2026 Mercedes-Benz GLB emerges at Nurburgring looking as boxy as ever
Although the all-new mid-size SUV is clad in camouflage, we can see the next GLB's overall silhouette won't diverge too far from today's car, with the passenger cell being predictably blocky and upright in order to maximise interior room.
And as with the current model, the new GLB will likely be offered with a third rows of seats, unlike the German automaker's other far more popular medium SUV, the GLC wagon and 'coupe'.
Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now.
Up front, though, it seems like the rectangular headlights have been replaced by sleeker units, not dissimilar to the ones fitted to the CLA small SUV, with which the GLB shares its Mercedes Modular Architecture (MMA). Like the CLA, the GLB could also feature a light bar or black plastic strip linking its headlights.
Along the side we can see new flagpole-style wing mirrors, and flush-fitting pop-out door handles. There's plenty of false body work underneath the camouflage wrap, so we can't tell if the stepped rear quarter windows will be retained for the GLB's sophomore round.
At the rear the disguise team has cheekily fitted stickers of the tail-lights from the third-generation Smart ForTwo. To the side of these is an arc of LED light tubes bending down and around, which marks quite a departure from the current GLB's thin strip of lights.
If the past is any indication, the GLB will receive most of the drivetrains available in its CLA sibling.
The third-generation CLA, launched earlier this year, will initially be available with the choice of two all-electric drivetrains: a single-motor rear-wheel setup with 200kW of power and 335Nm of torque, and a dual-motor all-wheel drive system with 260kW and 515Nm.
Both are paired with an 85kWh battery pack offering a WLTP range of between 672 and 792km. A cheaper variant with a 58kWh battery will launch later this year.
Unlike the current generation, there will be no battery-powered EQB companion model sporting substantial styling changes to highlight its electric drivetrain. Instead, EV options will be folded into the regular GLB range – electric variants will have the "with EQ Technology" tag clunkily tacked onto the back of their names.
Like the CLA, the GLB will also likely feature a mild-hybrid petrol option equipped with a new turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine paired to an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission with an integrated 20kW electric motor fed by a 1.3kWh 48V lithium-ion battery.
In the CLA, the mild-hybrid system will be able available in three states of tune: 100kW/200Nm, 120kW/250Nm and 140kW/300Nm. Depending on the model, buyers can choose between front- or all-wheel drive.
MORE: Everything Mercedes-Benz GLB
Content originally sourced from: CarExpert.com.au
The second-generationMercedes-Benz GLB has been photographed cutting laps of the Nurburgring for the first time as it undergoes development testing.
Although the all-new mid-size SUV is clad in camouflage, we can see the next GLB's overall silhouette won't diverge too far from today's car, with the passenger cell being predictably blocky and upright in order to maximise interior room.
And as with the current model, the new GLB will likely be offered with a third rows of seats, unlike the German automaker's other far more popular medium SUV, the GLC wagon and 'coupe'.
Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now.
Up front, though, it seems like the rectangular headlights have been replaced by sleeker units, not dissimilar to the ones fitted to the CLA small SUV, with which the GLB shares its Mercedes Modular Architecture (MMA). Like the CLA, the GLB could also feature a light bar or black plastic strip linking its headlights.
Along the side we can see new flagpole-style wing mirrors, and flush-fitting pop-out door handles. There's plenty of false body work underneath the camouflage wrap, so we can't tell if the stepped rear quarter windows will be retained for the GLB's sophomore round.
At the rear the disguise team has cheekily fitted stickers of the tail-lights from the third-generation Smart ForTwo. To the side of these is an arc of LED light tubes bending down and around, which marks quite a departure from the current GLB's thin strip of lights.
If the past is any indication, the GLB will receive most of the drivetrains available in its CLA sibling.
The third-generation CLA, launched earlier this year, will initially be available with the choice of two all-electric drivetrains: a single-motor rear-wheel setup with 200kW of power and 335Nm of torque, and a dual-motor all-wheel drive system with 260kW and 515Nm.
Both are paired with an 85kWh battery pack offering a WLTP range of between 672 and 792km. A cheaper variant with a 58kWh battery will launch later this year.
