All posts tagged: SUVs

Has ‘The Beast’ arrived in Beijing? Trump’s motorcade SUVs spotted before visit

Has ‘The Beast’ arrived in Beijing? Trump’s motorcade SUVs spotted before visit

Published by Sam Flores

According to parent company General Motors, the current version is based on its CT6 model and was first deployed in 2018 during Trump’s visit to New York. Priced at US$1.5 million, it weighs an estimated 6,800kg to 9,100kg and is mounted on a heavy-duty truck chassis measuring about 5.5m in length. The body – reportedly made of steel, aluminium, ceramic and titanium – is designed to withstand bullets and bomb attacks. The windows are said to be fitted with 7.6cm multilayered bulletproof glass, while the body is up to 20.3cm thick. The seven-seater limo is also reported to feature night-vision driving systems, tear gas cannons, smokescreens and electrified door handles. A sealed cabin with an independent oxygen supply to guard against chemical attacks carries the president’s blood type in a refrigerator in case of injury. The vehicle’s capabilities include a “run-flat device” in each wheel, which ensures the car’s mobility even if tyres are damaged or destroyed. Inside, it is equipped with state-of-the-art communications systems, including internet access, a secure telephone network and facilities to …

Subaru’s EVs are cheaper to lease than its gas and hybrid SUVs

Subaru’s EVs are cheaper to lease than its gas and hybrid SUVs

Published by skeptic

Subaru now offers three electric SUVs with the 2026 Solterra, Trailseeker, and Uncharted. After introducing new deals this month, including 0% APR and a $2,000 customer cash bonus, Subaru’s EVs are now cheaper to lease than its gas-powered and hybrid SUVs. Like Toyota, Subaru expanded its EV lineup this year, adding two new electric SUVs alongside the updated 2026 Solterra. The Solterra, Subaru’s first electric SUV, received an overhaul for the 2026 model year with a longer driving range, faster charging, a fresh new look inside and out, and a built-in NACS port so you can recharge at Tesla Superchargers. Powered by a larger 74.7 kWh lithium-ion battery, the 2026 Subaru Solterra now has an estimated driving range of up to 288 miles, a considerable jump from the 227 miles of range in the outgoing model. Advertisement – scroll for more content As expected, all 2026 Solterras are equipped with an updated version of Subaru’s signature Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system, offering “best-in-class” ground clearance of 8.3″. The exterior debuts Subaru’s updated design, featuring a …

Volkswagen drops all-electric ID.4 in the US in pivot back to gas SUVs

Volkswagen drops all-electric ID.4 in the US in pivot back to gas SUVs

Published by skeptic

Volkswagen will no longer produce the all-electric ID.4 at its U.S. factory in Chattanooga, Tennessee, as the German automaker shifts its resources into high-volume vehicles like its upcoming gas-powered Atlas SUV. The company said Thursday that U.S. customers will be able to buy the ID.4 until the current inventory runs out. VW said it expects U.S. inventory to last into 2027. Volkswagen, along with other legacy automakers, has pulled back on once-ambitious plans to shift their portfolios from gas-powered vehicles to battery electric cars, trucks, and SUVs. While some EVs have been hits, demand hasn’t met the lofty expectations that automakers forecasted. The removal of the $7,500 federal tax credit last year further dampened demand, especially for higher-priced models. EVs do continue to sell, but price-conscious consumers are either turning to used EVs or lower-priced ones. VW began producing the mid-priced ID.4 in 2020, listing at about $45,000. The vehicle received a warm reception, but then struggled, notably with its software. But a refresh in 2023 gave it new life, and a boost in sales. …

Volvo issues major recall affecting over 40,000 electric SUVs

Volvo issues major recall affecting over 40,000 electric SUVs

Published by skeptic

Volvo is recalling more than 40,000 EX30 electric SUVs due to a potential fire risk. The company is urging owners to park outside and limit charging to 70% until the issue is fixed. Volvo issues recall for over 40,000 EX30 electric SUVs A total of 40,323 Volvo EX30 Single-Motor Extended Range and Twin-Motor Performance models are included in the recall. Volvo told Reuters on Monday that the recall is due to the risk of the battery pack overheating, which could lead to a potential fire. “We are now contacting the owners of all affected cars to advise them of next steps,” Volvo said. The recall involves replacing modules in the affected vehicles’ battery packs. Volvo said it would replace the affected vehicles, free of charge. Advertisement – scroll for more content In the meantime, the company is urging owners to park outside and limit charging to 70% to eliminate the risk of a fire. The EX30 batteries are supplied by Volvo’s parent company, Geely, through its joint battery venture in China, Shandong Geely Sunwoda Power Battery Co. …

Electric EX30 SUVs: Volvo to recall thousands of popular EV model over battery fire risk

Electric EX30 SUVs: Volvo to recall thousands of popular EV model over battery fire risk

