Car news today: Geely’s Prado rival revealed, Lexus ES electric coming to Oz, and more – 28 April 2025

Thanks for joining us this Monday, April 28th 2025. Severely in automobile facts in the present day: Geely Galaxy Cruiser goals to rob on Toyota Prado and GWM Tank 500, Lexus ES coming to Australia in electrical and hybrid forms, and extra

Browse this boom:

• Galaxy Cruiser is Geely’s resolution to the Toyota Prado
• Subsequent-gen Lexus ES sedan coming to Oz.in 2026 in a replacement of EV or hybrid
• MG Cyberster RWD launched in Oz.below $100K
• Slate Auto’s discover-a-truck is the ute concept we need

• 2025 Jaecoo J7 Summit SHS poke-in hybrid

Geely Galaxy Cruiser boasts “AI digital chassis” and floating capabilities

• Geely has unveiled its Galaxy Cruiser SUV on the new Shanghai motor show, a Toyota Prado-rivalling PHEV boasting a need of unfamiliar sides and capabilities.

• The Galaxy Cruiser claims to be the “world’s first SUV capable of switching between…pure electrical, hybrid and fluctuate extender…in precise time” thanks to an “AI-pushed all-wheel force system”.

• The principle that’s new all-terrain all-wheel-force system is claimed to be capable of low maneuverability, alongside side crab strolling, on-the-online page pivoting and independent drifting.

• While little print are slim, the poke-in hybrid SUV is claimed so as to float on water and cruise for as a lot as two hours at speeds in device over 8.5km/h (4.6 knots), aided by a “automobile-mounted sonar and water radar”. There are no longer any little print as as to whether the new Geely SUV will finally be offered in Australia.

Subsequent-gen Lexus ES coming to Australia in 2026 as an EV or hybrid

• Lexus has printed little print of the eighth-generation ES luxurious sedan, location to launch in Australia in 2026 in a replacement of fully electrical or gentle petrol-electrical hybrid powertrains.

• Now certifiably immense in segmentation, the sedan now stretches to 5.14 metres in length (up 165mm) and sides a coupe-recognize silhouette while keeping a four-door physique sort.

• The brand new ES sides a extra minimalist interior carry out that involves a immense 14.0-stride central media touchscreen as well to a cowled digital instrumentation cluster for the driver. Interior online page is claimed to be improved and will be offered in a replacement of three colour schemes.

• Hybrid powertrain need involves a 145kW 2.0L petrol hybrid (ES300h) and a replacement of 148kW (2WD) or 182kW (AWD) 2.5L four-cylinder hybrids (ES350h). Meanwhile, electrical vitality is shatter up between a 165kW front-driver (ES350e) and an all-wheel-pushed 252kW (ES500e) version. Include a take a examine our elephantine rundown on the new Lexus ES here.

MG Cyberster RWD launched in Oz.below $100K

• MG Motor has launched a less expensive, rear-wheel force Cyberster in Australia, joining its $115,000 (MSRP) all-wheel force counterpart. The Cyberster RWD is a extra moderately priced entry into MG’s most weird and wonderful mannequin, with a beginning designate of $99,900 (MSRP).

• A return to discover for the as soon as-British attach, the new Cyberster variant is extra in tune with MG’s previous. With a reduced kerb weight and more straightforward rear-wheel-most efficient drivetrain, the Cyberster is likely the closest we’ll gather to an MG-B revival.

• Definitely a b-aspect highway prepared two-door sports coupe, the Cyberster RWD makes spend of the identical 77kWh battery realized in the top class AWD version. This means an elevated fluctuate to 552km (NEDC). Total vitality output is reduced nonetheless, to 250kW/475Nm.

• MG first launched the Cyberster AWD in August 2024. The newly released version brings with it weird and wonderful 19-stride wheels and a nappa leather-basically basically based mostly interior. A new exterior colour additionally headlines the launch: Mayfair Blue will now be available for both variants.

Slate Auto’s discover-a-truck is the ute concept we need

• US-basically basically based mostly carmaker Slate Auto has printed its new two-door ute concept, which promises a sub-$20,000USD detrimental designate when factoring recent US federal rebates for electrical vehicles.

• Slate’s modular automobile-building concept is innovative for electrical vehicles and their patrons. The detrimental two-door ute would be configured into an SUV, start-high convertible or wagon. This promise of groundbreaking versatility affords finances conscious investors extra need in gentle of US financial uncertainty.

• Customisability extends previous physique shape, with a wealth of alternate strategies for the auto’s interior and exterior. Slate promises an exterior physique wrap in practically any colour, as well to in-house customized grilles, wheels, and decals. Modular components recognize monitors and audio system can additionally be optioned interior the auto.

• American deliveries of Slate’s ute are expected to start in gradual 2026. Currently, Slate has no presence in Australia, and has no public plans to carry its moderately priced modular ute to native markets.

Jaecoo J7 Summit SHS poke-in hybrid 2025 overview

• Chasing Vehicles Toll road Test Editor John Law’s overview of the 2025 Jaecoo J7 PHEV became printed, alongside side his review of the interior discover quality and utilizing dynamics of the mid-size poke-in hybrid.

• Law praised Jaecoo for producing a plush, smartly-conception out interior, that contains a wealth of top class-feel provides. He acknowledged the high diploma of skills interior the auto, alongside side heated/ventilated seats and immense central touchscreen.

• Sadly, Law became left disillusioned with the Jaecoo J7’s unfamiliar facing traits, which felt cumbersome and non-linear. The J7 suffered from an moderate move quality, and vague guidance.

• The Jaecoo J7 PHEV the truth is delivers a substantial diploma of designate and equipment for $47,990 driveaway. Sadly, with a stiff move quality, underpowered drivetrain and wearisome guidance response, the J7 PHEV is liable to be overshadowed by extra costly rivals.

Learn: Jaecoo J7 Summit SHS poke-in hybrid overview

The subsequent boom of Automobile Recordsdata Nowadays will be printed on Tuesday 29th April at 4.30pm Sydney time.