All posts by Francis Mitterrand

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Jaecoo 5 Mixes Tech and Turbo Power in Sleek Compact SUV Package

The compact crossover segment is set to welcome a bold new contender as the Jaecoo 5 gears up for its UK debut at next week’s Goodwood Festival of Speed. Positioned to rival the Range Rover Evoque, the Jaecoo 5 marks the latest push by Chinese automaker Chery into the European market, expanding the presence of its premium offshoot, Jaecoo.

The Jaecoo 5 will become the second model in the brand’s line-up, following in the footsteps of the larger Jaecoo 7, which has already found early success in the UK with nearly 6,000 units sold since its launch earlier this year.

Built on the same T1X platform as the Jaecoo 7 and models from sibling brand Omoda – including the Omoda 5, 7, 9, and the newly unveiled 3 – the Jaecoo 5 shares much of its underlying architecture with the Omoda 3, making it the most mechanically related vehicle in the Chery family.

In a departure from current market trends, Jaecoo is holding back on launching the 5 as an electric or hybrid model. Instead, it will arrive first with a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine, likely delivering a familiar 187 hp and 203 lb-ft of torque, mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission – figures that mirror the powertrain found in the Omoda 5.

Design-wise, the Jaecoo 5 mirrors the aesthetic of its larger sibling, offering a more compact silhouette with a shorter wheelbase and a coupe-like raked roofline. Its front and rear styling closely mimic that of the Jaecoo 7, giving the model a distinctive and upscale presence on the road.

Inside, the Jaecoo 5 differentiates itself with a more compact digital interface. While the 7 boasts a 14.8-inch infotainment screen and a 10.25-inch floating driver display, the 5 will feature a smaller central screen (size yet to be disclosed) and a driver display integrated into the dash, creating a cleaner and more minimalist cabin layout.

Buyers will be able to choose from two trims: Pure and Luxury. The entry-level Pure spec includes a six-speaker sound system, six-way adjustable seats, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Stepping up to the Luxury trim brings additional features such as a panoramic roof, wireless phone charging, and heated and ventilated front seats, aiming to satisfy the growing demand for premium technology and comfort at an attainable price point.

While full pricing and specifications are still under wraps, Jaecoo is expected to announce more details, including UK pricing and delivery dates, at Goodwood next week.

With its blend of sharp styling, familiar powertrain technology, and an aggressive market strategy, the Jaecoo 5 could well be a disruptive force in the compact crossover segment – especially as Chinese manufacturers continue to gain traction in Western markets.

Source: Jaecoo

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News

New BMW 5 Series: Mild Update, Maximum Balance

In a world where mid-cycle updates often bring dramatic redesigns or tech overhauls, BMW is taking a different tack with the 2026 G60 5 Series. With just two years on the road and a facelift still looming, this iteration sees only the lightest of touch-ups. A few new trim and upholstery options, a striking new paint color (Frozen Portimao Blue), and minor price tweaks round out the list. It’s evolutionary rather than revolutionary — and in the case of this midsize luxury sedan, that’s not a bad thing.

Under the Hood: If It Ain’t Broke…

Mechanically, the G60 lineup stays the course. The familiar trio of powertrains remains, led by the base 530i and 530i xDrive. These models make do with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. It’s smooth and capable in city driving but can feel a bit winded when asked to hustle on the highway.

The sweet spot remains the 540i xDrive, which carries over its turbocharged inline-six (the venerable B58). With 375 horsepower and 398 lb-ft, it offers a compelling blend of performance and efficiency — and it’s hard to argue with its 28 mpg combined EPA rating. It’s the “Goldilocks” choice for enthusiasts who still crave a bit of the old-school BMW magic.

At the top of the non-M lineup is the 550e xDrive, a plug-in hybrid pairing the B58 engine with an electric motor for a combined 483 horsepower and a meaty 516 lb-ft of torque. It sprints to 60 mph in a BMW-estimated 4.1 seconds, making it the quickest of the bunch. That said, its 500+ extra pounds of curb weight can’t be ignored when the road gets twisty. The good news: its new 11-kW onboard charger means shorter plug-in times, and the EPA estimates 33 miles of electric-only range and 67 MPGe — though real-world owners report closer to 27 mpg overall.

Interior: Subtle Upgrades and Enduring Comfort

Inside, the 5 Series remains a showcase of BMW’s mature design language. The cockpit is modern but familiar, with intuitive controls, a large curved display, and excellent build quality. New interior colorways like Taupe and Dark Violet/Atlas Gray offer more customization, and six trim choices — including a sporty carbon fiber option for M Sport models — broaden the car’s appeal.

Luxury remains a strong suit here. The optional $1,350 Luxury Seating Package brings ventilated, multi-contour front seats and heated rears — a must-have for long-haul comfort. The $600 Sky Lounge Panoramic Roof transforms the cabin ambiance and adds resale appeal.

