Latest news with #SUV
Auto Express
3 hours ago
- Automotive
- Auto Express
New Volvo XC60 2025 facelift review: big-selling SUV gets a new lease of life
The XC60 remains steadfast in its pursuit of clean, minimalist design, pleasant interior build quality and overall refinement, ensuring Volvo's biggest-selling SUV provides a different flavour to its German rivals. The updates for 2025 aren't significant, but they do keep the XC60 feeling fresh in its ninth year on sale. Advertisement - Article continues below Volvo's future might be electric, but it's still investing in its current crop of petrol-powered models, with the popular Volvo XC60 the latest to be revamped. Simply calling the XC60 'popular' might be something of an understatement, because in June, the mid-size SUV became the best-selling Volvo in history with 2.7 million sales – surpassing the legendary 240. Since the XC60 launched in 2008, there have only been two generations and while the current version has been around since 2017, a mid-life refresh has only been introduced this year. That's not by chance, though – Volvo will soon launch the similarly sized EX60 to provide an all-electric alternative to the XC60. The strategy feels extremely similar to the arrival of the new electric EX90 last year to sit alongside the XC90, which coincidentally received its own refresh in 2024. The changes mirror the new XC90 as well, with the XC60 gaining a more sophisticated look, bigger touchscreen and much slicker tech. While the XC60 has been one of our favourite premium family SUVs of recent years, there are plenty of shiny new rivals to contend with, such as the fourth-generation BMW X3 and third-generation Audi Q5, both of which launched only last year. Advertisement - Article continues below Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below View Xc60 View Xc60 View Xc60 View Xc60 From the outside, there's not too much to unpack with the updated XC60. At the front, you'll find a fresh grille design with diagonal slats that ape the ones found on the latest XC90, plus Volvo's new logo sitting in the centre. Around to the rear, meanwhile, the lights have gained a darker tint. Three new paint finishes – Forest Lake, Aurora Silver and Mulberry Red – are offered, giving a total of eight to choose from. There's also a new selection of alloy wheel designs, stretching from 18-inchers to 22s. Our test car, in range-topping Ultra trim, sat on 21-inch wheels and featured the 'dynamic' (Volvo-speak for metallic) Forest Lake hue, and also a blacked out grille – pretty much negating the redesign of the grille in one fell swoop. When the current XC60 was first launched, it came with a rather dinky seven-inch touchscreen. This was replaced soon after with a nine-inch unit, but now there's a new 11.2-inch, portrait-orientated touchscreen slapped on the dash. And yes, 'slapped' really is the best way to describe it, because while those older units were embedded within the dashboard itself, the size of the new display means it sits out rather prominently. Advertisement - Article continues below Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below The new touchscreen is exactly the same as you'll find in the updated XC90 and comes with an identical infotainment set-up. Powered by a new Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, the XC60 loads its menus and responds to inputs quickly. But rather than copying the dazzling 'everything, everywhere' layout of Mercedes' MBUX or the near-infinite configurability of BMW's iDrive, the Volvo system is quite minimalistic. The firm says it's been designed to require fewer taps to reach your desired menu, which is just as well because there are no physical shortcut buttons. What we do like about the set-up is the main screen, which sensibly prioritises the Google-based sat-nav. The audio and smartphone connectivity tab appears below, and while a tap of the always-available home button gets rid of it – and increases the size of the map – it always reappears when you jump back from sub menus. Along with Google Maps, Google Assistant also comes built-in, with more apps available through the Google Play store, and over-the-air updates taking care of upgrades in future. The XC60 isn't just for Android users, either, because Apple CarPlay also features, although it doesn't look as well integrated as the Android set-up. Volvo says it has improved the wireless charging pad, and we're happy to report our smartphone never got unacceptably hot during charging. Other tweaks inside include an extra cup-holder in the centre console and new Quilted Nordico and Navy Herringbone Weave interior decor options. Advertisement - Article continues below Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below A Harman Kardon sound system comes as standard on lower-spec XC60s, although our car benefited from the frankly superior Bowers & Wilkins audio, providing a truly exceptional level of sound quality through a new design of mesh speakers. The performance of the sound system is assisted by improved noise reduction in the updated XC60. This comes courtesy of extra sound insulation in the A and B-pillars, and on the move the Volvo remains one of the more refined options in its class. We encountered a little bit of road noise due to the larger wheels fitted to our car, although wind noise was dealt with superbly. Only available in all-wheel-drive guise, the XC60 is still offered with the B5 powertrain, which mates a 2.0-litre petrol engine to a mild-hybrid system for 247bhp and 350Nm of torque. This provides a 0-62mph sprint in a sprightly 6.6 seconds. There's