Car news today: BMW prices hard-core M2 CS, Hyundai confirms ute plans and seven-year warranty, and more – 28 May 2025
Lukas Foyle
Contributor
Every important car news story breaking today, one convenient read
Thanks for joining us this Wednesday, May 28th 2025. Notably in car news today: BMW Australia has confirmed and priced the hard-core M2 CS for local release, Hyundai confirms ute plans and launches seven-year warranty.
BMW gears up to launch its most powerful variant of M2 in Oz
The flagship M2 CS has been confirmed for the Australian market by its local importer following an extravagant launch held at the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este in Cernobbio, North Italy.
BMW’s latest member of the CS family boasts an additional 37kW and 50Nm over the standard M2, meaning a total output of 390kW/650Nm from its twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre straight six engine.
Pricing for the M2 CS starts at $172,900 RRP, a $46,600 increase over the ($126,300 RRP) G87 M2 LCI. Both variants are offered with an eight-speed automatic and rear wheel drive. At this stage, only the base M2 offers a six-speed manual.
Model specific upgrades to the M2 CS include: BMW M Sport “carbon” bucket seats with electronic adjustment and heating, compound brakes, carbon-fibre exterior enhancements including mirrors and boot lid, lightweight alloy wheels, and a CS-specific engine mount.
Hyundai ute plans and seven-year warranty confirmed
Hyundai Australia chief executive officer Dom Romano has confirmed that the brand will launch a debut ute Down Under after convincing head office it would be essential for the brand to remain competitive locally.
Unsurprisingly, the yet unnamed ute is planned to be based off the soon-to-release Tasman ute from Hyundai sister marque Kia, with proposed hybrid (HEV) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) versions to follow a diesel debut.
“We need something that competes against [Ford Ranger] and [Toyota Hilux], “ Romano told Chasing Cars at the recent launch of Hyundai’s new Inster city car this week, suggesting that a hybrid solution might require a strategic partnership with General Motors (GM).
Hyundai Australia also confirmed the long-mooted rumour during the Inster event that it would indeed follow Kia Australia’s lead in offering seven years of unlimited-kilometre new car warranty, backdated to vehicles delivered on or after January 1st 2025.
Sixth generation Subaru Forester priced for Oz market
Subaru Australia has confirmed its new sixth-generation Forester will arrive at Australian ports in early July 2025. The model range now consists of seven variants: four combustion models, and three hybrids.
The base Subaru Forester AWD has been priced at $43,490 before on-road costs – a $4800 increase over the outgoing equivalent Forester 2.5i. It features new exterior styling, 220mm of ground clearance, and a combined fuel economy of 7.9L/100km.
The base model Subaru Forester Hybrid starts at $46,490. It too receives a price hike over its outgoing equivalent, this time increasing by $2400. It features an all-new 12.3-inch digital cluster – a first for Subaru, and claims a combined fuel economy of 6.2L/100km.
Subaru has also introduced a new trim level to its Forester line-up. The Forester Touring and Touring Hybrid will serve as the crown jewels of the Forester range, priced at $50,990 and $55,990 respectively. They primarily gain ventilated seats and a 10-speaker Harman Kardon sound system.
Following outcry from Australian buyers and Chasing Cars, Subaru has promised a full-size spare for new hybrid models, but its solution is highly controversial. A towball mounted spare wheel carrier will be offered as a $3099 optional extra.
Land Rover Australia has announced an extensive mid-life update for the Defender, which is scheduled to release in October 2025. The current-generation Defender made its global debut six years ago, in September 2019.
The update is substantial, with a revised exterior including new front and rear lights, new colour options, and new wheel choices. Inside the car, a new 13.1-inch infotainment screen makes its debut, alongside optional adaptive cruise control.
Land Rover has also announced its 313kW 5.0-litre supercharged V8 powerhouse will now be offered in both the Defender 90 and 110 bodystyles, replacing the P400 engine offerings.
The Land Rover Defender corners a unique portion of the global/Australian market, as a luxury-derived, uncompromising off-road four-wheel drive. Pricing starts at $92,626 (list) for the base model Defender 90, which contends with the $116,000 (list) Lexus GX 550 Luxury and $104,000 (list) Ineos Grenadier Utility Wagon.
The next issue of Car News Today will be published on Thursday 29th May at 4.30pm Sydney time.
