EVs

What price do you put on style? If you’re Hyundai, it’s $39,000 (plus on-road costs), which is the starting price of its all-new Inster compact electric vehicle.But while that makes it more expensive than its direct competitors, Hyundai’s global design boss has said that’s a cost the company must pay.SangYup Lee, Vice President and Hyundai and Genesis Global Design Centre, explained that while the brand could have decided to make the Inster cheaper, the priority was to create a lasting first impression to the Hyundai brand for new buyers it hopes to attract.“ This is our challenge,” Lee told CarsGuide. “But at the same time, when it comes to EV of the Year, Inster, that is the gateway car for first-time users, and a lot of young Gen Z players buying this car. So for me, the entry-level car, the first car is so important because a gateway for our product. So we just want to make sure it has a lot of character.”He said the recently revealed Insteroid concept car is an extension of this design philosophy, playing with the idea of fun and youthful design that will try to speak to a new generation of customers - rather than making the cheapest, most-affordable model possible - even if it means standing out from other models in the Hyundai line-up.“Sometimes when you look at it, you have a smile on your face. And then you see in the Insteroid that is our video game car, it's all about ,” Lee explained.“When you look at it, you have a smile on your face. So you don't have to have exactly the same face as Palisade to the Inster. So this is all about, we have to really target our customers. And at the end of it, I must say there's nothing wrong with what other brands do versus what we are doing and the customer will make a decision.  I really believe this is the customer’s decision.”With its $39,000 starting price the Inster is notably more expensive than its nearest rivals, which all happen to be from relatively new Chinese car brands. The BYD Dolphin starts at $29,990 (plus on-road costs), the GWM Ora costs $35,990 drive-away and the MG4 is priced from $37,990 (plus on-road costs).Despite the cheaper prices, Lee has nothing but compliments for his Chinese rivals, but stressed Hyundai has different priorities as a more established carmaker, particularly when it comes to longevity of design and vehicle reliability.“I have a huge respect for Chinese brands because in such a short amount of time, they challenge a lot,” the Hyundai design boss said. “But we are a traditional OEM and we also are taking care of our customers on the fundamental side of it, most important safety."I mean, of course you love to have karaoke inside of a car and everything together, but a car is a form of transportation. You travel with your family, the safety is something you cannot compromise and therefore the usability and all the things, et cetera. And then we are actually adding the value. For the high techs and also connected and everything together. And so this is actually a bit of the priority difference, I would say.“But once again, that’s okay, this is our philosophy, which we believe is a very important philosophy, a customer able to choose at the end of it. Because for me, a brand-new car is cool, but cars on the street are even more important because I see the value of the car when the car has been out there at least five years and parked on the street."Is the car still stable? Is the car still easy to use and doesn't get dated soon? I think those are the very important factors when you design a car.”Fresh from claiming the title of EV of the Year at the World Car of the Year Awards, the Inster is due to launch in Australia by the middle of the year.

Volkswagen has unveiled three new electrified concepts at the Shanghai auto show, including the brand’s first range-extender electric vehicle.Intended as a preview for VW’s future product plans in China, the three concept vehicles, which appear to be near production-spec, have been co-developed with the brand’s local partners SAIC Motor, FAW Group and Volkswagen Anhui.The concept range kicks off with the ID.ERA, a full-sized three-row SUV sporting the brand’s first range-extender platform. While specific powertrain details remain under wraps, Volkswagen says it can provide 300km of range in EV-only mode and deliver a comprehensive range of at least 1000km.As a smaller Jetta-sized sedan targeting younger buyers, the fully electric ID.EVO has been developed with high-performance 800-volt architecture that can support faster charging times and longer range than its 400-volt equivalents.And finally, the ID.AURA is a medium-sized electric SUV designed exclusively for the Chinese market. It utilises Volkswagen’s China-specific Compact Main Platform (CMP), with zonal architecture and AI integration. VW said the model has been developed for the “cost-conscious consumer”.The move represents Volkswagen’s desire to get back to competitiveness in China, where the once-dominant brand is losing ground to emerging domestic rivals such as BYD and Xiaomi.Volkswagen’s future product plans for the world’s largest car market consists of 30 new models by 2027, with a major emphasis on drastically cutting the time it takes to develop new products.The new approach, dubbed “China-speed”, will see VW aim to develop a new car in less than 34 months to keep apace with its Chinese rivals.In the pre-EV era, development of a car with a traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) could take up to five years, but new Chinese EV brands have shown they can cut that time to as little as 18 months.Nissan has similarly said it is looking to cut the time it takes to develop a new model to 37 months as it seeks to return to profitability.All research and development of the new VW models will take place at Volkswagen’s new facility in Hefei, China. It remains unclear whether any will be sold in overseas markets.

