Kia’s funky styling trend continues, though this time it pairs with decent range and utility at a reasonable price.
It’s EV Day at Kia, and the automaker is using the time in Terragona, Spain to debut a crop of electric models, including the tiny Concept EV2 SUV and the PV5 van. A more approachable prospect, though, is the new EV4 — Kia’s first electric sedan slated to be an affordable option for those wanting to step into the segment. Unlike the EV2, the automaker does plan to sell the EV4 in the United States later on this year.
We don’t have official pricing yet, of course, but word has it Kia will price its electric sedan around $35,000. If that number’s accurate, that would undercut both the $38,900 Hyundai Ioniq 6 and $44,130 Tesla Model 3.
At its heart, the 2026 Kia EV4 is moving into the same market space as its Hyundai Ioniq 6 cousin, as well as the Tesla Model 3. It’s effectively the electric counterpart to the gas-powered K4 sedan, too, measuring out about the same to that model.
At 186.2 inches long, 73.2 inches wide and 58.3 inches tall, the EV4 is ever so slightly larger. It also rides on a longer 111.0-inch wheelbase (to the K4’s 107.1-inch wheelbase).
The new Kia EV4 is also just as front-wheel drive as its ICE sibling, packing a single electric motor with 201 horsepower. Two battery options will be available, including a standard range 58.3-kWh pack as well as a long range 81.4-kWh unit. On the European WLTP cycle, Kia is estimating a range of between 267 miles and 391 miles depending on which pack you choose. That said, those numbers tend to be optimistic so far as the EPA is concerned, so official U.S. estimates may land somewhere in the 200 – 325-mile ball park. Using a 400-volt electrical architecture (not the 800-volt setup on the EV6 or EV9), Kia says you’ll be able to DC fast-charge the EV4 from 10-to-80% in about 29-31 minutes, depending on the battery capacity.
Taking a look inside the EV4
The 2026 Kia EV4 brings a lot of touches in from its EV3 sibling as well as Kia’s larger EVs. You get two 12.3-inch screens with a 5.3-inch HVAC control screen sandwiched between the two, for a start. The gear selector comes off the steering column, leaving a lot more space for extra storage, both beneath the center console/armrest and for the wireless charging pad. Kia also integrated its latest driver assistance tech, including Highway Driving Assist 2, its most advanced semi-autonomous system.
If you’re interested in the Kia EV4, the automaker noted in its announcement that the first cars would go into production for the Korean market next month. Beyond that, we’ll see the EV4 hit our shores either later this year or in early 2026. While some markets will get the option of a hatchback, we (unfortunately) will only get the sedan.
At its EV Day, Kia revealed a new small concept that (probably) isn’t coming to the U.S.
Right now, Kia’s three-row EV9 and EV6 SUVs are gaining some ground here in the United States, but the automaker is taking a global approach to expanding its lineup with two additional models revealed during the brand’s EV Day in Terragona, Spain. One of those models is the tiny Concept EV2 — essentially, Kia’s version of the even more cutesy Hyundai Inster. And like the Inster, Kia’s pitching an ambitious goal with this electric SUV: Drive widespread EV adoption.
While being just as tech-forward as its sister brand, Kia has generally taken an edgier sort of design direction with its latest models, and that extends to this Concept EV2. Instead of a the Inster’s more curvaceous shape with thin daytime running lights and big bug eyes, the EV2 had a much more upright, geometric look to it. The exterior styling clearly borrows from the larger EV9, with vertical lights and a flat front end, while also getting stubby front and rear overhangs. “Agile” is a word automakers love to use when expressing their designs, so that’s the idea for who would ultimately buy this car: someone who wants to zip around the city while enjoying all the technology on offer.
Speaking of tech and quirky/interesting features, the Kia Concept EV2 brings both to the equation. Making the most use of not much interior space, the concept SUV has no central pillars and rear-hinging back doors to improve passenger entry and exit. There’s also a front bench seat that’s on a track so you can slide the whole row back and forth. Kia says you can even “enjoy a meal” on the EV2’s flat floor if you slide the seat all the way back — though I’m not sure how well that’d actually work for taller and larger folks, if Kia were to sell it here.
On the tech front, the Kia Concept EV2 gets a whack of LED lighting, from the usual headlight/taillight setup to the brand’s “Star Map” front lighting and accent lighting on the interior door cards. The EV2’s triangular speakers are also removable, so you can move them around when the vehicle’s parked or take them out completely. It also has pop-up sliding luggage dividers and “message lighting”, which allows the car’s occupants to display text messages through the windows to “communicate with other road users”.
