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Chevy's 2021 Tahoe and Suburban add OTA updates and big screens
The new mid-engined Corvette Stingray will debut with GM's new "digital vehicle platform," which it shares in common with these super-sized SUVs and allow the vehicles to receive over-the-air updates that add new features in the future. As Autoblog points out, the 2021 Tahoe and Suburban enjoy a refreshed appeal with more interior space and improved ride, mostly thanks to some added length, adaptive suspension tech and a switch to independent rear suspension.
Jaguar's I-Pace software update boosts the range by 12 miles
Car makers frequently make vague claims that their racing technology leads to improvements in road-going vehicles, but this is one of those precious few moments where the gains are very tangible. Jaguar is delivering an update to its I-Pace EV that promises up to 12 miles of extra range thanks partly to know-how gleaned from the eTrophy race series. The automaker has boosted the efficiency of the car's AWD torque distribution, reduced use of the radiator vanes that keep it cool (improving aerodynamics) and allowed the battery to run to a lower state of charge without compromising performance or durability.
Porsche tests a four-motor powertrain for electric SUVs
Porsche's follow-ups to the Taycan may make its powerplants seem conservative by comparison. The Stuttgart crew has revealed that it's working on a four-motor powertrain for electric SUVs, twice as many as what you'll find in the Taycan. This isn't about improving quarter mile times, though. Instead, the design is focused on control -- one motor for each wheel lets Porsche rapidly shift the power distribution based on where it's needed, whether it's to counteract slippery roads or take corners at high speed. You could have the "agility of a sports car" in a large people carrier, the company claimed.
Lincoln is reportedly building an electric SUV on Rivian's platform
Ford didn't say what kind of car it would make with Rivian's EV platform, but you might not have to wait for official news to find out. Reuters sources claim that Ford's Lincoln badge is developing an all-wheel drive SUV on the platform with plans to release it in mid-2022. Most other details weren't available, but this would likely be a "premium" model that would compete with offerings from GM rumored to surface by 2023.
Lexus unveils its first production EV, but it's not for the US
Lexus is moving beyond far-out concepts and releasing its first production electric car, but you may want to temper your expectations. The automaker has unveiled the UX 300e, an electrified version of its UX crossover that hides some serious powerplant changes underneath an otherwise familiar exterior. It replaces the gas engine with a 201HP front motor and a 54.3kWh battery. That last figure might not sound like much, but Lexus claimed that it would net up to 250 miles of range based on the NEDC testing cycle. We'd expect less with the newer WLTP cycle, but it's still likely to be a healthy amount given the battery capacity.
Mercedes' EQC electric SUV will start at $67,900 in the US
Mercedes-Benz has finally provided US pricing for the EQC electric SUV, and it promises to be competitive... as far as luxury EVs go, anyway. The American version will start at $67,900 in its base Progressive trim, or several thousand below the $74,800 of Audi's E-Tron and well below the $84,990 of Tesla's Model X. There will also be higher-end Premium and Advanced tiers, although Mercedes didn't outline pricing or just what you'd get beyond different paint and upholstery choices.
This 'O-29' hum is the sound of Ford's new hybrid SUVs
Add Ford to the ranks of automakers adding sounds to notify pedestrians of oncoming electrified cars. The 2020 Escape Hybrid and Explorer Hybrid will both include a custom sound, O-29 (listen to it below) that plays when they're moving at speeds up to 19MPH. We wouldn't quite call it "melodious" like Ford does, but it's designed to be at once identifiable as a car sound yet gentle on the ears. The humming both modulates and changes frequencies to match speed, giving you enough cues to react without completely eliminating the usual hybrid quietness.
Mercedes-Benz will build an electric G-Class SUV
Two years ago, then-head of Mercedes Dieter Zetsche said the brand planned to have electric versions for all of its models by 2022. One year ago Mercedes unveiled its first electric SUV. Now, per a tweet by Head of Digital Transformation at Daimler AG Sascha Pallenberg, the new CEO Ola Källenius promised a zero-emission version of the company's G-Class.
Fisker's affordable all-electric SUV is called 'Ocean'
Earlier this year, Fisker revealed that it's planning to release a relatively affordable electric SUV in 2021. Now, the automaker has revealed that the vehicle will be called the "Fisker Ocean." Fisker will forego building a showcar and will debut what it says is "a fully running production intent prototype sitting on the actual, completely engineered platform" on January 4th, 2020. It will be private event, but the company promises to put a livestream up that everyone can watch.
