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Nissan Frontier Pro: Chinese-made PHEV ute could take on BYD Shark in Australia

Nissan Frontier Pro: Chinese-made PHEV ute could take on BYD Shark in Australia

The Advertiser20-05-2025

Nissan Australia's boss has indicated the Japanese company's local division considering the recently revealed Frontier Pro Plug-in Hybrid dual-cab ute for the local market.
Speaking with CarExpert, vice president and managing director for Nissan Australia, Andrew Humberstone, said the plug-in truck co-developed with China's Dongfeng could "absolutely fit" within the local portfolio.
"I see no problem with that running in parallel to new Navara. It's about 'does the business case work?' I think it takes about six months to get right-hand drive. I think it could potentially work for the market," Mr Humberstone said.
"What we've been told officially – this is a joint venture with Dongfeng, obviously – the car is available for export, we are one of the markets which could be considered. I think it could be a very interesting product for us to look at. I think it could absolutely fit."
Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now.
Revealed at last month's Shanghai motor show, the Nissan Frontier Pro Plug-in Hybrid is a Chinese collaboration with joint venture partner Dongfeng, based on the former's Z9 ute rather than the D40 Navara-derived Frontier pickup sold in the United States.
The brightly-coloured Frontier Pro PHEV is Nissan's first plug-in hybrid model globally, and also its first-ever electrified ute.
Power comes from a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with a transmission-mounted electric motor, for total system outputs of 300kW of power and 800Nm of torque.
Nissan claims EV range of 135km on the CLTC cycle, and fuel consumption of 6.9L/100km.
Vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability supplies up to 6kW of power and allows you to power external appliances via outlets in the tub. Braked towing capacity is 3500kg – matching the Navara – with a wading depth of 700mm.
The Frontier Pro also features five-link rear suspension, and comes standard with four-wheel drive and 18-inch alloy wheels wearing 265/65 R18 tyres.
An electromechanical rear differential lock is available, while there are selectable hybrid, electric, performance and snow drive modes.
Inside, there's a 10-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system.
It's a much more luxurious interior than our Navara, with the front seats available with heating, ventilation and massage, and a panoramic sunroof bathing the cabin with light.
The Frontier Pro revealed in Shanghai also has a colourful interior, with yellow upholstery and matching yellow trim on the dashboard and doors.
The new Navara, meanwhile, arrives in Australia next year and is yet to be revealed. Mr Humberstone indicated we could see a reveal or at least preview of the production model around November 2025.
Interestingly, the image above is of the facelifted NP300 Navara/Frontier that will arrive in Latin American markets during the 2026 Japanese financial year. This indicates the Latin American Navara/Frontier will be a significant facelift of the current D23 model, meaning Nissan will be producing three different mid-size pickups globally.
Of most importance to us is the upcoming Thai-built Navara, which is destined for the Oceania region which includes Asia and Australia. This new "one-ton pickup" will "leverage Nissan's partnership with Mitsubishi Motors", and will be the most advanced of the three utes.
Nissan's global announcement of this new model says "FY26" timing, though the Japanese market's financial year uses 'fiscal year' timing – i.e. April 1, 2026 to March 31, 2027. This likely means the next-generation Navara won't hit Australian showrooms until the second half of the 2026 calendar year.
Stay tuned to CarExpert for all the latest!
Would you consider the Frontier Pro Plug-in Hybrid if it was sold in Australia?
MORE: Nissan confirms five new models for Australia within the next two yearsMORE: Nissan Frontier Pro – New Chinese PHEV ute will be sold outside ChinaMORE: Everything Nissan Navara
Content originally sourced from: CarExpert.com.au
Nissan Australia's boss has indicated the Japanese company's local division considering the recently revealed Frontier Pro Plug-in Hybrid dual-cab ute for the local market.
Speaking with CarExpert, vice president and managing director for Nissan Australia, Andrew Humberstone, said the plug-in truck co-developed with China's Dongfeng could "absolutely fit" within the local portfolio.
"I see no problem with that running in parallel to new Navara. It's about 'does the business case work?' I think it takes about six months to get right-hand drive. I think it could potentially work for the market," Mr Humberstone said.
"What we've been told officially – this is a joint venture with Dongfeng, obviously – the car is available for export, we are one of the markets which could be considered. I think it could be a very interesting product for us to look at. I think it could absolutely fit."
Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now.
Revealed at last month's Shanghai motor show, the Nissan Frontier Pro Plug-in Hybrid is a Chinese collaboration with joint venture partner Dongfeng, based on the former's Z9 ute rather than the D40 Navara-derived Frontier pickup sold in the United States.
The brightly-coloured Frontier Pro PHEV is Nissan's first plug-in hybrid model globally, and also its first-ever electrified ute.
Power comes from a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with a transmission-mounted electric motor, for total system outputs of 300kW of power and 800Nm of torque.
Nissan claims EV range of 135km on the CLTC cycle, and fuel consumption of 6.9L/100km.
Vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability supplies up to 6kW of power and allows you to power external appliances via outlets in the tub. Braked towing capacity is 3500kg – matching the Navara – with a wading depth of 700mm.
The Frontier Pro also features five-link rear suspension, and comes standard with four-wheel drive and 18-inch alloy wheels wearing 265/65 R18 tyres.
An electromechanical rear differential lock is available, while there are selectable hybrid, electric, performance and snow drive modes.
Inside, there's a 10-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system.
It's a much more luxurious interior than our Navara, with the front seats available with heating, ventilation and massage, and a panoramic sunroof bathing the cabin with light.
The Frontier Pro revealed in Shanghai also has a colourful interior, with yellow upholstery and matching yellow trim on the dashboard and doors.
The new Navara, meanwhile, arrives in Australia next year and is yet to be revealed. Mr Humberstone indicated we could see a reveal or at least preview of the production model around November 2025.
Interestingly, the image above is of the facelifted NP300 Navara/Frontier that will arrive in Latin American markets during the 2026 Japanese financial year. This indicates the Latin American Navara/Frontier will be a significant facelift of the current D23 model, meaning Nissan will be producing three different mid-size pickups globally.
Of most importance to us is the upcoming Thai-built Navara, which is destined for the Oceania region which includes Asia and Australia. This new "one-ton pickup" will "leverage Nissan's partnership with Mitsubishi Motors", and will be the most advanced of the three utes.
Nissan's global announcement of this new model says "FY26" timing, though the Japanese market's financial year uses 'fiscal year' timing – i.e. April 1, 2026 to March 31, 2027. This likely means the next-generation Navara won't hit Australian showrooms until the second half of the 2026 calendar year.
Stay tuned to CarExpert for all the latest!
Would you consider the Frontier Pro Plug-in Hybrid if it was sold in Australia?
MORE: Nissan confirms five new models for Australia within the next two yearsMORE: Nissan Frontier Pro – New Chinese PHEV ute will be sold outside ChinaMORE: Everything Nissan Navara
