Car news round-up

Manufacturers have been busy refining existing models and producing new ones. We look at 10 of the results...

BMW

Golden celebration with M3 and M4 editions

BMW has revealed special editions of the M3 and M4 to celebrate 50 years of BMW M.

The two models wear ‘50 Jahre’ badging, which translates as ‘50 years’. The German carmaker says the editions mean ‘M enthusiasts around the globe can express both their passion for racing and their awareness of tradition’.

Based on the current generation of M3 and M4, both come with a straight-six engine that makes 503bhp, fed to the rear wheels through an eightspeed automatic transmission.

There will be a ‘strictly limited’ number of each version, with different global markets getting different configurations.

MERCEDES

New GLC SUV comes with hybrid power

MERCEDES has unveiled its second-generation GLC, bringing a smart new design and more luxurious interior.

The GLC was introduced in 2015 and has gone on to become its most popular model globally, amassing 2.6m sales since then.

It’ll come with purely hybrid power, with a range of four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines offering 48-volt mildhybrid tech as standard. There are also three plug-in hybrids, coming with a choice of petrol or diesel power and paired with a 134bhp electric motor.

Mercedes claims they have a range of more than 100km and can be rapidly charged in 30 minutes.

NISSAN

Qashqai gains updated exterior and more standard equipment

NISSAN has upgraded its Qashqai, bringing more standard equipment than before as well as updated badging.

All new Qashqai models will now feature Nissan’s new logo at the front and rear, as well as on the wheel caps and steering wheel boss.

The rear bumper has also been finished in a darker shade of grey, while LED front fog lights will now become standard on top-spec Tekna+ models, having previously been an optional extra.

Additionally, a 12.3-inch screen will now come as standard on cars from N-Connecta trim and above, bringing a 3.3-inch increase in size over the one currently fitted, among other features.

LEXUS

Fifth-generation RX has been revealed

LEXUS has revealed the fifthgeneration RX SUV, which it describes as a ‘completely reinvented vehicle’.

It has become one of the Japanese firm’s best sellers, having shifted 3.5m units worldwide since being introduced in 1998.

The Lexus RX has a new look, with the familiar ‘spindle grille’ now incorporated in the front of the body.

It’s wider than before, too, with a longer wheelbase and lower roofline.

BMW

X1 gets electrified powertrains

BMW has revealed the third generation of the X1, which gains a wide range of electric and hybrid powertrains and the brand’s latest technology.

The X1 sits at the bottom of BMW’s SUV line-up, but it has proved a popular choice since its introduction in 2009.

Key to this latest version is the debut of the electric iX1 as part of the firm’s growing range of EVs. Featuring twin electric motors putting out 309bhp, it also uses a 65kWh battery, giving up to 272 miles of range, while 130kW rapidcharging capability can see the battery topped up from 10 to 80 per cent in just 29 minutes.

BENTLEY

Sound enhanced for Continentals

BENTLEY has given its Continental GT and GTC models a sharp new offering with S versions.

Both GT and convertible GTC S variants retain the same 4.0-litre V8 engine that you’ll find in standard Continental models, where it develops 542bhp and 770Nm of torque, equating to a 0-60mph time of under four seconds.

However, its sound has been enhanced in S-badged cars, thanks to a sports exhaust fitted as standard.

Bentley’s Dynamic Ride, which includes a 48-volt electric active roll system, is also included.

MERCEDES-AMG

One hypercar can reach 219mph

THE long-awaited Mercedes-AMG One hypercar has been revealed in production form with Formula 1-derived technology.

The road-legal car uses a 1.6-litre V6 petrol engine and four electric motors. One is integrated in the turbocharger, one is attached directly to the combustion engine and the other two drive the front wheels, resulting in all-wheel drive and a top speed of 219mph. It goes from 0-60 in under three seconds and can hit 124mph in seven seconds flat.

MASERATI

Let there be light – or not much – as soft-top MC20 breaks cover

MASERATI has unveiled the convertible version of its MC20 supercar.

The Cielo is powered by a 621bhp twin-turbocharged V6 engine and weighs just 65kg more than the hard-top version. It’ll also manage the 0-60mph sprint in just under three seconds.

Underpinned by a carbon-fibre platform, the Cielo features an electric folding roof that can be opened or closed in 12 seconds. Launch versions will also feature a new three-layer metallic colour called Acquamarina, which is also available as part of Maserati’s Fuoriserie customisation programme.

A clever electrochromatic window is also fitted and can be changed from clear to opaque at the touch of the central screen. It uses polymer-dispersed liquid crystal tech to quickly change how much light is let into the cabin.

PEUGEOT

Electric e-Rifter MPV receives tweaks

PEUGEOT has made a number of tweaks to its electric e-Rifter MPV, giving the model new grades and revised equipment.

The Rifter is the passengercarrying version of the Partner van, with Peugeot introducing an electric model last year, which is all you can get now if you want a new Rifter.

Available with five or seven seats, the Allure Premium trim level has been replaced with a version now just called the Allure. Elsewhere, all e-Rifters now come with three independent seats in the second row as standard.

An updated key features a button to just unlock the boot.

VOLKSWAGEN

Advance booking opens for ID. Buzz

VOLKSWAGEN has opened an advance booking system for the ID. Buzz, giving prospective customers access to a priority ordering window.

By placing a £2,000 fee with a Volkswagen dealer before June 30, customers will have a two-week headstart on those who don’t reserve a slot for when orders begin in July.

Demand is expected to be extremely high, as its styling draws inspiration from the firm’s classic campers and has generated plenty of attention online since its reveal.