what they are remain a tightly guarded secret. “The indication we’re getting right now, is that… a lot of the products coming out of Avatr moving forward will be a new generation. Because Avatr has been around for five years now," said Haurissa. “We’re planning four to five models. There’s a lot in the pipeline that needs to be decided. For right-hand-drive (RHD) markets, it needs to be decided cohesively with other RHD markets, similarly to the other Chinese brands coming in. Along with the Nevo mainstream brand that is also coming next year, Changan is aiming to launch with up to 50 dealers around Australia, with around 10 of these dedicated Avatr outlets in line with luxury consumer expectations.

If you love the looks of the stunning BMW i3 but aren't quite ready for an EV, the German brand has got you covered with its all-new BMW 3 Series. To the untrained eye, the petrol-powered 3 Series will look identical to the sharp-suited mid-size battery-powered sedan when it rocks up early next year priced from around $85,000. Once again created to rival the Mercedes C-Class and Audi A5, it's only side by side that you begin to spot the huge differences between the i3 and 3 Series. The first is the eighth-generation 3 Series has a longer snout, needed to home a 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder engine that powers the flagship M350 and the inbound M3 that arrives later. The combustion BMW sedan also has a shorter wheelbase and slimmer sill, as there's no need to house a chunky battery pack between the axles. A set of taller four doors completes the changes. Beneath the skin, the new-gen 3 Series is based on the previous model's platform (G20) but grows in every dimension, with it measuring 4765mm (+52mm) long, 1850mm wide (+23mm) and standing 1455mm (+7mm) tall, with a 2860mm (+9mm) wheelbase for a bit more room inside. Space in the second row is still at a premium, but without a battery pack the floor is lower for more space for feet, and the boot is also bigger than the EV with up to 450 litres (+30L) available. Inside, if anything, the 3 Series remains as impressive as the outside, with the BMW gaining the same Neue Klasse cabin design as the i3 and iX3 SUV, which sees the full-width, configurable Panoramic Vision screen stretch from pillar to pillar, replacing a conventional instrument panel. The cabin also combines both a generous, tilted 17.9-inch infotainment system and a huge 3D head-up display, the driver relies on a multifunction steering wheel that features physical buttons to help operate the tech. If you're wondering, the ugly tiller, with its 12 o'clock and 6 o'clock spokes, can be replaced by a more conventional M steering wheel. Bathing the cabin in light are an expansive panoramic roof and large glass windows, which add a light and airy feel to a cabin with an impressive mix of high-quality materials. All the tech runs an Android-based BMW X operating system that introduces an AI-powered Amazon Alexa voice assistant that is capable of a natural conversation. In Australia, just two variants will initially be offered – a rear-wheel drive 320 with 155kW and 330Nm of torque, for a 0-100km/h dash of 7.4 seconds, while the flagship all-wheel drive M350 xDrive punches out 326kW of power and 540Nm of torque. Looking like a proper BMW M product, the flagship version gets M Performance upgrades that see an aero kit added, bigger black 20-inch alloy wheels and a yellow daytime light signature that reminds you of the recent BMW M5 CS muscle car. Off the line, with all-wheel drive the quickest M350 takes just 4.1 seconds for the 0-100km/h sprint. For the first time, as well as looking like the M3, the M350 gets something called Drift Moment that switches it to rear-wheel drive to allow the driver to provoke lurid slides (hopefully on track). BMW engineers are confident the i3 and 3 Series will raise the bar for both driver enjoyment and handling, but without compromising long-distance comfort. That explains why, as well as adaptive suspension, the German brand has rolled out its latest Level 2 semi-autonomous cruise control that provides hands-free highway driving up to 130km/h. The same tech is promised to be rolled out to work in urban environments at much lower speeds before the end of next year. Available in up to 11 colours, BMW Australia says it will release pricing and full specifications of the 2027 BMW 3 Series in a few days’ time. When it lands, expect the base 320 to ride on either 18- or 19-inch rims and come with 8-way adjustable heated and ventilated seats, get an electric tailgate and come with adaptive cruise, blind-spot monitoring and lane-keep assist. Pay more for the M350 and you'll bag 20-inch alloy wheels, a premium sound system and the sportier BMW M styling kit inside and out. When it launches next year, the 2027 BMW 3 Series will go head to head with the equally fresh soon to launch next-generation Mercedes C-Class and the Audi A5 ($79,900-$89,900) which was introduced in 2025. Shortly after its debut, the German car-maker will reveal both a plug-in hybrid version with a long EV range, and the eagerly-awaited M3 that will be offered with both petrol and all-electric powertrains, with the latter expected to produce more than 750kW from a state-of-the-art quad-motors.

