Hyundai Motor has laid out an ambitious roadmap for its N performance division, confirming plans to launch seven high-performance models by 2030. Announced during the company’s 2025 CEO Investor Day, the strategy signals Hyundai’s intent to blend traditional driving thrills with the realities of electrification.

The highlight of the announcement is the IONIQ 6 N, a new all-electric sports sedan that will serve as the brand’s performance flagship. Hyundai says the model embodies its belief that electrification and excitement can coexist, combining high-output motors and advanced batteries with engineering focused on endurance and driving feel. Features include three thermal management settings tailored to road and track use, along with N’s trademark sensory technologies designed to replicate the visceral experience of combustion engines.

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Hyundai N’s expansion will not be limited to EVs. Instead, the company will pursue a three-pronged strategy:

• ICE (Internal Combustion) cars for enthusiasts who remain loyal to traditional performance.
• HEVs (Hybrids) that balance efficiency with power.
• EVs that highlight the benefits of instant torque and advanced control systems.

This approach, Hyundai says, ensures there will be an N model for every type of driver. The division’s core philosophy — “Corner Rascal, Everyday Sports Car, and Racetrack Capability” — is being updated with next-generation technology. That includes AI-driven driving modes that adapt to driver and track conditions, sophisticated thermal systems to maintain peak performance, and Software-Defined Vehicle (SDV) integration allowing cars to evolve with over-the-air updates.

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The growth plan comes as performance brands grapple with tightening regulations and the industry-wide shift toward electrification. By blending tradition and innovation, Hyundai N aims to carve out a distinctive role in the market. The company has set a target of more than 100,000 global N sales by 2030, a goal that would cement its place among established performance nameplates.

For Hyundai, the IONIQ 6 N is just the start. Whether it’s a hybrid balancing efficiency with punch or a track-ready electric sedan, the brand wants to ensure that enthusiasts can find a performance experience that suits them — proof, it says, that the thrill of driving has a future in every form of propulsion.

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Mitsubishi has unveiled the next-generation Eclipse Cross, an all-electric SUV that forms the centrepiece of its return strategy in Europe. Based on the latest Renault Scenic, the new model strengthens Mitsubishi’s presence in the competitive medium SUV market by giving the brand a much-needed electric contender.

Although mechanically identical to the Scenic, Mitsubishi has made styling changes to give the Eclipse Cross its own identity. At the front, the SUV wears the brand’s Dynamic Shield grille, paired with slim, streak-like daytime-running lights. At the rear, Renault’s tail-lights remain but are now linked by a gloss-black panel that adds visual width. Inside, the changes are more restrained, though diamond-quilted seats add some brand-specific flair. The cabin also retains the Scenic’s high-tech features, including a 12.3-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

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Production is handled by Renault at its Douai plant in northern France. Two battery options are planned: an 87kWh pack offering a range of up to 600km (372 miles), and a smaller 60kWh version expected in 2026. Both variants will expand Mitsubishi’s electric line-up in Europe, where the company has increasingly leaned on Renault-based products such as the ASX (Captur), Colt (Clio) and the forthcoming Grandis (Symbioz).

While the European lineup is now dominated by rebadged models, the Outlander remains Mitsubishi’s only Japanese-built vehicle in the region. The brand had previously withdrawn from the UK market in 2021 before announcing its staged comeback with Renault’s support.

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The Eclipse Cross is yet to be confirmed for Australian buyers. If introduced, the electric SUV would give Mitsubishi a direct rival to popular hybrid and EV options in the medium SUV class, bolstering its offering here through models like the Outlander PHEV.

The 2026 Eclipse Cross represents a major step in Mitsubishi’s transition toward electrification – and potentially signals a broader global strategy that may soon include Australian showrooms.

Ford Australia has lifted the covers on a comprehensive range of factory-engineered accessories and full specifications for the upcoming 2026 Ranger Super Duty, delivering a heavy-duty workhorse that can be tailored for job sites, farms, or off-road adventures.

The new accessories have been engineered and tested in-house by Ford to ensure seamless integration and durability, with each component backed by a five-year warranty when fitted by an authorised dealer. From a purpose-built steel tray to innovative device mounts and adventure-ready hardware, the line-up is designed to maximise the Super Duty’s toughness and versatility.

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Inside, the Ranger Super Duty balances practicality with advanced tech. Hard-wearing vinyl flooring, durable cloth seating, and unique Super Duty branding are paired with a 12-inch SYNC infotainment screen featuring satellite navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and wireless charging. An Integrated Device Mounting System and optional top console mount provide easy, factory-prepared solutions for work equipment or dash cams. Convenience features such as dual-zone climate control, rain-sensing wipers, Pro Power Onboard 400W inverter, and a USB port near the rear-view mirror underline its dual role as a comfortable daily driver and rugged work tool.

