Some automakers were ready to throw the sedan into the history books years ago, but Kia clearly didn’t get the memo, and it’s paying off. Recent sales data shows that if a brand can build a sharp-looking, well-priced sedan, buyers are still eager to show up. Through the first four months of 2025, sales of the Kia K5 have surged, while the newer and smaller K4 is also showing strong momentum After a successful 2024, from January through April this year, Kia sold 21,994 units of the K5 a staggering 210% increase over the 7,086 sold during the same period last year April alone accounted for 6,248 of those sales Read: 2025 Kia K5 Flaunts Fresh Looks, Trades Base Turbo For Naturally Aspirated Four The K5 received a mid-cycle update in the second quarter of 2024 gaining updated styling and a slightly higher price market where midsize sedans are increasingly rare but still in demand when done right Looking at Kia’s overall performance the automaker sold 273,649 vehicles through April up 12% from 245,375 during the same period last year April marked Kia’s best April on record Among Kia’s SUV offerings, the Sportage led the way last month with 16,178 units sold a solid 18% increase from 13,739 a year ago and a 60% increase year-to-date (20,977 vs Kia’s electric vehicles are facing steeper challenges Sales of the EV9 collapsed by 85% in April down to just 232 units from 1,572 the previous year The EV6 saw a 68% drop in April sales (656 vs 2,051) and a 28% year-to-date decline (4,389 vs Several gas-powered models also saw declines 5,672) and 25% for the year so far (15,423 vs A few months back, I was dazzled by its SUV cousin, the Genesis GV80 which also manages to dial up the opulence This one is called the Genesis G80 AWD 3.5T Sport Prestige which is good because it’s fairly sporty and very prestigious It’s meant to go up against the likes of the BMW 5-series and the Mercedes-Benz E-class the interior features blingy carbon fiber and an incredibly wide LED display stretching from the front of the driver to the middle of the car this particular sedan features what borders on a neon red leather interior to go with microfiber suede accents elsewhere Front seats are heated and ventilated and rear seats are heated too even the front center armrest is also heated Like the SUV and other premium Hyundai products this one verbally warns you about upcoming traffic cameras a camera helpfully shows video of your blind spot on the dash display This one comes in at $78,280 after shipping — a roughly $10,000 discount versus the SUV I drove Get breaking news and daily headlines delivered to your email inbox by signing up here This website is not intended for users located within the European Economic Area John Aaron is a news anchor and reporter for WTOP After starting his professional broadcast career as an anchor and reporter for WGET and WGTY in Gettysburg he went on to spend several years in the world of sports media 3 Series Home » BMW M350 And i3 Sedans Spotted At The Nürburgring: Video Whether you’re on team gasoline or electric The next 3 Series will offer something for everyone including customers interested in plug-in hybrids and even diesels Two distinct flavors of the luxury sedan have been caught going all out at the Nürburgring The fabled German track is where the new models codenamed “G50” and “NA0,” undergo intense testing You can tell how strikingly similar the prototypes look. Obviously, the camouflaged sedan with quad pipes is the gas model. No, it’s not an M3 but the M Performance version. We’ve heard BMW is changing the car’s name from M340i to M350 to reflect a power bump to an unconfirmed 417 hp That would represent a 31-hp increase over the current U.S model and a 17-hp bump compared to the European version The purely electric i3 has a shorter front section though that’s harder to see in this dynamic footage The easiest way to spot the zero-emission model is by its license plate ending in “E” and the yellow high-voltage sticker on the top-left corner of the rear glass There’s no beating around the bush – the car seems heavy it’s best not to judge a car this early in its testing phase The 3 and i3 will also share “digital features,” with the new iDrive system as the centerpiece. Expect a 17.9-inch central touchscreen and minimal physical switchgear A dashboard-wide projection (Panoramic Vision) at the base of the windshield will be standard across the lineup An optional 3D head-up display is also planned partly to make up for the removal of the traditional instrument cluster BMW will build the i3 in Munich, where it has been producing the 3 Series since the E21 launched half a century ago. However, the new 3er will likely be manufactured in Dingolfing, as the historic Munich plant will switch entirely to EV production starting in 2027. Video: Carspotter Jeroen / YouTube More from 3 Series 2025 BMWBLOG | Change consent A man in his 30s was shot multiple times in a parking lot near Casey Moore's Oyster House in Tempe just before 3 p.m He was in critical but stable condition and was taken to a hospital A call about the shooting came in to police at 2:52 p.m The shooting was part of an altercation between two men and one woman The shooter left the scene in a white sedan Police said they knew who was involved in the incident and were searching for them There was "no immediate threat to the public," police said Tempe police asked anyone who witnessed or had information about the shooting to call (480) 350-8311 Casey Moore's is two blocks west of Mill Avenue and one block south of University Drive at the intersection of Ash Avenue and Ninth Street At about 5 p.m., the restaurant posted on Facebook that it would be closed for the night and reopen at 11 a.m the area was mostly empty except for a few police vehicles Much of Ninth Street near the bar remained closed with misters still running and a “temporarily closed” sign posted on the gate Police at the scene had no further updates Customers approached the gates at the restaurant before turning away to find a new place to spend their Saturday evening A bartender at the establishment declined to comment on the shooting around 11 a.m on May 4 and directed any additional inquiries to law enforcement (This story was updated to add new information What we know: Tempe Tavern apologizes for 9/11 T-shirt joke making light of underage drinking bust Intro rate $1.99This rate will renew automatically at $9.99 after 30 days First time here? Click to create a yakimaherald.com user account One 20-year-old male died and three were injured after the sedan they were driving failed to negotiate a turn on River Road near Fruitvale Boulevard One 20-year-old died and three were injured after the sedan they were driving failed to negotiate a turn on River Road near Fruitvale Boulevard Police and fire personnel responded to the scene when the vehicle crashed around 3 a.m according to a Yakima Police Department news release and three were taken to MultiCare Yakima Memorial Hospital The driver was transferred to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle with critical burns and one of the passengers also was taken to Harborview with serious back injuries The sedan was coming west on River Road toward Fruitvale Boulevard when it failed to make a sharp turn get onto Fruitvale Boulevard "The vehicle failed to negotiate a curve at the 3300 block of River Road and left the roadway crashing through the construction zone at 34th Avenue and River Road," the press release stated "The vehicle rolled multiple times before coming to rest on its roof in a parking lot at 3400 River Road where the vehicle immediately caught fire." Investigators said high speed could be a factor in the collision and said criminal charges are pending completion of the investigation. In its news release, YPD said anyone with additional information can contact officer Darius Williams at 509-306-3814 or darius.williams@yakimawa.gov The city is building a roundabout at the intersection of Fruitvale Boulevard and River Road to address intersection safety concerns Jasper Kenzo Sundeen can be reached at jsundeen@yakimaherald.com Please select all the ways you would like to hear from us: You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the link in the footer of our emails For information about our privacy practices We use Mailchimp as our marketing platform. By clicking below to subscribe, you acknowledge that your information will be transferred to Mailchimp for processing. Learn more about Mailchimp's privacy practices here. Your browser is out of date and potentially vulnerable to security risks.We recommend switching to one of the following browsers: Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device Please enable JS and disable any ad blocker Home > Product 2025) — The all-new 2026 Lexus ES was unveiled at the Shanghai International Automobile Industry Exhibition today introducing an eighth generation of the global luxury sedan Both the hybrid and the first ES battery electric vehicle (BEVs) models will be offered in a line-up that will also include front- and all-wheel drive options The ES has been a fixture in the Lexus lineup since being launched alongside the flagship LS in 1989 The ES has been fully redesigned and developed under the concept of “Experience Elegance and Electrified Sedan” It aspires to deliver a refined driving experience across every scene—further enhancing quietness and ride comfort while staying in tune with customer needs The design draws inspiration from the next-generation BEV concept marking a bold evolution in Lexus design language that begins with the new ES The exterior strikes a