News Roundup: Jul 6, 2026
- Adam Bernard
- Jul 7
- 4 min read
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 the Neue Klasse design language, while new touches such as double-X lighting, beltline-mounted winglet door handles, a massive 141kWh iX5 battery with an estimated 435-mile EPA range, up to 460kW DC fast charging, and BMW Soft-Stop braking push the electric version especially far forward. Inside, the X5 adds a passenger display, animated ambient lighting, available slate trim and crystal controls, plus expanded hands-free driving capability, making it look like a highly competitive new entry in the midsize luxury SUV segment despite the loss of the split tailgate.
WHY IT MATTERS: While the BMW X3 and iX3 use completely different platforms and sheetmetal, BMW has consolidated all the X5s onto their multi-energy CLAR architecture, which should yield some efficiencies and economies of scale. The resulting vehicle also brings new technologies to BMW that are likely to show up in future high-end EVs.
THE BOTTOM LINE: Stylish with a highly competitive set of specs, the new X5 family is a formidable competitor for Mercedes’ and Audi’s ICE and EV midsize SUVs.
Chery’s New Rugged Truck
The Jetour F700 is a new pickup from Chery’s off-road-focused brand aimed directly at the BYD Shark 6 and inspired by a concept shown at the Shanghai Motor Show. Expected accessories such as a rooftop tent, metal racks, snorkel, and auxiliary LEDs underscore its adventure positioning, while its size—several inches longer than a typical midsize truck like a Ranger or Tacoma—places it near a lucrative global pickup segment. Hardware such as double wishbone front suspension, coil-spring rear suspension, and a plug-in hybrid setup built around a 2.0-liter turbo engine suggest serious capability, with potential output reaching as high as 800 horsepower or more and a CATL battery capable of charging from 20% to 80% in 10 minutes. Inside, the F700 uses a BMW-style panoramic display at the base of the windshield, a freestanding center screen, and physical controls on both the center and overhead consoles.
WHY IT MATTERS: The F700 is another sign of China’s fast-growing interest in off-road-capable vehicles and is a closer challenge to Detroit’s profitable truck territory. It joins a group of recently launched midsize entries but adds more power and capability.
THE BOTTOM LINE: Although Jetour may not have much credibility in this segment compared to stalwarts like Ford, Toyota, Chevy, and Nissan, it appears to be highly competitive in terms of performance and capability.
Multipla Gets Rebooted
The Fiat Multiplina is planned as a four-passenger variant of the Topolino, and is due in 2028; it was previewed at a micromobility event in Vatican City after previously appearing as the Quattrolino during Stellantis Investor Day. Positioned above the Topolino but below the upcoming Panda E-car, it draws inspiration from the original 1956 Fiat 600 Multipla six-seater while adapting the idea for a modern urban mobility format. Its L7 designation points to greater capability than the Topolino, including more power, a likely larger battery, and a projected 55 mph top speed—roughly double that of the Topolino—making it a more practical step up for short-distance city use.
WHY IT MATTERS: Fiat is building up the low end of their EV portfolio, and the Multiplina provides them with a unique entry from a global mass-market brand, while leveraging a historical nameplate.
THE BOTTOM LINE: Fiat intends to offer a low-cost EV mobility solution for just about everyone, and the Multiplina appears to fill a notable gap.
BYD Raises the Bar
The BYD Seal 08 is a new flagship midsize sedan in BYD’s Ocean family, offering an unusually strong value proposition with a price expected above $30,000, up to roughly 420 miles of range, as much as 634 horsepower, four-wheel steering, lidar-supported automated driving, available air suspension with road-preview functionality, and the ability to add about 185 miles of range in a five-minute charge. Beyond the hardware, BYD is also drawing attention with a one-year coverage program for losses tied to city navigation-assisted driving and smart parking scenarios, reportedly compensating owners for legally liable economic losses caused by driver-assistance errors, including vehicle repairs, third-party property damage, and personal injury losses, without affecting the owner’s insurance premium. That combination of performance, charging speed, advanced chassis technology, driver-assistance confidence, and aggressive customer protection makes the Seal 08 a particularly notable entry in the electric sedan market.
WHY IT MATTERS: There’s been plenty of debate over who’s responsible if an automated driving system malfunctions, and the fact that a Chinese automaker is leapfrogging the legacy automakers in this space speaks to their confidence about their capability.
THE BOTTOM LINE: It’s not an inexpensive initiative but, like Kia’s industry-leading warranty, it sends a signal to customers that’s hard to ignore
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