Luxury

How am I already saying goodbye to the new Porsche Macan 4S?After three months of ‘ownership’, I am seriously going to miss this fully electric, second-generation mid-size SUV.This long-term review of the Macan 4S will explain why. It is broken up into three parts, with the first covering its pricing, features, safety and ownership credentials, while the second deep-dived its design and practicality. You can check those two out directly below – if you haven’t already.But for this third and final instalment, I’m going to finally share my driving impressions and overall verdict.Let’s get to it, shall we?I had very high hopes for how well the Macan Electric would drive.Why? Firstly, it’s a Porsche, so it has no choice but to be a phenomenal driver’s car, such is the legacy of the German sports car specialist.Porsche also has form with driver’s EVs with the Taycan large sedan and wagon. It was the first car I drove that was a phenomenal sports car that just happened to be all-electric.Point being, the Macan Electric is in very good company, so it has a lot to live up to.Thankfully, it has done exactly that. The 4S, in particular, strikes the best balance between everyday liveability and staggering performance – at least for me.Yes, its dual-motor, all-wheel-drive set-up produces 352kW of power and a heady 820Nm of instantaneous torque. And that’s before you engage launch control, at which point overboost kicks in to temporarily raise the former to an even handier 380kW.This all means the ‘mid-range’ Macan 4S can sprint from 0-100km/h in just 4.1 seconds. In reality it feels like a sub-four-second proposition – Porsche is known to underquote its acceleration claims.Either way, it’s that level of fully electric acceleration that will send you into the second row – or the boot, depending on where you’re sitting, and that’s even without the Sport drive mode active.That also extends to rolling acceleration, making overtaking as confidence-inducing as highway merging.Curiously, all of this straight-line performance isn’t accompanied by an electric soundtrack, as Porsche provides in the Taycan. The purist in me appreciates the Macan’s unashamed ‘silence’, but the fake noises can be a bit of fun when done well.But there’s more to performance than just what you can do in a straight line, because let’s face it: nearly all AWD EVs can accelerate quickly.The good news is the Macan 4S can also attack a corner with the level of vigour you’d expect from a two-door sports car.Yes, physics cannot be fully denied as the Macan 4S does have a higher centre of gravity owing to its SUV nature. But its body control is very strong, so much so that you’ll find yourself happily tipping it into any corner at speed without concern.Handling performance can be taken to the next level with the adaptive dampers in the Macan 4S’ steel suspension, which have Normal, Sport and Sport Plus modes.But the reality is Normal is so accomplished to begin with that you’ll find yourself sticking with the default setting in 99.9 per cent of situations.Sport and Sport Plus also progressively diminish the Macan 4S’ well-balanced ride comfort. Some will say Normal is itself on the firmer side, but it is damn-near perfect in my humble opinion, with road imperfections dealt with confidently.The standard 20-inch wheel and tyre package also helps here, with its high-profile rubber providing better ride comfort over its larger alternatives.It also helps that the Macan 4S benefits from Porsche’s market-leading steering, which is just about as good as electrically assisted systems get.The steering is well-weighted and direct, offering the driver a genuine connection with the road, one which will lead them to looking for excuses to go for a drive.As a result, parking is a breeze, with the Macan 4S able to be slotted into a space with ease. And if you need reassurance, its surround-view cameras have a high resolution, which is rarer than it should be.Visibility, in general, is pretty good all around, with even the steeply raked rear window providing an acceptable level of vision. The B-pillars are on the thick side, but not devastatingly so.When it comes to the real-world performance of the Macan 4S’ other advanced driver-assist safety systems, they fare very well. Mercifully, you don’t get any consistent beeps and bongs to annoy you to no end, like so many new cars these days.And when the lane-keep assist does spring into action, it does its steering wheel nudges progressively, while haptic feedback replaces any incessant audible alerts.The speed limit warning can also be turned off. Better yet, it will stay off until you decide to turn it back on again. That’s right; it will not default to active when the ignition is switched.Being an EV, the Macan 4S' NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) levels are another strong suit due to its lack of an internal-combustion engine. That said, wind noise can be heard at highway speeds, although it can be easily drowned out by the Bose sound system.So, what don’t I like about the Macan 4S’ drive