Toyota Land Cruiser 250 (J250W)

After four generations, the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado is no more. In its place, a new successor is taking over in the Light Duty class of the Toyota Land Cruiser lineage, sitting between the Heavy Duty-type Land Cruiser 70 and the flagship Station Wagon-type Land Cruiser 300. Welcome to the all-new Land Cruiser 250.

2025 Toyota Land Cruiser 250

Starting at 5,200,000 Japanese Yen plus additional costs, the first-ever Land Cruiser 250 picks up where the Prado left off with its boxy styling, luxurious interior, legendary off-road capability, and an array of tech worthy of bearing the Land Cruiser bloodline.

2025 Toyota Land Cruiser 250

Beginning with the design, the Land Cruiser 250 uses the cubic approach that will leave observers Tetris-eyed. Be there and be square, they said, and like the final Prado it replaces, the Land Cruiser 250 doesn't feature a rear spare wheel. Fair enough.

In observance of the Land Cruiser's heritage, the 250 doesn't use Toyota logos all over and instead uses TOYOTA letterings. A real blast from the past.

2025 Toyota Land Cruiser 250 interior

2025 Toyota Land Cruiser 250 interior

Apart from the squarish exterior design that makes their square pants fizz, the all-new interior stays true to the Land Cruiser's character as a luxury off-roader not only works as a family-oriented vehicle but for taking VIPs and executives to their important points of interest. The driver's side is packed with a 12.3-inch TFT display that tells most of the important stuff around this car, the available 12.3-inch touchscreen for infotainment purposes, HUD, digital rearview mirror, climate control, Nanoe X, and heated steering wheel, among others.

Apart from that, the Land Cruiser 250 is offered with a choice of a 5-seater or a 7-seater. Whichever seating layout you're on, you will be greeted with luxurious features like the power moonroof, and the available JBL Premium Sound System. As for boot space, it's good for up to four golf bags with all of the passenger seats folded down. For easy access, the Land Cruiser 250 comes with a hands-free power liftgate that can automatically open with your foot lift.

2025 Toyota Land Cruiser 250

With the TNGA platform and a ladder frame chassis, the Land Cruiser 250 is better to drive and more rigid than the Prado. It even has improved braked towing capacity as well. For the first time in a Land Cruiser series, the 250 features electric power steering and a brand-new Stabiliser Disconnect Mechanism (SDM) that allows drivers to manually switch the stabilizer between 'locked' and 'free' for extended wheel articulation. Other useful features of the Land Cruiser 250 include Crawl Control, Multi-Terrain Select, the improved Multi-Terrain Monitor with a Toyota-first back underfloor view, full-time 4WD with Torsen LSD, Downhill Assist Control, Hillstart Assist Control, A-TRC, electric rear diff lock, and Drive Mode Select.

The Land Cruiser 250 is offered in a choice of a VX-exclusive 163PS 2.7L 2TR-FE petrol engine mated to a 6-speed Super ECT and the one engine that scares all Japanese straight, a 204PS 2.8L 1GD-FTV diesel engine (optional on the VX model, exclusive to the GX and ZX models) mated to a Direct Shift-8AT with paddle shifters. The petrol version has a fuel economy of 7.5km/L while the diesel version does 11km/L. All are based on WLTC Mode standards.

In terms of safety, the Land Cruiser 250 features the new and improved Toyota Safety Sense comprising advanced features such as the Pre-Collision Safety System with Pedestrian Detection and Road Sign Assist, among others.

Being the Prado's successor can be stressful work, especially with the diesel engine being the cream of the crop. The kind of engine that terrifies Gen Alfa Japanese people lately. Despite mixed results, the Land Cruiser 250 is still the Prado's successor worth waiting for. The middle child of the Land Cruiser family is now cubed for perfection. Let's see if the Japanese public had their word with this off-roader.

Just don't call this a Prado anymore because the Land Cruiser 250 is no longer the Prado of yesteryears. This off-roader has turned.

Available Colors: Avantgarde Bronze Metallic, Super White II, Platinum White Pearl Mica, Black, Avantgarde Bronze Metallic, and Smoky Blue.

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation

Volvo EX30

The first-ever Volvo EX30 is undeniable proof that the Swedish carmaker's going big on its electrification gamble as plans to become an electric car maker going full circle.

2024 Volvo EX30

Priced at 429,000 Swedish Krona plus additional costs, the first-ever Volvo EX30 is the baby EV crossover that showcases the Swedish carmaker's commitment to going all-electric since the moment they announced it. Like it or not, this is the new normal for the new Volvo.

