John Mahoney
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Articles by John Mahoney
Range Rover 2027 review: Electric - International first drive | BMW iX5 rival tested
John Mahoney An electric version of the fifth-generation Range Rover (L460) wasn't meant to be this late. The delay that sees it land four years after the current car first went on sale, was triggered first by having to reconfigure the Range Rover 's MLA Flex platform's outdated 400-volt electrics to more powerful 800-volt hardware and then by the huge decision to go ahead and design, develop and engineer the battery and drive units in-house.
Range Rover 2027 review: Electric - International first drive | BMW iX5 rival tested
2 Sep 2026 5 min read One of the calmest, most relaxing cars ever built Effortless pace and better off-road Smooth ride and imperious driving position hard to resist We wish it had a bit more range considering its price Reduced towing capability 2 Sep 2026 5 min read An electric version of the fifth-generation Range Rover (L460) wasn't meant to be this late.
Range Rover finds its perfect powertrain
Range Rover finds its perfect powertrain Likes One of the calmest, most relaxing cars ever built Effortless pace and better off-road Smooth ride and imperious driving position hard to resist Dislikes Comes with a large price We wish it had a bit more range considering its price Reduced towing capability An electric version of the fifth-generation Range Rover (L460) wasn't meant to be this late.
Big change coming to popular SUV
John Mahoney The third-generation Mercedes-Benz GLA has been unwrapped ahead of its early 2027 debut, when the small premium SUV will rock up with a class-leading 657km range and some of Benz's latest EV tech. The all-new Mercedes GLA is no longer a higher-riding A-Class, but is now more closely related to the latest CLA small sedan , sharing its latest MMA platform and advanced EV tech.
Big changes coming to 2027 Mercedes-Benz GLA as the electric SUV packs in more tech, space and driving range to rival Zeekr X and BMW iX1
The third-generation Mercedes-Benz GLA has been unwrapped ahead of its early 2027 debut, when the small premium SUV will rock up with a class-leading 657km range and some of Benz's latest EV tech. The all-new Mercedes GLA is no longer a higher-riding A-Class, but is now more closely related to the latest CLA small sedan, sharing its latest MMA platform and advanced EV tech.
Big change coming to popular SUV
Big change coming to popular SUV The third-generation Mercedes-Benz GLA has been unwrapped ahead of its early 2027 debut, when the small premium SUV will rock up with a class-leading 657km range and some of Benz's latest EV tech. The all-new Mercedes GLA is no longer a higher-riding A-Class, but is now more closely related to the latest CLA small sedan, sharing its latest MMA platform and advanced EV tech.
Mercedes-Benz C-Class 2027 review: Electric – international first drive | BMW i3 rival tested
John Mahoney The Mercedes C-Class and BMW 3 Series rivalry is the stuff of automotive legend that dates back more than three decades, or even longer if you count the 190E that came before it. For almost all of that time, both fiercely proud German brands have thrown everything they could at the pair of mid-size sedans to gain the upper hand, and the latest Mercedes C-Class Electric that arrives in Australia early next year is no exception.
High-tech EV with 800km range driven!
High-tech EV with 800km range driven! Likes Effortless performance High levels of comfort Quiet and refined to drive Dislikes BMW i3 has an even longer range And is faster to charge Ride, steering with adaptive dampers The Mercedes C-Class and BMW 3 Series rivalry is the stuff of automotive legend that dates back more than three decades, or even longer if you count the 190E that came before it.
Mercedes-Benz C-Class 2027 review: Electric – International first drive | BMW i3 rival tested
Quiet and refined to drive BMW i3 has an even longer range Ride, steering with adaptive dampers The Mercedes C-Class and BMW 3 Series rivalry is the stuff of automotive legend that dates back more than three decades, or even longer if you count the 190E that came before it.
Maserati Grecale 2027 review: International first drive | BMW X3 rival tested
The Maserati Grecale remains a more spacious, comfortable, and classy substitute for the former petrol Porsche Macan that many current owners would enjoy switching to if they're not ready to move into the EV version just yet. Only the short warranty, price premium, high cost of options and question marks over reliability and retained value count against it, besides more obvious choices among premium, sportier or even more luxurious rivals.
Porsche Macan rival improves with update
Porsche Macan rival improves with update Likes Charismatic and powerful V6 delights Feels special inside, with fine build Fun to drive and offers surprising comfort Dislikes Worries over the high cost of options Doesn't drive as well as Porsche Macan New Modena V6 feels laggy in GT mode The House of the Trident is grabbing its golden opportunity with both hands - and its timing is impeccable.
