Car news, 18 Apr ’24: Audi teases facelifted RS E-tron GT Performance flagship, updated Mercedes-Benz EQA and EQB go on sale

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Thanks for joining us this Thursday April 18th 2024. Notably in car news today: Audi teases an even-hotter facelifted RS E-tron GT, and an updated Mercedes-Benz EQA and EQB go on sale in Australia.

Browse this issue:

• Audi teases even hotter facelifted RS E-tron GT sedan
• Updated Mercedes-Benz EQA and EQB go on sale in Australia 
• Ford Mustang celebrates its 60th Anniversary with special pack
• Eleventh-generation Honda Accord to launch locally in May 2024 
• Reviewed: 2024 GWM Ute Cannon XSR

Audi teases even hotter facelifted RS E-tron GT sedan

• Audi has teased the upcoming facelift of its E-tron GT electric sedan in the form of what’s expected to be a new ‘Performance’ flagship.

• The automaker has showcased a camouflaged prototype of the sedan which shows glimpses of a tweaked exterior design, including what look to be subtle updates to the grille, a new rear diffuser and some bigger intakes.

• While further details have not been revealed, a recent mid-life update to the E-tron’s Porsche Taycan cousin points to changes we can expect. That car gained exterior styling tweaks, improved charging speeds, a bigger battery, more range and more power, as well as a range-topping Turbo GT variant – Porsche’s most powerful-series production vehicle ever (815kW peak power).

• A new RS E-Tron GT Performance flagship isn’t expected to match that, however it will likely deliver a boost on the current pre-facelift model’s total outputs (440kW/830Nm) which were enough for it to to take the title as the equal fastest car to be tested on the Chasing Cars test-track (0-100km/h in 3.26sec).

Mercedes-Benz EQA and EQB gain more range, new styling, more equipment 

• Mercedes-Benz Australia has announced it will bring updated versions of its EQA and EQB SUVs to Australia, both of which have improved electric range and a new look for 2024.

• Pricing has been locked in at $84,900 before on-road costs for the new EQA 250+ (up by $2600), while the EQB 250+ is now priced at $89,100 before on-road costs (up by $1366). 

• The EQA 250+ now has 54km more electric range (now circa-462km WLTP) than before, while the equivalent EQB gains an additional 57km of range (to circa-428km WLTP). Battery size has increased from 66.5kWh to 70.5kWh for both models.  

• Both Mercedes-Benz models now have a new front grille design, nappa leather steering wheel, AMG Line exterior styling and front seats with electric adjustment and memory. 

• Each model is powered by a single electric motor mounted on the front axle that produces 140kW/385Nm. 

• The updated EQA and EQB models will arrive in Australian showrooms this month. 

Ford Mustang celebrates 60 years with special package 

• Ford of America is today celebrating the birthday of its Mustang sports car, which is now 60 years old. To celebrate, the Blue Oval is producing a limited 1965 units of a 60th Anniversary package for the model. 

• The Mustang 60th Anniversary Package is largely aesthetic changes, with unique 20-inch alloy wheels, side decals, a unique front grille with silver ‘nostrils’ which feed air to the intakes, 60th Anniversary badging and a plaque on the dash to remind you of the special edition while you’re driving.

• Only available on the GT coupe and convertible variants, the package doesn’t see any changes to the Mustang’s revised 5.0-litre V8 engine. Outputs remain at 347kW/550Nm. 

• Also, three paint choices will be available, including the classic Wimbledon White, along with Vermilion Red aluminium centre caps for the alloy wheels. 

• As for pricing and availability, we are still yet to find out what the package will cost in the USA. Ford Australia has confirmed to Chasing Cars that the package won’t be coming to Australia. 

11th-generation Honda Accord to launch in Australia this May 

• The next-generation of Honda Accord is set to launch in Australia in May 2024 and will do so exclusively with hybrid power. 

• Set to go on sale with a sole e:HEV RS grade, the Accord is likely to share the same powertrain as the CR-V midsize SUV’s e:HEV powertrain that produces 135kW/335Nm. 

• Honda Australia is yet to announce pricing for the sedan, but buyers can expect somewhere in the $60K before on-road costs region.

• The Honda Accord initially went on sale in Australia in 1977, but the model has become a low seller locally, with the 10th generation shifting just 144 units in 2023.    

2024 GWM Ute Cannon XSR reviewed

• Chasing Cars deputy editor Curt Dupriez’ review of the 2024 GWM Ute Cannon XSR was published, including his detailed thoughts on whether the dual-cab off-road ute was fit for purpose.

• Dupriez thought that the XSR had an enticing driveaway price, was loaded with features and praised the presentation of the vehicle inside and out.

• However, Dupriez did find that the GWM Ute Cannon XSR had class-trailing engine outputs, lower braked towing capacity of 3000kg and a modest 875kg payload when compared to key rivals.

• Overall, Dupriez found the XSR to be a suitable and fairly capable turn-key off-roading machine with the bonus of a seven-year warranty.

The next issue of Car News Today will be published on Friday 19th April at 4.30pm Sydney time.