experience? Well, there is one thing: its lack of convenient one-pedal driving, which most EVs offer as part of their regenerative braking systems.It helps to decrease energy consumption while improving driveability by allowing the driver to modulate the accelerator to come to a full stop – no second pedal required.I love one-pedal driving, but Porsche forges its own path by only offering regenerative braking with an optional level of deceleration that’s the equivalent of engine braking in an internal-combustion car. Point being, it won’t even come close to getting the Macan 4S to a standstill without engaging the brake pedal.Predictably, its actual friction brakes offer a strong level of performance considering the weight at play, with the seamless blending between them and the regenerative braking some of the best I’ve sampled.In my third and final month behind the wheel of the Macan 4S, I averaged 18.6kWh/100km over 841km of driving, which mostly took place in city traffic. That’s slightly better than the 18.8kWh/100km and 18.7kWh/100km I achieved in months one and two, respectively.My month-three effort equates to a real-world driving range of 514km, based on the Macan 4S battery’s useable capacity of 96kWh. Again, that is a confidence-inspiring number.Acquired: October 13, 2025Distance travelled this month: 841kmOdometer: 6891kmAverage energy consumption this month: 18.6kWh/100km

BMW will continue to produce V8 and V12 engines for some time yet, according to a report in Auto News. Continued big engine manufacturing for BMW was looking bleak as its all-electric plan got underway in 2025.Neue Klasse launched in 2025 as a plan for BMW to step up its renewable endeavours, unveiling a next-generation iX3 electric SUV as its first model.It featured 33 per cent recycled materials and revamped electric power, and was its first model under the new direction for the company. Adding fuel to the fire, BMW ceased production of V8s in its Steyr plant in Austria late last year. Its Munich plant has been at the forefront of the electric shift, as it is retooled for manufacturing electric vehicles. Despite this evidence of a wind down, the German giant's petrol-guzzling engines continue to be a feature across its lineup. There are still 400 workers who continue to manufacture cylinder heads, crankcases and crankshafts for eight- and 12-cylinder engines in Munich. V8 and V12 engine production has been shifted to BMW’s Hams Hall facility in the United Kingdom, where three- and four-cylinder engines have been produced since 2022. The European Union's recent backtracking on its 2035 internal combustion engine sales ban could also re-ignite the BMW's big-engine line-up.The V12 engines are built for Rolls-Royce models such as the Phantom and Ghost, which employ a 6.75-litre twin turbo-charged variant. V8 engines remain available on many of BMW’s high-performance SUVs, including the X5, X6 and X7, with some 7 series sedans also featuring the unit. Australia gets this 4.4-litre twin turbo-charged eight-cylinder engine in those SUVs, which also comes in the M8, getting a hybrid twist in the ballistic M5 sedan and newly-added XM SUV.The United States remains the main driver for ensuring BMW continue to build bigger engines, as they continue to be strong sellers in models.A spokesperson for the US branch of BMW told Auto News demand for V8 engines remains “above average”.It was previously thought the brand would bring its engine production to a close by the end of next year, but it is now unwilling to commit to a fixed end date. 

Large, luxurious SUVs with copious amounts of power and performance as well as the standard features commensurate with a healthy six-figure price tag. They may account for a relatively modest percentage of new vehicle sales but the technology they contain and the standard they set establishes a benchmark for others to chase. Yet the family transport fundamentals still apply. Practicality, space-efficiency, cost of ownership and safety remain critical factors for buyers in this part of the market and competition is fierce. In this top-shelf category from the 2026 CarsGuide Car of the Year awards, here are our top 10 large SUVs with an entry-price under $220K (listed in alphabetical order) with a summary detailing why they’re on the shortlist.Our top three, including the category winner, will be announced on February 6.Dramatic design and an ultra-smooth ride as well as rapid acceleration, impressive dynamics and strong value for money set the pure-electric BMW iX apart from other large SUVs in this segment.Updated in September last year (after four years in the local market), the iX now boasts even more power, a bigger battery for increased range and faster charging capacity.There are still some niggles around ergonomics (a lack of physical controls) and energy consumption is relatively high for a car of this size, which despite an improvement, limits range.Offered in three dual-motor, AWD grades - xDrive45, xDrive50 and the powerhouse M60 - the BMW iX is a sleek and sophisticated machine.Through 25 years and four generations the ground-breaking BMW X5 has been a family favourite at the top end of the large SUV market.Boasting a spacious interior, leading-edge tech and top-shelf safety, the X5 also presents a compelling value proposition on top of the German brand’s well-deserved reputation for dynamic performance.Thoughtful design touches across the cabin and load space make the X5 a supremely comfortable, low-stress proposition for day-to-day work around town as well as effortless freeway cruising.   