Okay, some of these features wouldn’t work in America, and I think that text-through-the-window lighting is definitely one of them. Nevertheless, the Kia Concept EV2 is a fun and quirky little car that, size notwithstanding, brings a list of cool little touches to the table. It also brings dual displays like we’re used to seeing on Kia’s most recent models and features typically found in their larger cars like Vehicle-to-Load capability so you can run devices (or charge other vehicles) off the EV2, as well as support for over-the-air updates.
Kia didn’t share any details on the EV2’s technical specs. We don’t know anything about its electric drivetrain, for example. The production version will probably share its electric motor and battery setup with the Inster, so you’d be looking at a front-wheel drive, single-motor model with 113 horsepower and 108 lb-ft of torque on tap. To that, a 49-kWh battery may enable driving range up to around 200 miles. It’s definitely meant as a city car, but so is the electric Mini Cooper SE and the Fiat 500e. Not only could this be a tiny bit more practical, but Kia might eke out better range, which would help its use case.
Again, Kia probably won’t sell the production EV2 here, even while Europe and some other regions should get it in 2026. Still, it’s a cute and quirky little car worth mentioning.
Many drivers grapple with the choice between SUVs and sedans, particularly when considering safety. The perception often leans toward SUVs being the safer option, attributed to their larger size and elevated driving position. According to a car accident lawyer, SUVs do tend to provide better protection in certain crash scenarios, particularly in collisions with smaller vehicles.
The safety features of both vehicle types have evolved significantly, with many modern sedans equipped with advanced technologies. Factors such as weight, structural integrity, and higher center of gravity in SUVs contribute to their performance in accidents. This complexity warrants a closer examination of specific safety ratings and real-world outcomes to understand the nuances in safety between these two categories.
Ultimately, each vehicle type has its strengths and weaknesses in safety. It is essential for potential buyers to consider individual factors like driving habits, local conditions, and overall vehicle performance when making a decision. Understanding these elements can help drivers choose the vehicle best suited to their needs without compromising on safety.
Safety Comparisons Between SUVs and Sedans
The safety differences between SUVs and sedans stem from various factors, including design features, crash test performance, and visibility. Each vehicle type presents its own strengths and weaknesses in these areas, affecting driver and passenger safety.
Vehicle Design and Safety Features
SUVs typically have a higher driving position, offering better visibility of the road. This design can lead to a perception of improved control and awareness of surroundings. Many SUVs come equipped with advanced safety features like lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and collision detection systems.
Conversely, sedans often prioritize a lower center of gravity. This design can enhance handling and reduce rollover risk, which is a notable concern for taller vehicles like SUVs. Sedans also incorporate safety features such as automatic emergency braking and rear-view cameras, which are common across both categories but may vary by model.
Crash Test Results and Safety Ratings
Crash test results reveal important insights into the safety performance of SUVs and sedans. According to various institutions like the IIHS and NHTSA, many SUVs receive high safety ratings due to their structural integrity and advanced safety technology. Some models demonstrate superior performance in frontal and side-impact tests.
Sedans, while generally rated highly as well, may face challenges related to their smaller size. In certain collisions, the larger mass and height of SUVs can provide an advantage, potentially leading to better outcomes for occupants in multi-vehicle crashes. It’s essential for buyers to review specific model ratings, as these can vary significantly within each vehicle category.
Driver Visibility and Vehicle Control
Driver visibility is often more favorable in SUVs due to their elevated seating position. This height can improve awareness of traffic and obstacles. However, some models might have larger blind spots, which can hinder visibility to the sides and rear.
In contrast, sedans generally offer lower blind spots and often present a more designed aerodynamic shape. This can enhance ease of handling and control, particularly at higher speeds. Driver experience can vary significantly based on personal preference and vehicle design, making it vital for individuals to assess their comfort level with visibility and control in both SUVs and sedans.
Factors Influencing Vehicle Safety
Vehicle safety is influenced by various elements, including size, weight, and drive capabilities. Understanding these factors helps in identifying the potential risks associated with different vehicle types.
Role of Vehicle Size and Weight
The size and weight of a vehicle significantly impact safety during collisions. Larger vehicles, such as SUVs, tend to have a higher mass compared to sedans, which can result in improved protection for occupants in the event of a crash.
Larger vehicles can absorb more impact energy, potentially reducing injury risks. Additionally, their elevated driving position offers better visibility, allowing drivers to be more aware of their surroundings.
However, this weight can alter the dynamics of handling, especially during emergency maneuvers. A heavier vehicle might take longer to stop, increasing the risk of accidents in sudden braking situations.