delicate balance between intelligent packaging and proportions that highlight the sedan’s inherent beauty—realizing a sleek flowing silhouette that hints at the emotional driving experience to come Lexus has been a leader in electrification in the luxury market Lexus is expanding the adoption of electric vehicles plug-in hybrids and battery electric vehicles The all-new ES is the second of three new Lexus BEV models scheduled to debut by March 2026 It catalyzes a product momentum that coincides with a comprehensive reimagining of the Lexus brand set to be revealed at the Japan Mobility Show in October 2025 The exterior design takes its cue from the next-generation BEV concept LF-ZC which blends a bold presence with refined minimalism The vehicle height was carefully determined to accommodate underfloor battery placement while preserving interior comfort providing the foundation for proportions that capture the sedan’s most beautiful and expressive form This led to the realization of a new-generation spindle body crafted to embody the ideals of electrification Using the overall height of the new ES as a foundation the design focuses on achieving the most elegant and visually striking proportions for a sedan and a lower body shaped around the theme of bold planar and sculptural integration precise millimeter-level adjustments to the tire positioning help achieve a wide and low stance the front of the all-new ES integrates a sharply defined spindle shape that extends from the hood to the bumper corners The front face is defined by the contrast in height between the low nose of the spindle body and the horizontally oriented fenders characteristic of a sedan—creating a bold a slim upper grill is added to ensure cooling performance Enhanced shoulder contours improve aerodynamics while a trunkless impression emphasizes a striking and powerful presence The rear embodies the ES’ signature elegance with a sculpted flow from the rear tires to the trunk creating a low center-of-gravity stance that evokes dynamic performance The ES features a new design icon for the next generation The inward-facing daytime running lights and outward-facing turn signals form a double signature that enhances Lexus’ unique identity while also improving the visual clarity and functionality of the turn indicators The rear features a new Rear L-Signature Lamp making it instantly recognizable as a Lexus Seamlessly integrated with the illuminated Lexus logo the single light bar consolidates taillight and stoplight functions while repositioning other lighting elements to the outer edges By placing these elements lower and farther outward the design emphasizes the vehicle’s wide stance and enhances the sculpted rear profile seats and trim elements have been made as slim as possible and the lower edges of the front and side window frames have been lowered to increase the glass surface area Lexus has created a simple and clean interior space based on the design concept of Clean Tech x Elegance—featuring an open airy upper section with superior visibility contrasted by a lower section that gently envelops the occupants an Executive Package is available on the ES offering a more spacious and relaxing rear cabin environment The package is available on the ES 350e FWD Luxury model and includes reclining rear seats with a passenger side ottoman rear outboard massaging seats and rear seat heating and ventilation The door trim introduces two Lexus-first design elements that elevate the sensory experience Bamboo Layering recreates the depth and flow of natural bamboo using 3D printing paired with Thematic Ambient Illumination and new dynamic themes Synthetic Leather Embossing pairs sharp embossing with Thematic Ambient Illumination to enhance the cabin’s clean the Mark Levinson® Surround Sound System optimizes speaker placement to create an immersive The new ES cockpit has been designed based on Lexus’ tazuna concept featuring a driver-focused interior layout Tazuna elements include a low-profile meter hood housing a uniquely shaped 12.3-inch multi-information display enabling smooth eye movement and creating an open A special coating enhances surface quality while the combination of suede materials and ambient lighting deepens the expression of the tazuna concept The ES also launches the newest version of the Lexus Interface multimedia system The system enhances the user experience with a new onscreen home button and split screen capability the native Voice Assistant has been improved with quicker response times Native navigation and map functionality are now integrated into the digital gauge cluster the system includes standard wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility and simultaneous dual Bluetooth® phone connectivity The ES is built on a redesigned TNGA GA-K platform developed specifically