Wild Range Rover GT revealed: “Car-like” SUV-coupe EV arrives to fight electric versions of the BMW X6 and Mercedes GLE Coupe
Land Rover has given us our first glimpse of a dramatic new all-electric Range Rover GT ahead of its launch later this year, previewing a striking four-door SUV-coupe. The camouflage can’t hide the smooth SUV-coupe looks that appear to herald a new design language for the luxury British brand, with the shape more reminiscent of a Polestar 4 than any current model.
Range Rover's new SUV direction detailed
John Mahoney The new Range Rover GT is the British SUV brand's most car-like creation ever. Sleeker, lower, longer and wider than the firm's Velar, the all-electric Range Rover GT is a shock for fans of the luxury brand's more typical SUVs , even when supposedly disguised in camouflage. Built to be a fifth member of the Range Rover family, the new GT doesn't replace any existing model, execs told CarsGuide at a recent media event held at JLR's powertrain plant near Wolverhampton in the UK.
Ferrari basher! Electric Lexus LFA takes aim at the supercar elite and is shaping up to be world’s first solid-state battery-powered hypercar
The Lexus LFA EV has made its dynamic debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, with a camouflaged prototype taking part in high-speed runs up the world-famous hill climb throughout the weekend. Appearing 17 years after the original V10-powered LFA first made its debut in prototype form, the new Lexus LFA EV is the battery-powered sibling of the Toyota GR GT supercar, which is powered by a V8.
Range Rover's new SUV direction detailed
Range Rover's new SUV direction detailed The new Range Rover GT is the British SUV brand's most car-like creation ever. Sleeker, lower, longer and wider than the firm's Velar, the all-electric Range Rover GT is a shock for fans of the luxury brand's more typical SUVs, even when supposedly disguised in camouflage.
2027 Range Rover GT teased as brand's foray into sporty crossover territory as new Zeekr 8X and BMW X6 rival Original
The new Range Rover GT is the British SUV brand's most car-like creation ever. Sleeker, lower, longer and wider than the firm's Velar, the all-electric Range Rover GT is a shock for fans of the luxury brand's more typical SUVs, even when supposedly disguised in camouflage. Built to be a fifth member of the Range Rover family, the new GT doesn't replace any existing model, execs told CarsGuide at a recent media event held at JLR's powertrain plant near Wolverhampton in the UK.
Alpine A110 EV Future is a goer: French battery-powered Porsche Boxster rival gears up for 2027 debut
Alpine has previewed the all-electric Alpine A110 Future that it will introduce next year and revealed it will be better to drive than the current combustion-powered coupe. Emphasising the claim, Alpine unleashed a prototype version of its two-seat Alpine A110 up the famous hill climb at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. The all-electric Porsche Cayman and Boxster rival has been confirmed as the first Alpine to sit on the car-maker’s all-new Alpine Performance Platform (APP) architecture.
Volkswagen ID. Cross arrives: T-Cross-replacing SUV switches to EV power to beat the BYD Atto 2, Geely EX2 and MG S5
The Volkswagen ID. Cross has been launched in Europe as the German car giant’s most affordable battery-powered SUV yet, and it’s already under consideration for a local launch. Developed alongside the Cupra Raval and Skoda Epiq, the new Volkswagen ID. Cross is the high-riding sibling to the VW ID. Polo and would rival the likes of the BYD Atto 2, Geely EX2, Leapmotor B10 and MG S5 if it lands in Australia. Closely based on the concept shown at last year’s Munich motor show, the production ID.
Warranty data blows up battery myth: It’s the electrical system that’s the more common EV reliability problem, not the batteries!
New data from a major UK warranty provider has dispelled yet more myths surrounding EV ownership, with owners reporting that the biggest reason for making a claim was electrical gremlins rather than failing batteries. Interestingly, according to Warranty Wise, the most common claims involved electrical sensors, with the average repair costing around £810 ($1550).
Geely Galaxy TT super-sedan launched: Is this the Xiaomi SU7 rival that we’ll actually get in Australia?
The Geely Galaxy TT has arrived as a sleek, fast alternative to the fast-selling Xiaomi SU7 that could also provide a bargain-priced rival to the Porsche Taycan if it follows the inbound Galaxy Cruiser to Australia. Scheduled for launch as soon as next month in China, the new Geely Galaxy TT has courted controversy by mimicking the Xiaomi SU7’s styling in a bid to attract a more youthful audience. It’s no wonder.
