A solid Toyota crossover… with a deal-breaking flaw. The Toyota bZ4X delivers good space, a comfortable interior, and familiar Toyota reliability—but its limited electric range and slow charging make it hard to recommend over rivals, especially at its price. Toyota is world-famous for its hybrids, so when it finally released a fully electric vehicle—the Toyota bZ4X—expectations were high. After spending about a week living with the bZ4X, the picture becomes clear: this is a well-built, genuinely pleasant electric crossover in many ways, but one major weakness prevents it from standing out in an increasingly competitive EV market. First Impressions and Positioning The Toyota bZ4X is a fully electric crossover that sits in the same general size class as vehicles like the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Kia EV6. It features a hatchback-style body, higher ride height, and practical storage, all wrapped in a design that feels modern and distinctive without being extreme. Despite Toyota’s reputation, the bZ4X is surprisingly rare on the road. After spending time with it, the reason becomes clear—and it has everything to do with range and charging. The Biggest Issue: Range and Charging The bZ4X’s most significant drawback is its electric range. In real-world winter driving, the vehicle shows around 199 miles on a full charge, with an estimated maximum of roughly 220–230 miles under better conditions. That figure alone puts it at a disadvantage in a segment where competitors offer noticeably more range. Charging speed doesn’t help its case either. The bZ4X is not among the fastest-charging EVs, which further limits its appeal as a long-distance or road-trip-friendly crossover. For a vehicle priced between $40,000 and $50,000, this becomes a serious deal breaker. If you can live with the limited range, the bZ4X can work as a commuter vehicle. But compared to other EVs in its class, the range alone makes it difficult to recommend. Exterior Design and Practicality Visually, the bZ4X has a unique and appealing look. Angular headlights reminiscent of the Prius, heavy black contrast cladding, a large charge port door, and a prominent double rear spoiler give it a distinctive presence. The slanted rear glass and hatchback layout add both style and practicality. Around the back, cargo space is generous. The rear seats fold flat, making it easy to carry long items, and there’s also a small sub-trunk for extra storage. Higher trims include features like a power liftgate and a JBL sound system with a large subwoofer. Interior Quality and Rear Seat Comfort Inside, the bZ4X benefits from Toyota’s experience in building comfortable, functional cabins. Material quality is solid, with a mix of cloth, plastic, and piano black trim. While the piano black surfaces can be distracting, the overall layout feels familiar and user-friendly. Rear-seat passengers get good legroom, heated seats, USB-C ports, physical air vents, and a fixed glass sunroof with a sliding cover. While foot room isn’t class-leading, overall comfort is very good for this segment. Driver’s Seat and Technology Up front, the bZ4X feels strongly inspired by the Toyota Prius. The digital display is mounted high in the driver’s line of sight, paired with a Prius-style steering wheel and Toyota’s familiar software interface. The system supports wireless Android Auto and provides clear, useful driving information. Physical buttons are still present for key controls, which is a welcome touch, even if some are capacitive rather than traditional buttons. The center console is wide and offers multiple storage areas, though its width can make the cabin feel slightly more cramped than expected for a vehicle of this size. The bZ4X also includes features like X-Mode for low-traction situations, Eco mode, a high-quality surround-view camera system, adjustable regenerative braking, and brake hold. However, it does not offer true one-pedal driving, which feels like a missed opportunity in an electric vehicle at this price point. Driving Experience On the road, the bZ4X delivers a smooth, comfortable drive. The suspension is softly tuned, visibility is excellent, and the overall driving experience feels calm and predictable—very much in line with Toyota’s brand character. Acceleration is adequate, and while it’s not a performance EV, it feels responsive enough for everyday driving. In many ways, the bZ4X feels like a “Prius XL”: a taller, electric version of Toyota’s efficiency-focused philosophy. Unfortunately, unlike the Prius, it doesn’t offer exceptional range or refueling convenience. The Bigger Picture: Toyota’s EV Strategy The bZ4X highlights Toyota’s broader strategy. While other manufacturers are aggressively pushing EVs as flagship products, Toyota continues to focus heavily on hybrids. The bZ4X feels less like a bold statement and more like a necessary step to meet emissions requirements. Compared to Toyota’s own hybrids—which offer long range, lower cost, and proven efficiency—the bZ4X struggles to justify itself, especially given its limited range and charging performance.

