Hybrids don't just rely on electrification to increase fuel economy. Nissan introduced a dedicated engine for its third-generation e-Power hybrid system, which is due to reach the United States in 2026, with an efficiency-focused engineering change that also required a new manufacturing process.

The turbocharged 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine, codenamed ZR15DDTe, doesn't have typical press-fitted valve seats, which wouldn't have worked with the intake-port shape engineers wanted to use. So Nissan adopted what it claims is a world-first cold spray process, in which material is sprayed directly onto the cylinder head.

Nissan

The process involves spraying copper-based metal powders onto the aluminum cylinder-head surface, which forms a bond between the different metals without melting them, which is why it's considered a "cold" process. According to Nissan, this prevents the formation of excessive inter-metallic compounds and voids that can occur with more typical fusion welding, within the material, ensuring the durability needed for valve seats, which help seal the combustion chambers.

The spray-on valve seats allowed engineers to optimize the engine's intake ports for a strong tumble flow of incoming air, with minimal turbulence, according to Nissan. This more-controlled flow of air allows for more precise mixing of the air with fuel, contributing to a claimed thermal efficiency of 42%. That means more of the energy content of the fuel is actually being put to work.

The ZR15DDTe also receives a larger turbo, which Nissan says allows to operate at lower rpm at highway speeds, helping to reduce cabin noise. Nissan has said the updates eliminate the need for the variable-compression system employed in other versions of the 1.5-liter turbo-three—including in the U.S.-market Rogue—which is now the subject of a recall due to reliability issues, as well as a class-action lawsuit.

Nissan

The e-Power system which debuted in Japan in 2016, is unique in the auto industry. Unlike the parallel systems used in hybrids like the Toyota Prius, this series hybrid system uses the gasoline engine purely as a generator, with an electric motor or motors providing all propulsion. Nissan touts an EV-like driving experience, and of course high mpg, while other automakers have stayed away from series hybrids because of issues with vibration and efficiency in steady-state highway cruising.

The new third-generation e-Power system debuts in the redesigned Nissan Qashqai crossover, which recently started production at the automaker's Sunderland plant in the United Kingdom. But Nissan has also confirmed that it will come to the U.S. in 2026 in the next-generation Rogue (which is also slated to get a plug-in hybrid option), as well as the Japanese-market Elgrand minivan.

MG, the British automaker best known for its nimble sports cars, has been brought back from near oblivion by SAIC, the Chinese state-owned automaker that bought it in 2005. MG now boasts a small lineup of sedans, hatchbacks, and crossovers sold in both China and Europe. But it's got big plans for expansion.

According to CarNewsChina, MG general manager Chen Cui has told Chinese media that the brand will launched 13 new models globally—a mix of EVs and plug-in hybrids—over the next two years. It will also invest $1.4 billion in development for these new models. It's unlikely that we'll see any of these new models in the United States, however.

MG

MG already sells some EVs, including the MG4 hatchback and the Cyberster convertible, but this expansion is centered on adding more electrified models to the lineup. That's because while MG has generated substantial foreign sales for SAIC, it's not a very popular brand in its adopted home of China, in part due to a lack of electrified models (known as "New Energy Vehicles" in China), according to CarNewsChina.

In the first half of the year, MG sold 153,100 units in Europe, but just 57,254 in China. The new-product push aims to address that imbalance, but could also lead to more enticing EVs for other markets. For example, the first of the new models is an updated MG4 available with a semi-solid-state battery pack, utilizing new battery tech that proponents claim will provide more range from a given pack volume.

Pre-sales of the new MG4 started in China August 5, with a full launch scheduled for August 29. Base models stick with liquid-electrolyte chemistry and start at 73,800-105,800 yuan (approximately $10,300-$14,760 at current exchange rates). Semi-solid-state versions will likely cost more.

MG will continue building cars in China in order take advantage of economies of scale offered by parent SAIC's manufacturing infrastructure, which is also being put to use for collaborations with Audi (for the China-only AUDI sub-brand) and smartphone maker Huawei (for its own brand of EVs). But that essentially precludes an MG return to the U.S. market.

Steep tariffs imposed by the Trump Administration as part of its global trade war, on top of import duties specifically targeting China-manufactured cars hiked up by the Biden Administration, will likely keep Chinese automakers out of the U.S. for the time being.

And while a recent survey found that a large share of Americans would consider a Chinese car, that was predicted on expectations of affordability, which may not be a priority for MG, which may try for upmarket positioning with its new models.

