Luxury

It isn’t easy being green, but BMW is taking a huge step forward with its incoming EVs.

Lamborghini says it’s Fuoriclasse… outstanding… in a league of its own. And while, of course, there are other ultra-high-performance super sports cars in this world, it’s hard not to be impressed by the mind-blowing attributes that define this new Temerario, a classically exotic mid-engined machine from this iconic Italian carmaker.The twin-turbo V8, three-motor hybrid is due in Australia in the first half of 2026, with a price tag close to $615,000 which makes it more expensive than the Huracán Evo AWD it effectively replaces and puts it in the same ball park as the Ferrari 296, McLaren 750S and Porsche 911 GT3 RS.And CarsGuide was invited to its global dynamic launch at Portugal’s iconic Circuito do Estoril just outside Lisbon. So, prepare to strap in.But first, just look at it! A typically dramatic, purposeful Lamborghini design. Maybe a little less aggressive than its Huracán predecessor but still featuring signature hexagon graphics integrated throughout, a ‘single line’ profile arcing from nose to tail, a super-cool high-mount exhaust outlet and a cut-away outer rear end showing the massive rear tyres like a sports prototype at Le Mans in the ‘70s.It’s a fraction over 4.7m long, so not tiny. But at 2.0m wide and just 1.2m tall it’s a striking supercar wedge developed in-house at the Lamborghini Centro Stile, led by Mitya Borkert.  Dialling up the take-no-prisoners stance are 20-inch rims at the front and 21s at the rear available in multiple designs in cast or forged alloy, as well as carbon-fibre.And under the jaw-dropping skin sits a newly developed hybrid powertrain, consisting of a mid-mounted 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine supported by no less then three oil-cooled axial flow electric motors - two on the front axle and one between the engine and transmission.This combination sends 677kW, or around 920hp, to all four wheels courtesy of the front motors and an eight-speed dual-clutch auto transmission driving the rears. Lamborghini hasn’t published a combined torque number, but the V8 alone pumps out 730Nm from 4000-7000rpm.A small, 3.8kWh lithium-ion battery pack is housed in the central tunnel and can be recharged via 7.0kW onboard AC capacity (in 30min) or regen braking from the front wheels or directly from the V8 engine.The Temerario is claimed to accelerate from 0-100km/h in 2.7 seconds, which we experienced via multiple full-fat launch-control runs on the track. That engine has a rev ceiling of 10,000rpm, which is stratospherically high for a turbo V8 and if you’re game, maximum velocity is a lazy 343km/h!But if that’s not enough for you, an Alleggerita or ‘Lightened’ package makes liberal use of carbon-fibre on the front splitter, mirror caps, sill panels, rear diffuser and wing as well as the door inserts, with a recycled carbon used for the smooth underfloor panels, plus a lightened rear windscreen, polycarbonate for the rear side windows and the carbon rims to reduce weight by more than 25kg.From an ergonomic point of view, relative to the Huracán this car has been enhanced with increased leg, head, and shoulder room. Heightened areas on either side of the turret allow for extra headroom ‘divots’ in the headliner over the two seating positions.Even at 183cm tall I was able to wear a crash helmet during track testing and still have enough headroom to avoid the all too common supercar neck twist syndrome. There’s even a pair of swing-out cupholders, a decent glove box and a large wireless phone charging bay, while luggage space has also been increased across a bench behind the seats and there’s a surprisingly generous 112-litre 'frunk' in the nose (although that’s 38L less than the Huracán’s).Interior design is multi-layered and jagged with multiple hexagons making an appearance as well as an upright 12.3-inch display for instruments and car data, a vertical 8.4-inch media screen in the centre and what Lamborghini calls an ‘Entertainment Screen’ (9.1-inch) for the passenger showing speed, gear and other readouts. A swipe feature even allows content to be moved from the central monitor to the driver or passenger displays.There’s the obligatory grippy, flat-bottom steering wheel (it’s brilliant) and proper alloy or carbon gearshift paddles as well as ‘jet switches’ and the signature red fighter-style ignition button cover. The sense of theatre makes just getting in the car a special occasion. So, time to venture out onto the circuit and Lamborghini encourages you to ‘feel like a pilot’ when you’re driving this car and they’ve tuned the exhaust system to sound more ‘like a racing motorbike’ and you can hear it. A high-pitched sound because, of course… 10,000rpm.And what you have is three motors and the twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 working seamlessly together.If you just had the engine with those big turbos (producing up to 2.5 bar boost), it would undoubtedly be laggy, relatively unrefined and not as nice to drive. But put the motors with it and they all work together. There’s an algorithm governing which element of the powertrain takes the leading hand at any given moment.The mid-range is huge in this car, so you’ve got mega torque between 4000 and 7000rpm and urgent top end power, the titanium conrods blurring up and down as the 180-degree flat plane crank screams towards 10 grand.Lamborghini’s ‘ANIMA’ system, accessed by a rotary dial on the steering wheel, offers four main drive modes - Città (or city with electric propulsion to the fore), Strada (or street for daily use), Sport for dialling up the fun factor and Corsa/Corsa Plus for the track. Paired with different hybrid modes, up to 13 combinations are possible.The rear motor is integrated into the engine housing before the transmission, so it’s putting drive directly onto the crank and it picks up the slack, smoothing power delivery.And the compact eight-speed dual-clutch transmission is super quick and positive in ‘Manual’ mode. And even in ‘Auto’ you can feel it plucking gears with satisfying precision.Suspension is by double wishbones front and rear, with steel springs and adaptive damping. Through the different drive modes not only the steering, transmission and engine are tweaked up, the suspension reacts as well. Combine that with seamless torque vectoring across the front axle and this car is properly telepathic in terms of the connection between car and driver.Dry weight is 1690kg, distribution is 43 per cent front, 57 per cent rear, and the tyres are enormous Bridgestone Potenza Sports, developed (in Rome) for this car - 255/35 up front and 325/30 at the rear.The body is an alloy space frame and it’s claimed to be over 20 per cent stiffer in terms of its torsional resistance than the Huracán. And you can feel it is an exceptionally stable platform with the powertrain operating in the same algorithmic way as it does for acceleration to enhance steering and cornering dynamics.  You can often apply more steering lock than you’d ever think possible in genuinely fast corners. Just squeeze the throttle, look up the road and the Temerario puts its power down with absolute authority as you rocket ahead on exit. The brakes are immense; 410mm carbon-ceramic rotors at the front clamped by 10-piston monobloc calipers, with 390mm discs and four-piston calipers at the rear.With a good line and drive out of the final corner onto Estoril’s long start-finish straight we were pulling an indicated 300km/h before braking for the sharp right-hand turn one. And the Temerario pulled up straight and steady for it and all 13 corners on successive hot laps, the friction point proving consistent no matter the speed on application.  A ‘Drift Mode’, available via a steering-wheel dial, offers three levels from small to high side-slip angles and we had huge fun playing with it. Ott Tänak, eat your heart out!And a telemetry package uses three cameras and myriad sensors to plot your track day progress with 100 circuits pre-installed in the system.Safety includes a 2+ level ADAS pack featuring AEB, lane departure warning, rear cross-traffic alert and more. There are front and side airbags for the driver and passenger, with knee airbags available in specific markets.Then ‘Lamborghini Connect’ - offers up numerous options including connected nav, remote vehicle status updates, Amazon Alexa Entertainment, an emergency call function, a dashcam and (lots) more.

