Volvo EX90 vs Polestar 3

At Volvo, they see climate change as their real safety test and they're on the road to becoming an all-electric brand. The first-ever Volvo EX90 is a clear reminder of such a transition.

2024 Volvo EX90

Starting at 997,000 Krona plus additional costs, the first-ever Volvo EX90 marked the new beginning for the Swedish carmaker as their road to becoming an all-electric carmaker is in full swing to keep up with the challenges of the new normal.

2024 Volvo EX90

Beginning with the design, the EX90, when it was first unveiled to the world, was the first to incorporate the "new normal" Volvo design judging by the pixelated take on the Thor's Hammer headlamps and the squarish Volvo trademark taillights. Although the retractable door handles and creases made statements, the "new normal" exterior design is the template for future all-electric Volvos heading their way.

2024 Volvo EX90 interior

2024 Volvo EX90 interior

The same "new normal" Volvo principle applies to the interior. It features a 14.5-inch touchscreen powered by Android Auto that controls not just entertainment and navigation but almost the entire car, which can be cumbersome for anyone behind the wheel. What's also cumbersome is the steering wheel with touch-sensitive buttons, a rotary gear selector, USB-C ports, a digital instrumental panel that knows your name, and others.

Regardless of how many seats you have, from five to seven, the boot space can accommodate up to 1,915 liters with the passenger seats folded down. With all seats present, it can carry up to 365 liters. Decent enough to carry today's grocery shopping list or rather thrift store dump if you're into that. The sweet spot of the EX90? Almost impossible to say because most Swedish families may end up with this, but it still works rather well for escorting liberal democrats, woke capitalists, and other VIPs alike. It's business class with a greater cause.

2024 Volvo EX90

The EX90 features three different configurations armed with the 107kWh lithium-ion battery pack such as the entry-level 279PS Single Motor, the 408PS all-wheel-drive Twin Motor variant, and the most powerful in the lineup, the Twin Motor Performance. The flagship variant produces 517PS of power and 910Nm of torque, sprinting from a 0-100kph time of 4.9 seconds. That's it. The driving distance in one full charge is about 590km. A real road-tripping crossover.

Asked about charging times, the EX90 will take about the length of an episode of your anime show to reach 80% or nearly half an hour to reach full charge while at home.

Although extremely regular to drive every day, not to mention being silent and comfy on the move, the EX90 is packed with a roof-mounted Iris LiDAR sensor from Luminar, five radars, eight cameras, two interior cameras, and 16 ultrasonic sensors, taking advantage of the crossover's cutting edge safety features Volvo has championed through the year. Although capped at Level 2 autonomy for the time being, the EX90 is the first that is hardware-ready for fully autonomous driving in the future. Whoa.

Like it or not, the EX90 is the poster Volvo of the new normal as its road to becoming an all-electric carmaker is in full swing. However, those who demand more should consider its sportier alternative to the EX90.

2024 Polestar 3

This is the Polestar 3, the third Polestar-made vehicle and the second fully electric since the Polestar 2 midsize saloon. Priced at 960,000 Krona plus additional cost, it's cheaper to own than the EX90, although it's available only as a five-seater.

2024 Polestar 3 interior

2024 Polestar 3 interior

While the exterior is strikingly sexy for crossover standards thanks to its design inspired by the Precept Concept, although the sidelines and rear can be downright mistaken for the Chevrolet Bolt EV, the minimalist interior, the 9-inch digital instrument cluster, the 14.5-inch touchscreen, and up to 1,411 liters of boot space proves that the Polestar 3 is all about taking things seriously, whatever life throws at it.

2024 Polestar 3 interior

Offered only in a Twin Motor 4WD layout with 107kWh lithium-ion battery, the Polestar 3 is offered with a choice of a 489PS Long Range Dual Motor and the 517PS Performance Pack. Although the latter is the same as the one in the EX90's range-topper, this is faster than the EX90 Twin Motor Performance variant because the Polestar 3 Long Range Dual Motor Performance variant is 0.2 seconds faster than the EX90 and while the EX90 is as fast as a Japanese car on Japanese roads, the Polestar 3 goes flatout in 210kph.

Apart from the performance, the Polestar 3 features front double wishbones, rear integral link, dual-chamber air suspension, adaptive dampers, Brembo brakes, and torque vectoring, making this heavyweight Polestar worth driving everywhere. Makes you fizz behind the wheel, huh?

Like the EX90, the Polestar 3 is packed with numerous safety features that earned the right to become fully autonomous in the foreseeable future, with Level 2 autonomy the best it can do for now. It even comes with the Polestar-first Smart Eye that detects drivers' eye movements in the name of reducing driver distraction. Speedo boys consider it a buzzkill but whatever.

The Volvo EX90 and the Polestar 3 are two extremely different sides of the same coin. While the EX90 is all about being a civilized crossover daily, the Polestar 3 rewrites the rules of what a fully electric crossover should be. Either way, this is the new normal. Deal with it.

Photo: Volvo Cars/Polestar

Volvo EX40 and EC40

Formerly known as the XC40 Recharge and the C40, the two electric crossovers from Volvo have been renamed as the EX40 and the EC40 as the Swedish carmaker's plans to become an EV-only brand have gone in full circle.