Legendary British sports car outfit Lotus is reported to be making significant job cuts as it navigates a challenging sales environment under the ownership of Chinese automotive giant Geely.

According to reports by both the BBC and Sky News, the 'simplify and add lightness' brand is making 550 cuts at its Hethel, Norfolk headquarters in the United Kingdom out of the facility's 1,300 employees. In a statement, the automaker noted that the move is best in order for the company to continue amid a rapidly changing environment, adding that the decision followed "a review of Lotus Cars' business objectives in line with the current market conditions".

"We believe this is necessary in order to secure a sustainable future for the company in today's rapidly evolving automotive environment, which is seeing uncertainty with rapid changes in global policies, including tariffs," it said. "The brand remains fully committed to the UK, and Norfolk will remain the home of the Lotus sports car, motorsports, and engineering consulting operations."

Lotus

Lotus is scheduled to release its unaudited financial results for the first half of 2025 on August 29, 2025, but the latest sales data indicate that the brand's sales have been on a downward trend. According to the numbers, the 1,274 units it moved from January to March 2025 (Q1 2025) reflects a 42% YoY sales dip, including a 52% dip in its sports cars.

The Lotus brand generated total revenue of $93 million during Q1 2025 and saw an operating loss of $103 million, a net loss of $183 million, and adjusted earnings (EBITDA) reflecting a loss of $136 million.

The moves follow plans in February to lay off up to 270 people at its Hethel manufacturing facility and headquarters. In its statement, the company said that it is "actively exploring future growth opportunities to diversify Lotus Cars' business model, including through third-party manufacturing."

Getty Images

Local politicians have expressed their frustration. The Labour Member of Parliament for South Norfolk, Ben Goldsborough, described this news as a "punch in the stomach," but added that “the worst case scenario has been avoided, which is a complete and utter closure of Lotus UK."

On a more local level, Daniel Elmer, the Conservative leader at South Norfolk Council, said that the local government "will continue to work with Lotus, but our priority now must be the people who are losing their jobs, and we will be working with the county council to put in place support packages. We will also be talking to the government to see how they can help us in ensuring that there is a future for this iconic brand in South Norfolk."

In a statement, a spokesperson for the UK government's Department for Business and Trade told the outlet that they "recognise carmakers such as Lotus have been facing significant long-term challenges, and we know this announcement will be concerning for workers and their families," adding that ministers supported the car industry with a new industrial strategy to reduce energy prices and a favorable trade deal with the U.S.

It should be noted that Lotus isn't alone in its struggles. Porsche has also taken a significant hit from U.S. tariffs and industry challenges, including struggles in the electric vehicle market, tightening carbon-emissions regulations in key markets like the EU, and sales challenges in China.

In an interview with CNBC, Lamborghini CEO Stephan Winkelmann said that the uncertainty around tariffs has caused even its wealthiest buyers to think twice about their "fun" purchases, noting: “They are millionaires or billionaires for a reason, so they know what they’re doing and why they’re doing things. For us, free trade is the right approach. We all know that is what we want. But then there is the reality, and we have to deal with complexity, since we are in business. We are ready to face whatever comes.”

Earlier this month, Ford set a blistering Nürburgring lap time in a Transit SuperVan, a pumped-up electric van that lapped the Green Hell faster than the Chevy Corvette ZR1X. At the time, Ford said that its F-150 Lightning SuperTruck was at the ‘Ring on the same day, and now we have this truck’s official lap time. It was even quicker than the SuperVan, achieving the fifth fastest prototype lap of all time and seventh place on the all-time list.

Anything under seven minutes is generally considered seriously quick. Well, the F-150 Lightning SuperTruck easily got under that mark with a time of six minutes and 43.482 seconds. That beat the SuperVan’s time by nearly five seconds, while also getting the job done only a fraction slower than the mighty Porsche 911 GT2 RS Manthey (06:43.300). The SuperTruck was faster than the Mercedes-AMG Black Series, the ZR1 and ZR1X Corvettes, and Ford’s own Mustang GTD.

Ford

It’s been a wild year for Ford at the Nürburgring; the company has now achieved three stunning lap times there in 2025. It all started with the Mustang GTD in May. A time of 06:57.685 in 2024 wasn’t good enough, so it returned to the track this year, setting a new time of 6:52.072. Chevy didn’t take long to crush that time with a pair of Corvettes, but Ford has once again been making headlines with its electric prototypes.