Available in plug-in hybrid (xDrive50e), pure-petrol (xDrive40i / M60i xDrive) and turbo-diesel (xDrive30d) form the BMW X5 is a consistent, high-quality, luxury all-rounder. The X6 brings swoopy coupe styling to BMW’s luxury SUV formula, aiming to capture buyers with a head that says family practicality and a heart that longs for a sporty design personality.  Facelifted in 2024, the X6 is currently offered in three flavours for Australia, two petrol (xDrive40i / M60 xDrive) and one diesel (xDrive30d). As their model designations imply, all are all-wheel drive.The relatively recent update delivered new adaptive LED headlights and an even more highly polished interior treatment including a sleek curved display housing a 12.3-inch digital instrument screen and 14.8-inch touchscreen multimedia system.Despite the sloping roofline, interior space is generous, as is boot volume. And despite big rims and a solid kerb weight, the X6 manages to combine superior dynamics with supreme comfort.BMW has multiple options at the smaller end of the large luxury SUV market, but for the time being (until the rumoured X9 arrives) the three-row X7 is the German maker’s SUV flagship. Measuring close to 5.2 metres end-to-end, the X7 is offered in a seven- or (optional) six-seat configuration, with powertrain choices including two petrol (xDrive40i / M60 xDrive) and one mild-hybrid diesel (xDrive40d) engine, each driving all four wheels.Launched here in 2019, the X7 was given a substantial facelift in mid-2023 which brought an aggressive two-tier headlight treatment that hasn’t met with universal approval.But the car continues to be a consistent performer for BMW accounting for around 20 per cent of Upper Large SUV segment sales.Despite a gradual expansion of the brand’s model range and retail footprint, Australian Genesis sales have remained at a steady but relatively modest level in recent years. That said, the GV80, in coupe and more conventional wagon form, consistently stands as the Korean luxury brand’s second-best seller, combining comfort and overall refinement with sleek looks and impressive value.Powered by a 3.5-litre, twin-turbo V6 petrol engine sending drive to all four wheels via an eight-speed auto transmission, the GV80 is available as a six- or seven-seater.The flip-side of its strong performance, however, is a relatively substantial thirst for premium unleaded fuel. But in terms of included features, quality and ownership costs (complimentary servicing for the first five years) this is a compelling luxury package.The Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV (as opposed to the similarly named EQE sedan) is a popular pure-electric choice for families chasing a luxurious, tech-laden mid-sizer with comfort, quality and performance to burn.Available in three grades across the single-motor, rear-wheel-drive 300, dual-motor all-wheel-drive 350 4Matic and high-performance AMG 53 4Matic, the EQE is offered alongside the internal-combustion GLE line-up.We like its useful size and clever packaging, high level of standard equipment for the price and top-tier safety as well as the car’s refined, luxurious feel and impressive technology.Gripes are confined to the EQE’s substantial weight for its size and relatively high maintenance costs. But overall it’s a high-quality option at the top end of the segment.The long-serving five-door, five-seat Mercedes-Benz G-Class 4WD has come a long way from its utilitarian, military-focused ‘Galendawagen’ roots of the late 1970s to now be offered in multiple forms.The local line-up includes the hard working G450d Professional models, powered by a 3.0L inline six-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, as well as the brutal twin-turbo, V8 petrol Mercedes-AMG G63.Plus the recently introduced G580, a wild, pure-electric beast boasting a powerful motor on each wheel for fine off-road control and spectacular on-the-spot ‘G-Turns’.While this machine’s ultra-tough character remains intact, successive upgrades to safety, tech and comfort features have allowed it to thrive in the 21st century. A unique luxury SUV.The S-Class limousine has long been a luxury figurehead for the three-pointed star and the three-row Mercedes-Benz GLS channels that premium positioning into the high-end SUV space.Entry-point to the local line-up is the GLS 450d 4Matic AMG Line, powered by a 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder turbo-diesel engine and featuring racy 22-inch AMG rims and AMG body elements.The full-fat Mercedes-AMG GLS63 4Matic brings twin-turbo V8 propulsion and an even more impressive specification, while the Mercedes-Maybach GLS600 4Matic pushes the luxury quotient through the roof.If your family demands even a base model featuring genuine leather upholstery, multi-zone climate control and screens galore in a package providing heaps of space and smart, comfort-focused features, this is the large SUV for you.  