2025 Volvo EX40

2025 Volvo EC40

Although they look the same as the now-defunct XC40 Recharge and the C40, the first-ever EX40 and the EC40 are picking up where the recently deceased former selves left off in the name of mobility for all.

 

2025 Volvo EX40 interior

2025 Volvo EC40 interior

While the styling and the interior layout look and feel the same as the XC40 Recharge and the C40 it replaced, so does the boot space of up to 1286 liters for the EX40 and 1196 liters for the EC40, not to mention the driving feel between them, which in their case, civilized, relaxing, well-poised, and thanks to the most advanced safety features Volvo has championed, it's surprisingly safer as well, the EV powertrains saw a major shake-up with the addition of a new flagship version.

In addition to the 238PS rear-wheel-drive Single Motor and the 408PS all-wheel-drive Twin Motor variants, the EX40 and the EX40 received a new Performance variant where a special Performance drive mode bumped the 82kWh Twin Motor powertrain with an additional 34PS of power, bringing the power output of 442PS. It will go from 0-100kph in four and a half seconds and being a new-normal Volvo, the maximum permitted speed is 180kph. 

Asked about the driving range, the EX40 Twin Motor Performance variant is good for 538km while the EC40 Twin Motor Performance does 552km, which is more. Both can hit 80% in less than 30 minutes while charging at a 50kw DC charging station at a public place.

The EX40 starts at 607,000 kr while the EC40 starts at 625,000 kr plus additional costs. Both can be ordered online.

Even with the name change, the Volvo EX40 and the EC40 deserve some attention.

Photo: Volvo Cars

Volvo EX30

The first-ever Volvo EX30 is undeniable proof that the Swedish carmaker's going big on its electrification gamble as plans to become an electric car maker going full circle.

2024 Volvo EX30

Priced at 429,000 Swedish Krona plus additional costs, the first-ever Volvo EX30 is the baby EV crossover that showcases the Swedish carmaker's commitment to going all-electric since the moment they announced it. Like it or not, this is the new normal for the new Volvo.

2024 Volvo EX30

Beginning with the styling, the EX30 dons Volvo's new-era design that prefers subtlety over obviousness, and being subtle is a good thing for an all-electric crossover made for the new normal. From the new-era Thor's Hammer headlamps, wheel arch creases, clamshell bonnet, and two-piece taillights, the EX30 is "new normal" material.

2024 Volvo EX30 interior

2024 Volvo EX30 interior

Inside, the EX30 prefers minimalism, which spells trouble for speedo boys behind the wheel but hey, this is the new normal after all, and cars with large touchscreens are a big deal. The 12.3-inch touchscreen with Snapdragon Cockpit Platform and Android AOS takes control of not just infotainment, but also navigation, room temperature, and other important bits and bobs surrounding it. 

First-timers will find this gizmo complicated at first but they'll find it enjoyable the more they know it.

The EX30 has a complicated infotainment system, but other than that, it has a lot going for it. It comes with a Harman Kardon premium audio system that includes a soundbar located at the top of the dashboard.

In terms of comfort and spacing, despite its just-sizing dimensions, the EX30 is as cozy as most commoners' cars can be and with the rear seats folded down, you can store up to 904 liters of boot space, fit for all walks of life. Stealing the idea from the Hyundai Santa Fe, the EX30 comes with a door-opening safety feature that warns the driver when he or she is about to open the door in front of a cyclist, scooter, or runner, to prevent accidents.

2024 Volvo EX30

The EX30's electric powertrain consists of a rear-wheel-drive Single Motor layout with 272PS of power and a 4WD Twin Motor Performance layout with 428PS of power. The Single Motor variant comes with the 51kWh lithium iron phosphate battery while the Single Motor Extended and Twin Motor Performance variants get a 69kWh NiMC battery.

The Single Motor Extended Range variant has up to 476km of driving range while the Twin Motor Performance, with its 0-100kph time of 3.6 seconds, has up to 450km of driving range. Charging times? While charging at a 150kW charging station, it will take less than 30 minutes to hit 80% for most variants.

Running on Geely's SEA platform, the EX30 behaves well for a Swedish EV crossover. Although not as exciting as expected, it is civilized on various scapes from suburbia to the great outdoors. As for safety, the EX30 features various safety tech you would expect from a Volvo such as the new-generation Park Pilot Assist, 360-degree camera, Pilot Assist, Collision avoidance system, and driver warning system, among others.

Although not one of the best crossovers of the new normal, the Volvo EX30 is proof that the Swedish carmaker's electrification transition is going full circle. As one said, what you say is what you get. Volvo wanted to become fully electric because climate change is the real safety test, and this is what they've got. This is only the beginning...

Photo: Volvo Car Corporation

Hyundai IONIQ 5 (2025MY minor change)

The Hyundai IONIQ 5, the electric car that forever changed Hyundai, has been given a minor change for the 2025 model year, and this award-winning electric car is now made even better.

2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5

Starting at 52.4 million Korean Won, the facelifted Hyundai IONIQ 5 saw some revisions on the award-winning electric car that forever changed Hyundai, keeping it fresh and competitive as the opportunity arises.