Australia is about to receive a wave of new EVs before the end of 2026. EV sales are surging in Australia as brands beef-up their line-ups to provide further choice. Here is a look at some of the best models still to arrive this year. GAC will launch an ultra-affordable variant of its Aion UT electric hatchback before the end of 2026. This Standard Range variant is priced similar to the popular Geely EX2 that starts from $26,490 (before on-road costs). It should start at less than $30,000 drive-away when it gets here, given the current variant on sale starts from $31,990 (drive-away). It’s equipped with a 44kWh battery instead of a 60kWh unit, offering a driving range of 320km, compared to 430km, according to WLTP standards. GAC hasn’t confirmed performance output yet, but in China its front-mounted electric motor produces 100kW and 145Nm, which is less than the 150kW/210Nm available now. Kia will introduce its first fully-electric people mover, the PV5 Passenger, to the Australian market in 2026. The PV5 Passenger is the people mover variant of the PV5 Cargo already on sale Down Under.  Its performance matches the PV5 Cargo, with a single electric motor making 120kW/250Nm and its 71.2kWh battery expected to offer around 416km of range (WLTP). Kia hasn’t provided a more specific launch date than Q4 2026, but it’s likely to be closer to December. The Korean brand hasn’t revealed pricing yet either, but Cargo starts from $55,990 (before on-road costs), so buyers can expect the more expensive Passenger variant to sit between $60,000 to $70,000. The much-anticipated Zeekr 7GT wagon is due to land in Australian showrooms in Q4 2026. The fully-electric Euro-styled wagon will target a similar reception to its 7X mid-size SUV sibling that has taken the Aussie market by storm so far.  The 7GT is available in a rear-wheel drive configuration, making 310kW/440Nm, as well as an all-wheel drive variant, with 475kW/710Nm.  We still don’t know how much it will cost, but it could sit around the $55,000 mark, coming in cheaper than the 7X SUV. XPeng is looking to make the most of its new factory-backed operation Down Under. The brand will launch its L03 electric mid-size SUV in December 2026, priced from $41,900 (before on-road costs).  This means it’s cheaper than the Tesla Model Y ($58,900) and the Zeekr 7X ($57,900), while matching the Geely EX5’s starting price ($41,900).  The L03 comes as standard with a single electric motor, producing 163kW/280Nm, and a 445km driving range from its 58kWh battery.  There will also be a hybrid range-extender variant of the car that uses a 1.5-litre petrol engine to charge the battery and a single electric motor, making 178kW/280Nm. An updated Chery E5 small SUV will hit Aussie showrooms in late 2026. The E5’s budget-friendly status pits it against the BYD Atto 3 ($41,990) and Jaecoo J5 ($36,990, drive-away).  It offers the same performance as its outgoing model, with 155kW and 288Nm, while its 59kWh battery offers 430km of WLTP driving range.  It now has a larger 15.6-inch central touchscreen display and an auto-dimming mirror. The EX60 is the fully-electric counterpart to the XC60 - Volvo’s best-selling car of all time. The mid-size SUV will start from $86,900, and will tackle the BMW iX3 ($89,990) in the increasingly competitive electric SUV segments.  The RWD variant produces 275kW/480Nm, while the AWD makes 375kW/710Nm.  Performance increases up to 500kW and 680Nm on the more expensive P12 variant due in 2027.  Its initial variants will be equipped with either an 83kWh battery offering 610km or a 95kWh unit offering 660km of range, according to WLTP standards. GWM is about to launch a new hatchback variant of its Ora 5 EV in Australia.  The Ora 5 hatch will rival the BYD Dolphin and MG4 Urban in the affordable EV space.  It’s expected to have the same single motor found in the SUV variant, making 150kW/260Nm.  GWM has confirmed it has a 58kWh battery with a 435km driving range (WLTP). 

