2025 MG HS Hybrid+ price and specs
Due for sale here alongside the Super Hybrid plug-in hybrid (PHEV), the Hybrid+ will be priced from $42,990 drive-away in Excite trim and $46,990 drive-away in Essence trim.
The corresponding petrol-powered Excite and Essence are currently priced at $40,195 and $43,285 drive-away, based on a New South Wales postcode.
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In contrast, the HS Super Hybrid PHEV is priced at $52,990 drive-away (or $50,990 until July 31) in Excite guise, or $55,990 drive-away ($54,990 drive-away until July 31) for the Essence.
The HS Hybrid+ will battle a growing throng of mid-size hybrid SUVs, including the top-selling Toyota RAV4 and more recent introductions such as the GWM Haval H6 Hybrid, Honda CR-V e:HEV, Hyundai Tucson Hybrid, Kia Sportage Hybrid, Nissan X-Trail e-Power and the upcoming Subaru Forester Hybrid.
MG offered a plug-in hybrid version of the previous-generation HS, but this is its first time offering a conventional hybrid mid-size SUV.
The HS Hybrid+ slots in above the MG 3 Hybrid+ light hatch and ZS Hybrid+ small SUV in the Chinese brand's growing local lineup.
Pricing
Drivetrains and Efficiency
The HS Hybrid+ will be offered exclusively in front-wheel drive form, with no all-wheel drive option available – unlike the top-selling Toyota RAV4.
The HS Hybrid+ features MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension.
Dimensions
Servicing and Warranty
The MG HS Hybrid+ is backed by a 10-year, 250,000km warranty, however, you now only get the full coverage if you service within MG's dealership network. Otherwise, it's a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty.
MG offers a capped-price servicing scheme, but it has yet to release pricing for the HS Hybrid+.
Safety
The MG HS has a five-star safety rating from ANCAP, based on testing conducted in 2024, but thus far it applies only to petrol-powered variants.
Standard safety equipment across the HS Hybrid+ range includes:
Adaptive cruise control
Autonomous emergency braking
Blind-spot monitoring
Lane-keep assist
Emergency lane-keep assist
Intelligent Cruise Assist
Intelligent speed limit assist
Front cross-traffic alert
Rear cross-traffic assist
Safe exit warning
Rear parking sensors
Reversing camera
Tyre pressure monitoring
Front, front-side, two-row curtain airbags + far-side airbag
The Essence also includes front parking sensors and a surround-view camera system.
Standard Equipment
While the petrol-powered HS is also offered in an entry-level Vibe trim, the Hybrid+ will be available only in Excite and Essence trims.
The base Excite comes standard with the following equipment:
19-inch alloy wheels in 225/55 R19 tyres
Space-saver spare
Electric parking brake
Rear privacy glass
Heated, power-adjustable exterior mirrors
Automatic LED headlights
Rain-sensing wipers
Proximity entry with push-button start
12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Satellite navigation
DAB+ digital radio
6-speaker sound system
2 x front USB outlets
2 x rear USB outlets
PU steering wheel
Leather-wrapped shifter
Fabric upholstery
6-way power driver's seat
Air-conditioning with rear air vents
Power windows with one-touch up/down
12 months' complimentary iSmart access
The Essence adds:
Panoramic sunroof
Hands-free power tailgate
Front fog lights
Heated, power-folding exterior mirrors with memory
Wireless phone charger
8-speaker sound system
4-way power driver's seat lumbar
Driver's seat memory
4-way power passenger seat
Heated front seats
Dual-zone climate control
PVC upholstery
Sunglasses holder
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Perth Now
21 minutes ago
- Perth Now
2025 Kia EV5 GT-Line review
The Kia EV5 GT-Line is the most highly-specified version of the brand's popular new mid-size electric SUV. 2025 Kia EV5 GT-Line Credit: CarExpert It offers more gear than the other EV5 variants, and has a different powertrain, too – it's the only EV5 with all-wheel drive, and it scores the bigger battery as well. Plus it has a distinct look, with revised bumpers, awesome looking wheels and a different interior vibe as well. Is it the best EV5 you can choose? Read on and find out. The EV5 is decently priced compared to some of its competitors, but there are notably cheaper fully electric mid-size SUVs on the market that – primarily – are made in China. Like this SUV… 2025 Kia EV5 GT-Line Credit: CarExpert So you're paying for the Kia brand, its network of dealerships, and its reputation. But you're also getting a good swag of stuff in the lineup (see the detailed rundown of standard gear below). Paint choices include Clear White solid paint at no extra cost, or you can pick from Starry Night Black, Tide Blue or Magma Red for a further $600, while the GT-Line specific black-roof options include Frost Blue, Iceberg Green, Shale Grey or Snow White Pearl ($775). In case you're wondering, the EV5 is made in China – not South Korea. To see how the Kia EV5 stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool There are some really clever, family-friendly features in the top-spec version of the Kia EV5. 