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Motor Trend
03-06-2025
- Automotive
- Motor Trend
2026 BMW i4 First Look: More Range, More M Power for Bimmer's Entry-Level EV
As we enter the halfway point of 2025, we are expecting updates for 2026 model year vehicles to really start ramping up. Among the early wave of announcements is the 2026 BMW i4, the all-electric luxury compact sedan that looks like its conventional gas-fed 4 Series Gran Coupe sibling that it shares a platform with. While European-market i4 models will see these updates before we will, the improved range and power for certain models of the i4 will apply to the 2026 model-year i4 headed for the U.S. market. 0:00 / 0:00 The 2026 BMW i4 eDrive35 and eDrive40 models will gain some modest range—perhaps 10 or so miles—thanks to new silicon carbide (SiC) semiconductor components in the inverters. This change alone is good enough for up to a roughly 5 percent reduction in energy consumption. Today's eDrive35 is claimed to achieve 266 miles of range on the EPA test cycle, while the single-motor eDrive40 delivers up to 318 miles by the same calculations (bigger wheel sizes erode those figures somewhat). So, upping those numbers by five percent nets estimates of up to 279 miles for the eDrive35, and up to 334 miles for the eDrive40. We'll update this piece when official 2026 model-year EPA estimates are released later this year; so far, there's no word on whether the eDrive35 is expected to return to the lineup—it's no longer listed on BMW's U.S. website, though it was previously available for a lower price than the more powerful and bigger-battery eDrive40—nor is there specific mention of the dual-motor xDrive40 model, though we suspect if it returns it'd get the same five-percent range bump as its rear-drive sibling. But Wait, There's More! There will also be an update to the i4's high-performance variant, which through the 2025 model year has been known as the i4 M50 xDrive. For 2026, it gets a name change to i4 M60 xDrive and gets extra output from its dual motors. How does a 57-hp bump sound? That gives the M60 xDrive 601 hp total, enough to punt it to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 3.7 seconds to hit 100 km/h by BMW's estimates. That is a 0.2-second improvement from the 2025 i4 M50 xDrive's same acceleration time. When we tested the 2025 M50 xDrive ourselves, the U.S.-market version hit 60 mph in just 3.3 seconds with "only" 536 hp going to the wheels. Again, these numbers are largely speculative and based on BMW's claimed efficiency improvements. Official U.S. numbers and pricing (as well as details on the lineup overall) won't come until closer to 2026 BMW i4 on-sale date, scheduled for some time in Q4 of this year. Regardless, the numbers look promising for BMWs all-electric luxury compact sedan.
Auto Blog
26-05-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
Lexus Reveals Stunning All-New 2026 ES In Two Electrified Flavors
Toyota's luxury brand adapts its luxury sedan for the EV era. Since its introduction in 1989, with the brand's inception, the Lexus ES has played second fiddle as a smaller, lower-priced option to the flagship LS sedan. But while enthusiasts and historians revered its bigger brother as a true disruptor that forced elitist luxury car giants like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Cadillac to go back to the drawing board, the early iterations of the ES did not initially receive such praise, largely owing to its Camry roots. However, as time progressed and the Lexus brand evolved to include more models positioned above and below the ES's price point, like the GS and IS sedans, the ES has stood the test of time as a true best-seller. Lexus sells mostly SUVs and crossovers these days, but according to Toyota Motor North America U.S. sales data, the humble ES sedan was Lexus's best-selling non-SUV in 2024 and 2023, selling more than double the amount of the IS sold last year. However, the current ES has been on the market for more than six years, and its upgrade is poised to take on the all-electric theater. 2026 Lexus ES 2026 Lexus ES 2026 Lexus ES 2026 Lexus ES 2026 Lexus ES 2026 Lexus ES The 2026 Lexus ES loses the grille and gains an edgy, new face. On April 23, Lexus unveiled the new 2026 ES sedan at Auto Shanghai, which features a bolder, edgier design than the model currently on display in Lexus showrooms. Drawing inspiration from the LF-ZL concept that was shown off back in October 2023, the new ES rewrites and abandons some of the signature styling cues that buyers have come to know Lexus by. Gone is the oversized 'vacuum-looking' grille up on the front bumper, and in its place is a nose that looks very similar to the front of Toyota's fully-electric bZ4x SUV. The rest of the exterior is visually stunning, as Lexus designers gave the ES a very modern refresh that incorporates much of the brand's current design language, including an RZ-style rear light bar with spelled-out 'LEXUS' lettering. 