CAR ADVICE

The first new Lexus RX in seven years will reach Australia, with sharpened styling, overhauled technology and a range of powerful new hybrids. The 2023 Lexus RX large SUV has been revealed, and an Australian launch has been locked in – though exactly when is yet to be confirmed. Lexus ‘ fourth all-new product in the last 12 months, the new RX is the first in seven years, and brings the company’s BMW X5 and Volvo XC90 rival in line with the fresher styling, high-tech interior and upgraded hybrid powertrains of the latest NX medium SUV. All versions of the new RX offer five seats, with the seven-seat RX L dead for 2023 – though rumours suggest a larger Lexus TX SUV is in development for launch next year, with three, more spacious rows of seats. Four variants of the new RX will be offered globally, comprising just one pure petrol model – RX350, now with turbo power – and three hybrids, one of which offers plug-in capability. The Australian model range is yet to be confirmed.

There’s a smaller four-wheel-drive on the way from Ineos, and it will use an all-electric powertrain. Ineos Group CEO and founder Sir Jim Ratcliffe have confirmed the British off-road car maker will add a new model to its portfolio – and it will be battery powered. The fully-electric Ineos will be built on an all-new platform which promises to be smaller than the current Grenadier , but the company says the vehicle will remain true to its workhorse roots and off-road image. “What we’re also looking at quite carefully at the moment is a smaller version of the Grenadier… electric,” Ratcliffe said in an interview. “We need to embrace the future, which clearly, in an urban environment, is going to be electric – but even in a country environment, if you’re a farmer, you probably will have an electric vehicle you can drive around on tracks and things like that,” he said. “So you want one that’s capable, but it’s electric. I think that’s our vision at the moment.” It’s uncl

This lightly-veiled concept revealed in Germany showcases AMG’s new 500kW four-cylinder plug-in hybrid-powered performance model. Photo credit: Autocar . The next-generation 2023 Mercedes-AMG C63 4Matic – already confirmed to forgo traditional V8 power in favour of a new hi-tech four-cylinder plug-in hybrid drivetrain – has been revealed in concept form, ahead of a planned unveiling for the final production model later this year. Displayed at the Nürburgring 24 Hour race in Germany (photos here via Autocar ), the new 2023 C63 4Matic is differentiated from other fifth-generation C-Class models by way of a comprehensive body kit, giving it a more muscular appearance than its standard siblings. Although the concept wears a composite wrap featuring AMG’s new corporate colour scheme, various exterior styling elements are clearly evident, including a new front bumper with a low-set splitter, large air ducts and signature ‘Panamericana’ grille treatment. Photo credit: Auto

The third-generation BMW X1 is due in Australia before Christmas, with more space, more tech, and the choice of petrol and all-electric power. The 2023 BMW X1 small SUV has been revealed, ahead of its Australian launch likely towards the end of 2022 – with the electric iX1 thought to follow next year. Replacing the current ‘F48’ model on sale since 2015, the new ‘U11’ X1 small SUV introduces BMW’s latest design language, interior tech and powertrains to its small-car range – and previews the next X2 and 1 Series hatch, due closer to the middle of the decade. It’s the first X1 to offer an electric option in global markets, badged (unsurprisingly) iX1. With production set to begin in November, Australian deliveries of the EV are likely to commence early next year, a few months after the petrol range. Pricing is yet to be confirmed for Australia, though expect to pay more than the current car, which is priced from $47,900 plus on-road costs for a base sDrive18i, to $56,900