While many may not see the point in taking an electric truck demonstrator to the famous track, Ford says that these prototypes play an important role in helping it hone the development of production EVs.

“Those aerodynamics lessons we learned running through corners? They make your F-150 Lightning more efficient on the highway,” wrote Mark Rushbrook, Global Director of Ford Performance, in a blog post. “The systems that kept our batteries happy during six minutes of hell? They'll keep working when you're stuck in summer traffic.”

Rushbrook also wrote that programs like the SuperTruck demonstrator will feed into the development of the brand’s next-gen affordable electric platform. “When you know your tech can handle six minutes of Nürburgring abuse, you know it'll handle anything real life dishes out,” said Rushbrook.

Ford

Speaking of affordable EVs, Ford is working on an electric pickup that’s set to arrive in 2027. Innovative manufacturing processes will help Ford get this mid-size pickup to market with a targeted price of $30,000, which is around what you’ll pay for a base Maverick today. This goal forms part of a $5 billion investment.

Who knows—this cheap electric pickup could spawn a Lobo version that draws from Ford’s experience in developing the SuperTruck.

In the decade between the entry-level supercar's unveiling at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show and its replacement by the plug-in hybrid Temerario last year, Lamborghini launched some epic track-focused versions of the Huracán in the form of the Performante and STO. How can you top that? By owning an actual Huracán race car, of course.

This Super Trofeo Evo 1 is being auctioned off on Cars & Bids by a Michigan dealer that claims the car is titled for street use in that state. It even has a Carfax report, something you won't normally find with a race car. However, the selling dealer notes that it may not pass emissions tests in some states. The racing modifications also might not fly with the local constabulary.

Cars & Bids

Officially titled as a 2018 model, this Huracán was built for Lamborghini's Super Trofeo one-make race series in the Evo 1 spec introduced that year. This brought more aerodynamic bodywork—including more prominent front air intakes, a new front diffuser, a roof scoop, and a rear fin for increased stability—that allowed the Evo 1 to lap Italy's Monza circuit 1.5 seconds quicker than the original Huracán Super Trofeo, Lamborghini said at the time. An Evo 2 version with further changes was introduced in 2022.

The Super Trofeo has the same naturally-aspirated 5.2-liter V10 as the Huracán road car, here producing 620 horsepower and 420 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed sequential gearbox sends that power to the rear wheels. The wheels themselves are 18-inch center-locking items, and the Super Trofeo conversions includes race-ready Brembo brakes, Öhlins dampers, and an air jacking system and roll cage.

Like most race cars, this Huracán's carbon-fiber body panels aren't perfectly aligned, and there are some dings, chips, and scratches throughout. It's estimated to have about 23,000 miles, about 800 of which were added by the seller, and received some servicing last summer, according to the listing. That included an engine oil and filter change and replacement of the transmission input shaft seal, flywheel, clutch, clutch actuator, and transmission mount.

Cars & Bids

While driving it on the street might not be a practical possibility, this Lamborghini would make an excellent track toy. The Super Trofeo cars were set up for less-experienced drivers compared to the Huracán GT3 that Lamborghini fielded in the world's top sports-car racing series. It might also turn out to be cheaper than a used STO or Performante (bidding was at $60,000 at press time) and sidesteps the wait time for a factory-fresh Temerario race car.

Racing wasn't a priority for company founder Ferruccio Lamborghini, or the automaker's subsequent stewards, but that changed under Volkswagen Group ownership. Lamborghini developed its Squadra Corse racing department got to work racking up class wins at prestigious races like the Rolex 24 at Daytona. A step up from GT cars to prototypes has proven less successful, with the Lamborghini SC63 proving uncompetitive so far.

If you ask a room of car enthusiasts and fanatics if they would want the chance to own a Bugatti, there is a good chance that a majority would say yes. However, two barriers prevent that opportunity from becoming a reality for most people. One is that cars like the Bugatti Tourbillon can command more than one would define as a "pretty penny," as one carries a price tag of over $4 million before personalization or options. Additionally, there's the wait time. Recently, Bugatti revealed that it’s sold out until 2029.

"So, building 250 Tourbillons. Now delivering the finalist trials. The final Bolide…[all that] is going to keep us busy with our capacities until 2029 and sold out until 2029," Bugatti Director of Design Frank Heyl told CarBuzz. If you have this [financial stability] as a business owner, it works out very solid. Then you know, you can plan ahead. It’s all set.”

Bugatti

However, if you missed the boat on the opportunity to configure your own Bugatti Turbillion, a good consolation prize can come in the form of an expensive, flashy watch inspired by the car.