Content originally sourced from: CarExpert.com.au
Nissan Australia's boss has indicated the Japanese company's local division considering the recently revealed Frontier Pro Plug-in Hybrid dual-cab ute for the local market.
Speaking with CarExpert, vice president and managing director for Nissan Australia, Andrew Humberstone, said the plug-in truck co-developed with China's Dongfeng could "absolutely fit" within the local portfolio.
"I see no problem with that running in parallel to new Navara. It's about 'does the business case work?' I think it takes about six months to get right-hand drive. I think it could potentially work for the market," Mr Humberstone said.
"What we've been told officially – this is a joint venture with Dongfeng, obviously – the car is available for export, we are one of the markets which could be considered. I think it could be a very interesting product for us to look at. I think it could absolutely fit."
Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now.
Revealed at last month's Shanghai motor show, the Nissan Frontier Pro Plug-in Hybrid is a Chinese collaboration with joint venture partner Dongfeng, based on the former's Z9 ute rather than the D40 Navara-derived Frontier pickup sold in the United States.
The brightly-coloured Frontier Pro PHEV is Nissan's first plug-in hybrid model globally, and also its first-ever electrified ute.
Power comes from a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with a transmission-mounted electric motor, for total system outputs of 300kW of power and 800Nm of torque.
Nissan claims EV range of 135km on the CLTC cycle, and fuel consumption of 6.9L/100km.
Vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability supplies up to 6kW of power and allows you to power external appliances via outlets in the tub. Braked towing capacity is 3500kg – matching the Navara – with a wading depth of 700mm.
The Frontier Pro also features five-link rear suspension, and comes standard with four-wheel drive and 18-inch alloy wheels wearing 265/65 R18 tyres.
An electromechanical rear differential lock is available, while there are selectable hybrid, electric, performance and snow drive modes.
Inside, there's a 10-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system.
It's a much more luxurious interior than our Navara, with the front seats available with heating, ventilation and massage, and a panoramic sunroof bathing the cabin with light.
The Frontier Pro revealed in Shanghai also has a colourful interior, with yellow upholstery and matching yellow trim on the dashboard and doors.
The new Navara, meanwhile, arrives in Australia next year and is yet to be revealed. Mr Humberstone indicated we could see a reveal or at least preview of the production model around November 2025.
Interestingly, the image above is of the facelifted NP300 Navara/Frontier that will arrive in Latin American markets during the 2026 Japanese financial year. This indicates the Latin American Navara/Frontier will be a significant facelift of the current D23 model, meaning Nissan will be producing three different mid-size pickups globally.
Of most importance to us is the upcoming Thai-built Navara, which is destined for the Oceania region which includes Asia and Australia. This new "one-ton pickup" will "leverage Nissan's partnership with Mitsubishi Motors", and will be the most advanced of the three utes.
Nissan's global announcement of this new model says "FY26" timing, though the Japanese market's financial year uses 'fiscal year' timing – i.e. April 1, 2026 to March 31, 2027. This likely means the next-generation Navara won't hit Australian showrooms until the second half of the 2026 calendar year.
Stay tuned to CarExpert for all the latest!
Would you consider the Frontier Pro Plug-in Hybrid if it was sold in Australia?
MORE: Nissan confirms five new models for Australia within the next two yearsMORE: Nissan Frontier Pro – New Chinese PHEV ute will be sold outside ChinaMORE: Everything Nissan Navara
Content originally sourced from: CarExpert.com.au
Nissan Australia's boss has indicated the Japanese company's local division considering the recently revealed Frontier Pro Plug-in Hybrid dual-cab ute for the local market.
Speaking with CarExpert, vice president and managing director for Nissan Australia, Andrew Humberstone, said the plug-in truck co-developed with China's Dongfeng could "absolutely fit" within the local portfolio.
"I see no problem with that running in parallel to new Navara. It's about 'does the business case work?' I think it takes about six months to get right-hand drive. I think it could potentially work for the market," Mr Humberstone said.
"What we've been told officially – this is a joint venture with Dongfeng, obviously – the car is available for export, we are one of the markets which could be considered. I think it could be a very interesting product for us to look at. I think it could absolutely fit."
Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now.
Revealed at last month's Shanghai motor show, the Nissan Frontier Pro Plug-in Hybrid is a Chinese collaboration with joint venture partner Dongfeng, based on the former's Z9 ute rather than the D40 Navara-derived Frontier pickup sold in the United States.
The brightly-coloured Frontier Pro PHEV is Nissan's first plug-in hybrid model globally, and also its first-ever electrified ute.
Power comes from a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with a transmission-mounted electric motor, for total system outputs of 300kW of power and 800Nm of torque.
Nissan claims EV range of 135km on the CLTC cycle, and fuel consumption of 6.9L/100km.
Vehicle-to-load (V2L) capability supplies up to 6kW of power and allows you to power external appliances via outlets in the tub. Braked towing capacity is 3500kg – matching the Navara – with a wading depth of 700mm.
The Frontier Pro also features five-link rear suspension, and comes standard with four-wheel drive and 18-inch alloy wheels wearing 265/65 R18 tyres.
An electromechanical rear differential lock is available, while there are selectable hybrid, electric, performance and snow drive modes.
Inside, there's a 10-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.6-inch touchscreen infotainment system.
It's a much more luxurious interior than our Navara, with the front seats available with heating, ventilation and massage, and a panoramic sunroof bathing the cabin with light.
The Frontier Pro revealed in Shanghai also has a colourful interior, with yellow upholstery and matching yellow trim on the dashboard and doors.
The new Navara, meanwhile, arrives in Australia next year and is yet to be revealed. Mr Humberstone indicated we could see a reveal or at least preview of the production model around November 2025.
Interestingly, the image above is of the facelifted NP300 Navara/Frontier that will arrive in Latin American markets during the 2026 Japanese financial year. This indicates the Latin American Navara/Frontier will be a significant facelift of the current D23 model, meaning Nissan will be producing three different mid-size pickups globally.
Of most importance to us is the upcoming Thai-built Navara, which is destined for the Oceania region which includes Asia and Australia. This new "one-ton pickup" will "leverage Nissan's partnership with Mitsubishi Motors", and will be the most advanced of the three utes.
Nissan's global announcement of this new model says "FY26" timing, though the Japanese market's financial year uses 'fiscal year' timing – i.e. April 1, 2026 to March 31, 2027. This likely means the next-generation Navara won't hit Australian showrooms until the second half of the 2026 calendar year.
Stay tuned to CarExpert for all the latest!
Would you consider the Frontier Pro Plug-in Hybrid if it was sold in Australia?
MORE: Nissan confirms five new models for Australia within the next two yearsMORE: Nissan Frontier Pro – New Chinese PHEV ute will be sold outside ChinaMORE: Everything Nissan Navara
Content originally sourced from: CarExpert.com.au

