Lexus didn’t need long to figure out that its pint-sized LBX crossover struck a chord. Since its 2023 debut, the “premium casual” runabout has brought more than 23,000 new buyers into the fold, making it the brand’s second-best seller in Europe. Now comes the LBX Vibrant Edition, a limited-run model that doubles down on style and swagger.
The name doesn’t lie: this is Lexus leaning into the LBX’s “street-smart” vibe with extra garnish. Matte-black 18-inch wheels, gloss-black spoilers, and darker trim pieces give the Vibrant Edition more bite than the standard Emotion model. The grille treatment borrows from the rowdy LBX RR Morizo concept—jet-black plating with a hint of menace. Color choices are narrow but bold: bi-tone Ruby Red or Sonic Quartz with a black roof, or a full Astral Black suit for those who prefer stealth.
Inside, Lexus turns up the drama with semi-aniline leather in black, set off by Dark Rose bolsters, knee pads, and seat belts. The brand’s eye for detail shows up in red Tatami stitching across the seatbacks—a flourish you won’t find in most small SUVs. It’s sporty cosplay with genuine Lexus craftsmanship.
The Vibrant Edition doesn’t just play dress-up. Standard kit includes an eight-way power driver’s seat, ambient lighting with 64 selectable shades, wireless phone charging, and Lexus’s nanoe-X air purification system (because your latte isn’t the only thing that deserves foam). Paddle shifters make an appearance too, though don’t expect Nürburgring lap times. Power comes from the familiar 1.5-liter three-cylinder hybrid system, good for 136 horsepower. With its tidy 10.4-meter turning circle, the LBX is still aimed squarely at Europe’s crowded city centers.
Lexus will build the LBX Vibrant Edition for just eight months, from September 2025 through May 2026. Consider it the brand’s way of reminding you that luxury doesn’t always have to be big—or quiet.
Mercedes-Benz has always had a knack for turning auto shows into stage plays, and at this year’s IAA in Munich, the star of the production is the all-new GLC with EQ Technology. Billed as the first series-production model to wear the next phase of the brand’s Sensual Purity design language, the GLC is more than just a mid-size crossover—it’s Mercedes’ crystal ball into its electric future.
A New Face for the Brand
The exterior won’t be mistaken for anything else on the road. A reinterpreted grille defines the new “iconic face,” a fresh signature that Mercedes intends to filter through the rest of its lineup. It’s clean, sculptural, and unapologetically futuristic.
The Hyperscreen Goes Galactic
Step inside, and the real fireworks begin. Dominating the cabin is the new MBUX Hyperscreen, a single slab of glass stretching a ridiculous 39.1 inches from A-pillar to A-pillar. Mercedes has been dabbling with big glass for a while, but this one redefines excess in the best way. Packed with over 1,000 individual LEDs and next-gen matrix backlighting, the display doesn’t just dazzle—it adapts. Intelligent zone dimming allows different sections of the screen to run at separate brightness levels, so navigation can glow while climate controls fade into the background. Mercedes has even filed a patent for it, which feels like a very Mercedes thing to do.
Digital Meets Sculptural
The rest of the interior refuses to play second fiddle. A sweeping trim piece blends the instrument panel and center console into a single sculptural surface, accented by ambient lighting that changes color when you adjust climate settings. Subtle flex. Cupholders are smarter, vents are galvanized, and depending on trim, you get dual wireless charging pads for your phone.
Even the doors have been decluttered, showcasing metallic speaker grilles that look more like high-end audio equipment than car hardware. Seating is minimalistic yet plush, with leather stretched taut over clean forms.
Mood Lighting on Steroids
Customization is the name of the game. High-res background motifs let you dial the cabin’s vibe from “Nordic cool” to “Ibiza nightclub,” syncing instrument clusters, ambient lighting, and even control elements with your chosen palette. It’s the kind of personalization that makes the digital world feel stitched seamlessly into the physical one—a trick that only works when the hardware is this pretty.
The Mercedes Promise
At its core, the new GLC is less about overwhelming occupants with tech and more about framing that tech in a way that feels comforting, even familiar. The Germans call it the “Welcome home” effect. We call it clever brand engineering: reassurance packaged in pixels, lighting strips, and brushed metal.
The GLC with EQ Technology may be an SUV, but it’s also a manifesto. Mercedes is telling us this is how its future cars will look, feel, and, maybe more importantly, glow.
Mazda has never been shy about pushing against the grain. While most three-row crossovers lean hard into beige anonymity, the 2026 CX-90 doubles down on what Mazda does best: delivering family-hauling utility without sacrificing driving pleasure. Pricing now starts at $38,800 and stretches to just over $57K for the flagship trims, keeping it competitive with rivals like the Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade, and Toyota Grand Highlander.