The hypercar specialists are again collaborating with New York-based jewelers Jacob & Co. to create a new timepiece that mimics the multimillion-dollar hybrid hypercar. Previously, the famed Diamond District and hip-hop jewelry mainstay have linked up to produce a limited edition series of flashy watches inspired by the Chiron—the last Bugatti powered by its legendary W16 powerplant—and this latest watch is its spiritual successor.

Bugatti

According to both Bugatti and Jacob & Co., the Tourbillon's case is a massive one that sits on the wrist. Measuring 52 x 44 mm and 15 mm thick (about as big as a Diesel 'Mr. Daddy' watch), it is said to be shaped to "emulate" the car's design, incorporating cues like its rear wing, windows, grille, and radiators.

The main party piece of this massive watch is a teeny tiny version of the 8-liter V-16 engine at the heart of the road-going Bugatti. Although it may look like a cool static element, it's controlled by a small button on the side of the case. Press it, and it 'fires up,' with a 22.37 mm crankshaft turning 16 miniature pistons up and down.

Bugatti

Jacob & Co. and Bugatti first unveiled this collaborative Tourbillon-inspired piece last summer as a limited edition of 150 watches priced at about $340,000. The watches themselves can be had in 7 variations featuring exotic materials like rose gold and titanium, and can be configured with different-colored dials and other major elements.

However, as in the Jacob tradition, it seems that the King of Bling cannot be less tempted to add the kind of touch it is known for: diamonds. If you know your jewels, you'd know that the new diamond-covered Jacob & Co. Bugatti Tourbillon Baguette is not a reference to baked goods, but the cut of diamonds that populate the case of this very flashy timepiece.

Bugatti

According to Jacob and Bugatti, just 18 examples of this iced-out version of the Tourbillon will be produced, and each has a case made from 18K white gold set with over 17 carats of diamonds. Specifically, 328 baguette-cut diamonds are arranged across the case and even on the crown. In addition, 18-baguette-cut rubies are positioned on the bottom of the case to emulate the taillights of the actual car.

Although this watch may be more flash than anything, the Tourbillon Baguette packs some serious complications that would make any serious horologist drool. Inside its case is a 30-second double-pace flying tourbillon and an 80-hour power reserve.

“From the beginning of our partnership, Bugatti and Jacob & Co. have had the honor of channeling our unique, world-leading skillsets into horological creations that stand the test of time. Each is a work of art, to be admired from generation to generation," Bugatti managing director Wiebke Ståhl said in a statement. "Together, that mantle is what the Bugatti Tourbillon and Bugatti Tourbillon Baguette timepieces now carry – and it is in the same spirit that Bugatti crafted the Tourbillon hypercar."

Cars and watches are two related hobbies with similar audiences that go together like peanut butter and jelly, but in my purview as someone who prefers smaller, less expensive watches, this isn't a timepiece for me.

Given their histories, the link between Bugatti and Jacob & Co. is fascinating, as both have a reputation in their respective industries for going above and beyond with their offerings. In a way, Bugatti's 16-cylinder record-breaking hypercars and Jacob's elaborate custom jewelry (especially Pharrell Williams' collection) and watches like the Astronomia are reflections of each other.

The year started with a bang for Tesla when it revealed the comprehensively updated Model Y Juniper. Despite setbacks like declining sales and profits, the Model Y is still an industry juggernaut and the best-selling EV in the world.

Now, the latest Model Y Performance has been revealed for Europe and the Middle East, and serves as a preview of the one expected in the United States. Tesla has not taken this update lightly, with changes to everything from the design to the drive modes, range, and cabin comfort, so let’s see what’s new.

Tesla Europe & Middle East/Twitter

The Performance adopts the styling changes made to the regular Model Y. Chiefly, these involve futuristic-looking lighting front and rear, with full-width lighting at both ends of the crossover. The Model Y Performance gets a number of sporty touches, though, such as bespoke front/rear fascias, a carbon spoiler that optimizes aerodynamics, and new 21-inch Arachnid wheels. These are staggered wheels/tires that Tesla says aids grip and steering.

Six colors are available in Europe, mirroring the palette on US-spec Model Ys. The performance crossover looks particularly fetching in the optional Ultra Red, one of the added-cost color choices.

The final touch is the graphical badge at the back with a plaid pattern, even though the ‘Plaid’ name itself is reserved for the flagship Model S and Model X.

