SUV

BYD’s latest flagship has just been spotted in China. Pictures of the incoming Dynasty-D three-row SUV have appeared in a report from Car News China.The brand revealed late last month the car’s launch was going to be delayed until the second quarter of 2026, after being originally scheduled for the end of 2025. It was seen for the first time in April 2025 as a concept car at the Shanghai Auto Show.We already know that it has a plug-in hybrid set-up consisting of a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine paired with front and rear mounted electric motors. The electric-only driving range will be more than 200km.The car has now been spotted in China during road testing where its exterior was kept mostly camouflaged. In keeping with the concept car designs, the large SUV features a sleek body with a sloped roof line and rear spoiler. Curiously, pictures show hidden door handles on the Dynasty D, which are about to be prohibited in China.Mostly notably the images reveal the car will come with rear wheel steering to aid manoeuvrability, given it's over five metres long. With BYD looking to capitalise on its domestic market share, the Dynasty-D has the highest-end equipment, featuring the latest version of BYD's signature autonomous driving software. The system has a LiDAR sensor, 12 cameras and a speedy Nvidia Orin-X computer processing chip. There is also a continuous damping suspension system.The Dynasty-D is not the only large SUV BYD will launch in China next year, with the brand also launching a seemingly similar-sized Sealion 08 in early 2026.Confusingly, the Chinese-market Sealion 08 is distinct from the Australian-delivered Sealion 8 three-row SUV, which is a re-badge of the China-market Tang L SUV.We do not know yet if the Dynasty-D will be launched in Australia, but given BYD’s serious export PHEV push as well as its intention to land a top-three position in the Australian market it is a possibility. The brand has already brought across its Sealion 6 SUV and Shark 6 ute as PHEVs, both of which have been sales successes.A new Sealion 8 SUV will join in January of 2026. There will also be a Sealion 5 mid-size SUV PHEV launching in the first half of next year as a budget option in the BYD range.

Nissan is pulling out all the stops as it tries to lift itself out of the doldrums.

BYD has confirmed two new flagship models will launch in early 2026 to top out its range in China.

Another week another new hybrid family SUV from a challenger brand. But this brand isn’t Chinese, it’s KGM, the 'other' Korean carmaker. The KGM Torres Hybrid is affordable, competent and spacious, but can it divert attention away from all the other hybrid family haulers?

Jaecoo, the semi-premium arm of Chery, has revealed specifications of its J5 EV compact SUV.

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This potential BYD model could be the brand's next big hit in Oz.

Aussies SUV shoppers will be spoiled for choice in 2026.Kia is the latest carmaker to confirm a new version of one its most popular models, with the new-generation Seltos breaking cover ahead of its Australian arrival late next year.The new Seltos ushers in a lot of changes to beef up its arsenal to battle newcomers such as the MG ZS, Chery Tiggo 4 and old favourites including the Toyota Corolla Cross and the Kona from sister brand Hyundai.Kia’s compact SUV will come with hybrid power for the first time. The brand hasn’t revealed any details of the hybrid set-up, but it is believed to mirror the one found in the Kona.That likely means a 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine matched with an electric motor and small battery. This set-up produces a combined 104kW and 265Nm in the Kona and is paired with a six-speed dual-clutch auto that drives the front wheels. Fuel use should be sub-4.0L/100km, too.This will be joined by two petrol engines.The first is a familiar 2.0-litre four-cylinder non-turbo motor found in the current Seltos (minus 1kW), which now makes 110kW and 179Nm. It will likely be matched to a CVT auto.Next up is a 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol engine. This is available in two tunes making either 132kW/265Nm or 142kW/265Nm. It is likely Australia will use the second option paired with an eight-speed auto, which is currently used in the Seltos albeit with 4kW more.Kia Australia hasn’t confirmed the Seltos line-up for Down Under yet, but it is likely to offer the two petrol options and hybrid from its Q4 launch.It will be available in front- or all-wheel drive layouts, with the AWD versions swapping out a rear torsion beam set-up for a more refined multi-link suspension at the back.Currently Kia fits the turbo motor to AWD versions and the non-turbo engine to FWD examples, this strategy is expected to carry-over to the new generation. No word yet on if the hybrid will be available in FWD or AWD layouts, but Hyundai only sells the Kona Hybrid in FWD.The Seltos will also benefit from a local ride and handling tune, which it said will take place at the start of next year.The company also claimed to have improved sound deadening to improve the driving experience.Kia has stretched the Seltos. It is now 45mm longer than before and with a 60mm longer wheelbase. The longer wheelbase — or distance between front and rear axles — typically determines how much interior space a car has. The spacious cabin has also been enhanced with a column-mounted shift-by-wire gear selector, which leaves the centre console free for other uses.The Seltos is also claimed to have class-leading boot space, with 536L of storage, according to Kia.A new design maintains the Seltos’ boxy physique but new lighting signatures front and back add some modern touches to its appeal. There is the option of 16-, 17-, 18- or 19-inch alloy wheels.Kia has also confirmed a new X-Line trim, which will feature more rugged styling compared to the more glitzy GT-Line.High-end models will benefit from plenty of large screens inside and a head-up display that projects vital information, such as travelling speed and safety warnings, onto the windscreen in front of the driver.Kia has fitted plenty of advanced safety tech to the new Seltos, with all bases covered.Kia will produce the Seltos in China, India and South Korea, with Australian-delivered vehicles built in Korea.

Well into its second generation, the Mercedes-Benz GLE remains a key player in the luxury large SUV space. In its category, there are however plenty of badges with the power to lure buyers away: Audi, Porsche and Range Rover. Even non-Euros like Genesis and Lexus. A week behind the wheel around and out of the city should reveal whether the GLE still has a strong-enough USP in 2025.

The Chery Tiggo 9 Super Hybrid has arrived to join a new age of long-range fuel-efficient beasts that might make you change your mind about getting an EV now.