Impact of All-Wheel Drive on Safety
All-wheel drive (AWD) systems enhance vehicle traction in various conditions, contributing to safety levels. AWD can improve handling on slippery surfaces, such as rain or snow, which is crucial for preventing skidding.
This technology enables power to be distributed to all wheels, allowing better control and stability compared to standard two-wheel drive vehicles. In adverse weather conditions, this can lead to improved stopping distances and reduced accident risks.
Nevertheless, AWD does not eliminate the risk of accidents. Drivers still need to exercise caution, as the added control can sometimes lead to overconfidence, which may result in risky driving behaviors.
Legal and Insurance Considerations
The legal landscape surrounding vehicle accidents includes liability determinations and insurance coverage specifics. The type of vehicle can influence these factors, making it essential for drivers to understand the nuances.
Car Accident Laws and Liability
In the context of car accidents, liability is often determined by the circumstances of the incident. SUVs, due to their size and weight, can sometimes lead to higher claims when involved in collisions.
In many jurisdictions, comparative negligence laws assess the responsibility of each party in an accident. If an SUV is found at fault, the owner may face increased liability because damages can be substantial.
In accidents involving multiple vehicles, the larger size of an SUV may lead to more severe outcomes, impacting liability assessments. Understanding local laws is crucial as they can significantly affect potential outcomes.
Insurance Premiums and Coverage Differences
Insurance premiums can vary significantly based on the type of vehicle. SUVs generally attract higher premiums compared to sedans due to their repair costs and higher risk profiles.
Many insurers consider factors such as safety ratings, historical accident data, and repair costs when calculating premiums.
Drivers may also encounter differences in coverage options. Some policies may offer better benefits for SUVs, reflecting the greater potential for claims.
Additionally, owners of SUVs might need to address specific policy requirements given the vehicle’s higher risk in accidents. Knowledge of these factors can lead to better-informed decisions on coverage.
2025 Audi S5 Sportback (European model shown). (Images: Audi)
Audi’s long-running A4 is still here in spirit, but it’s now called the A5 (as are its S and RS variants).
If you walked into an Audi dealership over the past several years, you would have been able to buy an A4 sedan or an A5 coupe. If you wanted something sportier, you could instead pick up the S4/S5, and the same goes with the hottest RS models. The automaker’s been shifting its nameplates over the past few years, though, so the four-door A4 now becomes the A5 moving forward, as does the S and RS models along with it. Keep that in mind as we go through details on the new model, as well as the pricing structure.
Starting off, the new 2025 Audi A5 lineup starts at $48,995 ($47,700 plus $1,295 destination). If you head over to Audi’s retail site, you’ll notice that’s $3,600 higher than the now-defunct A4, and more on par with the 2025 model year A5 coupe, which is also being discontinued along with the convertible version. Audi brought journalists (including Roman) out to sample the higher-performance S5 sedan, but we don’t have exact pricing on that model just yet.
Sticking with the all-new 2025 Audi A5, then, you get a car that’s larger in every dimension than the old A4. That accounts for some of the price hike, but you also get more power this time around too. The 2.0-liter turbocharged engine in the A5s now produces 268 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, up from 261 hp / 273 lb-ft. If you do decide you need a bit more oomph, the S5’s 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 kicks the output up to 362 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. Regardless of which model you pick, you’ll get Audi’s Quattro all-wheel drive system and a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.
With the generational shift, the new Audi A5/S5 models also get a revamped interior with Audi’s latest MMI displays (Audi wants folks to call this the “Digital Stage”), including an 11.9-inch digital cluster and a 14.5-inch center screen. An optional 10.9-inch display is available for the passenger as an option, while you can further augment all that incoming information with a head-up display. This time around, Audi notes drivers can actually adjust vehicle and infotainment settings using the HUD, rather than having to resort to the lower screens. Probably not a horrible idea, so drivers aren’t taking their eyes off the road to try and deal with the onslaught of features packed into each huge screen we have to encounter these days.
The 2025 Audi A5 and S5 will hit U.S. dealers in the second quarter of 2025. We’ll have some more details on both, and pricing information on the S5, in the coming weeks before they officially arrive. In the meantime, we will also publish a full driving review of the S5, while Roman took a closer look at the changes in his initial walkaround video below:
Electric startups are flaming out all around it, but Lucid Motors is still going.
