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China’s BYD has been on a cracking hot streak for months now and it doesn’t appear to be slowing down anytime soon.

BMW is preparing for the next generation of M high-performance models, with the brand looking to satisfy both traditionalists and electric vehicle fans.Currently, full-fat M models remain internal combustion engine (ICE) models with some electrification, as is the case with plug-in hybrids the new M5 and the XM SUV.But the Bavarian brand wants to cover its bases with future M and M Performance models. BMW has just rolled out the first model from its Neue Klasse (New Class) group of models, the iX3.These models feature high-tech computers dubbed ‘Superbrains’, a new level of connectivity and digital features, and in the case of the iX3 SUV and incoming i3 sedan, full electrification.According to Head of BMW Neue Klasse, Mike Reichelt, the carmaker is readying a two-powertrain strategy for its future M cars.“We prepare for the first M model of the Neue Klasse, but we know … there are many customers will love the M3 ICE, and maybe there are two offers,” he said.BMW will launch the next Neue Klasse model, the all-electric i3 sedan, in 2026, and it will precede the ICE version of the next-generation 3 Series.The company also previewed an electric M3 with the BMW Vision Driving Experience concept from this year’s Shanghai motor show.With the iX3 launching in Australia in 2026, it’s expected that a performance focussed M version will follow, however BMW is yet to officially confirm it.When asked if BMW X3 owners are as passionate about ICE powertrains as M3 drivers, Reichelt said:“Maybe they feel today, no, but I'm absolutely sure when they drive the first M model of a Neue Klasse with a ‘Heart of Joy', with four engines on every wheel, and this power, they will love . But then we have customers, who love to drive ICE and more, it's okay, then we get an M3 with an ice engine.”Reichelt would not be drawn on an iX3 M, but said given the massive change with Neue Klasse models, and common parts, it would make sense.“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.”Meanwhile, BMW Board Member for Development, Joachim Post, said it was “feasible” to spin off a two-door sportscar from the Neue Klasse architecture.“The philosophy of BMW also has been in the past to, we say ‘baukasten’. That means that we have communal parts for different types of cars in different segments. Electronics control units, for example, a battery cell, all these things are the same, but integrated in a different package.“So for us as BMW, it's always core to think in that way, how we can develop a component that we can scale it in every of our cars. That's why we can be so fast to make now, this new technology, in two years, in 40 derivatives. That gives you the possibility to make scaling combinations, to make them feasible, to run from a business case, we will see what's coming up for future.”The carmaker will have 40 derivatives of Neue Klasse in the coming three years, but not all of them will be full Neue Klasse models like the iX3 and i3. Some will just adopt the in-car tech and new design language, for example.

Newcomer brand Zeekr says it will engage with local engineering firms Walkinshaw and Premcar to investigate local suspension tuning for its vehicles in Australia. 

It doesn’t take a 360-degree parking system with sensors and cameras to realise the Federal Government is backing itself into a difficult corner.

With the vast majority of utes being diesels, are Australians breathing in more noxious fumes now than 15 years ago? After all, back in 2010, most utes were either of the smaller one-tonne variety or lighter car-based locally-made Holden and Ford Falcon-based models with six-cylinder/V8 petrol options. To find out if Australians breathed easier 15 years ago, we’re comparing the top-three sellers of 2010 with their modern equivalents.

We have just gotten our first proper look at the powertrain that will likely propel the Kia Tasman out of the diesel era, with heavy reporting that the brand is plotting a 2.5-litre petrol-hybrid powertrain for its dual-cab ute in 2026.