Published by Daniella Wilson

Get our weekly Drive Smart newsletter for motoring news, reviews and advice from EV editor Steve Fowler Get motoring news, reviews and advice from EV editor Steve Fowler Get our EV editor’s weekly Drive Smart newsletter Volvo Cars is recalling over 40,000 of its flagship electric EX30 SUVs after revealing a risk of their battery packs overheating, a development that could significantly dent the Swedish automaker’s hard-earned reputation for safety and potentially cost millions. The previously unreported recall, confirmed by the company to Reuters on Monday, involves replacing modules within the high-voltage battery packs of the compact SUV. This model is crucial to Volvo’s strategy for competing with cheaper Chinese brands, making battery safety a particularly sensitive issue for the manufacturer and consumers alike. A total of 40,323 EX30 Single-Motor Extended Range and Twin-Motor Performance cars, equipped with these specific high-voltage cells, are affected by the issue. Volvo, which is majority-owned by China’s Geely, stated the recall addresses the potential overheating risk. “ We are now contacting the owners of all affected cars to advise them of next …

Toyota bets on four new electric SUVs to win over EV buyers

Toyota bets on four new electric SUVs to win over EV buyers

Published by skeptic

With the new Highlander EV arriving later this year, Toyota will have a full lineup of electric SUVs. Toyota believes the new EVs fill a key gap in its lineup and will help it gain a bigger share of the market. Can four new EVs spark Toyota’s comeback? Toyota has been one of the most outspoken, if not the most, about going all-in on EVs. Instead, the world’s largest car maker has stuck to a “multi-pathway” approach, selling battery-electric (BEV), hybrid (HEV), plug-in hybrid (PHEV), and fuel-cell electric vehicles (FCEV). After unveiling the 2027 Highlander BEV this week, Toyota said it would be exclusively available as an electric vehicle. Even with many automakers reporting slower EV sales after the $7,500 tax credit expired at the end of September, Toyota believes the three-row electric SUV will be a hit. Advertisement – scroll for more content “This is not a niche product. There will be volume,” Toyota Motor North America’s vice president, David Christ, told Automotive News. The Highlander EV arrives at what could be a key …

Volvo EX60 Electric SUV: Range, Specs, Availability, and Price

Volvo EX60 Electric SUV: Range, Specs, Availability, and Price

Published by skeptic

For the EX60, Volvo is using cell-to-body technology, which means that the battery cells are placed straight into the body, so the outer casing becomes part of the stiffness of the body itself. Volvo claims this improves energy density by 20 percent, while reducing weight and taking up less space. Not many other manufacturers have gone down this road yet, but expect to see more doing so. A new underbody, chassis, and suspension improves on the setup in the current EX90. Volvo is also very pleased with how it has used megacasting to make sections of the car, such as the entire rear underbody, as giant, single aluminum pieces with an 8,400-ton casting machine. This replaces around 100 separate parts with a single sheet of metal, and it makes the whole body structure stiffer and lighter. This is not novel to Volvo; Tesla and XPeng are using this same manufacturing technique in some EVs. The EX60 will be the first Volvo to have Google Gemini built in. Courtesy of Volvo As with BMW and Jaguar …

Volvo XC90: big, sophisticated SUV with room for all the family

Volvo XC90: big, sophisticated SUV with room for all the family

Published by Sam Flores

It’s a big car, 4,953 mm long (compared to the V90’s 4,945mm), and 2,140 mm wide including the mirrors (compared to the V90’s 2,019mm). On the road, however, it feels nimble, especially the T8 Ultra, with the air suspension nicely taking care of road humps, the powered steering (select ‘firm’ or ‘light’) taking the work out of tight manoeuvres, even if it can feel a little long during three-point turns in congested London. The eight-speed auto gearbox is responsive, vision out excellent, especially thanks to the extra height, backed up by accurate parking sensors and superb ‘bird’s eye view’ cameras. Unlike the V90, the door mirrors do reveal the rear wheels when Reverse is engaged, making pavement-adjacent parking easier (and less damaging in terms of scuffed wheels) even if they do take an age to tilt back up to the upright position, when Drive is re-selected. Source link

Kia reveals two sporty electric SUVs and an EV hot hatch

Kia reveals two sporty electric SUVs and an EV hot hatch

Published by skeptic

The Kia GT moniker is getting electrified. Kia unveiled three (well, four really) new electric GT models at the Brussels Motor Show, including two sporty new SUVs and an EV hot hatch. Here’s our first look. Kia goes all in on electric GT models Kia’s new electric GT models are “crafted for those who seek the best of both worlds: excitement while embracing a future of responsible mobility,” the company said at the Brussels Motor Show on Friday. After unveiling its new entry-level electric car, the EV2, at the event, Kia gave us a look at a few of its upcoming electric GT models. The EV3 GT, EV4 GT, and EV5 GT follow the larger EV9 GT and EV6 GT in Kia’s growing performance electric vehicle series. Advertisement – scroll for more content With the new models arriving this year, Kia will offer an electric GT vehicle in nearly every segment, including a compact SUV (EV3 GT), fastback (EV4 GT), hatchback (EV4 GT), midsize SUV (EV5 GT), crossover (EV6 GT), and three-row SUV (EV9 GT). …