to accommodate both HEV and BEV powertrains Rigidity has been significantly increased at the front resulting in a thoroughly reinforced structure This enhancement reduces body vibrations and enables sharp along with smooth acceleration and deceleration The result is an agile and responsive driving feel that defies the vehicle’s size a multi-link rear suspension has been adopted enhancing both power delivery to the ground and vehicle posture control The ES is equipped with a MacPherson strut front suspension the reinforced rigidity of the power unit helps suppress vibrations A large-capacity battery is positioned beneath the floor to lower the center of gravity and enhance driving stability an intelligent all-wheel drive system that continuously adjusts torque distribution to all four wheels based on road conditions and driving inputs The system uses a drive force ratio between the front and rear wheels This enhances acceleration from a standstill provides greater handling stability and contributes to great energy efficiency The ES 350e has a manufacturer-estimated range rating of 300 miles when equipped with 19” wheels as well as full vehicle specs and pricing will be available closer to launch Enter your email address below to sign up for email alerts Please check your email to validate your sign up All materials on this site are for editorial use only The use of these materials for advertising marketing or any other commercial purpose is prohibited They may be cropped but not otherwise modified Nissan has announced that prices in China for the N7 will start at 199,900 yuan or the equivalent of around $16,400 at current exchange rates shoppers can get behind the wheel of the entry-level N7 510 Air Read: New Nissan N7 Is One Slippery Electric Sedan That Makes The EQS Look Exciting Sitting above the Air in the lineup is the N7 510 Pro all three models feature a claimed 510 km (317 miles) of range on the CLTC cycle They’re powered by a 58 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery Buyers who need more range can opt for the 73 kWh LFP battery available in the N7 620 Pro and N7 625 Max These are priced at 139,900 yuan ($19,200) and 149,900 yuan ($20,500) Nissan claims these versions will travel 625 km (388 miles) on a charge though that’s based on the CLTC standard The N7 is offered with either 215 horsepower or 268 horsepower which helps keep costs down but also limits fast-charging speeds There’s also a notable absence of physical buttons apart from the handful of switches on the steering wheel which quietly exited stage about two years ago and rides on a significantly longer wheelbase which should translate to more cabin space a new rumor suggests this new one will be a four-door sedan and Gran Coupe—so pruning the variants to just one body style would be a big change.   This isn’t the first time we have heard about the i2. A report from September 2022 alleged that BMW was preparing to begin i2 production in July 2028 BMWBlog’s report says the electric i2 won’t go on sale until 2030 And timelines are always changing behind the scenes According to the report, the new i2 is not expected to replace the gas-powered 2 Series coupes. However, the company also supposedly has no plans to launch a successor with an internal combustion engine. That could spell the end of the much loved M2 with its small size and available manual transmission When the i2 does go on sale, it’ll utilize BMW’s sixth-generation battery technology. The new packs utilize cylindrical-shaped cells which the automaker claims can increase range and charging speed by 30 percent while generating fewer emissions during manufacturing BMW Increase Prices for the 2 Series and M2 2026 Jeep Compass Unveiled: Hybrid or EV With Up to 375 HP Lotus Emira With Yellow Exhaust Tips Pays Tribute to an F1 GOAT The Cadillac Celestiq Will Be as Rare as a Bugatti Manhart MH2 450: 'Only' 440 PS for the boosted M240i new cars are added to manufacturers' lineups and others are discontinued Some discontinued cars can be popular models Let's take a look at popular car models being discontinued in 2025 which means that 2025 will be their final model year There's only one SUV that will fade away in 2025, the subcompact Cadillac XT4 One reason it's ending is that its only assembly plant Kansas — the same General Motors plant that had built the Chevrolet Malibu — is planned to be converted to electric vehicle production for the second-generation version of the Chevrolet Bolt EV One last car model being dropped after the 2025 model year isn't popular now, but it was much more so when it was introduced. That's the Lexus RC Coupe (and here's what RC stands for on Lexus models) Lexus sold a total of 56,232 of RCs from 2014 through 2024 but their sales peaked during their second year on the U.S Sales have steadily