2025 Kia EV5 GT-Line Credit: CarExpert The inclusion of a fold-out desk on the back of the front passenger seat is a lovely inclusion for a kiddo on a long road trip. There's also a sliding drawer that can be used to heat or cool items – another potential fam favourite, especially for the snackers. And the boot area gets a clever deployable shelving system that means you can maximise the space and should stop smaller items from rolling around or getting crushed if you're loading up for a longer trip. Otherwise, there are some trim changes to differentiate the range-topper from the cheaper models, and there's a nice design inside the cabin. It also has a nice looking two-tone fake leather trim finish, which is a step up, and there's also better seating for the front riders – the passenger gets power seat adjustment with lumbar, and a massage system. Both front seats include ventilation, too. 2025 Kia EV5 GT-Line Credit: CarExpert The driver has electric adjustment and memory settings, as well as even more massage functionality, plus there's the 'Premium Relaxation Seat', which includes a recliner option for when you're waiting for the car to recharge. Novel, but for those who like to move their feet around when they drive, the bottom section can get in the way. The driver gets sportier looking wheels, plus alloy pedals and a head-up display system with augmented reality display, so it'll project what your next navigation instruction is on the windscreen. Neat tech… if you use sat nav. There's a fingerprint reader to control some parts of the car… if you need that. But thankfully there's also a wireless phone charger, which should be offered in the more affordable models I reckon. This spec also gets a better stereo, with the eight-speaker Harman Kardon system offering pumpable response. There's another screen for your media tech, with sat nav and relatively learnable screen menus, and I had no issues with the wireless smartphone mirroring tech all week. And it has connected services so you can see live traffic updates, and check the weather, too. 2025 Kia EV5 GT-Line Credit: CarExpert Thankfully the screen isn't the control centre for all your climate controls, as there's a small display alongside that media unit that allows some climate adjustments, and a row of additional manual controls for fan speed, temp and more, which is a welcome inclusion. The row of 'touch-sensitive' controls under the media screen are annoying, though. Despite the fact they do allow you to jump across menus easily, they're easy to bump when you're resting your hand on the dash to input something on the screen. And hallelujah, there's a volume scroller, too. And vents that you adjust with your fingers, not the screen. There's a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with a heap of info, and that's where your drive mode indicator will show up, too. 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In the back there is a good amount of space, with easily enough room for a six-footer to fit behind their own driving position, and the extra goodies flow into the back row. I had heaps of toe room, knee space and headroom as well. The flat floor and wide back seat area mean you can fit three adults across, too. 2025 Kia EV5 GT-Line Credit: CarExpert 2025 Kia EV5 GT-Line Credit: CarExpert 2025 Kia EV5 GT-Line Credit: CarExpert 2025 Kia EV5 GT-Line Credit: CarExpert And not only are there the desk and drawer additions, but rear-seat window riders get heated seats, too, and there are two USB-C charge ports as well. There are directional air vents in the B-pillars, bottle holders in the doors, a flip-down armrest with cupholders, and of course there are ISOFIX points in the window seats and three top-tethers for child seats. The boot of the EV5 GT-Line gets that clever multi-tier storage setup, which is a novel thing but might not make a significant difference to your daily life. However, at 513 litres with the rear seats up, it is a roomy cargo zone and will be large enough for family trips. If you don't have the kids and you fold down those seats, you'll have access to 1714 litres of capacity, with the rear pews folding nice and flat. Annoyingly though, you don't have remote seat releases in the boot area – you have to go around to each side of the car to drop them down. 2025 Kia EV5 GT-Line Credit: CarExpert There is no spare beneath the load area, either. It comes with a tyre repair kit. But there is an additional storage area under the bonnet, with a load rating of 25kg – and it offers 67 litres of extra stowage capacity, which is great for your cables and other loose items. To see how the Kia EV5 stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool It's important to consider the GT-Line in context of its stablemates when it comes to powertrain stuff, so here's a rundown of the three different versions of EV5 on offer in Australia: 2025 Kia EV5 GT-Line Credit: CarExpert As you can see, the GT-Line has the most power and torque, as well as the bigger battery and the equal-fastest charging capability. But it's also the heaviest, the least efficient, and has a significantly shorter EV range than the mid-range model. To see how the Kia EV5 stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool With dual-motor all-wheel drive, this is easily the most sprightly feeling version of the EV5. 2025 Kia EV5 GT-Line Credit: CarExpert It's fast – there's no doubt about that – and delivers effortless pulling power from a standstill, plus impressive eagerness when you need to overtake. Try the different drive modes and you'll find how much they can change the behaviour of the responses, too. Sport mode is properly speedy. And the brake pedal feel is pretty good, too, for a car with regen. You might elect to use the single-pedal mode, and it works a treat – coming to a complete halt without making you feel like you're on a roller coaster – and the fact there are three other settings is a nice touch. The going and stopping stuff? Nailed. The other elements? I'm not quite as convinced. Kia Australia has done a job on the steering and suspension tune for the EV5, but it feels oddly out of alignment with the EV3 and EV9 that sit either side of it in the brand's electric SUV ranks. 