Zeekr has announced monthly sales figures for August, announcing that it has more than doubled its global sales footprint year-on-year. Up a massive 100.4 per cent year-on-year, Zeekr reports it has delivered 251,000 vehicles, with monthly sales volume for August coming to 36,981 units. The growing luxury arm of Geely, Zeekr says it has now cumulatively sold nearly 900,000 units worldwide since its inception in 2021. This is an important milestone for Geely, as the higher pricing and margin of Zeekr vehicles is dragging up the brand’s average sale price in an environment where China’s automakers are seeking better profits after a bruising price war in the domestic market. The average sale price for a Zeekr vehicle is reportedly 370,000 RMB (A$77,090) and is an important factor in dragging the average sale price up for the entire Geely Group. Highlights for the year so far shared by Zeekr include over 200,000 global orders for the 7X mid-size SUV, and the Zeekr 9X large SUV becoming the best-selling SUV above the A$100,000 mark in China. In addition, the 009 people mover is now the best-selling luxury electric people mover in several markets, while the 7GT, soon to go on sale in Australia, is moving over 10,000 units a month globally. Zeekr has experienced explosive growth in Australia over the course of 2026, led primarily by its 7X, which until the end of July has clocked 7424 registrations. This has made it one of the best-selling electric cars in the country, ranking only behind more mainstream offerings like the BYD Sealion 7, Geely EX5 and Tesla Model Y. Zeekr will no doubt be expecting a bumper year in 2027, as well, as it adds the 7GT electric station wagon to the range as a new rival to the BYD Seal and Tesla Model 3 before the end of the year, with the 8X large SUV and 9X flagship, both as plug-in hybrids, also set to join the line-up in 2027. For Geely’s part, it has also experienced massive growth in Australia, moving over 14,000 units so far in 2026, despite only having a two-model range. The keenly-priced EX2 hatchback has just joined its range, with the Emgrand sedan and possibly the Monjaro upper mid-sizer set to join the range next year as hybrid options. The company has big global aspirations to double its export sales in 2027. Doing so in Australia would put the brand in the same stead as other Chinese success stories like BYD, Chery and GWM. But Geely’s Australian CEO Alex Gu told CarsGuide earlier this year that the company would continue its measured approach in Australia, despite its early success. “Success isn’t just the volume booming,” he said, “success is also customer satisfaction and dealer satisfaction.” “We’ve only launched two models and for example other brands have launched 10 models. “Of course, they have been in the marke longer, but even with two models you can see we only try to bring ‘star’ models into each segment. “From my perspective, 1000 a month is a milestone for a new model, especially in mainstream segments.” He said the company’s ultimate target was to be a global top-five player, and that in export markets like Australia the goal was to be “the number one Chinese brand.” From there it was a matter of challenging “the global top three.” Stay tuned for more on Zeekr’s new model roll out, as well as more on Geely’s plans for 2027.