also a T6 with another 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol – although this is a plug-in hybrid with an 18.8kWh battery, sending power to an electric motor for a total of 345bhp, with the benchmark 0-62mph time falling to 5.7 seconds. More importantly, there's up to 51 miles of electric-only driving, which is a little way off the Mercedes GLC 300 e PHEV's 80 miles and Audi Q5 e-Hybrid's 70 miles. The T8 has the same plug-in hybrid set-up as the T6, although it's boosted to 449bhp, with range dropping slightly to 49 miles. Advertisement - Article continues below Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below In typical Volvo fashion, there's not a huge array of driving modes to choose from. In some ways this is a refreshing approach, as it seems like the firm knows its customers aren't overly interested in endlessly configuring their cars, particularly in relation to performance. You can switch the powertrain's output with a dedicated and self-explanatory Off-road mode, an AWD mode, Pure (which relies solely on the electric motor), Power (which pumps out the maximum power at any one time) and Hybrid, which attempts to balance the efficiency of the two power sources. And it's in Hybrid mode where the plug-in hybrid XC60 does its best work. We're not sure how achievable Volvo's claimed 282.5mpg figure really is, although we found there's ample electric power for steady town and country driving, and when the engine is required, it's a rather seamless transition, aside from a distant hum. The silent running of EV power is very well-suited to the laid-back character of the XC60, too. There are three modes for battery usage as well, with Auto, Charge and Hold. In Charge, the XC60 recharges the battery from brake regeneration (which itself can be modulated from one-pedal driving to engine braking simulation). We found that after 15 minutes in this mode, we added an impressive six miles of electric range. Advertisement - Article continues below Skip advert Advertisement - Article continues below If you do decide to push the XC60 T8 close to its limits, you'll find it's a long way from being the most dynamic car in its class. Thanks to the comfort-oriented air suspension, there's some noticeable body roll and the steering is light – no matter which of the three steering modes you're in – and feels quite vague. It's obviously fast in a straight line, although the shifts aren't the quickest, so it doesn't feel particularly responsive whatever mode you select. There are no steering column-mounted gear shifters, either. In terms of pricing, the XC60 is cheaper than its BMW X3 and Audi Q5 rivals. The mild-hybrid B5 in base Core trim starts at £48,410, while the BMW costs from £50,165 and the Audi £51,410. It's worth being careful with the XC60 trim levels, though, because while the plug-in hybrids start at just over £55,000, the highest-specification Ultra with the most potent PHEV powertrain is almost £70,000. Model: Volvo XC60 T8 Ultra Price: £68,860 Powertrain: 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder + 1x e-motor Power/torque: 449bhp/709Nm Transmission: Eight-speed automatic, four-wheel drive 0-62mph: 4.9 seconds Top speed: 112mph Economy/emissions: 282.5mpg/23g/km Size (L/W/H): 4,708/1,902/1,651mm On sale: Now Would you like a Volvo XC60 on your driveway? Compare prices for this upmarket SUV and its rivals with our Find A Car service... Share this on Twitter Share this on Facebook Email 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 Arrivederci Roma: new Ferrari Amalfi slots in as brand's latest entry-level model Arrivederci Roma: new Ferrari Amalfi slots in as brand's latest entry-level model A slick new look and more power are the headlines for Ferrari's new baby, but it's probably some simple new buttons that will get customers' attention Geely is coming to the UK, and its assault will start with EX5 SUV Geely is coming to the UK, and its assault will start with EX5 SUV Geely has looked to Lotus to ensure it's new electric SUV lives up to our driving expectations
Auto Blog
6 hours ago
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
Land Rover Defender Octa Black Is The Batmobile Of SUVs
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. This is how a black edition should be done Land Rover revealed the ultimate version of its current Defender last year, known as the Defender Octa. At the heart of this towering SUV is a 626-horsepower V8, which adds breathtaking on-road pace to the Defender's famous off-roading capabilities. Now, the manufacturer has taken the covers off the Defender Octa Black, which is murdered out to an extent that you might not see it at all in a dark alley. It follows the recent reveal of the Range Rover SV Black. Here's what's new for this hulk of an SUV. 30 Exterior Elements Get The Black Treatment While many black editions of new cars have dark wheels and mirrors and call it a day, Land Rover has really gone all-out with the Octa Black. 30 individual exterior elements get either a Gloss Black or Satin Black finish, concealing practically every piece of brightwork found on other Defenders. Of course, the paintwork is key to giving this Defender its menacing appearance. It's called Narvik Black, which is the 'truest black' of all the Defender colors. Although a gloss finish is standard, customers can add a matte protective film optionally. 