The model that turned the car enthusiast world upside down on arrival more than two decades ago is now a mainstay of the German brand’s global line-up.No less than 10 Porsche Cayenne variants are on offer in Australia across pure-combustion, plug-in hybrid, and more recently, pure-electric form.All are all-wheel drive, with Porsche refining the Cayenne SUV formula over three generations to deliver the brand’s characteristically brilliant dynamic performance in combination with effective day-to-day family practicality.Even the entry-grade 3.0-litre turbo-petrol V6 delivers a stonking 260kW/500Nm, while the Turbo E-Hybrid flagship pumps out a staggering 544kW(730hp)/950Nm. Quite the large luxury SUV. As the name implies, this large five-seater puts a performance spin on the Range Rover luxury SUV formula. Slightly smaller and lighter but packing the performance required to add a satisfying dynamic edge.A more overtly muscular stance is another sign of this SUV’s intent, with powertrain options including a 3.0-litre turbo-diesel, 3.0-litre petrol-electric plug-in hybrid and a fearsome 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 in SV models packing 467kW/750Nm for a claimed 0-100km/h sprint time of 3.9 seconds.We’ve been impressed by the Sport’s sharp handling, especially for a car of this size and weight as well as its deluxe interior, subtly muscular good looks and the PHEV’s useful EV-only driving range.At the same time, we’ve been wary of Range Rover’s pricey options list prices, but the overall value equation across the Range Rover Sport range remains strong. Not just a pretty SUV face, then.

The small car segment, especially on the premium and luxury end of the spectrum, has been very tumultuous over the last few years with hatchback and sedan sales plummeting, while SUV sales have climbed astronomically.In order to combat this, as part of our ongoing 2026 CarsGuide Car of the Year awards, we’ve combined small premium passenger cars and SUVs into this segment.It’s worth noting that each shortlisted small premium car mentioned below is inclusive of the entire line-up, though its entry price must be under $80,000 before on-road costs for this particular category.The following is a rundown of our top 10 sub-$80K small cars in alphabetical order and why they made the cut. Our top three, including the category winner, will be announced on February 6.Note Mercedes-Benz's current A-Class, CLA and GLA were ineligible as they were unavailable for review.While many brands are fleeing this segment of the car market, this German small hatch and sedan is still offered in Australia in a wide range of trim levels and variants. Beyond the normal A3 variants, there’s the sporty S3 and the fire-breathing RS3.It notably made this shortlist due to the latter which is still offered with an iconic five-cylinder engine. However, we do wish it made just a bit more noise like the older models did.Beyond this, CarsGuide reviewers praised the A3 line-up for its capable and engaging driving dynamics, as well as its luxuriously equipped and premium-presenting interior.While the A3 hatch and sedan may be newer, the Audi Q3 small SUV has been soldiering on for a couple of years now without any major updates.The current model is reaching the end of its lifecycle and is set to be replaced by a new-generation model during 2026.Despite this, CarsGuide reviewers liked how the Q3’s exterior design is ageing, even in the polarising Sportback body style, plus the on-road manners are both elegant and fun.The new-generation version of the BMW 1 Series hatchback launched locally late in 2024, offering everything from everyday commuter trims to the M135 xDrive hot hatch.CarsGuide reviewers were impressed with its driving dynamics and outright performance, though fuel efficiency took a hit as a result.Additionally we liked the new and modern front-row layout, however the exterior design, especially at the front, likely isn’t for everyone.The X1 small SUV is the most popular BMW in Australia currently and for good reason.It launched locally in new-generation guise in 2022 to popular fanfare, then the all-electric iX1 variants joined the line-up in 2023, cementing its status as a benchmark small SUV.CarsGuide reviewers praised X1/iX1’s on-road manners, as well as the modern and high-tech exterior and interior designs. However, common European quibbles like tyre roar and suspension bumps can intrude into the cabin.The X2 is a swoopy ‘coupe’ SUV counterpart to the X1 small SUV and still notably offers both petrol and electric (iX2) powertrain options.While its exterior design is polarising and not for everyone, CarsGuide reviewers appreciated how polished the drivetrains feel from behind the