2026 Lexus ES 2026 Lexus ES Numbers-wise, it is physically bigger than the 2025 ES, growing 6.5 inches longer to a total length of 202.3 inches, much of which is due to its extended wheelbase of 116.1 inches, 3.1 inches longer than the outgoing model. It is also 2.1 inches wider at 75.6 inches across, and 4.3 inches taller at 61.2 inches tall. The new ES has a sculpted profile that appears edgier and more modern than the outgoing model. One of the most prominent design cues on the 2026 ES is the use of a gloss-black bodyside trim piece that extends across the doors to mimic the appearance of a duct or vent. This little cue helps carve out a much sportier appearance to an otherwise 'soft' sedan. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. The 2026 Lexus ES gets a screen-centric, minimalist interior. Polarizing, modernist changes are also present in the interior, and unfortunately, that means that Lexus has also jumped onto the Tesla-esque, touch-screen-centric, minimalist bandwagon. From the pictures, it seems that Lexus has ditched traditional buttons for a simplified layout featuring important shortcuts. Screens are the most prominent items on the dashboard. A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster is positioned behind the steering wheel in front of the driver, while a 14-inch infotainment touchscreen occupies the real estate smack dab in the middle of the two passengers. In the photos provided by Lexus's global site, we see the existence of a second, similarly sized passenger-side screen, which may be offered as an optional feature akin to that of Mercedes-Benz's superscreen. 2026 Lexus ES 2026 Lexus ES But like the exterior, the rest of the interior is given a modern refresh with some potentially polarizing design choices sprinkled in. The steering wheel, for instance, is oddly devoid of traditional Lexus branding, as it now features embossed 'LEXUS' lettering spelled out in the same place where a Lexus badge would be. Additionally, the traditional gear lever on the current ES has been replaced with a smaller 'nub' akin to Toyota's hybrid models. However, the ES does gain some cool features, including a panoramic glass roof that can dim to control the amount of sun in the cabin. Lexus says the new ES will introduce the Executive Package for the first time in North America, which offers some comfort and bliss for backseat lurkers. This package includes reclining rear seats with a passenger-side ottoman as well as massaging, heating, and ventilation functions. Lexus offers buyers the choice of either Hybrid or Electric ESes Although EVs and electrification are the status quo for today's emissions-sensitive auto industry, Lexus is not leaving gasoline loyalists in the dust with its new ES. Lexus says that the new ES is built on a new, redesigned platform that is 'developed specifically to accommodate both HEV and BEV powertrains,' while being able to reduce body vibrations and 'enable sharp, intuitive steering, along with smooth acceleration and deceleration.' For the United States market, Lexus will exclusively offer petrol-drinkers the ES 350h with a choice between a front-wheel or all-wheel-drive drivetrain, and a 2.5-liter inline four-cylinder engine powering the hybrid system. It features what Lexus calls an 'integrated eAxle,' combining the power control unit and transaxle for maximum battery output and an overall lighter and smaller powerplant footprint. However, the biggest distinction of the new ES is the offering of two EV models: the front-drive ES 350e and the all-wheel-drive ES 500h. Both models are powered by a large-capacity battery beneath the floor, which the manufacturer says lowers the center of gravity and enhances driving stability. Lexus also reports that the 350e model's single motor produces 221 horsepower, which is good for an 8.9-second 0-60 mph time, and a maximum range of 300 miles when equipped with 19-inch wheels. The 500e model's dual motors, however, provide 338 horsepower and a 5.9-second 0-60 mph time. Lexus has not released any pricing information, but Lexus says that 'the 2026 ES will go on sale next year.' Final thoughts If there is one thing that I am a bit embarrassed to admit, it's that I do have a bit of a soft spot for the Lexus ES, specifically the 1992 to 1996 iteration and the version sold from 1997 to 2001. A close friend's parents used to own a 1996 model in white, and I used to think it was distinctly modern despite being a car from the 1990s that was initially designed in the late 1980s. Lexus isn't entirely unique in offering the ES in both gas-powered and electric variants; Mercedes ruffled some feathers by offering the new CLA in the same way. However, it is interesting that Lexus decided to make the brave decision not to introduce an electric sedan as a wholly separate model, as it did with the RZ when it was introduced back in 2023. It's a different world now, and the attitude towards EVs has evolved over time. 2026 Lexus ES 2026 Lexus ES Even though Lexus will also offer the ES as an EV, I would personally keep things simple and stick with the gas-hybrid ES 350h. Toyota's hybrid system is one of the most robust in the business, and the simplicity of filling up with gas would make it a smoother experience if I ever lend it to my friends or family. I am personally a fan of the new 'Sonic Copper' color they developed for this car, but as a self-admitted boring guy, I'd keep the outside in black and have the interior in the cool, green-looking 'Aotake.' Depending on how much the Executive Package would cost, I'd opt for that too.