Why Ferrari, BMW and Tesla are ditching copper wiring in the race to build lighter, cheaper EVs
Car-makers around the world are abandoning more than a century of copper wiring in favour of aluminium as they search for ways to build lighter, cheaper and more efficient electric vehicles. News agency Reuters reports Ferrari, BMW, Tesla and Stellantis are among the manufacturers either already using aluminium wiring or preparing to expand its use, with Chinese policy-makers also encouraging the switch.
MG reveals large and sporty electric concept: The Cyber is shaping as a cut-price Ferrari Purosangue and BMW X5 rival
A new concept for the inbound MG Cyber was unwrapped at last weekend’s Goodwood Festival of Speed, paving the way for a flagship BMW X5 rival. Designed to supersede the current MG Cyberster as the car-maker’s new flagship model, the new MG Cyber might be rebadged and sold under SAIC’s premium IM Motors brand, although the design and development of the five-metre-long SUV is currently being undertaken by MG.
Bentley names its first EV: Torcal ‘urban SUV’ locked in for September debut targeted at controversial Ferrari Luce
Bentley has released an official teaser of its first all-electric car and announced that the inbound SUV will be named the Bentley Torcal when the drapes come off in London on September 23. Originally referred to as an ‘urban SUV’, the first teaser reveals a rear tailgate that shows off new wide horizontal LED tail-lights with diamond graphics flanking the firm’s trademark ‘B’ emblem.
MG GO! concept revealed: Previews MG2 EV hatch to rival BYD Atto 1 and Geely EX2
The baby MG2 all-electric hatchback has been previewed ahead of its 2027 debut, following the MG GO! concept’s unveiling at last weekend’s Goodwood Festival of Speed. Previewing the production EV that will arrive in the second half of next year, the Chinese-owned British brand said the MG GO! was “more than a glimpse [at] a future new B-segment electric hatchback”, suggesting that the majority of the small five-door’s styling will carry over.
Fiat goes big on small affordable EVs: Line-up includes a spiritual replacement for the iconic Ape ute
Fiat has unwrapped two cute EVs based on its Fiat Topolino microcar sold in Europe, with one of them including a battery-powered replacement for the Piaggio Ape that first went on sale in 1948 and was only dropped in Europe over emissions regulations in 2024. Named the Fiat Tris, the new pint-sized battery-powered ute sticks with three wheels and has just been confirmed for the right-hand-drive UK market, not that any conversion has been needed for the centrally mounted seat.
Polestar 4 SUV outed: Does a rear window and a more practical shape deliver a genuine BMW iX3, Benz GLC and Volvo EX60 fighter?
The emerging all-electric premium mid-size SUV segment is set to boil over next year with the arrival of the Polestar 4 SUV wagon, a more practical five-door EV from the Sino-Swedish brand that will rival the BMW iX3, Mercedes-Benz GLC and Volvo EX60.
Unhinged: $2m production McMurtry Spéirling is F1 car-quick and can drive upside down
McMurtry Automotive has unleashed arguably history’s wildest EV, unwrapping the production Spéirling Pure, a track-focused zero-emission hypercar capable of giving F1 cars a run for their money. Priced in the UK at £995,000 (A$1.9m), McMurtry claims this production EV is as much as 95 per cent new next to the original prototypes which famously and jaw-droppingly smashed the Goodwood Festival of Speed hillclimb record.
Plug-in play: Meet the Lamborghini Urus SE Performante, the plug-in hybrid V8 with more power than the old Aventador V12
Lamborghini has unleashed its hottest, most powerful take yet on the Lamborghini Urus SUV that blends near-supercar performance with a zero-emission range of up to 60km. Featuring the Italian brand’s latest iteration of its plug-in hybrid powertrain, the new Lamborghini Urus SE Performante combines a twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 and an eight-speed auto, with a large single e-motor and a 25.9kWh battery for an epic 596kW of power and 1000Nm of torque.
RECONsidered: Rugged Jeep Recon and fast Wagoneer S off the menu for Australia as brand looks to China for help to produce a Defender-rivalling hybrid and EV
Jeep has announced it will no longer launch right-hand drive versions of its flagship Jeep Recon 4×4 and luxurious Wagoneer S in markets like Australia. Originally, the Wagoneer S that was launched back in 2024, along with the more recent Recon that’s just gone on sale in North America, were both tipped to land locally later this year or in 2027, until Jeep pulled the plug on right-hand drive production.
2026 Jaecoo J7 SHS Track Review: Affordable plug-in hybrid SUV proves the powertrain is the star
If you’re shopping for an affordable plug-in hybrid SUV in Australia, chances are you’ll end up looking at a Chinese brand. Jaecoo is one of several marques under the rapidly expanding Chery umbrella, and its J7 SHS (Super Hybrid System) aims to combine bold styling, generous equipment and a genuinely useful electric driving range with an aggressive price tag.
