2026 BMW i4 gets hotter M60 flagship, longer driving range
The BMW i4 electric sedan has been given yet another upgrade, this time bringing a new M60 flagship and a longer driving range for rear-wheel drive variants.
Production of the updated electric vehicle (EV) – the Bavarian brand's best-selling EV in Australia in 2024, when it outsold the entire Mercedes-Benz C-Class lineup – is scheduled to start in July 2025.
It follows a minor styling update released in Europe for the battery-powered mid-size fastback last year, but BMW is yet to confirm when any upgrades for the i4 will become available in Australia.
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
'Any updates regarding the BMW i4 lineup for Australia will be announced in due course,' a spokesperson from BMW Australia told CarExpert.
Overseas, the 2026 BMW i4 M60 xDrive takes over from the M50 as the range-topper, with the dual-motor powertrain scoring an additional 42kW of power to take its total output to 442kW.
This shaves 0.2 seconds from the previous all-wheel drive liftback's official 0-100km/h claim, which now drops to 3.7 seconds.
BMW says the 2025 i4 range will use silicon carbide semiconductor parts in its inverter, resulting in a claimed energy consumption reduction of 4.5 per cent. Supplied Credit: CarExpert
The changes give the entry-level BMW i4 eDrive35 an improved driving range of 428km (WLTP) compared to the current version's 406km, while the updated i4 eDrive40 can travel 510km, which is up from 491km.
The German automaker shared no other powertrain changes, with the i4 eDrive35 – the most popular model grade in Australia – continuing to output 210kW and employ a 70.2kWh battery
The eDrive35 was introduced in September 2023 as the only i4 variant priced below the Luxury Car Tax (LCT) threshold, helping BMW to become Australia's top-selling premium auto brand for the first time in 11 years.
While BMW Australia posted a 0.6 per cent sales increase in 2024, its rivals lost ground, with Mercedes-Benz sales down 17.8 per cent and Audi falling 19.5 per cent. Supplied Credit: CarExpert
BMW EV sales increased by a staggering 160.4 per cent year-on-year, helping the brand become the fourth-biggest seller of electric cars behind Tesla, BYD and MG.
Despite the success, BMW has said it will not pursue an EV-only strategy globally like some its rivals, and BMW Australia is considering the local release of the diesel-powered mild-hybrid BMW X3 mid-size SUV offered overseas.
The spinning propellor brand also recently revealed a 70-vehicle production run for the BMW Speedtop, which is powered by a 460kW/750Nm 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 taken from various M models including the M8 Competition.
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7NEWS
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an hour ago
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2025 MG S5 EV Essence 49 review
The MG S5 EV has arrived, and by golly has it made an impression. 2025 MG S5 EV Essence 49 Credit: CarExpert Not so much because of its appearance, which is arguably a touch too generic, but because it offers one of the cheapest entry-points into an electric SUV… since the old ZS EV, which this car essentially replaces. With assertive pricing for the entry-level variant and impressive levels of equipment if you spend a little more, we got a chance to see if the 49kWh version in Essence trim might be the sweet spot for city-dwellers. And I've gotta say, this is probably the most agreeable electric crossover I've driven yet. I'll tell you why in this review. Now, you might be thinking to yourself, 'doesn't the BYD Atto 3 start at less than forty grand?', and you'd be bang on the money, so to speak. 2025 MG S5 EV Essence 49 Credit: CarExpert But that doesn't include on-road costs. 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If you're curious about how the MG S5 EV compares to its rivals, check out our comparison tool It is as though MG actually listened to every major point of criticism about the interior of some of its earlier EV models, because this is a seismic improvement in terms of cabin design and usability. 2025 MG S5 EV Essence 49 Credit: CarExpert The Essence grade tested has a more upmarket design than the entry version, with different trim on the seats (which are heated), a leather-lined steering wheel (also heated), and a panoramic glass roof to let even more light into the cabin. And thankfully it has a lighter cabin design than plenty of the rivals, with a multi-grey colour palette that makes it significantly more interesting than the MG 4 hatch, which I've regularly described as having an austere cabin. This is more opulent, more upmarket and more enjoyable to sit in, and frankly a lot easier to live with. The main reason is the introduction of some physical controls for the climate system, including a temperature dial, fan speed and direction toggles, and there's also a volume knob. Above those, on the infotainment, you'll find icons for seat heating and steering wheel heating when on the main screen (they disappear when you're using smartphone mirroring). 