2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5

2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 interior

The IONIQ 5 minor change saw some revisions inside and out. The exterior now sports a V-shaped garnish and revised bumpers, increasing its overall length by 20mm. The rear spoiler's revised as well and a new set of wheels are offered for this minor change. A sporty N Line variant was added to this minor change, mimicking the looks of the high-performance IONIQ 5 N variant and that's it.

The interior is revised with its new center console layout, a new physical button that offers access to frequently used functions, the wireless charging pad repositioned to the upper part, a new steering wheel design, and ccNC implementation with OTA updates, among others. The N Line jams the red ambient lighting, sports seats, metal pedals, red stitching, and the N steering wheel into the mix.

The IONIQ 5's electric powertrain was updated by increasing the size of its Li-ion battery from 77.4kWh to 84kWh, meaning the performance and ecology were updated as well. RWD variants have 229PS of power and up to 485km of driving range while HTRAC AWD variants have 325PS of power and up to 425km of driving range. Apart from the increased battery size, it comes with a new shock absorber, new cowl crossbar, doubled reinforcement at the rear wheels and the lower part of the vehicle, improved body stiffness, and added sound insulation, slightly improving its dynamics for the good of it.

Apart from the reinforced body and eight airbags, the IONIQ 5 minor change features new safety features such as the hands-on detection steering wheel, Lane Keeping Assist 2, Remote Smart Parking Assist 2 (RSPA 2), Forward/Side/Reverse Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist, intelligent front lighting, Digital Key 2, and Built-In Cam 2.

The award-winning Hyundai IONIQ 5 is now made even better with this facelift and it looks like it's on a roll. Will you?

Available colors: Atlas White, Lucid Blue Pearl, Digital Teal Green Pearl, Cyber Grey Metallic, Ecotronic Grey Pearl, Abyss Black Pearl, Atlas White Matte, Ecotronic Grey Matte, Gravity Gold Matte, and Ultimate Red Metallic (N Line only).

Photo: Hyundai Motor Company

smart #3

Following the advent of the smart #1 electric crossover, smart shook away its Little Tykes image in favor of a city-centric approach, and the renaissance continues with its coupe-crossover derivative, the smart #3.

2024 smart #3

Starting at 38,490 Euros plus additional costs, the first-ever smart #3 is basically a smart #1 with a sloping roofline. It's a city-centric coupe-crossover done the smart way and you'd better thank the Chinese overlords from Geely for making it possible.

2024 smart #3

2024 smart #3 interior

While the exterior and interior look and feel similar to its #1 equivalent, the #3's boot space has 370 liters with the rear seats present and up to 1160 liters with the rear seats folded down, that's more than you get from the #1 because of the longer wheelbase that makes up from its lowered height. This means the added dimensions made the #3 roomier than its #1 equivalent. Not bad for a coupe crossover, though.

2024 smart #3 Brabus

Like the #1, the smart #3 runs on the SEA platform developed by Geely, and because of its RR layout and city car sizing, it behaves in a unique and spartan manner even while going nuts with it. Most variants come with the TZ220XSA02 electric motor bolted to a NiCM battery that produces 272PS of power and 343Nm of torque, capable of hitting 100kph in 5.8 seconds and a top speed of 180kph. The #3 Brabus, meanwhile, produces  428PS of power and 543Nm of torque. Although it has the same top speed, the 0-100kph time was dropped to 3.7 seconds.

For safety, the smart #3 features a wide array of advanced driver assistance features such as autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, lane centering assist, lane change assist, lane keeping assist, and blind spot monitoring, among many others.

For a coupe-crossover of its size, the smart #3 is becoming more of a big brother compared to its smart #1 equivalent because of its proportions. Has the whole world gone upside down? For the smart #3's case, it is.

Volkswagen ID.7

This is Volkswagen's answer to the Hyundai IONIQ 6, the first-ever, all-electric saloon called the ID.7, and it's taking the place of the now-deceased Passat saloon. So, what's it all about the first-ever Volkswagen ID saloon car?

2024 Volkswagen ID.7

2024 Volkswagen ID.7 interior

Starting at 56,995 Euros plus additional costs, the first-ever Volkswagen ID.7 is the first saloon of the ID line of electric cars and it's obviously the most dramatic one because with this, you can really kiss the Passat saloon goodbye for real.

While the styling is broadly similar to its electric family tree, the ID.7 has a longer wheelbase compared to the now-deceased Passat sedan, and having learned from Volkswagen's mistakes, the interior is packed with a 15-inch floating central infotainment screen, AR HUD, a new layout for air-con, a new Favorites buttons where users can save their configurations, an electronically dimmable panoramic sunroof, a massager, Harman Kardon sound system, and a rather annoying IDA voice command assistant. It even comes with Volkswagen's first adaptive Climatronic front seats with cooling, heating, and drying functions. Optional extra as expected.

Because of its longer wheelbase, this five-seater saloon is spacious as such and it comes with foldable rear seats that allow the ID.7 to carry up to 1600 litres of boot space. With the rear seats present, it's just 532 liters, which is more than the IONIQ 6.