It’s certainly no secret that starting a new car company from the ground up is an insanely expensive venture. Many companies have tried, and nearly the same number have failed — Lordstown Motors, Fisker, Canoo and Nikola being recent examples. Lucid Motors, for its part, is gunning to achieve profitability before it endures the same fate, though its most recent financial report still revealed it burned through $3 billion last year through expanding its production facilities and trying to boost sales growth for its existing Air sedan and the new Gravity SUV. At the same time that it posted that gigantic loss, including a $397 million net loss in the last quarter of 2024 alone, CEO Peter Rawlinson has stepped down from the CEO post.
After leading Lucid since 2019, Rawlinson — who was Tesla’s engineering VP and chief engineer of the Model S before joining the company that would become Lucid Motors in 2013 — will stay on in an “advisory capacity”, according to the company’s announcement. Marc Winterhoff, who came in as Lucid’s COO in November 2023, is now interim CEO while the automaker’s board finds a successor.
While Lucid garnered glowing press for both the Air (especially its long driving range) and the Gravity, that praise hasn’t translated to actual sales. It did post a 71% jump in year-over-year deliveries in 2023, but that still translated to 3,099 examples of the Air in total. Meanwhile, it produced 3,386 cars.
The company projects annual production of 20,000 vehicles in 2025, largely riding on the base model Gravity SUV’s arrival later this year, and told investors it has sufficient liquidity of about $6 billion to see through its operations, at least into the second half of 2026. While the more expensive $94,900 Gravity Grand Touring did start deliveries in December, its more affordable $79,900 won’t be available to order until late 2025 — and Lucid needs more affordable cars to boost its sales volumes.
It’s a tough situation all around, as the company will continue to eat into its cash reserves through the year, thanks to a slowdown in market-wide EV demand compared to the past few years (market share is still growing, but overall sales aren’t as rapid these days). Lucid says it expects its capital expenditures to be approximately $1.4 billion this year, which is roughly $500 million higher than it was in 2024, where it posted $3 billion in negative cash flow. As the folks over at Jalopnik point out, that sort of loss equates to Lucid losing about $300,000 for every car it sold last year.
As of mid-day February 26, Lucid Group’s stock is down about 13% from Tuesday, while share values are half what they were in late August.
Volvo’s flagship ES90 electric sedan promises more capability than we’ve seen from its past cars.
We’re still a week away from the full reveal for its next-generation sedan, but Volvo continues the drip-drip-drip of technical information to build up some hype before the big event. Today’s new piece of information is a critical piece of the puzzle for anyone still eyeing an electric sedan, as the automaker disclosed details on the upcoming ES90’s electrical architecture, charging capability and projected driving range.
Volvo claims serious advancements on all three fronts, spearheaded by an upgrade to an 800-volt electrical system — the first of the brand’s models to do so. Making that switch brings some distinct benefits, including greater efficiency and improved charging rates. On the latter point, the company’s announcement Wednesday claims the ES90 can replenish up to 186 miles (300 km) of driving range in just 10 minutes. That’s at a 350-kW-capable DC fast-charger of course, but as those are getting more prevalent as charging networks continue to expand, owners should spend far less time waiting around charging.
When it comes to actually getting on the road, Volvo also claims exemplary range figures for its dual-motor, all-wheel drive sedan. Granted, today’s stated range of 700 kilometers — or 435 miles — is using the European WLTP cycle. That number tends to be far more optimistic than EPA estimates, so take it with a grain of salt. When we do actually get U.S.-market specs, including EPA figures, we’d expect this midsize sedan to land somewhere in the 375-mile range. That’s still mighty impressive, though not quite as considerable as the Tesla Model S or Lucid Air. The potential EPA figure is speculative at this point, though, so we’ll have to wait and see.
For what it’s worth, the similar Volvo EX90 SUV manages 310 miles on a charge. Naturally, you’d expect the ES90’s size, weight and profile to offer up much better range, but that figure lends perspective to what we can expect when the car actually launches in America.
We should get much more information on the 2026 Volvo ES90 next Wednesday, March 5, when the company is planning its livestream.
A new entry-level GranCabrio offers at least a slightly more affordable option.
At the International Councours of Elegance in St. Moritz this past weekend, Maserati seized the opportunity to reveal an expanded lineup of its GranCabrio convertible. Adding to the existing Trofeo and electric Folgore, there’s now an entry-level internal combustion model to round out the range.
At its core, this latest GranCabrio model still packs the same 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged Nettuno V6. The entry-level variant manages 483 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque, however, bringing it down a peg from the top-end Trofeo. It’s still fairly quick, according to Maserati’s own figures, with a 0-60 time of 3.9 seconds and a top speed of 188 mph. It also comes with standard all-wheel drive, which ought to help out when you want to take your six-figure convertible to your Alpine sanctuary.
