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via Why Toyota's 'All-New' Camry and RAV4 Still Ride on Old Platforms

Familiar Bones Under Fresh Sheet Metal

Toyota's next-generation Camry and the upcoming RAV4 showcase new styling and updated technology, including refined hybrid systems and enhanced safety features.

Yet beneath their fresh exteriors, both models ride on the same basic platforms as their predecessors. The ninth-generation Camry remains tied to its existing architecture, while the next RAV4, due to arrive in America soon, is expected to follow suit. It raises the question of whether these "all-new" cars are more evolutionary than revolutionary.

Toyota, however, is clear that this is not a corner-cutting exercise but a deliberate strategy.

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Here's Why, According to Toyota

According to Toyota Australia Sales and Marketing chief Sean Hanley, there is no pressing need to abandon proven underpinnings. "Platforms will move, but there's no need to move at this point – at all," he told Drive. "These platforms are working very well for us, we can achieve all the things we need to achieve globally with the platforms we've got."

Hanley stressed that customers will still see meaningful improvements in new-generation models. Enhancements to noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH), along with better suspension compliance and powertrain calibration, are part of every redesign. He added that reusing platforms delivers more than just cost savings. "Toyota is very much focused on quality, durability, reliability, and the current platforms deliver on all of those things – and that's important to us."

The company views its platforms as evolving assets rather than static structures. "Of course, platforms will move, always, but motor cars are complex machines now, and they're costly," Hanley said. "As technology evolves, as efficiency of build evolves, platforms will evolve." For Toyota, proven hardware remains a competitive foundation as long as it meets safety and performance benchmarks.

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A Wider Industry Trend

Toyota's approach is not unique. Nissan's latest Z sports car pairs new styling and technology with a heavily updated version of its predecessor's chassis. Other automakers have extended platform life cycles to balance investment with product freshness, particularly in segments where outright innovation yields limited customer benefits.

Toyota's own truck lineup illustrates the extent to which this can be taken. The next-generation Hilux, a global cousin to the Tacoma, is expected to make its debut next month and is strongly rumored to retain its ladder-frame IMV architecture, potentially extending its service life beyond two decades.

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via Bentley Wants to Make Its Vehicles More Luxurious for Your Dog

Some doggos roll in Bentleys

At first thought, you can probably picture a Bentley as a powerful and luxurious machine with a big engine and an interior finished in the best materials money can buy. The British outfit is known for the little things that matter, down to the plush quilted seats finished in soft, supple leather, deep-pile carpets that rival the ones at your grandma’s house, and metal finishes and fixtures that feel heavy and cool to the touch. 

It’s not exactly the kind of car you’d think that you'd want to transport a dog in. However, Bentley knows that some of its clients do, and for those who have four-legged friends, the automaker has launched a Pet Accessory Range for the Bentayga SUV, which ensures their doggos get as much luxury treatment as their owners.

According to the ultra-luxury brand, nearly one in three Bentley owners regularly travel with pets, and in the context of Bentayga owners, it can go beyond trips to the vet. For these special owners, Bentley has designed an exceptional experience, combining comfort, safety, and practicality for their four-legged companions.

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Bentley dogs get all the fun

These accessories start with equipment designed to keep the four-legged ones in the trunk in style. The Bespoke Dog Guard and Moveable Luggage Divider is designed to carve out a private suite for the little rover while keeping the groceries, shopping bags, and the golf clubs neatly separated.

If that’s not enough protection, Bentley also offers a Quilted Load Space Liner, which is handcrafted, padded, waterproof, and designed to fit the Bentayga’s load space perfectly to turn it into a first-class suit for on-the-go pups. It also has an integrated Bumper Protector, so your pup’s paws won’t leave a mark on your Bentayga’s paint job when getting in and out.

Bentley has also developed accessories for those whose dogs prefer to ride in the backseat. It offers tailored rear Seat Protection Covers and Seat Extenders with Quilted Door Cards, which will allow your pup to sprawl out in style while the leather seats stay scratch-free. For those who like to venture out on muddy adventures, Bentley offers all-weather floor and boot mats that are tough enough to handle the equally muddy shoes and paws, but still elegant enough for a Bentley interior.