2025 Kia EV5 GT-Line Credit: CarExpert Those variants are more joyful to steer and offer better comfort and bump compliance than this car does. It has steering that is too heavy feeling, and not as responsive as you might wish for in a car with this sort of power. And the ride comfort and body control? Not perfect either, in my opinion. In fact, the way this EV5 drives makes the other versions seem pretty sweet, because the GT-Line has bigger wheels with low-profile tyres and it tends to jump and jostle over bumpy sections more. Remember, it's the heaviest variant, and that no doubt has a part to play, too. Look, it's agreeable enough in most situations, but it doesn't feel like you're getting a significantly better EV5 to drive by choosing this, the most expensive version. And to me, that stacks up against it pretty heavily. 2025 Kia EV5 GT-Line Credit: CarExpert The safety stuff is a big consideration for the drive experience, too. There's good gear – like the Blind Spot View Monitor that gives you a live display of your blind zone on the driver info screen when you're indicating. And the surround-view camera is excellent, too. But there are some annoyances. 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And I thoroughly recommend that if you're considering a new Kia with these tech items, you should test drive it in your home environment to see if you can live with it. Because if you can't, you'll have to go through the sequence of disabling them every time you restart the car. And that can get old, fast. To see how the Kia EV5 stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool Here's a rundown of the standard specifications across the three EV5 models – again, because context is king, and you're spending a whole lot more to get into the GT-Line… so is it worth it? Have your say in the comments! 2025 Kia EV5 GT-Line Credit: CarExpert 2025 Kia EV5 GT-Line Credit: CarExpert 2025 Kia EV5 GT-Line Credit: CarExpert 2025 Kia EV5 GT-Line Credit: CarExpert 2025 Kia EV5 Air equipment highlights: 18-inch alloy wheels 225/60 R18 tyres Tyre mobility kit Tyre pressure monitoring LED headlights – reflector type Automatic high-beam LED daytime running lights LED tail-lights Matte plastic roof racks Satin Silver window surrounds Acoustic windscreen Solar glass – windscreen, front door Solar glass – rear windows, tailgate Auto up/down windows – front Cloth, artificial leather trim 8-way power driver's seat incl. 4-way lumbar 4-way manual front passenger seat 3-cell massage function – driver 2nd row centre armrest Shift by Wire – column type Paddle shifters – brake regen control 2 x USB-C charge ports – front 2 x USB-C charge ports – rear LED interior lighting Integrated Panoramic Display 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system 5.0-inch climate monitor Kia Connect Over the air (OTA) updates Satellite navigation incl. 10 years traffic info, updates Wireless Apple CarPlay Wireless Android Auto 6-speaker sound system AM/FM/DAB radio Dual-zone climate control Heated front seats 2nd row air vents – door pillar-mounted i-Pedal one-pedal driving function V2L interior socket EV5 Earth adds: 19-inch alloys 235/55 tyres Gloss Black exterior accents Gloss Black roof racks Gloss Black window surrounds Powered child-proof rear door locks Artificial leather trim – Smoky Black or Nougat Beige Smart power tailgate Privacy glass – rear windows, tailgate 2025 Kia EV5 GT-Line Credit: CarExpert 2025 Kia EV5 GT-Line Credit: CarExpert EV5 GT-Line adds: Active Sound Design 20-inch alloy wheels 255/45 tyres Gloss Black exterior mirrors Auto flush door handles LED dynamic indicators Laminated glass – driver window GT-Line two-tone leatherette upholstery 4-way power front passenger seat incl. 4-way lumbar Premium Relaxation Seat – driver Driver seat memory function 6-cell massage function – driver 3-cell massage function – passenger Sports steering wheel Fingerprint authentication module Alloy sports pedals Auto up/down windows – front, rear Rear seatback table – passenger side Ambient mood lighting – 64 colours Wireless phone charger Heated, cooled rear sliding storage tray 8-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system Augmented reality head-up display Heated 2nd row outer seats Ventilated front seats To see how the Kia EV5 stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool Along with the improved standard specifications, one of the upsells for the GT-Line version is the extra safety technology and features that come along with spending up to this point. 2025 Kia EV5 GT-Line Credit: CarExpert Here's a rundown of the standard safety kit for all EV5s: Autonomous emergency braking Blind-spot warning and intervention Driver attention monitoring Lane Following Assist (lane centring) Lane-keep assist Lead Vehicle Departure Alert Rear cross-traffic alert with braking assist Rear occupant alert Reversing camera incl. dynamic guidelines Safe exit warning But if you pick the EV5 GT-Line, you get: Blind Spot View Monitor Parking Collision Avoidance Assist – reverse, side, forward Surround cameras incl. 3D mode If you're a nervous parker, or you just feel like it'd be an advantage to have a surround-view camera in a SUV like this (as I do – and I'm disappointed that you have to spend this much to get it, since some $30k cars have it these days…!) then the GT-Line certainly stands out. The EV5 has seven airbags as standard – dual front, front side, front centre and full-length curtain coverage. To see how the Kia EV5 stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool Kia has built a reputation around its warranty cover, but there are some brands that offer longer warranties these days. Even so, a warranty that extends to seven years and unlimited kilometres is strong. But be mindful that the EV battery and EV components are covered by a seven-year, 150,000km limitation. 