Latest news with #plug-inhybrid
Bloomberg
6 days ago
- Automotive
- Bloomberg
Zeekr Debuts First Hybrid in China to Help Ease EV Range Anxiety
Premium electric vehicle brand Zeekr unveiled its first plug-in hybrid sport utility vehicle, joining the growing number of Chinese EV makers incorporating gasoline engines into new models to help ease range anxiety. Built on the new 900-volt Sustainable Experience Architecture-S platform developed by parent Zhejiang Geely Holding Group Co., the full-sized 9X is equipped with ultra fast charging that will see its battery power reach 80% from 10% in just 10 minutes. China's top auto and tech companies are in the race to reduce charging times even further, though the widespread roll out of technology like BYD Co.'s five-minute charge battery requires the building of thousands of stations that can support upgraded EVs.
Auto Express
03-07-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Express
New BMW 530e review: a brilliant premium PHEV
The BMW 5 Series plug-in hybrid is an exceptional all-rounder. It's big, practical, beautifully built and good to drive, while the plug-in powertrain is one of the most rounded of its type. Run one in the right way – either as a private buyer or company-car driver – and it has the potential to cut your running costs considerably. This is the best premium hybrid car on the market, bar none. Advertisement - Article continues below Plug-in hybrids have come a long way in a relatively short space of time. Gone are the days when a meagre 20-mile EV range made connecting to the mains a trivial task; many will now manage three times that distance, with the added advantage of being substantially more efficient when the batteries run dry. The latest BMW 530e is the perfect example of just how good these PHEVs have become. This is a five-metre-long, near-300bhp executive saloon car with a 62-mile WLTP-rated electric range that'll still do 40mpg or more on a longer run. Add in the usual levels of luxury, and it makes the otherwise excellent all-electric i5 look really rather expensive. Of course, the age-old argument is that if you can do most of your daily duties in a PHEV – and remember, the average UK driver apparently does less than 20 miles a day – then an EV should also tick a lot of boxes. But by going for the hybrid, you'll save the best part of £15,000 on a like-for-like M Sport Pro spec – or the equivalent of around £200 per month on a PCP finance deal. Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below View 5 Series View 5 Series View 5 Series View 5 Series You'll trade the i5's 81.2kWh (usable) battery for a smaller 19.4kWh unit, of course, but with the added reassurance of a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine – extending the i5's 356-mile range to 600 miles or more. Advertisement - Article continues below Better still, in our hands, we've actually beaten the 530e's claimed 62-mile maximum; a recent journey in a Touring estate model saw us cover 63 miles over a mixture of urban and rural roads, plus faster dual carriageways, without using a drop of fuel – and still with 13 per cent battery charge remaining. By nudging 70 miles of range, the 530e is within spitting distance of the Mercedes E 300 e when it comes to outright EV efficiency. Speaking of efficiency, we've found the 530e easily capable of 40-45mpg even when low on charge; the clever hybrid system ensures the high-voltage battery is never truly empty, leaning on the effective regenerative brakes, and shutting down the engine when coasting. On a single journey of over 180 miles, we returned an engine-off eDrive share of 41 per cent. Company car drivers may be drawn to the electric i5's three per cent Benefit-in-Kind (BiK) grouping, but the 530e's strong range and low emissions only attract a nine per cent rating. That's equivalent to an extra £1,300-ish per year for higher-rate tax payers, which is quite a chunk of money, but the flexibility of a plug-in powertrain could be enough to swing the deal. Advertisement - Article continues below Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below Anyway, enough about fuel economy and costs, what's the 530e like to drive? You might reasonably expect a tale of two halves – petrol and electric – but in reality, the way the 5 Series PHEV blends its two power sources means one doesn't feel enormously different to the other. Refined, smooth and reasonably punchy, the 530e quietly goes about its business in EV mode, belying its size while cocooning you from the outside world. Breach the parameters for electric-only running – either by flooring the throttle or running low on charge – and the engine kicks in almost seamlessly, adding assistance without disturbing the peace. You still get that initial hit of electric torque as the e-motor fills in the gaps that might be felt in a non-hybrid alternative, building speed in a linear fashion; the 5 is fast enough (0-62mph takes 6.3 seconds) without ever feeling particularly quick. There are various drive modes, though the two of note are 'Efficient' and 'Sport'. Both do as they say on the tin, with the former prioritising EV power, and the latter forcing the petrol engine to fire up for peak power. This will hold the battery's charge, and even top it up slightly during sustained use. There is a 'deactivate electric' setting in the infotainment sub-menus, but in our experience, it doesn't always do as it's told. Yet arguably the best bit about the 530e (and any 5 Series for that matter, including the BMW i5) is that it still manages to drive like a BMW. Its responses are sharp, and despite weighing over two tonnes, it feels relatively deft on a twisty road. Beware of its size though – this is not a small car, and at times feels more akin to an old BMW 7 Series than a modern 5. Especially when parking. Advertisement - Article continues below Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below Inside, the high-quality cabin shows absolutely no signs of cost cutting. The usual BMW-style thick-rimmed steering wheel is present and correct – one of the things we don't love, incidentally – but it's wrapped in beautifully soft material, and complements the soft-touch dashboard and doors. The widescreen infotainment is among the best in the business, too, and even comes with the firm's soon-to-be-phased-out iDrive clickwheel. It's handy, although if you favour Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, you might be surprised at how little you use it. Space is another highlight. The back seats are roomy enough, if not quite limo-like, and the boot – at 520 litres – is 30 litres larger than you'll find in the i5. As mentioned, there's a Touring estate if you need the extra room, with that car's fold-flat seats opening up a gargantuan 1,700 litres when necessary. Model: BMW 530e M Sport Pro Price: £62,655 On sale: Now Powertrain: 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol PHEV Power/torque: 295bhp/450Nm Transmission: Eight-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive 0-62mph: 6.3 seconds Top speed: 143mph Economy/CO2: 403.5mpg/15g/km Size (L/W/H): 5,060/1,900/1,515mm Tempted by the BMW 5 Series? Compare prices for this executive car and its rivals with our Find A Car service... Car Deal of the Day: 717bhp BMW M5 Touring super-estate on a tasty lease deal Car Deal of the Day: 717bhp BMW M5 Touring super-estate on a tasty lease deal The BMW M5 Touring is M car royalty, with a thoroughly impressive PHEV powertrain. It's our Deal of the Day for 29 June Range Rover Sport SV gets massive £35k price drop as it enters series-production Range Rover Sport SV gets massive £35k price drop as it enters series-production There's also a new SV Black trim, and a Range Rover Sport Stealth Package for non SVs New 2026 Honda 0 SUV: Japanese brand to finally have an EV to rival Tesla and BYD New 2026 Honda 0 SUV: Japanese brand to finally have an EV to rival Tesla and BYD Honda EV plans are gathering momentum, and they'll be realised in the groundbreaking 0 SUV next year
Yahoo
24-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
2025 Volvo XC90 T8 review: Plug-in luxury with smooth power and smart style
I'm sharing my impressions of vehicles after living with them for a few days, or as a make or model evolves. The car this week is the 2025 Volvo XC90 AWD T8. It's a plug-in hybrid version of Volvo's six- or seven-seat three-row luxury SUV. Volvo calls it a 2025.5 model, but U.S. regulations, which govern model years, don't recognize half-model years. (Sorry, Mustang fans; there wasn't a 1964.5 either.) I tested an $80,700 XC90 T8 AWD Ultra. Prices start at $57,400. Prices exclude $1,295 destination charge and import tariffs. The XC90 is one of Volvo's core vehicles. It sold 39,492 in 2024 and 39,920 in 2023. The updated 2025 went on sale in December. Volvo has sold 16.744 XC90s so far in 2025. U.S. tariffs may affect XC90 prices and availability. Typical Volvo style and safety. Quiet ride, smooth power. B5 Core: $57,400 B6 Core: $62,300 T8 Core: $71,900 XC90 T8 AWD Ultra: $80,700 Source: Edmunds. All prices exclude $1,295 destination charge and import tariffs. 