Edmunds
24-05-2025
- Automotive
- Edmunds
The 2025 BMW 540i xDrive is Probably More Car Than You Need
Our first encounter with BMW's all-new 5 Series came last year when we tested the four-cylinder-powered 530i. We came away impressed by its sub-6-second 0-60 mph time and excellent braking performance. Along with sharp styling and a significantly upgraded and luxurious interior, the new 5 Series seemed to have everything going for it ... except driver engagement. While we couldn't deny it's an excellent luxury sedan, it just wasn't a very fun one, regardless of what the test numbers said. Which left us wondering, with a turbocharged six-cylinder under the hood, would the 2025 BMW 540i xDrive provide the extra kick we needed? Only one way to find out, so we hit the track and the results were ... surprising. Power everywhere The 3.0-liter turbocharged six-cylinder in the 540i xDrive puts out 375 horsepower, a full 120 hp more than the 530i. So it's no surprise the 540i crushes its little brother in acceleration. The BMW hit 60 mph from a standstill in 4.3 seconds and breezed through the quarter mile in 12.6 seconds at 109.3 mph. For context, that's 1.4 seconds quicker than the 530i to 60 mph and 1.5 seconds quicker through the quarter mile with a trap speed that's a full 12.4 mph faster.
Motor 1
20-05-2025
- Automotive
- Motor 1
This Lexus IS500 Special Edition Is the Rarest V-8 of All
Believe it or not, the Lexus IS500 is the last naturally aspirated V-8 luxury sedan still on sale in the US today. To honor that fact, Lexus is rolling out a special IS500 Ultimate Edition trim for North America that's limited to just 500 units. Nearly all of the IS500 Ultimate Edition's upgrades are visual—starting with the paint. An exclusive metallic light gray finish called Wind covers the exterior, while the custom 19-inch BBS wheels are finished in a subtle matte black. The interior features Circuit Red leather with black accents and red seat belts. The seats themselves wear Lexus's NuLuxe faux leather and suede, while a custom serialized badge on the dash is a good way to show off this car's exclusivity. Under the hood is the same naturally aspirated 5.0-liter V-8 that makes this car so great in the first place. It still produces 472 horsepower and 395 pound-feet of torque, with the eight-speed automatic transmission sending power to the rear wheels. The Ultimate Edition adds additional stopping power in the form of Brembo six-piston calipers up front, finished in red paint. Lexus won't say how much the IS500 Ultimate Edition costs just yet, but given its exclusivity and special touches, expect a premium over the 2025 model's $60,595 starting price. The Latest From Lexus The New Lexus ES Has Hybrid and Electric Power The Lexus LS Is Not Dying Get the best news, reviews, columns, and more delivered straight to your inbox, daily. back Sign up For more information, read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use . Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )
Geeky Gadgets
08-05-2025
- Automotive
- Geeky Gadgets
New Audi A6 Plug-in Hybrids: Powerful Performance, Impressive Efficiency
The Audi A6 Plug-in Hybrid is redefining the balance between performance and efficiency in the luxury sedan market. With a combined system output of 220 kW (299 PS) and an impressive electric-only range of up to 64 miles, this vehicle offers a seamless blend of power and sustainability. The hybrid drivetrain, featuring a 2.0 TFSI engine and an electric motor, ensures a dynamic driving experience while significantly reducing the vehicle's environmental impact. The Audi A6 Plug-in Hybrid is designed to cater to the needs of discerning drivers who seek both performance and eco-friendliness without compromising on luxury. Advanced Battery Technology At the heart of the Audi A6 Plug-in Hybrid lies a state-of-the-art high-voltage battery with a net capacity of 20.7 kWh, representing a substantial 45% increase compared to its predecessor. This enhanced battery technology not only extends the vehicle's electric range but