2025 MG S5 EV Essence 49 Credit: CarExpert The menus on the main display are really easy to get to grips with too, with connected services offering you a glimpse at the weather, and if you choose the Essence, the second page has available apps like TikTok and YouTube (when parked). There are menus upon menus in the settings and controls for the car, but it is better organised than most info-rich screens, and you will get used to them pretty quickly. And if you want to just use CarPlay wirelessly, it'll seamlessly connect up each time you get back in. The S5 EV can also use your phone as a key via Bluetooth – like the Leapmotor C10. Once you've got it all set up you can simply walk up to unlock (and walk away to lock) the car. There's a regular key, but it doesn't have any other form of proximity unlocking. And there is the iSmart app available as well, which will make living with it a lot easier. Some cars double the price (Skoda Enyaq, Cupra Tavascan) don't even have fully connected tech like this car. Hell, even the $120k-plus Cadillac Lyriq doesn't! 2025 MG S5 EV Essence 49 Credit: CarExpert One other plus of the CarPlay setup is that you can still use the swipe-down menu to get access to quick controls. Some other systems don't let you do that when you're smartphone mirroring. Other elements of the cabin are well considered, too. There's a driver info screen that has some easy functionality to it, and you can keep an eye on vitals like tyre pressure on there, too. There's a big digital speedo, and you can configure the gauge cluster to a degree as well. The steering wheel has cruise controls on the left, and the right side manages media and info controls. There are stalks for wipers and lights, but the blinkers are on the 'wrong' (left) side. Console storage includes a pair of cupholders, a little slot for your key, a wireless phone charging pad (which was a little temperamental with my iPhone 13 Pro), and a covered centre bin with USB-C ports. There's also an additional stowage area below the 'bridge' of the console, while the doors have sizeable bottle holders and there's a glovebox that'll fit more than just gloves. 2025 MG S5 EV Essence 49 Credit: CarExpert The front passenger has manually adjustable seating, while the driver gets an electric seat setup in this spec, but without memory settings. The seat trim is a fake leather and cloth combo, and it looks terrific, plus it feels good on your skin. The seats are comfy and easy to adjust, and of course the driver gets reach and rake adjust for the steering wheel too. Back seat space is reasonably good for a smallish SUV like this – I had about five centimetres (roughly two inches) of space in front of my knees when sitting behind my own driving position (I'm 182cm/6'0'), not to mention enough space to wiggle my size 12s, and a handspan of space above my head, too. Suffice to say, this one will be fine for those with growing kids or taller teens, and while it will be comfier for two occupants, there is a possibility you'd be able to fit three across at a pinch. Seat comfort is excellent too. 2025 MG S5 EV Essence 49 Credit: CarExpert Of course there are ISOFIX child seat anchor points in the outboard seats plus three top-tethers, and those in the back get a pair of directional air-vents and a USB-C port. Just the one. And if you choose the base version you don't get map pockets or a flip-down centre armrest with cupholders, which are standard in the Essence. The boot is a decent size, with 453 litres of cargo capacity on offer. There's an adjustable floor section, with a space below it to house your charging cables – and under that floor is a space marked TOOLS for your tyre repair kit. There's no spare. But you do get shopping bag hooks either side, a light in the back, and a parcel shelf. Remove that and drop the rear seats down and there's 1441L of usable space in the back. 2025 MG S5 EV Essence 49 Credit: CarExpert 2025 MG S5 EV Essence 49 Credit: CarExpert If you're curious about how the MG S5 EV compares to its rivals, check out our comparison tool There's no frunk, despite the MG S5 being a rear-motor EV. 2025 MG S5 EV Essence 49 Credit: CarExpert Compared to some rivals the AC charging is a bit low, but at least the CCS Type 2 charging port is conveniently located on the rear passenger side of the vehicle, so street-parkers should be happy. While the claimed range seems decent, and you might be able to get closer to it if you spend a lot of time in max-regen mode in traffic snarls, that wasn't what I did for this review. On