Hyundai Enhances Ioniq 9 and Other Automotive Developments

Hyundai Enhances the Ioniq 9

Hyundai is upgrading its electric SUV, the Ioniq 9, for the 2027 model year. The starting price for this larger electric crossover, which can accommodate up to seven passengers, remains at €70,850. However, the base model will now include a previously optional technology package as standard. This package features a 360-degree camera, additional parking sensors, a remote parking assistant, and a digital vehicle key.

The new "Centriq" trim replaces the previous "Techniq" level and, like the higher "Uniq" variant, will include heated seats for the third row. The top-tier model, the "Blackline," is exclusively available with a 315 kW/428 PS all-wheel-drive system and starts at €89,950, offering black design accents, black wheels, and a panoramic glass roof.

All variants will also come equipped with features such as automatic locking when leaving the vehicle, an updated emergency call system, and a warning light for an open tailgate. Optional upgrades include digital side mirrors and two six-seat packages with individual seats in the second row.

Young Drivers Prefer Combustion Engines, Survey Finds

Contrary to the stereotype that Generation Z is the biggest supporter of electric mobility, a recent survey by AutoScout24 and LeasingMarkt.de reveals a different trend. Among the youngest drivers, 55% of those aged 18 to 29 expressed a preference for gasoline or diesel engines for their next vehicle, while only 20% favored hybrids and electric cars.

In older age groups, the preference for combustion engines decreases. The highest percentage of electric vehicle supporters is found among those aged 40 to 49, at 24.7%, with 19.7% among those aged 50 to 65.

This finding is surprising as a previous ADAC survey from 2024 indicated that over half of 18- to 29-year-olds were open to purchasing an electric vehicle. However, AutoScout24 sales director Stefan Schneck sees this as no indication against the younger generation, noting that their purchasing criteria are similar to those of older generations.

Mercedes Launches First Electric C-Class

Mercedes is introducing a fully electric version of its C-Class for the first time. The initial offering is the C 400 4Matic, featuring a robust 360 kW/490 PS engine, priced from €64,325. A more affordable option, the C 300 4Matic with 272 kW/369 PS, will be available later this fall for under €63,000.

The electric C-Class, available solely as a sedan, is built on a new electric platform with 800-volt technology and measures approximately 4.90 meters, which is about 13 centimeters longer than the combustion engine and plug-in hybrid variants. This architecture allows for charging rates of up to 330 kW, enabling a range of 300 kilometers in just ten minutes under optimal conditions. The battery capacity is 94 kWh, with a WLTP range of up to 762 kilometers.

Technological features include the Hyperscreen, a new digital lighting system, AI-assisted MBUX voice control, and an optional air suspension with predictive damping control based on swarm data. The interior benefits from a ten-centimeter longer wheelbase, providing a trunk capacity of 470 liters plus an additional 101 liters in the frunk.

Karlsruhe Tops the List for Speed Cameras

Karlsruhe has been identified as Germany's "speed camera capital." According to a ranking compiled by Leasingmarkt.de, the city ranks first ahead of Leipzig and Hamburg. The analysis examined fine revenues relative to the number of registered vehicles in the 30 largest cities in the country.

Karlsruhe reportedly generates around €13 million annually from traffic violations, equating to approximately €92 per registered vehicle, the highest figure in comparison. The city also boasts the most extensive fixed speed camera density, with 2.62 stationary devices per 10,000 vehicles. In total, there are 37 stationary cameras and 67 measurement points.

Hamburg, with the highest absolute revenue of around €47 million per year, ranks third due to its larger vehicle population. Berlin follows in sixth place with approximately €30 million. At the bottom of the list are Munich and Essen, each with about €4.

Hyundai Santa Fe Receives New Features

Hyundai has revamped the equipment offerings for the Santa Fe for the new model year. In the Signature line, a €1,500 technology-plus package replaces the previously separate technology and comfort packages. This new package includes features such as a head-up display, a digital rearview mirror, two wireless smartphone charging spots, and electrically adjustable steering and driver's seat. Compared to the previous package combination, this new offering is €200 cheaper.

The powertrains remain unchanged, with the 176 kW/239 PS full hybrid starting at €60,650, while the 212 kW/288 PS plug-in hybrid with all-wheel drive starts at €65,250. Hyundai is also limiting seat and drive combinations: seven seats in the "Signature" variant will now only be available with all-wheel drive, and the top "Blackline" model will also have this restriction for the six-seat configuration.

Mercedes-AMG Bids Farewell to the A 45 S

Mercedes-AMG is launching a special edition of the A 45 S 4Matic+ as it approaches the end of production. The "Final Edition" is available in matte gray or black. Key features include matte black 19-inch forged wheels, black brake calipers, dark chrome accents, and yellow highlights both inside and out. The powerful 310 kW/421 PS 2.0-liter turbocharged engine remains unchanged, paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission and all-wheel drive. Prices start at approximately €80,000, reflecting a €6,000 increase over the standard model.