20-inch forged wheels or 22-inch gloss black wheels are available, and even the center caps and calipers have a black finish. A Satin Black Powder Coat finish has been applied to the front under shield and rear scuff plates, while gloss black is used for the tow eye cover and quad exhaust tips. The Defender is a large vehicle – the standard Octa stands 78.5 inches tall, is 82.8 inches wide from mirror to mirror, and is close to 200 inches long with its spare wheel – and the Octa Black's dark exterior makes an already imposing SUV look even meaner. 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. Interior Gets The Black Look, Too Inside, the Octa Black receives ebony semi-aniline leather upholstery with Kvadrat; the latter is a first for the Defender, adding an even softer finish to the seats. Seatbacks and armrest hinges have a Carpathian Grey finish to contrast with the black upholstery. The dashboard has a Cross Car Beam in a Satin Black Powder Coat, and a Chopped Carbon Fiber finish is available as an option. Elsewhere, the Defender Octa Black retains everything that makes the Octa so special. The 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 musters 626 hp, and there's a special Octa Mode for off-road jaunts. A 13.1-inch touchscreen is a new addition to the Defender lineup, and the 15-speaker Meridian system provides immersive audio. 'The introduction of Defender OCTA Black takes things up a notch,' said Mark Cameron, Managing Director at Land Rover. 'We know our clients love giving their Defenders all‑black finishes, so our designers have applied this principle to every possible surface – inside and out – to create the ultimate tough luxury Defender OCTA.' Pricing for the Land Rover Defender Octa Black isn't available yet, but the standard Octa starts from $152,000, so expect this one to get closer to $160k. An on-sale date is yet to be announced. Source: Land Rover About the Author Karl Furlong View Profile
Mail & Guardian
7 hours ago
- Automotive
- Mail & Guardian
Ford Territory Dark Edition: Stitched to embrace tradition
Top of the range: The Ford Territory Dark Edition replaces the Titanium variant. Ford launched the Territory Dark Edition in South Africa this week with some styling changes to what was already a worthy contender in a very crowded SUV segment. The Territory comes in three trims: Ambiente, Trend and now the Dark Edition, which replaces the Titanium variant that I The Titanium variant felt in sync with competitors as it has a bold exterior mixed with a fancy interior that felt very accomplished. The one thing I did notice with the Titanium variant is that both inside and out, it doesn't have the usual characteristics of a Ford SUV. Whether it was the broad, squared headlights, or other unique styling features that allow you to distinguish a Ford from other SUVs out there, something was just missing. Not that it was bad, but it feels good to step into a vehicle that understands its identity. With the Territory Dark Edition, Ford has made the exterior more stylish and athletic. In the front, the grille has been upgraded to satin black, combined with high-gloss black treatment for the skid plate, fog lamp accents and mirror caps. This bold and assertive exterior styling certainly does allow the vehicle to express itself a bit more. The black 19-inch alloy wheels also add to the visual presence of the vehicle and the 'Territory' branding has been changed to black at the rear of the vehicle. However, it is the interior of the Dark Edition that really uplifts the vehicle and gives it its own identity. Ford has ditched the wooden finish underneath the dashboard that was present in the Titanium variant. Instead, the vehicle has a high-gloss, black-painted strip for the instrument panel that feeds perfectly into the cyber-orange stitching that is lined along the dashboard and on the super comfortable leather seats. The orange stitching is also used in Ford's Wildtrak variants of the Ranger and Everest. This small touch is one of the highlights of the Territory Dark Edition because it gives you the feeling that you are sitting in a Ford. It's amazing how lines of stitching can make a vehicle feel complete. The spacious interior is the other highlight. Backseat passengers are treated to an immense amount of headroom and legroom — and that is standard, no matter which variant you choose. The orange stitching is a welcome addition to the Territory Dark Edition Under the bonnet, the Territory Dark Edition still comes with the 1.8-litre four-cylinder turbocharged EcoBoost petrol engine that delivers 138kW of power and 318Nm of torque. That means that the ride quality on the Dark Edition and Titanium models are exactly the same — a smooth drive with a solid suspension and more than enough power to get you by. In terms of safety, the Dark Edition has all the features that were present in the Titanium variant such as a blind spot information system with cross-traffic alert; adaptive cruise control with stop and go; pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking; lane keep assist; lane departure warning and lane change assist. The Dark Edition gains a 360-degree camera that provides all-round visibility — a boon when getting into tight parking spaces and manoeuvring around obstacles. A 360 degree camera has also been added Ford maintains that the Territory is all about family. The bold, exceptional styling that you get with the Dark Edition is an added bonus. Pricing starts at R593 500 for the Ambiente, the Trend comes in at R650 500 and the Dark Edition is priced at R733 000. The Dark Edition has kept it fresh, like the Titanium model that it replaces, but it embodies the brand. However, it is still a very competitive segment and Ford has produced an all-round quality vehicle at a reasonable price for what you are getting.