2024 Volvo EX30

Beginning with the styling, the EX30 dons Volvo's new-era design that prefers subtlety over obviousness, and being subtle is a good thing for an all-electric crossover made for the new normal. From the new-era Thor's Hammer headlamps, wheel arch creases, clamshell bonnet, and two-piece taillights, the EX30 is "new normal" material.

2024 Volvo EX30 interior

2024 Volvo EX30 interior

Inside, the EX30 prefers minimalism, which spells trouble for speedo boys behind the wheel but hey, this is the new normal after all, and cars with large touchscreens are a big deal. The 12.3-inch touchscreen with Snapdragon Cockpit Platform and Android AOS takes control of not just infotainment, but also navigation, room temperature, and other important bits and bobs surrounding it. 

First-timers will find this gizmo complicated at first but they'll find it enjoyable the more they know it.

The EX30 has a complicated infotainment system, but other than that, it has a lot going for it. It comes with a Harman Kardon premium audio system that includes a soundbar located at the top of the dashboard.

In terms of comfort and spacing, despite its just-sizing dimensions, the EX30 is as cozy as most commoners' cars can be and with the rear seats folded down, you can store up to 904 liters of boot space, fit for all walks of life. Stealing the idea from the Hyundai Santa Fe, the EX30 comes with a door-opening safety feature that warns the driver when he or she is about to open the door in front of a cyclist, scooter, or runner, to prevent accidents.

2024 Volvo EX30

The EX30's electric powertrain consists of a rear-wheel-drive Single Motor layout with 272PS of power and a 4WD Twin Motor Performance layout with 428PS of power. The Single Motor variant comes with the 51kWh lithium iron phosphate battery while the Single Motor Extended and Twin Motor Performance variants get a 69kWh NiMC battery.

The Single Motor Extended Range variant has up to 476km of driving range while the Twin Motor Performance, with its 0-100kph time of 3.6 seconds, has up to 450km of driving range. Charging times? While charging at a 150kW charging station, it will take less than 30 minutes to hit 80% for most variants.

Running on Geely's SEA platform, the EX30 behaves well for a Swedish EV crossover. Although not as exciting as expected, it is civilized on various scapes from suburbia to the great outdoors. As for safety, the EX30 features various safety tech you would expect from a Volvo such as the new-generation Park Pilot Assist, 360-degree camera, Pilot Assist, Collision avoidance system, and driver warning system, among others.

Although not one of the best crossovers of the new normal, the Volvo EX30 is proof that the Swedish carmaker's electrification transition is going full circle. As one said, what you say is what you get. Volvo wanted to become fully electric because climate change is the real safety test, and this is what they've got. This is only the beginning...

Photo: Volvo Car Corporation

Hyundai IONIQ 5 (2025MY minor change)

The Hyundai IONIQ 5, the electric car that forever changed Hyundai, has been given a minor change for the 2025 model year, and this award-winning electric car is now made even better.

2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5

Starting at 52.4 million Korean Won, the facelifted Hyundai IONIQ 5 saw some revisions on the award-winning electric car that forever changed Hyundai, keeping it fresh and competitive as the opportunity arises.

2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5

2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 interior

The IONIQ 5 minor change saw some revisions inside and out. The exterior now sports a V-shaped garnish and revised bumpers, increasing its overall length by 20mm. The rear spoiler's revised as well and a new set of wheels are offered for this minor change. A sporty N Line variant was added to this minor change, mimicking the looks of the high-performance IONIQ 5 N variant and that's it.

The interior is revised with its new center console layout, a new physical button that offers access to frequently used functions, the wireless charging pad repositioned to the upper part, a new steering wheel design, and ccNC implementation with OTA updates, among others. The N Line jams the red ambient lighting, sports seats, metal pedals, red stitching, and the N steering wheel into the mix.

The IONIQ 5's electric powertrain was updated by increasing the size of its Li-ion battery from 77.4kWh to 84kWh, meaning the performance and ecology were updated as well. RWD variants have 229PS of power and up to 485km of driving range while HTRAC AWD variants have 325PS of power and up to 425km of driving range. Apart from the increased battery size, it comes with a new shock absorber, new cowl crossbar, doubled reinforcement at the rear wheels and the lower part of the vehicle, improved body stiffness, and added sound insulation, slightly improving its dynamics for the good of it.