The Audi Q8 60 TFSIe quattro S line has had a mid-life upgrade which sees tweaks to its design, technology and features. But do those upgrades make this large plug-in hybrid SUV one to look out for?

Chinese carmaker Zeekr has revealed its flagship 9X SUV at the Shanghai auto show ahead of the car’s official launch in the third quarter of this year.According to the brand’s local operations, the 5.3-metre long model is under active consideration for Australia as it looks to strengthen its two-strong line-up, currently consisting of the X electric SUV and 009 electric people mover.In terms of design, the 9X strongly resembles luxury SUV staples, such as the Rolls-Royce Cullinan or Toyota Century SUV. That said, it borrows its foundations from fellow Geely-owned brand Lynk & Co’s 900, which is slated for release later this month.Underneath, the 9X will carry a Xiaoyao battery pack from CATL that Zeekr claims will deliver 380km of pure-electric range, marking the furthest distance among hybrid SUVs globally.Zeekr hasn’t detailed the exact size of the battery, nor total power and torque outputs, but it will come paired to a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine that delivers 205kW on its own.The entire configuration will see the 9X rocket from 0-100km/h in a claimed 3.0 seconds.Ride comfort will be secured through “industry-first” dual-chamber air suspension and active stabiliser bars, the brand says.Inside, there will be Rolls-Royce-style starlight headlining, while Zeekr’s 'G-Pilot H9' autonomous driving system with five Lidar sensors will also be fitted.The 9X’s twin, the Lynk & Co 900, will launch before the 9X, which the brand says has already attracted some 40,000 pre-orders. The brand is set to launch in Australia next year.It loses the 9X’s large chrome grille and LED headlight clusters for a flat front bumper panel and dual-'fanged' headlights. There are different wheel designs in addition to the 900’s unique rear LED tail-light bar design.Zeekr says the 900’s dual-electric-motor, 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine set-up delivers a total power output of 650kW, while the time it takes to sprint from 0-100km/h rises to 4.3 seconds.Inside, the 900 boasts twin 30-inch 6K displays and six seats with 180-degree rotating functions.Pricing for either model is unclear, although in China, the 9X is anticipated to range from approximately A$110,000 for the base-spec to A$215,000 for the top-spec ‘Grand Edition’.Full pricing and specifications for the 9X are expected to emerge ahead of the car’s official launch later this year.

The first-quarter results for Tesla are in, and they're abysmal, with the now-controversial electric vehicle brand shaving sales and profit over the first three months of 2025.

BYD has officially revealed its new Yangwang U8L SUV ahead of its debut at the Shanghai auto show later this week.Positioned as an ultra-luxury, ultra-large, off-road-capable SUV, the U8L will arrive in China as a longer-wheelbase version of the U8, which is set to launch in Australia before the end of this year.The U8L is expected to welcome significant design and technology updates over its smaller sibling, some of which have been previewed by CarNewsChina.Starting with dimensions, the U8L is expected to grow to a staggering 5600mm long from an already large 5319mm to accommodate a more spacious three-row, six-seat configuration.For comparison, a Rolls-Royce Cullinan lines up at 5314mm long, while a seven-seat Range Rover Long Wheelbase is 5213mm long.The larger frame will drop the U8’s rear-mounted spare wheel in favour of a flat tailgate paired with a black roof, golden exterior paint, newly designed alloy rims and retractable door handles.A trio of displays on the dashboard, including a 23.6-inch driver’s display, a 12.8-inch central multimedia display and a 23.6-inch passenger screen, are expected to be carryovers from the U8, along with quilted leather upholstery, dual rear-passenger displays and a 22-speaker Dynaudio audio system.The U8’s standard trunk volume of 1031 litres, which expands to 2050 litres with the rear seats folded, is expected to grow even larger with the longer proportions, although an official figure remains unconfirmed.Changes to the powertrain haven’t been detailed, with the U8L not expected to sway too far from its U8 sibling. It packs a quad-electric-motor, four-wheel drive set-up with a combined output of 880kW/1280Nm.Additionally, the U8 carries a 49kWh lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) ‘Blade’ battery pack and a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine. Electric range is claimed at 180km, while comprehensive range is claimed in excess of 1000km (both under the CLTC protocol).The U8L will carry BYD’s Tesla-rivalling 'God’s Eye' advanced driver-assist technology, which uses a mix of cameras, Lidar sensors and artificial intelligence to provide semi-autonomous driving functions.Despite the U8's confirmation for the Australian market, a local debut for the U8L remains uncertain at this stage. Any prospective launch date is certain to depend on the U8's reception.The U8 launched under BYD’s luxury Yangwang sub-brand in China in 2023 with a price tag of 1.098 million yuan (A$231,500). The U8L's pricing in China is expected to exceed that figure, with more information likely to follow its official reveal in Shanghai this week.