It’s all part of Bentley’s 360-degree experience

The Pet Accessory Range is an additional pet-focused complement to Bentley’s wider Vehicle Protection Range of accessories, which are designed to keep up with its owner’s lifestyle and peace of mind. Specifically, they say that dog owners could benefit from select accessories, such as the roof rails, which could help them keep the trunk and rear seats free for doggo transportation. 

At the same time, Bentley says that the Bentley Drive Vision system, which features front and rear dashcams, can not only record the journeys that dogs and their owners take in their Bentayga, but also add another layer of peace of mind.

The Pet Accessory Range joins Bentley Home, Bentley Residences, and Bentley Experiences in what the company calls its “luxury lifestyle ecosystem,” which aims to extend the benefits of the Bentley lifestyle to every member of the family, paws included.

Final thoughts

Owners consider their furry friends to be a part of the family, and according to statistics from the American Pet Products Association, dogs are the most popular pet in the U.S. Americans spent $136.8 billion on their pets in 2022, and these days, a whole industry exists to ensure that dogs get the same kind of attention and care that their human caregivers do, whether it be refrigerated dog food made with human-grade ingredients, toys that help stimulate their brain development and function, and specialized wellness and healthcare.

In Bentley’s scenario, quilted trunk liners and bespoke dog guards might sound over the top, but in the grand scheme of things, it feels just quintessentially Bentley. Bentley owners don’t just want practicality; they want their shiba inu, poodle, or great dane to enjoy the same kind of comforts that their owners get. 

via Say Goodbye: 30 Cars and SUVs Getting Killed Off in 2025

Some of the most iconic names in performance are bowing their heads out in 2025. The Nissan GT-R R35 ends production after nearly two decades, while Porsche is shutting down the 718 Cayman and Boxster combustion models, as the Germans slowly make their way to electrification. 

7 Performance Cars Dying in 2025

Ferrari is clearing space for its next generation, with both the Roma and SF90 ending their runs, and Bugatti is closing the book on the Bolide as its new factory in Molsheim prepares for the hybrid Tourbillon era. Maserati’s MC20 will also depart, while Morgan bids farewell to the Plus Six. Together, these exits mark a dramatic turnover in the world of exotic and track-focused machines.

• Nissan GT-R R35
• Porsche 718 Cayman / Boxster (combustion)
• Ferrari Roma
• Ferrari SF90
• Bugatti Bolide
• Maserati MC20
• Morgan Plus Six

13 Luxury Cars Being Discontinued in 2025

The discontinuation list also hits European luxury hard. Audi is axing the A4, A5 Coupe and Cabriolet, and A7 non-RS models, while also winding down the Q8 e-tron. BMW is cutting the X4 and its base XM V8-powered model, as the brand reshapes its lineup around Neue Klasse EVs.

Lexus is streamlining too, with the RC, LC Hybrid, and some trims of the IS being retired even as the sedan prepares for a surprise 2026 revival. Cadillac is phasing out the XT4 and XT6, and Infiniti will end both the QX50 and QX55. Genesis is dropping the G80 EV, reflecting how premium brands are pruning slower sellers in favor of volume EV crossovers.

• Audi A4
• Audi A5 Coupe & Cabriolet
• Audi A7 (non-RS)
• Audi Q8 e-tron
• BMW X4
• BMW XM (base V8 model)
• Lexus RC
• Lexus LC Hybrid
• Lexus IS (some trims)
• Cadillac XT4
• Cadillac XT6
• Infiniti QX50 / QX55
• Genesis G80 EV

10 Mainstream Cars Ending in 2025

The cull isn’t limited to high-end badges. Family sedans continue to vanish, with the Chevrolet Malibu, Ford Focus, and Subaru Legacy all being discontinued. Nissan is dropping the Versa alongside the Ariya EV, which struggled in the U.S. market. Alfa Romeo is pulling the plug on its gas-powered Giulia and Stelvio, and Volvo will end the S60 and V60 (except the V60 Cross Country) as well as the S90 and V90.

Even Acura isn’t immune, the TLX is being discontinued, leaving the brand to lean more heavily on crossovers. Once positioned as Acura’s sport sedan centerpiece. Its departure is another sign of the times, showing just how difficult it has become to sustain lower-volume sedans in today’s market, no matter how much character they bring.