Although it runs on the same MEB platform, the ID.7's electric powertrain is unlike the others. Called APP550, the electric motor powering the rear axle produces 286PS of power and 545Nm of torque. It's the most powerful single electric drive motor in the VW ID family tree. It does 0-100kph in 6.5 seconds and a Japanese-esque top speed of 180kph. As for the driving range, it's good for 621km for one full charge.

Being aerodynamic is the top trump for the ID.7, the questionable dynamics for an all-electric saloon is starting to show its worth. Despite being rear-wheel-drive, its mild driving feel is what sums up the ID.7 really well. Not as exciting as expected but it feels spartan and unique in every way, which is unheard of for a commoner's electric saloon like the ID.7. As for safety, it comes with Travel Assist that comes with assisted lane change maneuvers and assisted parking maneuvers, among others.

Although it's a stalemate compared to the Hyundai IONIQ 6, the first-ever Volkswagen ID.7 is proof that the sedan race is not dead yet, although it killed off the Passat saloon immediately. It may be part of the ID family tree of electrics but it rather feels like an outcast because of the one electric motor that sets them apart. Still, with its familiar styling and spartan driving manners, the fully-electric ID.7 has a long way to go for Volkswagen's electrification road map.

Photo: Volkswagen AG

Volkswagen ID.BUZZ

A long time ago, VW created the Sambabus and it became a cult classic favorite not just for the so-called hippie crowd but for road trippers young and old alike. Fast forward to today and the Sambabus just got an electrified remake. Welcome to the ID.BUZZ.

2023 Volkswagen ID.BUZZ

2023 Volkswagen ID.BUZZ

A concept turned reality, the Volkswagen ID.BUZZ is the electrified remake of the ancient Sambabus that is now catering to the Gen Z crowd in the way the Sambabus caters to the boomers. Which generation is the people on, the ID.BUZZ is fit for all generations of life.

There are two kinds of ID.BUZZ available such as the business-friendly ID.BUZZ Cargo, which is priced at 54,431 Euros plus additional costs, and the fun-for-all ID.BUZZ Pro, which starts at 64,581 Euros plus additional costs. Although they're as pricey as a luxury car, these modernized Sambabuses are ready for a new kind of samba.

2023 Volkswagen ID.BUZZ interior

While the styling draws inspiration from the concept, which is a sigh of relief for motoring observers, the interior is nothing but basic. Unlike the ancient Sambabus, the ID.BUZZ Pro can seat up to five people while the ID.BUZZ Cargo is good for two because the back is where the most important cargo goes. Apart from the minimalist interior layout, the extensive use of vegan and recycled materials showcased its guilt-free commitment as an eco-friendly electric MPV.

Powering the ID.BUZZ's electric propulsion system is a single-drive motor bolted to a 77kWh Li-ion battery located under the van. In the Pro version, it produces 204PS of power, 310Nm of torque, a 0-100kph time of 10.2 seconds, a 145kph of top speed, and up to 423km of driving range. The Cargo's good for 425km per full charge. As for charging times, it will take half an hour to reach from 5% to 80% charge while plugged into a 170kW outlet.

Although not a fun car to drive by yourself, the ID.BUZZ feels soothing to drive even on open roads. In the case of family trips, you can really find some sweet spot while into it unless child seats took over the second row. As for safety, the ID.BUZZ is packed with Car-2-X local warning system, front assist, lane keeping assist, and the available Travel Assist.

The Sambabus remake known as the ID.BUZZ... Although it's got fewer seats than the ancient Sambabus, the ID.BUZZ is all about capability in the midst of the new normal. As a concept turned reality, there's so much to know about this electrified Sambabus remake but it's best to leave it here.

Photo: Volkswagen AG

MG MG4

The first-ever MG4 electric hatchback is by no means one of the most affordable electric vehicles on sale in Britain and with prices starting at 25,995 Pounds plus additional costs, it's cheaper to own than the Nissan Leaf by a razor-thin margin but there's a lot more to it than that...

2023 MG MG4

Fresh from the People's Republic of China, the MG4 electric hatchback is the biggest upset in the electric car market, probably because of the pricing that beats the Nissan Leaf by a knife edge. While the pricing is the MG4's top trump, there are plenty of reasons to buy one; starting with the design.

The MG4's design is by no means the sharpest-looking for a city car of such size judging by the front face that delivered its first impression, although the rear view can be visibly mistaken for a Kia EV6 when you squint your eyes further. Either way, the MG4's exterior design is nearly exceptional for an electric car made for the British masses.

2023 MG MG4 interior

On the inside, the MG4 has plenty of toys to play around with such as its 10.25-inch touch screen with smartphone connectivity, the Rotary Gear Selector, the wireless charging pad available on the Trophy Long Range variant, and heated front seats and steering wheel, among many others. Talking about space, this five-seater's modest space feels just right when you step inside. In terms of boot space, with the rear seats present, it's less spacious than the Nissan Leaf...that is until you fold the rear seats down. With nearly 300 liters more than the Nissan Leaf of total boot space with the rear seats down, it's another top trump for the MG4.

