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BMW M has confirmed its commitment to maintaining high-performance powertrains in the face of the upcoming Euro 7 emissions regulations, which will come into effect with significantly more stringent testing conditions. The new rules, although keeping current emissions limits from the Euro 6e standard, introduce a more rigorous set of testing protocols designed to better replicate real-world driving scenarios.

Under these updated requirements, vehicles must now remain emissions-compliant for a full decade or up to 200,000km, doubling the current durability standard. Furthermore, for the first time, emissions from brake dust and tyre particles will also be subject to regulatory scrutiny, expanding the environmental scope of the legislation beyond just tailpipe pollutants.

According to Autocar, BMW M CEO Frank van Meel acknowledged that meeting Euro 7’s technical demands was not the central issue. The primary challenge, he said, lay in preserving the level of performance expected from the marque’s engines.

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As electric vehicles (EVs) continue to gain traction globally, a growing number of passengers are reporting unexpected discomfort in the form of motion sickness. In 2024, EVs accounted for 22 per cent of all new car sales worldwide, a notable increase from 18 per cent in 2023, yet despite their rapid rise, many users are struggling with the physiological side effects of the EV driving experience.

Across social media platforms and online forums, reports of nausea while riding in electric cars, particularly from passengers in the rear seats, have become increasingly common, according to a report by The Guardian. Researchers are now working to uncover the reasons behind this discomfort, and recent findings suggest there is a scientific basis for the phenomenon.

According to William Emond, a doctoral researcher at the Université de Technologie de Belfort-Montbéliard in France who specialises in vehicle-induced motion sickness, the issue stems from a lack of prior experience with the unique motion characteristics of electric cars. The human brain, he explained, relies heavily on learned signals, such as engine revs or vibration patterns, to anticipate acceleration and deceleration. Since EVs operate far more quietly and smoothly than their combustion-engine counterparts, these familiar cues are missing, leaving the brain struggling to interpret motion accurately.

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Lexus has officially discontinued the LC 500h, the hybrid variant of its flagship grand tourer, marking the end of the model’s run following the 2025 model year. While recent announcements highlighted updates for the 2026 LC 500 coupe and convertible, the petrol-electric LC 500h was conspicuously absent, its quiet departure a reflection of dwindling interest and underwhelming sales.

Industry reports confirm that the LC 500h will not return when the refreshed 2026 LC series reaches showrooms. This decision makes the LC one of only a handful of Lexus models that will not feature an electrified powertrain next year, as the brand continues to expand its hybrid and electric offerings elsewhere in the line-up.

Despite offering clear efficiency advantages, the LC 500h has struggled to find a foothold among buyers. In the first half of 2025, Lexus recorded just seven sales of the hybrid LC, a stark contrast to the 783 units sold of the V8-powered LC 500 coupe and convertible during the same period. Full-year figures from 2024 paint a similarly dismal picture: only 18 LC 500h units were sold compared to 1,446 LC 500s. This weak demand stands out even more considering the broader success of Lexus hybrids across its other model lines.

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Geely Automobile is set to begin presales for the refreshed version of its EX5 electric crossover in China on 24 July 2025. Known domestically as the Geely Galaxy E5, the updated model brings minor design revisions, two new body colours, and a significant battery upgrade that boosts driving range to a claimed 610km on the China Light-Duty Vehicle Test Cycle (CLTC).

The EX5, which debuted in China on 5 July 2024 under the Galaxy E5 nameplate, has rapidly gained traction both domestically and internationally. Within its first year, the model entered over 25 international markets under the Geely EX5 branding. Domestically, the vehicle has accumulated sales of 130,715 units, according to data from China EV DataTracker. On 4 July 2025, Geely International announced that total global sales of the EX5 had reached 150,000 units, highlighting its growing footprint in the electric SUV segment.

For the 2026 model year, Geely has introduced several enhancements to the EX5. While the overall design remains largely unchanged, the latest variant is now offered in two additional exterior colours: Dawn Blue and Evening Forest Green. The model retains its distinctive design cues, including sharp LED headlamps, retractable door handles, and a continuous LED taillight strip. Its dimensions remain at 4,615 mm in length, 1,901 mm in width, and 1,670 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,750 mm.

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Two of China’s prominent electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers, Neta and Zeekr, are facing increasing scrutiny over allegations of artificially inflating their sales figures, a tactic industry insiders claim distorts market data and misleads consumers.

According to a report by Free Malaysia Today (FMT) citing Reuters, internal documents and dealer testimonies revealed that both automakers engaged in premature vehicle registration by insuring cars before they were sold to actual buyers. This allowed the companies to classify these vehicles as sold under Chinese industry standards, even though they had yet to be delivered.

Between January 2023 and March 2024, Neta reportedly booked 64,719 early vehicle sales using this method, representing more than half of the 117,000 units it claimed to have sold during that period. Zeekr, a premium EV brand under Geely, allegedly employed a similar strategy in late 2024, particularly in the city of Xiamen, working with state-owned Xiamen C&D Automobile.

Though not technically illegal, this practice, known as “zero-mileage used car” sales, has sparked outrage. Vehicles are marked as used due to insurance and registration, but have never been driven by real customers. The practice has emerged in the context of a fierce price war and an overcapacity crisis in the Chinese EV market.