• Chevrolet Malibu
• Ford Focus
• Subaru Legacy
• Nissan Versa
• Nissan Ariya EV
• Alfa Romeo Giulia (gas)
• Alfa Romeo Stelvio (gas)
• Volvo S60 / V60 (except V60 Cross Country)
• Volvo S90 / V90
• Acura TLX

Why It Matters

Listing all 30 models together paints a clear picture, as you can probably tell, the industry is in consolidation mode. Automakers are dropping sedans, coupes, and niche powertrains to cut costs and free up resources for SUVs, hybrids, and new EV platforms. It’s the same environment that saw Tesla quietly kill its cheapest Cybertruck after only a few months on sale.

Meanwhile, brands like Lexus and Bugatti are simultaneously retiring older models and preparing bold replacements, ensuring that while 2025 is a year of endings, it’s also setting the stage for the next wave of performance and electrification.

via 2026 Audi A6 Price Unveiled, But BMW And Mercedes Have One Major Advantage

Audi A6 enters ninth generation with a lot to prove

The all-new Audi A6 sedan was fully revealed back in April. While the smaller A4 has been replaced by the new A5, the mid-size A6 lives on for a new generation, still in tight competition with the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class.

Not every detail of the A6 had been confirmed upon its release, but we now have new technical specifications and pricing for the luxurious Audi. Now in its ninth generation, the A6 has often flown under the radar in this market, but does the new one have what it takes to match or beat its BMW and Mercedes rivals? Let’s find out.

Related: Why The 2025 Audi A6 e-tron Avant Is Exactly the Electric Wagon We Need In America

V6 Audi A6 Cheaper Than Rivals, But No Other Engines Yet

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Audi made no mention of a return for the base four-cylinder engine, but such a model may be introduced in the future. There’s also no full hybrid or performance model yet, so until the lineup expands, the 5 Series and E-Class have an edge. 

The 2026 Audi A6 range currently starts with a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 making 362 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. A seven-speed dual-clutch automatic and the company’s quattro all-wheel-drive system are standard.

The new A6 starts at $64,100 for the Premium, going up to $67,500 for the Premium Plus and $71,400 for the Prestige. Here’s a look at how the A6 matches up to the six-cylinder 5 Series and E-Class.

While the BMW and Mercedes are more powerful and fractionally quicker, these cars are all closely matched. The A6 is the cheapest, but the BMW is easily the most economical; the Audi’s EPA numbers are a bit disappointing by comparison. BMW and Mercedes both have four-cylinder versions of the 5 Series and E-Class; these start at $59,900 and $63,900, respectively.

An adaptive air suspension is standard on the Prestige, while an optional Sport plus package will add all-wheel steering and a sport rear differential, while replacing the air suspension with a steel sport suspension in the process. These dynamic enhancements were previously reserved for the high-performance S6. We have little doubt there will be a dedicated S6 to slot in below the fire-breathing RS6.

Related: The V8 Lives On: Audi’s Next RS6 Won’t Go Quietly

Features And Practicality

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Starting with the exterior, the A6 has wheel sizes ranging from 19 to 21 inches. There are 11 color choices, from Floret Silver and Arkona White to more striking choices like Ascari Blue and Grenadine Red. The S line black optic package is optional, and adds more glossy black trim elements for a sportier look.

Inside, the A6 has a completely new dashboard design that Audi refers to as the business lounge. It includes a panoramic display with an 11.9-inch digital gauge cluster and 14.5-inch touchscreen. On the Prestige trim, there’s an additional 10.9-inch touchscreen for the front-seat passenger.

On the top two trims, there’s a new configurable head-up display that shows information like speed, navigation, and media. The top sound system is a Bang & Olufsen unit with 20 speakers and 810 watts of power. Three-zone climate control is standard, but the top two trims get a four-zone system. 

In terms of space utilization, this should be a comfortable sedan for up to five occupants. Rear legroom is 37.2 inches, a fraction more than the 37 inches in the 5 Series. The A6 also has slightly more headroom. Behind the second row, cargo space works out to 13.2 cubic feet, more than the E-Class (12.7 cubic feet) but significantly less than the 5 Series (18.4 cubic feet). 