2025 Kia EV5 GT-Line Credit: CarExpert There is up to eight years of roadside assistance if you service with Kia. If you do, you'll need to go back every 12 months or 15,000km (whichever occurs first), which is needy for an electric vehicle. There is a prepaid servicing option for three years ($980), five years ($1535) or seven years ($2431). And if you want to, you can roll that cost into your finance repayments. The Korean brand also recently launched a guaranteed future value program, to help you protect or predict your resale when it comes time to move on. To see how the Kia EV5 stacks up against its rivals, use our comparison tool This is a good effort from Kia, but not a great one. 2025 Kia EV5 GT-Line Credit: CarExpert There are some frustrations about the drive experience to do with the safety tech, and it simply isn't as well-rounded to drive as some other dual-motor EVs for similar money. While it has some intriguing interior inclusions and feels pretty plush inside, it'd want to for a car that'll cost you more than $75k to get into your driveway. Interested in buying a Kia EV5? Let CarExpert find you the best deal here MORE: Explore the Kia EV5 showroom Looks way smarter than other EV5s Dual-motor AWD adds perk and performance Spacious and thoughtful interior inclusions Not that fun to drive Frustrating safety technology Pricey compared to other China-made EVs Power: 230kW Fuel Type: Electric Economy: 0.0L/100km CO2 Emissions: 0g/km ANCAP Safety Rating: 5
The Advertiser
5 hours ago
- The Advertiser
2026 Porsche Cayenne Electric sets British hill climb record
The 2026 Porsche Cayenne Electric has been officially revealed for the first time, wrapped in lurid blue and purple camouflage at England's historic Shelsley Walsh hill climb, where it beat a Mitsubishi Lancer EVO and Subaru WRX to set a new course record of just 31.28 seconds. However, almost simultaneously, our spy photographers also captured the new SUV – the first battery-powered Cayenne, and the second electric Porsche SUV following the Macan Electric – almost completely undisguised both inside and out. The new large electric SUV was spied undergoing final development testing near the performance car brand's Weissach R&D base in Germany. As you can see from these spy pics, the pre-production prototype wears camouflage only around its lighting, plus a stickered-on grille and what appear to be decals showing dual daytime running lights. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Compared to the existing, third-generation large luxury SUV, the Cayenne EV will therefore feature narrower headlights flanking a narrow grille, a closed-off lower intake, and a slim rear light bar that wraps around the rear three-quarter panel. Inside the fourth-generation Cayenne, there's a full-width digital screen that all but unites a driver's instrument cluster, central infotainment screen and a passenger-side multimedia display. Overall, the exterior design of Porsche's new electric SUV, which will be followed by a larger dedicated-electric flagship SUV later this decade, makes it unmistakably a Cayenne. However, it's unclear whether the EV will be offered in both wagon and 'Coupe' form like its combustion-powered sister model. The combustion Cayenne will continue to be available with V6, V8 and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrains, just as Porsche is developing a replacement for the petrol-powered Macan to be sold alongside the new electric Macan. Porsche released no technical details about the Cayenne EV, other than promising it will be able to tow up to 3500kg and feature a new Active Ride system, but it's expected to make its world debut by the end of this year before its global release some time in 2026 – before the electric Porsche 718 Boxster and Cayman, development of which appears to have been pushed back. For the record, the "near-production prototype" that made its public debut in England, part of a film production featuring Richard Hammond of Top Gear fame, set a new record in the hands of TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team development driver Gabriela Jílková. Mr Hammond and Ms Jílková mingled with the crowd at the Shelsley Walsh hill climb – one of the world's oldest motorsport events, having been running since 1905 – before she drove the camouflaged Cayenne Electric up the asphalt track, which is only three and a half metres wide in places, has a steep gradient of up to 16.7 per cent, and is 1000 yards (914 metres) in length. Ms Jílková beat the previous SUV record by more than four seconds in her first attempt. "The course is challenging and does not forgive mistakes," she said afterwards. "There are no run-off zones and little room for correction. But the active suspension gives the new Cayenne enormous stability and precision. I felt completely confident at all times." Apart from setting a new SUV record at Shelsley Walsh, the Cayenne Electric also crossed the first measuring point of the course (at 60 feet