All it takes is one look at the size and function of this car’s 1.2-metre long rear doors to realise its primary focus is on the rear occupants rather than the person behind the wheel.Not that the Genesis Electrified G80 Signature’s driver is ignored… far from it, and we’ll get to that soon. But once you clock the auto close and soft-shut functionality of those immense rear openings, its VIP A-to-B purpose is clear.And the way it perfectly leverages the smooth, effortless power and serene refinement delivered by its dual-motor, pure-electric powertrain further confirms this car as more luxurious limo than driver-focused touring sedan.At $155,000, before on-road costs, it lines up against other luxe (often commercially-operated) electric people carrying options like the BMW i5 Sedan ($155,900), Mercedes-Benz EQE350 4Matic Sedan ($154,900) and Zeekr 009 6-seat ($139,900).Updated just last month, this already large EV’s wheelbase has been extended by no less than 130mm, and now at over 5.1m end to end, it shows.The G80’s exterior is familiar, although car-spotters should look for this Electrified’s brushed metal inserts filling in the signature honeycomb grille, uniquely dished 19-inch alloy rims and a tweaked rear bumper.The interior is awash with quilted Nappa full-grain leather on the seats, highlight trims in the doors and lush carpets on the floors.And it’s not just the coverings. Dialling in the heating, cooling, recline and massage functions on the (front and rear) seats is a reminder that relaxation and comfort are key Genesis G80 objectives.And when I say rear seats, it’s just the outer ones. Technically you can slide someone into the centre rear position but that’s more of an afterthought. The huge fold-down centre ‘armrest’ unit is the size of a carry-on suitcase and contains everything from seat adjustment (including recline, heating, cooling and massage functions) and media controls to wireless charging and extra storage.Controls on the rear centre console, available only to the rear ‘VIP’ position behind the front passenger, allow its occupant to remotely push and tilt the front passenger seat forward, which allows for a comfy recline angle and a leg rest to swing up, creating the best seat in the house. Add climate control at the back of the front centre console, a power-operated rear window and screen curtains, plus drop-down illuminated vanity mirrors in the roof, and you have a comfortable automotive cocoon at your disposal. No surprise the extra millimetres in that wheelbase stretch were dedicated exclusively to rear seat space. A ‘small’ disappointment is the boot, which despite power opening and closing (with hands-free operation) offers only 354 litres of volume (70L less than its internal-combustion counterparts), which could be awkward when well packed passengers need a ride to the airport. Compounding the issue is the fact the rear seats don’t fold, so what you see is what you get, except for a small ski-port-style door in the centre.But what was that comment about aspirations of a driver-focused touring sedan taking a ‘back seat’? Despite its substantial footprint and roughly 2.3-tonne kerb weight, the Electrified G80 accelerates, steers and stops ridiculously well.The dual motors combine to produce 272kW and 700Nm, which is enough to propel this big beastie from 0-100km/h in just 5.1 seconds and there’s always plenty of punch lurking under your right foot.The electronically controlled suspension system features a front camera and GPS-based preview function designed to smooth the ride. And it not only does that but keeps the car balanced and composed in quick corners.All-wheel drive and rear-wheel steering also play a role here, helping the car turn in rapidly and corner accurately and road feel is surprisingly good. The fat Michelin Pilot Sport 4 rubber (245/45 fr - 275/40 rr) grips firmly yet remains admirably quiet.But that near-silence (thanks in part to active road noise control) can be broken in the best possible way courtesy of the standard 17-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system. It cranks hard and is managed (save for physical volume controls on the console and steering wheel) via one half of a sleek 27-inch dual-screen OLED display covering instruments and multimedia.On the other side of the performance coin the recent update brought a larger 94.5kWh battery pack (up from 87.2kWh) and WLTP range now sits at a useful 570km (up 50km).The car’s 800V electronic architecture means an ultra-fast charge can boost the battery from 10 to 80 per cent in a handy 25 minutes and WLTP energy consumption is quoted at 15kWh/100km. Over a week of city, suburban and some freeway running, using all the climate control, seat (and steering wheel) heating and massage functions available, we recorded an average of 20.5kWh/100km, which is more than reasonable for an EV of this scale.And then there’s the ownership promise that fits hand in glove with the Genesis G80’s premium positioning.How about a five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty and eight years/160,000km cover on the drive battery? Not exceptional, but in line with its key competitors. Then there’s 10 years’ roadside assist and ‘Genesis Concierge’ pick-up and delivery at service time with a Genesis courtesy vehicle handed over in your car’s place. But here’s the kicker. Recommended service interval is relatively short (for an EV) at 12 months or 15,000km, but who cares because the first five years’ servicing is free of charge.And on top of that, you have the choice of a five-year Chargefox subscription or a home AC charger with installation. Zero cost ownership for the first five years? Nice.As you’d expect, active (crash-avoidance) safety is top-shelf and the G80 boasts a maximum five-star ANCAP assessment from testing in 2021. The airbag count runs to 10, including a centre and side bags for the front seats. Final random thoughts include a big tick for the inclusion of V2L (Vehicle To Load) capability to power or charge house-power appliances via an adapter attached to the plug area in the car’s nose, a big cross for a repair/inflator kit rather than a physical spare wheel, the ‘star’ button on the steering is a welcome shortcut to switching off the annoying over-speed warning, the four-level regenerative braking (including a single ‘i-Pedal’ mode) works smoothly and the four-wheel steering helps make slow-speed manoeuvring easy.