Final Thoughts

The new Audi A6 continues to undercut its chief rivals on price, but offers comparable technologies, performance, and practicality. It also looks a lot less anonymous than before, so all that’s left to determine is whether it drives with more verve than its predecessor.

The A6 has always been comfortably and beautifully refined, but it has often failed to excite the way a 5 Series does. If Audi has made significant improvements in this area, there’s no reason the new A6 can’t challenge for class-best honors.

The new A6 will be available at local retailers from the fourth quarter of this year.

via Lexus Has Just Introduced the Most Glamorous SUV Ever

The Elegant SUV With Rugged Bones

The Lexus LX has long balanced two worlds: the rugged dependability inherited from its Toyota Land Cruiser 300 roots and the elegance that defines the Lexus brand. It is the model buyers choose when they need genuine off-road capability wrapped in leather and wood trim. That mix of toughness and refinement makes it the last Lexus you would expect to be transformed into a rolling fashion studio.

Yet here we are – Lexus has done precisely that with the debut of the Glam LX, a one-off concept that treats the flagship SUV as a blank canvas for beauty and style.

A Mobile Dresser for Glam Touchups Anywhere

The Lexus Glam LX is a showcase of how far its design and marketing imagination can stretch. Built in partnership with Complete Customs, the concept wears a pearl symphony chameleon wrap that shifts colors in the light, while crystal-faceted badging adds jewelry-like detail.

Inside, pink-and-white stitched leather sets a vivid backdrop for mohair, silk, and stone inlays. The cabin is arranged like a mobile dressing room, complete with a series of purpose-built features. The trunk opens with French doors to reveal a vanity and dressing suite, complete with pullout chairs, twin Robern illuminated mirrors, a retractable privacy screen, an LED-lit clothing rack, and acrylic drawers for wardrobe changes.

Up front, a small manicure station with UV and LED lighting allows for quick polish changes. The second-row seating converts to a professional-grade beauty studio with stone-inlay tray tables, a halo-lit skylight for natural illumination, and a full-width dropdown illuminated mirror.

Storage compartments are tailored for hot tools and cosmetics, including a refrigerated makeup console and LED-lit handbag compartment, all powered by integrated outlets.

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Still a Lexus LX at Heart

Beneath the glitter, the Glam LX remains an LX at heart. The production model uses a 3.4-liter twin-turbocharged V6 that produces 409 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and full-time four-wheel drive. Its ladder-frame construction and adaptive suspension still give it the strength to tackle unpaved roads with ease, though those low-profile tires might make you think twice before doing so.

Lexus plans to showcase the Glam LX at select marketing activations throughout the year, allowing the public to experience its design and features up close. Unfortunately, even if you have the money to purchase one, the concept is not headed for dealerships. However, it serves as a reminder of how flexible the LX platform can be – able to carry both its off-road heritage and a complete makeover worthy of a red-carpet entrance.

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via BMW Has Quietly Updated Its Logo—What's New?

From Digital to Production Reality

BMW hosted a change at the beginning of this decade when it unveiled a flat, transparent-ring version of its classic roundel for marketing and digital use. That logo stripped away chrome and dimensional effects, a sharp contrast to the three-dimensional badges that had adorned BMW cars for decades. At the time, the company made clear that the minimalist mark was intended for screens and printed material, not the metal panels of its cars.

Five years later, the Neue Klasse era has brought that experiment closer to reality. The first production model to wear a new physical badge is the 2026 iX3, introduced at the Munich Motor Show. BMW confirmed the updated emblem will gradually appear on all new or refreshed vehicles, electric and combustion alike – a single visual identity across its lineup.

Subtle Refinement with a Purpose

The revised badge stays faithful to the blue-and-white propeller motif but introduces minor, deliberate adjustments. The inner chrome ring, which separates the black border from the quadrants, is gone, and the thin silver crossbars that once divided the blue and white sections have been removed. Remaining chrome is confined to the outer ring and features a smoked finish. The black surround now has a satin, almost matte surface, and the "BMW" letters appear slimmer and more precisely cut.

Oliver Heilmer, Head of BMW Design for the Neue Klasse, described the goal in an interview with BMWBlog: "We wanted to keep the heritage, but bring more precision to the logo. The chrome is still present, the letters have been refined with a shiny pattern often found in watches, and the white surfaces now sit closer to the outer ring. It's flat, but when you touch it you can still feel the ridges."