or 18.3 metres) in just 1.94 seconds – matching single-seat race cars on slick tyres – shod with conventional summer tyres. According to the automaker, the new Porsche Active Ride chassis system keeps the body of the Cayenne Electric "level at all times, even during dynamic braking, steering and acceleration processes, and ensures a perfect connection to the road through a balanced distribution of wheel loads". "Porsche Active Ride significantly expands the range between driving dynamics and ride comfort in the new Cayenne," said the vice president of the Cayenne Product Line, Michael Schätzle. "Our customers have always appreciated the high utility value of the Cayenne. That's why we didn't want to make any compromises in the development of the all-electric model. "Our customers will also have powerful and efficient combustion engine and hybrid models at their disposal well into the next decade, and we are continuing to develop the current model generation at great expense. "However, we can only achieve the level of performance publicly demonstrated for the first time in England through the potential of electrification. The Cayenne Electric will set new standards – without compromising on everyday usability and practicality." Mr Schätzle added that final tuning of the Cayenne Electric is still in progress, but assures us that "the drive power and equipment of the record-breaking car were already at production level". For his part, after using the camouflaged Cayenne Electric to tow a classic car more than 100 years old and weighing more than two tonnes from his workshop in Hereford to his garage as part of a film shoot, Mr Hammond said: "We were trailing significant weight behind us, but you wouldn't know it – the Cayenne handled it effortlessly." No firm technical detail are available for the Cayenne EV, but it's expected to match the performance of its V8-powered siblings by offering between 373kW (500hp) and 600kW. That's because it will be based on an updated version of the same 800V Premium Platform Electric architecture as the Macan Electric, which offers up to 470kW in dual-motor Turbo form, and more than 500km of range in entry-level form. The first Cayenne EV will be produced alongside the existing Cayenne at Porsche's manufacturing facility in Bratislava, Slovakia. MORE: Explore the Porsche Cayenne showroom Content originally sourced from: The 2026 Porsche Cayenne Electric has been officially revealed for the first time, wrapped in lurid blue and purple camouflage at England's historic Shelsley Walsh hill climb, where it beat a Mitsubishi Lancer EVO and Subaru WRX to set a new course record of just 31.28 seconds. However, almost simultaneously, our spy photographers also captured the new SUV – the first battery-powered Cayenne, and the second electric Porsche SUV following the Macan Electric – almost completely undisguised both inside and out. The new large electric SUV was spied undergoing final development testing near the performance car brand's Weissach R&D base in Germany. As you can see from these spy pics, the pre-production prototype wears camouflage only around its lighting, plus a stickered-on grille and what appear to be decals showing dual daytime running lights. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Compared to the existing, third-generation large luxury SUV, the Cayenne EV will therefore feature narrower headlights flanking a narrow grille, a closed-off lower intake, and a slim rear light bar that wraps around the rear three-quarter panel. Inside the fourth-generation Cayenne, there's a full-width digital screen that all but unites a driver's instrument cluster, central infotainment screen and a passenger-side multimedia display. Overall, the exterior design of Porsche's new electric SUV, which will be followed by a larger dedicated-electric flagship SUV later this decade, makes it unmistakably a Cayenne. However, it's unclear whether the EV will be offered in both wagon and 'Coupe' form like its combustion-powered sister model. The combustion Cayenne will continue to be available with V6, V8 and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrains, just as Porsche is developing a replacement for the petrol-powered Macan to be sold alongside the new electric Macan. Porsche released no technical details about the Cayenne EV, other than promising it will be able to tow up to 3500kg and feature a new Active Ride system, but it's expected to make its world debut by the end of this year before its global release some time in 2026 – before the electric Porsche 718 Boxster and Cayman, development of which appears to have been pushed back. For the record, the "near-production prototype" that made its public debut in England, part of a film production featuring Richard Hammond of Top Gear fame, set a new record in the hands of TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team development driver Gabriela Jílková. Mr Hammond and Ms Jílková mingled with the crowd at the Shelsley Walsh hill climb – one of the world's oldest motorsport events, having been running since 1905 – before she drove the camouflaged Cayenne Electric up the asphalt track, which is only three and a half metres wide in places, has a steep gradient of up to 16.7 per cent, and is 1000 yards (914 metres) in length. Ms Jílková beat the previous SUV record by more than four seconds in her first attempt. "The course is challenging and does not forgive mistakes," she said afterwards. "There are no run-off zones and little room for correction. But the active suspension