Latest news with #LuxuryAutomobile
Auto Express
08-07-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Express
This Bentley concept reveals the brand's future... If you know where to look
The future of Bentley is hiding in plain sight, in the EXP15 concept car. Its clean surfacing, striking details and interior flourishes hint at the design language of the Luxury Urban SUV, the electric SUV that will go public next year. But longer term, the high-riding saloon concept is testing the water for a bodystyle to replace the Mulsanne, the traditional limousine that rivalled the Rolls-Royce Phantom until it went out of production in 2020. Advertisement - Article continues below The electric EXP15 – only the fifteenth experimental car in Bentley's 106-year history – has almost the same footprint as the long-wheelbase Mulsanne, measuring 5.5-metres long and with a 3.5m-long wheelbase. But the show car stands 6cm higher due to its sizable ground clearance, with its ride height rising on tough terrain or lowering at speed to improve aerodynamics. Auto Express was treated to a sneak preview at the official opening of Bentley's new design studio at its Crewe factory, just before customers were ushered through to take a look. The concept will also take a bow at the world's richest car show in Pebble Beach, California, while the social media response will be closely monitored. All the feedback will help Bentley decide whether to green light the bodystyle as one of five electric cars planned for its new EV factory by 2035. Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below The concept car blends SUV, coupe and sedan forms to create something fresh in the luxury space, although cars such as the Citroën C5 X and BMW 5 Series Gran Turismo have tried it unsuccessfully in more mainstream circles. Head of exterior design Domen Rucigaj told Auto Express the purpose was to find a bodystyle with more commercial appeal than just a traditional limousine, during an exclusive walkaround of the show car. 'One of the first [instructions] I gave the team was to design the car a little bit higher, because we want a global car. This means you're not doing a limousine but an SUV. But SUVs can be negative in cities because they're so big. So I said, let's merge the two cars together – and use the 'Blue Train' as inspiration.' Advertisement - Article continues below The Blue Train is the legendary 1930 Bentley mistakenly credited with beating a locomotive in a race from Cannes to Calais. Bentley chairman Woolf Barnato actually drove a Speed Six four-door saloon, but he was inaccurately painted as using another coachbuilt Bentley, the one-off Speed Six Gurney Nutting Sportsman coupe. Its rakishly thin, curved window graphic and cab-backward notchback proportions have very much influenced the concept car's. As has its three-seat cockpit. But while the Blue Train had a rear seat mounted at 90˚ to the two front seats, the EXP15 contains a conventionally positioned driver's seat and two rear armchairs. But on the passenger side, the standalone seat offers epic legroom from the rear (with storage space in front) or it could slide forward into a co-driver position. Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below And the three-seat concept is not as outlandish as it first appears. 'There's no reason why we couldn't do something along these lines, within the footprint of the car,' head of interior design Darren Day told Auto Express. 'Maybe it's flexible: we have four- and five-seat cars or three- and four-seat cars. It's really good to test the water and get feedback.' The EXP15 is asymmetrical: the driver's side has a coupe's single door, while the passenger side has suicide doors. When these doors open, a portion of the roof pivots away and the single chair rotates towards the aperture, enabling the passenger to 'step out with dignity in the perfect Instagram shot,' says Day, onto a projection of red light to give a red carpet-effect. This isn't a flight of fancy either. Bentley has patents for the movable roof section, and engineers are striving to channel rainwater away: nothing would ruin the Instagram moment more than a celebrity getting a huge drip on the head, though the resulting meme would no doubt break the internet. Advertisement - Article continues below So it appears there's genuine production intent for these features, either in a future series model or as Bentley expands its coachbuilt range by the Mulliner division, which has delivered the limited edition Batur and Bacalar. The