The new look also drops the blue outer rim once used to distinguish electric models, which means BMW no longer treats EVs as a separate branch.

Other Emblem Updates This Year

BMW's logo update isn't the first of its kind, with other luxury brands redoing their emblems this year. Bentley recently revealed its fifth logo redesign (albeit subtle) in 106 years, an evolution that alters the famous "flying B" while simplifying wing details for easier reproduction across digital formats.

Range Rover, meanwhile, announced the first overhaul of its wordmark since 1970, replacing the long-standing oval badge with a cleaner typeface intended to reflect modern design language.

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via EU Accelerates Assessment of 2035 Vehicle Emissions Target

A Ban that Shaped Global Strategy

When the European Union (EU) announced in 2022 that all new cars and vans sold after 2035 must achieve a 100 percent reduction in carbon dioxide emissions, the rule was interpreted as an eventual end to the internal combustion engine.

That single target affected product plans not only for European manufacturers but also for companies outside the region that rely on exporting to and from the EU. Automakers began redirecting their investment toward electric vehicles, and suppliers aligned their development strategies accordingly. The regulation effectively set a global benchmark, since many brands design their lineups with European compliance in mind. The policy’s impact reached far beyond Europe’s borders, influencing long-term planning in North America and Asia as well.

Initially, the European Commission scheduled a formal review of this zero-emission mandate for 2026. However, political pressure from carmakers and several member states has led the Commission to move the review forward. Instead of waiting until next year, EU officials will revisit the target before the end of 2025, opening the door to possible adjustments much earlier than expected.

The EU Will Review the Ban Sooner Than Expected

According to Reuters, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen met with automotive executives in Brussels last week for what was described as a strategic dialogue that lasted several hours. Another round of discussions is planned before December. The review will assess whether a total shift to battery-electric vehicles is realistic by 2035, considering slower-than-expected growth in charging infrastructure and weaker consumer demand in certain parts of the continent.

Possible policy changes include allowing new vehicles with internal combustion engines to remain on sale if they run exclusively on carbon-neutral fuels such as biofuels or synthetic e-fuels. Plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles with small gasoline range extenders are also under consideration. Vans will receive specific attention because electric versions make up only 8.5 percent of EU van sales, roughly half the share of electric passenger cars.

Automakers Have Split Opinions About the Ban

The review will unfold alongside proposals to decarbonize corporate fleets, which represent about 60 percent of all new vehicle registrations in the EU. The Commission is also considering a new regulatory category for small electric cars that could benefit from lower tax rates and extra credits toward emissions targets. Further measures aim to increase local content for batteries and critical components, and to establish conditions for foreign investment, particularly from China, to avoid the simple final assembly of imported parts.

Naturally, automakers have split opinions about the combustion engine ban. Volkswagen is all for the zero-emission goal but seeks more time and flexibility. BMW and Mercedes claim that a strict ban could lead to job losses and could affect the economy, while Volvo, Polestar, and Kia are okay with the original deadline. The Commission has not detailed any revisions, but the accelerated timetable means Europe’s stance on combustion engines will be clearer well before the decade’s end.

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via Volkswagen Teases Its Most Affordable Electric SUV Yet

A New Chapter for Volkswagen's EV Lineup

Volkswagen has been steadily expanding its family of electric vehicles, but most of its current offerings sit in the midrange to premium end of the market. The ID.3 and ID.4 were solid VW offerings, yet both are priced beyond what many buyers would consider truly affordable. At the same time, competitors from Renault, Stellantis, and several Chinese manufacturers are introducing lower-cost models into Europe, increasing pressure on Volkswagen to offer a more accessible option.

That shift is now taking shape. The company has teased a sketch of its upcoming ID.2 SUV, a compact crossover positioned as the entry point into its electric lineup. Set to be unveiled on September 7 ahead of the IAA Mobility Show in Munich, the model builds on the foundations of the ID.2all hatchback introduced in 2023.

Volkswagen describes the hatch as offering Golf-like space with Polo-level affordability, and the SUV version is expected to follow the same formula, albeit with a more practical body style.