wheel. The X2/iX2 is also affordable when compared to premium rivals from the likes of Mercedes-Benz and Volvo.The few dislikes were centred around the X2 M35i xDrive’s firm ride due to its large (and thankfully optional) 21-inch alloy wheels, as well as the slight reduction in boot capacity over the X1/iX1.This spicy Spanish small crossover SUV is the clear front-runner for Cupra in Australia. Arriving in 2022, the Formentor is offered in a range of variants from warm to hot, plus even a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) offering.CarsGuide reviewers appreciated the lifted hatchback looks and the smile-inducing driving dynamics, however some found the multimedia system to be a little finicky and the ride a little too far on the firm side.An oft-forgotten entrant in the small SUV segment, this quirky French electric SUV impresses with its sleek design, maximised interior space and reactive driving feel.There is currently only one trim level of the Megane E-Tech offered in Australia, the Techno EV60, and it’s limited by its 7.4kW maximum AC charging rate, plus the lack of features like connected services that are available overseas.A huge step away from the iconic Fortwo of the early ‘00s and ‘10s, the Smart #3 is the brand’s largest car in Australia to date.With unique looks and a premium cabin feel, the #3 impresses though the driver-assist features can be a little overbearing and the panoramic glass sunroof has no sunshade.More sore points are the average warranty coverage of five years or 150,000km, as well as the hefty servicing costs for an electric vehicle.While a number of these shortlisted vehicles are high-tech or electrified offerings, the Subaru WRX stands out as a purist sports car.Still featuring a turbocharged four-cylinder boxer engine and a manual transmission in certain trim levels, the WRX is offered in sedan and wagon body styles.CarsGuide reviewers praised the WRX’s dynamism, practicality and even value when compared to rivals with similar amounts of power. However, the WRX Sportswagon only comes with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and doesn’t look as sporty as the standard WRX sedan.This vibrant and quirky Volvo electric SUV stands out on the road thanks to its stunning exterior design with boxy proportions.The interior also stands out, but sometimes not in the best of ways. CarsGuide reviewers found too many of the key features are tucked into menus on the central touchscreen, plus the lack of a proper instrument cluster was grating.

BMW has finally revealed initial details of its first fully electric M car and it will be a full-on performance sedan with simulated gear shifts and powertrain sound, brutal straight-line performance and decent driving range.Based on the BMW i3 sedan that’s expected to be revealed in the coming months, the new electric M3 will be sold alongside a new-generation version of the internal combustion engine (ICE) M3.The next-gen ICE 3 Series is yet to be unveiled but it is expected to have a closer relationship design wise with the i3 than the new iX3 has with the regular X3.BMW has not yet uttered the name of the electric performance sedan, but expect something along the lines of ‘i3 M’. For now BMW is calling it the M Neue Klasse and it’s will hit showrooms from 2027.Head of Project BMW M Neue Klasse, Philipp Brunn, talked up the significance of the new electric M models.“So in a nutshell, the next generation of fully electric BMW M models will lead the way into the new era for high-performance cars. We will set a new benchmark regarding driving dynamics, performance and overall driving experience,” he said.Based on BMW's multi-billion-dollar Neue Klasse architecture, the new electric M3 benefits from some of the innovations of the iX3 and coming i3, including a reduction in the complexity of the car’s electronic systems, making for “faster data transfer between the control units, leading to clear performance gains”, according to Brunn.The ‘Heart of Joy’ - which is Neue Klasse’s central computing system that integrates the drivetrain and driving dynamics into one, rather than having separate algorithms for accelerating and braking - has been tailored for the specific needs of M customers, said Brunn.“First, our fully electric models will feature four electric motors allowing fully independent and fast wheel control. Every wheel we can do whatever we like at very, very fast speed.“Second, the car's overall output, horsepower, torque, acceleration will reach new heights, and therefore needs to be managed accordingly with such important system. And finally, the overall system management will prioritise sustainable peak performance over efficiency and range, supporting driving excitement and track focus typical for BMW M models.”That means the M version of the i3 will have a slightly lower electric driving range to the regular i3. That figure is yet to be confirmed but expect the regular i3 sedan to have EV range a little beyond the quoted figure for the iX3 50xDrive SUV, which is 805km.