What’s New for 2026
The CX-90 doesn’t receive a sheetmetal overhaul, but Mazda made thoughtful updates to keep things fresh. The big news is standard Alexa voice commands, packaging tweaks across trims that bundle in more equipment, and a new Polymetal Gray Metallic paint option. Every CX-90 still rides on Mazda’s rear-drive-based Large Platform, and all trims include i-Activ AWD.
Underneath, the CX-90 continues to punch above its weight with engineering not often found in this segment: a double wishbone front suspension, multilink rear suspension, and Mazda’s Kinematic Posture Control. The latter subtly brakes an inside wheel during cornering to flatten body roll and keep passengers more comfortable. Translation: this three-row actually enjoys a twisty road.
Powertrain Choices: Inline-Six or Plug-In Hybrid
Mazda keeps things simple with two core powertrains.
3.3-liter turbocharged inline-six (e-Skyactiv G): Available in two strengths. The standard version makes 280 hp and 332 lb-ft on regular fuel, while the hotter Turbo S tune bumps output to 340 hp and 369 lb-ft (on premium). Both are paired with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system and an 8-speed automatic, delivering up to 25 mpg combined.
Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV): A 2.5-liter four-cylinder teams with an electric motor and 17.8-kWh battery, producing 323 hp and 369 lb-ft. It can travel up to 26 miles on electricity alone and tows a respectable 3,500 pounds.
The Turbo S trims unlock the CX-90’s full towing potential of 5,000 pounds, but every version has enough grunt to move a full cabin without strain.
Trim Breakdown
Mazda’s trim walk for 2026 reads like a carefully calibrated ladder:
Turbo Select ($38,800): Eight-passenger seating, 19-inch wheels, 10.25-inch display with wired CarPlay/Android Auto, and the full suite of i-Activsense safety gear.
Turbo Preferred ($42,950): Adds ventilated seats, heated second row, larger 12.3-inch touchscreen with wireless CarPlay/Android Auto, and a sunroof.
Turbo Premium Sport ($46,980): Goes dark with blacked-out trim and 21-inch wheels, while also gaining Bose audio, panoramic moonroof, and enhanced driver assists.
Turbo Premium Plus ($50,270): Nappa leather, adaptive headlights, and a 360-degree camera.
PHEV Preferred ($50,495): Electrified grunt plus ventilated seats, wireless charging, and 21-inch wheels.
PHEV Premium Sport ($55,300): Blackout styling, Bose audio, head-up display, and 1,500-watt cargo outlet.
PHEV Premium Plus ($58,500): Nappa leather, driver personalization system, adaptive headlights, and expanded safety tech.
Turbo S Premium Sport ($53,940): The enthusiast’s pick—340 hp, blackout exterior, Bose audio, panoramic moonroof, and full safety suite.
Turbo S Premium Plus ($57,370): The flagship, with captain’s chairs, ventilated second row, Japanese Premium Nappa leather, and every bell and whistle Mazda offers.
Driving Dynamics: Still a Mazda Thing
While we haven’t yet driven the 2026 updates, the CX-90’s chassis carried over untouched—and that’s a good thing. The long wheelbase, RWD-based layout, and punchy six-cylinder give the big crossover a confident, planted feel in corners. Kinematic Posture Control remains a standout party trick, subtly curbing body lift and making the CX-90 feel more athletic than any rival this side of a luxury badge.
Interior: Premium Aspirations
Mazda’s interiors continue to punch above their mainstream price tags. Even lower trims get well-tailored leatherette, while top models indulge with Nappa leather, wood inlays, and Japanese Premium design cues. Three rows of seating remain standard, with room for up to eight, but second-row captain’s chairs are available for buyers who prioritize comfort over capacity.
Technology is no afterthought. Mazda’s latest 12.3-inch infotainment system (now with touchscreen capability) pairs with wireless smartphone integration, and the available Bose 12-speaker setup makes long trips a pleasure.
Safety: Loaded Across the Board
Every CX-90 ships with Mazda’s i-Activsense suite, including adaptive cruise with stop-and-go, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and lane-keeping assist. Higher trims layer on advanced features like Head-on Traffic Avoidance Assist and a 360-degree See-Through View camera—safety tech once reserved for luxury SUVs.
The Takeaway
The 2026 Mazda CX-90 isn’t reinventing itself, but it didn’t need to. Instead, it builds on its strengths—sharp driving dynamics, upscale interiors, and strong powertrain options—while adding just enough tech and convenience to keep pace with the segment leaders. If you want a three-row crossover that feels like it was tuned by people who actually like to drive, the CX-90 remains the one to beat.