2023 MG MG4

The MG4 features two kinds of battery capacities. The SE model features a 51kWh battery capacity that produces 170PS of power, 250Nm of torque, a 0-60mph time of 7.5 seconds, 100mph of top speed, and up to 218 miles of driving range combined. The Long Range variant runs on the 64kWh battery pack which bumps the power output to 203PS power, which is a tad less compared to the Nissan Leaf e+, and with 281 miles of driving range, a tad less efficient as well but whatever.

Because the MG4 weighs less than the Nissan Leaf and because it's rear-wheel-drive unlike the Nissan Leaf, which is front-wheel-drive, you will find that it's a lot more enjoyable to drive as well. Although spartan because it has the same layout as a Porsche 911, it feels rather unique to drive one even beyond city limits, not to mention the fact that it comes with MG Pilot Advanced Driver Assistance Systems for a safer driving experience.

With the first-ever MG4, it looks like the Nissan Leaf has completely lost it because of such pricing which made the MG4 the electric bargain of the new normal, not to mention the dynamics and the styling that delivered the biggest upset in the electric car market. Looks like this Sino-British marque is on the roll.

Photo: MG Motor UK

smart #1

Thanks to the folks from China's Geely, smart's turnaround has begun with the unveiling of the first-ever smart #1 electric crossover which is basically a city car that promises to excite drivers with its compact sizing and electric powertrain fit for the new normal. So, what's it all about the smart #1?

2023 smart #1

2023 smart #1 interior

With prices starting at 41,490 Euros plus additional costs, the first-ever smart #1 is the start of a new era of smart under joint ownership between Mercedes-Benz and Geely, making it a dual citizen in its own right. Eurasian, if you may.

Beginning with the styling, the concept-based styling is great news for observers as the concept car was based on transferring "very compact exterior dimensions" and "traditional smart design" into "a new vehicle concept with a significantly higher premium and high-tech claim," and for the production version, they were right and wise about this...nearly. Although smaller than the concept car, it feels just right for European roads, and driving one is a breeze.

Inside, the smart #1 features a minimalist interior only Gen Z people can understand. From the tall floating center console, a 12.8-inch touchscreen, a 9.2-inch digital instrumental cluster, an HUD, a Beats sound system, seating for five people, and up to 976 liters of boot space with the rear seats folded, this is surprisingly good for city car standards and in terms of premium, they were right as well.

2023 smart #1 Brabus

Because of its SEA platform developed by Geely and its RR layout, not to mention its city car sizing, the smart #1 behaves in a unique and spartan manner even while going nuts with it. It feels nippy and spritely as you would expect in a smart vehicle and overall, it's rather good in the real world.

In Pro and Premium versions, the TZ220XSA02 electric motor bolted to a NiCM battery produces 272PS of power and 343Nm of torque, capable of hitting 100kph in 6.7 seconds and a top speed of 180kph, as fast as a Japanese car. The Brabus model, the one speedo boys are gunning for, produces  428PS of power and 543Nm of torque. Although it has the same top speed, the 0-100kph time was dropped to 3.9 seconds, which sounds quick for a smart car. 

As a smart car built for the new normal, the smart #1 features a wide array of advanced driver assistance features such as autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, lane centering assist, lane change assist, lane keeping assist and blind spot monitoring, among many others. Although not friendly for speedo boys behind the wheel, it's all in the name of working smart, not hard.

The smart #1 is a clear sign that the age of tiny cars the size of Little Tykes car toys is well and truly over. It's a compact electric crossover built for the new normal and whether you like it or not, it's ready to keep things smart.

Photo: smart

Hyundai IONIQ 6

Following the success of the IONIQ 5, the second chapter of the IONIQ trilogy of electric cars has arrived, and looks like the "prophecy" was fulfilled, pun intended. Inspired by the Prophecy Concept, the first-ever IONIQ 6 has arrived to follow the same success story as the IONIQ 5, only in a saloon setting never done by the Koreans.

2023 Hyundai IONIQ 6

Priced at 52,000,000 Korean Won plus additional costs, the IONIQ 6 can be downright outrageous to call the poor man's Tesla Model 3 because, with such pricing, it's cheaper to own than the said rival. Although it doesn't have the credentials of its American EV rival, the IONIQ 6 is made for one thing only; to get the job done without the drama.

2023 Hyundai IONIQ 6

Like the IONIQ 5 was inspired by the 45 Concept, the IONIQ 6's styling draws inspiration from the Prophecy Concept, the ideal recipe for a rap song with the words "prophecy" at one end and "six" at the other end. Rhymes aside, the Prophecy-inspired styling is the charming point of the IONIQ 6. While the front view is about as clean as a Mitsubishi GTO, the 911-esque rear view with the Lincoln Mark VIII-esque rear lamps is dramatic indeed, not to mention the rear spoiler that is downright out-of-context for an electric car like this. Above all, the streamlined styling made the IONIQ 6 one of the most aerodynamic electric cars ever made, as smooth as the BTS song Butter. Get it?