Al Bawaba
13 hours ago
- Automotive
- Al Bawaba
GMC Middle East Debut's Next-Generation 2026 Terrain, Designed to Break from the Pack
GMC Middle East proudly introduces the next-generation 2026 GMC Terrain, a bold evolution of the brand's compact SUV, designed for those who carve their own path. Elevating the premium brand's gateway model, the next-generation Terrain features a fresh new design, refined features and seamless connectivity – ready to take on whatever lies ahead. Distinct Trims, Distinct Lifestyles At the heart of the 2026 GMC Terrain is a refreshed trim strategy that speaks directly to drivers with distinct lifestyles. • Elevation (FWD & AWD): Replacing the former SLE and SLT, Elevation is sporty, versatile, and perfect for everyday adventurers — now available with an optional Black Edition finish for added flair. • AT4 (AWD): Built for those who thrive off-road, this trim offers a lifted ride height, Terrain Mode, lifted suspension, and all-terrain tires for maximum traction and confidence beyond the pavement. • Denali (AWD): The pinnacle of GMC luxury and performance, Denali combines bold styling with premium finishes and advanced capability for drivers who refuse to compromise. Professional Grade Performance Under the hood, the next-generation Terrain features a capable yet efficient 1.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, offering 175 horsepower and on AWD models 275 Nm of torque on paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. While on Two-wheel drive models (FWD) 250Nm of torque managed through a Continuously Variable Transmission. For off-road enthusiasts, the next-generation Terrain AT4 trim is the most capable ever with enhanced suspension components and greater ground clearance. Distinctive & Purposeful Design The Terrain sports a refreshed exterior with bold new fascias, bumpers, grilles, the introduction of an available two-tone roof and an expanded color palette1. Returning favorites such as Summit White, Ebony Twilight Metallic, Volcanic Red Tintcoat, and Sterling Metallic are now joined by fresh additions including Rapids Blue Metallic, Riverstone Metallic, Downpour Metallic, and Glacier White Tricoat — each one carefully selected to give drivers bold new ways to break from the pack. Wheel options range from 17-inch alloys on AT4 and Elevation, to 19-inch and 20-inch designs on Denali. For those seeking an even more distinctive edge, Elevation also offers a bold Black Edition finish with 19-inch wheels. Inside, premium materials and thoughtful details define the cabin. Available upholstery1 includes Forest Storm with Mahogany Accents, After Dark premium cloth, Gideon Gray/After Dark premium cloth, and perforated leather options in Light Ash Gray or Very Dark Atmosphere — each one designed to elevate the journey. Denali and AT4 trims also include animated LED headlamps and taillamps and walk-up/walk-away illumination - subtle yet powerful design touches that define modern GMC character and connect with their owner at every interaction. Smarter, More Connected At the center of the cabin sits a 15-inch diagonal premium GMC infotainment display2 — more than double the size of the previous generation — paired with an 11-inch diagonal digital driver display. The Terrain also comes standard with Google Built-In, Apple Carplay3 and Android Auto capability3, 5G Wi-Fi4, and a three-year OnStar Connect Services Plan4, offering seamless navigation, real-time information and intuitive control. Additional smart features include a 360° HD Surround Vision and Rear Camera Mirror, standard on all AWD trims, the intuitive AutoSense hands-free power liftgate, available on AT4 and Denali, and Teen Driver Mode. Comfort & Safety Comes Standard Standard comfort features now include remote start, heated front seats, and a heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel, ensuring that comfort comes with you, no matter the destination. For those who appreciate a more premium in-cabin experience, a panoramic sunroof is standard on AT4 and Denali trims. Equally prioritized is safety, with 15 standard safety features5, including Enhanced Automatic Emergency Braking, Intersection Collision Mitigation, Front Pedestrian Braking, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Reverse Automatic Braking, and Side Blind Zone Steering Assist — technologies designed to keep you confidently in control, wherever the road leads. Black Edition: Bold Looks, Darker Personality Exclusively available on the Elevation trim, the Black Edition transforms the next-generation Terrain with a commanding presence and a darker, more assertive attitude. This edition is all about stealth, sophistication and subtle power. Signature details include black GMC badging, 19' gloss black wheels, a signature Elevation grille with black-painted bars and header, and high-gloss black roof rails. Refined yet rugged, the Black Edition also features black fog bezel inserts, taillamp lens accents, C-shaped grille surround bezels, and a black skid plate – all coming together to give the vehicle a sleek, unified look that's equal parts modern and menacing. Now Available Across the Middle East Starting prices for the Terrain Elevation FWD, including VAT: • UAE: AED 115,000 • KSA: SAR 120,000 • Bahrain: BHD 12,100 • Kuwait: KWD 8,600 • Qatar: QAR 106,200 • Lebanon: USD 39,100 • Jordan: USD 36,900 • Oman: OMR 11,300 To learn more or to book a test drive, visit your nearest GMC dealership or head to for more details.
