Every important car news story breaking today, one convenient read
Thanks for joining us this Monday December 16th 2024. Notably in car news today: BYD’s rival to the Tesla Model Y, the Sealion 7, arriving in February, and BMW M teases pics of camouflaged ‘iM3’ Neue Klasse.
BYD’s Sealion 7 electric SUV slated for the February 2025 launch
The fully electric mid-size Sealion 7 SUV is the next model to join BYD’s local lineup, set to take on Tesla’s hugely popular Model Y once it launches in February 2025.
While details have yet to be confirmed by its importer, it’s likely that the Sealion 7 will be offered in both single-rear-motor and dual-motor guises, in either 160kW or 230kW guises.
The largest battery currently offered for the Sealion 7 in Europe is 91kWh, offering a peak claimed range of just over 500 kilometres WLTP. Peak DC charging is said to be 230kW.
While pricing and specifications is yet to be revealed by local importer EV Direct, it’s expected that the Sealion 7 will be priced starting with a ‘five’ if it hopes to be competitive with the likes of its Tesla nemesis.
BMW M teases Neue Klasse electric M3 on social media
BMW M took tosocial media to tease a number of images of the Neue Klasse-based electric M3, disguised in heavy camouflage.
Set to debut on the next-generation 3 Series platform, the electric M3 adopts the radical new Neue Klasse design language served with pumped guards, M-style front and rear fascias and obligatory go-fast rolling stock and braking hardware.
With the next-gen 3 Series slated to launch in 2026, it’s expected that the super sedan M3 is most likely to appear in 2027 or 2028.
As is widely reported, BMW M is working on both a fully electric quad-motor version of the next M3 alongside an internal combustion (or potentially hybridised) strongly rumoured to maintain its turbocharged six-cylinder heartbeat.
Geely Galaxy Starship plug-in SUV targets a 1420km range
Chinese carmaker Geely has pulled the sheet of its 2025 Galaxy Starship 7 model, a plug-in hybrid large SUV said to be capable of over 1400 kilometres of range.
Built off the GEA modular platform as shared by the likes of Geely’s EX5 model bound for Australia, the high-spec Starship 7 fits a 19kWh – 120km electric-only capable – battery which helps contribute to its monstrous range claim.
Combustion wise, the Starship 7’s PHEV system fits a modest 1.5-litre petrol engine that’s paired with a single electric motor.
With Geely due to launch in Australia in 2025 , the Starship 7 plug-in could well follow local releases such as the fully electric EX5 SUV and Riddara RD6 dual-cab ute models.
GWM Haval H6 GT gets a petrol update ahead of PHEV debut
The GWM Haval H6 GT petrol variants have been treated to a mild MY25 update to align it more closely to the incoming debut of the PHEV version set for a March 2025 launch.
Notable changes to the petrol-powered coupe-SUV include clear tail-light lenses, matte black badging and intelligent voice command added to the multimedia system.
Pricing at $45,490 driveaway for the Ultra AWD remains unchanged and specifications otherwise remain unaltered from the MY24 version. It’s powered by a 2.0-litre turbo petrol four outputting 150kW and 320Nm.
The PHEV version, which goes on sale March at $55,990, features a large 35.4kWh battery claimed to offer up to 180 kilometres of fully electric range.
The next issue of Car News Today will be published on Tuesday 17th December at 4.30pm Sydney time.
