Autoblog News

After all the new metal BMW has been putting out, the company is turning its attention back to its moneymaker: the X3. Unveiled in 2024 for the 2025 model year, the fourth-generation model has since continued to be the brand’s global best-seller. Now, it’s getting a few updates for 2027.

We reported on it just a month ago when it was first shown for the German/European market. It was only a matter of time before BMW made the same announcement for North America. Some of these include interior enhancements that throw in more soft-touch materials, along with the addition of the Black Package.

BMW

If you’re in the market for an X3 right now, particularly the M50 model, it’s probably worth waiting for the ’27 models to arrive on the lot this December. That’s because it gets a healthy dose of extra power, not that the current one needed any more unless you’re coming from the previous-generation X3 M.

The major update for the X3 M50 is that it now packs 437 hp, although torque is retained at a still impressive 428 lb-ft. This horsepower bump is largely thanks to the M350, which has the exact same rating. Instead of keeping the crossover as is, it’s nice of BMW to give the X3 the same amount of power as the new 3 Series.

For reference, the one sitting in showrooms right now makes 393 hp, so the 2027 update brings with it a 44 hp upgrade. Those extra horses mean BMW claims 0 to 60 times in 4 seconds. Knowing the brand, however, the numbers are conservative, and we wouldn’t be surprised if instrumented testing shows a 0 to 60 figure in the high-threes.

BMW

One would think that the significant power hike brings with it a much higher price. The X3 M50 currently retails for $66,500 plus $1,350 for destination charge. The punchier 2027 model is priced at $67,500, a relatively modest increase of $1,000.

To put that into perspective, that’s about $23 for every additional horsepower. That’s not too bad considering it shaves off a good amount of time from acceleration times. Some folks pay more to get the same amount of gains. You don’t even have to order the Black Package to get the extra power, but if you prefer your X3 blacked-out, that’s an extra $3,800. Yes, the cosmetic package is more expensive than the power upgrade.

What about the X3 30 for those who think 437 hp is too much for a crossover? Well, BMW is quiet about it, so we’re assuming the outputs are still the same.

BMW

Future Chevrolet Silverado owners won’t need to visit their dealers as often. Apparently, GM is developing a system to deliver more advanced over-the-air (OTA) updates to its cars, which would reduce how often an owner has to travel to a dealership to get new software loaded into their system.

While current GM-brand vehicles are capable of OTA updates, the current system is limited in its scope and hampered by multiple subsets of software for different cars. Right now, GM has electric, hybrid, and ICE vehicles, all of which are running software that’s different from one another. This new system plans to rectify that, unifying it to one set of software for all cars.

Chevrolet

General Motors’ Senior Vice President of Vehicle Products, Jaclyn McQuaid, went on an interview with The Drive in order to talk more about the new central compute system that GM has planned. Among the features that were discussed, McQuaid said that OTA updates will be a part of the system’s capabilities.

While the verdict on the new future-thinking features is still up in the air, the confirmation of OTA updates means that vehicle owners, whose cars are capable of receiving OTA updates, won’t have to visit dealers anymore to update their vehicles’ software, saving them a trip or two to the dealership, which “could have been an email,” so to speak.

McQuaid told the drive: “The goal is to significantly reduce what would need a dealership visit versus what can be done OTA.” GM’s new central compute system will also become the bedrock for its new features, and it will also revolve around the AI reboot of OnStar, LMR-powered BEVs, and autonomous driving features for the company’s new vehicles.

McQuaid did still mention that owners will have to visit dealerships for maintenance and for worn-out or damaged hardware. No amount of compute power can fix a ruptured airbag or fix a broken windshield, so don’t expect your next oil change to come over-the-air. The goal here is to eliminate the need for in-dealer software updates for some parts of the car. The new compute system will simply allow OTA updates to reach more vehicle systems.

Chevrolet

The new central compute system will use multiple modules and put them into one system. The new computational architecture will allow GM to go further and deeper with its OTA updates. McQuaid also mentioned that the new central compute system will have more capabilities than today’s systems because of the “dozens of different modules,” which, paired with the central compute, will “significantly expand what is capable of an OTA,” McQuaid continued.