Volvo is reportedly working on a next-generation version of its plug-in hybrid (PHEV) technology and it’s understood it will be applied to a series of vehicles. While it’s virtually guaranteed that this new Volvo PHEV system will make its way into a number of SUVs, new information indicates that it may power a successor to the S60 sedan. Tentatively dubbed the S70, a heavily camouflaged prototype has been spied in China. It’s understood to be based on the Lynk & Co 10. Official details are few and far between for now, but it’s understood it could be revealed before the end of 2026 and may initially be for the Chinese market, like the XC70 SUV. Based on this, digital artist Sugar Design has whipped up some renders of this forthcoming PHEV sedan. The digital renders of the forthcoming, so-called Volvo S70 show it has some design similarities with the XC70 PHEV SUV. There’s a faux front grille, large diamond-cut alloy wheels, flush door handles, as well as an elliptical tail-light design. Another notable design point is the LiDAR mounted on the roof which indicates that the car may have some level of semi-autonomous driving capabilities. No renders of the interior have been made yet, however a spied prototype showed it will have a central roller and button cluster like the new XC70, EX60 and ES90. At this stage we’ve only seen a sedan version of this forthcoming Volvo, however Sugar Design has mocked up what a wagon counterpart would look like. Tentatively dubbed the V70, it looks virtually identical to the S70 renders, but has a longer roofline, as well as a more upright tailgate and tail-lights that look more like the XC70. It’s unclear whether Volvo actually intends to produce a wagon version of the forthcoming S70. If it does, it could be a successor to the V60 which was axed during 2025. No official details about what may power the Volvo S70 and V70 have been confirmed yet, however PHEV power is likely. Given reports have indicated that the Lynk & Co 10 may form the basis of these cars, this potentially points to what may be on offer. The Lynk & Co 10 is powered by a PHEV set-up combining a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine with two electric motors. Total system output is 390kW. The electric motors are fed by either an 18.4kWh or 38.2kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery pack, allowing up to 100km or 192km of CLTC claimed electric range, respectively. It’s understood that the forthcoming Volvo S70 sedan could be revealed before the end of 2026. Like the Volvo XC70, it’s expected the S70 will likely be aimed primarily at the Chinese market where sedans are still popular. However, export markets may be on the cards. While the S70 seems closer to production reality, it’s unclear whether Volvo actually plans to produce a wagon counterpart. No spied prototypes have been caught yet. If Volvo does plan to launch a new electrified sedan and wagon, the pair would form as successors to the S60 and V60.

Audi has introduced a series of updates for model year 2026 (MY26) to the A5 and S5 liftback and wagon, as well as the Q5 and Q6 e-tron SUVs. All models now receive physical scroll wheels on the steering wheel with haptic feedback. These replace the touch-sensitive sliders. Additionally there’s a new-generation multimedia software with new digital instrument cluster views and enhanced functionality thanks to an app store, upgraded USBs, as well as the capability to connect to headsets and game controllers via bluetooth. On the safety front, all MY26 Audi A5, S5, Q5 and Q6 e-tron variants receive a new long-range radar, as well as the inclusion of active lane-keep assist and a lane-change assist. Audi claims this has been optimised for Australian conditions. Audi S5 variants also receive a new ‘dynamic plus’ drive mode that allows for controlled oversteering by altering the stability control, torque distribution, brake torque vectoring, and the engine and transmission calibration. The S5 also receives a factory-fitted dashcam, as well as enhanced parking features including trained parking, a reverse assistant, kerb protection and a car wash mode. The 10.9-inch passenger touchscreen is now added via the optional Premium package for the A5 e-hybrid. It was previously a standalone optional extra. Before on-road costs pricing for the 2026 Audi A5/S5 line-up is as follows: A5 Sedan e-hybrid quattro 270kW S line: $89,900 A5 Sedan TFSI 150kW S line: $81,127 A5 Avant e-hybrid quattro 270kW S line: $92,818 A5 Sedan TFSI quattro 200kW S line: $89,827 A5 Avant TFSI quattro 200kW S line: $92,827 S5 Sedan: $116,827 S5 Avant: $119,827 After an initial batch of MY25 Q5 e-hybrid plug-in hybrid (PHEV) examples arriving in Australia, supply of the updated MY26 examples are now fully on tap. The Q5 is still available in TFSI 150kW, TDI 150kW quattro, TFSI 200kW quattro, e-hybrid 270kW, as well as the flagship SQ5 variants. Both SUV and Sportback ‘coupe’ SUV body styles remain on offer. Beyond the new multimedia and active safety updates, the optional 10.9-inch