trailed off since then with only 1,854 sold in 2024 and 452 RCs sold during the first three months of 2025 An all-new Lexus ES makes its world first appearance today signalling the introduction later this year of an eighth generation of the global luxury sedan Its development has focused on the concept Experience Elegant & Electrified Sedan introducing new technologies and advanced comfort connectivity and safety to sustain the build the model’s global reputation The aim has been to ensure the ES can be enjoyed by all occupants: a connected rewarding experience and sense of always being in control for the driver and first class comfort for everyone on board The advantages the ES has always enjoyed in ride quality comfort and quietness have been taken to a higher level The information provided here relates specifically to the ES range that will be available to European customers provisional outline performance data and principal equipment features The all-new ES has been conceived as a model that addresses the priorities and concerns of today’s customers The Lexus approach of “making luxury personal” is central to its strategy for keeping pace with people’s changing values and fulfilling their search for meaningful experiences This includes producing multiple solutions towards achieving carbon neutrality giving people different technology solutions to reduce their carbon footprint this is demonstrated in an extended model range that includes both full hybrid and battery electric powertrains with different power options and the choice of both front and all-wheel drive To deliver on its “making luxury personal” promise Lexus’ new car programme focuses on Electrification qualities that are central to the all-new ES The Electrification programme brings battery electric technology to Lexus’ premium sedan for the first time the model benefits from technology innovations such as the Lexus-first “Hidden Tech” switches – made possible by Lexus’ Arene software platform – and the latest sophisticated multimedia and safety systems With the Diversification of its model range Lexus is designing products that can fulfil multiple roles; the ES may be a sedan in the classic style style and performance to appeal to customers across both the private and business sectors The ES is an “original Lexus,” having been a fixture in the model range since the brand’s launch in 1989 it builds on its long-established reputation for luxury and refinement while increasing customer choice in electrified powertrains in line with the Lexus Electrified vision and multi-pathway strategy towards carbon neutrality Both self-charging hybrids and the first ES battery electric models will be offered in a line-up that will also include front and all-wheel drive options While the ES has been a key model for Lexus in North America and Asia for more than three decades It was launched in Eastern European markets with the sixth generation model in 2010 and in Western Europe with the current model in 2018 Although the all-new ES is a larger car in every dimension than its predecessor its Clean x Tech design delivers a sleek and elegant look refinement and luxury moves it closer to the quality spaciousness and specifications associated with larger F-segment models both in hybrid and battery electric versions confidence and control that define the Lexus Driving Signature The development programme was based at Lexus’ Shimoyama technical centre in Japan engineering and evaluation teams were able to collaborate under one roof to systematically test and refine the car Following its world premiere at Auto Shanghai in China today the all-new ES will be launched in Europe with the start of sales from spring 2026.  Details of local specifications will be announced in due course Exterior: elegance with a simple and clean design aesthetic The ES has been developed with a new Lexus design concept – Clean Tech x Elegance Elegance has been a defining characteristic of successive ES generations and in this all-new model it has been further refined to blend functional elements with a greater emotional quality to produce a simple and clean design aesthetic The exterior styling combines a bold presence with a minimalist approach advancing Lexus’ vision for next generation battery electric vehicle design In a further evolution of Lexus’ spindle-shape design hallmark the car has a new spindle body that evokes electrified power width and length were calculated to produce elegant and striking proportions while ensuring the car is comfortable to enter and exit The positioning of the tyres underwent millimetre-level adjustment to obtain an ideal wide and low stance The frontal of the car presents a sharply defined spindle shape that extends across the bonnet to the bumper edges The spindle body rises from the low-set nose and takes