Unlike some brands that use several ECUs to govern and control different parts of the car, we can expect GM’s central compute system to have less fragmentation. This arrangement will be key to unlocking the next big features for GM, and the brand is designing its architecture and software to have 40 times more computational power than the systems of today. This development has been in the works since 2019, and the company’s goals remain the same, which is to deliver a more powerful computer for the car and enable more powerful OTA updates.

Cadillac

Over the first three quarters of the year, sales of electric vehicles have declined by 30% in the United States. Lower demand and the elimination of the federal tax credit in 2025 have been contributing factors, along with the fact that buyers have increasingly shown an interest in more affordable hybrids. But there are a few EVs that still sell strongly. The Tesla Model Y is still the dominant force in the EV market, while the Hyundai Ioniq 5 and Toyota bZ are similarly sized and priced competitors that also find themselves in the top 5 of EV sales. How do these electric crossovers compare on the sales charts this year? The data reveals a few surprising shifts since last year.

2026 Toyota bZ

Chase Bierenkoven

Based on 2026 sales so far, the Model Y is still the best-selling EV in America. It’s followed by the Model 3 and Ioniq 5. The Toyota bZ has leapfrogged multiple other EVs to occupy the fourth spot. Here’s how the three models compare.

2026 YTD Sales

2025 YTD Sales

% Change

Tesla Model Y

262,491

265,068

-1%

Hyundai Ioniq 5

31,112

41,091

-24.3%

Toyota bZ

24,944

12,264

+103.4%

According to an EV sales report from Cox Automotive, sales of the Model Y have been generally flat this year, with a drop of just 1%. Still, nothing else comes close; even the Model 3 is well behind its sibling with year-to-date sales of 106,962 units.

The Hyundai Ioniq 5 has experienced a fairly large decline, despite receiving massive price cuts. It’s still one of the most popular EVs in the country, but its trajectory hasn’t been encouraging; sales of the Hyundai fell by 52.8% in the third quarter.

One of the main storylines in 2026 has been the huge jump in Toyota EV sales, and the bZ is no exception. It’s now catching up to the Ioniq 5 rapidly, thanks to a bevy of updates introduced for the 2026 model year. More range, sleeker styling, and an increase in power have not gone unnoticed by EV buyers. If current trends continue, Toyota may soon have the country’s best-selling non-Tesla EV.

Tesla

Whereas sales of gas- and hybrid-powered cars remain more predictable, the EV landscape is more volatile. Tesla has been a consistent force at the top of the sales charts, even after discontinuing the larger Model X and Model S. Below Tesla, things have been turned on its head.

A year ago, Rivian was only ranked as the 10th-best-selling EV brand, but it has bounded up the rankings and is now at number 2. The new R2, Rivian’s first mainstream EV, has contributed to this change. At the same time, there have been major declines for models that performed strongly in 2025. 

Rivian

Sales are way down in 2026 for the Chevrolet Equinox EV (-65.6%), Ford Mustang Mach-E (-59%), Nissan Leaf (-50.1%), and Volkswagen ID.4 (-85.6%). These are all relatively affordable EVs and most were outselling the Toyota bZ a year ago.

It’s been chaos for most automakers as they cancel some EVs and/or prematurely introduce entirely refreshed models, as VW is doing with the ID.4 and ID. Tiguan. Predicting EV demand has been all but impossible, and according to Automotive News, EVs accounted for just 10% of U.S. car sales in 2025. That’s in stark contrast to China, where EV share was at 53% last year.

Toyota and Subaru are the only legacy brands that have demonstrated meaningful EV growth in 2026, and their rivals have their work cut out to keep up.

Related: Toyota bZ Keeps Its Unbeatable Value for 2027 as EV Sales Surge

Up to 6 inches of snow is forecast for the high passes under winter weather advisories from the National Weather Service, with snow showers continuing through the evening before tapering off overnight. The advisories cover elevations above 4,500 feet, with the largest totals above 6,000 feet, and Oregon’s rules on chains and traction tires apply on the passes inside them.