Epic fun + adrenaline on tap

New Model Y Performance now available pic.twitter.com/1g3LPB1VNw

Already a class-leading performer, the all-wheel-drive Model Y Performance has been fine-tuned to be even better than it was. Horsepower figures weren’t shared, but the improved dual motors are powerful enough for a claimed 0-60 mph sprint time of 3.3 seconds and a top speed of 155 mph—that sprint time is two-tenths quicker than the previous Model Y Performance.

New, high-density battery cells have an improved charge capacity, so the WLTP-claimed range is now up to 360 miles. The EPA range will be lower, and bear in mind that the previous Model Y Performance had an EPA rating of 279 miles, but with the changes to the battery cells, the new one could top 300 miles by EPA standards.

An adaptive damping system adjusts the Model Y Performance’s handling depending on road conditions, and Tesla says there are new driving modes that “provide more freedom for high-speed driving.” 

Like the new Model Y and the more practical Model Y L, Tesla has been working hard to improve its interiors over the last year or two, and the Model Y Performance is no exception.

This may be a performance trim, but it’s also quieter than before, thanks to acoustic glass and more effective sound-deadening materials. There’s a new 16-inch touchscreen, too.

In the first row, the seats are both heated and ventilated. They have additional bolstering and side cushions that hold occupants in place through high-speed corners, along with powered thigh cushion extenders. In the second row, there are heated seats with a power-reclining function. Carbon fiber trim creates a racy look, and the Ultra Red paint works especially well with the optional black and white interior. A more practical all-black cabin is standard, but if you want a third row, you can't have it—this remains a two-row crossover.

In the UK, the new Model Y Performance costs £61,990, which translates to around $83,600. In the U.S., the Performance will likely cost around $55,000 to $60,000 when it arrives here. Rivals will include the Cadillac Optiq-V ($67,300), upcoming Genesis GV60 Magma, and Ford Mustang Mach-E GT ($54,495).

As before, the Model Y Performance delivers a compelling mix of range and performance, while its more refined cabin gets it closer to luxurious rivals like the Optiq-V. We expect the US-bound version to be revealed imminently.

Genesis, Hyundai’s luxury arm, has been growing at a rapid rate over the last year or two. That growth has been fueled by a mix of sedans and SUVs, along with both gas models and fully electric ones. What Genesis doesn’t have is a dedicated performance model, but it will be getting that soon with the arrival of the GV60 Magma.

Effectively an upmarket alternative to the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, the GV60 Magma has been spied tearing up the Nürburgring for the first time. The new video from Car Spy Media gives us a closer look at the wilder styling that will adorn this sporty EV.

Up until now, the Genesis styling brief appears to be to look as stately and luxurious as possible, with many models drawing comparisons to Bentley. The GV60 Magma will be different. It sits lower to the ground and has a more aggressive front bumper with sizable lower air intakes. It keeps the distinctive separated lighting clusters of the normal GV60, though.

Bigger wheels and tires are no surprise, and the video also shows off bigger brakes with red calipers. At the back, the main change is the addition of a prominent spoiler. It all works well with the coupe-esque profile of this EV.

Genesis testers were pushing the GV60 Magma hard through the corners, so like the Ioniq 5 N, we expect this to be much more than a one-trick pony that’s only good in a straight line. A beefed-up suspension will be needed to cope with a power output that’s rumored to be in the region of 700 horsepower. That sounds like an outrageous amount of power in a fairly compact package, but the Ioniq 5 N already has 641 hp, and the more upmarket GV60 wouldn’t want to be overshadowed by its cheaper sibling.

Genesis

Hyundai will tune the GV60 Magma to deliver a different driving experience to the Ioniq 5 N, something that Tyrone Johnson, who heads up the European Tech Center for Hyundai-Genesis-Kia, recently explained to us.

“Hyundai N is the ‘corner rascal’. A Magma isn’t about the track, although it will be track capable,” said Johnson. “It’s a more sophisticated, luxurious driving machine. It has to be about power, and changes to motors and engines are important. But it doesn’t have to be the most powerful [in its class].”

Through software manipulation, Johnson says that two identical cars can be made to feel significantly different to drive. So, while the basic mechanical makeup of the GV60 Magma could be very similar to the Ioniq 5 N, it’s the Genesis that will feel more luxurious to drive.

Given the GV60’s positioning, it will be a prime rival for the Cadillac Optiq-V. The V has 519 hp and can reach 60 in just 3.5 seconds. Initial rumors suggest the GV60 Magma will be quicker, but both will strive to deliver a rare combination of luxury and performance in EVs of this size. 