While BMW hasn’t altered the tech stack, that’s not necessarily a knock. iDrive remains one of the better infotainment systems in the business, even if it still requires a bit of acclimation. Standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included, and the $1,900 Premium Package continues to be a strong value with its HUD, surround-view cameras, and remote start. Audiophiles should tick the $950 Bowers & Wilkins sound system box without hesitation.

Space and Practicality: Bigger Where It Counts

At 18.4 cubic feet, the G60’s trunk bests both the Audi A6 and Mercedes-Benz E-Class, and the longer wheelbase translates into excellent rear-seat comfort. Though technically still a midsize, the G60 flirts with “baby 7 Series” territory more than ever. For some buyers, that added space and comfort will justify the premium over the more agile 3 Series — though the trade-up may not feel worth it to all.

Safety and Driver Assistance: Familiar Faces

There are no changes to the standard safety suite, but it remains comprehensive: blind-spot monitoring, forward collision warning, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-keep assist are all included. The $2,500 Driving Assistance Professional Package unlocks BMW’s semi-autonomous driving aids — including the much-talked-about automatic lane change via mirror glance.

Pricing and Recommendation: Stick With the Sweet Spot

Starting at $61,075, the 530i is competitively priced, especially given its standard features. Add $2,300 for xDrive. The 540i xDrive asks $68,275, and the PHEV 550e xDrive nudges close to the $76,000 mark. These prices put the 5 Series in direct contention with the Audi A6, Genesis G80, and Volvo S90.

While the 530i makes sense on paper, those expecting the “Ultimate Driving Machine” experience may find it lacking after a few spirited drives. The 540i xDrive continues to offer the best balance of power, refinement, and value. It’s where we’d put our money.

Source: BMW

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New BMW 5 Series: Mild Update, Maximum Balance
News

BMW Skytop and Speedtop finally in the same place

BMW has taken plenty of heat in recent years over its polarizing design language, but even its harshest critics are falling silent in the presence of its latest creations: the Skytop and Speedtop. These two bespoke beauties mark a rare moment of near-universal praise for the Bavarian automaker, combining stunning retro-modern aesthetics with the performance pedigree of the M8.

Now, for the first time, both models are showcased side-by-side under one roof at BMW Welt in Munich—an exhibition that feels as much like a celebration as it does a product display.

Built on a Solid Foundation

While the Skytop and Speedtop are dripping in bespoke flair, their underpinnings are rooted in familiar excellence. Both are based on the M8 chassis, benefitting from BMW’s flagship GT’s powertrain and handling prowess. But beyond the engineering, the design tells a different story. These aren’t just rebodied 8 Series variants—they’re bold reinterpretations of classic body styles: a targa-roof convertible in the Skytop, and a dramatic shooting brake in the Speedtop.

BMW Group Head of Design Adrian van Hooydonk recently shared images of the duo on Instagram, igniting excitement across the automotive world. The Skytop has already sold out, but there are still a few precious build slots remaining for the Speedtop. As for pricing? BMW remains tight-lipped, but reports suggest both models hover around the €500,000 mark.

Exclusivity Comes at a Cost

That price tag brings more than just exclusivity—it also demands a few compromises. Neither car features rear seats, a sacrifice in practicality that won’t deter their target audience: ultra-wealthy buyers willing to spend Rolls-Royce money on a BMW. Just 120 units will be built in total—70 Skytops and 50 Speedtops—ensuring their rarity from day one.

Production of the Speedtop isn’t scheduled to begin until late 2026. Due to the high cost of U.S. homologation, neither model will be officially sold stateside. However, they could still make their way across the Atlantic under “show and display” exemptions, similar to the ultra-rare 3.0 CSL.

Speaking of Legends

The Skytop and Speedtop may seem expensive, but they don’t top the list of BMW’s most extravagant offerings. That title goes to the limited-run 3.0 CSL—a modern homage to the original E9 “Batmobile”—which allegedly carried a €750,000 price tag. Limited to just 50 units and based on the M4 CSL, it holds the distinction of being the most powerful inline-six BMW ever built.

The future may hold more high-end surprises. Sylvia Neubauer, Vice President of Customer, Brand, and Sales at BMW M, confirmed to BMWBLOG that another special M project is in the pipeline.

Design With a Purpose?

The retro-infused design language of the Skytop and Speedtop could hint at a larger aesthetic shift for BMW. While it remains unclear whether these styling cues will influence mainstream models, the upcoming Neue Klasse design philosophy—previewed on prototypes like the iX3 and i3—suggests a turn toward smoother, more minimalist forms.

Gone, perhaps, will be the excessive creases and sharp lines that have defined recent BMWs. In their place: the flowing, elegant contours seen on these limited-run masterpieces. One can only hope that some of the Skytop and Speedtop’s artistry will trickle down to models that the average enthusiast might one day afford.

Source: BMW; Photo: adrian.van.hooydonk via Instragram