EXP15 will have a profound influence on Bentley's first electric car, which we're set to see in the first half of 2026 before full production in 2027. The upright front end and long bonnet leading into a strong shoulder line are Bentley design pillars, and the clean, modernist surfacing – chosen for its 'timeless' quality according to designer Rucigaj – is sure to feature. Take a close look at the grille too. Although those recessed vertical headlamps are unlikely, a version of that dramatic grille – with its central spine and recessed crystals – are set for production Bentleys. The engineers have been working for four years to productionise the illuminated crystal effect, to ensure it meets regulations and repairability criteria. Backlit crystal will also adorn the cockpit, as Bentley experiments with shining light through translucent materials. This should create spectacular, animated patterns inspired by nature, such as the moon shimmering on water. 'We do concept cars to establish design principles and to understand where we are going, and to show our more modern design language of cars that will come,' concludes Robin Page, Bentley's director of design. Tell us which new car you're interested in and get the very best offers from our network of over 5,500 UK dealers to compare. Let's go… Find a car with the experts Car Deal of the Day: 10k miles a year in Cupra's Terramar for under £300 a month Car Deal of the Day: 10k miles a year in Cupra's Terramar for under £300 a month The Cupra Terramar is an appealing family SUV that looks stylish but offers plenty of practicality. It's our Deal of the Day for July 5 New Volvo XC60 2025 facelift review: big-selling SUV gets a new lease of life New Volvo XC60 2025 facelift review: big-selling SUV gets a new lease of life This refreshed Swedish SUV focuses on familiar areas of strength to take on BMW and Audi Car Deal of the Day: MG ZS gives a big SUV feel for a miniscule £194 a month Car Deal of the Day: MG ZS gives a big SUV feel for a miniscule £194 a month The MG ZS is an easy car to like and live with. It's our Deal of the Day for 3 July
Grazia USA
02-07-2025
- Automotive
- Grazia USA
Luxury In Motion: Maserati's Grecale Gets A Chic New Update
For the woman who moves fast, makes bold choices, and refuses to compromise on style, Maserati's Grecale is about to become your next obsession. Going beyond the typical SUV, this Maserati is a seamless blend of luxury, performance, and modern practicality – designed to match the pace of your day, whether you're dashing from a boardroom to a dinner reservation or escaping the city for the weekend. For 2025, Maserati has refined its best-selling SUV with elevated design touches, enhanced performance across the Modena and Trofeo trims, and the introduction of the Grecale Folgore – the brand's first all-electric SUV, delivering 410 kW of silent, sustainable power. Photo: Supplied Each model offers its own personality. The Modena sharpens performance with 330 hp, Matrix headlights and adaptive suspension, while the unapologetically bold Trofeo unleashes 530 hp from its V6 Nettuno engine – built for those who live life in the fast lane. The Folgore, meanwhile, represents the future, fusing Maserati DNA with zero-emission innovation. Inside, the Grecale is an ode to contemporary Italian craftsmanship – elevated, tactile, and tailored. Leather tones like Chocolate or Ice/Black, minimalist tech integration, and a spacious five-seat configuration make for a refined cabin experience. With over 2,000 standard trim combinations and limitless options through Maserati's Fuoriserie personalisation programme, your Grecale becomes a true expression of individual style. Photo: Supplied And yes, the colour palette is as fashion-forward as you'd expect. From soft, elegant hues like Blu Pastello to bold statements like Orange Devil with black callipers, it's all about aesthetic freedom. Luxury goes far beyond the surface. The Sonus faber 3D sound system, with up to 21 speakers and 1,285 watts of power, turns every playlist or podcast into a cinematic experience. The dual touchscreen infotainment system with full smartphone integration puts intuitive control at your fingertips, whether you're setting the tone or navigating your day. To make life even smoother, Maserati now offers streamlined service bundles, combining everything from extended warranties to brake replacements and pick-up and delivery – convenience without compromise, perfect for those who are consistently on the move, like us at GRAZIA.