test – across a mix of driving, including some enthusiastic cornering and boring commuting, plus urban running and highway driving – I saw a displayed return of 17.1kWh per 100km, meaning a theoretical full-charge driving range of 286km from the 49kWh battery. That's not terrific, and probably reason enough to consider the bigger-battery version unless you are the sort of person who will drive to the airport rather than go for a long-distance road trip. If you're curious about how the MG S5 EV compares to its rivals, check out our comparison tool It drives really, really well. If you've read any reviews of the MG 4 – particularly the 51kWh variant – you'll understand the concept is similar here. Not the most power and torque, not the most extreme level of performance. 2025 MG S5 EV Essence 49 Credit: CarExpert But that's okay. In fact, that's great. Because it means this offers a purer driving experience. Rear-wheel drive, a pokey powertrain and a frankly delightful driving experience make this a far more appealing option than the Atto 3 for those who like to drive. This version weighs about 1680kg, so it's not quite as light as the MG 4, but it's a more practical package and still makes you smile when you push it a bit. The steering is sweet, offering great responsiveness and turnability in twisty bits, and it's also easy to park around town, too. The surround-view camera in the Essence grade is a big plus, but it's a shame there are no front parking sensors. 2025 MG S5 EV Essence 49 Credit: CarExpert And the suspension is very well calibrated, too. It has a European feel to it, with suppleness to the ride and a great level of body control that means it handles bumps and corners admirably, and while sharp edges can be felt in the cabin, it is very planted and controlled. You won't break any land speed records in it, but it doesn't feel slow or gutless. There's a good amount of shove when you plant your foot, be that from a standstill or while rolling. It has a few settings for drive modes, and of course if you choose sport mode it makes it feel even more sprightly. You can also configure the regenerative braking system, including choosing a single-pedal driving mode which will come to a complete stop. And if you prefer to pedal the brake, it has a good progressive feel to it. 2025 MG S5 EV Essence 49 Credit: CarExpert It's also pretty quiet inside, too. It was raining during my testing and the drops on the glass were noisy, but there wasn't an excessive amount of wind or tyre roar, even over coarser surfaces. So, it's a peach of a thing to drive, and all of the 'actual' driving impressions aside, it's the driving technology stuff that really impresses. You can configure the safety systems so that you have a simple 'custom mode' option to disable active annoyances like driver monitoring and speed sign recognition bing-bongs. Just swipe down from the top of the screen, tap one icon, and it'll all go away. Ahhhh. What a relief. 2025 MG S5 EV Essence 49 Credit: CarExpert If you're curious about how the MG S5 EV compares to its rivals, check out our comparison tool The MG S5 EV has a low price, but a long list of standard equipment across all grades. Here's the rundown. 2025 MG S5 EV Essence 49 Credit: CarExpert 2025 MG S5 EV Essence 49 Credit: CarExpert 2025 MG S5 EV Essence 49 Credit: CarExpert 2025 MG S5 EV Essence 49 Credit: CarExpert 2025 MG S5 EV Excite (49kWh and 62kWh) equipment highlights: 17-inch alloy wheels with aero covers LED lighting front and rear Cloth interior trim Manual seat adjustment 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster 12.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system Wireless smartphone mirroring DAB+ digital radio Four-speaker sound system Satellite navigation iSmart connected app services Climate control with rear air vents Mobile Bluetooth key Keyless entry AC charging cable Vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality Mode 2 AC charging cable Essence variants add: 18-inch alloy wheels with aero covers Rain-sensing wipers Panoramic sunroof Power tailgate Heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel Synthetic leather/fabric trim Heated front seats Power-adjustable driver's seat Six-speaker sound system Wireless phone charger Voice control Rear centre console Rear seat lighting Online entertainment (YouTube, TIkTok) Surround-view camera system To me, the step up to the Essence isn't just an investment in better stuff – it'll be a better resale proposition, too. If you're curious about how the MG S5 EV compares to its rivals, check out our comparison tool The MG S5 EV has just been awarded the maximum five-star ANCAP safety rating, with solid results across the strictest criteria to date. 2025 MG S5 EV Essence 49 Credit: CarExpert As standard it comes with the following safety technology and