The GV60 Magma should arrive early next year, with a reveal expected before the end of this year.

There's something beautifully tragic about a 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Jailbreak Last Call with only 4,311 miles on the odometer. This supercharged beast, one of the final iterations of Dodge's legendary muscle car, has spent more time in a garage than terrorizing back roads. That makes it an absolute steal for the next owner who actually plans to wake the 717-horsepower monster.

Currently listed on Exotic Car Trader, this pristine example represents everything collectors love about low-mileage performance cars. With barely enough miles to properly break in the supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8, this Hellcat Jailbreak is essentially a brand-new car wearing 2023 plates. The odometer reading suggests weekend warrior status at best, with roughly 2,000 miles per year since delivery.

Exotic Car Trader

The year 2023 marked the end of an era for Dodge’s muscle car, with the company producing just shy of 45,000 Challengers before pulling the plug and going electric. With the Last Call badge only available on 2023 model year cars, these editions are on their way to becoming future collector cars, even if they’re not particularly exclusive.

When new, this Challenger SRT Hellcat Jailbreak commanded an MSRP of around $83,000. The Jailbreak package basically allowed buyers to spec their cars exactly how they pleased. This one wears the aptly named White Knuckle paint, with black interiors. It's also been specced with the Technology Package and Driver Convenience Package, with luxuries like a Harmon/Kardon audio system and heated/ventilated seats. This Jailbreak isn't in the more desirable Wide Body spec, but that's reflected in its more reasonable asking price.

Exotic Car Trader

What makes this Hellcat so compelling isn't just the low mileage, it’s the timing. As the automotive world pivots toward electrification, raw performance cars like this are becoming extinct. The Last Call series represents the final hurrah for Dodge's muscle car legacy, and  examples with low mileage will only appreciate as enthusiasts realize what we've lost.

The 4,311 miles on this Challenger’s odometer tell a story of restraint that’s actually good news for whoever gets behind the wheel next. Considering the listing is in Michigan, and the car's underbody looks clean enough to eat off, the owner likely didn't take this rear-wheel drive monster out on snowy roads. With Dodge's muscle car era officially over, low-mileage 2023 Last Call editions like this Hellcat Jailbreak represent the last chance to own a piece of American automotive history in nearly new condition.

Exotic Car Trader

BMW just crossed a big milestone: its 3 millionth electrified vehicle sold. That number includes both plug-in hybrids and full EVs, showing that Munich’s slow-and-steady approach to electrification is starting to pay dividends. The lucky milestone car was a 3 Series plug-in hybrid built in Munich — fitting, since the 3 Series has always been BMW’s backbone.

Out of those 3 million electrified cars, 1.5 million were pure EVs — the rest hybrids. In the first half of 2025, more than one in four BMWs sold worldwide was electrified, and in Europe the ratio climbed to over 40%. BMW’s math is clear: customers like the safety net of hybrids, especially when charging infrastructure still feels like a gamble.

That’s not to say BMW isn’t leaning hard into full electric. With more than 15 pure EV models across BMW, Mini, and Rolls-Royce, the Group is covering nearly every niche. And it’s also thinking beyond batteries — from plotting off-road SUVs that target adventure buyers, to working on a G-Class rival to replace the struggling XM. Electrification is broadening BMW’s horizons, not narrowing them.

BMW knows its heritage counts, and it’s not shy about linking its EV journey to its past. At Monterey Car Week, the company paired Andy Warhol’s 1979 M1 Art Car with Julie Mehretu’s new hybrid V8 M hypercar in a side-by-side display — a reminder that art, performance, and technology are all part of the brand’s identity. BMW remains a design-led company, even as batteries take center stage in its engineering.

It shows that BMW views electrification as more than just compliance, it’s a product strategy woven into the brand’s culture and performance.

BMW has been slower than Tesla, Hyundai, and VW in pushing pure EVs, but the milestone proves its hybrid-first approach wasn’t a mistake. Instead of betting the house on EVs before the market was ready, BMW kept a foot in both camps. Now, as plug-in sales keep the volume flowing, its EV range has time to expand without panic.

Of course, challenges remain. U.S. EV sales are flat, with about 24,600 BMW BEVs sold in the first half of 2025, while Europe is still carrying the torch. The Group will need its off-roaders, halo projects, and cultural cachet to keep growth steady. But three million cars with plugs attached? That’s proof BMW’s blend of pragmatism and performance still sells.