Car and Driver
11-06-2025
- Automotive
- Car and Driver
2026 Volvo EX90 Review, Pricing, and Specs
Overview While Volvo's mid-size EV SUV is clearly inspired by its gas-powered predecessor, the EX90 is more than just an XC90 motivated by electrons. While the two could be mistaken for one another at a distance, the EX90's lack of a front grille hints at its sustainable source of motivation. A 402-hp electric powertrain comes standard, while a potent 510-hp upgrade is also available in Performance models. All EX90s come with all-wheel drive regardless of output. Offering between 300 and 310 miles of driving range, a near-silent contemporary cabin, a clean Scandinavian design, and cutting-edge driver-assistance features, the EX90 proves that Volvo knows how to build a formidable flagship. What's New for 2026? With the EX90 debuting just last year, it carries into 2026 unchanged. Pricing and Which One to Buy The price of the 2026 Volvo EX90 is expected to start around $82,000 and go up to $91,000 depending on the trim and options. Plus $82,000 (est) Ultra $86,000 (est) Performance Plus $87,000 (est) Performance Ultra $91,000 (est) 0 $25k $50k $75k $100k $125k $150k While the EX90 does carry a price premium over the gasoline-powered XC90 SUV, its starting price puts it at the affordable end of the spectrum for mid-size electric luxury crossovers. Two trims are available—Plus and Ultra—as well as a dual-motor powertrain in two strengths. The Twin Motor Performance model makes more power, but we'd recommend sticking with the 402-hp Twin Motor model and upgrading to the more luxurious Ultra trim, which adds massaging seats, 21-inch wheels, an air-spring suspension system, and thicker window glass to keep out more road noise. Want to compare the 2026 Volvo EX90 to other vehicles you're interested in? Our new compare tool provides a comprehensive, side-by-side look at up to five cars of your choice. Compare Cars EV Motor, Power, and Performance All EX90s come with a dual-motor all-wheel-drive powertrain, but the entry-level Twin Motor model makes 402 horsepower while the Twin Motor Performance variant makes 510 horsepower. In our initial test drive, we found the Performance model to be quick and responsive, but we haven't yet driven the base powertrain. The suspension is supple and provides good ride quality, and the steering is well-weighted. The air suspension is height-adjustable, and it combines with adaptive dampers to smooth out the road nicely. The cabin also remains remarkably quiet, even by the standards of an electric vehicle. 0–60-MPH Times Volvo says the Twin Motor model should be capable of hitting 60 mph in 5.7 seconds while the Twin Motor Performance should do the deed in 4.7 seconds. View Photos Volvo Range, Charging, and Battery Life Onboard is a 107.0-kWh battery pack that the EPA estimates will deliver between 300 and 310 miles per charge depending on configuration. DC fast charging capability is standard and is said to need as little as 30 minutes to juice the battery from 10 to 80 percent. The EV architecture used in the EX90 also allows for bi-directional charging, which means you can hook it up to your house to power appliances during a power outage or use it to charge another Volvo EV if needed. Fuel Economy and Real-World MPGe The EPA hasn't released any fuel economy information for the 2026 EX90 yet, but without any changes to its powertrain, it will likely achieve similar results as the 2025 model. Last year's most efficient EX90 with 21-inch wheels returned 86 MPGe city and 82 MPGe highway. Opting for the 20- or 22- inch wheels took a toll, reducing the estimates to 83 MPGe city and 78 MPGe highway. Those numbers are competitive with other luxury electric SUVs such as the BMW iX and the Rivian R1S. When we get a chance, we'll take the EX90 on our 75-mph highway fuel-economy test route and update this story with its results. For more information about the EX90's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website. Interior, Comfort, and Cargo A minimalist interior design puts most of the EX90's controls on a large touchscreen infotainment system. The look is clean and classically Scandinavian, but it may be irksome to drivers who prefer physical buttons and switches on their dashboards. The interior feels open and airy thanks to a large glass roof, and there's room for seven riders thanks to a standard third row of seats. Leather upholstery has been banished from the options sheet in the interest of eco-friendliness, but the materials used instead look high-end, especially the available wool fabric that's blended with plastic recovered from recycled bottles. View Photos Volvo Infotainment and Connectivity The EX90 features a