2023 Hyundai IONIQ 6 interior

Smooth like butter the exterior design is, the interior of the IONIQ 6 is part minimalist, and part user-friendly at the same time. Aside from toying around with the super-long monitor plastered to the driver's side of the dashboard, the digital side mirror, voice recognition, and the Dual Full Auto Air Conditioner, not to mention the show-off ambient lighting that feels like you're in the nightclub, the IONIQ 6 features a bridge-type center console that allows you to use multiple devices inside the car, turning it into an office desk on wheels. Word of warning though because most of the charging ports allow USB-C connectivity, feels like none of your existing chargers rather than USB-C types will work. Speaking of spacing, it's about as roomy as a Hyundai Sonata and the boot space isn't bad for a rear-wheel-drive electric saloon with coupe-like styling.

Like the IONIQ 5, the IONIQ 6's interior materials have been derived from renewable materials such as the Eco Process Genuine Leather made from vegetable oil extracted from flax seeds, BIO Paint Door Trim from flowers and corn, BIO TPO crashpad and PET yarn headlining made from yarns extracted sugar cane, and carpets made out of old fishing nets. Such resources made the IONIQ 6 come in peace with nature.

2023 Hyundai IONIQ 6

Time to uncover the IONIQ 6's electric propulsion system. Running on the same E-GMP platform as the IONIQ 5, the IONIQ 6 is packed with a 77.4kWh battery capacity. In Long Range variants, it produces a high-performance class 228PS of power, or with 4WD variants, a sports car-like 325PS of power. Questioning about the range, the rear-wheel-drive Long Range variant is good for a combined 524km, which beats the old lean-burn engine-powered Hyundais of the late 90s by a long shot. 4WD Long Range variants are good for a combined 484km of driving range, which is still better than lean-burn engine-powered Hyundais that can get you from Seoul to Busan. While charging at a public charging station, it will take about 18 minutes to charge the batteries from 10% to 80%.

With electric cars becoming alternative power sources, the IONIQ 6 is no exception and with its V2L capability, it's a whole new experience for people to find some cool and show-offy life hacks with this vehicle. Sometimes show-off, sometimes life-saving. This is V2L in action and the IONIQ 6 is as useful as any other electric car in the world.

Because safety is the top priority for electric cars, the IONIQ 6 features Hyundai SmartSense, a suite of active safety features such as Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist 2, rear-side collision avoidance assist, lane departure prevention assist, Highway Driving Assist 2, navigation-based smart cruise control, high beam assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist, and Remote Smart Parking Assistant 2.

Despite not being as cool as a Tesla Model 3, the first-ever IONIQ 6 from Hyundai shows that electrification is addictive and worth toying about because of the wondrous features it possesses. For a Korean-made electric saloon, this is pretty impressive and it could be the Sonata of the new age, which is outlandish to say it. It's the new normal, after all.

Available Colors: Gravity Gold Matte, Digital Green Matte, Serenity White Pearl, Nocturne Gray Metallic, Ultimate Red Metallic, Digital Green Pearl, Transmission Blue Pearl, Bio Philic Blue Pearl, and Abyss Black Pearl.

Photo: Hyundai Motor Company

Volkswagen ID.5

Following the success of the first-ever ID.3 hatchback and the World Car of the Year award-winning ID.4 crossover, a coupe crossover version of the said VW electrics has arrived and it's ready to snatch some profits out of the Tesla Model Y. Welcome to the first-ever ID.5.

2022 Volkswagen ID.5

2022 Volkswagen ID.5 GTX

With prices starting at 46,515 Euros plus additional costs, the ID.5 is basically a coupe crossover version of its relatives.

At first glance, it looks identical to the ID.4 crossover as well as its minimalist interior that is not friendly for speedo boys behind the wheel and seating for up to five people as usual, but because being the coupe crossover version of the ID.4, the ID.5 features a sloping roofline which is a very German thing to do since the first-generation BMW X6. 

When it comes to boot space, the ID.5 is slightly more compared to the ID.4 with the rear seats present but with the rear seats folded down, that's 14L less than the ID.4. Fair enough for a coupe crossover with a sloping roofline but it's still more than enough to tackle everyday needs.

In its rear-wheel-drive configuration, which feels like an old Porsche 911 when you handle it precisely like a pro, making it a mild coupe crossover to drive on a daily basis, the Pro Performance variant's 204ps 77kWh battery pack allows the ID.5 to sprint from 0-100kph in 8.4 seconds and has a top speed of 160kph, which is 20kph slower than Japanese cars. Range? It's good for 516km based on WLTP standards and when plugged into a public charging outlet, it will reach 80% capacity in almost half an hour.

The high-performance GTX variant adds another electric motor to the front axles, making it a four-wheel-drive electric crossover that produces 299PS of power and 310Nm of torque, capable of hitting a 0-100kph time of 6.3 seconds and a top speed of 180kph, which makes it feel like a Japanese car as expected. The driving range is good for 491km and when plugged into a public charging outlet, it will reach 80% capacity in less than 40 minutes, which is longer than the normal rear-wheel-drive ID.5 but with the GTX, it's a capable crossover than can tackle through all kinds of conditions despite retaining its mild driving feel from its normal equivalent.

The ID.5 and the ID.5 GTX are packed with the most advanced safety features Volkswagen ever thought of ranging from Front Assist with City Emergency Braking System and Pedestrian Monitoring, multi-collision brake and Lane Assist, Side Assist lane change system, Park Assist, Park Distance Control, and so on.

