Car news today: Electric Isuzu D-Max confirmed for Oz, MG S5 EV cuts BYD Atto 3’s grass and more – 30 April 2025
Lukas Foyle
Contributor
Every important car news story breaking today, one convenient read
Thanks for joining us this Wednesday 30th April 2025. Notably in car news today: electric Isuzu D-Max inbound, more competition coming for electric small SUV market, BMW keeps diesel alive, Xpeng goes after big families and Skoda Karoq reviewed.
Electric Isuzu D-Max becomes a reality bound for OZ
Isuzu has revealed the production version of its electric D-Max ute for Europe and the UK, including 1000kg-plus payload and 3500kg braked towing ability.
Isuzu ute Australia announced in 2024 it would bring the electric D-Max ute to our market, however when Chasing Cars contacted the local arm it said it had no further information to share. A 2026 release looks likely.
Detailed stats have been revealed, with twin electric motors combining for 140kW and 325Nm, for a fairly leisurely 0-100km/h sprint time of 10.1 seconds. A 66.9kWh battery enables a 263km WLTP driving range, and 50kW fast-charging a 60 minute 30-80 percent top-up.
In the UK, Isuzu is offering the D-Max in two trim levels, though it’s yet to be confirmed if that will happen in Australia. Pricing is also unconfirmed for the new D-Max EV.
A new headache for the BYD Atto 3 and Kia EV3 has arrived in the MGS5, which indirectly replaces the MG ZS EV from $40,490-$47,990 drive-away. More than its predecessor, the S5 EV is still cheaper than the Atto 3 Essential ($39,990 before on-road costs).
Instead of shoe-horning an electric motor and battery into a combustion SUV platform, MG has started from the ground up using the acclaimed MG4’s MSP underpinnings.
Two battery sizes are offered, 49kWh and 62kWh, delivering up to 480km WLTP electric driving range. Charging can be as quick at 19 minutes for 30-80 percent, and grunt comes from a single rear-mounted motor producing 125kW and 250Nm.
The MGS5 EV is available for pre-order now in either Excite or Essence trim. The first 500 early adopters score a free 7kW home charger valued at $1199.
BMW has announced a mid-spec diesel version of the fourth-generation X3. The X3 40d xDrive is priced at $108,900 before on-road costs, with deliveries from late Q3 2025.
BMW’s new diesel X3 will share the 48v mild-hybrid system seen on current petrol models. The 3.0-litre turbo diesel straight-six produces 210kW/670Nm, with that sent to all four wheels via a conventional eight-speed automatic.
The X3 40d xDrive is positioned between the $104,100 30e xDrive PHEV and range-topping $128,900 M50 xDrive. With a six-pot oiler under the bonnet, BMW offers an up market point-of-difference to Audi’s $73,400 Q5 35 TDI. Audi and BMW are the only luxury brands to offer diesel-power in the mid-size luxury SUV category.
The X3 40d xDrive will mirror the standard equipment in the 30e, which includes M-Sport bodykit, 20-inch wheels, a fixed panoramic sunroof, and comfort package which adds features such as ventilated seats and heated steering wheel.
Xpeng earmarks families with competition for Kia Carnival and Toyota Kluger
Xpeng will release two new electric vehicles to Australia, the G9 large SUV and X9 luxury MPV. Xpeng claims both vehicles can be expected on the showroom floor by the end of 2025.
Australian pricing has not been confirmed. In China, the Xpeng X9 has a starting price of￥359,800 (~A$78,000), with range topping ‘Starship Edition’ fetching ￥419,800 (~A$90,000). In a similar vein, the X9 starts at ￥248,800 (~$A54,000) and tops out at ￥278,800 (~A$60,000).
Fresh-faced Xpeng currently offers just one other vehicle in Australia, the Model Y-rivalling G6. Xpeng hopes the G9 and X9 will target different buyer demographics, such as large families and private transport businesses.
Australians have never been this spoilt for choice in the large family vehicle segment. The X9 joins a growing list of competitors, notably the $135,900 (list) Zeekr 009 and crowned MPV king, the $50,300 Kia Carnival. The G9 competes with the Kia EV6, Ford Mustang Mach-E, and Volvo EX90.
2025 Skoda Karoq Sportline 4×4 reviewed
Chasing Cars journalist Ash Leung’s assessment of the 2025 Skoda Karoq Sportline 4×4 was published, including a nod to Skoda’s reputable build quality and a criticism of the Karoq’s lack of features for a range topping model.
Leung praised the Karoq Sportline for its ergonomic driver controls and easy to operate infotainment system. She noted that for a mid-size SUV, the boot and rear passenger leg-room are both ample.
The Skoda Karoq Sportline suffers from an interior which struggles to keep up with rivals. Leung outlined this shortcoming, exposing the Karoq’s dated climate control knobs and awkwardly sized cup holders.
As an alternative to the Toyota RAV4 and VW Tiguan, the $58,000 driveaway Karoq Sportline doesn’t offer the strong value proposition that you’ll find in the more affordable Karoq Select.