Production plans for Tesla’s low-cost Model Y have been delayed again, according to industry sources, with a start date now slated for as late as early 2026.According to Reuters, three sources with knowledge of the matter said production had been pushed back by at least a few months from Tesla’s most recently publicised production date of the first half of this year.The brand is now reportedly offering a range of revised targets from the third quarter to early next year. The reason for the delay is not clear.Two of the sources confirmed that Tesla is aiming to produce 250,000 of the cheaper Model Ys in the United States by next year. Production is also planned for Europe and China, the latter of which being where Australia-bound Teslas are built.Questions around plans for the affordable models, which will also eventually include a stripped-back Model 3, is set to be a key line of inquiry following Tesla’s first quarter earning results on Wednesday.Low-cost Teslas have long been anticipated by customers and investors alike, with plans dating back as far as 2020 when CEO Elon Musk first floated a price tag of $25,000 (A$40,000) for future budget models.The same price tag has since been floated for the incoming, fully-autonomous Cybercab, which is now also delayed.Reuters reported that the new stripped-back Model Y will cost 20 per cent less to produce than the current version, presumably by losing some standard features and carrying a smaller, short-range battery pack. Tesla has previously said a 53kWh unit would replace the current Model Y's 60kWh battery.An updated version of the current Model Y will land in Australian showrooms from next month with a starting price of $58,900 before on-road costs.Positive news couldn’t come any sooner for Tesla, whose stock has fallen by 44 per cent in the US off the back of Musk’s controversial role in the Trump Administration's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).Rising competition from Chinese EV brands, such as BYD, has also seen the brand’s small and aging line-up undercut in key overseas markets such as China, Europe and Australia, with Tesla recording its first-ever decline in annual deliveries in the fourth quarter of last year.U.S. President Donald Trump’s huge 145 per cent tariffs on Chinese imports, including vehicle components, are also set to hit a quarter of vehicles Tesla produces in the US, according to Fortune.In Australia, Tesla’s sales to March 2025 were down by nearly 60 per cent compared to the same period last year, with sales of the brand’s best-selling model in Australia (and globally), the Model Y, falling by 54.4 per cent.BYD, meanwhile, has seen its sales in Australia grow by 95.6 per cent over the same period, though largely off the back of its plug-in hybrid Shark 6 ute.Chinese electric car conglomerate Geely has emerged as another threat, with sales of its EX5 electric SUV – which is the cheapest model in its class in Australia – clocking 188 sales in just its first month.

XPeng has officially launched its updated X9 people mover in China ahead of its Australian launch in the fourth quarter of this year.After only arriving on the Chinese market in January 2024, the overhauled 2025 XPeng X9 will carry the same launch price of 359,800 yuan (A$77,059) as its predecessor in China despite adding a suite of major upgrades.Four different grades have been confirmed: Long Range Max, Ultra Long Range Max, AWD Performance Max and the top-spec Starship Edition.Built on 800-volt architecture, the X9 now comes with the option of two larger batteries – a 94.8kWh lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) battery pack, up from the previous 84.5kWh unit, or a 105kWh nickel-manganese-cobalt battery, up from the previous 101.5kWh unit.A single-motor, front-wheel-drive configuration remains standard across the range.Driving range varies from a claimed 650km on the Long Range Max to a range-topping 740km on the Ultra Long Range Max, while the AWD Performance Max and Starship Edition both clock in at 702km. These figures are claimed under the more lenient CLTC cycle.XPeng has added active rear steering, which means the X9’s 5.3-metre frame has a turning radius of just 5.4-metres.Inside, XPeng claims to have significantly increased the amount of soft-touch and 'premium' materials, while improving acoustics through additional sound insulation.NASA-inspired “zero gravity” seats have also been introduced, which the brand says are significantly more comfortable than the previous ones. They come standard across all grades in the first and second rows, with a 10-point massage function or optional 16-point.The third-row seats now carry electronically adjustable headrests and backrests and can be folded completely flat, offering significant additional space.Soft-close doors are now standard for the first row, while the 21.4-inch rear passenger screen is now blue light-resistant and carries a tilt function. Uniquely, it also comes with a microphone-less karaoke system.A 10.8-inch fridge/warmer, 220V power outlet, “surround-style” air-conditioning and one-touch electronically folding seats also join the third row.According to CarNewsChina, XPeng has told buyers of the pre-facelift X9 that they will be able to upgrade certain features, such as improved sound insulation and zero gravity seats.The move suggests a similar approach may follow in Australia when the updated G6 arrives later this year after it was revealed for the Chinese market in March. According to the brand, a suite of powertrain and tech upgrades means the G6, which launched in Australia in October last year, is 34 per cent new.Exact pricing and launch timing for the X9 on the Australian market remains unconfirmed, however, XPeng’s local CEO Jason Clarke previously confirmed to CarsGuide it would be aimed to sit under the luxury car tax threshold of $91,387 for ‘fuel-efficient’ vehicles. That means its starting price is poised to significantly undercut its key rivals in the Zeekr 009, which starts at $135,900 before on-road costs, and the Lexus LM, which starts at $160,272 before on-road costs.Expect more information, including a full list of pricing and specifications, closer to the X9’s official launch in Australia later this year.