Alfa Romeo is about to start deliveries of its first electric vehicle (EV) in Australia though it expects the hybrid version will outsell it.The Alfa Romeo Junior is the smallest car from the Italian carmaker since the tiny MiTo and Giulietta hatchbacks and locally it’s being offered with both mild-hybrid and all-electric powertrains.“We do foresee … the mild-hybrid is probably going to be the higher mix out of the two,” said Stellantis Australia Product Manager Bridget Thomson to CarsGuide.“ giving the options for people on both stages of their electrification journey. So probably more of the Ibrida (mild-hybrid), but definitely not discounting the Elettrica (electric).”Earlier this month Alfa Romeo confirmed the pricing and specifications for the local Junior line-up.While there are two powertrain options being offered, both are only available in a single, fully-loaded trim level.The Junior Ibrida (mild-hybrid) starts from $45,900 before on-roads costs, while the Junior Elettrica (electric) starts from $57,900 before on-road costs.In Ibrida form, the Junior is powered by a 1.2-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine running the Miller cycle which is augmented by a 48V mild-hybrid system featuring a 21kW electric motor integrated into the six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.Total system outputs are 107kW of power and 230Nm of torque. Alfa Romeo claims it can do the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.9 seconds and the top speed is 206km/h.The Junior Elettrica, on the other hand, is powered by a single, front-mounted electric motor producing 115kW of power and 260Nm of torque.Despite having more power and torque, it’s 0.1 seconds slower to 100km/h than the mild-hybrid version. It takes 9.0 seconds.The electric motor is fed by a 54kWh lithium-ion battery pack, which allows for a claimed 407km of range, according to WLTP testing.The battery pack can be DC fast-charged at rates up to 100kW, which allows for a 10 to 80 per cent charge in 30 minutes.As noted above, the Junior Ibrida and Elettrica are both fully loaded and share the exact same standard specifications.The only differences with the former is it has visible dual exhaust tailpipes and paddle shifters behind the steering wheel. The latter also picks up a Mode 3 AC charging cable as standard.Standard equipment includes 18-inch alloy wheels, matrix LED headlights, the 'Leggenda Scudetto' front grille, LED tail lights, two-tone black roof, hands-free power tailgate, dual 10.25-inch screens, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, six-speaker sound system, wireless charger, black cloth and synthetic leather upholstery, heated front seats, and a six-way power adjustable driver’s seat.The only option beyond premium paint is a sunroof which costs an additional $1990.Alfa Romeo has been experiencing a sales slump in Australia so far in 2025. A total of 282 vehicles were sold in the first six months, down 24.0 per cent year-on-year.