also allows for faster charging, with a full recharge achievable in just 2.5 hours using an 11 kW AC charger. The innovative cell-to-pack design employed in the battery pack not only increases energy density but also optimizes space utilization, making the vehicle more efficient and practical for everyday use. This advanced battery technology sets the Audi A6 Plug-in Hybrid apart from its competitors, offering customers a more convenient and eco-friendly driving experience. Pricing and Availability The Audi A6 Plug-in Hybrid is available in both Saloon and Avant variants, catering to different customer preferences. Pricing for this premium hybrid starts at £60,980 (OTR) in the UK, with customers having the option to choose from Sport, S line, and Edition 1 specifications. Each trim level offers a unique combination of features and styling elements, allowing customers to personalize their vehicle to suit their individual tastes. Sales of the Audi A6 Plug-in Hybrid are set to begin in early June, with deliveries expected to commence later this summer. This highly anticipated launch offers customers the opportunity to experience the perfect blend of luxury, performance, and eco-conscious driving. Enhanced Driving Experience The Audi A6 Plug-in Hybrid is equipped with a range of advanced features designed to enhance the overall driving experience. The vehicle features all-wheel steering and quattro ultra drive, ensuring exceptional agility and stability across various driving conditions. Whether navigating tight city streets or tackling challenging road surfaces, the Audi A6 Plug-in Hybrid delivers a confident and engaging driving experience. Improved aerodynamics and sound insulation further enhance cabin comfort, creating a serene environment for both driver and passengers. The hybrid management system intelligently optimizes energy use, seamlessly switching between electric and combustion power as needed. Drivers can also manually switch between EV and hybrid modes, tailoring the driving experience to their preferences and needs. This level of customization allows owners to make the most of the vehicle's efficiency and performance capabilities. Specifications Engine: 2.0 TFSI engine with 185 kW (252 PS) output 2.0 TFSI engine with 185 kW (252 PS) output Electric Motor: 105 kW output 105 kW output Total System Output: 220 kW (299 PS) and 450 Nm of torque 220 kW (299 PS) and 450 Nm of torque Electric Range: Up to 64 miles (Saloon), 63 miles (Avant) Up to 64 miles (Saloon), 63 miles (Avant) Battery Capacity: 25.9 kWh (gross), 20.7 kWh (net) 25.9 kWh (gross), 20.7 kWh (net) Charging Time: 2.5 hours with 11 kW AC charger 2.5 hours with 11 kW AC charger Acceleration: 0-62 mph in 6.0 seconds 0-62 mph in 6.0 seconds Top Speed: 155 mph 155 mph Drive Modes: EV and hybrid EV and hybrid Pricing: Starting at £60,980 (OTR) Explore More For those interested in innovative automotive technology, the Audi A6 Plug-in Hybrid offers a glimpse into the future of sustainable luxury. The vehicle's advanced hybrid system, innovative battery technology, and intelligent energy management showcase Audi's commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the realm of eco-friendly performance. Other areas of interest for technology enthusiasts might include Audi's advancements in electric vehicle technology, such as their development of high-performance electric motors and efficient charging systems. The benefits of regenerative braking systems, which capture energy during deceleration to recharge the battery, are another fascinating aspect of hybrid and electric vehicles. As the infrastructure for EV charging continues to grow, with more charging stations being installed across the country, the practicality and convenience of owning a plug-in hybrid like the Audi A6 will only increase. Whether you're a tech enthusiast, a sustainability advocate, or simply someone who appreciates the finer things in life, the Audi A6 Plug-in Hybrid Source Audi Filed Under: Auto News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