in the horizontally aligned front wings to give the ES a strong and distinctive appearance The hybrid models additionally feature a grille with upper apertures to secure optimal cooling performance The front lights create a twin L-signature that will become a new Lexus icon detail for the electrification era This pairs inward-facing L-shaped daytime running lights with outward-facing L-shaped turn indicators creating a distinctive Lexus identity while also improving visibility and functionality The car’s side view is sleek and streamlined projecting sense of stability and a low centre of gravity The flowing silhouette has a “trunkless” look with the cabin tapering sharply to the rear which is defined by contrasting planar and sculpted surfaces and powerfully contoured and aerodynamically efficient shoulders The rear embodies the ES’s signature elegance with a sculpted flow from the rear tyres to the boot The tapering cabin accentuates the low centre of gravity L-signature rear lights have been introduced making the car instantly recognisable as a Lexus The single light bar is seamlessly integrated with the illuminated LEXUS logo and incorporates the tail and stop lights This emphasises the car’s wide stance and enhances the sculpted rear profile while also contributing to aerodynamic performance Further applying the Clean Tech x Elegance design concept The upper cabin section is open and spacious to enhance visibility while the lower area wraps around the occupants Luxurious comfort is assured with the availability of a package of features to enhance the passenger experience The rear cabin can be fitted with reclining seats and an ottoman leg support for an exclusive chauffeur-driven style experience The front passenger seat has a forward-folding function to maximise rear leg room and improve the view Two new Lexus-first design elements make their debut in the new ES Bamboo Layering uses advanced printing techniques and light transmission technology to create a surface illumination effect that synchronises with the cabin’s ambient illumination Synthetic Leather Embossing produces a precise embossed pattern which combines with ambient lighting to produce a clean and modern aesthetic The level of sensory quality is further raised by the optimal placement of the Mark Levinson Surround Sound System’s speakers to create a three-dimensional sound stage and a harmonious blend of sound and lighting in the cabin  The cockpit is based on Lexus’ Tazuna principle focusing the driver’s attention on the road ahead by arranging controls and information sources so they can be operated and recognised with just the slightest movement of hand and eye The upper section is wide open to prioritise the driver’s view while the instrument combimeter is presented in an asymmetrical 12.3-inch digital array allowing for a lower meter hood to be used Material quality is raised with soft leather-like accents and dynamic lighting effects Lexus’ goal was to design a cabin that exceptionally comfortable and relaxing further refining the ES’s already high levels of quietness and ride quality helping the driver maintain a comfortable posture so they can respond intuitively to the car’s behaviour and feel more involved in the experience of driving Support for the shoulder blades reduces muscle strain when steering while the seatback gentle cradles the body Noise reduction was prioritised with improved door sealing and the use of glass with high sound insulation quality in the front doors The way sound is distributed within the cabin has been carefully managed to deliver and more natural and harmoniously balanced acoustic experience The high quality of the ES’s interior is supported by a new Lexus technology This new design reflects the Lexus hospitality principle of Omotenashi unobtrusive design that blends seamlessly with the interior the switches are not visible beneath the dashboard upholstery; when the driver switches the car on they light up and are revealed.  While having the sleek look of a touch-panel the switches give satisfying tactile feedback when used.  POWERTRAINS: THE LEXUS MULTI-PATHWAY STRATEGY The ES 300h features a redesigned self-charging hybrid system with a 2.5-litre in-line four-cylinder engine producing maximum power of 201 DIN hp/148 kW * Both front and all-wheel drive versions will be available This powertrain will be available in western European markets while in the east ** the hybrid offer will be the ES 350h This also uses a 2.5-litre gasoline engine but with maximum output of 247 DIN hp/ 182 kW * both front and all-wheel drive models will be introduced The hybrid battery has also been upgraded for higher output The system uses a bespoke control logic to deliver a combination of strong acceleration and fuel efficiency the power unit’s increased rigidity helps suppress