Audi’s third-generation Q5 and sporty SQ5 hit showrooms next month and have been priced aggressively and specified generously with the aim of putting a dent in the market share of its premium German mid-size SUV rivals, the BMW X3 and Mercedes GLC, while getting closer to the lower-priced, segment-leading Lexus NX.Starting at $81,000, before on-road costs, the all-new Q5 undercuts the BMW X3 (from $86,100) and Mercedes-Benz GLC (from $89,000) while dipping down to put some pressure on the Lexus NX (from $63,400).The new Q5 line-up starts with the entry-grade TFSI, powered by a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine sending 150kW/340Nm to the front wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch auto transmission. That combination receives mild-hybrid support from an integrated powertrain generator tipping in up to 18kW/230Nm and allowing low-speed pure EV propulsion for short distances.A redesigned interior features an 11.9-inch digital dash display and 14.5-inch multimedia screen with a 10.9-inch passenger touchscreen available as part of a ‘Tech pro’ option package.Other standard features include 19-inch alloy rims, matrix LED headlights, leather-appointed upholstery, power front seats (with heating and memory), three-zone climate control, colour ambient lighting, a leather-trimmed steering wheel and eight-speaker audio (including digital radio).The TDI quattro ($87,600 BOC) offers an almost identical standard specification but swaps out the TFSI’s petrol engine for a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder, turbo-diesel unit, this time sending 150kW/400Nm to all four wheels via the same seven-speed auto and an on-demand version of Audi’s quattro AWD system. It also features the mild-hybrid support system.Next, the TDI quattro Sport ($94,100 BOC) retains the same diesel powertrain but adds 20-inch alloys, a panoramic tinted glass sunroof, sports front seats, a three-spoke leather sports steering wheel, black headlining, stainless steel pedal covers and more.Step into the even more focused world of the SQ5 and power is bumped up to a 3.0-litre, turbo-petrol V6 engine pushing 270kW/550Nm through the seven-speed auto and quattro AWD system. With a revised suspension tune and 4.5-second 0-100km/h acceleration Audi positions it as the fastest SQ5 so far.From local launch, a limited SQ5 edition one model ($106,400 BOC) will be available for a “short period”, featuring gloss-black roof rails, mirror caps and window trims, anthracite grey badges, dark tailpipe trims and privacy glass. It also boasts 20-inch Audi Sport black metallic alloy rims and red brake calipers.Inside, the leather-appointed seats feature S embossing and a flat-top and bottom multi-function steering wheel is added.The ongoing SQ5 variant ($122,400 BOC) retains the edition one’s powertrain but switches its black elements for bright and brushed metal pieces while adding acoustic front door glass, premium diamond-stitched leather trim, additional massage and ventilation functions for the front seats, dynamic ambient interior lighting, a head-up display, top-shelf Bang & Olufsen audio and more.Underpinned by Audi’s ‘Premium Platform Combustion’ (PPC) platform the new Q5/SQ5 features progressive rate steering and ‘Frequency Selective’ dampers (using a valve to adjust damping force based on the vibration frequency) are standard across the line-up.Safety is comprehensive with a full ADAS suite including auto emergency braking (AEB), adaptive cruise control, speed sign recognition, ‘Audi Side Assist’, park assist plus and a 360-degree camera view standard. The airbag count runs to nine.Audi Australia has confirmed these five initial models will be joined by Q5 and SQ5 Sportback variants later this year.2026 Audi Q5 / SQ5 