passenger touchscreen has been moved from the Tech Pro to the Premium package. Additionally, the Tech Pro package gains additional parking functions like trained parking, a reverse assistant, kerb protection and a car wash mode. A dashcam now comes standard on SQ5 variants. Before on-road costs pricing for the 2026 Audi Q5/SQ5 line-up is as follows: Q5 SUV TFSI 150kW: $83,627 Q5 Sportback TFSI 150kW: $87,127 Q5 SUV TDI 150kW quattro: $89,727 Q5 SUV TDI 150kW quattro sport: $96,227 Q5 SUV e-hybrid 270kW: $98,018 Q5 SUV TFSI 200kW quattro sport: $98,027 Q5 Sportback TDI 150kW quattro sport: $99,727 Q5 Sportback TFSI 200kW quattro sport: $101,527 SQ5 SUV sport: $110,027 SQ5 Sportback sport: $113,527 SQ5 SUV: $126,027 SQ5 Sportback: $129,527 For MY26 Audi has discontinued the mid-spec Q6 e-tron Performance trim, leaving only the entry-level Q6 e-tron and flagship SQ6 e-tron variants. Both are offered in SUV and Sportback ‘coupe’ SUV body styles. Range is claimed to have been "optimised" for all variants, plus there’s "optimised" regenerative braking, the addition of one-pedal driving, as well as additional charging information. The entry-level Q6 e-tron trims now get frequency selective comfort suspension as standard. This car previously had passive dampers. A dashcam comes as standard on all variants, plus there are additional modes for the augmented reality head-up display. Before on-road costs pricing for the 2026 Audi Q6 e-tron/SQ6 e-tron line-up is as follows: Q6 e-tron SUV: $101,017 Q6 e-tron Sportback: $101,017 SQ6 e-tron SUV: $152,517.81 SQ6 e-tron Sportback: $157,517

Zeekr has shared details of its upcoming 7GT wagon ahead of its Australian arrival. Due before the end of 2026, the 7GT will be the brand’s next model following on from the success of the 7X mid-size SUV, and the brand has now confirmed it will bring the same three core trim levels available in China across to our market. This means the 7GT will be available in both standard and long-range versions, as well as a top-spec Performance all-wheel drive. The brand also hinted at an as-yet unknown fourth variant, which was said to be some kind of special edition. The 7GT has already been specified in Europe, where it is available in a base 75kWh Core RWD version with 310kW/440Nm. It can accelerate from 0-100km/h in 5.3 seconds and travel 519km according to WLTP measuring standards.  Next is a mid-spec 100kWh Long Range RWD version with the same power outputs and 0-100km/h sprint time despite its larger battery. Its range is boosted to 655km (WLTP). The top-spec Privilege AWD adds a second motor on the front axle, producing a combined output of 475kW/710Nm. It reduces the 0-100km/h sprint time to just 3.3 seconds, but also reduces driving range to 558km (WLTP). If the 7GT’s local price-tags remain relative to the cost of the 7X SUV in China, it will be a keenly-priced option locally. In China, the 7GT is priced lower than the 7X, with a conversion suggesting a starting figure of around $55,000, especially since the entry-level rear-wheel drive version is now confirmed. Expect the top-spec all-wheel drive version to top-out closer to $70,000. While specifications for right-hand drive Australian market cars are yet to be revealed, over in Europe the base car comes with the large 15.0-inch multimedia touchscreen and 13.0-inch digital dash, as well as built-in navigation and even panoramic sunroof. The mid-grade Long Range adds things like a 35.5-inch head-up display, while the top-spec Privilege AWD grade also adds active air suspension with adaptive dampers. Overseas, all three core 7GT variants are also available optionally with a range of interior packages, ranging from suede sports seats through to up-sized performance brakes designed to extend performance usage beyond what would otherwise be possible in cars with such heavy batteries. All versions of the 7GT are also equipped with an 800-volt electrical architecture, allowing a 10-80 per cent charge time between 13 and 16 minutes. All cars are also equipped with 3.3kW vehicle-to-load discharging and 22kW AC charging according to Euro specs. Inside, Euro spec cars get a choice of textile black, or Nappa leather interior trim in either charcoal or white. Chinese cars meanwhile are available with a wider array of interior trims including synthetic suede. The 7GT’s wagon body allows it a 456-litre boot capacity, while the frunk is 65-litres in rear-wheel drive variants or 32 litres in all-wheel drive variants. In Europe, the wagon is permitted to tow 1600kg, although whether this will carry over into the Australian market where regulations tend to be slightly different, remains to be seen. The 7GT was also recently awarded a maximum five-star EuroNCAP safety rating (which is expected to form the basis of a maximum five-star ANCAP rating). The sporty wagon will be Zeekr’s next launch in Australia, with the highly-anticipated 8X large SUV and 9X flagship due over the course of 2027, both of which will introduce plug-in hybrid power to the Chinese premium automaker’s line-up.