large, portrait-style 14.5-inch infotainment display that runs the company's latest Google-based infotainment interface. It features in-dash navigation powered by Google Maps and has access to outside apps through the Google Play store. Wireless Apple CarPlay and a 5G cellular data connection are both standard. A Bowers & Wilkins stereo system is available as an option and features Dolby Atmos technology and 25 speakers, including ones embedded into the EX90's headrests. Safety and Driver-Assistance Features Volvo promises that new driver-assistance features will make their debut on the EX90, including the company's next-generation adaptive cruise control with lane-centering and active steering assist. But some of these features may be pushed via an over-the-air update later on. Basics such as automated emergency braking are included too, and the EX90 also features a novel in-car radar system that's intended to help prevent children and pets from getting left behind in a hot car. For more information about the EX90's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features are likely to include: Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist Standard adaptive cruise control with a lane-centering feature Warranty and Maintenance Coverage Volvo offers a well-rounded warranty package on its new cars, including a complimentary scheduled maintenance plan that spans three years or 36,000 miles. Limited warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles Powertrain warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles Battery components are covered for 8 years or 100,000 miles Complimentary scheduled maintenance is covered for 3 years or 36,000 miles Specifications Specifications 2025 Volvo EX90 Vehicle Type: front- and rear-motor, all-wheel-drive, 6- or 7-passenger, 4-door wagon PRICE Plus, $81,290; Ultra, $85,640; Performance Plus, $86,290; Performance Ultra, $90,640 POWERTRAIN Front Motor: permanent-magnet synchronous AC, 232 or 241 hp Rear Motor: permanent-magnet synchronous AC, 170 or 268 hp Combined Power: 402 or 510 hp Combined Torque: 568 or 671 lb-ft Battery Pack: liquid-cooled lithium-ion, 107.0 kWh Onboard Charger: 11.0 kW Peak DC Fast-Charge Rate: 250 kW Transmissions, F/R: direct-drive DIMENSIONS Wheelbase: 117.5 in Length: 198.3 in Width: 77.3 in Height: 68.8 in Passenger Volume, F/M/R: 58/51/21 ft3 Cargo Volume, behind F/M/R: 71–74/36/13–14 ft3 Front-Trunk Volume: 2–3 ft3 Curb Weight (C/D est): 5700–6000 lb PERFORMANCE (C/D EST) 60 mph: 4.5–5.5 sec 1/4-Mile: 13.0–14.3 sec Top Speed: 112 mph EPA FUEL ECONOMY Combined/City/Highway: 81–84/83–86/78–82 MPGe Range: 300–310 mi More Features and Specs
Top Gear
02-06-2025
- Automotive
- Top Gear
Bentley has revealed a faster and more powerful V8 Bentayga Speed
Bentley has revealed a faster and more powerful V8 Bentayga Speed Out goes the W12, in comes an uprated turbo V8 with a new 'Sport' mode Skip 19 photos in the image carousel and continue reading Turn on Javascript to see all the available pictures. 1 / 19 Bentley doesn't make its 6.0-litre W12 rolling thundercloud anymore, so for its new Bentayga Speed has deployed an eight-cylinder powerhouse to startling – and surprisingly sideways – levels. So welcome to the new Bentley Bentayga Speed: now a V8-powered luxury SUV with a 'Sport' mode. That's right, 'Sport'… in a big, two-and-a-half-tonne SUV. Advertisement - Page continues below Bentley said this new mode makes it exceedingly pointy, because 'Sport' stiffens up the dampers by 15 per cent, backs off the ESC 'to permit exhilarating drift angles or power-on oversteer', and even launch control. That's right, 'drift angles' and launch control… in a big, two-and-a-half-tonne SUV. And speaking of launches, you'll get there quicker in this V8 car than in the old W12-engined Bentayga Speed. Bentley quotes 0-62mph in just 3.4s, a full half-second quicker than the 6.0-litre car. It's also a full second quicker to 62mph than the regular V8 S. Interestingly, Bentley hasn't gone for the 771bhp hybrid V8 monster as fitted in the nose of the Conti GT Speed, but an 'uprated' twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8. Uprated to the tune of 641bhp and 627lb ft. More power than the outgoing Bentayga Speed (which had 626bhp), but less torque (the old SUV churned out 664lb ft). Still, Bentley has given it a good old bark, because there's a standard-fit sports exhaust, or the option of an Akrapovic titanium system. A far better soundtrack to accompany that new 'Sport' mode, which joins the standard 'Comfort' and 'Bentley' modes, the latter two carried over from the W12 car. Advertisement - Page continues below There's all-wheel-steering and the option of carbon ceramics, which