Thanks for joining us this Monday March 11th 2024. Notably in car news today: BMW combustion-powered M cars to live on into a new generation; Peugeot’s next electric car announced for Australia; and our latest review of the ground-breaking Hyundai Ioniq 5 N.
The iconic BMW M3 could retain combustion power for its next generation, according to sources from BMW Blog.
With an internal designation of G84, the next M3 is likely to be sold with both ICE turbo straight-six power and battery-electric variants side-by-side.
The BMW M3 – pictured in CS form – could retain combustion power for its next generation
Although BMW will offer its new era of cars, known as Neue Klasse, from 2025, this strategy was confirmed to Chasing Cars last year as not necessarily an EV-only scenario, and will involve combustion vehicles in the BMW lineup.
BMW is therefore likely to sell both ICE and BEVs to suit the needs of their customer base.
The news comes after several global automakers, including Mercedes-Benz, have scaled back timelines for their full electrification plans.
All-electric Peugeot E-3008 SUV due in Australia in second half of 2024
Peugeot’s Australian arm has announced another electric car for our market, and this time it’s the E-3008.
Due in Australia in the second half of 2024, Peugeot is yet to announce exact details for Australia, however Australian models are likely to gain a 73kWh usable battery pack. A larger 98kWh usable pack will be available in regions such as Europe.
Peugeot has announced its next EV for the Australian market
The E-3008 will join the E-Partner van and the E-2008 small SUV in our local market. The E-308 hatch/wagon and E-Expert van are also set to launch this year.
You can now register your interest for the electric SUV at Peugeot’s local website.
Mercedes-Benz A-Class to live on till at least 2026: report
Mercedes-Benz’s small car, the A-Class, is set to continue on well into 2026, according to new reports out of Autocar.
Original plans to axe the model by the end of this year have reportedly been cancelled, with the brand initially working towards an all-electric date of 2030.
The Mercedes-Benz A-Class is set to live on longer than expected according to reports out of Europe
However, recent developments, as reported by Chasing Cars, have meant that the German automaker now plans to be 50 percent electric and 50 percent combustionby 2030, instead.
A new Mercedes-Benz MMA platform will replace the current MFA platform underpinning the current generation of A-Class. This new platform will be capable of housing ICE, PHEV and EV powertrains.
The A-Class is currently sold in Australia in several variants, including the hot AMG A35 and the hyper hatch, the AMG A45 S.
Alfa Romeo Stelvio and Giulia EVs confirmed for 2025/2026 release
The Alfa RomeoStelvioSUV and Giuliasedan are going full-electric and are set to come off the factory floor in Italy in 2025 for the Stelvio and 2026 for the Giulia.
According to Autocar, the cars will feature 800-volt hardware and will be built on the STLA Large product architecture.
A fully electric replacement for the Alfa Romeo Giulia (pictured) is set to go into production in 2025
It’s been reported that the Stelvio and Giulia pair will use similar technologies as the upcoming Dodge Charger Daytona electric muscle car which uses a 93.9kWh usable battery pack. Power for the Charger is up to 440kW.
The new electric duo will be built in Cassino, Italy, where their current ICE versions are produced. The new electric Alfa Romeos will likely be built alongside a new electric Maserati model, also.
Hyundai Ioniq 5 N 2024 reviewed
Chasing Cars editor Tom Baker’s latest review of the 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 5 Nwas published, having now been able to drive the vehicle extensively – in town, on country roads, on the highway, and at Sydney Motorsport Park.
Baker praised the vehicle’s interior and exterior design, as well as the vehicle’s ability to deliver extreme performance on a backroad and on track, whilst also balancing this with a high level of daily comfort and livability for the urban commute.
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 N is a game-changing vehicle for the brand
In terms of negatives, Baker noted that the Ioniq 5 N’s substantial 2230kg weight could be felt on the limit, as well as noting that a slightly bigger or more efficient battery delivering stronger range would make the proposition even more compelling.
Regardless, the overall assessment was of a game-changing vehicle by the Korean brand – and easily a viable alternative to the likes of the BMW M340i sedan and Tesla Model Y Performance midsize SUV.