A new variant for the GWM Ora 5 has appeared in Chinese government filings. Dubbed the Ora 5 GT, it is a plug-in hybrid wagon sibling to the budget electric Ora 5 SUV already on sale in Australia. The car was spotted undergoing testing in China in June, and is GWM's latest addition to its busy Ora lineup. It is bigger than the Ora 5 electric SUV, measuring up at 4758mm long, up to 1844mm wide, 1630mm tall, with a wheelbase of 2720mm. There are no direct rivals for the car in Australia, with the BYD Seal 6 PHEV wagon ($34,990) a size up. The Ora 5 GT will be powered by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine and electric motor set-up, making 115kW.  The car will be fitted with a lithium-iron-phosphate battery from Chinese giant CATL, but there is no official driving range figure yet. GWM Australia hasn't officially confirmed the arrival of the Ora 5 GT yet, but the local branch is considering it. The car won't launch this year, with it more likely to hit the market in early 2027 if it does come here. The brand axed its Ora hatch EV Down Under earlier this year, effectively replacing it with the Ora 5 SUV. A hatchback variant of the Ora 5 will launch in Australia before the end of this year, with a hybrid SUV variant not too far away either. Hybrids are on the agenda for GWM, with the brand plotting to bring across more Ora variants to Australia.  "In terms of the levels of adoption that we expect to see within this market, within the coming years, we expect (hybrids) to accelerate more quickly," GWM Australia Head of Marketing and Communications Steve Maciver told CarsGuide in late 2025.  "We think we can do a lot more with Ora… with plug-in hybrid, but EV will certainly come behind that as well, for sure."

We’re more than halfway through 2026 and I can definitively say that this year's new cars are the ugliest to date. Sure you can argue the plastic fantastic cars of the late 1990s and early 2000s, or the asthmatic land yachts from the mid-to-late 1970s looked the worst, but so far this year what carmakers have been revealing is an assault to the eyes. Suspect number one is the Ferrari Luce. The Italian carmaker’s recent car design has been rather indistinguishable from model to model. For example, if you told me to tell you the difference between a 849 Testarossa and 12Cilindri and Amalfi, I’d really struggle. I say this as a die-hard car fan. But the Luce marked a jagged change in direction for Ferrari. It was designed by creative collection LoveFrom, which was founded by former Apple exec Sir Jony Ive. I’ll admit the interior of the Luce is stunning and the blending of digital and analogue elements is ingenious, but the exterior is a bloated mess. It’s made even worse with the fact it has a Ferrari badge on it. The Luce would make so much more sense with any other badge attached to it. This is just the tip of the iceberg. Five days before the Luce was revealed, Mercedes-AMG revealed its all-new AMG GT 4-Door. Mercedes did receive some negative press regarding the AMG GT 4-Door’s design, it was arguably saved by the reveal of the Luce as the news cycle and people’s attention shifted very quickly. Its design deserved to be roasted more. Like the Luce, the new AMG GT 4-Door is all-electric and it looks just as horrific. The Mercedes is much more flashy and tacky, though. I’ll admit that the overall silhouette is slick and low-sprung, like a performance car should, but the front grille and lighting signatures are a hot mess. Then inside, if you take the Mercedes-Benz badge away, the AMG GT 4-Door doesn't have anything distinguishing it specifically as a Mercedes model. Sure you could argue that the circular air vents or the screen set-up is a Mercedes design trait, but there is more to design language than this. Lastly there’s the new Nissan Juke, which is all-electric and a European-focused model, meaning it’s not coming to Australia. The Juke has always had a polarising design, but this new-generation takes it to the next level. There are so many