Chinese cars have conquered a lot of segments, but the next wave of vehicles is going after the best in the business. GWM has teased its Ferrari-fighting plug-in hybrid supercar, which is the latest in a line of a new breed of performance cars such as the Yangwang U9 and Xiaomi SU7 Ultra.

BMW has confirmed it’s introducing the new limited-run X5 Shadow Edition to Australia that’s now available for delivery at dealers. This new X5 special edition is the latest in the line of Shadow Edition models. There was a 3 Series version in 2017, a 1 Series version in 2019 and an X7 version in 2020.

Lexus has introduced the RX plug-in hybrid, but does this refined SUV deliver the power and polish required to match its price tag?

Mercedes-Benz is embracing the hybrid life.The German brand was an early adopter of plug-in hybrid (PHEV) tech before going cold on the petrol-electric combo several years ago to focus on full electric vehicles.Not anymore, though, as plug-in hybrid variants come streaming back into Australia wearing the three-pointed star badge.Benz has just launched the GLA 250e in Australia, joining the C350e in the brand’s growing range of plug-in hybrids. Even the vaunted C63 muscle car now comes with plug-in hybrid power instead of witha rumbling V8.The GLA 250e is priced from $78,000 (before on-road costs), which is cheaper than the petrol-powered GLA 250.The GLA 250e pairs a 1.3-litre turbocharged petrol engine with an electric motor to deliver combined outputs of 160kW and 450Nm.Mercedes-Benz claims the GLA 250e can drive up to 65km on electric power alone thanks to its 11.5kWh battery.It can be charged via AC power at a max rate of 3.7kW, which is fine as it is a small battery and will easily fill up overnight when connected to a regular household power outlet.Owners who want faster charging can upgrade it to 11kW capacity for $800.Some of the equipment highlights include 18-inch alloy wheels, panoramic sunroof, ambient interior lighting, heated front seats, wireless device charging and metallic paint.

As the Audi A4 badge goes electric for now, the A5 becomes its spiritual successor. The Audi A5 has just landed in Australia in Sedan or Avant wagon form, and there's a fast S5 version too. We sampled them all during the winter launch in Victoria to find out how it stacks up.