BMW created a version of the M3 CS that shouldn't exist on paper - manual gearbox, rear-wheel drive only, no AWD option. Power is down 70 hp from the standard CS to make the combination work. 26 kg lighter than a standard manual M3, full CSL suspension, deliveries autumn 2026. Price: $107,100.
The seventh special edition in Jeep's Twelve 4 Twelve anniversary programme marks three milestones simultaneously - 85 years of Jeep, 85 years of Captain America, and 250 years of the United States. Built on the Willys base, with Marvel-licensed graphics, a shield-printed spare cover, and engine choices up to the 470 hp 6.4L V8. Sales begin summer 2026.
The 2026 Niro refresh cuts the lineup to a single HEV variant. Kia is clearing the segment for next-generation electric models. European sales later in 2026, no pricing yet.
Nissan has updated the Versa for 2026 with new exterior styling. The powertrain is unchanged — 1.6-litre naturally aspirated, 120 hp — but the equipment list gains a 12.3-inch screen, Bose audio, and a Safety Shield 360 package.
Stellantis and Dongfeng signed a memorandum to create a 51/49 European joint venture. Voyah vehicles will be assembled at the Citroën plant in Rennes, currently running below 25% capacity.
Europe's first commercial robotaxi service is launching in Zagreb, using Pony.ai's autonomous stack on the ArcFox Alpha T5 platform.
SAIC-Volkswagen's second ID.Era model is a large PHEV sedan for China - 4,836 mm long, 1.5L petrol + 177 hp electric motor, 160 km CLTC EV range. Design matches the ID.Era 9X crossover but with semi-hidden door handles instead of retractable ones, and no LiDAR. Launch planned before end 2026. Pricing not announced.
The mid-cycle update keeps the exterior almost unchanged but rewrites the interior around a curved dual-screen unit. Highlights include the 45 e-tron Sportback's 592 km WLTP range, 185 kW DC charging, and a new V2L/V2H function that turns the car into a mobile power source.
Škoda's smallest electric model slots into the same MEB+ platform as the VW ID. Polo and Cupra Raval, with three powertrain options and LFP batteries on the two entry variants.
Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa announced the E-Car programme - a family of electric vehicles under 4.2 metres, priced from €15,000, built to the EU's proposed M1E simplified safety standard. Three brands (Fiat, Citroën, Opel), one plant (Pomigliano d'Arco, Italy), production from 2028. The Dacia Hipster concept is the design reference for what M1E vehicles could look like.
To mark its debut Formula 1 season, Cadillac built 26 examples of the most powerful Blackwing ever made. A new GM Motorsports supercharger raises output to 685 hp. Six-speed manual only. The Precision Package (normally $18,000) is standard. No pricing announced; expected to exceed $150,000.
China's state broadcaster CCTV aired an investigation into "battery lockdown" - OTA updates that covertly reduce battery capacity and charging speed to avoid warranty claims. 12,000+ complaints in March 2026 alone (+273% year-on-year). Eight automakers summoned; three under formal investigation; two have already recalled affected updates. New rules ban hidden OTA battery changes from 2026.
Audi updated the Q4 E-Tron for MY2027. Three variants, two body styles. New: V2L charging (first for an Audi EV), 185 kW DC on 82 kWh variants, merged instrument/multimedia display. Physical climate controls removed. Orders open in Europe from June 2026, from €47,500.
Cadillac announced the Escalade IQL, the long-wheelbase version of the electric IQ. GM Ultium platform, 205 kWh, 800V, 750 hp, ~740 km range (Cadillac estimate). Seven seats, 55" curved display, Super Cruise. From $132,695.
Chevrolet launches the Sonic crossover in Brazil. GM GEM platform, 1.0T 115 hp, 6-speed automatic, FWD. 392-litre boot. Two trims: Premier from R$129,990 (~$25,000), RS from R$135,990.
Hyundai Motor Group unveiled Pleos Connect, a new infotainment platform for Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis. Wide horizontal display, physical controls retained, Gleo AI assistant, Android Automotive OS. Debuts on the Grandeur in Korea in May, then on the European Ioniq 3.
Lexus revealed the TZ, its first three-row electric SUV. Modified TNGA-K platform, AWD, 408 hp, 95.8 kWh, 530 km WLTP. Six seats. US and Japan late 2026, Europe 2027. Pricing not announced.
The third model from the HIMA Alliance (Chery and Huawei's joint brand) is a seven-seat MPV with a 53.4 kWh battery, 800V architecture, and screens totalling 80 inches of display area. RWD at 309 hp / 305 km CLTC; AWD at 520 hp / 285 km. Second-row seats rotate. Sales open now in China.
NIO's ONVO brand opens orders for the L80, a five-seat electric SUV on the NT 3.0 platform. 85 kWh, 900V, up to 615 km CLTC. RWD 462 hp or AWD 598 hp. Retail from ¥245,800 (~$33,900).
Pre-orders are open for the Renault 4 Plein Sud, a canvas-roof variant of the R4 E-Tech Electric. Electric roof actuator, 92×80 cm opening, same 52 kWh / 409 km WLTP powertrain, 420-litre boot unchanged. From €37,290.