Category Archives: NEW CARS

NEW CARS

Lexus Enhances the RZ for 2026 with Stronger Powertrains and Faster Charging

As Lexus accelerates into the electrified era, the 2026 RZ emerges not just as an evolution of the brand’s first global BEV, but as a confident leap forward in performance, luxury, and electric sophistication. With a revamped powertrain, extended range options, sharper dynamics, and a bold new flagship variant, the RZ cements its place as a true contender in the premium EV crossover segment.

Performance Reimagined: Meet the 550e F SPORT AWD

Headlining the 2026 refresh is the new RZ 550e F SPORT AWD, a performance-oriented addition that dials Lexus’ electric ambition to eleven. With 408 system horsepower, this is the most powerful RZ ever, and it arrives with specially tuned suspension, enhanced damping, and sport-calibrated springs that promise both comfort and control.

But Lexus doesn’t stop there. The 550e introduces an innovative M Mode, allowing drivers to experience virtual gear shifts via paddle shifters—a rare feature in the EV world. Thanks to a virtual 8-speed setup and responsive torque mapping, the RZ delivers an engaging, almost analog experience, enhanced further by simulated engine and exhaust notes and a shift guide in the digital cluster. It’s an EV engineered not just to move, but to move the driver.

Fast Charging, Longer Range, Less Waiting

Efficiency and convenience see a major upgrade for 2026. The RZ now supports the North American Charging Standard (NACS), giving owners access to thousands of high-speed DC fast chargers nationwide. A beefed-up 11-kW onboard AC charger also slashes home charging times compared to the previous 7-kW unit.

Under ideal conditions, the RZ can replenish from 10% to 80% in about 30 minutes using DC fast charging. Range sees a boost as well:

  • RZ 350e FWD: Up to 302 miles
  • RZ 450e AWD: Up to 261 miles
  • RZ 550e F SPORT AWD (20-inch wheels): Up to 228 miles

While the F SPORT model sacrifices a bit of range for power, the performance gains are sure to appeal to EV enthusiasts looking for more than just quiet cruising.

Powertrain Precision: Lexus Refines DIRECT4 AWD

At the core of the RZ’s updated dynamics lies a reworked version of DIRECT4, Lexus’ all-wheel-drive torque distribution system. Borrowed from the RX but tuned for EV application, DIRECT4 now adjusts torque split in real time—between 60:40 and 0:100 during straight-line acceleration and 80:20 to 0:100 during cornering. This allows for enhanced grip, stability, and a more planted feel in both spirited and everyday driving.

In Range mode, the system holds a 50:50 split to optimize efficiency—proof that Lexus hasn’t forgotten the practical side of electrification.

Design That Dares: Enter the Wind

Aesthetics take a bold step with the debut of Wind, a new exclusive hue for the F SPORT. This solid light gray with a subtle metallic sheen pairs strikingly with black accents, giving the RZ a confident, futuristic edge. The rest of the lineup doesn’t skimp on flair either—buyers can choose from seven monotone and four bi-tone color combinations, ensuring their RZ stands out as much as it stands up to the competition.

Electrified, Elevated, Evolved

From its innovative paddle-shifted performance to its faster charging and refined ride, the 2026 Lexus RZ demonstrates how far Lexus has come in just a few short years of electrification. It’s not just an electric Lexus—it’s a Lexus because it’s electric, combining tech, luxury, and driver engagement in a way that few rivals in the segment can match.

Whether you’re new to EVs or upgrading from a hybrid past, the new RZ lineup—especially the thrilling 550e F SPORT AWD—makes a compelling case for electrification with emotion.

Source: Lexus

NEW CARS

2026 Citroën C4 Collection: French Comfort Meets Modern Mobility

In a segment dominated by conformity and subtle evolution, Citroën has chosen a different path — one paved with creativity, comfort, and unmistakable French flair. Enter the new Citroën C4 Collection, a special series that encapsulates the brand’s core values with refreshing precision.

Though recently renewed earlier this year, Citroën isn’t resting on its laurels. The Collection variant stands out as a rolling expression of the marque’s philosophy: delivering distinctive design, modern practicality, and class-leading comfort — all wrapped in a package that feels delightfully unorthodox.

French Elegance, with an Edge

Visually, the C4 Collection asserts itself with confident poise. The exclusive 18-inch Black Amber alloy wheels and the contrasting Perla Nera black roof offer a touch of Parisian sophistication. Rear privacy glass enhances its premium presence, while Rouge André accents — an homage to the brand’s founder — punctuate the design with personality and heritage.

There’s a certain subtlety to the ‘Collection’ badge on the tailgate, but its presence quietly assures this is no ordinary hatchback. Paired with a curated color palette, from Okenite White to Eclipse Blue, the C4 Collection exudes understated class with enough individuality to turn heads.

Citroën Comfort, Perfected

Comfort has long been Citroën’s calling card, and the C4 Collection is no exception. The Advanced Comfort seats, upholstered in soft Urban Grey fabric and enhanced with white Curitiba textile on the backrests, offer support that’s as visual as it is physical. The herringbone dashboard trim injects texture and warmth, while the André Red contrast stitching on the carpets lends a dash of French boldness to the cabin.