Like existing models, this Maserati GranCabrio entry-level model still features a fabric soft top, which the company says can open in 14 seconds at speeds up to 31 mph. When you go to close it again, it will take about 16 seconds.
Maserati says its revamped and expanded the color palette for the whole GranCabrio range, including new hues like Verde Giada that we see on the entry model. Standard models get staggered 20-inch front wheels and 21-inch rear gloss black wheels, while those cars specced like this display model get ice-colored leather interior with the Maserati Trident embroidered into the headrests. A 19-speaker Sonus faber sound system also comes as part of this package, as well as 3D carbon fiber trim elements and darkened adaptive LED headlights. On the tech front, there’s a 12.2-inch digital instrument cluster as well as a 12.3-inch upper infotainment display and 8.8-inch lower display for climate controls.
We don’t know how much this entry-level model will cost in the U.S. yet, though its Italian price comes in at €169,600. Taking exchange rates into account, that works out to about $177,500, although that number could shift for a North American launch. The more powerful Trofeo, for its part, starts at about $204,995. For the North American market, Maserati says production for the latest GranCabrio will kick off in March, with order books opening and April and deliveries scheduled for July 2025.
This one-of-a-kind GranCabrio Trofeo shows off Maserati’s personalization program.
Alongside the entry-level GranCabrio, Maserati also revealed a Trofeo called “ONE of ONE – The I.C.E.” as part of the program. The name pretty clearly gives away its intent — as this is a one-off meant to demonstrate Maserati’s Fuoriserie customization program. To wit, this car has an exclusive Ice Liquid tri-coat paint scheme, meant to evoke thoughts of a frozen lake. Sticking with the winter theme, the side air intakes are finished in gloss white, as are the forged wheels. Behind those wheels, you get gloss blue brake calipers.
To cap off the look, the unique GranCabrio Trofeo gets a Blue Marine soft top and an ice interior.
More generally for the GranTurismo coupe and the GranCabrio, Maserati also announced a new sports exhaust system available to order in march with “purer and more adrenaline-fueled sounds”.
This special M4 CS honors a legendary MotoGP racerturned BMW M Works and World Endurance Championship driver.
After retiring from a legendary motorcycle racing career, BMW is launching a limited-edition version of its M4 CS models to honor Valentino Rossi, who is now a BMW Motorsport works driver and competitor in the GT World Challenge Wurope and FIA World Endurance Championship, as well as the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Actually, there are two versions called the Edition VR46, and BMW will limit production of these models to just 46 units each (or 92 total).
The BMW M4 CS VR46 Sport and Style, as each version is called, sport the same sort of mechanical changes from your typical M4 CS. That includes bespoke wheel camber configurations, tweaks to the shocks, springs and anti-roll bars and updates to the adaptive M suspension system’s logic. The Edition VR46 still gets a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged straight-six engine kicking out 543 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque to all four wheels. According to BMW’s figures, that sort of power in this application is good for a 0-62 mph time of 3.4 seconds.
Where the two variants of the VR46 differ, as you may have guessed, is the look. The VR46 Sport (the one on the left in the above photo) rocks Marina Bay Blue metallic paint, with huge ’46’ decals on the sides finished in Tanzanite Blue. As for the VR46 Style, you get a Matte Frozen Tanzanite Blue Metallic finish, with the brighter ’46’ emblem in Frozen Marina Bay Blue Metallic instead.
Both cars get bright yellow wraps around the edges of their kidney grilles, as well as equally loud painted brake calipers with a touch of yellow paint on each of the wheels and the trunk lid. Inside, you get M Carbon bucket seats in black and Night Blue, with Sao Paulo Yellow accents around the center inserts, the shoulder areas and the headrests, as well as the VR46 badging and the center stripe on the Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel.
Naturally, being a special edition model, there’s a serialized badge on the center console. Rossi’s trademark number and signature are also prominent on the carbon fiber-reinforced plastic roof.
For the price tag (more on that in a moment), BMW will fly VR46 buyers out to Italy for a special two-day experience at Misano World Circuit. Now, you will have to pay a premium for the exclusive model: $155,000 plus BMW’s $1,175 destination fee, for a total of $156,175. That’s about double what you’d pay for a base M4 coupe, or about $30,000 above and beyond what you’d pay for a normal M4 CS. That said, that’s not really the point here, is it? You’d have the opportunity to buy a ‘one of 46’ car, and one owned by one of the greatest motorcycle racers of all time.