Unlike the current generation, there will be no battery-powered EQB companion model sporting substantial styling changes to highlight its electric drivetrain. Instead, EV options will be folded into the regular GLB range – electric variants will have the "with EQ Technology" tag clunkily tacked onto the back of their names.
Like the CLA, the GLB will also likely feature a mild-hybrid petrol option equipped with a new turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine paired to an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission with an integrated 20kW electric motor fed by a 1.3kWh 48V lithium-ion battery.
In the CLA, the mild-hybrid system will be able available in three states of tune: 100kW/200Nm, 120kW/250Nm and 140kW/300Nm. Depending on the model, buyers can choose between front- or all-wheel drive.
MORE: Everything Mercedes-Benz GLB
Content originally sourced from: CarExpert.com.au
The second-generationMercedes-Benz GLB has been photographed cutting laps of the Nurburgring for the first time as it undergoes development testing.
Although the all-new mid-size SUV is clad in camouflage, we can see the next GLB's overall silhouette won't diverge too far from today's car, with the passenger cell being predictably blocky and upright in order to maximise interior room.
And as with the current model, the new GLB will likely be offered with a third rows of seats, unlike the German automaker's other far more popular medium SUV, the GLC wagon and 'coupe'.
Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now.
Up front, though, it seems like the rectangular headlights have been replaced by sleeker units, not dissimilar to the ones fitted to the CLA small SUV, with which the GLB shares its Mercedes Modular Architecture (MMA). Like the CLA, the GLB could also feature a light bar or black plastic strip linking its headlights.
Along the side we can see new flagpole-style wing mirrors, and flush-fitting pop-out door handles. There's plenty of false body work underneath the camouflage wrap, so we can't tell if the stepped rear quarter windows will be retained for the GLB's sophomore round.
At the rear the disguise team has cheekily fitted stickers of the tail-lights from the third-generation Smart ForTwo. To the side of these is an arc of LED light tubes bending down and around, which marks quite a departure from the current GLB's thin strip of lights.
If the past is any indication, the GLB will receive most of the drivetrains available in its CLA sibling.
The third-generation CLA, launched earlier this year, will initially be available with the choice of two all-electric drivetrains: a single-motor rear-wheel setup with 200kW of power and 335Nm of torque, and a dual-motor all-wheel drive system with 260kW and 515Nm.
Both are paired with an 85kWh battery pack offering a WLTP range of between 672 and 792km. A cheaper variant with a 58kWh battery will launch later this year.
Unlike the current generation, there will be no battery-powered EQB companion model sporting substantial styling changes to highlight its electric drivetrain. Instead, EV options will be folded into the regular GLB range – electric variants will have the "with EQ Technology" tag clunkily tacked onto the back of their names.
Like the CLA, the GLB will also likely feature a mild-hybrid petrol option equipped with a new turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine paired to an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission with an integrated 20kW electric motor fed by a 1.3kWh 48V lithium-ion battery.
In the CLA, the mild-hybrid system will be able available in three states of tune: 100kW/200Nm, 120kW/250Nm and 140kW/300Nm. Depending on the model, buyers can choose between front- or all-wheel drive.
MORE: Everything Mercedes-Benz GLB
Content originally sourced from: CarExpert.com.au
The second-generationMercedes-Benz GLB has been photographed cutting laps of the Nurburgring for the first time as it undergoes development testing.
Although the all-new mid-size SUV is clad in camouflage, we can see the next GLB's overall silhouette won't diverge too far from today's car, with the passenger cell being predictably blocky and upright in order to maximise interior room.
And as with the current model, the new GLB will likely be offered with a third rows of seats, unlike the German automaker's other far more popular medium SUV, the GLC wagon and 'coupe'.
Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now.
Up front, though, it seems like the rectangular headlights have been replaced by sleeker units, not dissimilar to the ones fitted to the CLA small SUV, with which the GLB shares its Mercedes Modular Architecture (MMA). Like the CLA, the GLB could also feature a light bar or black plastic strip linking its headlights.
