Car news, 27 Sept ’24: Volkswagen’s electric ID4 breaks Guinness World Record, Zeekr confirms price and specs for X SUV, and more

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Thanks for joining us this Friday 27 September 2024. Notably in car news today: Volkswagen sets a Guinness World Record with the new ID4, and Chinese automaker Zeekr has confirmed its new X electric SUV will be priced starting from $56,900 before on-road costs.

Browse this issue:

• Volkswagen ID4 sets a new Guiness World Record
• Zeekr X Australian pricing and specs revealed 
• Mercedes-Benz could axe GLC and GLE Coupe SUVs: report 
• Ultra-luxury Rolls Royce Cullinan priced for Australia
• Reviewed: 2024 Toyota Camry 

VW’s all-electric ID4 SUV breaks world record in Australia

• The soon-to-launch-in-Australia Volkswagen ID4 SUV – the brand’s first electric vehicle – has set a new Guinness World Record after a long 42-day journey around Australia.

• The exact record? The largest GPS drawing made by an electric car, of course.  

• As part of a push by Volkswagen to dispel some myths around EVs – in particular range anxiety and remote travel in Australia, and also mark its 70th anniversary in the Australian market – drivers Rainer Zietlow and Marius Biela set out on a 33,548-kilometre journey across remote Australia while stopping for 132 charging sessions along the way.

• However, the key part of the journey that scored the new world record was a 23,840 kilometre component in which the GPS route travelled by the ID4 spelt out the words: “70 years of VeeDub”.

• Hundreds of ID4s and ID5 coupe siblings are currently in the process of being shipped to Australia ahead of the vehicle’s impending launch, however pricing has yet to be announced for the long-awaited vehicle.  

Zeekr X electric SUV priced for Australia 

• Chinese automaker Zeekr has announced pricing and specification for its first release in Australia, the X electric SUV.

• The entry rear-drive trim has been priced from $56,900 before on-road costs, while the all-wheel-drive variant has been priced from $64,900 before on-road costs. 

• Both variants use a 66kWh battery pack, with the rear drive having a total electric range of 540km, or 470km for the all-wheel drive Zeekr X.

• Standard equipment will include a 14.6-inch central touchscreen, an 8.8-inch digital instrument cluster, panoramic glass roof, a seven-speaker sound system, wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto and wireless phone charging.

• Zeekr’s first model in Australia is built upon the same SEA architecture as the Volvo EX30 and the Smart #1.  

• The Zeekr X is available now to pre-order through the brand’s Australian website. 

Mercedes-Benz could retire both GLC and GLE Coupe SUVS: report

• Mercedes-Benz is looking to simplify its lineup of products, which could reportedly lead to the brand axing coupe versions of its GLC-Class and GLE-Class SUVs.

• According to a report by Autocar, these two models are at the top of the list for potential retirement as Mercedes rejigs its lineups and product offerings globally. 

• The report indicates that Mercedes is also trying to simplify its products as electrification looms.

• However, in the Australian market, the GLC Coupe has sold 1012 units so far this year, while the GLE Coupe sold much less, with 264 units shifted in the same timeframe. 

• The news comes even as many markets see surprising popularity in coupe-styled SUVs. Notable examples include the GWM Haval H6 GT, the Porsche Cayenne, Renault Arkana, BMW X2 and the Genesis GV80 Coupe. 

Rolls-Royce Cullinan Series II: luxe new SUV priced for Australia 

• The new iteration of Rolls–Royce’s first ever luxury SUV and most popular vehicle, the Cullinan Series II has debuted in Australia, with an expectedly hefty price tag.

• While retaining the dimensions of the first Cullinan – on sale since 2018 – as well as it’s 6.75-litre V12 engine, the Series II adds refreshed styling, including an updated grille, new 23-inch alloy wheels, a restyled bumper at the rear, new paint finishes, an updated cabin design, new tech, and more. 

@chasingcarsaustralia

Wait until you see the rear seats! What do you think of the Rolls Royce Cullinan Series II? #rollsroyce #rollsroycecullinan #cullinan #suv #cars #luxury #luxe #v12

♬ original sound – Chasing Cars | Car Reviews

• First local deliveries will take place from Q4 this year, with the SUV priced from $777,000 before on-road costs.

• A sportier Black Badge edition will start from $895,000 before on-road costs, however the brand notes that exact pricing is dependent on client specification given that each Rolls-Royce is bespoke. 

Toyota Camry reviewed

• Chasing Cars contributor Dylan Campbell’s review of the 2024 Toyota Camry was published, including his thoughts on the popular Toyota sedan and how it has changed with the new generation.
  

• Campbell praised the Camry’s outstanding fuel efficiency, “sparkling dynamics”, decent ride quality and massive boot space.

• However, some of the Camry’s noted downsides included its requirement for premium fuel, the model’s somewhat uninspiring CVT transmission and the availability of just a sole hybrid powertrain.
  

• Campbell concluded his review by stating that “it’s a difficult car to fault – comfortable, easy to drive, spacious and with a huge boot. And the hybrid fuel efficiency is really something, going to show L/100km and the engineering involved really can be as interesting as acceleration times. Or almost, at least”.

READ: Link to Dylan Campbell’s full Camry written review

The next issue of Car News Today will be published on Monday 30 September at 4.30pm Sydney time.