Category Archives: NEW CARS

NEW CARS

Genesis G80 Goes Electric-Only in Europe with Bold New Design and Luxury Focus

In the crowded arena of European luxury sedans, a new challenger is turning heads—not with noise, but with quiet confidence. Meet the Genesis G80 Electrified, the flagship electric sedan from Hyundai’s premium offshoot, which is now taking a bold swing at Europe’s automotive establishment.

Genesis, though still a relative newcomer in the European market, is far from inexperienced. Already a familiar name in South Korea and the United States, the brand is rapidly gaining recognition for doing things differently—eschewing traditional dealer networks and commission-hungry salespeople for a boutique, customer-first approach.

Breaking the Mold

Instead of sprawling dealership lots, Genesis operates sleek urban “studios” situated in high-end retail environments. Sales are conducted online, and each customer is paired with a personal assistant—often someone from the world of luxury retail or fashion, rather than the automotive industry.

Backing up its premium promise, Genesis offers a comprehensive ownership package: five years of warranty, free servicing, roadside assistance, and even vehicle pick-up and return via covered transport. It’s a level of service few competitors match, particularly in the fiercely traditional European market.

Design That Dares to Stand Out

The G80 Electrified isn’t just about customer experience—it’s about presence. At nearly five meters long, the G80 casts a shadow larger than its segment rivals, inching closer to the Mercedes S-Class in stature while targeting the E-Class, Audi A6, and BMW 5 Series in competition.

Its elegant proportions are accentuated by Genesis’ now-iconic “Two Lines” design theme, visible in the headlights, taillights, and side accents. A gently sloping roofline gives it a coupé-like silhouette, while a bold, diamond-pattern grille adds character without falling into excess.

A recent mid-2025 refresh brought a stretched wheelbase—130 mm longer—for increased rear passenger comfort. Inside, a massive 27-inch curved display unites the digital instrument cluster and infotainment system, creating a high-tech, high-luxury feel that is both intuitive and immersive.

Electric-Only Ambitions

Genesis has taken a decisive step in Europe by eliminating combustion engines altogether for the G80. Gone are the 2.2-liter diesel and 2.5-liter turbo petrol variants. In their place stands the G80 Electrified, powered by dual electric motors producing 365 horsepower, with a substantial 94.5 kWh battery offering an impressive 570 km of range—an increase from the previous model’s 520 km.

This positions the G80 directly against electric heavyweights like the BMW i5, Mercedes EQE, and Audi A6 e-tron. In terms of price and performance, even models like the Polestar 2 or Porsche Taycan start to come into view, depending on your perspective.

But Genesis keeps things simple—perhaps too simple. There’s only one trim level available, priced at a hefty £75,615 (around €88,000). The upside? It’s fully loaded. From premium materials to state-of-the-art tech and driver assistance features, there’s nothing left on the options list.

The Genesis G80 Electrified isn’t a car that screams for attention—it earns it. While it doesn’t try to outpace its German rivals on twisty roads, it delivers where it counts for most buyers in this segment: comfort, refinement, and a sense of occasion.

Its cabin is arguably among the best in the class, both in terms of craftsmanship and ambiance. The overall package feels serene, understated, and confident—fitting for a brand that wants to do things on its own terms.

Yet the high price may limit its appeal, and the smallish boot is a practical compromise some buyers may find hard to ignore. Still, for those seeking something refreshingly different in a sea of sameness, the Genesis G80 Electrified offers a compelling alternative.

Genesis isn’t just arriving in Europe—it’s declaring intent. And it’s doing it with grace, innovation, and a quiet confidence that’s hard to ignore.

Source: Genesis

NEW CARS

Dongfeng M-Hero M817: The 912-HP Off-Roader You Can’t Buy in the U.S.

You’ve probably never heard of the Dongfeng M-Hero M817 — and that’s no surprise. Built by Chinese automaker Dongfeng in collaboration with tech giant Huawei, the M817 is a muscular, electrified off-roader that looks like it drove straight out of a sci-fi action film. While its chances of reaching American soil are slim, it’s already stirring up serious interest at home in China — and for good reason.

The M817 debuted just a few months ago as a smaller sibling to the more premium M-Hero 917. Despite its relatively recent reveal, Dongfeng has wasted no time gauging buyer interest. The company opened pre-orders with refundable deposits, and within just 24 hours, a staggering 9,713 deposits had been placed. Whether all of those will convert to sales remains to be seen, but it’s a clear signal that rugged, high-tech SUVs have a strong foothold in the Chinese market.