Apart from the reinforced body and eight airbags, the IONIQ 5 minor change features new safety features such as the hands-on detection steering wheel, Lane Keeping Assist 2, Remote Smart Parking Assist 2 (RSPA 2), Forward/Side/Reverse Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist, intelligent front lighting, Digital Key 2, and Built-In Cam 2.

The award-winning Hyundai IONIQ 5 is now made even better with this facelift and it looks like it's on a roll. Will you?

Available colors: Atlas White, Lucid Blue Pearl, Digital Teal Green Pearl, Cyber Grey Metallic, Ecotronic Grey Pearl, Abyss Black Pearl, Atlas White Matte, Ecotronic Grey Matte, Gravity Gold Matte, and Ultimate Red Metallic (N Line only).

Photo: Hyundai Motor Company

Chevrolet Blazer EV

Before the roaring twenties, Chevrolet brought back the Blazer name for their Camaro-inspired crossover that behaves...like pretty much most crossovers do. Now, the fully-electric Blazer takes center stage, giving prospects plenty of choices to work out with this...crossover.

2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV

With prices starting at 56,715 US Dollars plus additional costs, the first-ever Chevrolet Blazer EV is part of General Motors' electric propagation to beat Tesla at its own game. Although the results aren't typical yet, this fully electric Blazer sparks plenty of unanswered questions but there's one question that deserves to be answered; what's it for?

2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV interior

Beginning with the styling, the Blazer EV's exterior design shares nothing in common with its ICE-powered equivalent, perhaps Chevrolet wanted the EV version to have a different approach compared to its ICE version or perhaps they want to coexist until the times demand that one of them has to go, probably the one with the ICE in it. Still, despite all the developments, the Blazer EV is progressive by design, and as for the interior, the diagonal displays give drivers the impression of driving a sports car, except it isn't. It's a fully electric crossover built for daily purposes as long as the battery charge decides where to go next and when.

2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV

Running on the hallmark Ultium platform and powered by an 85kWh battery pack, the Blazer EV's electric powertrain produces 288hp of power output for AWD variants and has an EPA-estimated driving range of 279 miles in one full charge. Later variants such as the rear-wheel-drive RS can get up to 324 miles while those who demand more will have to wait until Spring 2024 for the SS variant with Wide Open Watts performance mode, unleashing all 557 horsepower at its disposal, sprinting from 0-60mph in under four seconds.

Of course, being a crossover, the Blazer EV is nothing near exciting to drive almost everywhere but it's about as civilized as most EVs should be. As for safety, the Blazer EV comes standard with Chevy Safety Assist consisting of Automatic Emergency Braking, Front Pedestrian Braking, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Alert, Following Distance Indicator, and IntelliBeam Auto High Beams. It even comes with the rather controversial Super Cruise technology giving autonomous driving through 400,000 miles of compatible roads in the US and Canada. Yes, you can really let AI do almost all of the driving for you. Scary.

Calling the Blazer EV one of the most important models in General Motors' electrification push is a risky gamble but living consistently with its petrol-powered equivalent is like living with a rock and a hard place for commoners like us. This is the new normal we live in and the Blazer EV fits like a piece of a jigsaw puzzle.

Photo: General Motors

Fiat 600 (365)

Fiat brought back the 600 naming for the successor to both the 500L MPV and the 500X crossover. So, what's it all about the all-new Fiat 600?

2024 Fiat 600

Starting at 24,950 Euros plus additional costs, the all-new Fiat 600 is the successor to the aging 500L MPV and the 500X crossover, and it's about time Fiat decided to merge the two aging 500-based derivatives into an all-new model that is also based on the 500, the new one of course.

2024 Fiat 600

Just like its predecessors, the all-new Fiat 600 is shaped like today's Fiat 500 but with the added bulk and extra doors to differentiate it from its little sibling. Despite being big in size, the 600 is still city-friendly, meaning it can squeeze through places where the big cats can't.

2024 Fiat 600 interior

The 600's interior dons the minimalist approach much like most of the "new normal" cars these days. Behind the wheel, the 600 is packed with a 10" Uconnect Radio with navigation, a 6-speaker audio system, and wireless charging for mobile devices. It even comes with 8 ambient colors, 8 different LED colors for the radio, and up to 64 combinations to personalize the interior.

Fiat says that the 600's interior is sustainable and refined with the 29,450 Euro La Prima variant featuring a premium ivory interior while the 31,950 (RED) variant, made in collaboration with (RED), features recycled black fabric seats. Either way, the 600's packed with chromotherapy massaging seats, space for five, up to 360L of boot space, and a hands-free opening tailgate.