Since its market introduction in 2019, the A 45 S has undergone a performance upgrade in 2022. Production for the entire A-Class family is currently moving from Rastatt to Hungary, where it will continue until at least 2028 for certain variants.

Toyota Yaris Cross Gets a Refresh

The compact crossover has received updates including a redesigned grille and revised LED headlights. Additional enhancements feature new alloy wheels, fresh paint colors, decorative elements, and seat covers. Pricing starts at €27,640.

The base model "Pure" is equipped with a full hybrid engine producing 85 kW/116 PS and front-wheel drive. A more powerful variant with 96 kW/130 PS is also available, which can be ordered with all-wheel drive for €33,700. Standard features include automatic climate control, LED headlights, a rearview camera, and smartphone integration.

The 4.18-meter-long Yaris SUV has been on the European market since 2021. Initially available with a gasoline engine, it will now only be offered as a hybrid starting in 2024.

Mercedes Refreshes the Marco Polo

Mercedes has updated its best-selling camper van, the Marco Polo. Prices remain around €80,000, but can climb to €120,000 with all extras and the most powerful engine. This camper, based on the V-Class and built in Ludwigsfelde, now features enhanced comfort details, such as sturdier drawer guides, an updated control panel, and a cooler that consumes a quarter less energy despite maintaining its volume of 40 liters.

Additionally, the new Mercedes-Benz Advanced Control Systems (MBAC) allows control of features like ambient lighting on the pop-up roof or the optional sunroof via display or app. The pop-up roof is now made with a lighter aluminum shell, making the rear bellows ten centimeters higher. The sleeping dimensions remain unchanged at 205 x 113 cm above and 203 x 113 cm below.

The most powerful engine option is a 2.0-liter diesel with 174 kW/237 PS and a 9-speed automatic transmission, achieving speeds of up to 214 km/h. The OM654 diesel is also available in 129 kW/163 PS and 140 kW/190 PS variants, with either rear or all-wheel drive.

BMW Issues Recall for 744,000 Vehicles Due to Fire Risk

In Germany, 42,300 vehicles are affected according to the Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA). The recall encompasses models from the 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 series, as well as the i3, Z4, and X3 to X7, produced between July 31, 2020, and February 26, 2026. This recall spans nearly the entire current model lineup of the manufacturer.

The issue stems from deposits in the starter relay caused by wear, which can increase electrical contact resistance and potentially lead to short circuits with a heightened fire risk. Affected owners will receive notification from BMW and are advised to visit a workshop where the motor starter will be replaced at no cost to the customer. So far, no property or personal damage has been reported according to the KBA. The manufacturer's recall codes are 0012790600, 0012780600, and 0012770600.

Niu Launches FQiX 150 and 300 in Germany

The FQiX 150 and FQiX 300 electric scooters from Niu are now available in Germany, starting at approximately €2,500 and €3,000, respectively. Both models feature a new, sportier design that distinguishes them from previous styles.

The FQiX 150 can be configured as either a moped with a top speed of 25 km/h or a small motorcycle reaching 45 km/h. It is powered by a hub motor with a continuous output of 1.8 kW or 3.5 kW and a torque of 180 Nm. The scooter can accommodate up to two removable batteries, each providing a range of up to 110 kilometers; however, only one battery is included as standard, with the second available at an additional cost. Charging time for each battery is approximately three hours.

Features include a 5-inch color display, NFC access, rear radar, automatic lighting, USB ports, a 31-liter storage compartment, a combined braking system (CBS), and traction control. The FQiX 300 can reach speeds of up to 80 km/h and delivers 4.1 kW, with two batteries included as standard and an anti-lock braking system (ABS).

Used Electric Cars in Short Supply

Affordable used electric vehicles are becoming scarce in Germany. Models priced around €20,000 are currently in high demand, according to the German Automobile Trust (DAT). The existing supply is struggling to keep pace with this demand.

In April, over 40,000 used battery electric vehicles changed hands, surpassing private new registrations of electric cars for the past one and a half years. The DAT suggests that high fuel prices have recently increased interest in used electric vehicles, which are immediately available and comparatively affordable in smaller vehicle categories.

At the same time, fewer vehicles are entering the used car market. Experts attribute this to low new car production numbers during the COVID-19 pandemic and following the onset of the Ukraine war. This scarcity is helping to stabilize residual values, with prices for three-year-old electric vehicles showing a slight upward trend recently.

Electric Vehicles Surpass Other Drive Types in Company Fleets

For the first time, electric vehicles have overtaken all other types of drive systems in the German company fleet market. In the first half of 2026, 30% of new registrations in this sector were fully electric cars, up from 24% in the entirety of 2025. This shift marks a significant milestone in the adoption of electric mobility within corporate fleets.