The NWS Portland winter weather advisory splits the range in two. In the North Oregon Cascades and the South Washington Cascades, it runs until 2 a.m. ET Thursday and calls for 1 to 3 inches above 4,500 feet, with 3 to 6 inches above 6,000 feet. Government Camp, Bennett Pass, Timothy Lake, Lost Lake, Larch Mountain, Mount St. Helens and the Indian Heaven Wilderness fall inside it.

Farther south, the Cascades of Marion, Linn and Lane counties are under a shorter advisory that ends at 8 p.m. ET Wednesday. Forecasters expect a trace to 3 inches above 4,500 feet, with the most in the Marion and Linn County Cascades, covering Santiam Pass, Santiam Junction, McKenzie Pass, Willamette Pass, Tombstone Summit, Breitenbush Springs and Waldo Lake. In both zones, Portland warns that roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, will likely become slick and hazardous.

Oregon posts its requirements on signs at the snow zones, and the wording matters. According to the Oregon Department of Transportation, a “Carry chains or traction tires” sign means the equipment has to be in the vehicle, while “Chains required, traction tires allowed on vehicles under 10,000 GVW” means passenger cars can keep going on traction tires instead of chains, as long as they are not towing. When chains do go on a car or light truck, ODOT requires them on one tire on each side of the primary drive axle.

Ignoring a sign that only requires carrying the equipment is a Class C traffic violation. Failing to use chains or traction tires when the sign requires them can bring a specific fine of $800.

A tire qualifies when it carries the three-peaked mountain and snowflake symbol on the sidewall, and studded tires count as well. Studs stay illegal in Oregon until Nov. 1, though, so for this storm the tire has to earn the rating without them.

All-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive vehicles get an exemption from chain requirements in most winter conditions, but ODOT attaches a list of conditions. The vehicle must power both axles, weigh no more than 6,500 pounds unloaded, wear mud and snow, all-weather radial or traction tires on all four wheels, avoid towing, and still carry chains. A crossover on summer tires with no chains in the cargo area does not meet the exemption.

During a conditional road closure, ODOT can extend chain requirements to AWD and 4WD vehicles as well, depending on the conditions. Portland’s advisories send drivers to TripCheck or 511 for current Oregon road conditions and chain restrictions, and to the WSDOT real-time map for the Washington side of the zone.

Despite brands like Ford and Toyota growing their hybrid lineups, General Motors remained firm with its electric vehicle program, so much so that the Chevrolet Corvette is its only hybrid nameplate in the U.S. Given the broader U.S. market, where EV sales have been struggling, GM has now announced plans to introduce new hybrid models as early as 2027, but didn’t mention which nameplates will get electrified.

However, a new press release about GM investing in future hybrid production at Lansing Delta Township Assembly in Michigan may offer some hints. This investment is part of a broader commitment to the Lansing region, estimated to exceed $2 billion over the next several years. The plant produces the Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Traverse, and GMC Acadia, all of which share GM’s C1 platform, which could, in theory, make hybridization across these three models more seamless.

But again, GM hasn’t confirmed which models will pair their combustion engines with electric motors first, so take that more as speculation. What’s certain is that hybrids are gaining ground in the U.S., with the U.S. Energy Information Administration reporting that 16% of new U.S. light-duty vehicle sales in Q3 2026 were conventional hybrids. EVs, meanwhile, accounted for 6%.

As such, pivoting toward hybrids may be crucial for GM to navigate the U.S. market. After all, the automaker had strong truck sales in Q3 2026, but its overall sales declined by 5.5%, largely because of falling EV sales and discontinued models. This investment, which involves restructuring a previously awarded Domestic Manufacturing Conversion Grant, should help kickstart its modern hybrid lineup.

GM could build on Lansing Delta Township’s momentum after the plant produced a record of over 291,000 vehicles in 2025. This year marks the plant’s 20th anniversary, too. Another Lansing plant covered in the broader investment is Lansing Grand River Assembly, which is being prepared for future vehicle production, including the next-gen Cadillac CT5. That suggests combustion engines are still part of the automaker’s plans moving forward, though the next-gen CT5 reportedly won’t arrive until 2028, so Lansing Grand River could face a period of reduced production or downtime in the meantime.