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2025 BMW X3 M50 xDrive review
2025 BMW X3 M50 xDrive review

Perth Now

time34 minutes ago

  • Perth Now

2025 BMW X3 M50 xDrive review

The new-generation BMW X3 lineup is here, and the range-topping variant is the X3 M50 xDrive. 2025 BMW X3 M50 xDrive Credit: CarExpert This six-cylinder sweetheart is the most powerful version in the mid-size premium SUV model range – for now, at least – and it's also the most expensive. So is it worth considering? And does it offer 'M' levels of performance for the price? Read on and find out. The flagship BMW X3 M50 xDrive isn't cheap, but it does offer a pretty impressive value for money equation if you're looking for a six-cylinder super-SUV. 2025 BMW X3 M50 xDrive Credit: CarExpert To see how the BMW X3 stacks up against the competition, check out our comparison tool The new-generation X3 is a massive step up in terms of interior design and finish compared to the previous model. 2025 BMW X3 M50 xDrive Credit: CarExpert The last one was pretty good, but this? In a lot of ways, it looks and feels genuinely premium… but even so, I noticed a couple of ill-fitting plastics around the console, and there has been a bit of criticism around the material finishes more generally. Is it a $130k car interior? Well, I think it's pretty good, but maybe not as good as it should be for that kind of cash. The design is neat though, with a really big focus on lighting and tech as the mainstays of this cabin treatment, and if that's your thing, it's got that bling. There's a head-up display, which is excellent, and a fully digital instrument cluster with loads of menu controllability. You can manage it via the steering wheel buttons – just note that the glossy finish on those controls can look a bit grubby over time. 2025 BMW X3 M50 xDrive Credit: CarExpert 2025 BMW X3 M50 xDrive Credit: CarExpert I'm not a huge fan of the reflective surfaces, but functionality-wise, everything's where you'd expect. You've also got cruise control and paddle shifters, including a Boost paddle that delivers maximum power when held down. It's pretty fun to use, let me tell you. There's also a 14.9-inch touchscreen media system which supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus it has a heap of built-in functions, including cloud-based satellite navigation. The system is packed with menus, some of which you can unlock through subscriptions for extras like Audible, YouTube, and more. It's pretty intuitive overall, though some features might take a bit of learning, and I still found it a bit confusing for some of the things I wanted to see quickly, like a trip computer display (which, unless I'm wrong, can't be shown up on the driver info screen!). 2025 BMW X3 M50 xDrive Credit: CarExpert 2025 BMW X3 M50 xDrive Credit: CarExpert There's also a drive recorder (though you'll need to be logged in to access it), a favorites tab, and a recently used panel for quicker navigation. Climate control is handled through a fan button that opens up further settings, including air direction and speed, so yeah, in that way it's like a lot of new cars with menus on menus to adjust simple things, but there is a voice control system that seems to get it right more often than not. Surprisingly, the ventilation system is one of the highlights. You get haptic sliders for fan speed and toggles for vent direction. It is a clean, clever design. Even the door-mounted vents have touch controls and adjust the airflow direction with motorised fins. Open the door, and you'll notice more thoughtful details: illuminated controls, memory seat settings, and even light-up hazard indicators integrated into the door and dash trim. It's impressive and adds a futuristic, high-end feel. You can option a textile dashboard made from recycled materials, but even the standard soft-touch finish feels refined. The seats are trimmed in high-quality synthetic leather. Convincing, soft, and comfortable – and if you want real leather, you can get it for an extra fee. 2025 BMW X3 M50 xDrive Credit: CarExpert 2025 BMW X3 M50 xDrive Credit: CarExpert The front seats are electrically adjustable, heated, and include driver memory settings as standard. There's a centre console area BMW calls the 'jewellery box', which includes a wireless phone charger, a second phone pad, USB ports, and dual cupholders. You'll also find an iDrive controller, which is a bit old-school maybe, but it's a great alternative to the touchscreen for navigating menus. The only downside is the glossy finish, which is a fingerprint magnet. You'll appreciate that there's a volume dial, drive mode selector, and quick-access buttons for your car settings. Switch to Sport mode, and the cabin lighting, instrument display, and even the character of the car change. It's a small touch that makes a big difference. 2025 BMW X3 M50 xDrive Credit: CarExpert 2025 BMW X3 M50 xDrive Credit: CarExpert There's also a shortcut to car settings, where you can disable lane-keeping assist or adjust driving characteristics. The central-screen camera system is fantastic, offering multiple views, including 3D mode, car wash alignment, and a reversing assistant. It's genuinely one of the best systems I've used. And it has the Reversing Assistant feature, which can back the car out of a situation you've driven into, if you're not confident you'll be able to do it (there's up to 50m of reversing possible!). You've got a toggle-style gear selector, electronic park brake, idle start/stop button, a decent centre console bin, and a fairly spacious glovebox. The door pockets easily accommodate large bottles. Up top, there are illuminated vanity mirrors, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, SOS call button, interior camera, and your overhead light controls. It all feels smartly designed and pretty posh. 2025 BMW X3 M50 xDrive Credit: CarExpert 2025 BMW X3 M50 xDrive Credit: CarExpert Now, to the back seats. With the driver's seat set to my driving position (I'm 182cm/6'0' tall), there was decent foot room, and the scalloped seatbacks help with knee space, but it's not the roomiest back seat in the segment. Headroom was also a little tighter than expected. But in terms of features, it's excellent for families. You get grab handles, coat hooks, overhead lights, map pockets, and ventilation with stylish controls. Rear climate settings and USB-C ports are there, too. There is a large transmission tunnel, so squeezing three adults across might be a challenge. But you do get ISOFIX child seat anchors on the window seats, three top-tether points, and a fold-down armrest with cupholders. The door pockets are big, and the doors have soft padded trim, keeping things comfortable and premium-feeling. The boot is bigger this time around, too. 2025 BMW X3 M50 xDrive Credit: CarExpert 2025 BMW X3 M50 xDrive Credit: CarExpert There's 570 litres of cargo capacity in the new-gen X3 with the rear seats up (20L more than the last version) and that expands to 1700L with the seats folded down (up 100L compared to before). A bonus thing to note is the rear seat has a 40:20:40-split folding design, so you can make the space more useable than in some other vehicles in this segment. There are numerous shopping bag hooks, a 12V port, storage netting and good lighting in the cargo zone. There is no spare wheel, though. Just a tyre repair kit, despite the fact there is a space-saver-style shape in the boot area. To see how the BMW X3 stacks up against the competition, check out our comparison tool As I've made clear, this one is the six-cylinder variant in the range, with petrol power and a whole heap of horses. 