With the addition of the coupe crossover derivative to Volkswagen's ID line of electric vehicles, looks like the road to electrification is still going on strong, like it or not. Although not as good as the Tesla Model Y, its pricing is worth owning it, and looks like the Germans are on the roll with this one.

Photo: Volkswagen

Cupra Born

After the Formentor crossover, the Cupra brand unleashed another beast of their own and it's an electric hatchback known as the Born. So, what's it all about the Cupra Born? Let's investigate.

Priced at 37,400 Euros plus additional costs, the first-ever Cupra Born is basically a Volkswagen ID.3 that consumed too much Sangria Rosa and then turned into its Spanish equivalent. Unlike the ID.3 it was based on, the Born's styling is surprisingly wild and tangy for an electric hatchback. There is a well-known tidbit that it was heavily inspired from the Seat el-Born Concept but because Cupra is now a brand and part of the Volkswagen Group, the el-Born Concept from Seat became known today as the Cupra Born, much like when the Volvo 40.2 Concept turned into a Polestar 2 without the Volvo connection.

While the exterior is cyberpunk-esque for a hatchback, the interior is like a darker version of the ID.3, although the minimalist interior only appeals to Gen Z customers because of its touch-screen setup and lack of buttons. Futuristic indeed but still, it fits up to five people and the boot space is from 385L to 1267L, which is similar to the Volkswagen ID.3 of course.

At launch, the Born is equipped with a 58kWh battery pack that produces 204PS of power, 310Nm of torque, a 0-100kph time of 7.3 seconds, and 160kph of top speed. Slower than Japanese cars but it fits well to the high-performance car class. As for range, it's good for 424km in one full charge based on WLTP standards and it will take about 6 1/4 hours to fully charge at home or 80% in 35 minutes while charged at public. By 2022, the Born will be joined by the lesser 45 kWh variant and the more powerful 77kWh with e-Boost Pack. Engage the e-Boost button and it will produce 231PS of power. Simple.

In terms of dynamics, being a rear-wheel-drive car that weighs almost two and a half tons, the Born behaves like a hot hatch but in a mild and tangy way as expected. It has spartan driving manners just like a normal Porsche 911 as such and believe it or not, driving one is a piece of cake, thank you MEB platform and aluminum bodywork.

In terms of safety, the Born features a wide array of safety features such as Predictive Adaptive Cruise Control, Travel Assist, Side and Exit Assist, Traffic Sign Recognition, Emergency Assist, and Pre-Crash Assist.

The Cupra Born truly is a Volkswagen ID.3 that consumed too much Sangria Rosa and with its cyberpunk-esque exterior design, minimalist interior fit for Gen Z, space, electric powertrain, and spartan driving manners, the Born is the go-to electric hatchback you want to drive.

Photo: Cupra

Mercedes-Benz EQS

The Mercedes-EQ range welcomes the addition of the first-ever electric premium sedan that is about the size of today's S-Class. Welcome to the EQS, the S-Class of electric vehicles.

Priced at 97,806 Euros plus additional costs, the first-ever EQS is by no means one of the most talked-about models of 2021, and no, it's not really a premium sedan by the looks of it. It's basically a five-door liftback that competes with the likes of the iconic Tesla Model S, which is slightly cheaper than this.

Although not as sharp as the Tesla Model S, the EQS almost stays faithful to the concept car it was based on, which is rather impressive for a luxury electric saloon of this caliber but come closer and you'll get a rather bizarre impression that the curvaceous styling reminded you of a Toyota Estima. Does its futuristic styling blow your head off? Well, you should be because while the styling is somewhat out-of-this-world, it serves as a stark reminder that we are living in the future.

The interior holds a similar story because the EQS features a massive touchscreen that occupied almost the entire dashboard. Called the MBUX Hyperscreen, this mammoth of a touchscreen poses a huge challenge for drivers who are having trouble dealing with touchscreens like the ATM ones. You might think it's just like toying around with your smartphone but with such size, it's going to be a challenge and chances are, you might get flummoxed. Even toying around with your stylus pen can't help it.

The driver's side can be somewhat intimidating because of the massive touchscreen that occupied almost the entire dashboard, not to mention the added gadgetry involved, the passenger side, especially the rear seats, aren't so bad to live with. It feels like every other car but clients at the back can still expect that "out on a limo" feeling because of the rear-seat entertainment system. Despite its intimidating touchscreen on the driver's side, the EQS is about as comfortable as any other Mercedes saloons offered. Too bad there's no long-wheelbase variant offered.

The EQS is rear-wheel-drive by default, meaning this sedan can still behave like an S-Class as expected but those who want to get the most out of the EQS can opt-in for the 4MATIC variant that adds an electric motor to the front axles, producing 524PS of power, 855Nm of torque, a 0-100kph time of 4.3 seconds, and a 210kph top speed, not to mention 671km of range in full charge based on WLTP standards.

As you appreciate the dynamics, there's one feature you might get noticed and it's the subscription services offered on this car, similar to the PS Plus and Xbox Live Gold you gamers know, there are several features offered via subscription such as the special rear-axle steering with a steering angle of up to ten degrees. What a way to diss speedo boys behind the wheel if that wasn't enough, there are some premium features on the EQS that require subscription service, do you know which one?