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Sketch Preview First Before Munich Debut

The official preview showcases a design that leans toward a squared-off, upright profile, more boxy than the larger ID.4. Concept car touches dominate the image, including oversized wheels, light bars stretching across the front and rear, and a glowing VW badge. The smooth bodywork, devoid of visible door handles, also highlights the sketch's styling ambitions, although such elements will be toned down before production.

A few distinct features stand out. The rear pillar features contrasting trim with three slots, giving the SUV a more distinctive look compared to its hatchback sibling. The proportions suggest a vehicle similar in size to the VW T-Cross, with a length of about 4,050 mm and a wheelbase of 2,600 mm. Thanks to its dedicated EV platform, the cabin layout will likely offer more interior space than a conventional small crossover of the same size.

What We Know So Far

The ID.2 SUV will be based on the updated MEB+ platform, featuring a front-wheel drive configuration. Expected output is 222 horsepower from a single electric motor, good for a 0-62 mph time under seven seconds and a top speed of 99 mph. Two battery options are planned: a 38 kWh pack aimed at urban driving and a 56 kWh unit offering up to 280 miles of WLTP-certified range.

Inside, the model will feature a massive 12.9-inch infotainment display and a 10.9-inch driver's screen. Volkswagen is also reintroducing physical buttons alongside digital controls (thankfully), addressing earlier customer criticism about its car's interior. Additional features include drive modes inspired by classic VW models such as the Golf and Beetle.

Pricing is expected to begin at around €25,000 ($29,000), positioning the SUV well below the ID.3 at over €30,000 ($35,000) and the ID.4 at more than €40,000 ($46,000). A smaller ID.1, planned for 2026 with a price of about €20,000 ($23,000), will follow.

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via Mercedes EQE Faces Early Retirement Next Year, And Here’s Why

Mercedes is completely rethinking its EV strategy

Mercedes-Benz has had a tough time with its range of electric vehicles lately, which are failing to resonate with the company’s customer base. Some of that is due to a slowing demand for EVs, while some of it is because people just don’t find the brand’s EQ models to be as appealing with their alien-like designs.

Earlier this month, we reported on the news that Mercedes is temporarily suspended new orders of several EVs. That group included the mid-size EQE Sedan and EQE SUV, and now we’ve learned that these slow-selling EVs will go out of production entirely next year.

EQE Was No E-Class

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While the BMW 5 Series and its electric counterpart, the i5, share similar driving characteristics and near-identical designs, the same could not be said of the EQE in relation to the excellent new E-Class. Not many warmed to the EQE’s molten styling and uninteresting driving dynamics.

Mercedes sold only 2,300 EQEs in the first half of 2025, a massive 74.5% year-on-year decline. BMW i5 sales also declined, but by a less damaging 30%—3,333 i5 sedans were sold over the same period.

As Mercedes revises its EV plans, Autocar reports that the EQE sedan and SUV will go out of production next year, as the brand looks to eradicate some overlap in its lineup.

C-Class EQ And GLC EQ Will Be Indirect Replacements

Electric versions of the C-Class and GLC will allegedly serve as indirect replacements for the EQE/EQE SUV. Indirect, because the C-Class/GLC are traditionally compact models, whereas the E-badged Mercs fall into the mid-size category. However, Mercedes recently pulled off a similar trick by replacing both the C-Class and E-Class Coupes with one model, the CLE.

The C-Class and GLC EQ models will be based on the company’s new 800V MB.EA-M platform, which should allow for better packaging. A planned facelift for the EQE models will seemingly no longer happen; they were meant to receive new 800V electric architecture and upgraded electric motors.

Mercedes hasn’t officially confirmed that the EQE will go out of production in 2026, but neither did it deny it. According to a spokesperson, the company has “a policy of not commenting on speculation surrounding its current and future models.”

Mercedes is also set to revise its naming structure for EVs. For instance, the new plan is for ICE and electric large sedans sharing the S-Class name, instead of separate S-Class and EQS models. This strategy is likely to filter down to lower models, too, given the continued demand for more conventionally-styled Mercs.

Ultimately, we'll look back at the EQE as a rare misstep in the German marque's history. It was a model that was supposed to capitalize on the reputation of the E-Class, but for a new audience that could appreciate its high-tech, futuristic design. But it seems that Merc fans still want their cars to look and feel like a traditional Mercedes, regardless of what powers it.