Chevrolet

Despite recording $11.2 billion in EV-related restructuring charges since the second half of 2025, GM will continue offering electric vehicles, including the Chevrolet Equinox EV and GMC Sierra EV. Even an all-electric version of the Chevy Corvette remains in the plans, but isn’t arriving anytime soon.

With the hybrid plans locked in, GM could be better positioned to address demand among American buyers, especially as Toyota and Hyundai continue to enjoy growing hybrid sales. Ford is also in the game with hybrid models like the F-150 with the PowerBoost system and Maverick Hybrid.

GMC

The second-generation Mercedes-Benz GLB made its world premiere earlier this year. Now based on the redesigned CLA four-door coupe, it combines the combustion-powered and electric versions into just one model, retiring the EQB nameplate. Given that the CLA has seen a great deal of success and received accolades along the way, Mercedes would like to replicate that with this compact crossover.

From what we’ve gathered, the all-new GLB will make its way to U.S. showrooms in the fourth quarter of this year, so it should be on the way to dealer lots by now. It will first come as an EV as the single-motor GLB 250+ and the dual-motor GLB 350 4Matic, with the mild-hybrids to follow soon after. The spec of the mild-hybrid is yet to be determined, although the latest variant to be shown in Germany should provide some answers.

Mercedes-Benz

Just unveiled in Germany is the GLB 250, and the lack of a ‘+’ symbol means it’s a hybrid model. At the moment, the European range consists of the 180, 200, 200 4Matic, 220, and 220 4Matic. That puts the 250 and 250 4Matic right at the top of the GLB’s combustion-powered roster.

Moving to specifications, it still uses a turbocharged 1.5-liter mill that’s internally known as the M252 LS. It’s the same block that powers the rest of the hybrid GLB range, but as the higher number suggests, it makes more power. For those who want to know the numbers, it’s 228 hp, while the 48v mild-hybrid setup offers up to 31 hp of assistance. Mercedes is rather proud of the fact that its electric turbocharger comes straight from its Formula 1 exploits.

Mercedes-Benz

It’s also rather interesting that it’s the GLB that got the higher number designation first ahead of the smaller and presumably sportier CLA. It’s unknown if the 250 will be applied to the four-door coupe eventuall, but what we do know is that the 220 will make it to America.

At the time Mercedes-Benz USA released initial details for the GLB, it simply mentioned that it will come with the aforementioned 1.5-liter hybrid, but did’t state a specific version. At the time, the safe bet was the 220 4Matic, but now that the 250 has been announced, it’s quite possible that the U.S. version will be offered with this engine. It’s worth pointing out that the 220 makes 188 hp plus up to 30 hp from the mild-hybrid system, but extra horses in the 250 should come in handy for anyone interested in it.

Mercedes-Benz

Honda launched its first TrailSport model in 2021 with the Passport. Since then, the badge has shown up on more Hondas, adding features like chunkier tires, rugged trim, and outdoor-inspired colors for a more adventurous look.

But that dress-up game is about to get a serious overhaul. Honda’s TrailSport crew says the days of just slapping on some rugged bits are numbered. Instead, future TrailSport models are set to get real engineering upgrades aimed at making them actually useful when the pavement ends, led by the 2027 Passport TrailSport.

Honda

This change is being pushed by a handful of Honda engineers and product planners who actually live and breathe off-roading. According to MotorTrend, these folks have garages full of classic off-roaders – some heavily modified for extra trail cred. A few even have International Four Wheel Drive Training Association certifications, and they’ve racked up miles on trails from North America to Japan.

That experience is important, because building a true off-roader requires more than just adding bigger tires and plastic protection. Suspension geometry, ground clearance, traction systems, recovery gear, and the software that controls everything all determine whether your SUV can handle tough terrain or just look rugged in a parking lot.