Electric Porsche 911 will not happen, says brand’s boss, as German sports car-maker dials back EV aspirations
Porsche’s chief executive has once again ruled out a battery-powered version of its flagship coupe and cabriolet, but admitted the continued rollout of electrified powertrains would be crucial to the survival of the 911. “There will be no fully electric 911,” said Michael Leiters at the car-maker’s annual general meeting, with the Porsche boss confirming the T-Hybrid technology first introduced last year in the 911 GTS would remain central to the model’s future.
Nissan Qashqai EV axed before launch: Japanese giant focuses on slashing costs as it fights for its future
Nissan’s EV strategy has suffered another blow following news that the all-electric Nissan Qashqai, which was due to make its debut this year, is no longer happening. Announced in 2023 as part of the Japanese brand’s £3 billion (A$5.7 billion) investment in its Sunderland plant and wider European operations, plans to launch a zero-emission version of its best-selling small SUV were shelved early last year, according to Reuters.
Volkswagen ID. Buzz Good-Night Pack: This is the official camper conversion the all-electric Kombi always deserved
Four years after it was originally launched, the Volkswagen ID. Buzz is finally available with a Good-Night Pack that turns the all-electric people mover into a camper. On sale now in Germany as an accessory that is expected to be rolled out to other markets soon, the new Good-Night Pack introduces a range of hardware and software upgrades designed to make the ID. Buzz better suited to overnight stays.
2027 BMW X5 is a multi-talented SUV that will have petrol, diesel, hybrid, electric and hydrogen power options
BMW believes there's no such thing as too much choice with its all-new fifth-generation BMW X5. Why else would it go ahead and develop no less than five different powertrains that include a mild-hybrid petrol and diesel, plug-in hybrid, all-electric and, from 2028, a hydrogen fuel-cell? On sale in Australia late this year, the new BMW X5 is the third member of the German brand's Neue Klasse family of next-generation vehicles, lining up alongside the mid-size iX3 and more recently unveiled i3.
Multi-talented new SUV confirmed
Multi-talented new SUV confirmed BMW believes there's no such thing as too much choice with its all-new fifth-generation BMW X5. Why else would it go ahead and develop no less than five different powertrains that include a mild-hybrid petrol and diesel, plug-in hybrid, all-electric and, from 2028, a hydrogen fuel-cell?
Production Slate ute and SUV revealed: All-electric line-up could go on-sale in Australia for $35,000
Jeff Bezos-backed Slate Auto has revealed the production version of its all-electric pick-up ahead of first US deliveries later this year. Already revealed as a prototype last year, the new battery-powered ute has been developed to disrupt the huge pick-up market with an affordable EV that blends ultra-low pricing with exceptionally low running costs. A small, rugged SUV is also available, with both models sharing a single 134kW and 264Nm electric motor driving the rear wheels.
Luxe SUV to get cheaper, faster
Luxe SUV to get cheaper, faster Audi has confirmed that it is working on cheaper and faster versions of its recently facelifted 2026 Audi Q4 e-tron, with new additions primed to arrive on sale within 12 months. According to Audi product planner Herman Verbeek, speaking to Carsguide, the upgraded all-electric compact SUV will be continually improved from its introduction in Australia late this year as part of plans to extend the model's lifespan into 2030.
Big issue remains as 2027 Audi Q4 e-tron gets faster and cheaper to be more competitive against Mercedes-Benz EQA and BMW iX1
Audi has confirmed that it is working on cheaper and faster versions of its recently facelifted 2026 Audi Q4 e-tron, with new additions primed to arrive on sale within 12 months. According to Audi product planner Herman Verbeek, speaking to Carsguide, the upgraded all-electric compact SUV will be continually improved from its introduction in Australia late this year as part of plans to extend the model's lifespan into 2030.
Skoda Peaq EV unveiled: Seven-seater lands with up to 647km range to challenge the Kia EV9, Hyundai Ioniq 9 and even Volvo EX90
The 2026 Skoda Peaq has been unveiled, with the flagship three-row SUV introduced to rival other all-electric seven-seaters like the Kia EV9 and the Hyundai Ioniq 9.