2026 Cadillac Vistiq: The 'baby Escalade' EV SUV you've been waiting for It competes with the Acura MDX hybrid, Cadillac Vistiq EV, Hyundai Ioniq 9, Kia EV9, Lexus TX 550h+ plug-in hybrid and Tesla X EV. Room, comfort and sustainability. Volvo says owners worldwide average 48% of their miles driven on electric power. The 2.0L turbocharged engine and electric motor deliver 455 horsepower and 523 pound-feet of torque. The interior is roomy, attractive and safe ― Volvo hallmarks. The interior is quiet at highway speeds and the air suspension delivers a smooth ride and commendable handling for a big heavy vehicle. There's no change to the updated XC90's range on electric power. The XC90's price puts it in competition with new EVs like the Cadillac Vistiq and Hyundai Ioniq 9 — improved range wouldn't hurt. The lack of wireless connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto goes in the same file: It wasn't a big deal in 2015 but constitutes a significant competitive failing today. Minimal exterior changes. Seats six or seven 33-mile electric range, 530 miles combined electric and gasoline range 11.2-inch infotainment screen All-wheel drive Attractive, sustainable interior materials Google infotainment system Bowers & Wilkins audio Active noise cancellation Configurable 12.3-inch instrument cluster Standard panoramic sun roof Contact Mark Phelan: 313-222-6731 or mmphelan@ Follow him on Twitter mark_phelan. Read more on autos and sign up for our autos newsletter. Become a subscriber. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: 2025 Volvo XC90 T8 review: Plug-in luxury with smooth, smart style
Auto Express
23-06-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Express
New Bentley Continental GTC Azure 2025 review: PHEV power suits luxury convertible
The new plug-in hybrid V8 that Bentley is rolling out across the model range feels extremely well-matched to the drop-top Bentley Continental GTC. The engine is flexible and will excite on an open road, while giving you the rich background sound you expect of a Bentley convertible. Couple this with the extra refinement of pure-electric running around town, and the GTC's driving experience provides more layers than ever. Advertisement - Article continues below The third-generation Bentley Continental GT was launched in 2018 and given such a significant update last year that the firm is referring to it as an all-new car. Whether or not you agree, there's no denying that Bentley has worked hard to give its two-door model a new lease of life – aiming to retain its crown as the ultimate cross-country cruiser. We tried the new Continental in hard-top form last year and came away very impressed. There are subtle new design cues in the Batur-like headlights that feature no fewer than 120 individual LEDs – with different styles for the Azure car we're testing here, and the flagship Speed model. The Azure, along with the Mulliner and the standard Continental GT and GTC get red rear light clusters, whereas the Speed gets a smoked lens instead. Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below Also helping to keep the GT and GTC looking fresh are the new wheel choices (22-inch rims in the case of our car), as well as new grille inserts up front, redesigned exhaust tips and a new diffuser, along with the loss of the B-shaped air vent behind the front wheel. The Bentley is about the same width as the new Aston Martin Vanquish and Ferrari 12Cilindri, but it's longer and taller than both of those cars, commanding incredible presence on the road. The interior matches the exterior's gravitas, despite staying largely the same as before; just as well, because the Continental GTC's cabin has always been one of its highlights. As ever, the build quality and selection of materials in the Continental GTC are a real treat. On the Azure's doors there's a new '3D Harmony Diamond' leather design, Azure badging, standard-fit, open-pore walnut veneers on the centre console (our car has 'piano' painted veneers), a choice of bright or dark chrome, plus Nappa leather seats with 15 colours to choose from. This is all before you enter Bentley's famed Mulliner personalisation programme – a service that the maker claims 70 per cent of Continental GT and GTC customers opt for, allowing for 46 billion unique configurations. Advertisement - Article continues below Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below The elegant, traditional styling of the cabin is backed up by the use of physical buttons on the dash, which all respond with reassuringly solid damping or a pleasant click. Some elements, like the indicator stalks, are bespoke to Bentley, though others like the 12.3-inch screen are shared with the wider VW Group. The infotainment system itself is similar to the one found in Porsche models, with the driver's display sharing its layout with Audi. The Continental GTC's rotating display is still a wonderful thing with the three handcrafted dials (a timer, temperature gauge and compass) giving the cabin a timeless feel. The Continental GTC's aesthetic and ambience is everything you'd expect from a Bentley, but perhaps unexpected is the powertrain hidden within. That's because both the Bentley Continental (and Flying Spur, for that matter) is now only available with a plug-in hybrid V8; the incredible W12 engine has been reluctantly consigned to the history books. There are now two plug-in hybrid, twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8s to choose from. The Continental GT we tried last year had the more potent 'Ultra Performance Hybrid' set up, with a combined 771bhp and 1,050Nm of torque, while the 