“We have a precise control of torque and power of each wheel, so we can fully utilise the performance potential of our tyres. And this can be done on all friction surfaces, so from low friction to high friction, snow, rain and so on," Brunn continued.“We can blend the torque between electro-hydraulic brakes and the e-motors. So we can, again, do whatever is necessary from braking or energy recovery. The energy recovery is possible to the limit of tyre friction, so we can, if we like or not, use recovery, or we can shift between brain and the motors, and the design is very compact, so we have high efficiency and also high power density, which also helps integrating the powerful motors into the car.”Brunn added that M engineers had to “push the limits of the battery” used in the base Neue Klasse (a 108kWh lithium-ion battery pack housed under the floor with cylindrical cells).Additional cooling, a different cell layout and slightly altered cells ensure “higher sustainable power, and faster charging compared to the other Neue Klasse models”, Brunn said.Additional connections from the battery to the vehicle and the suspension system helps stiffen the vehicle in a bid to enhance vehicle dynamics.The new M car will use a number of sustainable and lightweight materials, including a less carbon intensive version of carbon fibre.To help keep the BMW M DNA alive, the M car will feature performance driving modes, synthetic gear shifting and BMW M specific sounds that also relate to the gear shifting.The synthetic driving sound was revealed at the end of a BMW M Electrified Youtube video, from about 7:40.The audio in the video reveals subtle burbling, and what sounds like a cross between a high-powered four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine and a jet engine.The significant investment into electric M opens the door to more models, with a full fat iX3 M expected to be the next candidate.BMW is yet to officially announce that but Head of BMW Neue Klasse, Mike Reichelt, previously hinted it was on the cards.“When we go on the M side in such a big step, and we have such a high number of common parts communality, it has a logic to say we have the technology, we have the cars, we combine it. But I can't… confirm it today, but it has a logic way,” he said at the iX3 reveal in September.

The Audi Q5 Sportback has seen a much-needed update but does it make it a top-tier competitor in its segment?

Have you ever wondered what the most expensive car in Australia is?Would it break the $1m mark?As we get towards the end of the year, here is a look at the five most expensive cars on sale in Australia with no added options.Price: $846,888, before on-road costsStarting off the list is one of two offerings from Ferrari. The SF90 Stradale features 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 and three electric motors, which have a total output of 746kW and 800Nm.It has the trademark Ferrari speed, shifting from 0-100km/h in 2.5 seconds and boasts a top speed of 340km/h.Its interior has a standout 16-inch curved digital screen, which is designed to give the driver a Formula 1 feel.Price $886,800, before on-road costsFerrari also claims second spot with a convertible on this list.This convertible is more than $80,000 more expensive than the hard top 12Cilinidri. The 12Cilinidri has a 6.5-litre V12 petrol engine producing 610kW and 678Nm, with a 0-100km/h time of 2.9 seconds. On the interior, the car has three different digital screen, which are a 15.6-inch digital driver display, 10.25-inch touch screen and a passenger display.Price: $895,000, before on-road costsThe Cullinan is the only SUV on this list, and the last car before the $900,000 barrier is breached. Amazingly, the Black Badge edition is a $118,000 upgrade on the standard Cullinan. It has a 6.7-litre V12 engine, which produces 441kW and 900Nm. The car also features the optional iconic 'shooting star' headliner, with a multitude of other customisable specifications. Price $933,000, before on-road costsThe Black Badge Spectre is Rolls Royce’s most expensive and first-ever all-electric offering on the market.The luxury coupe is one of the few cars on this list not famous for its speed, but it still manages to offer plenty of power. Its dual electric motors produce 485kW and 1075Nm, shifting from 0-100km/h in 3.5 seconds.It has a range of more than 500km, according to the WLTP testing cycle from its 102kWh battery.As with all cars featuring the Spirit of Ecstasy, it comes with the outrageous luxury add ons one would expect for a car approaching the $1m mark.Price: $987,000, before on-road costsThe most expensive car on sale in Australia is the only Lamborghini to make this list. As Lamborghini's flagship supercar, it has one of the most advanced hybrid systems.Its 6.5-litre V12 engine and three electric motors pump out 747kW and 807Nm, with a 0-100km/h time of 2.5 seconds.It has a 3.8 kWh lithium-ion battery, which if you really wanted to, can make the car run on electric-only power for 10km. The Revuelto is a near $400,000 jump from the next most expensive Lamborghini in the Huracan STO. 

