Prestige & Luxury Cars

Is it really the end of 2023 already? How did that happen so fast?? Well, it's time once again to review my year in cars and whittle down everything I have driven into a short list of five of my top picks.

Another potential model to join the Cadillac Lyriq when the brand makes its much-anticipated launch in Australia has been revealed in the US overnight, the Cadillac Vistiq.

Even when it builds a family-friendly SUV, Porsche still pushes the performance boundary. The Cayenne Turbo GT Coupe is the German brand’s take on the same extreme SUV class as the Lamborghini Urus (the two even share mechanical DNA). 

Mercedes-AMG has capped off the new SL series with its halo hybrid drop-top, the SL63 S E Performance.

Genesis has revealed images and details of its facelifted halo sedan, the G80, which will launch globally next year as the “first model change in nearly four years”.

The 2024 Porsche Cayenne has something for everyone - from the outrageously fast Turbo GT Coupe to this, more frugal, E-Hybrid.This pairs a 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 engine with an electric motor for a combination of performance and efficiency. There’s a new electric motor and battery for 2024, with the motor now making 130kW/460Nm, a significant 30kW/60Nm improvement over the previous model, which contributes towards a combined system output of 346kW/650Nm The Cayenne E-Hybrid has a new and improved 25.9kWh battery which allows for a theoretical 86km of driving on electric power alone. It also helps contribute to a claimed fuel economy rating of just 1.9L/100km; although, like all plug-in hybrids, achieving that figure in the real world is challenging in our experience.Porsche has also added a new on-board AC charger that increases capacity from 7.2kW to 11kW, so with a high-voltage charger the battery can be replenished in just over two hours.The Cayenne E-Hybrid is priced from $154,600 and comes equipped with LED Matrix beam headlights as well as 14-way electronically adjustable front seats, a head-up display, partial leather interior (in black), a new 12.6-inch digital instrument display and a 150W, 10-speaker sound system.There’s a redesigned exterior and interior, which toughens up the looks on the outside and creates a more stylish and practical inside. The Cayenne is by far the most family-friendly Porsche you can buy, with enough room in the back for two adults or older teenagers to sit comfortably, or enough room for three younger children. Safety equipment for the E-Hybrid includes front, side, curtain and driver’s knee airbags, plus autonomous emergency braking, lane keeping assist, adaptive cruise control and a surround view parking system.Combine the hybrid powertrain and practical and spacious cabin with the strong safety credentials and style and it makes for one of the most sensible models the brand offers. Whether that’s still enough to sway buyers from making the leap to an all-electric alternative remains to be seen.

Audi Australia has confirmed local pricing and specifications for the “strictly limited” swansong of its two-door sports car, the Audi TT.

The new-generation version of Mini’s largest model, the Countryman SUV, will arrive in Australia early in 2024 with a new look, fresh tech and more room - yep, it’s even bigger.

It's not unusual for carmakers to test their vehicles in Australia before being launched - or even revealed - globally. Hyundai, Mitsubishi and Toyota have all done it, Holden did before it closed and Ford still has a significant engineering and testing program in Victoria.

The 2024 Porsche Cayenne S is available in either an SUV or Coupe bodystyle, both powered by the same V8 engine.