vibrations contributing to a quieter and more refined cabin atmosphere Two battery electric ES versions will be available: the ES 350e front-wheel drive model delivering an output of 224 DIN hp / 165 kW * Both benefit from Lexus’ expertise in advanced electrification to unlock the full potential of the new Lexus global architecture-K platform including new eAxles which integrate both the power control unit and transaxle Their new design is lightweight with compact packaging that helps optimise cabin and load space The high-capacity battery is located beneath the floor The ES 500e is equipped with Lexus’ DIRECT4 intelligent electric all-wheel drive system This provides continuous adjustment of drive torque distribution to all four wheels according to driver inputs and the road conditions based on data from sensors monitoring acceleration This delivers both handling stability and an engaging driving experience All data relate to the ES prototype model and remain provisional prior to homologation Lexus seeks to deliver the Lexus Driving Signature – comfort confidence and control for the driver at all times – consistently it applied insights from its driving refinement programme including increasing the rigidity of the car’s front end These extensive reinforcements minimise vibration and contribute to sharp The new ES is constructed on a redesigned Lexus global architecture-K platform to accommodate both self-charging hybrid and battery electric powertrains the vehicle’s structure was thoroughly re-examined resulting in a 165 mm increase in overall length and an 80 mm longer wheelbase than the previous model The front and rear tracks were increased by 64 mm and 82 mm respectively the front to rear seat couple distance has been extended by 77 mm to 1,102 mm Higher seating positions make for easier vehicle entry and exit The front suspension is a MacPherson strut arrangement while at the rear a multi-link system is used for the first time in an ES with the aim of enhancing the transmission of power to the road and smooth vehicle posture control Detailed measures were applied to refine ride quality including optimised bushing of the suspension arms to achieve a smooth stroke and more composed drive The steering system uses a variable-gear rack which supports stability at high speed quick response when cornering and easier low-speed manoeuvrability The ES features a brand-new digital cockpit experience which seamlessly integrates the 12.3-inch combimeter the new 14-inch LexusConnect multimedia (making its market debut) and the LexusLink + app Thanks to the integration of the navigation map and Advanced Safety Features in the combimeter the driver can follow directions while keeping their focus on the road the LexusConnect navigation system in the electric ES models will add charging stations to the route The system will also monitor your live state of charge and automatically update your charging stations removing any range anxiety LexusConnect Multimedia will benefit from regular Over-The-Air wireless software updates to ensure constant features improvement The user-centric approach of LexusConnect goes beyond the in-car experience the customer can customise their digital experience by subscribing to connected services Details of local specifications will be announced in due course The new ES benefits from further enhancement of the Lexus Safety System + technologies and features marking further advances towards Lexus’ goal of zero traffic accidents The ACC now integrates map data to support deceleration when approaching stop signs Map data also helps optimise deceleration into bends helping adjust speed in line with the road conditions The PCS automatic braking function has been expanded to detect and respond to a wider range of driving scenarios This is the first ES to be equipped with a Driver Monitor A camera mounted above the steering wheel keeps a constant check on the driver’s condition If it detects that they have lost concentration through being tired or unwell The latest revisions to the technology mean that it can now also recognise phone use and yawning.  