equipment for all versions: Autonomous emergency braking (AEB) Adaptive cruise control Blind-spot monitoring Blind-spot camera (kerb side) Rear cross-traffic alert with braking Driver monitoring system Lane-keep Assist Intelligent speed limit assist Safe exit warning Reversing camera Rear parking sensors Essence variants add: 2025 MG S5 EV Essence 49 Credit: CarExpert The best bit about the safety tech in the MG ZS EV is that it is so much simpler than many rivals when it comes to customising the stuff you don't want on, and setting that as a quick action on the media screen drop-down menu. So if you get annoyed with speed alerts and driver monitoring cameras that constantly get it wrong, this car could be a walk-up start for you. I found it so impressive to be able to tailor elements of the drive without diving deep into sub-menus each time I drove the car, as is the case in something like a Kia EV3 (which takes a dozen screen presses just to get it how I want it!). There are seven airbags in the S5 EV, including dual front, front side, front centre, and curtains for both rows of seats. If you're curious about how the MG S5 EV compares to its rivals, check out our comparison tool MG has a stellar 10-year, 250,000km warranty for its model range for private (non-commercial) buyers, and the battery even scores the same level of cover. That's right, a decade of backing for the battery – no other brand offers that in our market. 2025 MG S5 EV Essence 49 Credit: CarExpert If you're curious, the warranty for commercial buyers is seven years or 160,000km for both the car and the battery. Private buyers get access to 10 years of roadside assistance included, no matter whether the maintenance is carried out with MG or any other certified workshop. The MG S5 EV has a five-year capped-price servicing plan, with maintenance due every 12 months or 25,000km. If you're curious about how the MG S5 EV compares to its rivals, check out our comparison tool I am convinced this is the best affordable EV on the market. 2025 MG S5 EV Essence 49 Credit: CarExpert There's less compromise when it comes to the tech and safety systems, it feels primo inside in Essence form, and the price is better than competitive. The mega warranty? Just the cherry on top. It drives great, is easy to live with and spacious enough for a young family. Apart from lacking driving range in the entry-level variant, there's not a whole lot to dislike about the MG S5 EV. Interested in buying a MG S5 EV? Get in touch with one of CarExpert's trusted dealers here MORE: Everything MG S5 EV So sweet to drive Great price and standard gear Easily switch-off-able safety tech Slower charging than some Shorter range than rivals Generic exterior design
The Advertiser
16 hours ago
- The Advertiser
What about: Coffee prices are up in Australia, but transport costs have fallen, especially in Wagga
Australian transport costs are the most affordable in Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, and the most expensive in Launceston, Tasmania, a new report published by the Australian Automobile Association (AAA) has revealed. And while it may not be apparent to many, according to the AAA's Transport Affordability Index, the nationwide affordability of transport has fallen again in the first quarter of this year (January to March 2025). The Transport Affordability Index (TFI) monitors changes in the total price of household transport, and uses economic modelling to determine changes to transport costs relative to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and household incomes. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. The study shows Australians are now spending less on transport costs after the third consecutive quarter of reductions – but there are big variations in spending across different parts of the country. According to the latest TFI stats released this week, the average Australian household spends 15.8 per cent of its income on transport costs. Capital city households averaged 15.9 per cent, while people in regional cities were marginally better off at 15.6 per cent. It's the best affordability since 2020 but means Australians are still spending a higher proportion of their household income on transport than they did before COVID in 2019, when the figure was 13.9 per cent. "Transport costs are significantly higher than they were before the pandemic," said AAA managing director Michael Bradley in a statement. "Costs have risen across the economy and transport expenditure is one of the key drivers of inflation. Transport is a significant and unavoidable expense, and governments at all levels must consider these cost pressures when formulating policy." There are also significant variations in affordability across the country. In Tasmania, households in Hobart and Launceston were found to spend 18.2 per cent