2024 Fiat 600

The electric variants of the Fiat 600 are powered by a 156PS electric motor with a 54kWh lithium-nickel-mangan-cobalt battery. The electric powertrain made the 600 capable of sprinting 0-100kph in nine seconds and has a top speed of 150kph, slower than a typical Japanese car. As for the driving range, the 600 is good for over 400km in one full charge and it will take 24 minutes to hit 80% battery charge while plugged at a 100kW outlet.

There's also a hybrid variant where the 100PS 1.2L petrol engine with mild hybrid tech is connected to a Li-ion battery and a new 6-speed e-DCT, delivering a combined fuel economy of 5.1L/100km based on WLTP standards.

Apart from being easier to live with because of its sizing, the 600 is packed with 360° sensors, a rear parking camera with a 180-degree view, and blind spot detection for a safe trip home.

The all-new Fiat 600, in hybrid and BEV configurations, is the much-needed replacement for both the 500L and 500X, and although it feels as regular as the others, the 600 is the easiest compact crossover to live daily and you can't go wrong with it. This is how Fiat rolls in the new normal.

Photo: Fiat

Lexus LBX

Lexus's first-ever compact crossover, the LBX, looks more like a glorified Toyota Yaris Cross but there's something more about this entry-level Lexus crossover.

2024 Lexus LBX

Starting at 4.6 million Japanese Yen plus additional costs, the first-ever Lexus LBX is ironically slightly more expensive than its big brother, the UX, but being the glorified Toyota Yaris Cross it was meant to be, the LBX prefers to keep it modest on the city streets even though it was classified as a luxury vehicle.

2024 Lexus LBX

Beginning with the design, the Lexus LBX is sized like its Toyota Yaris Cross derivative, making it easy to live with and park at its pace. With the front view reminiscent of the LM, the side view is highly reminiscent of today's Honda Fit and the rear view can be easily mistaken for an Aston Martin DBX so yes, it's classified luxury crossover from scratch but despite its luxury status, the LBX feels right at home at typical Japanese suburbs because of such sizing.

2024 Lexus LBX interior

Asked about the interior, the LBX adopts the Tazuna concept approach applied in "new normal" Lexus vehicles, giving it a more minimalist approach. Behind the wheel, the LBX features a 12.3-inch TFT liquid crystal meter, a rather flashy HUD with touch tracer operation, and a 9.8-inch touch display audio, among others. As expected on a new normal Lexus, the controversial e-latch inside door handles are present, which is good until the car battery dies, rendering these handles inoperable, and leaving you trapped. Bad mark for Lexus there.

On the spacing side, this five-seater features foldable second-row seats, giving it 330 liters of boot space for FF variants when not using a 2-tier deck board. The extra two-liter under-deck storage gives slightly more space for goodies when needed.

2024 Lexus LBX

The LBX is powered only by the 1.5L Hybrid Dynamic Force powertrain where the 1.5L M15A-FXE engine is connected to a 69kW electric motor and a Bipolar Nickel battery from the Aqua, producing a system power output of 136PS. Because all variants are mated to a CVT, the LBX's front-wheel drive variant can go up to 27.7kmpl of fuel economy under WLTC Mode standards while AWD variants get 26.2kmpl.

Running on the same GA-B platform as the Toyota Yaris Cross, the Lexus LBX behaves rather well on all walks of life even though it's a tad regular to drive on the open roads or with the AWD system that fits well on either tarmac, gravel, or snow. 

As for safety, the Lexus LBX is equipped with the evolved Lexus Safety System + and advanced parking assistance as well as Lexus Teammate Advanced Drive (Congestion Assistance), Lexus Teammate Advanced Park (with remote functionality), and Advanced Park remote functionality, among others.

It may be a glorified Yaris Cross that is slightly more expensive than its big brother, the UX, but the Lexus LBX is an entry-level crossover that prefers to be modest and down-to-earth not just on city roads but almost everywhere. Tackling through all walks of life and getting the job done is what the LBX does best, albeit not as exciting as expected, but still, it's all about keeping it plain and simple the Lexus way.

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation

Toyota Land Cruiser 70 (2024MY Minor Change)

The GOAT in the Land Cruiser history, the 70 Series, returns for the 2024 Model Year, and it's here to stay as the heavy-duty class of the Land Cruiser lineage.