The system is linked to the car’s active safety systems the car can be brought smoothly to a controlled halt with the hazard lights activated The Driver Emergency Response System has been enhanced so that it can operate on general roads as well as highways If the system detects significant change in the driver’s posture indicating difficulty in continuing to operate the vehicle it will activate the hazard lights and gradually bring the car to a stop in its traffic lane It will then automatically unlock the doors and send an alert to the emergency services via eCall The scope of the BSM now includes detection of bicycles and motorcycles moving alongside the vehicle helping prevent accidents when making left and right turns The LDA is now able to detect roadside structures such as utility poles and median barriers further helping prevent unintended lane departures Lane Change Assist and Front Cross Traffic Alert are also introduced into the Lexus Safety System + package for the new ES The new generation model is also the first ES include Lane Change Assist and Front Cross Traffic Alert functions within its Lexus Safety System + package The new High-definition Adaptive High-beam System provides enhanced light control that can now be adjusted both horizontally and vertically The gives more precise shading than the conventional AHS giving clearer illumination of objects such as road signs Final specifications of the model range in Europe may differ from the photos Mercedes’ design department has been in a funk as for every hit, there’s multiple misses including the CLA, EQE, and EQS another home run is on the horizon as the company appears to be teasing a sleek new sedan Mercedes-AMG isn’t saying much at this point but they revealed “something big is coming” in June The message was accompanied by a dark teaser image that shows a stylish sports car with a protruding nose and prominent headlights More: 2026 Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door EV Is The Cure For Boring Jelly Beans They’re joined by a rakish windscreen that flows into a dynamic roofline that continues almost all the way to the end of the car We can also see muscular rear haunches and an expansive greenhouse While the company is playing coy, the performance brand appears to be teasing the redesigned GT 4-Door Spy photographers have caught the model on numerous occasions but it’s been heavily disguised so we weren’t expecting something quite so stunning The car is slated to go into production later this year and the company has previously confirmed it will ride on the “first dedicated electric vehicle architecture developed by Mercedes‑AMG.” It’s known as the AMG Electric Architecture (AMG.EA) and the model promises to be a “technological trailblazer which will pioneer a number of new innovations.” Details are few and far between, but the Porsche Taycan competitor is slated to have a high-performance battery as well as axial-flux motors. The model was previewed by the Vision AMG concept and rumors have suggested the range-topping variant could have around 1,000 hp (746 kW / 1,014 PS) Toyota has just unveiled its latest flagship electric vehicle, the bZ7, at the Shanghai Auto Show this model aims to take on the large electric sedan market Developed in partnership with local partner GAC the bZ7 is being pitched as a fusion of “Toyota’s safe and high-quality manufacturing” and “China’s advanced technology” More: New Lexus ES Drops The Grille And Embraces Electrification This “fusion” of East meets West is becoming a bit of a trend lately, as we saw with Audi’s collaboration with SAIC on their new electric ‘AUDI’ brand Looks like everyone’s jumping on the bandwagon of international partnerships to create the next (…lower cost) big thing in EVs The bZ7 features a sleek, aerodynamic body with a roofline that slopes just enough to be called sporty but not so much that it starts resembling a hatchback. The side profile and greenhouse are very similar to the Toyota Crown Crossover though the bZ7’s design distinguishes itself with sharper LED lighting and a more refined surface finish It’s definitely got the look of a car that wants to be seen With a length of over 5 meters (196.8 inches), the bZ7 is in the same (dimension) league as the Tesla Model S, Mercedes EQE, and BMW i5 so expect it to have a decent presence on the road Toyota is positioning this model as the “flagship” of its electric lineup in China The electric sedan features a massive infotainment screen running on Huawei’s Harmony OS The digital instrument cluster is minimalistic and the wood accents paired with ambient lighting give off a premium vibe without trying too hard The center console offers some old-school tactile buttons and includes wireless charging pads for good measure More: Toyota bZ4X Gets New Batteries, More Power, And Better Range Toyota also promises that the bZ7 will come with “the latest intelligent technology.” That’s a lot of marketing buzzwords to digest but with the launch slated for China in 2026 we’ll see soon enough what that actually means Like many electric models developed specifically for China it’s unlikely we’ll see the bZ7 elsewhere Alongside the bZ7, Toyota also unveiled the bZ5, which is essentially a renamed version of the bZ3C fastback crossover It joins the already existing pre-facelifted bZ4X crossover all of which are part of Toyota’s growing electric vehicle family in China Looks like Toyota is all-in on electrification for the Chinese market but don’t expect to see this lineup on U.S