2025 BMW X3 M50 xDrive Credit: CarExpert There is a much more affordable four-cylinder variant (the X3 20) with rear-wheel drive, and the mid-range plug-in hybrid X3 30e is a lovely vehicle too, and it has AWD if you need it. But this one is a honey. However, it's also the thirstiest version in the range, with a claimed official combined fuel consumption figure of 8.2L/100km. On test, I saw above that – with a mix of driving returning a still-respectable 9.3L/100km. It needs premium 98-octane unleaded, so that'll add to the running costs, and the fuel tank capacity is 65 litres. To see how the BMW X3 stacks up against the competition, check out our comparison tool The straight-six turbo-petrol engine in the M50 is a cracker, with a huge amount of shove and some serious theatre to it, too. 2025 BMW X3 M50 xDrive Credit: CarExpert There's a lovely engine note, and it amasses speed with such effortlessness that you will need to be mindful of your licence. It's seriously fast. What I love about the drive experience in the more aggressive drive modes is that the assertiveness of the transmission when it upshifts is fantastic. It's a very involving experience, and properly forceful. You can take matters into your own hands if you want to, of course. There is a set of paddle shifters but, honestly, I don't think you need them. This eight-speed auto is a winner. It's so predictable and smart in the way it shifts – and speedy, too. I really, really like this powertrain. 2025 BMW X3 M50 xDrive Credit: CarExpert The M50 does have adaptive M suspension to set it apart, and it feels super sporty in the way it behaves. It's not necessarily punishing in its firmness, but it's a little less forgiving over sharp edges and bumpy bits. This is particularly noticeable around town, where it can feel a little bouncy over bumps and lumps in the road, and pogo-ey through slow-speed, offset intersection moments. The steering is excellent, too – it has a bit of a weighty feel, but it's not too heavy, and it's very manoeuvrable in low-speed situations as well. There's no silly all-wheel steering here, either, so it is a more natural and pure drive than some rivals. You can really feel the rear-bias of this powertrain. It definitely eggs you on, and certainly lives up to the notion of it being an M-Lite car. 2025 BMW X3 M50 xDrive Credit: CarExpert It brakes beautifully as well, with positive and enjoyable responsiveness, and you can really trust the pedal action in this vehicle. It is tuned to be enthusiastic, but it's not overbearingly sporty. The only real downside is that, on country roads or over really coarse-chip surfaces like some parts of the M4 motorway in Sydney, it can be a bit loud inside. Sports over luxury, in that instance, then. To see how the BMW X3 stacks up against the competition, check out our comparison tool Here's a rundown of the standard equipment across all three grades currently available in the G45-series BMW X3 lineup. 2025 BMW X3 M50 xDrive Credit: CarExpert 2025 BMW X3 M50 xDrive Credit: CarExpert 2025 BMW X3 M50 xDrive Credit: CarExpert 2025 BMW X3 M50 xDrive Credit: CarExpert 2025 BMW X3 20 xDrive equipment highlights: 19-inch alloy wheels Run-flat tyres M Sport package Adaptive suspension Adaptive LED headlights BMW Iconic Glow illuminated kidney grille Acoustic glazing Power tailgate 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system featuring Operating System 9 BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant BMW Digital Premium (90-day trial) Remote software updates Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto DAB+ digital radio Six-speaker sound system Wireless phone charger Head-up display Tri-zone climate control Anti-dazzle exterior and interior mirrors Comfort Access and Digital Key Plus M Sport leather steering wheel Anthracite M headliner Veganza upholstery Power-adjustable front seats Heated front seats X3 30e xDrive adds: Fixed panoramic glass sunroof Roller blinds for rear side windows Heated steering wheel Ventilated front seats Heated outboard rear seats 2025 BMW X3 M50 xDrive Credit: CarExpert 2025 BMW X3 M50 xDrive Credit: CarExpert X3 M50 xDrive adds: 21-inch alloy wheels Metallic paint M-specific kidney, mirror caps and aerodynamic elements Quad exhaust outlets M Sport Pro package M braking system with red calipers Privacy glass M Shadowline headlights and extended contents 15-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system M seatbelts If you're shopping up to this grade, you can also accessorise it a bit, with a choice of a few different wheel finishes, interior trims and more. The towing package costs $2200. To see how the BMW X3 stacks up against the competition, check out our comparison tool There's still no safety rating from Euro NCAP or ANCAP for the new-generation BMW X3. 2025 BMW X3 M50 xDrive Credit: CarExpert However, it has a host of standard safety technology and equipment, including the following highlights: Autonomous emergency braking Blind-spot monitoring Lane departure warning Steering and Lane Control Assistant Adaptive cruise control with stop and go Surround-view camera Parking assistant Reverse Assistant Drive recorder Tyre pressure monitoring system Other tech includes a speed sign recognition system, but thankfully it's not frustrating, and nor is most of the active safety tech, making this a rather agreeable vehicle to live with. To see how the BMW X3 stacks up against the competition, check out our comparison tool BMW Australia offers a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty. 2025 BMW X3 M50 xDrive Credit: CarExpert The German brand doesn't have set service intervals for its models; instead its vehicles have 'condition-based maintenance' requirements, meaning the car will tell you when it's time for a service. Typically, you can bank on it being every year or so, and there's a five-year/80,000km prepaid service package you can choose, for $2475. The X3 comes with three years of roadside assistance included at no cost, too. To see how the BMW X3 stacks up against the competition, check out our comparison tool There is no doubt the BMW X3 M50 xDrive is a dynamic and joyous thing to drive in the right situation, and it's the sort of SUV that encourages you to go and find that situation, too. 2025 BMW X3 M50 xDrive Credit: CarExpert More than just a family-friendly luxury SUV, it's a fun one. And I think it's well worth the money for someone who's looking for exactly that. Interested in buying a BMW X3? Let CarExpert find you the best deal here MORE: Explore the BMW X3 showroom Terrific engine Delightfully potent Decent value for money Some interior fit and finish qualms Bouncy ride in urban driving Complex and layered media menus Power: 293kW Fuel Type: Premium Unleaded Petrol Economy: 8.9L/100km CO2 Emissions: 204g/km ANCAP Safety Rating: Untested