all points to Bentley's efforts to make this massive luxury SUV… dance. Or, in Bentley parlance, 'recalibrates one's expectations of handling, roadholding, accelerating and steering response for a luxury SUV'. Quite. As befits a Bentley Speed car, the big Bentayga gets dark tint brightware, Speed badging inside and out, 22in wheels (with the option of 23s), a choice of caliper colours, an optional black roof, a new 'Precision Diamond' quilt pattern for the interior, and a darker secondary leather as the 'predominant' colour. No word on how much this surprisingly sideways Bentley SUV will cost, but it'll be... more. Top Gear Newsletter Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Look out for your regular round-up of news, reviews and offers in your inbox. Get all the latest news, reviews and exclusives, direct to your inbox. Success Your Email*
Auto Express
02-06-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Express
Bentley Bentayga Speed returns with even more power and 193mph top speed
The Bentley Bentayga Speed held the title as the world's fastest SUV for a while, thanks to its legendary W12 engine catapulting it to 190mph. Now the car is back – with V8 power. Bentley stopped building W12-equipped cars last year with the new Ultra Performance Hybrid powertrain acting as a replacement. The Bentayga Speed, however, gets a 641bhp 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 without plug-in assistance – making it less powerful than the 771bhp Ultra Performance Hybrid and the recently-announced 671bhp High Performance Hybrid. Still, that's more than the old 6.0-litre W12 Bentayga Speed produced (626bhp), and while there's 50Nm less torque, the new V8-powered Bentayga Speed shrugs off the 0-62mph sprint 0.4 seconds quicker, taking just 3.4 seconds. The top speed has increased to 193mph as well. It's not only faster in a straight line, either. With the old model, we always felt the V8 S was the sweeter option for keen drivers thanks to its slightly more favourable kerbweight, and with the new Speed, Bentley has implemented several changes to give it the dynamism the name suggests. Advertisement - Article continues below Alongside the Comfort and Bentley driving modes which are unchanged from other Bentayga models, the Sport mode has been recalibrated for the Speed. It creates more responsive steering, helped by 15 per cent stiffer damping and brake torque vectoring, which is aimed at giving the Speed more agility in bends, too. Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below There's also four-wheel steering, a new launch control function and a new ESC Dynamic mode to allow for 'exhilarating drift angles where appropriate', according to Bentley. With the Speed's supercar levels of power and near 2.5-tonne kerbweight, we'd imagine most buyers will specify the optional carbon ceramic brakes, which can be painted in no fewer than seven different colours. They sit behind a set of optional 23-inch wheels bespoke for the Speed, with 22-inch rims reserved for the steel brake set-up. Helping the Speed look distinct to the rest of the Bentley range is the black roof, finished in either gloss or satin. There's also a rear spoiler and dark-tinted exterior trim, with chrome Speed badging on the doors and unique headlights up front. Inside, you'll find the usual suite of Bentley extravagance full of diamond-quilted stitching and chrome, although the Speed also gets a unique driver's display with extra information on the car's performance set-up, Speed badging on the seats and the option of green accents – just like the exterior. Pricing for the Bentayga Speed hasn't been announced yet, but we expect it to cost more than the old W12 model, possibly sitting over the £250,000 mark. Click here for our list of the fastest SUVs in the world ... Find a car with the experts 2026 Land Rover Defender updates look subtle, but they fix one huge annoyance for owners 2026 Land Rover Defender updates look subtle, but they fix one huge annoyance for owners Land Rover has introduced new, larger white-painted steel wheels for models with big brakes, fixing one massive irritation with the previous generatio… Car Deal of the Day: Hit the road in style with the electric BMW i4 for only £344 a month Car Deal of the Day: Hit the road in style with the electric BMW i4 for only £344 a month It may be a little overlooked these days, but the i4 is still a fine electric saloon. It's our Deal of the Day for 30 May New single-motor Skoda Enyaq SportLine 85 goes the distance with 356-mile range New single-motor Skoda Enyaq SportLine 85 goes the distance with 356-mile range More range for less from new Enyaq SportLine 85, which is £1,500 cheaper than 4WD model