Could this be the electric SUV sweet spot buyers have been waiting for? The new Kia EV5 promises Sportage-like practicality, a roomy and clever interior, competitive range, and sharp pricing—all wrapped in Kia’s familiar EV styling. But does it really have what it takes to be the best electric SUV in its class? The Kia Sportage has long been one of the UK’s best-selling SUVs, but rather than launching a fully electric version of it, Kia has gone in a new direction with the Kia EV5. This all-new, five-seat electric SUV aims to deliver familiar practicality while slotting neatly into Kia’s growing EV lineup. Positioned between the compact EV3 and the larger, more expensive EV6, the EV5 could land right in the market’s sweet spot. Where the Kia EV5 Sits in Kia’s Electric Lineup Kia’s naming strategy makes the EV5’s position clear. The EV3 sits at the entry point as the smallest and most affordable electric SUV, followed by the EV4. Above them comes the EV5, with the EV6 offering a sportier, longer, and more expensive alternative. At the top of the range sits the seven-seat EV9. This placement means the EV5 targets buyers who want more space than the EV3 offers but don’t necessarily need the performance, charging speeds, or price tag of the EV6. As a result, it will compete directly with electric SUVs like the Renault Scenic, Tesla Model Y, and Skoda Enyaq. Exterior Design and Styling Visually, the EV5 closely follows Kia’s established electric design language seen on the EV3, EV6, and EV9. It features similar styling cues but introduces a slightly different daytime running light design to help it stand out. Buyers can choose from seven paint colours, with 18-inch alloy wheels on entry-level models and 19-inch alloys on higher trims. Step up to GT Line or GT Line S, and you’ll get sportier exterior touches, including gloss black finishes that give the EV5 a more aggressive look. Practicality and Boot Space Practicality is one of the EV5’s biggest strengths. The boot offers 566 litres of storage, placing it ahead of the Renault Scenic but slightly behind the Skoda Enyaq. The space is wide and usable, with a height-adjustable boot floor that reduces the loading lip and reveals generous underfloor storage. There’s also a clever, dedicated space to store the parcel shelf, adjustable hooks for shopping bags or cargo nets, and trays along the top edge. These hooks are a first for Kia and come as standard on all EV5 versions. The rear seats fold in a 60/40 split and lie completely flat, though they must be folded from the side doors rather than the boot. Up front, the EV5 adds even more practicality with a 44-litre front storage compartment, ideal for charging cables. Rear Seat Comfort and Space Thanks to a longer wheelbase than the Sportage, rear-seat space in the EV5 is particularly generous. Even tall adults will find plenty of legroom and headroom, and the large windows create a bright, airy feel. The flat floor also makes it more comfortable for three passengers to sit across the back. The rear seats offer adjustable recline angles, climate controls, and a clever pull-out drawer with carpeted hidden storage—perfect for stashing valuables. Overall, rear-seat comfort is a clear highlight, even when compared with rivals like the Model Y and Scenic. Interior Layout and Technology Inside, the EV5 closely resembles other Kia electric models. A dual-screen setup combines a fully digital driver display with a central touchscreen infotainment system. Higher-spec versions add a head-up display with integrated Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The centre console features a wireless phone charger on mid and top trims, retractable cup holders, and a fingerprint sensor alongside parking controls. Beneath the console is a large open storage area. While the car shown was a prototype, Kia’s track record suggests the production interior will be competitive in both quality and design. Battery, Range, and Charging For the UK and Europe, the Kia EV5 will use an NMC battery with a usable capacity of 78 kWh, delivering a claimed range of up to 329 miles from a full charge. While this doesn’t beat the longest-range versions of the Tesla Model Y, it remains competitive within the segment. The EV5 is built on a 400-volt architecture, unlike the 800-volt EV6. As a result, maximum DC charging speed is 130 kW, allowing a 10–80% charge in around 30 minutes. Charging from 10–100% on an 11 kW AC charger takes approximately 7 hours and 15 minutes. Higher trims also offer vehicle-to-load (V2L) functionality, enabling the EV5 to power household devices via a socket in the boot or an adapter connected to the charging port. Performance and Driving Specs At launch, all versions of the EV5 will use a 214 horsepower electric motor driving the front wheels. This setup delivers a 0–62 mph time of 8.4 seconds and a top speed of 102 mph. While this matches rivals like the Renault Scenic, it’s slower than performance-focused alternatives such as the Model Y. For buyers seeking more speed, Kia has confirmed that a higher-performance GT version is expected in the future. Pricing, Trims, and Warranty Exact UK specifications are still being finalized, but the EV5 is expected to launch with familiar Kia trims: Air, GT Line, and GT Line S. Pricing is predicted to start just over £38,000, with the range-topping GT Line S coming in just under £45,000. That entry price undercuts many rivals while also offering a longer range than the cheapest versions of competitors like the Enyaq and Model Y. As with all Kia models, the EV5 will come with Kia’s 7-year, 100,000-mile warranty as standard.