Ford will reveal its 'Mustang-inspired' electric SUV on November 17th
Ford is nearly finished dribbling out teasers for its Mustang-inspired electric SUV. The automaker now plans a worldwide reveal for the crossover on November 17th. The company still isn't willing to reveal much more of the finished design at this point besides its outline (though you can clearly spot the Mustang influence in the lights). However, there are a few details available at this stage.
Lincoln's Corsair feels like Navigator luxury in a smaller package
Lincoln's goal of filling its lineup with luxury SUVs continues. With the Corsair (starting at $36,940, it's the newest and tiniest SUV in the automaker's lineup), Lincoln has entered the small SUV market as a vehicle that cares more about the occupants being comfortable than trying to be sporting.
Porsche's Macan EV will fully replace its gas counterpart in a few years
Porsche's electric Macan won't give its combustion engine counterpart much room to breathe. The automaker's deputy chairman Lutz Meschke told Autocar in an interview that the Macan EV will sit alongside the gas version when it arrives in 2021, but only for a "couple of years." After that, you'll have to buy the electric model if you want Porsche's take on a compact SUV. While he wasn't too specific about the reasons for the strategy, he noted that the transition will likely be "different by region" given the varying progress on EV infrastructure.
Toyota’s 2021 RAV4 hybrid gets a plug
Thanks to the highly popular Prius, Toyota helped make the hybrid a viable alternative to gas-only vehicles. A few years ago, it added a plug-in version, the Prius Prime to compete with the likes of the Chevy Volt. Now it's adding that option to the number one selling SUV in the United States, the 2021 RAV4.
Volvo's electric XC40 will use an Android infotainment system
Volvo's electric XC40 will represent an upgrade to in-cabin tech, not just the powerplant. The automaker has continued its teaser campaign for the EV by revealing that it will use an infotainment system based on Android Automotive, just like the cars from its Polestar performance brand. That provides access to handy Google services like Assistant, Maps and the Play Store, but it's also a milestone for Volvo itself. This will be the first Volvo to receive over-the-air updates for its core software, not just apps and map data -- your center console won't be frozen in time.
Honda's first hybrid SUV for the US is the 2020 CR-V
Honda hasn't exactly been quick to electrify (the Honda E won't even reach Europe until mid-2020), but it is making up for lost time in a significant way. The automaker is finally bringing a hybrid SUV to the US in the form of the 2020 CR-V. The new variant (pictured on the right) gets only a slight bump in total power to 212HP versus the gas-only model's 190HP. However, fuel economy is really the star of this show. The CR-V Hybrid's city fuel economy should be about 50 percent higher than its regular counterpart, although official ratings aren't available yet.
How Byton is trying to bring its concept M-Byte SUV to the masses
Byton has hit a big milestone in the chase for its own Tesla-like EV dream by unveiling the final design for its M-Byte SUV. With a futuristic 48-inch display and multiple control screens, it has changed surprisingly little from the concept it first showed at CES 2018. On the exterior, the sleek EV certainly looks like it could compete with any modern SUV, including Tesla's Model X, especially considering that Byton is aiming for a starting price of $45,000.
Volvo’s XC90 brings Swedish minimalism to a sea of luxury SUVs
There's one word to describe Volvo's high-end SUV offering: smooth. The ride is smooth. The steering is smooth. The braking is (now) smooth. The interior? Smooth. It's like a serene lake in Sweden that also has massage seats. If only it had more USB ports.
Ford will reportedly make two more electric SUVs by 2023
Ford might not lean solely on its Mustang-inspired electric SUV to draw EV fans in the next few years. Automotive News sources claim the automaker is building two "mid-size" electric crossovers at its Flat Rock plant in Michigan, with both to be released no later than the 2023 model year. Details are unsurprisingly scarce, but they'll include a Lincoln model and will be comparable in size to the Ford Edge (above) and Lincoln Nautilus. Both should be based on Ford's own BEV platform.
The Kia Telluride is surprisingly high-tech and stylish (for a Kia)
For better or worse, automakers are categorized. BMW makes luxury cars, and Honda makes cars that last forever. Porsche builds cars that go fast while the driver wears black driving gloves. As for Kia, it's been placed in the "cheap, small car" bucket. The Telluride should change all that.
Porsche’s Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid makes a quick SUV even quicker
The Porsche Cayenne Hybrid is an outstanding SUV. It's quick, agile and sort of tricks you into thinking you're driving a smaller vehicle. But Porsche being Porsche the automaker wasn't happy to leave the vehicle be. So they introduced the Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid an even faster sort of eco-friendly sports utility vehicle.