The Ranger Super Duty brings a full suite of driver-assistance technology, including Intelligent Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind Spot Monitoring, Pre-Collision Assist with AEB, a 360-degree camera, and Pro Trailer Backup Assist. Off-road credentials are equally strong, with selectable drive modes, Trail Control, and Trail Turn Assist included as standard.

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Pricing

A notable addition is customer-controlled DPF regeneration, allowing owners to manage when the vehicle initiates a burn cycle — a key feature for those working in time-sensitive or sensitive environments.

At the centre of the accessory program is a heavy-duty steel tray featuring quick-lock drop-sides, 400kg-rated lashing rings, and flexible bolted construction to reduce chassis stress under heavy loads. A bespoke heavy-duty mount kit, tested extensively at Ford’s proving grounds, ensures the tray can cope with the Super Duty’s payload demands.

Other highlights include an ARB Summit Bull Bar, a discreetly mounted Warn Winch, and modular mounting solutions for devices. Ford will also offer bundled packs tailored to different needs: a Farm Pack with water tank and tool box, a Work Pack for job sites, and an Adventure Pack with winch and rock sliders.

Ford Australia’s Customer Service Division Marketing and Sales Manager, Brad Hogg, said the program underscored the company’s focus on reliability and integration.

“Our new line of Ford Licensed Accessories offers a one-stop solution for customers, ensuring Ranger Super Duty is ready for whatever task or terrain it faces,” he said.

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Ready For Duty Accessory Packs

Tray Packs

Until March 31, customers will receive a toolbox and water tank included with their tray as a celebration of the launch of the new Ranger Super Duty. This offer will end on March 31, 2026.

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Accessory Pricing

Toyota Australia is broadening its hybrid strategy, introducing two distinct systems designed to serve different customer needs: one prioritising efficiency and the other tuned for performance. From early 2026, the technology will appear in Australia in the LandCruiser 300 Series Sahara ZX and GR Sport grades.

For more than two decades, Toyota has been refining its efficiency-focused hybrid technology, first introduced locally in the Prius in 2001. That system, now in its fifth generation, is standard across much of Toyota’s passenger car and SUV lineup, excluding GR performance models.

It combines a petrol engine with multiple electric motor-generators and planetary gears to reduce fuel consumption, lower CO₂ emissions, and improve driveability. In 2024, hybrids accounted for nearly half of Toyota’s total Australian sales, with more than 570,000 hybrid vehicles sold since launch.

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The next step is the introduction of a performance hybrid system, already fitted to the Tundra pickup in overseas markets. This parallel hybrid system pairs a petrol engine with a single electric motor-generator connected to a 10-speed automatic transmission.

Working individually or in tandem, the two power sources deliver instant torque, strong towing capability and smooth, linear acceleration. Under 30 km/h, the system can operate on electric power alone, while at higher speeds it blends both petrol and electric inputs for optimal response.

Toyota Australia Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Franchise Operations, Sean Hanley, said the move underlines the brand’s “multi-pathway” approach to powertrains.

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“Customers have embraced the refinement and fuel savings of our efficiency hybrids, and now we are expanding that choice to include a performance hybrid designed for heavier loads, high-speed cruising and greater responsiveness,” he said.

The dual strategy ensures buyers can select a hybrid powertrain matched to their lifestyle — from city-focused hatchbacks and SUVs like the Yaris, Corolla and RAV4 to large-scale vehicles such as the LandCruiser. Pricing for the performance hybrid models has yet to be confirmed.

Toyota also plans to launch its first plug-in hybrid in Australia in 2026 with the next-generation RAV4, further expanding electrified options in its lineup.

Mercedes-Benz Australia has expanded its AMG GT Coupé line-up with the arrival of two new models: the Mercedes-AMG GT 43 and the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 PRO 4MATIC+. The additions aim to cater to both drivers seeking refined agility and enthusiasts craving race-ready performance.

At the entry point sits the AMG GT 43, powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 310 kW and 500 Nm. It sprints from 0–100 km/h in 4.6 seconds and tops out at 280 km/h. A key innovation is its electric exhaust gas turbocharger, derived from Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula 1 technology, which ensures instant throttle response across the rev range by pre-spooling the turbo electronically before exhaust gases take over.

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Rear-wheel drive underpins a purist handling character, while a 48-volt mild-hybrid system can deliver an extra 10 kW and supports functions such as coasting and energy recuperation. AMG RIDE CONTROL adaptive suspension, a digital cockpit with an 11.9-inch MBUX infotainment system, and practical 2+2 seating with up to 675 litres of luggage space highlight its balance of performance and usability.

The Australian-spec GT 43 also comes standard with the AMG DYNAMIC PLUS Package, which adds features like an electronic rear-axle locking differential, dynamic engine mounts, and yellow-painted AMG brake calipers.

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At the other end of the spectrum, the AMG GT 63 PRO 4MATIC+ (below) builds on the already formidable GT 63. Its 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine now produces 450 kW and 850 Nm, trimming its 0–200 km/h time to 10.9 seconds and achieving a top speed of 317 km/h.