Want a luxury EV that’s quicker, goes farther, and charges faster without breaking the bank? Curious if Audi finally nailed its entry-level electric SUV?The 2024 Audi Q4 55 e-tron delivers meaningful upgrades where they matter most: more power, longer range, faster charging, and refined driving dynamics. With a premium interior, roomy cabin, and improved performance, Audi’s refreshed compact electric SUV is now one of the most well-rounded options in its class. Audi has made significant improvements to its entry-level electric SUV, and the results are easy to feel from behind the wheel. The 2024 Audi Q4 55 e-tron receives a mid-cycle refresh that focuses less on visual changes and more on the things EV buyers actually care about—performance, range, charging speed, and driving refinement. Built on the Volkswagen MEB platform, the Q4 e-tron shares its foundations with the VW ID.4, but Audi adds its own premium design touches, sharper dynamics, and a more upscale interior experience. Exterior Design: Familiar Shape, Subtle Enhancements From the outside, the Q4 e-tron looks mostly unchanged—and that’s not a bad thing. Large Audi-style grille Matrix-design LED headlights “e-tron” badging on the front and rear bumpers One of the standout updates is the availability of new 21-inch wheels, which noticeably elevate the vehicle’s stance and overall presence. Audi also continues to offer a Sportback variant, featuring a sloping roofline and rear spoiler for a sportier profile. Powertrain & Charging: A Big Leap Forward The biggest upgrades happen under the skin. The Q4 55 e-tron now comes exclusively with a dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup, powered by an 82 kWh battery pack. Audi has dropped the previous single-motor rear-wheel-drive 40 e-tron variant entirely. Key Improvements: Updated permanently excited synchronous motor (PSM) on the rear axle Increased DC fast-charging speed from 150 kW to 175 kW 10%–80% fast charge in approximately 28 minutes These changes significantly improve both efficiency and everyday usability, especially on longer trips. Performance & Range: More Muscle, More Miles Audi has given the Q4 a noticeable performance boost. 335 horsepower, up 40 hp from the previous model 0–60 mph in about 5 seconds, nearly one second quicker than before EPA-estimated range: 258 miles, an increase of 22 miles Towing capacity: up to 2,650 pounds The added power makes the Q4 feel punchier and more responsive, while the range increase places it firmly among the top competitors in the luxury compact EV segment. Interior Space & Comfort: Roomy and Premium Inside, the Q4 e-tron strikes a balance between futuristic design and everyday comfort. Cabin Highlights: Comfortable seating for tall drivers and passengers Flat rear floor improves middle-seat usability Rear seats offer good legroom and headroom, though they don’t recline Premium materials with a clean, angular design Cargo space is also practical: 24.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats 53 cubic feet with the 40/20/40 split seats folded down Technology & Infotainment: Modern and Functional The cabin tech remains largely unchanged, but it still holds up well. 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster with Audi Virtual Cockpit 10-inch infotainment touchscreen, angled toward the driver Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard While the infotainment screen design isn’t the most futuristic, it’s intuitive and responsive. Audi retains a traditional round steering wheel, which many drivers will prefer over the flattened alternatives offered elsewhere. Driving Experience: Refined and Confident Audi retuned the suspension for 2024, aiming for a better balance between comfort and sportiness. On the road, the Q4 55 e-tron feels: Planted in corners with minimal body roll Comfortable over everyday road imperfections Quiet, even with large wheels Steering responsiveness has been improved, and while brake feel is better than before, it can still feel slightly soft. There’s no true one-pedal driving mode, but regenerative braking can be adjusted using steering-wheel paddles. Safety & Driver Assistance Standard safety features include: Parking sensors Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert Forward collision mitigation Lane departure warning Adaptive cruise control with lane guidance These features work seamlessly and contribute to a relaxed driving experience. Pricing & Competition Starting price: $56,395 (including destination) Sportback model starts at $59,995 Standard equipment includes 19-inch wheels, leather seating, and dual 10-inch digital displays. Key competitors: Mercedes-Benz EQB Genesis GV60 Volvo XC40 Recharge Tesla Model Y (cheaper, more range, less luxury feel)