The tiny Alfa Romeo Junior arrived in Australia a few months ago but the company has confirmed it’s not going to give it a fire-breathing performance flagship for now.While there’s the hot-looking Elettrica Veloce trim available in other markets, the Italian carmaker said a Quadrifoglio (also referred to as QV) version has been considered for the Junior.However, speaking with Australian media, including CarsGuide, Alfa Romeo Head of Product Mario Lamagna said the QV badge will remain for the larger models, including the Giulia and Stelvio, for the time being.“QV is a really serious thing in Alfa,” said Lamagna.“We study… if an Alfa can be a QV. We take it very seriously.“There are many different… characteristics that an Alfa needs to respect to be called a QV.“We thought about that , but for the moment, with the technologies that we have, we didn’t believe there was a powertrain that was the right one to be called the Quadrifoglio for the Junior.“And also in this segment you have to be very careful with what you do, because, again, Quadrifoglio is very strong high-performance label.“The decision we took was to protect it and to keep it for… the higher segments.“I will never say no to QV in any model, but it is something that has to be studied because QV means serious stuff,” he said.The two current Alfa Romeo Quadrifoglio models, the Giulia and Stelvio QV, are both powered by a 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 engine with 375kW and 600Nm.All QV models have been powered by pure internal-combustion engines to date, but Lamagna explained as emission regulations crunch it’s getting harder to develop and launch these kinds of models.As a result, the company is open to exploring hybrid and electric QV models.“We of course love thermal engines and we are in love with our V6s,” said Lamagna.“So we are, for sure, looking always at thermal engines. But with the future technologies, you can do a lot of interesting stuff, also with electric powertrains.“The point is that it really depends on the actual performance of the car. If you are able to do something that drives well and kicks in, very nice. I am open to both .“It’s very hard then to what you can do at the end because thermal engines have a lot of concerns with CO2 emissions.“We have a lot of regulation in Europe and for also on your side.“So it’s not easy to develop and to launch high-performance engines in the second part of this decade,” he added.The Alfa Romeo Junior Elettrica is the Italian carmaker’s first electric vehicle (EV). It’s currently priced from $57,900, before on-road costs, in Australia, which is $12,000 more than the Ibrida mild-hybrid version.As noted above, the hot-looking Junior Elettrica Veloce is available overseas. For now it’s unclear whether it will come to Australia.It’s technically the most powerful variant in the line-up, packing a single, front-mounted electric motor producing 207kW/345Nm.For context, the regular Junior Elettrica produces 115kW/260Nm and the Junior Ibrida delivers 100kW/230Nm.

There’s been a lot of noise about US President Donald Trump’s high-percentage import tariffs on everything from steel, copper and aluminium to timber, furniture and you guessed it, cars and car parts.But it was his predecessor, Joe Biden that upped the tariff on Chinese electric vehicles from 27.5 per cent under the first Trump administration, to the current 100 per cent rate.Not surprisingly, this slammed the brakes on the ambitions of Chinese carmakers for growth in the US, which has led to a pitched battle in the domestic market with manufacturing capacity and current output outweighing demand.And China’s biggest carmaker, BYD has been reaching into its deep pockets to cut profit margins and drive a price war many believe is designed to put smaller players to the sword.But it’s possible these heavy-handed tactics may be backfiring because for the first time since 2020 the rise and rise of BYD has faltered. As reported by CarNewsChina BYD Group sales in China fell 5.9 per cent (to 393,060 units) in September, compared to the same month last year, following two months where year-on-year sales had been close to flat.In particular, BYD’s plug-in hybrid numbers dropped 25.6 per cent last month, with sales now declining for six consecutive months since April.But while the mother ship BYD brand has borne the brunt of the domestic downturn, its relatively small-volume sub-brands have gone the other way. Fang Cheng Bao (off-road capable SUVs) grew 345 percent (to 24,121 units), Denza (premium models) was up 20.5 per cent (to 12,407 units) and Yangwang (super performance models) improved by 145 per cent (to 758 units) in September, YOY.Of course, BYD has been aggressively seeking new market opportunities to fill a USA-sized export hole in its business plan. And Australia is clearly a target, as the brand has made a big impact locally in a stunningly short period of time.Having recently switched from an importer/distributor arrangement to a direct factory subsidiary, BYD is now a regular top 10 new car player here (P8 year-to-date in 2025) with models like the Sealion 7 SUV and Shark 6 dual cab ute occupying an increasing number of Aussie driveways.And there’s lots more on the way, with the Atto 2 small electric SUV and large three-row Sealion 8 PHEV both approved for local sale and expected to arrive before the end of the year.But the next step is a flanking manoeuvre, using the Denza brand to expand BYD’s group-wide offering. And this week saw confirmation of a November arrival for the Denza B5 and B8 PHEV 4WD SUVs.Marketed in China under the Fang Cheng Bao Leopard Series banner, the B5 is a mid-size plug-in hybrid riding on a full body-on-frame chassis powered by a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine and two electric motors for combined outputs of 505kW and 760Nm with a 1200km overall range. Then, the larger, seven-seat B8, also a Fang Cheng Bao Leopard model in China, is a similar separate-frame 4WD powered by a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine and a pair of electric motors delivering 550kW/760Nm with a 1200km range.Both feature a trio of diff locks, selectable terrain modes and generous ground clearance for serious off-road performance and the standard specification is sky-high with multiple media and instrument screens included in a premium interior fit-out.Look out Toyota RAV4 and LandCruiser Prado! BYD said this week it would offer a curated range of premium vehicles from BYD’s three acclaimed sub-brands in Australia under the Denza brand.This means models from the Yangwang product portfolio will soon be on offer here. Most likely the front-engine, quad-motor U8 SUV; a large, five-seat ‘tank turn’ capable 4WD.Stand by for more BYD and Denza new model news as the Chinese giant’s push into this market continues to build momentum.

