Plug-In

BMW has revealed a plug-in hybrid version of its compact X1 SUV, the xDrive25e. Power in the X1 xDrive25e comes from a turbocharged 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine making 92kW and 220Nm, and an electric motor outputting 70kW and 165Nm. Combined, the two offer a peak of 165kW and 385Nm. Top speed in pure electric mode is 130km/h, and you'll be doing 192km/h at full noise with the petrol engine cranking.

Volvo Cars has completed its line-up of plug-in hybrids, launching the XC40 T5 Twin Engine in Europe this week, ahead of an Australian launch before the end of next year. Like the model offered in China already, the XC40 T5 Twin Engine pairs the 134kW/265Nm 1.5-litre turbo three-cylinder petrol engine from the T3 variant with an 82hp(61kW)/160Nm electric motor.

Skoda has revealed the first electric vehicles in its 124-year history, the Superb iV and Citigo iV, as it begins to move into electrification by adding plug-in hybrid and fully-electric drivetrains to its existing vehicles. In addition to EVs, Skoda has committed to forging ahead with infrastructure to support this shift to e-mobility.

Volvo has priced its hottest XC60, the hybrid-powered T8 Polestar, to go head-to-head with the BMW X3 M40i With a sticker price of $99,990 before on-road costs when it arrives at the end of August, the XC60 T8 Polestar is $90 more than the inline-six powered BMW but $3440 cheaper than the Mercedes-AMG GLC43. It replaces the T8 R-Design, but the existing D5 and D6 range remains unchanged.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series Touring has been snapped in the open for the first time, featuring a tweaked nose and a hybrid powertrain. The most notable changes to the 5er have occurred at the front, where the test mule has a revised headlight design and graphics. With LED detailing on the bottom edge of the light clusters, there's more than just a hint of 3 Series about the new design.