Category Archives: News

BMW had a better start to the year than Audi and Mercedes-Benz

According to Automotive News BMW has taken a commanding lead in the European executive car segment, with the 5 Series outperforming key rivals from Mercedes-Benz and Audi in Q1 2025.

Between January and April, BMW sold 20,402 units of the 5 Series across Europe—an impressive 56% increase compared to the same period in 2024. Notably, over 60% of buyers chose the Touring wagon variant, highlighting strong consumer preference for practicality alongside luxury.

In second place, Mercedes-Benz recorded 15,811 sales of the E-Class, up 19% year-on-year. Audi followed with 13,774 units of the A6 sold, marking a 10% increase over the previous year.

Electric variants are also gaining traction. BMW’s i5 electric model posted strong growth with 8,843 units sold—a 55% jump. It led the premium EV sedan segment, followed by the Audi A6 e-tron (7,460 units) and the Mercedes-Benz EQE (3,740 units).

When it comes to powertrain choices for the 5 Series, buyers are nearly evenly split: plug-in hybrids and diesels each accounted for 30% of sales, while pure electric models followed closely with 27%. Traditional gasoline engines made up the remaining 11%.

Although this generation of the 5 Series debuted just two years ago, BMW is already preparing a redesign—continuing the brand’s tradition of staying ahead of the curve, even amid strong sales momentum.

Source: Automotive News

Alfa Romeo delays the arrival of the next-gen Stelvio

The debut of the next-generation Alfa Romeo Stelvio SUV is facing a delay, following a strategic pivot by the Italian automaker. Originally planned as an electric-only model, the new Stelvio will now also be offered with a hybrid powertrain—prompting a postponement of its launch timeline.

Alfa Romeo’s parent company, Stellantis, is re-evaluating its electric vehicle (EV) strategy due to weaker-than-expected market demand. As a result, the new Stelvio—initially set to be unveiled in 2025 with sales beginning in early 2026—will now be delayed, with deliveries not expected before September or October 2026.

The decision to introduce a hybrid variant marks a significant shift from Alfa Romeo’s earlier commitment to going fully electric by 2027. That plan was scrapped earlier this year, with Alfa Romeo North America head Chris Feuell confirming that future models will now offer a mix of powertrain options.

The updated Stelvio will move to Stellantis’ STLA Large platform—capable of supporting multiple powertrains—replacing the current model’s Giorgio architecture. The added development time required for the hybrid variant is contributing to the launch delay.

This adjustment does not affect the launch schedule for the next-generation Alfa Romeo Giulia sedan, which remains on track for a 2025 debut.

The delay could temporarily hinder Stellantis’ broader plan to revitalize vehicle manufacturing and employment in Italy. The company’s European operations chief, Jean-Philippe Imparato, noted that an updated strategy is being prepared for the Italian government.

Despite the delay, production of the new Stelvio will remain at the Cassino plant in central Italy, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to its domestic manufacturing base.

Source: Reuters, Photo: Alfa Romeo

2026 Land Rover Defender

At the 2019 Frankfurt Motor Show Land Rover revealed the current generation Defender, the first all-new update since the early 1980s. Now, the arrival of the new generation is announced, which will hit the market in a few months.

The new generation Defender will bring a refreshing exterior with new headlights, fog lights and integrated taillights, bumpers, engine hood, side vents, and a front grille in gloss black. Customers will be able to choose from several new body colors such as Borasco Gray inspired by Californian mines, Woolstone dark green with warm details reminiscent of the British landscape, and Sargasso Blue and Patagonia White matte foil for the top-of-the-range Defender OCTA version.

The Defender‘s interior has also been refreshed with a new 13.2-inch central touchscreen, the gear lever is now slightly closer to the dashboard, a redesigned center console. A center front seat is available as an option, for a configuration with three rows of seats.

Speaking of technology, the future Defender will be equipped with Adaptive Off-Road Cruise Control, which allows the driver to maintain a preset level of comfort while driving on rough terrain, automatically adjusting speed even off-road. There is also a Driver Attention Monitor, a camera facing the driver that monitors attention while driving and sends visual and audible warnings in case of distraction.

When it comes to the powertrain, the top of the range will be the Defender OCTA powered by a 635 hp 4.4-L twin-turbo V8 engine. It is equipped with 6D Dynamics suspension, Body and Soul seats and OCTA off-road performance mode.

Land Rover will also offer several equipment packages (Explorer, Adventure and Urban) that include new black roof racks, dark underbody protection and fixed or retractable side steps.

Source: Land Rover

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