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New car snapshot

February

Bentley goes hybrid with a plush droptop take on its flagship coupe

The new Continental GTC Speed can run for up to 81 kilometres on electric power alone.

January

As tough as it gets, and more stylish than your average off-roader too

If there’s ever a second ‘Day of the Triffids’, the Defender 130 V8 will be up to the task. In the meantime, it’s a sleek, comfortable and good-looking ride.

November 2024

A big electric SUV with sporty intent

The Lotus Eletre is mechanically similar to the Emeya sedan and shares many interior parts and much of the tech.

Benz hits the Goldilocks spot with its new AMG SUV

The middle child in the GLC car family delivers an experience that’s just right.

October 2024

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.

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September 2024

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.

August 2024

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.

July 2024

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.

June 2024

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.

May 2024

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.

March 2024

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.

February 2024

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.

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.

January 2024

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.

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.

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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.

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?

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.

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.

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?

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