Audi’s most compelling EV yet? Looking for a midsize electric SUV that blends performance, tech, and unmistakable Audi design?The 2025 Audi Q6 and SQ6 e-tron introduce Audi’s newest EV platform, striking digital lighting, advanced all-wheel-drive tech, and a futuristic multi-screen interior. With over 300 miles of estimated range, up to 510 horsepower in SQ6 form, and smart efficiency-focused engineering, the Q6 e-tron lineup represents Audi’s most convincing step forward in electric SUVs. The all-new 2025 Audi Q6 e-tron, shown here in the higher-performance SQ6 trim, marks a major milestone for Audi’s electric lineup. Positioned squarely in the midsize SUV segment, it’s the first Audi built on the brand’s newest generation EV platform and showcases the latest evolution of Audi’s digital design, lighting technology, and electric performance. At first glance, the Q6 e-tron looks familiar—but a closer inspection reveals meaningful changes that make it far more than just another Audi SUV. Exterior Design: Familiar, but Sharper and Smarter Audi sticks to its established design language, but the Q6 e-tron adds unique details that set it apart. Strong, muscular proportions with a pronounced shoulder line Inverted Singleframe grille design, now mostly closed for better aerodynamics Simplified 2D Audi badge up front One of the biggest highlights is the lighting system. What appears to be the headlights are actually digital daytime running lights made up of 61 individual LED segments per side. These lights support welcome animations and allow owners to switch between 11 customizable themes via the dashboard. The actual headlights are positioned lower in the front fascia, discreetly hidden in glossy black panels. At the rear, a full-width light bar incorporates Audi’s latest digital OLED technology, offering: 11 static light patterns in the U.S. market Animated safety signals that form hazard-style triangles during emergency braking or driver-assistance events Audi is even exploring how the Q6 e-tron can visually communicate with other road users, adding an extra layer of safety and interaction. Powertrain & Performance: Smart Quattro Electrification At launch, the Q6 e-tron will be offered with dual-motor quattro all-wheel drive as standard. Audi uses an asymmetrical AWD system: An on-demand asynchronous motor at the front, which disengages during cruising to reduce energy consumption A permanent magnet motor at the rear, serving as the primary drive unit Both motors share similar internal components, allowing Audi to streamline production while maintaining performance. Power Outputs Q6 e-tron quattro: 315 kW standard output Boosts to 350 kW (~456 hp) for short bursts SQ6 e-tron: 360 kW nominal Boosts to 380 kW (~510 hp) 0–60 mph in approximately 4.2 seconds The SQ6 also introduces electric launch control and enhanced regenerative braking, including a one-pedal driving mode. Battery, Range & Charging: Built for Efficiency Both the Q6 and SQ6 e-tron use the same 100 kWh battery pack. Estimated range: Over 300 miles for the Q6 e-tron quattro Battery can split into two 400-volt banks, charging in parallel Features dual charging ports, one on each rear fender While Audi plans to transition to Tesla’s NACS standard in the future, the Q6 e-tron will not adopt it at launch. This clever battery architecture supports faster, more flexible charging while improving real-world usability. Interior & Technology: Audi’s Digital Stage Inside, the Q6 e-tron debuts Audi’s latest E3 electronic platform, centered around what Audi calls the Digital Stage. The setup includes: 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster 14.5-inch curved OLED central display 10.9-inch passenger display, with privacy technology to prevent driver distraction There’s also a large augmented reality head-up display, projecting navigation, driver assistance, and infotainment data directly into the driver’s line of sight. While the interior is more screen-heavy than before, it comes at the cost of fewer physical buttons—a move Audi hopes to balance with improved voice and visual controls. Driving Impressions: Promising First Taste A short prototype drive in the SQ6 e-tron revealed: Strong, immediate acceleration Smooth operation of regenerative braking modes Confident and controlled feel under performance-focused conditions A full verdict on efficiency and ride quality will require extended public-road testing, but early impressions suggest a solid balance between performance and comfort.