Never mind about that because with safety as part of the new normal, the EQS is prepared with the most advanced safety features offered in a car like this such as Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC, ATTENTION ASSIST, DRIVE PILOT, and many others.

By surprise, there's an AMG version for the first time in a Mercedes EQ car. Called the Mercedes-AMG EQS53, it adds most of the AMG know-how to the EQS, allowing this electric saloon to show its dark side on the road and track. With the Performance mode set, you can expect a startling starting sequence when you turn it on and it gets exciting to drive on the road and track. With the DYNAMIC PLUS Pack set, the EQS53's electric powertrain produces 761PS of power, 1020Nm of torque, a 0-100kph time of 3.4 seconds, and an electronically-limited top speed of 250kph, which is quite a surprise for an all-electric AMG. As for the range, it's good for 584km in one full charge. Price? The Mercedes-AMG EQS53 starts at 152,546 Euros.

And there you have it. The Mercedes EQS may not be the prettiest luxury sedan ever made not to mention the subscription services offered to unlock its premium features but in every way, the EQS is something the world wants to try, especially its AMG version that changes everything. This is no doubt the EQS is one of the most-talked cars of 2021 and by the way it feels, the whole world's itching to drive one.

Photo: Daimler AG

Genesis GV60

The arrival of the first electric Genesis, the Electrified G80, is only a prologue to Genesis' road to electrification. In fact, they have just gotten started. This is the true beginning of Genesis' electrified vision; an electric crossover that promises the same dynamics as expected for a Genesis, it's called the GV60.

With prices starting at 63,793,499 Korean Won plus additional costs, the first-ever GV60 electric crossover promises dynamics that you would expect for a Genesis in a compact crossover sizing and electric drivetrain that reflects on the new normal, whatever the reason.

As the naming implies, the GV60 is surprisingly the smallest of the Genesis crossover range but it's wider and taller compared to the G70. As for the design, the GV60 looks more like a Kia EV6 with the face of the Citroen C3 Aircross, which is outlandish for a luxury crossover of this size. Whatever the reason, a car with no grille is better than a car with monster grilles. I'm talking to you, BMW.

Speaking of the interior, the GV60 is not what you called a spacious crossover, but it's almost as spacious as the Tesla Model Y, which is its main rival. Like the Model Y, the GV60's interior adapts to the minimalist lifestyle, which spells bad news for speedo boys behind the wheel. Touch screen, am I right? Anyway, as speedo boys are lamenting about the GV60's dashboard because of the touch screen minus the buttons, it comes with a signature feature that is more of a show-off to some; the Crystal Sphere. This flashy, crystal-like object turns into a rotary gear selector if it's ready on the move. Quite an accessory, I dare say.

What's also showy on the GV60 is the addition of the digital side mirrors similar to the ones used on the Lexus ES and the Honda e. It uses cameras and OLED monitors in place of traditional side mirrors, giving them a clear and wide rear view angle.

The touch screen is the least of the speedo boys' problems because the GV60 poses the biggest problems of all; facial recognition system and fingerprint authentication system. While such features are done to prevent the bad case of Grand Theft Auto, it will become problematic if it's pre-owned. It's like the one Gamertag per account rule and if you make a mistake, there's no turning back.

As told, the GV60 is almost as spacious as a Tesla Model Y in terms of passenger comfort and boot space, and although it is small for electric crossover standards, it's still sensible enough to accommodate up to five people and carry heaps of stuff for work or for another courtesy visit to the relatives.

Now, let's talk about performance. In its default rear-wheel-drive layout, the GV60's electric motor produces 168kW of power, 350Nm of torque, and a range of 451km in one full charge. Add another electric motor to the front, it will become AWD and it will churn out a total of 234kW of power and 605Nm of torque but the range is cut to 400km.

Opted for the Performance AWD powertrain, which is the equivalent to the one seen on the Kia EV6 GT, it comes with the Boost Mode located at the steering wheel. Push it on and you'll have 360kW of power and 700Nm of torque at your disposal. You can also engage the secret Drift Mode to give the GV60 the dynamics of a rear-wheel-drive car you can't get enough of. Cheesy for a crossover but it's worth trying out.

Coupled with the e-LSD, Active Road Noise Control, Regenerative Braking Control Paddle Shift, and the Preview Electronically Controlled Suspension, the GV60 is all about adapting itself through the roads of the new normal. Rear-wheel-drive alone, it's a good car to drive on the streets, but if it's AWD, it's good on almost everywhere, especially when you take it to the track with the Drift Mode on. Again, cheesy.

The Digital Side Mirror mentioned above is one of the many safety techs offered in this crossover. The GV60 features Highway Driving Assist 2 with Lane Change Assist Control, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Rear-Side Collision-Avoidance Assist, Rear side Monitor, Multiple Anti-Collision Automatic Braking System, Reverse Guide Lamp, Intelligent Headlamp, Safe Exit Assist, Advanced Rear Seat Passenger Notification, and Remote Smart Parking Assist.

Whether you like it or not, for tech or for performance, for ecology or for pleasure, the GV60 is all about being the best of both worlds and you should give credit to the Koreans behind this curiosity.

Photo: Hyundai Motor Company