Can an ambitious Chinese newcomer challenge one of the world’s most established luxury carmakers? That’s the question at the heart of the December 2026 issue of Wheels, as we pit the new MG IM5 against the Mercedes-Benz CLA in our cover comparison.

With emerging brands increasingly targeting the premium end of the market, the battle between MG and Mercedes-Benz represents more than a contest between two cars. It’s a test of whether the newcomers have developed the quality, technology and driving experience needed to challenge the luxury establishment.

We also sit down with Toyota Australia’s CEO Matt Callachor, a man who prefers to avoid the spotlight despite overseeing one of the country’s most influential automotive businesses. Our exclusive interview explores the thinking behind his understated approach to leadership.

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There’s a deeper dive into Jaguar‘s ambitious reinvention, with Richard Bremner going behind the scenes of the development of the grand electric tourer, the astonishing Type 01. With the British brand staking its future on a radical new direction, the stakes could hardly be higher.

From future models to motorsport history, Paul Gover gets behind the wheel of a Dick Johnson Racing Mustang almost identical to the car Brodie Kostecki drove to victory in this year’s Bathurst 1000.

Our Modern Classic feature revisits the BMW 635 CSi, celebrating the enduring appeal of Paul Bracq’s E24 6 Series design, 50 years after its introduction.

And we reveal our 2026 Wheels Best Compact Car, identifying the city runabout that best combines affordability, practicality and driving comfort.

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There’s plenty of new metal in First Drives, too. We assess the second-generation Mercedes-Benz GLB, China’s Mazda CX-6e, the more powerful BYD Atto 3 Evo and Tesla’s six-seat Model Y L.

Also under scrutiny are the electric MG U9 ute and all-wheel-drive Geely Starray EM-i plug-in hybrid.

In Dashboard, we examine Chery’s expanding Australian line-up, attend a Mercedes-Benz crash test and speak with Kenny Habul about his plans to revive HDT.

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Our columnists tackle the changing automotive landscape and the challenge of separating fact from fiction, while Garage follows the Kia Tasman and two readers’ cars.

Rounding out the issue are September’s sales figures, our comprehensive new-car Buyer’s Guide and a Wayback Machine revisit to Holden’s supercar ambitions in December 1997.

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