gives the new Cayenne enormous stability and precision. I felt completely confident at all times." Apart from setting a new SUV record at Shelsley Walsh, the Cayenne Electric also crossed the first measuring point of the course (at 60 feet or 18.3 metres) in just 1.94 seconds – matching single-seat race cars on slick tyres – shod with conventional summer tyres. According to the automaker, the new Porsche Active Ride chassis system keeps the body of the Cayenne Electric "level at all times, even during dynamic braking, steering and acceleration processes, and ensures a perfect connection to the road through a balanced distribution of wheel loads". "Porsche Active Ride significantly expands the range between driving dynamics and ride comfort in the new Cayenne," said the vice president of the Cayenne Product Line, Michael Schätzle. "Our customers have always appreciated the high utility value of the Cayenne. That's why we didn't want to make any compromises in the development of the all-electric model. "Our customers will also have powerful and efficient combustion engine and hybrid models at their disposal well into the next decade, and we are continuing to develop the current model generation at great expense. "However, we can only achieve the level of performance publicly demonstrated for the first time in England through the potential of electrification. The Cayenne Electric will set new standards – without compromising on everyday usability and practicality." Mr Schätzle added that final tuning of the Cayenne Electric is still in progress, but assures us that "the drive power and equipment of the record-breaking car were already at production level". For his part, after using the camouflaged Cayenne Electric to tow a classic car more than 100 years old and weighing more than two tonnes from his workshop in Hereford to his garage as part of a film shoot, Mr Hammond said: "We were trailing significant weight behind us, but you wouldn't know it – the Cayenne handled it effortlessly." No firm technical detail are available for the Cayenne EV, but it's expected to match the performance of its V8-powered siblings by offering between 373kW (500hp) and 600kW. That's because it will be based on an updated version of the same 800V Premium Platform Electric architecture as the Macan Electric, which offers up to 470kW in dual-motor Turbo form, and more than 500km of range in entry-level form. The first Cayenne EV will be produced alongside the existing Cayenne at Porsche's manufacturing facility in Bratislava, Slovakia. MORE: Explore the Porsche Cayenne showroom Content originally sourced from: The 2026 Porsche Cayenne Electric has been officially revealed for the first time, wrapped in lurid blue and purple camouflage at England's historic Shelsley Walsh hill climb, where it beat a Mitsubishi Lancer EVO and Subaru WRX to set a new course record of just 31.28 seconds. However, almost simultaneously, our spy photographers also captured the new SUV – the first battery-powered Cayenne, and the second electric Porsche SUV following the Macan Electric – almost completely undisguised both inside and out. The new large electric SUV was spied undergoing final development testing near the performance car brand's Weissach R&D base in Germany. As you can see from these spy pics, the pre-production prototype wears camouflage only around its lighting, plus a stickered-on grille and what appear to be decals showing dual daytime running lights. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Compared to the existing, third-generation large luxury SUV, the Cayenne EV will therefore feature narrower headlights flanking a narrow grille, a closed-off lower intake, and a slim rear light bar that wraps around the rear three-quarter panel. Inside the fourth-generation Cayenne, there's a full-width digital screen that all but unites a driver's instrument cluster, central infotainment screen and a passenger-side multimedia display. Overall, the exterior design of Porsche's new electric SUV, which will be followed by a larger dedicated-electric flagship SUV later this decade, makes it unmistakably a Cayenne. However, it's unclear whether the EV will be offered in both wagon and 'Coupe' form like its combustion-powered sister model. The combustion Cayenne will continue to be available with V6, V8 and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrains, just as Porsche is developing a replacement for the petrol-powered Macan to be sold alongside the new electric Macan. Porsche released no technical details about the Cayenne EV, other than promising it will be able to tow up to 3500kg and feature a new Active Ride system, but it's expected to make its world debut by the end of this year before its global release some time in 2026 – before the electric Porsche 718 Boxster and Cayman, development of which appears to have been pushed back. For the record, the "near-production prototype" that made its public debut in England, part of a film production featuring Richard Hammond of Top Gear fame, set a new record in the hands of TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team development driver Gabriela Jílková. Mr Hammond and Ms Jílková mingled with the crowd at the Shelsley Walsh hill climb – one of the world's oldest motorsport events, having been running since 1905 – before she drove the camouflaged Cayenne Electric up the asphalt track, which is only three and a half metres wide in places, has a steep gradient of up to 16.7 per cent, and is 1000 yards (914 metres) in length. Ms Jílková beat the