'High Performance Hybrid' version we have here has 671bhp and 950Nm of torque. Yet even in its less-potent guise, the Conti still has 12bhp more than the old twin-turbo W12. Advertisement - Article continues below Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below Like the Ultra Performance Hybrid, this plug-in set-up consists of a 187bhp electric motor mated to the eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, fed by a rather large 25.9kWh battery - allowing for an impressive 51 miles of electric-only range. While silent EV-mode suits the big Bentley incredibly well, the hybrid V8 offers up more than enough oomph – even in High Performance form. There are four drive modes to choose from: 'B' is Bentley's default setting, which will mix petrol and electric power for efficiency, while Comfort does what it says on the tin. Custom mode allows the driver to tweak the settings as they deem fit. Stick it in Sports mode and the Continental provides a rather different driving experience. The characterful undertones of the V8 are ever present, and the gearshifts quicken up a bit while also holding the revs for longer. As has been the case with Bentleys for a while now, there's four-wheel drive as standard – though it doesn't mute the dynamics of the GTC. Switch the traction control off and this 2,636kg leviathan of a drop-top cruiser is surprisingly fun in the bends, with steering quick enough to work with any induced loss of grip at the rear from electrically-controlled limited-slip differential. Much of this can be attributed to the genius calibration of air suspension and 48-volt active anti-roll bars front and rear – a system improved over the old car with torque-vectoring to help belie the Bentley's weight. That triple-chamber air suspension system and chassis technology doesn't quite equate to sports car-levels of driving fun, though the Continental GTC isn't just about flowing one corner into the next – you can actually attack bends now. Yet what really stands out is the comfort, which despite the big wheels, surpasses that of the Bentayga and is almost on a par with the sumptuous Flying Spur. Not only does the ride smother bumps and ruts with ease, the roof-down experience is virtually unspoiled by wind buffeting, too. Model: Bentley Continental GTC Azure Price from: £265,000 (est) Engine: 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 PHEV Transmission: Eight-speed automatic, four-wheel drive Power/Torque: 671bhp/930Nm 0-62mph: 3.9 seconds Top speed: 168mph Economy/CO2: 66mpg/98g/km Size (L/W/H): 4,895/1,966/1,392mm On sale: Now Did you know you can buy a used car with Auto Express? Choose from tens of thousands of cars with trusted dealers around the UK. Click here to buy used with Auto Express now... Toyota GR Corolla hot hatch is on the way to the UK Toyota GR Corolla hot hatch is on the way to the UK The success of the GR Yaris has persuaded Toyota that there's room in its UK range for the high performance Corolla Citroen recall sees owners told to stop driving 'immediately' Citroen recall sees owners told to stop driving 'immediately' A 'Stop-drive' order has been issued by Citroen following a fatality that may have been caused by a faulty Takata airbag Car Deal of the Day: a potent 335bhp Volkswagen ID.7 GTX for a rock bottom price Car Deal of the Day: a potent 335bhp Volkswagen ID.7 GTX for a rock bottom price GTX Plus gives some extra punch to an already excellent electric saloon. It's our Deal of the Day for 20 June.
Motor Trend
12-06-2025
- Automotive
- Motor Trend
2026 BMW XM Review: Expert Insights, Pricing, and Trims
Not quite the M5 of SUVs, the 2026 BMW XM is a 738-hp middle finger to playing it safe. When we think of V-8 engines, plug-in hybrids, or automotive icons, the XM isn't the first model we consider, but in fact the BMW aims to be all three. And for 2026, the XM lineup simplifies with more standard power and a few other enticing updates. There's nothing quite like the 2026 BMW XM, but other flashy and powerful luxury SUVs include the Mercedes G-Wagen, BMW X5 M, Porsche Cayenne Turbo, and Lamborghini Urus. What's New Some may see the same strange and aggressive design, but there's more to the 2026 XM than meets the eye. Here are the changes: Basics The standard 644-hp model is gone, leaving only an XM Label model for 2026. Horsepower from the V-8 plug-in hybrid comes to 738. Charging is now quicker, as the charge rate is up from 7.4 kW to 11 kW Exterior New paint option: BMW Individual Frozen Tanzanite Blue, a great dark blue with hints of purple The XM has a new light sequence that begins when the driver approaches the car The 23-inch alloy wheel style 1096 M is now offered with a gloss black finish Interior Three new interior color schemes are available: BMW Individual Night Blue in Merino leather with Vintage Coffee accents, black in Merino leather with Vintage Coffee accents, and Silverstone Extended in Merino