It’s a name most new-car buyers are only just getting to grips with, but Chinese EV specialist Zeekr continues to make its mark with yet another new model emerging overnight.Featuring a distinctive tapering ‘shooting brake’ profile in the style of Porsche’s Taycan Sport Turismo, the Zeekr 007 GT is the brand’s second electric station wagon, following in the wheel tracks of the slightly larger Zeekr 001.With a claimed range of up to 825km, 475kW on tap in the top-spec dual-motor AWD variant and air suspension standard, it’s set to make a splash in the Chinese market, where wagons aren’t usually a mainstream choice. Despite this, the 001 wagon has proved popular.Offered in single-motor (310kW) rear-wheel drive and dual-motor (475kW) AWD form, the 007 GT wagon rides on the same modular platform as its sedan sibling, measuring just under 4.9m long, 1.9m wide and a little over 1.4m tall with a 2925mm wheelbase.Claimed 0-100km/h acceleration is a supercar-like 2.95 seconds! There are two battery options for RWD and AWD models - a 75kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) and 100kWh nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) pack, with (CLTC) range stretching from 585–825km. An 800V architecture means the 007 GT is claimed to charge from 10 to 80 per cent in just 10.5 minutes on a DC fast charger.The GT features a 90-inch interactive LED screen in its nose able to display text and emojis, which is unlikely to see the light of day outside the domestic market.Retractable door handles, aero roof rails and a rear spoiler enhance the car’s sleek looks, with 20-inch rims filling the wheel arches.Inside, there’s a big 15.4-inch media touchscreen and LCD digital instrument display as well as 35.5-inch augmented reality head-up display.The five seats seats are trimmed in Nappa leather with the fronts featuring 14-way power adjustment as well as heating, cooling and a massage function.Boot capacity is a healthy 645 litres, which expands to a substantial 1737 litres with the split folded second-row seats lowered. Fun fact: An optional 10.2-litre refrigerator can be fitted under the boot floor.Pricing in China starts at ¥202,900 for the RWD 75kWh entry-model, rising to ¥262,900 for the 100kWh AWD version.On a direct currency conversion that’s a spread of around $43,500 to $56,400. Add a roughly 20 per cent bump to cover import and distribution and that jumps to $52,200 to $67,680.Zeekr has confirmed the car will be exported to Europe as the Zeekr 7 GT and CarsGuide has contacted Zeekr Australia to see if it’s in line for a local launch. This story will be updated with any feedback received.

The Subaru Solterra is one of three new models unveiled by the Japanese carmaker at the New York motor show overnight, and it's promising significant improvements on driving range, power and tech.For the 2026 model year, the Toyota bZ4X-based Solterra sports a new design, including a smoother front grille, an illuminated black-and-white Subaru badge, fresh LED headlight signatures and S-U-B-A-R-U letter branding at the rear.Subaru has also dropped the black plastic wheel arches in favour of more uniform body-coloured panelling, while also adding newly designed 18 and 20-inch alloy wheels.Under the bonnet, the Solterra’s previously 71.1kWh lithium-ion battery has been traded for a slightly larger 74kWh unit, which the brand says will deliver a 25 per cent improvement in range.Currently, Subaru claims the Solterra will cover up to 414km under the WLTP cycle, with this latest announcement suggesting that figure will grow closer to 517km.Power is up too, with punchier dual electric motors delivering a maximum total output of 248kW, up from 160kW. Torque figures remain unconfirmed, but Subaru said the changes will see the car dash from 0-97km/h in under five seconds on the new top-spec XT grade.Inside, the central multimedia screen has increased from 12.3 to 14.0-inches. It is now also flanked by two 15W wireless charging pads.As before, the Solterra will offer Subaru’s trademark symmetrical all-wheel drive with X-mode configurable driving modes that include snow/dirt and deep snow/mud. Ground clearance is still rated at a welcome 212mm.Pricing is yet to be confirmed, nor is an official launch for the Australian market, although it is expected to attract a premium over the current two-variant line-up, which starts at $69,990 before on road-costs for the base AWD, if it lands here.Subaru has sold 43 Solterras in the first three months of this year, a decline of 70.3 per cent compared to the same period last year.