image: Gemini The 2026 edition of the Fortune Global 500 contains several noteworthy data points about China’s rapidly accelerating auto industry: BYD remains the top-ranked Chinese automaker at #91--and, despite numerous headwinds, is in the same spot they were last year. Gasgoo notes it “underscores the resilience of BYD’s revenue base, built on vertical integration across the entire supply chain.” EV battery giant CATL jumps from 303 to 260 as global EV and PHEV penetrati

image: BMWBlog A recent Gauge Index survey from Hankook Tire indicated 64% of Americans are interested in an offroad adventure, versus only 30% last year. And with strong Wrangler and Bronco sales and the imminent arrival of a new Xterra, two new Scouts, and a potential US-focused Defender model, it shouldn't be surprising that other automakers are looking for a piece of the action. Reports surfaced a few months ago of a new US-built large BMW SUV, codenamed G74, that would h

Check out the video: https://youtu.be/RCycwExLsqQ Audi’s Biggest SUV The Audi Q9 is positioned as Audi’s new flagship SUV for the U.S. market, aimed directly at the BMW X7 and Mercedes GLS with larger dimensions, premium lighting technology, and a high-end interior. Sharing its foundation with the updated Q7, it adds a longer wheelbase, distinctive illuminated design elements, available power-operated doors, up to 23-inch wheels, adaptive air suspension, and advanced driver-a

Check out the video: https://youtu.be/39qujrbpZbA Audi A2 Revival Audi is reviving the A2 name for a new all-electric small hatchback that will replace the A1 and Q2 while drawing on the original model’s reputation for lightweight innovation and aerodynamic efficiency. Sharing MEB underpinnings with the VW ID.3 Neo and Audi Q4 e-tron, the A2 e-tron is expected to offer multiple power and battery configurations, potentially reaching 320 hp, 79 kWh, and up to 403 miles on the W

Potential Volvo EV60 (source: Autocar) With buyers having the choice of BMW’s new i3 (in both sedan and wagon forms), Mercedes’ new C-Class Electric, and the upcoming A4 e-tron (which, hopefully, will include an Avant variant), Volvo is reportedly considering bringing back a luxury sedan and wagon into US showrooms. Likely badged S60/V60 (or S70/V70), these ~$50,000 EVs would leverage the new SPA3 architecture underpinning the new EX60--and so likely to be very competitive ag

If you're looking for a family of Bolt-like affordable EVs from General Motors, you may be waiting a while... It's about that time of year when Automotive News publishes its forward assumptions about what automaker are planning for the next few years. This particular quote is noteworthy: "GM’s plans to launch new EVs this decade largely have been pushed back or canceled. A commercial van codeveloped with Hyundai is now the only new EV expected to be released by GM through 203

Check out the video: https://youtu.be/FcM8Vew2lLA Xiaomi Branches Out Xiaomi’s Sky Nomad series marks the brand’s next major EV expansion after the success of the SUV7, targeting the premium large-SUV space with the three-row N90 and shorter N70. Built on a new platform and offered as extended-range EVs, the models pair a 1.5-liter gas generator with sizable battery options, single- or dual-motor layouts, and up to roughly 170 miles of EPA-equivalent electric range. The N90 i

It turns out high-performance EV hardware can be super-efficient, too...If you've heard about axial flux motors in the past few years, it's likely been in the context of applications in high-performance luxury automotive brands. Compared to the radial flux motors you find in most electrified vehicles, axial flux motors are lighter, more power dense, and can produce more torque--ideal for high-performance vehicles. Five years ago, Mercedes-Benz purchased the UK's Yasa, intendi

Check out the video: https://youtu.be/cKZgVDtzxgU Go, MG! The MG Go concept is positioned as a stylish small electric hatch that channels the spirit of classic MG performance icons while previewing the forthcoming MG2. Designed in London and aimed at fashionable rivals such as the VW ID.Polo, Mini Cooper, and Renault 5, it appears intended less as a budget EV and more as a characterful, image-led model that could become a new brand icon, though MG has not yet revealed its int

AutoExpress interviewed Aston's CEO Adrian Hallmark, who's been on the job for just under two years, and shared what they learned about the company's future. The big news is a next-generation modular bonded aluminum platform that will allow more commonality among core models, even allowing coupes and SUVs to come down the same assembly line. The new architecture promises to be stiffer, and the percentage of Mercedes-sourced parts will rise from about one-third to about one-ha