Is this Audi’s most complete EV yet? Want luxury, long range, and cutting-edge tech in one sleek package?The Audi Q6 e-tron Sportback blends bold design, advanced lighting, fast 800V charging, and a refined driving experience. With a real-world range of around 480 km, a spacious and tech-rich interior, and premium Audi craftsmanship, it positions itself as Audi’s most impressive electric SUV to date—even if it’s not the fastest in the lineup. The Audi Q6 e-tron Sportback is currently the largest electric Audi on sale, combining SUV practicality with coupe-like styling. Built on a modern EV platform and packed with advanced technology, it represents Audi’s latest vision for premium electric mobility. From its striking lighting systems to its smooth air suspension, the Q6 e-tron aims to balance luxury, usability, and efficiency in a single, upscale package. Design & Exterior: Big, Bold, and High-Tech The Q6 e-tron Sportback makes a strong visual statement. Sleek SUV-coupe silhouette Daytona Grey paint with body-colored wheel arches Massive 21-inch wheels with red brake calipers Glass roof, black roof rails, mirrors, and window frames Optional Shadow Look Pro Pack and S-line trim Audi’s reputation for lighting technology is on full display here: Animated Matrix LED headlights Animated pixel lighting Full-width OLED rear lights Gloss black spoiler with integrated brake light Despite having around €20,000 in options, the car shown still isn’t fully loaded, highlighting just how extensive Audi’s customization options are. Practical EV Touches: Charging, Storage, and Convenience Audi adds several thoughtful EV-specific features: Motorized charging flaps on both sides AC charging up to 11 kW DC fast charging supported on one side “Kick to open” trunk projection feature Storage is generous: 64-liter frunk 526 liters of trunk space 1,529 liters with rear seats folded 40/20/40 split rear seats Large underfloor storage area The Q6 e-tron also includes double-glazed side windows, a tow bar system, and active air suspension for improved comfort and versatility. Powertrain & Performance: Smooth Over Speed This version of the Audi Q6 e-tron Sportback is rear-wheel drive, not quattro. Power: 326 hp Torque: 485 Nm 0–100 km/h: 6.7 seconds Top speed: 210 km/h It’s not a performance rocket, but it delivers smooth, confident acceleration. While not designed for hardcore off-roading, it remains enjoyable on gravel thanks to traction control and air suspension. Multiple drive modes are available, including an off-road setting and adjustable ride height. Battery, Charging & Real-World Range The Q6 e-tron features Audi’s new 800-volt architecture. Battery capacity: 94.9 kWh WLTP range: 656 km DC fast charging: up to 260 kW Observed charging speed: ~120 kW at 65% battery Average consumption: 19.1 kWh/100 km Real-world range: ~480 km Charging performance is stable and consistent, making the Q6 e-tron suitable for long-distance travel as well as daily driving. Interior & Cockpit: Premium, Tech-Heavy, and Unique Inside, the cabin emphasizes Audi’s signature blend of technology and design. Curved digital display Separate screen for the passenger (media and navigation control) Dinamica upholstery throughout (Alcantara/suede-like finish) Diamond-stitched leather accents Adaptive cruise control and advanced driver assistance systems Controls are split across intuitive clusters: Right cluster for media, calls, and steering wheel heating Left cluster for dashboard interface Paddle controls for brake regeneration Notable omissions include a head-up display, but standout features include massage seats, wireless charging with a screen clamp, and customizable ambient lighting with eight animation themes. Rear Seats: Comfortable, With Minor Trade-Offs Rear passenger space is solid for the segment. Adequate legroom Headroom is acceptable, though limited in the middle seat Rear climate control and seat heating Two USB-C ports Fold-down center armrest with cupholders ISOFIX anchors throughout The coupe-style roofline slightly affects headroom, but overall comfort remains strong for daily use. Driving Experience: Refined and Relaxing On the road, the Q6 e-tron feels unmistakably Audi. Exceptionally smooth ride thanks to air suspension Very good noise insulation Light but precise steering Stable handling with low center of gravity It’s a calm, confidence-inspiring cruiser rather than a sporty EV, prioritizing comfort and refinement over aggressive dynamics.