Details on Zeekr’s next model for Australia, dubbed 8X, have come to light thanks to the car’s filing with the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology.The 8X was recently teased by the brand, but the new filing reveals much deeper details.It revealed a five-or-six seater plug-in hybrid luxury car measuring more than five-meters long.The styling is more in-line with the brand’s flagship 9X and 009 people mover, featuring a slotted chrome grille rather than the more sleek grille-free styling of the 7X mid-sizer, X small SUV and 7GT wagon.It also scores impressive specifications for its plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain, as the brand moves further away from its original EV-only mission.Chinese information confirms a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine (205kW) paired to electric motors for an as-yet-to-be-determined total power output. The larger 9X uses a similar set-up with three electric motors and has a combined power output of over 1000kW.It also features enormous battery capacities, ranging from 55.1kWh to 70kWh for pure electric driving ranges of 256km or 328km, according to the more lenient Chinese measuring protocol.Even accounting for the usual differences between this and the more widely-accepted WLTP measurements, it would still make the 8X one of the longest range PHEV on the market.The filling confirms the 8X will be more than five meters long, with a wheelbase of more than three meters, which puts it firmly in the extra large SUV category and even eclipses the Range Rover Sport in terms of footprint.The Zeekr 8X is due to hit the Chinese market in the first half of 2026, so watch this space for full details on the model.Zeekr Australia has confirmed to CarsGuide multiple new models are on its radar for 2026, including the 8X, 9X and the 7GT station wagon it recently showcased at the International EV show in Sydney.The Chinese premium marque, which serves as the premium arm of its Geely parent company and a sister brand to both Polestar and Volvo, had a slow start in Australia last year.Its X small SUV and 009 luxury people mover proved to be niche sellers, but the brand nearly doubled its volume for the year instantly with the arrival of the highly anticipated 7X fully electric mid-size SUV.As the brand builds out its line-up, it could also be bolstered further down the track by the introduction of re-badged models from its Euro-focused Lynk & Co sister brand, which has always specialised in plug-in hybrids.Stay tuned for more on Zeekr’s expansion plans later in 2026.

Renault has announced a new hybrid luxury large SUV called the Filante. Few details have been revealed about the car at this stage, but it will feature state-of-the-art technology and roominess, according to the brand. Renault has released one photo of the Filante, which is mostly shrouded in smoke.The teaser shows a sloped roofline and a rear spoiler, highlighting an overall sporty design.Renault says the Filante nameplate “alludes to shooting stars, outer space and journeys”, which lines up with the French meaning of the word being "shooting," "flying," "falling," or "spinning”. Renault has drawn further inspiration from its Etoile Filante record-breaking speedster, which on one run in 1956, reached an average speed of more than 300km/h over 1km and 5km distances.Etoile Filante means “shooting star” in French. Renault also says the name refers to its 'Filante Record 2025', which was a concept car that set a new record for energy efficiency late last year.The Filante will be manufactured at Renault’s biggest Asian factory in Busan, South Korea where it will be initially marketed highlighting a more sustained push outside of Europe for the brand. "Korea has exceptional strength in the D and E segments. This is why Korea is so important to Renault. Filante is the second new-generation model in the Renault International Game Plan 2027 to be designed in Korea,” Nicolas Paris, CEO of Renault Korea said.“It illustrates our vision of a distinctive and daring crossover, a bold expression of Renault's global move upmarket. It perfectly embodies the brand's French roots." It will be built on a Geely-developed platform and have a hybrid powertrain, similar to the new-generation Koleos SUV also built at the Busan facility. The car forms part of the brand’s more than $5 billion ‘International Game Plan 2027’, being one of eight new models planned by the French-based company for launch outside of Europe. Renault recently confirmed the return of its iconic Scenic nameplate as the first of its 2027 initiative, with an all-electric Scenic E-Tech SUV.With driving range between 430km and 625km (WLTP), and a starting price tag of $55,990 (before on-road costs), deliveries on the Scenic E-Tech in Australia are scheduled to start this month. The range-topping Esprit Alpine ($65,990, before on-road costs) will launch before the Techno EV60 and Techno Long Range EV87 variants.It is unclear at this stage whether we will see the Filante in Australia, but given it will be manufactured in right-hand drive and Renault has already brought across the Scenic E-Tech, there are positive signs. The Filante will be officially unveiled in Seoul next week. 

If you thought Jaguar was in a state of turmoil in late 2024, that period of reinvention and provocative communication has nothing on the latter part of 2025.