Of course, the team still has to sell the idea to the higher-ups. Honda’s engineers are busy convincing the execs back in Japan that going all-in on off-road hardware could give the brand a real boost – especially in the US, where trail-ready SUVs are practically a rite of passage.

Electrification could also be part of the plan. Honda is developing a V6-based hybrid system for its larger vehicles, and the electric power could provide instant torque when needed, such as when climbing over rocks or going up a steep hill.

Honda

The next-generation Honda CR-V, which will likely be revealed next year, is likely to receive the tougher TrailSport upgrades. The Ridgeline is also expected to get a new version in 2028. Honda may use suspension parts from the Passport, following its usual parts-sharing approach. The Pilot could also be included, but nothing has been confirmed yet. Acura could collect strays, too, with the premium arm recently confirming its move to introduce a rugged model.

Meanwhile, Honda and Mitsubishi are working together on a Honda-branded pickup based on the Mitsubishi Triton’s ladder frame, with sales starting in ASEAN markets in 2028. This could give Honda a true pickup in a region where traditional body-on-frame trucks are still very popular. However, there is no information yet about a TrailSport version of this model, though we’re seeing it as a potential application of this newfound TrailSport direction.

Acura

Law enforcement fleets across the United States have been experimenting with battery-powered cruisers for years, heavily retrofitting standard consumer models to handle municipal duties. This grassroots shift gained serious momentum when major metropolitan departments began testing the NYPD patrol car, proving an electric crossover could handle the grind of city driving. However, until now, fleet managers were forced to purchase civilian models and strip out the luxury features to make them work.

That era of makeshift electric cruisers is officially over. According to Ford Authority, the Blue Oval is launching the 2027 Ford Mustang Mach-E Special Service Vehicle (SSV), marking the very first time this official fleet designation has been applied to the electric crossover. Instead of a compromised civilian retrofit, this purpose-built factory vehicle starts life as a base Select model but completely bypasses the standard battery in favor of a massive 91-kWh extended-range pack and a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system.

Ford

Ford’s new SSV designation is distinctly different from its pursuit-rated Police Interceptor badge. The first-ever Mach-E SSV is strictly designed to serve as a reliable municipal support vehicle for detectives, administrators, and non-pursuit patrol divisions. Even without the pursuit rating, it easily ranks among the more unusual police cars on the road, coming standard with aggressive Brembo front brakes and red-painted calipers lifted directly from the high-performance GT model.

Earning this official SSV badge means Ford now fully backs the Mach-E for grueling municipal duty cycles right from the assembly line. Police departments no longer have to cross their fingers and hope a consumer EV can survive the daily abuse of law enforcement work. With a documented civilian Mach-E recently passing 316,000 driven miles on its original battery pack, Ford’s decision to finally stamp the crossover with an official fleet designation shows its confidence in the platform’s durability.

When a police department rolls out a flashy, high-horsepower vehicle, it usually serves as a promotional tool, with one even winning a recent cruiser beauty contest as a community outreach prop. However, the introduction of the first-ever Mach-E SSV isn’t a novelty act or a temporary PR stunt but a permanent, factory-supported fixture seamlessly integrating into Ford’s legendary law enforcement lineup.

Formally granting the Mach-E the SSV badge is a massive milestone for Ford’s commercial electrification strategy. By engineering a dedicated, stripped-down, high-capacity fleet model, the automaker is officially acknowledging that the electric crossover has finally earned its stripes in the field. The Mach-E is now an official, purpose-built tool ready for active duty.

AI Generated

For the longest time, Honda has sworn by its mechanical all-wheel drive systems. Even as more of its cars have shifted to hybrid power, the AWD models still sent power to the rear wheels via a mechanical connection. Many of its competitors have since adapted to an e-AWD system wherein a rear motor takes care of waking up the rear wheels.

But that may soon change as the company has announced that it will soon build its very first e-AWD system. It’s all part of the brand’s next-generation hybrid system, simply called Honda Hybrid. In its own words, the system has already been developed, so we can expect this to be applied to the next wave of models coming soon.

Honda

Honda has typically offered all-wheel drive versions of its non-crossover/SUV in its home market, but it hasn’t been the case for the rest of the world. That said, it now appears the e-AWD system is likely to be applied to global models, as this latest development was announced in Honda’s plans for the world.