leather with black accents. What We Think Step out of the 738-hp 2026 BMW XM and we bet your reaction will either be "Wow," or "What?" Simply put, there's nothing quite like the BMW XM, from its unique design to its V-8 plug-in-hybrid powertrain. BMW's minor adjustments for 2026 don't dramatically change our opinion on this one: It's an interesting effort that would be improved with a better driving experience. Let's start with why the XM exists. The 2026 XM Label is the most powerful production BMW ever made, and this SUV is ultra-exclusive, with a price closing in on $200,000. Think of this M-performance car as BMW's modern interpretation of a flagship car that could turn into an icon over time, like the Mercedes G-Wagen has. The XM lacks the heritage of the Mercedes, however, though it is more spacious and capable. We also urge folks to look beyond the big power numbers and MotorTrend -tested 3.4-second 0–60 time, and more toward how the car feels to drive. The throttle is too touchy, making it harder to trust the SUV during quick maneuvers on a winding road or track. There's also no getting around the fact that this thing weighs over 6,000 pounds. Ultimately, the 2026 BMW XM Label is one good retuning away from being both odd and brilliant. In the meantime, those intrepid few who want something different from the Urus, Cayenne, and G-Wagen SUVs clogging the country club parking lot will find an interesting cruiser in the XM. Top-Ranked Competitors MotorTrend Tested Formerly offered in a 644-hp regular-strength model, the 2026 BMW XM now comes only in "Label" form, with 738 hp and 738 lb-ft of torque from its V-8 plug-in hybrid powertrain. For those keeping track, that's a tad more than even the M5, which uses basically the same powertrain but has merely 717 hp. In our testing of a 2024 BMW XM Label, the 738-hp SUV hit 60 mph in just 3.4 seconds, beating the automaker's 3.6-second estimate. Top speed is 155 mph, but if you need more bragging rights than having the most powerful BMW M production model ever made so far, get the M Driver's Package that ups the top speed to 175 mph. Range and Charging The XM is a performance beast first and a plug-in hybrid second, but we can still appreciate a 738-hp SUV with 31 miles of all-electric range. Because the XM has a powerful V-8 under the hood, however, you won't get much farther after that range is depleted. Combined with the gas engine, total electric and gas range is 300 miles. Those numbers are from the 2025 model and we expect the 2026 XM to follow suit. By comparison, the 2025 BMW M5 sedan has a 27-mile electric range, or 25 miles if you get the wagon. The XM's mpgs come in at 14 in combined city/highway driving, but if that bothers you, perhaps a fully electric car like the electric G-Class or Lucid Gravity would be a better fit. As for charge speed, BMW improved it from 7.4 kW to 11 kW for 2026. This means faster home charging, which we appreciate. Safety Features The 2026 BMW XM comes with lots of standard driver-assist features: Front collision warning with automatic emergency braking Lane departure warning (and the SUV will nudge you back into your lane if the vehicle is veering) Evasion Assistant, which can boost the steering when the driver is engaging in an evasive steering maneuver BMW's adaptive cruise control with a lane-change function is also offered, as is a cross-traffic warning. Cargo Space The 2026 BMW XM is more of a statement than a grocery-getter, but you can definitely do both in this big and bold SUV. Having said that, you'll find more cargo space in the competition. Cargo Space (behind the rear seats) 2026 BMW XM: 18.6 cubic feet 2025 Mercedes-Benz G-Class: 37.4 cubic feet 2025 Porsche Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid: 21.9 cubic feet Technology Infotainment The 2026 BMW XM houses the driver display and central infotainment system under one glass housing, making it look like one enormous screen when the SUV is off. The driver display is 14.9 inches, and we like its sense of digital style, in the way you can customize how it looks. The infotainment is shown on a 12.3-inch display, and that's where you'll find the on-screen temperature controls. Sound System The available Bowers & Wilkins sound system is a 20-speaker set-up with 1,475 watts of power. Value With an SUV this expensive, some might think there's no sense of value to the 2026 BMW XM. But they'd be wrong. Even with the XM Label's base price hovering closer to $200,000 than $100,000, there's value in how the SUV makes its owner feel. Some drivers will appreciate the interesting interior design complete with a distinctive sculpted headliner, the unique exterior with tons of customization options, and simply knowing they have the choice between incredible power and quiet plug-in hybrid efficiency. Until the XM's powertrain is retuned, we're not completely sold on its value, but understand why some might like it.