and 19.9 per cent of their incomes respectively on transport, the highest in Australia. In Brisbane – where a flat 50-cent public transport fee was introduced in 2024 as the city's car parking rates become the most expensive in Australia – the rate is 14.6 per cent. The Queensland capital fell short of bragging rights for the most affordable transport in the country, however. It was beaten by the NSW regional city of Wagga Wagga. While the raw spending figure was actually up for the March quarter, the AAA says increases in household income have more than offset that, which is how transport 'affordability' has still improved. According to the report, the increase came from higher fuel prices, with hikes of $129 a year per household in capital cities, and $194 per year for regional city households. Of course, new vehicle prices increased too, which the AAA says were offset by a fall in interest rates. Content originally sourced from: Australian transport costs are the most affordable in Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, and the most expensive in Launceston, Tasmania, a new report published by the Australian Automobile Association (AAA) has revealed. And while it may not be apparent to many, according to the AAA's Transport Affordability Index, the nationwide affordability of transport has fallen again in the first quarter of this year (January to March 2025). The Transport Affordability Index (TFI) monitors changes in the total price of household transport, and uses economic modelling to determine changes to transport costs relative to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and household incomes. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. The study shows Australians are now spending less on transport costs after the third consecutive quarter of reductions – but there are big variations in spending across different parts of the country. According to the latest TFI stats released this week, the average Australian household spends 15.8 per cent of its income on transport costs. Capital city households averaged 15.9 per cent, while people in regional cities were marginally better off at 15.6 per cent. It's the best affordability since 2020 but means Australians are still spending a higher proportion of their household income on transport than they did before COVID in 2019, when the figure was 13.9 per cent. "Transport costs are significantly higher than they were before the pandemic," said AAA managing director Michael Bradley in a statement. "Costs have risen across the economy and transport expenditure is one of the key drivers of inflation. Transport is a significant and unavoidable expense, and governments at all levels must consider these cost pressures when formulating policy." There are also significant variations in affordability across the country. In Tasmania, households in Hobart and Launceston were found to spend 18.2 per cent and 19.9 per cent of their incomes respectively on transport, the highest in Australia. In Brisbane – where a flat 50-cent public transport fee was introduced in 2024 as the city's car parking rates become the most expensive in Australia – the rate is 14.6 per cent. The Queensland capital fell short of bragging rights for the most affordable transport in the country, however. It was beaten by the NSW regional city of Wagga Wagga. While the raw spending figure was actually up for the March quarter, the AAA says increases in household income have more than offset that, which is how transport 'affordability' has still improved. According to the report, the increase came from higher fuel prices, with hikes of $129 a year per household in capital cities, and $194 per year for regional city households. Of course, new vehicle prices increased too, which the AAA says were offset by a fall in interest rates. Content originally sourced from: Australian transport costs are the most affordable in Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, and the most expensive in Launceston, Tasmania, a new report published by the Australian Automobile Association (AAA) has revealed. And while it may not be apparent to many, according to the AAA's Transport Affordability Index, the nationwide affordability of transport has fallen again in the first quarter of this year (January to March 2025). The Transport Affordability Index (TFI) monitors changes in the total price of household transport, and uses economic modelling to determine changes to transport costs relative to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and household incomes. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. The study shows Australians are now spending less on transport costs after the third consecutive quarter of reductions – but there are big variations in spending across different parts of the country. According to the latest TFI stats released this week, the average Australian household spends 15.8 per cent of its income on transport costs. Capital city households averaged 15.9 per cent, while people in regional cities were marginally better off at 15.6 per cent. It's the best affordability since 2020 but means Australians are still spending a higher proportion of their household income on transport than they did before COVID in 2019, when the figure was 13.9 per cent. "Transport costs are significantly higher than they were before the pandemic," said AAA managing director Michael Bradley in a statement. "Costs have risen across the economy and transport expenditure is one of the key drivers of inflation. Transport is a significant and unavoidable expense, and governments at all levels must consider these cost pressures when formulating policy." There are also significant variations in affordability across the country. In Tasmania, households in Hobart and Launceston were found to spend 18.2 per cent and 19.9 per cent of their incomes respectively on transport, the highest in Australia. In Brisbane – where a flat 50-cent public transport fee was introduced in 2024 as the city's car parking rates become the most expensive in Australia – the rate is 14.6 per cent. The Queensland capital fell short of bragging rights for the most affordable transport in the country, however. It was beaten by the NSW regional city of Wagga Wagga. While the raw spending figure was actually up for the March quarter, the AAA says increases in household income have more than offset that, which is how transport 'affordability' has still improved. According to the report, the increase came from higher fuel prices, with hikes of $129 a year per household in capital cities, and $194 per year for regional city households. Of course, new vehicle prices increased too, which the AAA says were offset by a fall in interest rates. Content originally sourced from: Australian transport costs are the most affordable in Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, and the most expensive in Launceston, Tasmania, a new report published by the Australian Automobile Association (AAA) has revealed. And while it may not be apparent to many, according to the AAA's Transport Affordability Index, the nationwide affordability of transport has fallen again in the first quarter of this year (January to March 2025). The Transport Affordability Index (TFI) monitors changes in the total price of household transport, and uses economic modelling to determine changes to transport costs relative to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and household incomes. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. The study shows Australians are now spending less on transport costs after the third consecutive quarter of reductions – but there are big variations in spending across different parts of the country. According to the latest TFI stats released this week, the average Australian household spends 15.8 per cent of its income on transport costs. Capital city households averaged 15.9 per cent, while people in regional cities were marginally better off at 15.6 per cent. It's the best affordability since 2020 but means Australians are still spending a higher proportion of their household income on transport than they did before COVID in 2019, when the figure was 13.9 per cent. "Transport costs are significantly higher than they were before the pandemic," said AAA managing director Michael Bradley in a statement. "Costs have risen across the economy and transport expenditure is one of the key drivers of inflation. Transport is a significant and unavoidable expense, and governments at all levels must consider these cost pressures when formulating policy." There are also significant variations in affordability across the country. In Tasmania, households in Hobart and Launceston were found to spend 18.2 per cent and 19.9 per cent of their incomes respectively on transport, the highest in Australia. In Brisbane – where a flat 50-cent public transport fee was introduced in 2024 as the city's car parking rates become the most expensive in Australia – the rate is 14.6 per cent. The Queensland capital fell short of bragging rights for the most affordable transport in the country, however. It was beaten by the NSW regional city of Wagga Wagga. While the raw spending figure was actually up for the March quarter, the AAA says increases in household income have more than offset that, which is how transport 'affordability' has still improved. According to the report, the increase came from higher fuel prices, with hikes of $129 a year per household in capital cities, and $194 per year for regional city households. Of course, new vehicle prices increased too, which the AAA says were offset by a fall in interest rates. Content originally sourced from:
