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2026 Lexus launches their first ever ES four-door sedan as a BEV, to be joined later in the year by a hybrid. The Lexus ES will come in two models, the 350e Front-Wheel-Drive and the 500e All-Wheel-Drive. Both models will be available in two trims, Premium and Luxury. The Lexus ES 350e FWD will start with a base MSRP of $47,500 and an EPA-estimated range of 307 miles. Let's dig into what the eighth-generation Lexus ES will offer by model and trim: Standard Equipment: All Models Latest Lexus Interface Debuts with 14-in. Touchscreen and 12.3-in. Multi-Information Display Lexus Safety System+ 4.0 (LSS+ 4.0) Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian detection Rear Pedestrian detection Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist Intersection Turn Assist DRCC or Dynamic Radar Cruise Control with Eco-mode Lane Tracing Assist Lane Changing Assist Lane Departure Alert with Steering Road Sign Assist Intelligent High Beams Proactive Driving Assist Traffic Jam Assist Front Cross-traffic Alert FCTA 74.7 kWh lithium-ion battery Standard NACS charging port Lexus will include a CCS to NACS plug adapter allowing owners to access over 76,000 level 2 & 3 chargers nationwide with CCS charging cords. 11 kW AC charger controller Level 2 charger for charging to 80% in 7hrs Level 3 charger for charging to 80% in 28 minutes Dual Voltage Level 1 and 2 charging cable 2026 ES 350e and ES 500e include Plug & Charge capability with an active Remote Connect* trial or subscription which allows owners/lessees to initiate charging and payment at compatible public charging networks simply by plugging in after a one-time enrollment setup through the Lexus app. L-shaped LED running lights sit above Dual LED headlights and flank a pinched surface evocative of Lexus' spindle grille design and a prominent body shoulder line rises from behind the front wheels to meet the wraparound LED Blade taillamp with illuminated logo 2026 ES dimensions Exterior 3.1 inches longer wheelbase 2.2 inches wider width 6.5 inches longer length 4.5 inches in height Interior Front seat headroom .8 inches larger Rear seat headroom .4 inches larger Rear seat leg room 1.4 inches longer Front seat shoulder room 1.6 inches larger Front seat hip room 1.9 inches larger Front and rear seat hip ingress and egress is enhanced due to higher entry points 19-inch standard aluminum wheels Optional 21-inch wheels in various styles depending on model. OTA via 5G network Wireless device charger Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Smart Access keyless entry Active Drive Connect subscription Cloud Navigation Intelligent Assistant Remote Connect Safety Connect Service Connect Wi-Fi Connect The 2026 Lexus ES has emphasized a clean technology with elegance approach and as such they have gone with using capacitive touch buttons and bars to provide tactile feedback as they shift towards a streamline, tech driven luxury experience according to Lexus. ES 350e FWD Premium 221-hp permanent magnet synchronous electric motor powering the front wheel 10-speaker Lexus Premium Sound System Optional knee-level radiant heater for the driver and front-seat passenger ES 350e FWD Luxury 221-hp permanent magnet synchronous electric motor powering the front wheel Optional Executive package Upgrades the ES' rear outboard seats with power adjustments, heating and ventilation functions, a massage feature, and an ottoman on the passenger side Advanced Park with Remote Park Panoramic View Monitor 17-speaker 1,800-watt Mark Levinson® PurePlay Surround Sound System Auto Easy Close soft-close door latching and Digital Key 2.0 capability Knee-level radiant heater for the driver and front-seat passenger standard Dual Wireless Chargers Cold Area Package ES 500e AWD Premium 221-hp front motor, 118-hp permanent magnet synchronous electric motor to the rear axle for a combined net total output of 338 hp 0-60 mph 5.1 seconds 10-speaker Lexus Premium Sound System Optional knee-level radiant heater for the driver and front-seat passenger ES 500e AWD Luxury 221-hp front motor, 118-hp permanent magnet synchronous electric motor to the rear axle for a combined net total output of 338 hp 0-60 mph in 5.1 seconds Optional Executive package Upgrades the ES' rear outboard seats with power adjustments, heating and ventilation functions, a massage feature, and an ottoman on the passenger side Advanced Park with Remote Park Panoramic View Monitor 17-speaker 1,800-watt Mark Levinson® PurePlay Surround Sound System Auto Easy Close soft-close door latching and Digital Key 2.0 capability Knee-level radiant heater for the driver and front-seat passenger standard Dual Wireless Chargers Cold Area Package ES 350h Hybrid: Details to Date Lexus' sixth-generation gas-electric hybrid system powering either the front wheels or, with available all-wheel drive (AWD), all four wheels. Hybrid battery beneath the rear seat Toyota has stated that more details closer to release later in the year but pricing was announced. Toyota has stated the following EPA-estimated total driving range per full charge: ES350e with 19-inch standard wheels 307 miles ES350e with 21-inch optional wheels 292 miles ES500e with 19-inch standard wheels 276 miles ES500e with 21-inch optional wheels 272 miles 2026 Lexus ES Pricing Model Code Model Name MSRP* 9030 ES 350e Premium $48,795 9035 ES 500e Premium AWD $51,795 9032 ES 350e Luxury $57,195 9037 ES 500e Luxury AWD $60,195 9020 ES 350h Premium $50,995 9025 ES 350h Premium AWD $52,395 9021 ES 350h Premium+ $55,795 9026 ES 350h Premium+ AWD $57,195 *Prices listed include $1,295 Delivery, Processing, and Handling fee (DPH) for ES, which is subject to change at any time. Dealer price will vary. Style is a personal issue as some will find this polarizing, others will love it. Lexus keeps a four-door sedan on the lot for those that want a car over an SUV. For a point of comparison at the top of the Lexus lineup, see our Review: 2019 Lexus LS 500 F-Sport. More Lexus ES Coverage All-New 2026 Lexus ES Gets Electrification On All Models Review: 2019 Lexus ES 350 and Toyota Avalon Hybrid View full article -
New York - The second-generation 2027 Kia Seltos made its North American debut at the 2026 New York International Auto Show, arriving longer, wider, and with something no competitor in the compact crossover segment can match: three distinct powertrain options. Three Powertrains The base engine carries over as the 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder, paired with Kia's Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT). Available in LX, S, EX, and X-Line trims, it comes with front-wheel drive or available all-wheel drive. Step up to the X-Line and the 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder develops 190 horsepower, routed through an 8-speed automatic with standard all-wheel drive. Rounding out the lineup is a new hybrid powertrain, pairing a 1.6-liter four-cylinder with a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission. The Seltos HEV also introduces e-AWD, a first for Kia on a hybrid SUV, delivering on-demand rear-axle power without a traditional driveshaft. Kia is reserving HEV performance figures and pricing for a later date. The 2.0-liter and 1.6T are targeted to arrive at dealerships in the second quarter of 2026. The HEV follows in late 2026. Bigger and More Capable The new Seltos grows in every dimension compared to the outgoing model, with the wheelbase increasing by 2.4 inches. That extra footprint translates into more interior space, including an inch of additional rear legroom, along with gains in headroom, shoulder room, and hip room. Cargo capacity behind the second row is an estimated 27.8 cubic feet, expanding to 64.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Ground clearance rises from 7.3 to an available 8.1 inches. X-Line models add a new Multi-terrain AWD mode for light off-road use. Styling borrows cues from Kia's flagship Telluride, including amber DRL framing the front fascia, bold angles, and available auto-flush door handles. New exterior colors include Terrain Brown, Frost Blue, and Snow White Pearl with a contrasting black roof. Standard wheels are 16-inch alloys; the X-Line 2.0L steps up to 18-inch alloys, and the X-Line 1.6T and X-Line HEV with e-AWD receive 19-inch black wheels. Technology Inside, the ccNC infotainment system features a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen. An optional configuration pairs it with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 5-inch climate control display, totaling nearly 30 inches of combined screens, matching what Kia offers in larger vehicles. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on all trims, and the system supports over-the-air updates. Available entertainment features include streaming for Disney+, Netflix, and YouTube, along with customizable display themes for all 30 NBA teams and select Disney brands. The HEV trim uses a stalk-mounted gear selector borrowed from the Telluride and EV9, freeing up the center console for open storage. Advanced Safety Standard on all 2027 Seltos models is Forward Collision Avoidance Assist with Junction Turning, Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Departure Warning, and front and rear Parking Distance Warning. Available features include a 360-degree Surround View Monitor and a Blind-Spot View Monitor that displays a live video feed of the corresponding blind spot when the turn signal is activated. More Kia Coverage 2027 Kia Seltos: New Platform, Up to 190 HP, EV9-Inspired Styling 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid: Bigger, Bolder SUV with 329 HP and 600-Mile Range 2026 Kia K4 Sedan and Hatchback Pricing Announced See all photos in the 2027 Kia Seltos photo gallery. View full article -
New York - The second-generation 2027 Kia Seltos made its North American debut at the 2026 New York International Auto Show, arriving longer, wider, and with something no competitor in the compact crossover segment can match: three distinct powertrain options. Three Powertrains The base engine carries over as the 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder, paired with Kia's Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT). Available in LX, S, EX, and X-Line trims, it comes with front-wheel drive or available all-wheel drive. Step up to the X-Line and the 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder develops 190 horsepower, routed through an 8-speed automatic with standard all-wheel drive. Rounding out the lineup is a new hybrid powertrain, pairing a 1.6-liter four-cylinder with a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission. The Seltos HEV also introduces e-AWD, a first for Kia on a hybrid SUV, delivering on-demand rear-axle power without a traditional driveshaft. Kia is reserving HEV performance figures and pricing for a later date. The 2.0-liter and 1.6T are targeted to arrive at dealerships in the second quarter of 2026. The HEV follows in late 2026. Bigger and More Capable The new Seltos grows in every dimension compared to the outgoing model, with the wheelbase increasing by 2.4 inches. That extra footprint translates into more interior space, including an inch of additional rear legroom, along with gains in headroom, shoulder room, and hip room. Cargo capacity behind the second row is an estimated 27.8 cubic feet, expanding to 64.1 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Ground clearance rises from 7.3 to an available 8.1 inches. X-Line models add a new Multi-terrain AWD mode for light off-road use. Styling borrows cues from Kia's flagship Telluride, including amber DRL framing the front fascia, bold angles, and available auto-flush door handles. New exterior colors include Terrain Brown, Frost Blue, and Snow White Pearl with a contrasting black roof. Standard wheels are 16-inch alloys; the X-Line 2.0L steps up to 18-inch alloys, and the X-Line 1.6T and X-Line HEV with e-AWD receive 19-inch black wheels. Technology Inside, the ccNC infotainment system features a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen. An optional configuration pairs it with a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 5-inch climate control display, totaling nearly 30 inches of combined screens, matching what Kia offers in larger vehicles. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on all trims, and the system supports over-the-air updates. Available entertainment features include streaming for Disney+, Netflix, and YouTube, along with customizable display themes for all 30 NBA teams and select Disney brands. The HEV trim uses a stalk-mounted gear selector borrowed from the Telluride and EV9, freeing up the center console for open storage. Advanced Safety Standard on all 2027 Seltos models is Forward Collision Avoidance Assist with Junction Turning, Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Departure Warning, and front and rear Parking Distance Warning. Available features include a 360-degree Surround View Monitor and a Blind-Spot View Monitor that displays a live video feed of the corresponding blind spot when the turn signal is activated. More Kia Coverage 2027 Kia Seltos: New Platform, Up to 190 HP, EV9-Inspired Styling 2027 Kia Telluride Hybrid: Bigger, Bolder SUV with 329 HP and 600-Mile Range 2026 Kia K4 Sedan and Hatchback Pricing Announced See all photos in the 2027 Kia Seltos photo gallery. -
2026 Lexus launches their first ever ES four-door sedan as a BEV, to be joined later in the year by a hybrid. The Lexus ES will come in two models, the 350e Front-Wheel-Drive and the 500e All-Wheel-Drive. Both models will be available in two trims, Premium and Luxury. The Lexus ES 350e FWD will start with a base MSRP of $47,500 and an EPA-estimated range of 307 miles. Let's dig into what the eighth-generation Lexus ES will offer by model and trim: Standard Equipment: All Models Latest Lexus Interface Debuts with 14-in. Touchscreen and 12.3-in. Multi-Information Display Lexus Safety System+ 4.0 (LSS+ 4.0) Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian detection Rear Pedestrian detection Risk Avoidance Emergency Steer Assist Intersection Turn Assist DRCC or Dynamic Radar Cruise Control with Eco-mode Lane Tracing Assist Lane Changing Assist Lane Departure Alert with Steering Road Sign Assist Intelligent High Beams Proactive Driving Assist Traffic Jam Assist Front Cross-traffic Alert FCTA 74.7 kWh lithium-ion battery Standard NACS charging port Lexus will include a CCS to NACS plug adapter allowing owners to access over 76,000 level 2 & 3 chargers nationwide with CCS charging cords. 11 kW AC charger controller Level 2 charger for charging to 80% in 7hrs Level 3 charger for charging to 80% in 28 minutes Dual Voltage Level 1 and 2 charging cable 2026 ES 350e and ES 500e include Plug & Charge capability with an active Remote Connect* trial or subscription which allows owners/lessees to initiate charging and payment at compatible public charging networks simply by plugging in after a one-time enrollment setup through the Lexus app. L-shaped LED running lights sit above Dual LED headlights and flank a pinched surface evocative of Lexus' spindle grille design and a prominent body shoulder line rises from behind the front wheels to meet the wraparound LED Blade taillamp with illuminated logo 2026 ES dimensions Exterior 3.1 inches longer wheelbase 2.2 inches wider width 6.5 inches longer length 4.5 inches in height Interior Front seat headroom .8 inches larger Rear seat headroom .4 inches larger Rear seat leg room 1.4 inches longer Front seat shoulder room 1.6 inches larger Front seat hip room 1.9 inches larger Front and rear seat hip ingress and egress is enhanced due to higher entry points 19-inch standard aluminum wheels Optional 21-inch wheels in various styles depending on model. OTA via 5G network Wireless device charger Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Smart Access keyless entry Active Drive Connect subscription Cloud Navigation Intelligent Assistant Remote Connect Safety Connect Service Connect Wi-Fi Connect The 2026 Lexus ES has emphasized a clean technology with elegance approach and as such they have gone with using capacitive touch buttons and bars to provide tactile feedback as they shift towards a streamline, tech driven luxury experience according to Lexus. ES 350e FWD Premium 221-hp permanent magnet synchronous electric motor powering the front wheel 10-speaker Lexus Premium Sound System Optional knee-level radiant heater for the driver and front-seat passenger ES 350e FWD Luxury 221-hp permanent magnet synchronous electric motor powering the front wheel Optional Executive package Upgrades the ES' rear outboard seats with power adjustments, heating and ventilation functions, a massage feature, and an ottoman on the passenger side Advanced Park with Remote Park Panoramic View Monitor 17-speaker 1,800-watt Mark Levinson® PurePlay Surround Sound System Auto Easy Close soft-close door latching and Digital Key 2.0 capability Knee-level radiant heater for the driver and front-seat passenger standard Dual Wireless Chargers Cold Area Package ES 500e AWD Premium 221-hp front motor, 118-hp permanent magnet synchronous electric motor to the rear axle for a combined net total output of 338 hp 0-60 mph 5.1 seconds 10-speaker Lexus Premium Sound System Optional knee-level radiant heater for the driver and front-seat passenger ES 500e AWD Luxury 221-hp front motor, 118-hp permanent magnet synchronous electric motor to the rear axle for a combined net total output of 338 hp 0-60 mph in 5.1 seconds Optional Executive package Upgrades the ES' rear outboard seats with power adjustments, heating and ventilation functions, a massage feature, and an ottoman on the passenger side Advanced Park with Remote Park Panoramic View Monitor 17-speaker 1,800-watt Mark Levinson® PurePlay Surround Sound System Auto Easy Close soft-close door latching and Digital Key 2.0 capability Knee-level radiant heater for the driver and front-seat passenger standard Dual Wireless Chargers Cold Area Package ES 350h Hybrid: Details to Date Lexus' sixth-generation gas-electric hybrid system powering either the front wheels or, with available all-wheel drive (AWD), all four wheels. Hybrid battery beneath the rear seat Toyota has stated that more details closer to release later in the year but pricing was announced. Toyota has stated the following EPA-estimated total driving range per full charge: ES350e with 19-inch standard wheels 307 miles ES350e with 21-inch optional wheels 292 miles ES500e with 19-inch standard wheels 276 miles ES500e with 21-inch optional wheels 272 miles 2026 Lexus ES BEV Pricing Style is a personal issue as some will find this polarizing, others will love it. Lexus keeps a four-door sedan on the lot for those that want a car over an SUV. For a point of comparison at the top of the Lexus lineup, see our Review: 2019 Lexus LS 500 F-Sport. More Lexus ES Coverage All-New 2026 Lexus ES Gets Electrification On All Models Review: 2019 Lexus ES 350 and Toyota Avalon Hybrid -
Honda has announced that they have canceled three electric vehicles planned for production in the U.S., citing lower EV demand, U.S. tariffs, and low interest in Asian markets. Executives further blame poor sales of EVs in China specifically for Honda's financial straits with total Honda sales in China down 24-percent. The 0 Series SUV, 0 Series Saloon, and Acura RSX were due to be produced in the U.S. and Honda had already begun retooling its production to be ready for later this year. Honda's course change are expected to severely impact earnings due out on March 31st. Japan's second-largest automaker is looking at potentially $15.8 billion in losses. The Honda Prologue model, which once enjoyed brisk sales prior to the ending of EV tax credits in September 2025, has tumbled 86-percent in the last three months of last year, moving just 2,641 units. Honda instead will divert development towards expanding its offering of hybrid models. View full article
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Honda has announced that they have canceled three electric vehicles planned for production in the U.S., citing lower EV demand, U.S. tariffs, and low interest in Asian markets. Executives further blame poor sales of EVs in China specifically for Honda's financial straits with total Honda sales in China down 24-percent. The 0 Series SUV, 0 Series Saloon, and Acura RSX were due to be produced in the U.S. and Honda had already begun retooling its production to be ready for later this year. Honda's course change are expected to severely impact earnings due out on March 31st. Japan's second-largest automaker is looking at potentially $15.8 billion in losses. The Honda Prologue model, which once enjoyed brisk sales prior to the ending of EV tax credits in September 2025, has tumbled 86-percent in the last three months of last year, moving just 2,641 units. Honda instead will divert development towards expanding its offering of hybrid models. -
Mercedes-Benz pretty much threw out the book with the all-new S-Class, refined and redefined in just about every way. Mercedes newly developed more than 50% of the 2027 S-Class being over 2,700 components and re-engineered the rest as they stated that this all new 2027 S-Class delivers on 140 years of innovation by reaffirming Mercedes Legacy Leadership, engineering, and digital ambition with forward thinking progress. Here are Key Facts of the 2027 Mercedes-Benz S-Class: 140 years of innovation delivered via more than 50% all new components and complete re-engineering of the rest, delivering engineering excellence, craftmanship and what Mercedes says is an unmistakable "Welcome Home" feeling. New Era of Visual Presence, from optional lighted Mercedes Star to micro-LED headlamps and customizable interior illumination giving the S-Class an unmistakable light signature. Supercomputer running the latest Mercedes-Benz OS or MB-OS with cloud connection keeping the S-Class up to date and fresh as it leads the automotive world. MB.DRIVE, an advanced sensory technology with AI assistance giving superior on road driving experience. MBUX Superscreen using generative AI, enhanced zero-layer interface and superior navigation provided by Google Maps. Boardroom on wheels experience, from optional 13.1-inch screens to optional individual seats with integrated video conferencing and more allowing for a mobile office. Superior driving from a large selection of powertrains, electric, Six- and Eight-cylinder gas engines and a plug-in hybrid with AIRMATIC air suspension, E-ACTIVE body control, AI intelligent damping and standard 4.5-degree rear steering or optional 10-degree rear axel steering for superior comfort and agility. MANUFAKTUR Made to Measure, Mercedes term for having the following, 150 exterior paints to choose from, 400 interior colors, a truly customizable experience for your own custom crafted S-Class Mercedes-Benz has pushed the envelope from their various assist system to their superscreens and the augmented reality head-up displays to small details such as the comfort to be found in every seat in the car. From Heated to cooled and massaged chairs that even include 100W USB-C charging ports for everyone. Now you find even larger 13.1 individual screens in the back of the auto that is supported with Microsoft Teams, Zoom or Webex meeting capabilities. Mercedes-Benz has created all new electrified powertrains for the S-Class: S 580e 4MATIC plugin hybrid uses a new inline-6 engine with electric motors supplying 576 HP and 553 lb-ft of torque S 580 4MATIC has a new V8 delivering 530 HP and 553 lb-ft of torque connected with a mild 48V hybrid system that has an exceptional smoothness while also providing energy recuperation. S 500 4MATIC has a new inline-6 engine that produces 442 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque and with overtorque mode can give 472 lb-ft thanks to the 48V hybrid system. All Powertrains are supplied with a 9-speed transmission and a 4.5-degree rear wheel steering system for a tight 39FT turning radius From next generation digital light systems inside and out to latest safety features and software, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class is leading the company into the 21st century of technology and tried and true engineering. View full article
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2027 Mercedes-Benz S-Class: Next-Gen MBUX, 576HP, & AI Driving
G. David Felt posted an article in Mercedes Benz
Mercedes-Benz pretty much threw out the book with the all-new S-Class, refined and redefined in just about every way. Mercedes newly developed more than 50% of the 2027 S-Class being over 2,700 components and re-engineered the rest as they stated that this all new 2027 S-Class delivers on 140 years of innovation by reaffirming Mercedes Legacy Leadership, engineering, and digital ambition with forward thinking progress. Here are Key Facts of the 2027 Mercedes-Benz S-Class: 140 years of innovation delivered via more than 50% all new components and complete re-engineering of the rest, delivering engineering excellence, craftmanship and what Mercedes says is an unmistakable "Welcome Home" feeling. New Era of Visual Presence, from optional lighted Mercedes Star to micro-LED headlamps and customizable interior illumination giving the S-Class an unmistakable light signature. Supercomputer running the latest Mercedes-Benz OS or MB-OS with cloud connection keeping the S-Class up to date and fresh as it leads the automotive world. MB.DRIVE, an advanced sensory technology with AI assistance giving superior on road driving experience. MBUX Superscreen using generative AI, enhanced zero-layer interface and superior navigation provided by Google Maps. Boardroom on wheels experience, from optional 13.1-inch screens to optional individual seats with integrated video conferencing and more allowing for a mobile office. Superior driving from a large selection of powertrains, electric, Six- and Eight-cylinder gas engines and a plug-in hybrid with AIRMATIC air suspension, E-ACTIVE body control, AI intelligent damping and standard 4.5-degree rear steering or optional 10-degree rear axel steering for superior comfort and agility. MANUFAKTUR Made to Measure, Mercedes term for having the following, 150 exterior paints to choose from, 400 interior colors, a truly customizable experience for your own custom crafted S-Class Mercedes-Benz has pushed the envelope from their various assist system to their superscreens and the augmented reality head-up displays to small details such as the comfort to be found in every seat in the car. From Heated to cooled and massaged chairs that even include 100W USB-C charging ports for everyone. Now you find even larger 13.1 individual screens in the back of the auto that is supported with Microsoft Teams, Zoom or Webex meeting capabilities. Mercedes-Benz has created all new electrified powertrains for the S-Class: S 580e 4MATIC plugin hybrid uses a new inline-6 engine with electric motors supplying 576 HP and 553 lb-ft of torque S 580 4MATIC has a new V8 delivering 530 HP and 553 lb-ft of torque connected with a mild 48V hybrid system that has an exceptional smoothness while also providing energy recuperation. S 500 4MATIC has a new inline-6 engine that produces 442 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque and with overtorque mode can give 472 lb-ft thanks to the 48V hybrid system. All Powertrains are supplied with a 9-speed transmission and a 4.5-degree rear wheel steering system for a tight 39FT turning radius From next generation digital light systems inside and out to latest safety features and software, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class is leading the company into the 21st century of technology and tried and true engineering. -
I was upgraded in a rental contract and, while going up by one category is not a big deal, getting to try out the new hybrid Camry was somewhat of a big deal. The latest and current Camry only features hybrid powertrains. The base 2.5 liter 4-cylinder engine, which was previously naturally aspirated, continues forward, but is assisted by an electric motor. To make the powering on and off work, a CVT is now the standard transmission, when Camry had an excellent 8-speed automatic transmission for many years. This vehicle had front wheel drive, but AWD is also available. The V6 engine and ICEs are no longer available. Getting used to this car doesn’t take much time. Having already driven another rented hybrid – a Honda Accord – all I needed to know is that turning the key does not fire up an engine, but makes the car ready to move in EV mode, at least initially. With 2.5 liters, the Camry pulls away nimbly and with agility, even with a minimally feathered pedal. It doesn’t take much. It’s fun to watch the centered power display setting move between eco and power modes. If stomped on, the engine responds very quickly. Surprisingly, stomping on it produces a more notable than expected engine hum. The cabin remains mostly quiet and handling is predictable, neither firm nor vague, with some rougher pavement making it less quiet. The transmission feels very much like a CVT, but a well behaved one. Still, drivers with old school tastes can lament the absence of the very last slick shifting 8-speed automatic that came standard in the Camry. I know I do. However, the current CVT behaves well because it doesn’t have that “stuck” feeling when pushed, but the spool is more of an exhaust node than the winding out and high rpm droning caused by the variable gearing. The Camry’s exterior was freshened up and they worked off the last model. It’s a compendium of small changes that, together, amount to a lot. The front lights are narrower and cleaner. The “appliance” grille is more understated than it once was. (Sadly, it’s the more expensive versions where the grille is more flared, and even overworked.) The rear lights are thinned out, complete with a boomerang effect, as they wrap around the rear fender edge and add to the horizontal look of the rear lip and the monolithic bumper panel. Also, the almost retro, and not too effective, sweep of the rear pillar (think ‘72 Caprice coupe) is gone and the side profile of the windows is cleaner, perhaps a larger rendition of what was done with the Corolla. Most of the vantage points look better than those of the previous Camry. Inside, the Camry is also much improved. The dashboard is organized in cleaner volumes. The dash has a simple main instrument pod. In its center is a round dial, whereby the upper part displays the speed and eco/power, and the lower part, through toggling, provides other information – direction, tire pressure, trip information and mileage, or even graphics of the flow of energy involving the engine and the battery. There is no dedicated tachometer; however, the temperature and fuel gauges remain. Around the main circle are small digital readouts for the exterior temperature, the time, the odometer, and the remaining range. Filling up this hybrid showed close to 500 miles of range. Not only that, the fuel cap is on the driver’s side and, like the trunk, they can be remotely opened by buttons in the interior. That said, there is none of that capless fuel filler stuff! Being a Camry LE meant the lower grade fixtures inside. Sadly, this meant a urethane steering wheel. Sometimes, a mere leather steering wheel imparts the feeling of better handling and a smoother ride. It’s that equipment choices and groupings seem to work together to give a vehicle its feel. The LE seats are nicely upholstered in a tougher, durable fabric with slightly contrasting parts. The front headrests can scoot all the way down and they actually point forward so the driver and passenger can use them without having to lean their heads all the way back. Headrests for rear seat passengers are integrated into the seating and do not have features to adjust them. The infotainment system is on its screen which is engaged to the dash, but moved slightly forward, and creates a cleaner look because it does not go up over the top of the cowl. Fortunately, it remains a touch screen. The functions are easy to work with, but I had a little bit of finicky interactions with Bluetooth and Android Auto. Climate control has toggles instead of dials and they are easy to work with. I will only say that the center vents of the climate control system do not work that quickly and powerfully. Beneath this small panel are the cubby, a charging pod for a phone, and the flat console surface for the shift lever. I found the console a little high for my taste. Possibly to accommodate the new mechanical set-up, there is no storage cubby underneath the console as one sees on larger GM products, for example – both SUVs and even the last-gen Buick LaCrosse. However, the console box is amply sized. In addition to being able to look over the hood, visibility is commendable all the way around. Except for being a little shoehorned into the Camry’s cockpit, the front of the cabin feels spacious and the legroom is also good. (I had to push the lever to get the seats to move upward, which provided a view over the top of the hood, as evidenced by seeing the paint color, and which I prefer.) They have retained good cabin space in the rear of the cabin. Also, the trunk has a decent amount of usable capacity for this genre and for having kept this sweeping roofline. I again want to state how pleasing it was to control the trunk, in addition to the fuel door, from a bar of buttons on a panel at the lower left part of the dashboard rather than on the floor near the door. There are 5 functions and they were thoughtful about putting the (auto) lights control onto this bar, and all the way to the left, such that it can easily be noticed from behind the steering wheel. The new Camry shows a lot of thought as to how the driver connects to the car through its controls and functions, and this is one of the areas where this Camry shines. While I didn’t calculate fuel mileage, I know that I added only 3.5 gallons of regular unleaded fuel to cover one jaunt of about 160 miles of mixed driving. This seems close to the EPA estimate. The little green EV icon shone quite a bit. I imagine that this is a very easy car to live with over the long haul. For Camry, this powertrain is obviously a new combination, but it’s technology that Toyota and other Asian marques have worked with for quite a while. I mostly took note that, apart from the major powertrain change, there is the evident synergy of the many small changes that make this a more nicely packaged vehicle than the last Camry. - - - - - MORE PHOTOS FORTHCOMING View full article -
2026 Toyota RAV-4: All-Hybrid Lineup, GR Sport PHEV, 7 Trims & Specs
Drew Dowdell posted an article in Toyota
For years, the RAV-4 has been the bestselling SUV in the US. Now in its sixth generation, the Toyota RAV-4 is one of the original compact crossovers. Once with a V6, the RAV-4 will now be available only with hybrid power, but that doesn't make it slow. Even the lowest power RAV-4 makes more horsepower than that V6 from 2005 while the new GR Sport trim PHEV can produce 320 horsepower. Powertrain and Performance All powertrain versions in the 2026 model are upgraded units from the previous generation. The base setup is a 226-horsepower front-wheel drive model (previously, the hybrid was only offered in all-wheel drive) while adding all-wheel drive to the spec sheet adds a third electric motor and another 10 horsepower for the rear wheels. What was previously known as the RAV-4 Prime, the Plug-in Hybrid model now makes 320 horsepower instead of 302. Driving range for the PHEV is up too from 42 miles to 50. In certain trims, namely the Woodland and XSE PHEV can use their CCS port to DC fast-charge, refilling the battery pack from 10% to 80% in 30 minutes. The maximum towing capacity for some AWD Hybrid and PHEV models is now 3,500 lbs while the base FWD and LE AWD Hybrids remain at 1,750. Toyota's electrification push extends across the lineup — see also the 2026 Toyota bZ updates with improved range and charging. Design Inside and Out Being one of the most popular models on the market, the design formula is updated but familiar. The C-shaped headlamps from Toyota's recently updated Camry appear while the grille feels familiar like a Toyota 4Runner. Inside, the controls have been minimized. In modern parlance, that means more screens and fewer buttons. HVAC controls appear to have lost their knobs and are likely now located in the center control screen. Seven Trims: Core, Rugged, and Sport With such high sales — Toyota sold over 475,000 units in the US last year and over 1 million worldwide — they are making a trim for everyone with 7 trims to choose from. There are three groupings of Core, Rugged, and Sport. Core (LE, XLE, Limited): The well-known trims that are by far the most popular. For 2026, they are only available as a hybrid without the option to plug in. Rugged (Woodland): Standard all-wheel drive, all-terrain tires, faux skid plates, and rugged styling tweaks. Available as a standard hybrid or the plug-in version. Shoppers comparing rugged compact crossovers should also look at the 2026 Mazda CX-5. Sport (SE, XSE, GR Sport): The SE and XSE can be optioned with either powertrain. The GR Sport, not previously offered in the US (Europe got a GR Sport on the previous model starting in 2022), only comes with the 320-horsepower plug-in setup. Pricing and Availability While pricing hasn't been released yet, Toyota builds the RAV-4 in the United States, so we expect only a minimal increase in price over the outgoing Hybrid RAV-4, currently a base price of about $33,600 after delivery. The 2026 Toyota RAV-4 goes on sale later this year. More Toyota and Compact SUV Coverage 2027 Toyota Highlander EV: Specs, Range, Price & Trim Toyota Brings Back the C-HR as the Little Stylish EV That Can Toyota bZ4X EV Grows Up with Range, Charging and Updates for 2026 The Mazda CX-5 Grows for 2026 2021 Toyota RAV-4 Prime Has 302 Horsepower -
For years, the RAV-4 has been the bestselling SUV in the US. Now in its sixth generation, the Toyota RAV-4 is one of the original compact crossovers. Once with a V6, the RAV-4 will now be available only with hybrid power, but that doesn't make it slow. Even the lowest power RAV-4 makes more horsepower than that V6 from 2005 while the new GR Sport trim PHEV can produce 320 horsepower. Powertrain and Performance All powertrain versions in the 2026 model are upgraded units from the previous generation. The base setup is a 226-horsepower front-wheel drive model (previously, the hybrid was only offered in all-wheel drive) while adding all-wheel drive to the spec sheet adds a third electric motor and another 10 horsepower for the rear wheels. What was previously known as the RAV-4 Prime, the Plug-in Hybrid model now makes 320 horsepower instead of 302. Driving range for the PHEV is up too from 42 miles to 50. In certain trims, namely the Woodland and XSE PHEV can use their CCS port to DC fast-charge, refilling the battery pack from 10% to 80% in 30 minutes. The maximum towing capacity for some AWD Hybrid and PHEV models is now 3,500 lbs while the base FWD and LE AWD Hybrids remain at 1,750. Toyota's electrification push extends across the lineup — see also the 2026 Toyota bZ updates with improved range and charging. Design Inside and Out Being one of the most popular models on the market, the design formula is updated but familiar. The C-shaped headlamps from Toyota's recently updated Camry appear while the grille feels familiar like a Toyota 4Runner. Inside, the controls have been minimized. In modern parlance, that means more screens and fewer buttons. HVAC controls appear to have lost their knobs and are likely now located in the center control screen. Seven Trims: Core, Rugged, and Sport With such high sales — Toyota sold over 475,000 units in the US last year and over 1 million worldwide — they are making a trim for everyone with 7 trims to choose from. There are three groupings of Core, Rugged, and Sport. Core (LE, XLE, Limited): The well-known trims that are by far the most popular. For 2026, they are only available as a hybrid without the option to plug in. Rugged (Woodland): Standard all-wheel drive, all-terrain tires, faux skid plates, and rugged styling tweaks. Available as a standard hybrid or the plug-in version. Shoppers comparing rugged compact crossovers should also look at the 2026 Mazda CX-5. Sport (SE, XSE, GR Sport): The SE and XSE can be optioned with either powertrain. The GR Sport, not previously offered in the US (Europe got a GR Sport on the previous model starting in 2022), only comes with the 320-horsepower plug-in setup. Pricing and Availability While pricing hasn't been released yet, Toyota builds the RAV-4 in the United States, so we expect only a minimal increase in price over the outgoing Hybrid RAV-4, currently a base price of about $33,600 after delivery. The 2026 Toyota RAV-4 goes on sale later this year. More Toyota and Compact SUV Coverage 2027 Toyota Highlander EV: Specs, Range, Price & Trim Toyota Brings Back the C-HR as the Little Stylish EV That Can Toyota bZ4X EV Grows Up with Range, Charging and Updates for 2026 The Mazda CX-5 Grows for 2026 2021 Toyota RAV-4 Prime Has 302 Horsepower View full article
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I was upgraded in a rental contract and, while going up by one category is not a big deal, getting to try out the new hybrid Camry was somewhat of a big deal. The latest and current Camry only features hybrid powertrains. The base 2.5 liter 4-cylinder engine, which was previously naturally aspirated, continues forward, but is assisted by an electric motor. To make the powering on and off work, a CVT is now the standard transmission, when Camry had an excellent 8-speed automatic transmission for many years. This vehicle had front wheel drive, but AWD is also available. The V6 engine and ICEs are no longer available. Getting used to this car doesn’t take much time. Having already driven another rented hybrid – a Honda Accord – all I needed to know is that turning the key does not fire up an engine, but makes the car ready to move in EV mode, at least initially. With 2.5 liters, the Camry pulls away nimbly and with agility, even with a minimally feathered pedal. It doesn’t take much. It’s fun to watch the centered power display setting move between eco and power modes. If stomped on, the engine responds very quickly. Surprisingly, stomping on it produces a more notable than expected engine hum. The cabin remains mostly quiet and handling is predictable, neither firm nor vague, with some rougher pavement making it less quiet. The transmission feels very much like a CVT, but a well behaved one. Still, drivers with old school tastes can lament the absence of the very last slick shifting 8-speed automatic that came standard in the Camry. I know I do. However, the current CVT behaves well because it doesn’t have that “stuck” feeling when pushed, but the spool is more of an exhaust node than the winding out and high rpm droning caused by the variable gearing. The Camry’s exterior was freshened up and they worked off the last model. It’s a compendium of small changes that, together, amount to a lot. The front lights are narrower and cleaner. The “appliance” grille is more understated than it once was. (Sadly, it’s the more expensive versions where the grille is more flared, and even overworked.) The rear lights are thinned out, complete with a boomerang effect, as they wrap around the rear fender edge and add to the horizontal look of the rear lip and the monolithic bumper panel. Also, the almost retro, and not too effective, sweep of the rear pillar (think ‘72 Caprice coupe) is gone and the side profile of the windows is cleaner, perhaps a larger rendition of what was done with the Corolla. Most of the vantage points look better than those of the previous Camry. Inside, the Camry is also much improved. The dashboard is organized in cleaner volumes. The dash has a simple main instrument pod. In its center is a round dial, whereby the upper part displays the speed and eco/power, and the lower part, through toggling, provides other information – direction, tire pressure, trip information and mileage, or even graphics of the flow of energy involving the engine and the battery. There is no dedicated tachometer; however, the temperature and fuel gauges remain. Around the main circle are small digital readouts for the exterior temperature, the time, the odometer, and the remaining range. Filling up this hybrid showed close to 500 miles of range. Not only that, the fuel cap is on the driver’s side and, like the trunk, they can be remotely opened by buttons in the interior. That said, there is none of that capless fuel filler stuff! Being a Camry LE meant the lower grade fixtures inside. Sadly, this meant a urethane steering wheel. Sometimes, a mere leather steering wheel imparts the feeling of better handling and a smoother ride. It’s that equipment choices and groupings seem to work together to give a vehicle its feel. The LE seats are nicely upholstered in a tougher, durable fabric with slightly contrasting parts. The front headrests can scoot all the way down and they actually point forward so the driver and passenger can use them without having to lean their heads all the way back. Headrests for rear seat passengers are integrated into the seating and do not have features to adjust them. The infotainment system is on its screen which is engaged to the dash, but moved slightly forward, and creates a cleaner look because it does not go up over the top of the cowl. Fortunately, it remains a touch screen. The functions are easy to work with, but I had a little bit of finicky interactions with Bluetooth and Android Auto. Climate control has toggles instead of dials and they are easy to work with. I will only say that the center vents of the climate control system do not work that quickly and powerfully. Beneath this small panel are the cubby, a charging pod for a phone, and the flat console surface for the shift lever. I found the console a little high for my taste. Possibly to accommodate the new mechanical set-up, there is no storage cubby underneath the console as one sees on larger GM products, for example – both SUVs and even the last-gen Buick LaCrosse. However, the console box is amply sized. In addition to being able to look over the hood, visibility is commendable all the way around. Except for being a little shoehorned into the Camry’s cockpit, the front of the cabin feels spacious and the legroom is also good. (I had to push the lever to get the seats to move upward, which provided a view over the top of the hood, as evidenced by seeing the paint color, and which I prefer.) They have retained good cabin space in the rear of the cabin. Also, the trunk has a decent amount of usable capacity for this genre and for having kept this sweeping roofline. I again want to state how pleasing it was to control the trunk, in addition to the fuel door, from a bar of buttons on a panel at the lower left part of the dashboard rather than on the floor near the door. There are 5 functions and they were thoughtful about putting the (auto) lights control onto this bar, and all the way to the left, such that it can easily be noticed from behind the steering wheel. The new Camry shows a lot of thought as to how the driver connects to the car through its controls and functions, and this is one of the areas where this Camry shines. While I didn’t calculate fuel mileage, I know that I added only 3.5 gallons of regular unleaded fuel to cover one jaunt of about 160 miles of mixed driving. This seems close to the EPA estimate. The little green EV icon shone quite a bit. I imagine that this is a very easy car to live with over the long haul. For Camry, this powertrain is obviously a new combination, but it’s technology that Toyota and other Asian marques have worked with for quite a while. I mostly took note that, apart from the major powertrain change, there is the evident synergy of the many small changes that make this a more nicely packaged vehicle than the last Camry. - - - - - MORE PHOTOS FORTHCOMING -
From the album: 2026 Toyota RAV-4
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From the album: 2026 Toyota RAV-4
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From the album: 2026 Toyota RAV-4
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From the album: 2026 Toyota RAV-4
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From the album: 2026 Toyota RAV-4
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From the album: 2026 Toyota RAV-4
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From the album: 2026 Toyota RAV-4
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From the album: 2026 Toyota RAV-4
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From the album: 2026 Toyota RAV-4
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From the album: 2026 Toyota RAV-4
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From the album: 2026 Toyota RAV-4
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From the album: 2026 Toyota RAV-4
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From the album: 2026 Toyota RAV-4