Along the side we can see new flagpole-style wing mirrors, and flush-fitting pop-out door handles. There's plenty of false body work underneath the camouflage wrap, so we can't tell if the stepped rear quarter windows will be retained for the GLB's sophomore round.
At the rear the disguise team has cheekily fitted stickers of the tail-lights from the third-generation Smart ForTwo. To the side of these is an arc of LED light tubes bending down and around, which marks quite a departure from the current GLB's thin strip of lights.
If the past is any indication, the GLB will receive most of the drivetrains available in its CLA sibling.
The third-generation CLA, launched earlier this year, will initially be available with the choice of two all-electric drivetrains: a single-motor rear-wheel setup with 200kW of power and 335Nm of torque, and a dual-motor all-wheel drive system with 260kW and 515Nm.
Both are paired with an 85kWh battery pack offering a WLTP range of between 672 and 792km. A cheaper variant with a 58kWh battery will launch later this year.
Unlike the current generation, there will be no battery-powered EQB companion model sporting substantial styling changes to highlight its electric drivetrain. Instead, EV options will be folded into the regular GLB range – electric variants will have the "with EQ Technology" tag clunkily tacked onto the back of their names.
Like the CLA, the GLB will also likely feature a mild-hybrid petrol option equipped with a new turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine paired to an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission with an integrated 20kW electric motor fed by a 1.3kWh 48V lithium-ion battery.
In the CLA, the mild-hybrid system will be able available in three states of tune: 100kW/200Nm, 120kW/250Nm and 140kW/300Nm. Depending on the model, buyers can choose between front- or all-wheel drive.
MORE: Everything Mercedes-Benz GLB
Content originally sourced from: CarExpert.com.au
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Advertiser
9 hours ago
- The Advertiser
2026 Volvo XC60 price and specs
The Volvo XC60 has received a facelift for 2026, bringing freshened styling, new tech, and slight price increases. Available now, the updated mid-size luxury SUV lineup opens at $74,990 before on-road costs, with all XC60 variants receiving price increases of between $600 and $1900. The upgraded XC60 is distinguished from the pre-facelift model by a new grille, new alloy wheel designs, darkened LED tail-lights, and three new exterior paint finishes: Forest Lake, Mulberry Red and Aurora Silver. The Ultra B5 Bright has also been replaced by the Ultra B5 Dark which, as the name suggests, features dark exterior trim elements. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Inside, there's a larger 11.2-inch touchscreen – up from 9.0 inches – which features Volvo's latest infotainment system and claimed improvements in processing and graphics performance. There are also new interior decors, inlays and upholsteries, while Volvo has revised the centre console with new cupholders and an improved wireless phone charger design. The XC60 is Volvo's second best-selling model in Australia, with 857 examples reaching Australian buyers in the first half of this year – behind only the XC40 (1287). The current, second-generation XC60 entered production in 2017. This facelift allows Volvo to extend the popular SUV's life for a few more years; the larger XC90 has also received a similar facelift. The XC60 is offered with either mild-hybrid (B5) or plug-in hybrid (T8) four-cylinder powertrains. The Volvo XC60 is backed by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty. Volvo offers three- and five-year pre-paid servicing plans, currently priced at $2380 and $3870 respectively. Servicing is required every 12 months or 15,000km, whichever comes first. The Volvo XC60 doesn't currently have a safety rating from ANCAP, as its five-star rating from 2017 expired in December 2023. Standard safety equipment includes: The B5 mild-hybrid and T8 plug-in hybrid can both be had in Plus and Ultra trim levels. Standard equipment on the Plus B5 and Plus T8 includes: The B5 Ultra adds: The T8 Ultra adds: The Lifestyle package ($2867, Plus models) adds: The Climate package ($594, Plus models) adds: Standalone options include: Volvo doesn't charge any extra for any of the XC60's exterior finishes. The following finishes are available: The XC60's interior can be had in Black, Cardamom (Plus variants only) or Blond (Ultra variants only). MORE: Explore the Volvo XC60 showroom Content originally sourced from: The Volvo XC60 has received a facelift for 2026, bringing freshened styling, new tech, and slight price increases. Available now, the updated mid-size luxury SUV lineup opens at $74,990 before on-road costs, with all XC60 variants receiving price increases of between $600 and $1900. The upgraded XC60 is distinguished from the pre-facelift model by a new grille, new alloy wheel designs, darkened LED tail-lights, and three new exterior paint finishes: Forest Lake, Mulberry Red and Aurora Silver. The Ultra B5 Bright has also been replaced by the Ultra B5 Dark which, as the name suggests, features dark exterior trim elements. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Inside, there's a larger 11.2-inch touchscreen – up from 9.0 inches – which features Volvo's latest infotainment system and claimed improvements in processing and graphics performance. There are also new interior decors, inlays and upholsteries, while Volvo has revised the centre console with new cupholders and an improved wireless phone charger design. The XC60 is Volvo's second best-selling model in Australia, with 857 examples reaching Australian buyers in the first half of this year – behind only the XC40 (1287). The current, second-generation XC60 entered production in 2017. This facelift allows Volvo to extend the popular SUV's life for a few more years; the larger XC90 has also received a similar facelift. The XC60 is offered with either mild-hybrid (B5) or plug-in hybrid (T8) four-cylinder powertrains. The Volvo XC60 is backed by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty. Volvo offers three- and five-year pre-paid servicing plans, currently priced at $2380 and $3870 respectively. Servicing is required every 12 months or 15,000km, whichever comes first. The Volvo XC60 doesn't currently have a safety rating from ANCAP, as its five-star rating from 2017 expired in December 2023. Standard safety equipment includes: The B5 mild-hybrid and T8 plug-in hybrid can both be had in Plus and Ultra trim levels. Standard equipment on the Plus B5 and Plus T8 includes: The B5 Ultra adds: The T8 Ultra adds: The Lifestyle package ($2867, Plus models) adds: The Climate package ($594, Plus models) adds: Standalone options include: Volvo doesn't charge any extra for any of the XC60's exterior finishes. The following finishes are available: The XC60's interior can be had in Black, Cardamom (Plus variants only) or Blond (Ultra variants only). MORE: Explore the Volvo XC60 showroom Content originally sourced from: The Volvo XC60 has received a facelift for 2026, bringing freshened styling, new tech, and slight price increases. Available now, the updated mid-size luxury SUV lineup opens at $74,990 before on-road costs, with all XC60 variants receiving price increases of between $600 and $1900. The upgraded XC60 is distinguished from the pre-facelift model by a new grille, new alloy wheel designs, darkened LED tail-lights, and three new exterior paint finishes: Forest Lake, Mulberry Red and Aurora Silver. The Ultra B5 Bright has also been replaced by the Ultra B5 Dark which, as the name suggests, features dark exterior trim elements. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Inside, there's a larger 11.2-inch touchscreen – up from 9.0 inches – which features Volvo's latest infotainment system and claimed improvements in processing and graphics performance. There are also new interior decors, inlays and upholsteries, while Volvo has revised the centre console with new cupholders and an improved wireless phone charger design. The XC60 is Volvo's second best-selling model in Australia, with 857 examples reaching Australian buyers in the first half of this year – behind only the XC40 (1287). The current, second-generation XC60 entered production in 2017. This facelift allows Volvo to extend the popular SUV's life for a few more years; the larger XC90 has also received a similar facelift. The XC60 is offered with either mild-hybrid (B5) or plug-in hybrid (T8) four-cylinder powertrains. The Volvo XC60 is backed by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty. Volvo offers three- and five-year pre-paid servicing plans, currently priced at $2380 and $3870 respectively. Servicing is required every 12 months or 15,000km, whichever comes first. The Volvo XC60 doesn't currently have a safety rating from ANCAP, as its five-star rating from 2017 expired in December 2023. Standard safety equipment includes: The B5 mild-hybrid and T8 plug-in hybrid can both be had in Plus and Ultra trim levels. Standard equipment on the Plus B5 and Plus T8 includes: The B5 Ultra adds: The T8 Ultra adds: The Lifestyle package ($2867, Plus models) adds: The Climate package ($594, Plus models) adds: Standalone options include: Volvo doesn't charge any extra for any of the XC60's exterior finishes. The following finishes are available: The XC60's interior can be had in Black, Cardamom (Plus variants only) or Blond (Ultra variants only). MORE: Explore the Volvo XC60 showroom Content originally sourced from: The Volvo XC60 has received a facelift for 2026, bringing freshened styling, new tech, and slight price increases. Available now, the updated mid-size luxury SUV lineup opens at $74,990 before on-road costs, with all XC60 variants receiving price increases of between $600 and $1900. The upgraded XC60 is distinguished from the pre-facelift model by a new grille, new alloy wheel designs, darkened LED tail-lights, and three new exterior paint finishes: Forest Lake, Mulberry Red and Aurora Silver. The Ultra B5 Bright has also been replaced by the Ultra B5 Dark which, as the name suggests, features dark exterior trim elements. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Inside, there's a larger 11.2-inch touchscreen – up from 9.0 inches – which features Volvo's latest infotainment system and claimed improvements in processing and graphics performance. There are also new interior decors, inlays and upholsteries, while Volvo has revised the centre console with new cupholders and an improved wireless phone charger design. The XC60 is Volvo's second best-selling model in Australia, with 857 examples reaching Australian buyers in the first half of this year – behind only the XC40 (1287). The current, second-generation XC60 entered production in 2017. This facelift allows Volvo to extend the popular SUV's life for a few more years; the larger XC90 has also received a similar facelift. The XC60 is offered with either mild-hybrid (B5) or plug-in hybrid (T8) four-cylinder powertrains. The Volvo XC60 is backed by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty. Volvo offers three- and five-year pre-paid servicing plans, currently priced at $2380 and $3870 respectively. Servicing is required every 12 months or 15,000km, whichever comes first. The Volvo XC60 doesn't currently have a safety rating from ANCAP, as its five-star rating from 2017 expired in December 2023. Standard safety equipment includes: The B5 mild-hybrid and T8 plug-in hybrid can both be had in Plus and Ultra trim levels. Standard equipment on the Plus B5 and Plus T8 includes: The B5 Ultra adds: The T8 Ultra adds: The Lifestyle package ($2867, Plus models) adds: The Climate package ($594, Plus models) adds: Standalone options include: Volvo doesn't charge any extra for any of the XC60's exterior finishes. The following finishes are available: The XC60's interior can be had in Black, Cardamom (Plus variants only) or Blond (Ultra variants only). MORE: Explore the Volvo XC60 showroom Content originally sourced from:
The Advertiser
9 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Why the Hyundai Santa Fe is a CarExpert Choice winner
The design of the fifth-generationHyundai Santa Fe might be polarising and it's certainly distinctive, but it's not the reason we named it Australia's best affordable large SUV in the inaugural 2025 CarExpert Choice Awards. Inside its boxy exterior there's a refined, high-quality and high-tech three-row interior that's just as unique and sets a new standard for a mainstream large SUV in terms of presentation and accommodation. Compared to its Kia Sorento sister model, which is still good enough to be a finalist in this segment (the five-seat Subaru Outback is our other finalist for this award) even if the fourth generation is now five years old, the Santa Fe offers better second- and third-row space and amenity. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. The latest Santa Fe also provides great outward visibility from all seats, a larger cargo area accessed via a lower loading lip, and outstanding ride comfort without compromising its exemplary dynamics (for a large SUV). There's also a long list of standard safety and multimedia technology even from base level, with the cheapest front-wheel drive variant powered by a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and fitted with everything a growing family would need for $53,000 before on-road costs. In all there are eight variants, three equipment grades and two powertrain options including an efficient 1.6-litre hybrid that's also available in front- and all-wheel drive form. And the flagship Calligraphy AWD hybrid, which tops the range at $76,500 in seven-seat form and $77,000 in six-seat guise with a pair of second-row captain's chairs (both plus on-roads), not only looks and feels more like a Range Rover inside its luxurious cabin but also comes with all of Hyundai's premium features, including huge and responsive infotainment and instrument cluster screens, a head-up display, and twin wireless phone chargers. There's also cavernous storage capacity including two glove boxes, a huge twin-hinged lidded centre console box that can be accessed from the front and rear, and no fewer than 16 cupholders! The Santa Fe is no ladder-frame rock-hopper (which is why we have a separate award for best off-road SUVs like the Ford Everest and Toyota Prado), but also making it an excellent large SUV for adventurous families are XRT option packages that give it a decent boost in all-terrain capability. All this is backed by attractive aftersales propositions including