previous SUV record by more than four seconds in her first attempt. "The course is challenging and does not forgive mistakes," she said afterwards. "There are no run-off zones and little room for correction. But the active suspension gives the new Cayenne enormous stability and precision. I felt completely confident at all times." Apart from setting a new SUV record at Shelsley Walsh, the Cayenne Electric also crossed the first measuring point of the course (at 60 feet or 18.3 metres) in just 1.94 seconds – matching single-seat race cars on slick tyres – shod with conventional summer tyres. According to the automaker, the new Porsche Active Ride chassis system keeps the body of the Cayenne Electric "level at all times, even during dynamic braking, steering and acceleration processes, and ensures a perfect connection to the road through a balanced distribution of wheel loads". "Porsche Active Ride significantly expands the range between driving dynamics and ride comfort in the new Cayenne," said the vice president of the Cayenne Product Line, Michael Schätzle. "Our customers have always appreciated the high utility value of the Cayenne. That's why we didn't want to make any compromises in the development of the all-electric model. "Our customers will also have powerful and efficient combustion engine and hybrid models at their disposal well into the next decade, and we are continuing to develop the current model generation at great expense. "However, we can only achieve the level of performance publicly demonstrated for the first time in England through the potential of electrification. The Cayenne Electric will set new standards – without compromising on everyday usability and practicality." Mr Schätzle added that final tuning of the Cayenne Electric is still in progress, but assures us that "the drive power and equipment of the record-breaking car were already at production level". For his part, after using the camouflaged Cayenne Electric to tow a classic car more than 100 years old and weighing more than two tonnes from his workshop in Hereford to his garage as part of a film shoot, Mr Hammond said: "We were trailing significant weight behind us, but you wouldn't know it – the Cayenne handled it effortlessly." No firm technical detail are available for the Cayenne EV, but it's expected to match the performance of its V8-powered siblings by offering between 373kW (500hp) and 600kW. That's because it will be based on an updated version of the same 800V Premium Platform Electric architecture as the Macan Electric, which offers up to 470kW in dual-motor Turbo form, and more than 500km of range in entry-level form. The first Cayenne EV will be produced alongside the existing Cayenne at Porsche's manufacturing facility in Bratislava, Slovakia. MORE: Explore the Porsche Cayenne showroom Content originally sourced from: The 2026 Porsche Cayenne Electric has been officially revealed for the first time, wrapped in lurid blue and purple camouflage at England's historic Shelsley Walsh hill climb, where it beat a Mitsubishi Lancer EVO and Subaru WRX to set a new course record of just 31.28 seconds. However, almost simultaneously, our spy photographers also captured the new SUV – the first battery-powered Cayenne, and the second electric Porsche SUV following the Macan Electric – almost completely undisguised both inside and out. The new large electric SUV was spied undergoing final development testing near the performance car brand's Weissach R&D base in Germany. As you can see from these spy pics, the pre-production prototype wears camouflage only around its lighting, plus a stickered-on grille and what appear to be decals showing dual daytime running lights. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Compared to the existing, third-generation large luxury SUV, the Cayenne EV will therefore feature narrower headlights flanking a narrow grille, a closed-off lower intake, and a slim rear light bar that wraps around the rear three-quarter panel. Inside the fourth-generation Cayenne, there's a full-width digital screen that all but unites a driver's instrument cluster, central infotainment screen and a passenger-side multimedia display. Overall, the exterior design of Porsche's new electric SUV, which will be followed by a larger dedicated-electric flagship SUV later this decade, makes it unmistakably a Cayenne. However, it's unclear whether the EV will be offered in both wagon and 'Coupe' form like its combustion-powered sister model. The combustion Cayenne will continue to be available with V6, V8 and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrains, just as Porsche is developing a replacement for the petrol-powered Macan to be sold alongside the new electric Macan. Porsche released no technical details about the Cayenne EV, other than promising it will be able to tow up to 3500kg and feature a new Active Ride system, but it's expected to make its world debut by the end of this year before its global release some time in 2026 – before the electric Porsche 718 Boxster and Cayman, development of which appears to have been pushed back. For the record, the "near-production prototype" that made its public debut in England, part of a film production featuring Richard Hammond of Top Gear fame, set a new record in the hands of TAG Heuer Porsche Formula E Team development driver Gabriela Jílková. Mr Hammond and Ms Jílková mingled with the crowd at the Shelsley Walsh hill climb – one of the world's oldest motorsport events, having been running since 1905 – before she drove the