2024 Toyota Land Cruiser 70

Starting at 4.8 Million Japanese Yen plus additional costs, the reborn Toyota Land Cruiser 70 is the ultimate no-nonsense JDM offroader for those who believe that today's offroaders are too posh for them or they can't afford to buy a Jeep Wrangler. Whatever the reason, it's here to stay and ready to roll, ripping through the toughest places in Japan.

2024 Toyota Land Cruiser 70

Although it's still as good as it was nearly four decades ago, the Land Cruiser 70 features a new front face with a grille that spells TOYOTA on it as well as three horizontal slats below the grille, a tribute to earlier models. Even with a new look, it's still the Land Cruiser 70 the world knows.

2024 Toyota Land Cruiser 70 interior

2024 Toyota Land Cruiser 70 interior

The familiar interior has been revamped with a new instrumental panel, a new steering wheel, a new cup holder design at the center console, USB-C ports, a rear monitor at the room mirror, and new switches below the dashboard, keeping this ancient offroader updated for the new normal. It still seats up to five people and comes with foldable second-row seats for added boot space for your essentials. Better be overprepared rather than underprepared, some say.

2024 Toyota Land Cruiser 70

Unlike the previous model nearly a decade ago, the 2024MY Toyota Land Cruiser 70 is powered only by a 1GD-FTV 2.8L common-rail turbodiesel engine mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox. It produces 204PS of power output and 500Nm of torque while the fuel economy is 10.1km/L based on WLTC Mode standards.

Being an old-school offroader with a ladder frame, the Land Cruiser 70 is packed with front coil springs, rear leaf springs, Downhill Assist Control, VSC and Active Traction Control, an electronic differential lock, hill-start assist control, a part-time 4WD system, and a dual-mode automatic locking hub. Although it's still not suitable for your Tokyo trip, it's still a classic offroader fit to tackle through the path to Mt. Fuji or crawl through the end of the mountain road ahead of someone. That's off-road ingenuity, the Land Cruiser way.

The ancient Land Cruiser 70 Series now comes with Toyota Safety Sense with a suite of intelligent safety features including Lane Departure Alert, Road Sign Assist, Pre-Collision System, and others.

It's great to have the Land Cruiser 70 back in the lineup as the heavy-duty member of the Land Cruiser family and this remastered classic is ready to tackle the challenges of the new normal, something that a modern offroader couldn't think of. If you're looking for an offroader but can't afford a Jeep Wrangler, the remastered Land Cruiser 70 is the one for you. It's still the GOAT.

Available Colors: Beige, Super White II, and Attitude Black Mica.

Photo: Toyota Motor Corporation

Buick Encore GX (2024MY minor change) and Envista

The facelifted Buick Encore GX and the first-ever Buick Envista signaled the new era of Buick because these two crossovers are the first to don the new Buick look and logo. Let's take a look.

2024 Buick Encore GX

Beginning with the Buick Encore GX, this big minor change is the first to wear the new Buick look inspired by the Wildcat Concept. Although seeing the new Buick logo is the scariest thing to do, this new Buick look really means business for this $25,600 crossover.

2024 Buick Encore GX

2024 Buick Encore GX interior

In addition to the heavily revamped styling and the slightly revised rear design, the facelifted Encore GX features a premium Avenir variant with glossier details to ensure this is the top-of-the-line model. The interior layout has been heavily revamped for this minor change and the Avenir model, comes with a BOSE premium 7-speaker audio system including an amplifier, panoramic moonroof, and an Avenir engraving on the front seats, among others. Despite numerous revisions, it can still accommodate up to 50.2 cu. ft. of max cargo capacity, making it capable of almost everything.

The Buick Encore GX still comes with a choice of ECOTEC 1.2L turbo mated to a CVT capable of 30 city / 31 hwy fuel economy and the ECOTEC 1.3L turbo engine mated to a 9-speed AT with 155hp of power and 174lb-ft of torque. Yes, there's 4WD offered but no off-road tuned suspension in sight, meaning the Encore GX is best to be driven on the road rather than off the road because there are no special bits that make it well-behaved on dirt.

The Encore GX comes with Buick Driver Confidence as well as available safety & driver-assistance technologies but the Avenir variant comes with its signature Technology Package which comes with Adaptive Cruise Control, Rear Camera Mirror† with rear camera washer, and HD Surround Vision.