relatively low running and service costs, and a generous warranty. "Look, you're either going to love or hate the styling. But even if you hate it, consider just how practical that boxy body makes the Santa Fe," said CarExpert news editor William Stopford. "The old Santa Fe was already such a good thing, I was wondering how Hyundai could improve on it. Well, they have – this is a terrifically packaged, well-appointed crossover SUV loaded with tech, featuring competitive petrol and hybrid powertrains, and wrapped in distinctive styling." CarExpert marketplace editor James Wong agreed. "The trusty Santa Fe went through a massive metamorphosis in this latest generation, and while its looks are polarising its excellent packaging and luxurious level of features and tech are outstanding," he said. "There's the option of both a generally efficient hybrid or a torquey turbo-petrol drivetrain, and the Santa Fe offers heaps of configurations and personalisation options for discerning Australian families that want to stand out without breaking the bank." CarExpert journalist Max Davies said: "The quirky-looking Santa Fe remains a reliable option in Australia's large SUV market, offering a broad range of standard equipment, sturdy build quality, and a compliant ride at affordable prices. "You now also have the benefit of either hybrid or petrol powertrains, which means there should be something in the range to suit all budgets and lifestyles." MORE: Explore the Hyundai Santa Fe showroom Content originally sourced from: The design of the fifth-generationHyundai Santa Fe might be polarising and it's certainly distinctive, but it's not the reason we named it Australia's best affordable large SUV in the inaugural 2025 CarExpert Choice Awards. Inside its boxy exterior there's a refined, high-quality and high-tech three-row interior that's just as unique and sets a new standard for a mainstream large SUV in terms of presentation and accommodation. Compared to its Kia Sorento sister model, which is still good enough to be a finalist in this segment (the five-seat Subaru Outback is our other finalist for this award) even if the fourth generation is now five years old, the Santa Fe offers better second- and third-row space and amenity. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. The latest Santa Fe also provides great outward visibility from all seats, a larger cargo area accessed via a lower loading lip, and outstanding ride comfort without compromising its exemplary dynamics (for a large SUV). There's also a long list of standard safety and multimedia technology even from base level, with the cheapest front-wheel drive variant powered by a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and fitted with everything a growing family would need for $53,000 before on-road costs. In all there are eight variants, three equipment grades and two powertrain options including an efficient 1.6-litre hybrid that's also available in front- and all-wheel drive form. And the flagship Calligraphy AWD hybrid, which tops the range at $76,500 in seven-seat form and $77,000 in six-seat guise with a pair of second-row captain's chairs (both plus on-roads), not only looks and feels more like a Range Rover inside its luxurious cabin but also comes with all of Hyundai's premium features, including huge and responsive infotainment and instrument cluster screens, a head-up display, and twin wireless phone chargers. There's also cavernous storage capacity including two glove boxes, a huge twin-hinged lidded centre console box that can be accessed from the front and rear, and no fewer than 16 cupholders! The Santa Fe is no ladder-frame rock-hopper (which is why we have a separate award for best off-road SUVs like the Ford Everest and Toyota Prado), but also making it an excellent large SUV for adventurous families are XRT option packages that give it a decent boost in all-terrain capability. All this is backed by attractive aftersales propositions including relatively low running and service costs, and a generous warranty. "Look, you're either going to love or hate the styling. But even if you hate it, consider just how practical that boxy body makes the Santa Fe," said CarExpert news editor William Stopford. "The old Santa Fe was already such a good thing, I was wondering how Hyundai could improve on it. Well, they have – this is a terrifically packaged, well-appointed crossover SUV loaded with tech, featuring competitive petrol and hybrid powertrains, and wrapped in distinctive styling." CarExpert marketplace editor James Wong agreed. "The trusty Santa Fe went through a massive metamorphosis in this latest generation, and while its looks are polarising its excellent packaging and luxurious level of features and tech are outstanding," he said. "There's the option of both a generally efficient hybrid or a torquey turbo-petrol drivetrain, and the Santa Fe offers heaps of