Auto Spotlight: New EVs and Updates Across Top Brands

New Porsche Macan

The latest Porsche Macan introduces a fully electric setup built on the PPE platform, featuring an 800-volt architecture developed in collaboration with Audi. This same platform will underpin the next generation A6 sedan as well as the Q6 crossover, signaling a broader shift in Porsche’s electrified lineup.

Power is delivered by permanent magnet electric motors on both the front and rear axles, with a traction battery housed beneath the vehicle’s floor. The battery composition includes lithium, nickel, manganese and cobalt. The Macan will be offered in two configurations. In the Macan 4, output reaches 402 horsepower, while the Turbo variant delivers 630 horsepower.

Acceleration translates into a sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds for the standard version and 3.1 seconds for the Turbo. The electric Macan features a fully controlled chassis where the rear wheels can steer up to 5 degrees in the direction of travel, enhancing agility. In comparison to the internal combustion version, the electric Macan carries a higher price tag. The base price starts at 80.4 thousand dollars, about 7.3 million rubles, marking an increase of roughly 19 thousand dollars over the base gas-powered Macan from the prior generation.

The prior-generation Macan has been in production since 2014 and will no longer be sold in Europe in 2024 due to stricter cybersecurity requirements, underscoring evolving regulatory demands in the region.

Audi Q7

The refreshed Audi Q7 line-up highlights laser headlights and LED taillights, with owner-configurable rear lighting patterns. Four distinct rear-light designs are available, while the headlights allow customization of the daytime running light shapes.

A new grille with a wide mesh, contrasted stitching in the cabin from the base trim, aluminum roof rails, and an upgraded parking assistant are among the notable updates.

Three fresh exterior shades join the palette: blue, gold and red. The engine range remains a trio of options: a 3.0-liter diesel with 228 or 282 hp, a V6 petrol at 335 hp, and a V8 petrol peak of 500 hp, with the strongest powerplant reserved for the SQ7 variant.

Mazda CX-70

Alongside the seven-seat Mazda CX-90, the Japanese automaker introduced a five-seat variant named CX-70, primarily targeting the North American market where the vehicle will reach showrooms in spring 2024.

In essence, the CX-70 mirrors the CX-90 in wheelbase at 3119 mm but adopts a more aggressive styling language.

Two powertrains will be offered: a 3.3-liter inline-six gasoline engine and a plug-in hybrid based on a 2.5-liter four-cylinder. Available features include remote power-folding for the rear seats, a driver-monitoring system, and an electronic assist that eases trailer hitching.

BMW 4 Series

A redesigned BMW 4 Series Coupe and Convertible will reach global markets in March 2024. The update brings a revised steering wheel and instrument panel, updated seating upholstery, and standard inclusion of the new iDrive infotainment system.

The refreshed model showcases a larger exhaust-diameter design, a grille with a matte chrome finish, and headlights that pair a laser module for both low and high beams.

The base configuration features a 2.0-liter gasoline engine delivering 255 hp, while the 430i variant deploys a turbocharged inline-six integrated with a starter-generator on the crankshaft, producing 386 hp.

Jeep Wagoneer S

The dashboard of the new Jeep Wagoneer S SUV presents four displays simultaneously: a digital instrument cluster, the main media screen, a separate passenger screen, and an additional display dedicated to climate control.

Powertrain details remain sparse, but official statements indicate around 600 hp and a 0–97 km/h time of 3.5 seconds.

Standard equipment includes a 19-speaker audio system and a panoramic roof spanning two sections.

Ford Explorer

The Ford Explorer received interior-focused updates, with changes to layout and a forward-shifted center console to increase cabin space. The multimedia system processor gains substantial speed, and applications can be downloaded from Google Play.

Interior refinements include a 10-way power-adjustable driver seat and eight USB ports. Exterior styling was refreshed with new taillight designs, and each of the four trim levels presents a unique grille.

Standard power remains a 2.3-liter turbo engine delivering 300 hp, while the 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 with a crankshaft-mounted starter-generator provides 400 hp.

Volkswagen Golf

To celebrate the Golf’s 50th anniversary, Volkswagen refreshed the current eighth-generation model with revised bumpers, a new radiator grille, updated headlight shapes, and a refreshed emblem that lights up.

Matrix headlights with enhanced high beams are offered as an option, and a plug-in hybrid variant provides a total range near 1,000 km with electric-only travel up to 100 km. The interior introduces a 10-inch infotainment screen, while standard powertrains include a 1.5-liter turbo with 113 or 128 hp.

The restyling also touched the performance trims such as GTI, the GTE hybrid, and the pre-production Golf R variants, which were showcased at an ice race in Austria.

Chevrolet Equinox

In the United States, the Chevrolet Equinox stands as a best-selling model for the brand, with these vehicles also appearing in other markets as gray-market imports. GM introduced the fourth generation with a bold design and an off-road orientated Activ trim featuring unpainted plastic body cladding and a redesigned front bumper.

The interior greets the driver with a pair of digital displays for instrumentation and media, while the gear selector sits mounted on the steering column. A 1.5-liter turbo engine with 177 hp powers the lineup.

The front-wheel-drive version employs a CVT, whereas the all-wheel-drive configuration uses an eight-speed automatic. The new Equinox generation is slated to go on sale in 2024, with exact dates yet to be announced to the public.