2024 Buick Envista

Now, let's get to know the first-ever Buick Envista, a coupe-crossover that is yours to drive for $22,400 plus additional costs, which is cheaper to own than the Encore GX.

2024 Buick Envista

2024 Buick Envista interior

Think of the first-ever Buick Envista as the fancy version of the Chevrolet Trax Crossover because even with the Wildcat-inspired looks, the similarities are all over the Envista apart from the fact that the Envista is cheaper to own than the Encore GX. 

Still, with its coupe-crossover styling, the available Avenir variant with glossier details, Ultrawide 11" Diagonal Infotainment Screen, wireless smartphone connectivity, seating for five, and 42.0 cu. ft. of max cargo capacity, it's no surprise despite being less spacious than its Chevrolet Trax Crossover equivalent, it still works and feels just like it.

Just like its Chevrolet Trax Crossover equivalent, the Buick Envista is front-wheel-drive only and it is powered only by an ECOTEC 1.2L turbo engine that produces 137HP of power and 162lb-ft of torque. Mated to a 6-speed AT, it has an estimated combined fuel economy of 28MPG city/ 32MPG hwy.

In terms of safety, the Envista comes with Automatic Emergency Braking, Forward Collision Alert, IntelliBeam Auto High Beams, Following Distance Indicator, Front Pedestrian Braking, and Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning as standard. Available extras such as Lane Change Alert with Side Blind Zone Alert, Rear Cross Traffic Alert,† Rear Park Assist, Rainsense front wipers, and Adaptive Cruise Control, as well as an automatic-dimming outside driver mirror for the Avenir variant.

These two new crossovers signaled the new era of Buick because they were the first to don the new Buick look and logo. Although the new Buick logo is scary to look at, the Wildcat-styled nose and improved features really made a statement about the two. The question is, which of the new-era Buicks will you drive?

Photo: General Motors

Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV

The third all-original Mercedes-EQ SUV, the EQE SUV, serves as the middleman of the Mercedes-EQ crossover range. So, what's it all about the first-ever EQE SUV? Time for some unanswered questions.

2024 Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV

Starting at 83.478.50 Euros plus additional costs, the EQE SUV is the third all-original Mercedes-EQ SUV that slots between the EQC and the EQS SUV, the middleman of the range. Although it couldn't find a suitable opponent in its class, in terms of sizing and pricing, the EQE SUV feels unrivaled at the moment.

2024 Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV

As expected, the EQE SUV is basically an EQS SUV that was shrunk to GLE sizing but despite the Russian doll effect, the EQE SUV is athletic and dynamic in every angle. Who says electric crossovers can't be sexy?

2024 Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV interior

Inside, the EQE SUV's dashboard can be configured in two ways; a tall touchscreen that works like a Tesla or the super-sized touchscreen that occupies the entire dashboard which is known as the MBUX Hyperscreen. On the passenger side, the EQE SUV is good for up to five people and because it's too expensive to be used as a family mover, the only purpose the EQE SUV can do is escort pro-democracy politicians, philanthropists, and other good people who care the environment more than anything else. As for the boot space, it can carry up to 1,675 liters of goods with the split-folding rear bench folded down. For business or leisure, the EQE SUV does it all.

The base EQE 300 SUV variant has 180kw of power output and 573km of driving range based on WLTP standards while the EQE 350 can be configured in either rear-wheel-drive or with 4MATIC, producing 292 PS of power, 565 Nm of torque, and driving range between 480-590 km per WLTP standards, and the top-of-the-line EQE 500 4MATIC with 408 PS of power output, 858 Nm of torque output, and driving range between 460-547 km.

2024 Mercedes-AMG EQE 43 SUV and
2024 Mercedes-AMG EQE 53 SUV

Those who want more should consider the Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV range. In addition to signature AMG elements inside and out, the high-performance models are bolted to a 90.6 kWh Li-ion battery pack with a maximum recuperation capacity of 260 kW. 

The EQE 43 SUV has 476PS of power and 858Nm of torque, making it capable of going 0-100kph in 4.3 seconds and flat-out at 210kph. The EQE 53 SUV, meanwhile, produces 625PS of power and 950Nm of torque by default but thanks to an optional extra, stats have raised to 687ps and 1,000Nm, making it capable of a 0-100kph time of 3.5 seconds and a top speed of 240 km/h.

Although the driving feel is rather mild because of the bulk of the electric powertrain or probably it needs the added subscription service that makes it sharper to drive, the EQE SUV features a high level of passive and active safety such as Attention Assist, Active Brake Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Parking Package, and Speed Limit Assist as standard.

