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Mercedes-Benz seems ready to push illuminated design further than ever before. The brand’s latest electric vehicles have already made headlines for their light-up front ends, and now, a new teaser from design chief Gorden Wagener suggests that the next generation of Mercedes EVs will take the idea to a whole new level.

The teaser image, shared on Wagener’s Instagram, reveals the front of what looks like a new luxury sedan with a tall, glowing grille that dominates the design. The outline is framed by bright illumination, while the signature three-pointed star sits proudly in the centre — and lights up too. The proportions and upright stance immediately recall classic Mercedes saloons like the “Fintail” W112 and W113, and the later W108 and W109 generations, all known for their dignified, vertical front ends.

While Mercedes design has evolved in recent years towards lower, sleeker profiles, this new approach feels like a bold blend of old-world prestige and futuristic confidence. The upright grille and illuminated emblem give off strong hints that this could preview the all-electric successor to the S-Class — a model already confirmed to be in development on the brand’s upcoming MB.EA platform.

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Toyota has unveiled a striking new interpretation of the Corolla, offering a glimpse into the next evolution of the popular nameplate. Revealed during a livestream event in Japan that also featured a six-wheeled Lexus LS minivan and a raised Century coupe, the Corolla concept stood out as one of the most intriguing debuts of the showcase.

Although officially labelled a concept, several cues suggest that this new Corolla is close to production readiness. Traditional side mirrors, for instance, hint at a practical rather than purely experimental design. More notably, the presence of a fuel cap on the front fender points to an electric powertrain — though Toyota has yet to confirm whether it’s a fully electric model or a plug-in hybrid.

An electric version of the Corolla seems almost inevitable, given Toyota’s gradual but deliberate expansion into EVs. However, it’s difficult to imagine the brand abandoning combustion power entirely for such a globally significant nameplate. The Corolla remains central to Toyota’s global sales, and with the company’s ongoing belief that full electrification will not dominate every market, internal combustion variants are expected to remain part of the lineup for years to come.

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Peugeot is preparing to launch an all-new 208 in 2026, a car that will not only redefine the brand’s compact offering but also mark one of Stellantis’s most important global introductions in recent years. The next-generation model will debut the all-new STLA Small platform, showcase a futuristic tech-led cabin, and arrive as a fully electric vehicle from day one.

The new 208 represents a turning point for Stellantis’s compact cars, setting the tone for future models that will span the A- to C-segments. The STLA Small platform replaces the existing CMP and e-CMP architectures that currently underpin models like the 208, 2008, and Vauxhall Corsa. It also serves as a cornerstone for Stellantis’s ambition to remain at the forefront of Europe’s affordable EV market—a segment that continues to heat up as mainstream automakers accelerate their electrification plans.

Peugeot’s decision to introduce the platform through the 208 speaks volumes about the model’s importance within the company’s line-up. The hatchback has been a consistent bestseller for the brand, with 109,146 units sold in the first half of 2025 alone. That figure placed it among Europe’s top three compact cars, trailing only the Renault Clio and Dacia Sandero, according to data from Jato Dynamics.

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Zeekr has revealed the 2026 Zeekr 001, a heavily updated version of its full-size electric shooting brake that blends performance, luxury, and next-generation technology. The refreshed model is available in four variants — Max 95 kWh AWD, Max 103 kWh RWD, Ultra 103 kWh AWD, and Ultra+ 103 kWh AWD.

Although it remains a facelift rather than a full redesign, the new Zeekr 001 introduces notable styling tweaks that give the car a sharper, more cohesive look. The front bumper now features a wider horizontal grille pattern paired with sleeker air ducts, while the rear end has been cleaned up with the removal of triangular reflectors. Two new paint options, Mysterious Purple and Star Grey, join the colour palette alongside five returning finishes, adding to the car’s visual appeal.

Inside, Zeekr has completely reworked the cabin with a stronger focus on digital integration and passenger comfort. A 16-inch 3.5K central touchscreen takes centre stage on the dashboard, supported by a 13.02-inch digital cluster and a massive 39.3-inch augmented reality head-up display (AR-HUD). Rear passengers also get an 8-inch control display for seat and climate adjustments.

The car’s interior ambience is elevated by a 256-colour ambient lighting system, a 29-speaker Zeekr Sound Max audio setup delivering 4,680 watts of power, and a panoramic glass roof with a starry pattern finish.

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BYD has introduced the 2026 Seal 05 DM-i, the latest iteration of its popular plug-in hybrid sedan, now boasting a pure electric range of up to 128 kilometres (CLTC) and a total driving range of an impressive 2,000km. Despite these substantial improvements, the car maintains its starting price of 79,800 yuan (around RM52,000), reinforcing BYD’s commitment to offering high-value electrified mobility.

The Seal 05 DM-i continues to embrace BYD’s “Ocean Aesthetics” design philosophy, which favours clean, fluid lines and aerodynamic efficiency. For 2026, subtle refinements have been made to streamline its appearance further, including the removal of the automatic front grille. This small but deliberate change gives the car a more cohesive front profile while preserving its sleek, modern look.

Inside, the cabin keeps to its minimalist and practical roots, with thoughtful updates aimed at improving comfort and usability. The familiar flat-bottom three-spoke steering wheel and dual-screen layout remain — an 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster sits ahead of the driver, while a 10.1-inch central touchscreen runs the brand’s DiLink smart cockpit system.