camouflaged Cayenne Electric up the asphalt track, which is only three and a half metres wide in places, has a steep gradient of up to 16.7 per cent, and is 1000 yards (914 metres) in length. Ms Jílková beat the previous SUV record by more than four seconds in her first attempt. "The course is challenging and does not forgive mistakes," she said afterwards. "There are no run-off zones and little room for correction. But the active suspension gives the new Cayenne enormous stability and precision. I felt completely confident at all times." Apart from setting a new SUV record at Shelsley Walsh, the Cayenne Electric also crossed the first measuring point of the course (at 60 feet or 18.3 metres) in just 1.94 seconds – matching single-seat race cars on slick tyres – shod with conventional summer tyres. According to the automaker, the new Porsche Active Ride chassis system keeps the body of the Cayenne Electric "level at all times, even during dynamic braking, steering and acceleration processes, and ensures a perfect connection to the road through a balanced distribution of wheel loads". "Porsche Active Ride significantly expands the range between driving dynamics and ride comfort in the new Cayenne," said the vice president of the Cayenne Product Line, Michael Schätzle. "Our customers have always appreciated the high utility value of the Cayenne. That's why we didn't want to make any compromises in the development of the all-electric model. "Our customers will also have powerful and efficient combustion engine and hybrid models at their disposal well into the next decade, and we are continuing to develop the current model generation at great expense. "However, we can only achieve the level of performance publicly demonstrated for the first time in England through the potential of electrification. The Cayenne Electric will set new standards – without compromising on everyday usability and practicality." Mr Schätzle added that final tuning of the Cayenne Electric is still in progress, but assures us that "the drive power and equipment of the record-breaking car were already at production level". For his part, after using the camouflaged Cayenne Electric to tow a classic car more than 100 years old and weighing more than two tonnes from his workshop in Hereford to his garage as part of a film shoot, Mr Hammond said: "We were trailing significant weight behind us, but you wouldn't know it – the Cayenne handled it effortlessly." No firm technical detail are available for the Cayenne EV, but it's expected to match the performance of its V8-powered siblings by offering between 373kW (500hp) and 600kW. That's because it will be based on an updated version of the same 800V Premium Platform Electric architecture as the Macan Electric, which offers up to 470kW in dual-motor Turbo form, and more than 500km of range in entry-level form. The first Cayenne EV will be produced alongside the existing Cayenne at Porsche's manufacturing facility in Bratislava, Slovakia. MORE: Explore the Porsche Cayenne showroom Content originally sourced from:
Perth Now
7 hours ago
- Perth Now
Australia's best-selling hybrids halfway through 2025
Toyota is still by far Australia's hybrid vehicle market leader, with just one of its hybrids alone – the RAV4 – outselling the number two and three hybrid auto brands so far this year. Only one other brand cracked five-digit hybrid deliveries in the first half of 2025, according to VFACTS sales data, and that was Hyundai. There are far fewer hybrid vehicles on sale in Australia than electric vehicles (EVs), but hybrids account for a larger share of new-car sales overall. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Supplied Credit: CarExpert A total of 93,746 hybrids (HEVs) were delivered during the first half of 2025, compared with 25,613 plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) and 47,245 EVs. This means that of the total of 624,130 new vehicles delivered in Australia during the first six months of 2025, 15 per cent were hybrids, 7.6 per cent were EVs, and 4.1 per cent were PHEVs. Hybrid sales were up 14.9 per cent compared with the first half of 2024. Below is a chart listing all the brands that sell hybrids in Australia. Note this doesn't include PHEVs or mild-hybrids, though it does include Nissan's e-Power vehicles. Below is a chart listing all the hybrid models offered in Australia. A total of eight of the top 10 best-selling hybrids were produced by Toyota Motor Corporation, with the other two being Hyundais. The GWM Tank 500, Honda Accord, Lexus LM, Toyota C-HR and Toyota Tundra are exclusively offered with hybrid power. Where a model line also includes other powertrain types, we've calculated the percentage of sales the hybrid variants account for. There's also a caveat with other Toyotas that are listed in the table above. Supplied Credit: CarExpert All Toyota model lines available with a hybrid powertrain lost their standard petrol-powered variants last year, though evidently there was still some leftover stock of certain petrol-only Toyotas. The Toyota Yaris and Corolla tallies also include the GR Yaris and GR Corolla. Lexus has also discontinued petrol-only versions of models like the ES, due to their high hybrid take-up rates. GM Australia and New Zealand splits out its Chevrolet Corvette delivery figures across separate Stingray, Z06 and E-Ray entries. Lump them all together, however, and just 3.9 per cent of Corvettes delivered in the first half of this year were E-Rays. MORE: Australia's best-selling EVs in the first half of 2025