The Assistance Package (includes Active Distance Assist Distronic, Blind Spot Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist) and Driving Assist Plus Package (Active Steering Assist, Active Lane Change Assist, Active Emergency Stop Assist, cross-traffic functions, Evasive Steering Assist, Pre-Safe Plus) are optional extras for added levels of safety.

For an unrivaled electric luxury crossover that has the looks of the EQS SUV and the size of the GLE, the EQE SUV takes pride in being a class of its own because not a single luxury electric crossover dared enough to challenge. Maybe someday, someone will.

Photo: Mercedes-Benz AG

Genesis GV80 (2024MY Minor Change) & GV80 Coupe

The first SUV from Genesis, the GV80, has gained a minor change for the 2024 model year and the latest minor change brings an additional model to the range; the first-ever GV80 Coupe. So, what's it all about the GV80 minor change?

2024 Genesis GV80

2024 Genesis GV80 Coupe

Starting at 69,300,000 Korean Won plus additional costs, the GV80 minor change and the first-ever GV80 Coupe bring the first Genesis SUV to near ascension with its revised looks, interior, and performance you would expect for Korea's answer to the BMW X6 and Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe. There's more to expect from this latest facelift.

2024 Genesis GV80

Beginning with the styling, the GV80 looks sleek and sporty with its new front design, new wheel designs, and a refined rear view, keeping it fresh after three years of service. The Coupe version, meanwhile, looks pretty much the same as the normal GV80 but with a sloping roofline mimicking its German opposition. That roofline means less space compared to the normal GV80 by about 91 liters with the second-row seats present but that's more stuff to store compared to the BMW X6 and the Mercedes GLE Coupe.

2024 Genesis GV80 interior

2024 Genesis GV80 Coupe interior

The interior of the GV80 has been heavily revamped for this minor change, meaning the dashboard has been heavily reorganized to make room for the 27-inch OLED display where the instrumental cluster and the sat-nav join forces rather than working in separate ways. In addition, it even comes with a digital rear-view mirror, a built-in camera that is handy for spotting some sweet potatoes on the road, and an integrated controller which is rather complicated to use compared to touch screens.

The normal GV80 is offered with a choice of being a five-seater, a six-seater, and a seven-seater while the GV80 Coupe is offered only as a five-seater. It even comes with an available rear-seat entertainment system to keep your bosses in the second-row seats occupied while on the move or getting stuck in traffic.

2024 Genesis GV80 Coupe

The GV80 2024MY minor change features an all-petrol lineup consisting of a Smartstream G2.5T engine sourced from today's Hyundai Santa Fe MX5, producing 304PS of power and 43kgf-m of torque, and the ultra-powerful Smartstream G3.5L V6 turbo engine producing 380PS of power and 54kg-m of torque. Exclusive to the GV80 is the Smartstream G3.5L V6 turbo engine with a 48V electric supercharger producing 415PS of power and 56kgf-m of torque. All are mated to an 8-speed automatic.

Like the pre-facelifted model, the GV80 is rear-wheel drive as standard with an optional all-wheel drive system that works on all road conditions; be it tarmac, gravel, or snow. It even comes with an electronically controlled suspension with road preview, which allows the GV80 to recognize road conditions via the front camera. Although they're bulky to drive, these models behave just like the German opposition, nearly.

The facelifted GV80 is fully prepared with the most advanced safety features offered in its class such as Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with the additional Evasis Steering Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, Rear Collision Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assistance, Highway Driving Assist 2, Navigation-Based Smart Cruise Control, Surround View Monitor, Rear Parking Collision Avoidance Assist, and Remote Smart Parking Assist.

The facelifted Genesis GV80 and the first-ever GV80 Coupe promises to become the alpha of the Genesis lineup since its advent three years ago. Although it may be easily overshadowed by the Germans, this updated version promises to propagate itself into presence until it is fully recognized the world over. Be prepared.

Photo: Hyundai Motor Company

Fourth-Generation Kia Sorento (MQ4) - 2024 minor change

The fourth-generation Kia Sorento has gained its minor change for the 2024 model year. Packed with numerous revisions inside and out, the best-selling SUV from Kia is back for more having been on the road for three years.

2024 Kia Sorento

Starting at 35,060,000 Korean Won plus additional costs, the facelifted Kia Sorento MQ4 continues to assert its dominance in its class with its revised looks, interior, and technology that will keep the best-seller afloat having spent three years of its service.