At the moment, Honda says it’s for midsize vehicles, but we wouldn’t be totally surprised if it appears on smaller models down the line, given its more compact layout. With the driveshaft gone, it should also free up more space in the cabin, as well as offer even larger cargo capacities.

But aside from packaging advantages, this system should give Honda hybrids even better fuel economy. There will be less energy used to spin the heavy driveshaft, and the light electric motor will simply draw energy from the battery to power the rear wheels. Honda also claims more immediate throttle response and all-wheel drive activation with this setup.

Honda

Given that Honda mentioned midsize models, one thinks of its midsize crossovers getting this new bit of kit first. The thing is, the company wants people to take its Trailsport models more seriously, so we doubt that it will replace the clever VTM-4 system that’s currently in place. Instead, we turn our attention to the less off-road-oriented models for this.

The first car we think that can use this e-AWD system is the next-generation Odyssey. Right now, the minivan isn’t available with all-wheel drive, let alone a hybrid system. Those are things its main rival, the Toyota Sienna, has, and it would be a good move to do that for future versions of the family van. There’s also the Accord that also isn’t available with all-wheel drive at the moment, and having that should make it a good match for the all-wheel drive Camry hybrid.

Of course, the e-AWD system could stand to benefit many more cars in the Honda lineup. The new-generation CR-V is a strong candidate to get it, as well as the HR-V and the rumored Accord Crosstour wagon. While we’re at it, this could also work in the Civic to go head-to-head with the Corolla Hybrid AWD. We’ll find out soon enough once the new wave of Hondas start coming in.

Honda

Chinese automakers have sometimes drawn criticism for mimicking established car designs. The formula can work because buyers get a familiar-looking vehicle, but usually without the premium price tag. One upcoming model, however, may be more than just a copycat, as it will reportedly feature a solid-state battery and a price tag of around 2 million yuan (about $300,000).

The model in question is a luxury sedan from Yangwang called the Altior. Yangwang is BYD’s ultra-luxury division, similar to the relationship between Lexus and Toyota, helping explain its expected eye-watering price tag. Given its design elements, the Altior draws similarities to the Rolls-Royce Ghost, from its traditional three-box sedan shape to its coach doors.

One reason this upcoming model may be worth following is its flagship status, meaning it could showcase Yangwang’s best technologies. The full specs haven’t been disclosed yet, but if the Yangwang U7, another full-size luxury electric sedan, already makes 1,287 horsepower, then the Altior could offer similar output.

Another noteworthy feature is the rumored use of a solid-state battery, given that this technology promises higher energy density, faster charging, and improved safety compared to conventional lithium-ion batteries used in most modern EVs. Even Toyota, the world’s best-selling automaker, isn’t expected to introduce its first solid-state battery EVs until 2027 or 2028. One of the biggest downsides is manufacturing cost, but for a vehicle expected to be in the same price range as the Mercedes-Maybach S 680, it may not be a huge concern.

The Altior may take design cues from the Rolls-Royce Ghost, but one thing Yangwang couldn’t deliver, at least in the near term, is Rolls-Royce’s decades of prestige, craftsmanship, customization, and brand recognition. That’s not to belittle Yangwang in any way. After all, the Chinese marque once held the record for the fastest production EV at the Nürburgring in Germany with the U9 Xtreme, until the Porsche Taycan Turbo GT with Manthey Kit finished about four seconds faster, clocking 6:55.533 earlier this year.

Yangwang/Instagram

Reports suggest that the Yangwang Altior will debut in Dubai on November 5. The location suggests that BYD wants to establish Yangwang as a globally recognized luxury brand rather than one aimed exclusively at Chinese buyers.

But despite the global push, the U.S. continues to keep its doors largely closed to Chinese automakers over concerns about national security and protecting domestic manufacturing. Americans will have to watch from the other side of the world to see whether the Altior can shake up the luxury EV segment, much like affordable Chinese EVs have been doing in the broader market.

Rolls-Royce