Forbes
16 hours ago
- Automotive
- Forbes
Test-Driving The Family-Friendly 2025 Mazda CX-90 In North Carolina
2025 Mazda CX-90 Kristin Shaw During the summer months, North Carolina can be oppressively hot and humid, but it's also lush, green, and packed with things to see and do. That's especially true for Chapel Hill and Durham, part of the research triangle where the University of North Carolina and Duke University are based. While you're visiting the area, you're going to need wheels; why not have one that's comfortable, elegant, and reliable, like the Mazda CX-90? My family and I stayed in Chapel Hill and drove up to the Virginia International Raceway for a session with Teen Driving Solutions for my 15-year-old son. The driving school started at 8 a.m. sharp and finished before 5 p.m. both weekend days, and then we climbed back into the CX-90 to stay in our rental house. Here's what you need to know about the Mazda CX-90 to evaluate its suitability for your family. Mazda CX-90 interior Mazda Mazda's interiors are reliably sleek and beautifully styled. For $60,000, our CX-90 included seating for seven passengers, heated front seats, an 8-way power-adjustable driver's seat, a leather steering wheel with paddle shifters, three-zone heating and cooling, and window shades for the second row. Mazda CX-90 Mazda If you're driving the CX-90, you're getting an SUV equipped with radar cruise control with stop and go ability, smart braking support, blind spot monitoring with vehicle exit warning, rear cross traffic alert, lane departure warning, and lane-keep assist, plus rear seat alert, driver attention alert, and an anti-theft immobilizer system. The CX-90 PHEV is powered by 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and an electric motor to complete the hybrid system. Use 91 octane fuel, and you'll get 323 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. While I was driving it, the CX-90 accelerated evenly and easily with no drama. I didn't need to haul a small camper or trailer this time, but if I had, the CX-90 could have towed up to 3,500 pounds. Mazda CX-90 Mazda Standard in every CX-90 PHEV is a 12.3-inch full color center display, wireless phone charging, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It all works well and phone pairings happen without a hitch. However, the CX-90 still uses Mazda's command control knob in the console to control the system. It has long been my least favorite thing about Mazda vehicles, and I'm looking forward to the day the brand updates to a touchscreen. Mazda has said for several years that it uses the command control knob to help keep the drivers' eyes on the road. I can see the intent, and it's a noble pursuit. For those who own a CX-90, they'll likely set their favorites and carry on without any fuss. TrackOut is a vacation home near the Virginia International Raceway. TrackOut Drive The CX-90 Straight To These Overnight Stays We chose the Hyatt-owned Rizzo Center in Chapel Hill's Meadowmont Village, which is just a few minutes from the blue-festooned campus of UNC. Rizzo Center was a hit with my teen and a good friend of his, as they enjoyed the gym, the basketball court, and the ice cream treats in the freezer on every floor. While we were at the Virginia International Raceway, we rented the TrackOut house five minutes away from the track. This vacation home has eight separate bedrooms, all with full bathrooms en suite, or you can rent out the entire house. It has a full kitchen and motorsports-themed decor, and you can't beat the proximity if you're going to the Teen Driving Solutions advanced driving school or to run some laps in your own car. Don't race the Mazda CX-90 on the track, though. Save those tires for the drive home. MORE FROM FORBES Forbes Mazda's Electrification Plan Is Paying Off, And This Is Why By Kristin Shaw Forbes 2024 Mazda CX-90 Test Drive: A Luxury Flagship And Family Staple By Scotty Reiss Forbes Inside Nissan's Pursuit Of The Perfect Cupholder By Kristin Shaw
