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New car snapshot

October

This all-electric BMW has an enticing price point

The iX3 sneaks in under the luxury car tax threshold for fuel-efficient vehicles – and it’s been built to a very high standard.

  • Tony Davis

September

Want a Porsche but need a comfy family car? Here’s your solution

For those looking for a cross between a sports car and luxury sedan, the Porsche Panamera will last the distance.

  • Tony Davis

August

Rolls-Royce’s electric Spectre has landed – in all its pompous glory

You don’t buy a Rolls, you commission one, and the options are almost endless. But the marque’s first EV sure makes its presence felt on Australian roads.

  • Tony Davis

July

Lexus LC 500 coupe

This flagship Lexus sports coupe is a hidden gem

The luxury car maker’s updated LC 500 is a beauty with a roar.

  • Tony Davis

June

Lexus NX450h+ F Sport

Is Lexus’ plug-in hybrid the best NX on the market?

A PHEV is either the perfect compromise or an expensive and unnecessary one, depending on your situation.

  • Tony Davis
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May

A new look for a new model: the Lexus LBX Sports Luxury AWD.

Why the new Lexus LBX Sports Luxury AWD is an ideal city car

It’s not exciting, but the brand’s smallest car has its pluses, as well as the usual Lexus ownership perks.

  • Tony Davis

March

Mercedes-Benz’s GLC300 is a classy family car. But is it exciting?

The Mercedes-Benz GLC300 is a worthy update of its luxury medium-sized SUV. Here’s why it’s a dependable choice while waiting for the next EV.

  • Tony Davis

February

On charge: the electric version of the smallest Lexus SUV still features an oversized grille.

Why the Lexus UX300e Sports Luxury will woo fans of the brand

This fully electric, lavish SUV comes with a great owner benefit program, but there are other makes out there with better range and performance.

  • Tony Davis
The Audi Q5 5S TFSI e quattro S-line Sportback: It’s certainly one of the best plug-in hybrids on the market.

Is this $110k+ version of Australia’s favourite Audi worth it?

The smoothness, the beautiful interior, the abundance of tech... The first hybrid variant of the mid-sized Q5 delivers, but here’s why you might want to wait.

  • Tony Davis

January

The Royal Enfield Interceptor 650: the choice is simply with or without the optional orange decal?

Dial up the fun with the updated Royal Enfield Interceptor 650

This one’s for those who love transport stripped back to its purest form, and the sheer pleasure of riding a bike. Yours for $10,990 ride-away.

  • Tony Davis

December 2023

The new Porsche 911 Carrera T is a real looker in, gulp, Python Green.

The new Porsche 911 Carrera T is yours from $300,700

Calling all brand aficionados: this beautiful, well-engineered car is great to drive and still has that gorgeous flat-six sound. Get it while it lasts.

  • Tony Davis
Still the one! The Mazda MX5 remains a well-balanced, well-designed car that’s a delight to drive.

The fun factor is off the scale in the fourth-generation Mazda MX-5

There’s an auto option, but why bother? The $48,690 GT RS continues to deliver in spades.

  • Tony Davis
The Audi e-tron GT RS has a combination of power and grip that allows it to reach 100 km/h in 3.3 seconds.

The Audi RS e-tron GT proves an EV can be zippy

From $248,200 plus, you can have all the performance, handling and technology of a Porsche Taycan. What’s not to love?

  • Tony Davis

November 2023

The Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600: it’s an ultra-luxurious limo disguised as an SUV.

After a plush SUV? Mercedes-Maybach’s GLS 600 is for you

It’ll set you back $393,969 plus on-road costs, options and customisation. But the ride is probably worth it.

  • Tony Davis

October 2023

CX-60

The new $80,000 Mazda CX-60 bucks the EV trend

It has the convenience of a petrol engine or a battery, depending on your needs, but most drivers now prefer a fully electric vehicle.

  • Tony Davis
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The contentious grille has not won many fans on other models, in the writer’s experience.

Brutalism on wheels: why the new BMW 740i has limited appeal

Would you pay $268,900, plus on-road costs, for a luxurious but hefty petrol limo when that very concept seems to be outdated?

  • Tony Davis

September 2023

The Polestar 2 has been given a big upgrade for 2024.

Polestar 2: a very good car made even better

This is a facelift that matters. The new Polestar’s safety options are now integrated, which means it’s been built better.

  • Tony Davis
Mercedes-AMG SL63

Mercedes-AMG aims new $375k convertible at next-gen buyers

Not everyone will love what the designer calls “the more voluptuous body” of the SL63, but there’s no faulting its powerful performance or sophisticated tech.

  • Tony Davis

August 2023

GWM Ora is a cute EV hatch from the Chinese company.

The third EV under $40,000 hits Australia

Chinese car company GWM has released the Ora, a hatch ideal for city spinning.

  • Tony Davis
Bentley Flying Spur Speed.

These iconic $700k Bentleys are the last of a dying breed

The 12-cylinder behemoth may be a mechanical marvel, but it’s a relic of another era.

  • Tony Davis

Original URL: https://www.afr.com/topic/new-car-snapshot-1nsd