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Subaru Corporation has officially introduced the 2026 Subaru Uncharted, its latest addition to the global battery electric vehicle (BEV) lineup. Unveiled in New York City, the Uncharted becomes the third electric model in Subaru’s expanding zero-emissions portfolio, following the Solterra and Trailseeker.

Positioned as a compact crossover, the Uncharted has been engineered to deliver exceptional versatility, seamless driveability, and high-performance attributes distinct to electric vehicles. With this model, Subaru is aiming to cater to a broad spectrum of lifestyles while embracing a forward-looking spirit. The name “Uncharted” underscores the vehicle’s adventurous identity, symbolising its capacity to take drivers and passengers beyond the familiar and into new journeys.

The Uncharted’s exterior design presents a bold, streamlined front fascia, while its compact silhouette is contrasted with rugged and sporty detailing, creating a dynamic and adventurous aesthetic. Inside the cabin, the vehicle features distinctive orange accents and an instrument panel dominated by sharp horizontal lines. The interior layout has been carefully designed to maximise comfort and spaciousness, reinforcing the crossover’s practical and inviting atmosphere.

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BMW is preparing to push its compact performance offering even further with the unveiling of a new track-oriented upgrade for the second-generation M2. Though the current model is still relatively fresh, the German automaker appears keen to expand the M2 range with a package designed to maximise its circuit capabilities while remaining road-legal.

The latest development follows closely on the heels of two key M2 announcements earlier this year: the debut of the race-ready M2 variant in April, and the introduction of the M2 CS in May. Now, BMW has teased what appears to be a forthcoming Track Package version, aimed at enthusiasts seeking the most focused driving experience from their high-performance coupe.

In a recent Instagram post, BMW previewed the package using a Sao Paulo Yellow M2 test mule with camouflaged front and rear ends, including a sizeable rear wing that remains impossible to miss despite the disguise. While full details remain under wraps, the images hint at subtle aerodynamic revisions such as a more pronounced front splitter and possibly reworked air intakes. However, beyond these surface changes, the package is expected to introduce more substantial upgrades beneath the bodywork.

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Volvo Cars is ushering in a new era of sustainability with the introduction of the ES90, a fully electric flagship model set to enter production this year. Engineered with an emphasis on reducing environmental impact throughout its lifecycle, the ES90 not only marks a leap forward in electrification but also reflects the Swedish automaker’s commitment to transparency and climate responsibility.

According to Volvo’s latest Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) report, the ES90 has a total carbon footprint of just 31 tonnes when charged using the standard European energy mix. This figure is further reduced to 26 tonnes when powered exclusively by wind energy. The LCA, which has been independently verified by a third party, calculates the environmental impact of the ES90 from raw material extraction and refinement to the vehicle’s end-of-life phase.

Compared with other models in the Volvo range, the ES90 stands out for its minimal environmental impact. It generates around 50 per cent less carbon emissions than the S90 mild hybrid and 30 per cent less than the S90 plug-in hybrid. It also posts a smaller carbon footprint than the electric EX40 and EC40, making it one of the cleanest cars Volvo has ever produced.

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China is set to introduce new regulations that will reshape how regenerative braking systems operate in electric vehicles (EVs), a move likely to impact the growing segment of drivers who favour one-pedal driving. The new rule, outlined under the national standard GB 21670-2025, is scheduled to come into effect on 1 January 2027.

This legislation will prohibit EVs from having a default driving mode that brings the car to a complete stop simply by releasing the accelerator pedal. While the rule does not entirely ban one-pedal functionality, it requires that such features no longer be the vehicle’s default setting. The change appears to be aimed more at enhancing road safety than improving battery efficiency.

According to a report by The Paper, a Chinese news outlet, the primary concern behind the new regulation is the delayed braking response observed in drivers accustomed to strong regenerative braking. Studies have indicated that drivers relying heavily on regenerative deceleration may hesitate to apply the brake pedal in emergency situations—where the stopping power provided by regenerative systems alone proves insufficient. This delay could compromise reaction times, especially in critical moments requiring full braking force.

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As the 2026 Mazda CX-5 makes its global debut, attention has quickly turned from the brand’s best-selling crossover to what lies ahead for its sports car lineup. While the launch of the new-generation CX-5 will likely continue Mazda’s strong commercial performance in the SUV market, the marque’s sporting future remains a key point of interest for enthusiasts and brand loyalists alike.

In an exclusive discussion with The Drive, Stefan Meisterfeld, Vice President of Strategic Planning for Mazda North America, offered insight into the company’s stance on performance-oriented models. Meisterfeld emphasised that sports cars remain integral to Mazda’s identity, describing them as “critical” to the brand’s overall strategy. He acknowledged the diversity of Mazda’s customer base, stating that the company aims to meet varying emotional and functional needs, which includes retaining a strong connection to its sporty roots.

While the MX-5 Miata continues to hold a special place in Mazda’s portfolio, Meisterfeld’s comments suggest that the company’s future plans could go beyond the iconic roadster. Notably, he made a distinction between “the MX-5 and sports cars in general,” potentially signalling openness to expanding the sports car range.

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