Of course, it wouldn’t be a Citroën without the brand’s hallmark Advanced Comfort Suspension, equipped with progressive hydraulic cushions that soften the harshness of daily driving. Whether gliding over potholes or floating across rough tarmac, the C4 Collection transforms every journey into a more refined experience.

Tech-Savvy and Intuitive

Step inside, and you’re greeted not just by materials, but by technology that works with you. The centerpiece is a 10-inch high-definition touchscreen, offering seamless wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration. The MyCitroënDrive Plus system includes integrated navigation that goes beyond the usual — utilizing a smart assistant that factors in traffic conditions, battery status, and charger availability to recommend the most efficient route.

Complementing the main screen is a 7-inch digital instrument panel, creating a cockpit that’s as driver-focused as it is digitally advanced.

Two Powertrains, One Purpose

Available as a 145 hp hybrid or a 156 hp fully electric variant, the C4 Collection adapts to modern mobility demands. The hybrid version is ideal for city dwellers, enabling up to 50% of urban journeys to be completed in electric mode, all without plugging in. It charges via regenerative braking, keeping things simple and efficient.

For those ready to embrace electric driving, the BEV version boasts a 415 km range (WLTP), bolstered by fast-charging up to 100 kW and V2L (Vehicle-to-Load) capability — ideal for powering devices or outdoor gear on the go. A smart charging system enables convenient charge scheduling, with adjustable thresholds (like capping at 80%) to protect battery health.

A Well-Rounded Upgrade

Positioned above the PLUS trim, the Collection offers enhanced standard equipment that elevates both style and function. Beyond its exterior upgrades, it includes keyless entry and start (ADML Proximity), console lighting, premium floor mats, and improved storage ergonomics.

In essence, Citroën hasn’t just created another version of the C4 — they’ve crafted a nuanced, thoughtful, and undeniably French interpretation of what a compact hatchback should be in 2025: stylish without arrogance, intelligent without complexity, and comfortable without compromise.

Source: Citroen

NEW CARS

YangWang U8L Debuts in China with Supercar Power and First-Class Comfort

In a market increasingly dominated by ultra-luxurious electric SUVs and cutting-edge tech, Chinese automaker BYD has officially rolled out its most ambitious vehicle yet—the YangWang U8L, a stretched, tech-stuffed version of its U8 SUV. And while its ¥1,300,000 price tag (approximately $181,000) may raise eyebrows locally, it looks like a compelling value compared to European luxo-barges costing double that.

A Stretch in Size and Ambition

The U8L is more than just an elongated version of the standard U8—it’s BYD’s boldest attempt to challenge the likes of the Bentley Bentayga, Mercedes-Maybach GLS, and even the Rolls-Royce Cullinan, albeit with a high-tech twist. The new model adds 14.6 inches (372 mm) in length and stretches the wheelbase by 7.8 inches (200 mm), providing additional cabin space and a more stately road presence.

It’s clear the U8L was engineered not just to haul passengers, but to coddle them. The interior layout is strictly 2+2+2, with executive-style second-row seating as standard. Features like ventilation, heating, massage functions, and heated armrests are fitted front and rear. Tech also takes center stage, with three massive screens: a 23.6-inch digital cluster for the driver, a 12.8-inch central infotainment screen, and another 23.6-inch display dedicated to the front passenger.

A Powertrain That Reads Like a Hypercar

Under the hood—or more accurately, throughout the chassis—the U8L boasts a range-extended hybrid setup consisting of a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, four electric motors, and a 49.05 kWh battery. Combined, they generate a staggering 1,180 horsepower and 944 lb-ft of torque, making this 3.5-ton SUV quicker than some supercars on paper.

To contextualize, that’s more power than the Bugatti Veyron—a car that once ruled the hypercar world with its 987 hp W16 engine. While the YangWang likely won’t hit 250 mph, it promises brutal acceleration and off-road chops in equal measure, thanks to its quad-motor setup, wade mode (yes, it can float and ford rivers), and BYD’s proprietary Disus-P hydraulic suspension system.

Autonomy and Innovation

Tech-wise, the U8L might be China’s most advanced SUV to date. It ships standard with DiPilot 600 autonomous driving tech, including three LiDAR sensors and Navigate on Autopilot capabilities on both highways and in city environments. Also onboard are carbon ceramic brakes, typically reserved for sports cars and hypercars—a statement that YangWang is not messing around.

Value or Vanity?

At nearly $181,000, the U8L sits in rarefied air for a Chinese domestic vehicle. Yet compared to a similarly specced European SUV that could run $300,000 or more, the YangWang feels like a value proposition—at least on paper. The challenge, however, is not just building a world-class luxury SUV but convincing consumers it deserves to sit alongside century-old luxury marques.

And that’s where the trouble begins. Despite the bravado, YangWang’s sales are down 500% compared to the first half of last year, according to CarNewsChina. Whether this is a temporary dip or a signal that the brand’s momentum is fading remains unclear. What is clear: BYD is betting big on buyers who want cutting-edge domestic luxury without the Western badge.

The YangWang U8L is perhaps the boldest example yet of how far Chinese automakers have come. It may not (yet) carry the pedigree of its Western rivals, but in terms of tech, power, and ambition, it’s more than worthy of global attention. Whether Chinese ultra-luxury buyers agree—that’s the billion-yuan question.

Source: BYD