Renault Megane E-Tech updated: Overhauled French compact EV headed our way in 2027
The upgraded all-electric Renault Megane E-Tech has gone under the knife to freshen up its act and to help the small crossover challenge the likes of the upgraded BYD Atto 3, Kia EV4 and the inbound Hyundai Ioniq 3. Confirmed to arrive in Australia in the first half of 2027, the Renault Megane E-Tech bags a sportier look that has already been previewed by the Austral and Rafale SUVs sold in Europe, with the high-riding hatch featuring an almost entirely redesigned front end.
Can you believe this? An oil company says its built a better EV that slashes recharging times
Fuel giant Shell has unwrapped an electric car concept that introduces pioneering EV technology that could dramatically boost efficiency while slashing charging times to almost the amount of time it takes to fill a combustion-powered car with fuel. Named the Triple 10 Challenge concept, Shell says its new EV takes just 10 minutes for a 10 to 80 per cent battery refill while offering unmatched efficiency of 10kWh/100km, plus a life-cycle CO2 footprint of 10 tonnes.
BYD Denza Z sports car debuts: Preposterously powerful and fast coupe and convertible on the way
BYD has confirmed the production version of its Porsche-targeting Denza Z electric sports car will make its global debut at this week’s Goodwood Festival of Speed, with the Chinese brand promising up to 1179kW and a top speed of 350km/h. The Denza Z Coupe will be unveiled alongside an even more extreme Denza Z Racing variant, headlining an eight-model showcase across the BYD, Denza and Yangwang brands at the famous British event.
BMW iX3 EV rival gets big improvements
BMW iX3 EV rival gets big improvements Likes Still looks great Classy new cabin Quiet and refined to drive Dislikes Needs a price cut Rivals are much quicker to charge Average driving range A top-seller in France, Germany and in the UK, Audi Q4 e-tron volumes have never quite made an impact Down Under. It's not exactly hard to work out why. First introduced back in 2021 in Europe, Audi Australia waited until 2024 before it rolled the Q4 e-tron SUV and swoopier Sportback variant out locally.
Proper door handles are back: Audi ditches hidden door handles in the new 2027 Audi Q7 SUV following Chinese ban, with BYD, Tesla and more expected to follow
The latest all-new third-generation Audi Q7 large SUV underwent a dramatic redesign ahead of its official launch earlier this month. Speaking to Carsguide, a source working closely with the German car-maker confirmed that the Q7 was originally set to adopt wing grip door releases in place of conventional door handles, but that decision was reversed at the very last minute over safety concerns.
Proof annoying car feature is finally gone
Proof annoying car feature is finally gone The latest all-new third-generation Audi Q7 large SUV underwent a dramatic redesign ahead of its official launch earlier this month. Speaking to Carsguide, a source working closely with the German car-maker confirmed that the Q7 was originally set to adopt wing grip door releases in place of conventional door handles, but that decision was reversed at the very last minute over safety concerns.
Audi Q4 e-tron 2027 review: International first drive
Quiet and refined to drive Rivals are much quicker to charge A top-seller in France, Germany and in the UK, Audi Q4 e-tron volumes have never quite made an impact Down Under. It's not exactly hard to work out why. First introduced back in 2021 in Europe, Audi Australia waited until 2024 before it rolled the Q4 e-tron SUV and swoopier Sportback variant out locally.
Porsche Taycan overhauled: Trailblazing EV has now added a driving feature Porsche previously rejected
Despite initially being sceptical about them, Porsche has upgraded the Taycan with Hyundai Ioniq 5 N-style virtual gearshifts and a special body kit from German race team Manthey. Other changes introduced as part of the light refresh include a mildly updated infotainment system, an AI-powered onboard assistant and the addition of low rolling-resistance tyres that increase driving range by up to 20km.
Massive changes for Geely EX5: Power hike, rear-wheel drive, active aero. Look out Tesla and BYD!
A significantly upgraded Geely EX5 has been revealed in China in a mandatory MIIT (Ministry of Industry and Information Technology) filing and is hotly tipped to preview a facelifted version of the Chinese brand’s small SUV sold in Australia. Overhauling the Geely EX5 that was only introduced globally in 2024 and launched in Australia in April last year, the headline changes are both a cosmetic makeover and the switch to a more powerful 245kW rear-mounted motor.
Folgore to the fore: Electric Maserati GranTurismo, GranCabrio and Grecale add range, revise styling and get an interior makeover
The all-electric Maserati GranTurismo coupe, GranCabrio roadster and Grecale mid-size SUV have all gone under the knife, gaining a fresh look.. Now looking more aligned with the Maserati MCPura supercar, the Folgore trio’s tweaked bumpers are claimed to better manage airflow and even improve downforce on the GranTurismo and GranCabrio when combined with a central splitter.
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