At the heart of the M817 is a range-extender powertrain that blends internal combustion with electrification — a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine teams up with dual electric motors to unleash a jaw-dropping 912 horsepower and 1,280 Nm of torque. That kind of output is supercar territory, and it helps launch the M817 from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in just 4.2 seconds. Add a 200 km (124-mile) all-electric range to the mix, and this is one plug-in SUV that doesn’t compromise performance for efficiency.

Pricing is equally compelling. With a base tag of 329,900 yuan (around $46,000 USD) and topping out at roughly $50,000, the M817 undercuts Western rivals in both price and performance. That makes it not only powerful but practical for buyers seeking a bold, capable EV that doesn’t break the bank.

A major part of its appeal lies in design. In a world where SUVs often blur together in a sea of bland styling, the M817’s aggressive, futuristic design language stands out — a welcome departure from cookie-cutter crossovers. Its angular lines, commanding stance, and distinctive lighting signature look every bit the part of a next-gen adventure vehicle.

While a U.S. launch is highly unlikely due to regulatory hurdles and brand recognition challenges, rumors suggest that Dongfeng may offer the M817 in both left- and right-hand drive variants, hinting at potential exports to other international markets.

If the early hype and spec sheet are anything to go by, the Dongfeng M-Hero M817 isn’t just another Chinese EV — it’s a statement of intent. And while American consumers might never get a chance to drive one, the M817 could be a glimpse of what the global future of rugged electric mobility looks like.

Source: Car News China

NEW CARS

Isuzu D-Max EV Breaks Ground as Europe’s First Fully Electric 1-Tonne Pick-Up

Following its debut at the 2025 Commercial Vehicle Show at the NEC Birmingham, Isuzu UK has officially pulled the wraps off the D-Max EV, the first fully electric pick-up in Europe capable of combining a 1-tonne payload, 3.5-tonne towing capacity, and full-time 4WD.

This groundbreaking model represents a significant leap forward in the electrification of the commercial vehicle sector — a bold move from a brand long renowned for rugged durability and no-nonsense utility. Now, that same DNA powers forward into the electric era with zero tailpipe emissions.

A True Workhorse, Now Electric

Available in two well-equipped trim levels — eDL40 and eV-Cross — the production-ready D-Max EV is powered by a dual-motor setup fed by a 66.9 kWh battery, delivering all-wheel drive capability and off-road confidence without compromising on payload or towing strength.

Isuzu has maintained consistency in its naming strategy by aligning the electric variants with their diesel counterparts, ensuring customers know they’re getting the same capability and premium features — now with the environmental and operational benefits of electric power. Hence, the D-Max eDL40 and D-Max eV-Cross carry forward the brand’s hard-working legacy under new, electrified skin.

Premium Trims, No Compromise

Each variant comes generously equipped. The eDL40, available in both Extended Cab (£59,995 +VAT) and Double Cab (£60,995 +VAT) formats, offers chrome exterior styling, an 8” infotainment display, 7” digital driver cluster, leather upholstery, Bi-LED headlights, dual-zone climate control, and Isuzu’s signature Rough Terrain Mode.

At the top of the range, the eV-Cross (£62,495 +VAT) leans into luxury with dark grey accents, a larger 9” infotainment screen, upgraded 8-speaker audio, and additional tech like an auto-dimming rear-view mirror.

Colour options include a palette of solid and metallic finishes, with Dolomite White Pearl exclusive to the eV-Cross. Signature blue EV elements and unique badging further differentiate the electrified model from its combustion-engined siblings.

Built for Business, Ready for the Future

Neil Scott, National Sales Manager at Isuzu UK, commented:

“We’re incredibly proud to launch the D-Max EV at a competitive price point for a fully electric, fully capable, and work-ready 4×4 pick-up. There’s nothing else like it in the market today that combines zero-emission driving with full commercial capability.”

The D-Max EV’s durability, standard features, and workhorse ability make it an ideal solution for fleets and professionals seeking to future-proof their operations without compromising on capability.

On Sale Timeline

Pre-sales are set to begin later in 2025, with first UK arrivals in February 2026, followed by customer deliveries in March. Right-hand drive demonstrator vehicles will be made available to fleet customers ahead of launch, underlining Isuzu’s commitment to supporting the commercial sector through the EV transition.

The Isuzu D-Max EV isn’t just a box-ticking electric truck — it’s a full-fledged utility vehicle engineered for real-world tasks. In an era where many EVs still struggle to match the toughness and utility of their ICE counterparts, the D-Max EV stands apart. This isn’t just an evolution for Isuzu — it’s a revolution for the European pick-up market.

Source: Isuzu