Check out the video: https://youtu.be/g4iNCRvazNY The Power of Choice BMW’s new X5 brings the brand’s Neue Klasse design and technology strategy to its midsize luxury SUV, launching with an unusually broad range of powertrains that includes mild-hybrid gas and diesel, plug-in hybrid, full electric, and an upcoming hydrogen variant. Much of the iX3’s technology carries over, including 800V architecture, improved battery chemistry, Symbiotic Drive, Panoramic iDrive, Alexa+, and

Check out the video: https://youtu.be/FHqie52bNqU Peaq Performance The Skoda Peaq positions the Czech brand at the upper end of the electric SUV market, translating Skoda’s value-focused reputation into a larger, more premium three-row EV aimed at rivals such as the Kia EV9 and Peugeot E-5008. Its Modern Solid design language brings a distinctive Tech Deck front end, T-shaped lighting, flush door handles, large wheels, and aerodynamic detailing, while the powertrain lineup of

Check out the video: https://youtu.be/aCrHhPRgQh4 Lexus’ Flagship EV The Lexus TZ appears to follow the brand’s familiar luxury formula by taking a mainstream Toyota foundation and elevating it with sharper styling, a richer cabin, and a few notable new technologies. It enters the three-row luxury EV space with competitive range, distinctive design, and thoughtful comfort features such as upscale materials, ambient lighting, and available ottomans, though its performance and

We’re a little over three weeks from Stellantis’ 2026 Investor Day, which promises to answer quite a few questions (like, “What’s the future of Chrysler?”). While we wait, Reuters has talked to multiple sources indicating Stellantis has selected four core “brands that matter” to received a “material increase” to their funding. The lucky four are Jeep, Ram, Fiat, and Peugeot; the rest would become regional (or national) brands, and “build models using technology from the four

Now that VW’s ID.Polo is officially out, I find myself... bored. Maybe it’s because we’ve been hearing about an affordable VW EV for quite a while, and we saw the nearly-identical-looking concept four years ago. I do agree the ID.Polo is handsome and well-proportioned, and I welcome the return of physical controls. It appears to offer a suitably diverse range of powertrain options with respectable (though not class-leading) performance. But, to quote Peggy Lee, “Is that all t

Since the original ES, the formula for front-wheel-drive Lexus products has been rather straightforward: take a Toyota product, reskin it with a bolder look, upgrade the interior, add some new tech, and tweak the powertrain. And because that strategy has largely worked, it’s happened again with the Lexus TZ. While Toyota’s new EV-only Highlander will be sold alongside the ICE-powered Grand Highlander, the TZ will be sold alongside the ICE-powered TX, and target the small grou

The Honda 0 Series Saloon and SUV We’ve seen a number of automakers cancelling (or delaying) EV programs lately, but it’s usually accompanies by increased investment on the ICE side of the business. For instance, Porsche cancelled the EV variant of its upcoming K1 fullsize SUV, but a Macan-sized ICE SUV is due to re-enter the portfolio in a couple of years. Similarly, Nissan cancelled its two planned US-built SUV EVs but is bringing back the Xterra and developing a new body-o

Check out the video: https://youtu.be/1WAdQvZkjBw Three For the Road Hyundai’s Ioniq 3 is a small, sporty Europe-focused EV that borrows its 400V underpinnings from the Kia EV3/EV2 but adds distinctive “Art of Steel” styling cues, strong aero for its size, and a wide range of color and wheel choices. Performance is modest (roughly 9–10 seconds to 100 km/h), but the projected EV range is competitive depending on battery, and the feature list is rich with advanced driver assist

Check out the video: https://youtu.be/Hd8pQKypr6I Smart Returns to its Roots Smart’s Concept #2 previews the next chapter for the storied city-car brand that began with Swatch’s early-1990s ambitions and reached production with the ForTwo in 1997. Built on a new Electric Compact Architecture, the #2 goes fully electric and targets roughly 186 miles of range (likely on China’s CLTC cycle), a major step up versus the outgoing model. Visually it stays close to the ForTwo’s compa

With the launch of the new electric C-Class, it appears Mercedes has finally put their EQ sub-brand to rest. Initially used on vehicle names (e.g., EQA, EQB, EQC...), and then relegated to a verbose suffix (e.g., "Mercedes-Benz G580 with EQ Technology"), the press release for the electric C doesn't contain "EQ" at all. What Mercedes has told us is that the electric C is essentially an electric GLC with a lower and sleeker profile, less mass, better aero, and better performanc