creases and lines on the outside that it looks like the car has been pre-crashed or perhaps hasn’t fully rendered yet. I will admit that with certain colour combinations the new Juke does look cool, but the lighting, especially the tail lights look silly. They’re mounted so low and are too large. While the new Juke stands out too much, there are a plethora of gargantuan Chinese SUVs with range-extender (REEV) powertrains that are indistinguishable from each other. They’re all large blobs on wheels with ginormous grilles. Examples that have been revealed so far in 2026 include the IM LS9 Hyper, Wey V9X, XPeng GX and the Zeekr 8X. Many more will likely pop up before the end of the year. Although there have been some shockingly bad-looking cars revealed this year, there are still some diamonds in the rough. 2026 also seems to be the revival of the wagon. Some highlights include the new Audi RS5, which is available in liftback and wagon, as well as the new A6 allroad, which has some of the best and most exaggerated rear wheel arches that I’ve seen on a production car for a long time. The new Dacia Striker is a beautiful-looking car that has just the right amount of wagon and crossover SUV design elements. It’s segment-busting in the same way as the Peugeot 408 and previous-generation Subaru Outback are. It’s worth noting once again that 2026 is only halfway through and there is still another six months to go. There’s still time to turn things around in terms of new car design, but I’ll believe it when I see it.

Details of Chinese carmaking giant GWM’s upcoming ‘next-size-up’ Ora 7 sportback-style wagon have finally emerged, just after the pure-electric Ora 5 compact SUV launched in Australia. Displayed as a production-ready ‘concept’ at last year’s Shanghai motor show, filings with the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) have filled out the technical picture for the new BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle). To be named Ora Lightning Cat in its home market, it’s likely the mid-size five-seater will replace the existing Porsche Panamera ‘inspired’ coupe-style sedan version of the car. Measuring just over 4.8m long, a little more than 1.8m wide and around 1.5m tall with a 2870mm wheelbase, the new Ora 7 is in the same size ballpark as medium BEV sedans, including the BYD Seal, Kia EV4 and Mazda 6e.  The new wagon will be offered with a choice of 58.3kWh and 68.9kWh NMC (Nickel Manganese Cobalt) battery packs across single-motor, front-wheel drive and dual-motor, all-wheel drive variants. The current Ora 07 sedan uses LFP (Lithium iron Phosphate) batteries.  A 150kW/340Nm motor on the front axle is used on two FWD versions, which is joined by a second 160kW unit at the rear for a combined 300kW/680Nm on the flagship AWD. Range claim for the base FWD version is 560km (to the more lenient CLTC - China Light-duty vehicle Test Cycle protocol), with a large-battery long-range FWD variant expanding that number to 630km and the heavier dual-motor AWD using the same pack coming in at 535km. Three tyre sizes are quoted - 225/50R18 (FWD standard), 235/50R18 (FWD long range) and 235/45R19 (AWD). And it’s interesting to note the concept version’s flush door handles have been swapped for traditional pull-out units in the production car in line with the Chinese MIIT’s ban on new vehicles models with flush handles applying for approval starting January 1, 2027. If the newcomer was to land here it will have to match or better that previously-mentioned EV sedan trio on price - BYD Seal (from $49,888), Kia EV4 (from $49,990) and Mazda 6e ($49,990), all prices before on-road costs. CarsGuide contacted GWM Australia for comment on the new Ora 7 wagon’s potential for local sale and a spokesperson told us, "Our current focus is on the Ora 5 platform and the opportunities to expand that range. "As confirmed at the recent Ora 5 launch, a touring/wagon variant is already on the roadmap which we feel would be more aligned to Australian market requirements," they said.