Lamborghini tech boss hails e-fuel as ICE ‘saviour'
Lamborghini tech boss hails e-fuel as ICE ‘saviour'

The Advertiser

time13 hours ago

  • The Advertiser

Lamborghini tech boss hails e-fuel as ICE ‘saviour'

Synthetic fuel, also known as e-fuel, could save the internal combustion engine (ICE) according to Lamborghini's tech boss, who says electric vehicle (EV) performance parity is only a matter of time. Speaking to CarExpert, the Italian brand's chief technical officer, Mr Rouven Mohr, said the new Lamborghini Temerario powertrain – a twin-turbo V8 hybrid system with three electric motors producing total outputs of 677kW of power and 730Nm of torque – delivers the emotional experience the brand is known for. It can also run on synthetic fuel, making it somewhat futureproof amid ever-tightening emissions standards and alongside combustion-powered rivals in key Lamborghini markets around the world. "I'm not saying that synthetic fuel is better than fossil fuel, but it could be the saviour of the combustion engine," Mr Mohr told CarExpert. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. "The new engine has been designed to deliver optimal efficiency and performance with both solutions." The powertrain gives the Temerario serious performance stats, including 0-100km/h acceleration in a claimed 2.7 seconds and a 343km/h top speed, but it's the way it delivers its performance that matters to the Lambo tech boss. "The brand DNA has to be always the maximum emotionality that you can have in the sector. This is our DNA," said Mr Mohr. "Therefore, it starts with the sound, but it's not only about that – it's also about the vibration that we feel, the shifting perception, how the car is rotating in the corner… for this, the V8 was considered the best choice." To set the V8 further apart from its rivals, Mr Mohr's team then set a staggeringly high benchmark of a 10,000rpm rev limit. "We decided, okay, what we must do [is] to do the most emotional V8 engine in the segment, and this [high-revving] direction was right here. If you speak about the race-oriented engine, it's revs – revs are always bringing emotions, not only because of the sound." The pursuit – and customer demand – of a visceral experience is why Lamborghini will be later than rival Ferrari in adding an EV to its lineup, which it currently plans to do in 2029. Mr Mohr also said Lamborghini is working hard to keep ICE technology, which he says still has room for improvement, in production for as long as possible. "If you ask me the emotion side at the moment, like I said before, I don't see the [electric] solution that is convincing now," Mr Mohr said. "Its time will come, trust me, because this kind of technology transformation needs longer," he said. "But we should also not make the mistake to think that it [ICE] will stop, because I can tell you, the generation that is now growing up step-by-step with the electrification of the standard cars, for them there will be a point where they say, okay, the old combustion thing is cool." That's why synthetic fuels will be a key technology for brands such as Lamborghini, and fellow Volkswagen Group automaker Porsche – with both brands investing in it for future products, but also because of the critical role heritage plays in the image of each brand. In 2023, Lamborghini CEO Stephan Winkelmann said synthetic fuel technology will be employed by the automaker for several reasons. "There are different levels to how we see it," Mr Winkelmann said. "The first one is we might utilise synthetic fuels only for our race activities. "The second thing is to protect our car park, because the majority of our cars after 60 years still exist. So after 2035, there must be an opportunity, and this is what I think is very important – that all of our customers can continue to drive their cars." MORE: Lamborghini Temerario says farewell V10, hello twin-turbo V8 PHEV Content originally sourced from: Synthetic fuel, also known as e-fuel, could save the internal combustion engine (ICE) according to Lamborghini's tech boss, who says electric vehicle (EV) performance parity is only a matter of time. Speaking to CarExpert, the Italian brand's chief technical officer, Mr Rouven Mohr, said the new Lamborghini Temerario powertrain – a twin-turbo V8 hybrid system with three electric motors producing total outputs of 677kW of power and 730Nm of torque – delivers the emotional experience the brand is known for. It can also run on synthetic fuel, making it somewhat futureproof amid ever-tightening emissions standards and alongside combustion-powered rivals in key Lamborghini markets around the world. "I'm not saying that synthetic fuel is better than fossil fuel, but it could be the saviour of the combustion engine," Mr Mohr told CarExpert. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. "The new engine has been designed to deliver optimal efficiency and performance with both solutions." The powertrain gives the Temerario serious performance stats, including 0-100km/h acceleration in a claimed 2.7 seconds and a 343km/h top speed, but it's the way it delivers its performance that matters to the Lambo tech boss. "The brand DNA has to be always the maximum emotionality that you can have in the sector. This is our DNA," said Mr Mohr. "Therefore, it starts with the sound, but it's not only about that – it's also about the vibration that we feel, the shifting perception, how the car is rotating in the corner… for this, the V8 was considered the best choice." To set the V8 further apart from its rivals, Mr Mohr's team then set a staggeringly high benchmark of a 10,000rpm rev limit. "We decided, okay, what we must do [is] to do the most emotional V8 engine in the segment, and this [high-revving] direction was right here. If you speak about the race-oriented engine, it's revs – revs are always bringing emotions, not only because of the sound." The pursuit – and customer demand – of a visceral experience is why Lamborghini will be later than rival Ferrari in adding an EV to its lineup, which it currently plans to do in 2029. Mr Mohr also said Lamborghini is working hard to keep ICE technology, which he says still has room for improvement, in production for as long as possible. "If you ask me the emotion side at the moment, like I said before, I don't see the [electric] solution that is convincing now," Mr Mohr said. "Its time will come, trust me, because this kind of technology transformation needs longer," he said. "But we should also not make the mistake to think that it [ICE] will stop, because I can tell you, the generation that is now growing up step-by-step with the electrification of the standard cars, for them there will be a point where they say, okay, the old combustion thing is cool." That's why synthetic fuels will be a key technology for brands such as Lamborghini, and fellow Volkswagen Group automaker Porsche – with both brands investing in it for future products, but also because of the critical role heritage plays in the image of each brand. In 2023, Lamborghini CEO Stephan Winkelmann said synthetic fuel technology will be employed by the automaker for several reasons. "There are different levels to how we see it," Mr Winkelmann said. "The first one is we might utilise synthetic fuels only for our race activities. "The second thing is to protect our car park, because the majority of our cars after 60 years still exist. So after 2035, there must be an opportunity, and this is what I think is very important – that all of our customers can continue to drive their cars." MORE: Lamborghini Temerario says farewell V10, hello twin-turbo V8 PHEV Content originally sourced from: Synthetic fuel, also known as e-fuel, could save the internal combustion engine (ICE) according to Lamborghini's tech boss, who says electric vehicle (EV) performance parity is only a matter of time. Speaking to CarExpert, the Italian brand's chief technical officer, Mr Rouven Mohr, said the new Lamborghini Temerario powertrain – a twin-turbo V8 hybrid system with three electric motors producing total outputs of 677kW of power and 730Nm of torque – delivers the emotional experience the brand is known for. It can also run on synthetic fuel, making it somewhat futureproof amid ever-tightening emissions standards and alongside combustion-powered rivals in key Lamborghini markets around the world. "I'm not saying that synthetic fuel is better than fossil fuel, but it could be the saviour of the combustion engine," Mr Mohr told CarExpert. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. "The new engine has been designed to deliver optimal efficiency and performance with both solutions." The powertrain gives the Temerario serious performance stats, including 0-100km/h acceleration in a claimed 2.7 seconds and a 343km/h top speed, but it's the way it delivers its performance that matters to the Lambo tech boss. "The brand DNA has to be always the maximum emotionality that you can have in the sector. This is our DNA," said Mr Mohr. "Therefore, it starts with the sound, but it's not only about that – it's also about the vibration that we feel, the shifting perception, how the car is rotating in the corner… for this, the V8 was considered the best choice." To set the V8 further apart from its rivals, Mr Mohr's team then set a staggeringly high benchmark of a 10,000rpm rev limit. "We decided, okay, what we must do [is] to do the most emotional V8 engine in the segment, and this [high-revving] direction was right here. If you speak about the race-oriented engine, it's revs – revs are always bringing emotions, not only because of the sound." The pursuit – and customer demand – of a visceral experience is why Lamborghini will be later than rival Ferrari in adding an EV to its lineup, which it currently plans to do in 2029. Mr Mohr also said Lamborghini is working hard to keep ICE technology, which he says still has room for improvement, in production for as long as possible. "If you ask me the emotion side at the moment, like I said before, I don't see the [electric] solution that is convincing now," Mr Mohr said. "Its time will come, trust me, because this kind of technology transformation needs longer," he said. "But we should also not make the mistake to think that it [ICE] will stop, because I can tell you, the generation that is now growing up step-by-step with the electrification of the standard cars, for them there will be a point where they say, okay, the old combustion thing is cool." That's why synthetic fuels will be a key technology for brands such as Lamborghini, and fellow Volkswagen Group automaker Porsche – with both brands investing in it for future products, but also because of the critical role heritage plays in the image of each brand. In 2023, Lamborghini CEO Stephan Winkelmann said synthetic fuel technology will be employed by the automaker for several reasons. "There are different levels to how we see it," Mr Winkelmann said. "The first one is we might utilise synthetic fuels only for our race activities. "The second thing is to protect our car park, because the majority of our cars after 60 years still exist. So after 2035, there must be an opportunity, and this is what I think is very important – that all of our customers can continue to drive their cars." MORE: Lamborghini Temerario says farewell V10, hello twin-turbo V8 PHEV Content originally sourced from: Synthetic fuel, also known as e-fuel, could save the internal combustion engine (ICE) according to Lamborghini's tech boss, who says electric vehicle (EV) performance parity is only a matter of time. Speaking to CarExpert, the Italian brand's chief technical officer, Mr Rouven Mohr, said the new Lamborghini Temerario powertrain – a twin-turbo V8 hybrid system with three electric motors producing total outputs of 677kW of power and 730Nm of torque – delivers the emotional experience the brand is known for. It can also run on synthetic fuel, making it somewhat futureproof amid ever-tightening emissions standards and alongside combustion-powered rivals in key Lamborghini markets around the world. "I'm not saying that synthetic fuel is better than fossil fuel, but it could be the saviour of the combustion engine," Mr Mohr told CarExpert. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. "The new engine has been designed to deliver optimal efficiency and performance with both solutions." The powertrain gives the Temerario serious performance stats, including 0-100km/h acceleration in a claimed 2.7 seconds and a 343km/h top speed, but it's the way it delivers its performance that matters to the Lambo tech boss. "The brand DNA has to be always the maximum emotionality that you can have in the sector. This is our DNA," said Mr Mohr. "Therefore, it starts with the sound, but it's not only about that – it's also about the vibration that we feel, the shifting perception, how the car is rotating in the corner… for this, the V8 was considered the best choice." To set the V8 further apart from its rivals, Mr Mohr's team then set a staggeringly high benchmark of a 10,000rpm rev limit. "We decided, okay, what we must do [is] to do the most emotional V8 engine in the segment, and this [high-revving] direction was right here. If you speak about the race-oriented engine, it's revs – revs are always bringing emotions, not only because of the sound." The pursuit – and customer demand – of a visceral experience is why Lamborghini will be later than rival Ferrari in adding an EV to its lineup, which it currently plans to do in 2029. Mr Mohr also said Lamborghini is working hard to keep ICE technology, which he says still has room for improvement, in production for as long as possible. "If you ask me the emotion side at the moment, like I said before, I don't see the [electric] solution that is convincing now," Mr Mohr said. "Its time will come, trust me, because this kind of technology transformation needs longer," he said. "But we should also not make the mistake to think that it [ICE] will stop, because I can tell you, the generation that is now growing up step-by-step with the electrification of the standard cars, for them there will be a point where they say, okay, the old combustion thing is cool." That's why synthetic fuels will be a key technology for brands such as Lamborghini, and fellow Volkswagen Group automaker Porsche – with both brands investing in it for future products, but also because of the critical role heritage plays in the image of each brand. In 2023, Lamborghini CEO Stephan Winkelmann said synthetic fuel technology will be employed by the automaker for several reasons. "There are different levels to how we see it," Mr Winkelmann said. "The first one is we might utilise synthetic fuels only for our race activities. "The second thing is to protect our car park, because the majority of our cars after 60 years still exist. So after 2035, there must be an opportunity, and this is what I think is very important – that all of our customers can continue to drive their cars." MORE: Lamborghini Temerario says farewell V10, hello twin-turbo V8 PHEV Content originally sourced from:

Ford Ranger PHEV built for choice not compliance, says exec
Ford Ranger PHEV built for choice not compliance, says exec

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time13 hours ago

  • The Advertiser

Ford Ranger PHEV built for choice not compliance, says exec

Ford Australia has launched the Ranger PHEV to broaden customer choice, not meet emissions regulations, according to senior global product executive Jim Baumbick. The Ranger PHEV joins a growing collection of electrified Ford models in Australia that includes the all-electric Mustang Mach-E SUV and E-Transit and E-Transit Custom vans, as well as a plug-in hybrid version of the Transit Custom. All will serve as key pillars of Ford's initial response to the New Vehicle Emissions Standard (NVES) in Australia, with sales of the greener vehicles set to help offset fines accrued by dirtier models in the lineup such as diesel versions of the Ranger and the Everest SUV, as well as the petrol-powered Mustang sports car. However, Mr Baumbick says that Ford was working on diversifying its Ranger lineup well before the strict new emissions regulations were announced, and that the Ranger PHEV complements its other ute offerings. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. "This is not a compliance play, it's a portfolio of options," Mr Baumbick told Australian media at the international launch of the Ranger PHEV. "At Ford, we want to let the customers choose so they can pick the right tool for the job. "The regulatory requirements in Australia have changed very rapidly, faster than normal process. But we already had this in development, and we'll continue to enhance the portfolio. "We're launching it now, but we didn't do this because of the new requirements. It's part of our overall mission to offer a portfolio of options." Despite his insistence that the plug-in hybrid version of the Ranger wasn't an emissions-led project, Mr Baumbick admitted that Ford was caught on the back foot by tightening regulations across the globe. The ink officially dried on the Australian Government's New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) at the start of this year, bringing with it regulations designed to reduce the carbon footprint of the Australian car market. While the NVES came into effect on January 1, 2025, penalties won't start being accrued until July 1. "Going electric isn't a light switch," explained Mr Baumbick. "We're trying to move as fast as we can, and when things change quickly there are development lead times, so stay tuned. As for the other measures Ford is set to take to survive in the Australian market, the brand is committed to shielding consumers from the financial burden of NVES fines. "We're not jacking up prices due to our regulatory status," Mr Baumbick asserted. MORE: Explore the Ford Ranger showroom Content originally sourced from: Ford Australia has launched the Ranger PHEV to broaden customer choice, not meet emissions regulations, according to senior global product executive Jim Baumbick. The Ranger PHEV joins a growing collection of electrified Ford models in Australia that includes the all-electric Mustang Mach-E SUV and E-Transit and E-Transit Custom vans, as well as a plug-in hybrid version of the Transit Custom. All will serve as key pillars of Ford's initial response to the New Vehicle Emissions Standard (NVES) in Australia, with sales of the greener vehicles set to help offset fines accrued by dirtier models in the lineup such as diesel versions of the Ranger and the Everest SUV, as well as the petrol-powered Mustang sports car. However, Mr Baumbick says that Ford was working on diversifying its Ranger lineup well before the strict new emissions regulations were announced, and that the Ranger PHEV complements its other ute offerings. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. "This is not a compliance play, it's a portfolio of options," Mr Baumbick told Australian media at the international launch of the Ranger PHEV. "At Ford, we want to let the customers choose so they can pick the right tool for the job. "The regulatory requirements in Australia have changed very rapidly, faster than normal process. But we already had this in development, and we'll continue to enhance the portfolio. "We're launching it now, but we didn't do this because of the new requirements. It's part of our overall mission to offer a portfolio of options." Despite his insistence that the plug-in hybrid version of the Ranger wasn't an emissions-led project, Mr Baumbick admitted that Ford was caught on the back foot by tightening regulations across the globe. The ink officially dried on the Australian Government's New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) at the start of this year, bringing with it regulations designed to reduce the carbon footprint of the Australian car market. While the NVES came into effect on January 1, 2025, penalties won't start being accrued until July 1. "Going electric isn't a light switch," explained Mr Baumbick. "We're trying to move as fast as we can, and when things change quickly there are development lead times, so stay tuned. As for the other measures Ford is set to take to survive in the Australian market, the brand is committed to shielding consumers from the financial burden of NVES fines. "We're not jacking up prices due to our