configurations and personalisation options for discerning Australian families that want to stand out without breaking the bank." CarExpert journalist Max Davies said: "The quirky-looking Santa Fe remains a reliable option in Australia's large SUV market, offering a broad range of standard equipment, sturdy build quality, and a compliant ride at affordable prices. "You now also have the benefit of either hybrid or petrol powertrains, which means there should be something in the range to suit all budgets and lifestyles." MORE: Explore the Hyundai Santa Fe showroom Content originally sourced from: The design of the fifth-generationHyundai Santa Fe might be polarising and it's certainly distinctive, but it's not the reason we named it Australia's best affordable large SUV in the inaugural 2025 CarExpert Choice Awards. Inside its boxy exterior there's a refined, high-quality and high-tech three-row interior that's just as unique and sets a new standard for a mainstream large SUV in terms of presentation and accommodation. Compared to its Kia Sorento sister model, which is still good enough to be a finalist in this segment (the five-seat Subaru Outback is our other finalist for this award) even if the fourth generation is now five years old, the Santa Fe offers better second- and third-row space and amenity. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. The latest Santa Fe also provides great outward visibility from all seats, a larger cargo area accessed via a lower loading lip, and outstanding ride comfort without compromising its exemplary dynamics (for a large SUV). There's also a long list of standard safety and multimedia technology even from base level, with the cheapest front-wheel drive variant powered by a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and fitted with everything a growing family would need for $53,000 before on-road costs. In all there are eight variants, three equipment grades and two powertrain options including an efficient 1.6-litre hybrid that's also available in front- and all-wheel drive form. And the flagship Calligraphy AWD hybrid, which tops the range at $76,500 in seven-seat form and $77,000 in six-seat guise with a pair of second-row captain's chairs (both plus on-roads), not only looks and feels more like a Range Rover inside its luxurious cabin but also comes with all of Hyundai's premium features, including huge and responsive infotainment and instrument cluster screens, a head-up display, and twin wireless phone chargers. There's also cavernous storage capacity including two glove boxes, a huge twin-hinged lidded centre console box that can be accessed from the front and rear, and no fewer than 16 cupholders! The Santa Fe is no ladder-frame rock-hopper (which is why we have a separate award for best off-road SUVs like the Ford Everest and Toyota Prado), but also making it an excellent large SUV for adventurous families are XRT option packages that give it a decent boost in all-terrain capability. All this is backed by attractive aftersales propositions including relatively low running and service costs, and a generous warranty. "Look, you're either going to love or hate the styling. But even if you hate it, consider just how practical that boxy body makes the Santa Fe," said CarExpert news editor William Stopford. "The old Santa Fe was already such a good thing, I was wondering how Hyundai could improve on it. Well, they have – this is a terrifically packaged, well-appointed crossover SUV loaded with tech, featuring competitive petrol and hybrid powertrains, and wrapped in distinctive styling." CarExpert marketplace editor James Wong agreed. "The trusty Santa Fe went through a massive metamorphosis in this latest generation, and while its looks are polarising its excellent packaging and luxurious level of features and tech are outstanding," he said. "There's the option of both a generally efficient hybrid or a torquey turbo-petrol drivetrain, and the Santa Fe offers heaps of configurations and personalisation options for discerning Australian families that want to stand out without breaking the bank." CarExpert journalist Max Davies said: "The quirky-looking Santa Fe remains a reliable option in Australia's large SUV market, offering a broad range of standard equipment, sturdy build quality, and a compliant ride at affordable prices. "You now also have the benefit of either hybrid or petrol powertrains, which means there should be something in the range to suit all budgets and lifestyles." MORE: Explore the Hyundai Santa Fe showroom Content originally sourced from: The design of the fifth-generationHyundai Santa Fe might be polarising and it's certainly distinctive, but it's not the reason we named it Australia's best affordable large SUV in the inaugural 2025 CarExpert Choice Awards. Inside its boxy exterior there's a refined, high-quality and high-tech three-row interior that's just as unique and sets a new standard for a mainstream large SUV in terms of presentation and accommodation. Compared to its Kia Sorento sister model, which is still good enough to be a finalist in this segment (the five-seat Subaru Outback is our other finalist for this award) even if the fourth generation is now five years old, the Santa Fe offers better second- and third-row space and amenity. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. The latest Santa Fe also provides great outward visibility from all seats, a larger cargo area accessed via a lower loading lip, and outstanding ride comfort without compromising its exemplary dynamics (for a large SUV). There's also a long list of standard safety and multimedia technology even from base level, with the cheapest front-wheel drive variant powered by a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and fitted with everything a growing family would need for $53,000 before on-road costs. In all there are eight variants, three equipment grades and two powertrain options including an efficient 1.6-litre hybrid that's also available in front- and all-wheel drive form. And the flagship Calligraphy AWD hybrid, which tops the range at $76,500 in seven-seat form and $77,000 in six-seat guise with a pair of second-row captain's chairs (both plus on-roads), not only looks and feels more like a Range Rover inside its luxurious cabin but also comes with all of Hyundai's premium features, including huge and responsive infotainment and instrument cluster screens, a head-up display, and twin wireless phone chargers. There's also cavernous storage capacity including two glove boxes, a huge twin-hinged lidded centre console box that can be accessed from the front and rear, and no fewer than 16 cupholders! The Santa Fe is no ladder-frame rock-hopper (which is why we have a separate award for best off-road SUVs like the Ford Everest and Toyota Prado), but also making it an excellent large SUV for adventurous families are XRT option packages that give it a decent boost in all-terrain capability. All this is backed by attractive aftersales propositions including relatively low running and service costs, and a generous warranty. "Look, you're either going to love or hate the styling. But even if you hate it, consider just how practical that boxy body makes the Santa Fe," said CarExpert news editor William Stopford. "The old Santa Fe was already such a good thing, I was wondering how Hyundai could improve on it. Well, they have – this is a terrifically packaged, well-appointed crossover SUV loaded with tech, featuring competitive petrol and hybrid powertrains, and wrapped in distinctive styling." CarExpert marketplace editor James Wong agreed. "The trusty Santa Fe went through a massive metamorphosis in this latest generation, and while its looks are polarising its excellent packaging and luxurious level of features and tech are outstanding," he said. "There's the option of both a generally efficient hybrid or a torquey turbo-petrol drivetrain, and the Santa Fe offers heaps of configurations and personalisation options for discerning Australian families that want to stand out without breaking the bank." CarExpert journalist Max Davies said: "The quirky-looking Santa Fe remains a reliable option in Australia's large SUV market, offering a broad range of standard equipment, sturdy build quality, and a compliant ride at affordable prices. "You now also have the benefit of either hybrid or petrol powertrains, which means there should be something in the range to suit all budgets and lifestyles." MORE: Explore the Hyundai Santa Fe showroom Content originally sourced from:
West Australian
2 days ago
- West Australian
Carolina Wilga: Satellite internet technology helped WA Police in search for missing backpacker
The roll-out of satellite internet across the WA Police Force has been credited for its success in helping with the search for missing German backpacker Carolina Wilga. Officers in remote parts of the state are using the Starlink network to remain connected to critical systems where mobile coverage isn't available. 'Over 200 vehicles in regional WA have now been fitted with Starlink,' Police Commissioner Col Blanch said. 'In Carolina Wilga's search and rescue we had three vehicle all with Starlink capability. In the past WA Police would have zero communications, or very sketchy communications. We would really struggle with our land searches.' The technology has been implemented by the Anywhere Communications Team, who were winners at the WA Police Force Recognition of Excellence Awards this week for their contribution. 'It's extraordinary for our police officer who have the full ability to use all of the data, collect all of the information and to plot every path they need to go to do these searches,' the Commissioner said. 'They (officers) are safe but also we do our job much better out in the field.'