The most notable interior revision is the switch from the previous crystal gear lever to a column-mounted electronic shifter, which opens up additional space on the centre console for storage and convenience.

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BMW has unveiled the M2 Turbo Design Edition, a tribute to one of its most celebrated performance icons — the BMW 2002 Turbo of the 1970s. The special-edition coupe takes direct inspiration from the original’s distinctive tricolour livery, blending motorsport heritage with modern M engineering.

Finished in Alpine White, the car stands out with hand-painted BMW Motorsport stripes running along the front and rear. The classic blue, purple, and red accents wrap around the bonnet and continue across the boot lid, while a single offset stripe runs over the carbon fibre roof, creating a striking connection between past and present.

The Power Dome on the bonnet proudly displays a black “Turbo” graphic, and a subtle carbon fibre spoiler adds a refined finishing touch. Standard fitment includes black M Dual-Spoke alloy wheels, with the option to upgrade to M Performance wheels in Matte Gold Bronze for a more distinctive look.

Inside, the M2 Turbo Design Edition echoes the same design theme. The door sills carry the “M2 turbo” script, and another Turbo logo sits ahead of the gear shifter — a nod to the car’s inspiration. The M Sport seats come upholstered in Black Vernasca Leather, finished with the familiar M tricolour detailing. For drivers seeking a more focused experience, M Carbon bucket seats are available as an option, also featuring the same coloured accents.

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Volvo Cars is set to introduce another industry-first with the debut of its fully electric EX60 SUV — featuring a revolutionary multi-adaptive safety belt system that has already earned a place on TIME magazine’s list of the Best Inventions of 2025. The innovation marks Volvo’s second consecutive appearance on the list, which honours 300 groundbreaking technologies shaping the world today.

True to Volvo’s reputation as a safety pioneer, the new seatbelt goes far beyond the traditional restraint system. It is designed to adapt in real time to both the individual passenger and the surrounding environment, using data from the car’s extensive network of sensors. Instead of applying a one-size-fits-all approach, the system adjusts its tension and resistance according to factors such as the occupant’s body type, seating position, and even the severity of a potential impact.

For instance, a larger passenger involved in a severe collision would experience higher belt tension to mitigate head injuries, while a smaller occupant in a lighter crash would receive gentler restraint to avoid rib or chest injuries. This precision-driven technology ensures that every person in the car receives protection that’s tailored to their physical characteristics and the specific crash scenario, creating a new benchmark in occupant safety.

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Volkswagen is set to introduce Xpeng’s advanced autonomous driving system, known as XNGP, into its next generation of electric vehicles in China starting in 2026. The first model to receive this technology will be a mid-size SUV jointly developed with Xpeng, marking a significant milestone in Volkswagen’s evolving strategy for the Chinese market.

The system, designed by Xpeng and already proven in the company’s own models, will serve as the foundation of Volkswagen’s new approach to localised innovation in the world’s largest EV market.

The German automaker’s collaboration with Xpeng dates back to July 2023, when Volkswagen invested €700 million in the Guangzhou-based EV manufacturer, securing a 4.99% equity stake. The two companies later confirmed that they were co-developing a pair of mid-size electric SUVs, which are both set for release in 2026.

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Kia Sales Thailand has officially launched the new Kia Carnival HEV 7-seater, a flagship MPV designed to blend hybrid efficiency with upscale comfort and family versatility. Marketed under the tagline “Built for Every Move of Life,” this latest version brings a strong mix of performance, technology, and practicality for modern families looking for both space and sophistication.

Under the bonnet, the Carnival HEV is powered by a 1.6-litre turbocharged engine paired with a 54 kW electric motor, delivering a combined output of 245 PS and 367 Nm of torque through a six-speed automatic transmission. Buyers can choose between two trims — the Carnival HEV Premium priced at 2,499,000 Baht (around RM323,000), and the top-tier Luxury variant at 2,699,000 Baht (around RM349,000).

The exterior carries a refreshed design that bridges the styling of an SUV with the functionality of an MPV. Kia’s signature Tiger Nose grille now sits between cube-shaped headlights and a new Star Map LED light signature at both ends. The 19-inch geometric alloy wheels give it a bold stance, while functional roof rails capable of supporting up to 100 kg add a touch of adventure-ready practicality.

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Chinese automaker BYD has widened its lead over Tesla in global pure electric vehicle (EV) sales, firmly establishing itself as the world’s top EV manufacturer through the third quarter of 2025.

According to data compiled by automotive analyst “Tongkuai Shuchang,” BYD recorded cumulative pure electric vehicle sales of 1.61 million units between January and September 2025. In comparison, Tesla delivered 1.22 million units over the same period, giving BYD a commanding lead of around 388,000 vehicles.

In the third quarter alone, BYD delivered 582,500 pure electric vehicles worldwide. Although this marked a slight 4% decline compared to the previous quarter, the numbers still reflected an impressive year-on-year growth of 31.4%. Tesla, meanwhile, reported deliveries of 497,100 units in Q3, achieving a 29.4% increase quarter-on-quarter and 7.4% growth year-on-year. Despite surpassing market expectations, Tesla remains behind BYD for the fourth consecutive quarter.

BYD first overtook Tesla in Q4 2024, a milestone that signalled a shift in the global EV landscape. Since then, the Chinese brand has not only retained its top spot but has continued to expand its margin, driven by its broad product lineup, aggressive pricing, and strong domestic and overseas demand.

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