regulatory status," Mr Baumbick asserted. MORE: Explore the Ford Ranger showroom Content originally sourced from: Ford Australia has launched the Ranger PHEV to broaden customer choice, not meet emissions regulations, according to senior global product executive Jim Baumbick. The Ranger PHEV joins a growing collection of electrified Ford models in Australia that includes the all-electric Mustang Mach-E SUV and E-Transit and E-Transit Custom vans, as well as a plug-in hybrid version of the Transit Custom. All will serve as key pillars of Ford's initial response to the New Vehicle Emissions Standard (NVES) in Australia, with sales of the greener vehicles set to help offset fines accrued by dirtier models in the lineup such as diesel versions of the Ranger and the Everest SUV, as well as the petrol-powered Mustang sports car. However, Mr Baumbick says that Ford was working on diversifying its Ranger lineup well before the strict new emissions regulations were announced, and that the Ranger PHEV complements its other ute offerings. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. "This is not a compliance play, it's a portfolio of options," Mr Baumbick told Australian media at the international launch of the Ranger PHEV. "At Ford, we want to let the customers choose so they can pick the right tool for the job. "The regulatory requirements in Australia have changed very rapidly, faster than normal process. But we already had this in development, and we'll continue to enhance the portfolio. "We're launching it now, but we didn't do this because of the new requirements. It's part of our overall mission to offer a portfolio of options." Despite his insistence that the plug-in hybrid version of the Ranger wasn't an emissions-led project, Mr Baumbick admitted that Ford was caught on the back foot by tightening regulations across the globe. The ink officially dried on the Australian Government's New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) at the start of this year, bringing with it regulations designed to reduce the carbon footprint of the Australian car market. While the NVES came into effect on January 1, 2025, penalties won't start being accrued until July 1. "Going electric isn't a light switch," explained Mr Baumbick. "We're trying to move as fast as we can, and when things change quickly there are development lead times, so stay tuned. As for the other measures Ford is set to take to survive in the Australian market, the brand is committed to shielding consumers from the financial burden of NVES fines. "We're not jacking up prices due to our regulatory status," Mr Baumbick asserted. MORE: Explore the Ford Ranger showroom Content originally sourced from: Ford Australia has launched the Ranger PHEV to broaden customer choice, not meet emissions regulations, according to senior global product executive Jim Baumbick. The Ranger PHEV joins a growing collection of electrified Ford models in Australia that includes the all-electric Mustang Mach-E SUV and E-Transit and E-Transit Custom vans, as well as a plug-in hybrid version of the Transit Custom. All will serve as key pillars of Ford's initial response to the New Vehicle Emissions Standard (NVES) in Australia, with sales of the greener vehicles set to help offset fines accrued by dirtier models in the lineup such as diesel versions of the Ranger and the Everest SUV, as well as the petrol-powered Mustang sports car. However, Mr Baumbick says that Ford was working on diversifying its Ranger lineup well before the strict new emissions regulations were announced, and that the Ranger PHEV complements its other ute offerings. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. "This is not a compliance play, it's a portfolio of options," Mr Baumbick told Australian media at the international launch of the Ranger PHEV. "At Ford, we want to let the customers choose so they can pick the right tool for the job. "The regulatory requirements in Australia have changed very rapidly, faster than normal process. But we already had this in development, and we'll continue to enhance the portfolio. "We're launching it now, but we didn't do this because of the new requirements. It's part of our overall mission to offer a portfolio of options." Despite his insistence that the plug-in hybrid version of the Ranger wasn't an emissions-led project, Mr Baumbick admitted that Ford was caught on the back foot by tightening regulations across the globe. The ink officially dried on the Australian Government's New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) at the start of this year, bringing with it regulations designed to reduce the carbon footprint of the Australian car market. While the NVES came into effect on January 1, 2025, penalties won't start being accrued until July 1. "Going electric isn't a light switch," explained Mr Baumbick. "We're trying to move as fast as we can, and when things change quickly there are development lead times, so stay tuned. As for the other measures Ford is set to take to survive in the Australian market, the brand is committed to shielding consumers from the financial burden of NVES fines. "We're not jacking up prices due to our regulatory status," Mr Baumbick asserted. MORE: Explore the Ford Ranger showroom Content originally sourced from:

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