Toyota’s iconic LandCruiser 300 Series off-roader is already offered with petrol-electric hybrid technology in certain markets and it’s soon coming to Australia, but more electric oomph is reportedly on the way.As reported by Japanese publication Creative Trend, a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain is on the cards for the LC300 which would bring more electric range.It’s reported the system will likely use the existing 3.5-litre twin-turbo petrol V6 engine as a base with an electric motor, like the existing LandCruiser Hybrid, but with a larger high-voltage battery pack.'At this stage total system outputs haven’t been confirmed, however the LandCruiser Hybrid produces 340kW and 790Nm in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).Having a larger battery pack in the LandCruiser PHEV could reportedly lead to issues with vehicle weight, interior space and fuel tank capacity.As a result the LandCruiser PHEV could reportedly only be offered in five-seat configuration.Although the LandCruiser Hybrid will only be offered with five seats in Australia, in other markets there are seven-seat versions.Creative Trend also speculates the LandCruiser PHEV’s fuel tank could be reduced to around 50L. For context, the LandCruiser Hybrid has either a 68L or 98L fuel tank in the UAE, depending on the trim level.Plus, the diesel-powered LC300 diesel and the related petrol-powered Lexus LX600 in Australia both have 110L fuel tanks.Despite the bigger battery pack, it’s reported that overall driving range for the LandCruiser PHEV could only be around 500-600km. A diesel-powered LandCruiser 300 Series has a theoretical range of well over 1000km in Australia.This latest report comes after Toyota Australia Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Sean Hanley, told CarsGuide that PHEV technology isn’t being ruled out for the LandCruiser.“I think plug-in hybrid is going to be a tremendously big seller over the next five years, and with battery technology evolving, it offers, I think, a big, broad scope of capability,” said Hanley.“A key to it though with this car is you can’t compromise on the towing. That’s the issue.“So if you do bring in a plug-in hybrid, it’s got to be able to tow.“It’s got to be capable and practical, otherwise wasting time.“But having said that, not every LandCruiser goes out towing vans.“ you may have a LandCruiser technology or powertrain that really is for those city people.“They might do a bit of light off-road occasionally. Then you’ll have the other LandCruiser, which could be this one , or some other variant, for performance and towing, and it’d be this kind of setup in the future.”It’s unclear whether this statement opens up the possibility of an electric LandCruiser or smaller, more city-oriented model in the future.Toyota has previously shown off concepts for both but neither have been revealed in production form.The Tokyo motor show will kick off at the end of October and you can expect Toyota to reveal some significant new metal, so keep an eye on CarsGuide for any updates.

The Tesla Model Y has a monster month in September 2025.