The biggest change for the recent minor change is the front and it now dons the EV9-styled nose, asserting its masculine looks. Apart from that, it features new wheel designs and slightly revised rear lamps that will keep the Sorento fresh and progressive in every detail.

2024 Kia Sorento interior

The interior has been heavily revamped for the recent minor change as hinted by the redesigned dashboard that saw its airconditioning vents streamlined as well as featuring the Panoramic Curved Display that features two 12.3-inch screens (one for the instrumental cluster and the other for the sat-nav) in one extra-long monitor, and the questionable feature that combines radio controls and climate controls into one, not to mention the new seating designs that showcases its premium feel. Despite heavy changes on the driver's side, the Sorento is offered with a choice of either a five-seater, a six-seater, or a seven-seater, depending on the variant.

2024 Kia Sorento

The facelifted Sorento is still offered with a choice of a Smartstream D2.2 engine, a powerful Smartstream G2.5T-GDi engine, and the 1.6L turbo-hybrid powertrain now offered with 4WD for the first time. 

Mated to an 8-speed automatic, the diesel variant produces 194PS of power (8PS less than the old one) while fuel economy is around 12.7km/L. The 2.5L turbo variant, meanwhile, produces 281PS of power and 9.4km/L of fuel economy.

The turbo-hybrid variant with its 6-speed automatic transmission has a total power output of 235PS and a fuel economy of 16.6km/L for FF variants while the 4WD variants get 14km/L.

For safety, the Sorento is packed with numerous ADAS such as Highway Driving Assist 2, navigation-based smart cruise control, blind spot collision avoidance assist, forward collision avoidance assist, rear parking collision avoidance assist, and Lane Keeping Assist 2. Coupled with the multiple anti-collision automatic braking systems, advanced rear passenger notification, reverse guiding lamp, and 10 airbags, this is the safest Sorento ever made.

One of South Korea's best-selling vehicles just got better with this minor change and the Sorento's back for more.

Photo: KIA

Mercedes-AMG GLC63 S E Performance (X254)

The all-new Mercedes-AMG GLC63 S E Performance is the ultimate version of the second-generation Mercedes-Benz GLC crossover that pushes the boundaries of what a GLC can do and with such performance, this is the GLC that is too cool to be ignored by latecomers everywhere.

2024 Mercedes-AMG GLC63 S E Performance

2024 Mercedes-AMG GLC63 S E Performance
Coupe

Starting at 121,856 Euros plus additional costs, the all-new GLC63 S E Performance, in normal and coupe versions, is what happens when the second-generation GLC gains some superpowers and plans to use it either for good or for evil. Whatever path it crosses, the new model prefers to go nearly quietly unlike the old GLC63 from a distant past because of its electrified powertrain that is deemed controversial by AMG fanatics.

Although it looks similar to its lesser brother, the GLC43, with some minor alternations to its detailing in order to differentiate it from the lesser one, as well as the same interior that can be fitted with optional Performance Seats, the GLC63 S E Performance throws away the predecessor's V8 power in favor of the 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine armed with the electric drive unit, AMG High-Performance Battery, belt-driven starter-alternator, and electric exhaust-gas turbocharger, creating a P3 Hybrid layout that produces 680PS of power output and 1,020Nm of torque, more than the previous model it replaces.

Mated to an AMG Speedshift MCT 9G gearbox, the GLC63 S E Performance can sprint from 0-100kph in 3.5 seconds, and with an optional extra, it has a top speed of 275kph, making it the quickest GLC ever spawned. 

Controversial the P3 Hybrid powertrain is, the GLC63 S E Performance delivers arm-wrestling dynamics most will liken it to wielding a humongous ax in the woods even while fiddling with the AMG Dynamic Select, AMG Ride Control steel-spring suspension with Adaptive Damping System, three-stage variable steering, rear axle steering, ESP, and its AMG high-performance composite brake system. Although extremely bulky to drive due to its PHEV powertrain, it feels capable of lashing out through tarmac, gravel, and snow like it's payday.

Yes, like its C63 S E Performance equivalent, the all-new GLC63 S E Performance's electrified drivetrain sounds muffled for speedo boys behind the wheel but everything else, the intense performance proves that this GLC is willing to use all of its superpowers for good or for evil. Whichever path it tips through, the world's burning with jealousy over the all-new GLC63 S E Performance because this is too cool to be ignored by latecomers everywhere. We just want one.

Photo: Mercedes-Benz AG