The PRO variant benefits from extensive chassis and aerodynamic refinements, including ACTIVE RIDE CONTROL with active roll stabilisation, standard rear-axle steering, and a revised aero package with carbon-fibre air deflectors and a fixed rear wing. Together, these features reduce aerodynamic lift on the front axle by more than 30 kilograms and increase rear downforce by around 15 kilograms.

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Inside, the GT 63 PRO features AMG Performance seats, a carbon-fibre interior package, and AMG-specific displays, while exterior details include 21-inch forged wheels and AMG’s ceramic composite braking system with 420 mm front discs.

The Mercedes-AMG GT 43 is priced at $249,900 (MRLP), while the GT 63 PRO 4MATIC+ comes in at $418,900 (MRLP). Both models are available to order through authorised Mercedes-AMG retailers or online from September 18, 2025.

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Mercedes-Benz Australia has broadened its Edition R portfolio, adding the GLE 53 SUV and Coupé to the line-up. Following the successful introduction of Edition R variants on the AMG C 43, GLC 43 and selected compact models, the latest additions are engineered to combine dynamic performance with bold design elements, delivering a distinctive additional pathway into the AMG brand.

At the heart of the GLE 53 Edition R lies AMG’s acclaimed 3.0-litre inline-six, enhanced with electrified technology to produce 320 kW of power and 560 Nm of torque. This performance is further sharpened by the AMG DYNAMIC PLUS Package, which incorporates AMG ACTIVE RIDE CONTROL active roll stabilisation and a high-performance composite braking system.

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The brakes feature red-painted calipers with black AMG lettering, measuring 400 x 38 mm at the front and 370 x 32 mm at the rear, enhancing the SUV’s road presence.

Visually, the Edition R makes an immediate impression. Striking 22-inch AMG cross-spoke forged wheels finished in matt black with a high-sheen rim flange set the tone, while optional MANUFAKTUR paint finishes further elevate exclusivity. Inside, performance-inspired cues continue with brushed aluminium trim, red seatbelts, and the AMG Performance steering wheel trimmed in nappa leather and MICROCUT microfibre. The SUV variant features ARTICO man-made leather with red stitching, while the Coupé retains its hallmark black AMG nappa leather upholstery.

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The combination of AMG-engineered power and distinctive styling positions the Edition R treatment of the GLE 53 SUV (top) and Coupé (above) as bold statements of AMG identity.

Pricing for the GLE 53 Edition R SUV begins at $184,100 (MRLP), while the Coupé starts at $188,100 (MRLP), reaffirming their place in the premium performance SUV segment.

Škoda is accelerating its electric vehicle offensive in Australia, unveiling the all-new Elroq 60 Select alongside the refreshed Enyaq 60 and 85 large SUVs. Together, the new models offer local buyers a broader choice of European-designed electric SUVs.

The Elroq 60 Select is Škoda’s newest medium SUV, joining the Elroq 85 Select and Elroq 130 Years Edition in showrooms from November. With prices starting at $47,990 RRP ($49,990 drive-away), the Elroq 60 Select undercuts many rivals while offering a compelling package of performance, practicality and smart features.

Under the bonnet, the Elroq 60 Select employs a 150kW/310Nm rear-wheel-drive system capable of 0–100km/h in 8.0 seconds. A 63kWh battery provides 395km WLTP combined range and up to 504km in urban cycles, supported by 165kW DC fast charging and 11kW AC charging.

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Standard equipment is extensive, including LED headlights, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, wireless phone charging, a 13-inch infotainment display, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and Škoda’s full suite of active safety and driver assistance systems. Clever touches such as door-mounted umbrellas, rear-seat tablet holders and adjustable cargo solutions reinforce the brand’s reputation for practical design.

Buyers can add 20-inch wheels for $1,000 or a $6,000 Signature Pack, which bundles a head-up display with augmented reality, Matrix LED headlights, premium Canton audio, surround-view cameras, and massage seats.

Meanwhile, the larger Enyaq SUV builds on the Elroq’s value-focused pitch with greater space, performance and refinement. Priced from $50,990 RRP ($54,990 drive-away), the Enyaq 60 Select delivers a 150kW/310Nm output, 0–100km/h in 8.1 seconds and a 410km WLTP range. Standard gear includes a powered tailgate, tri-zone climate control, heated front seats, a 13-inch display and a seven-airbag safety suite.

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The Enyaq 85 Sportline lifts performance to 210kW and 545Nm, slashing the 0–100km/h sprint to 6.7 seconds and extending range to 547km WLTP. It also gains progressive steering, heated rear seats, massage front seats, and a sportier interior trimmed in leather and Suedia. Buyers can further enhance the package with the $5,000 Ultimate Pack, adding adaptive chassis control, Canton audio, head-up display and 21-inch alloy wheels.

At the top of the line sits the Enyaq Coupe 85 Sportline, priced from $65,990 RRP ($68,990 drive-away). It offers a panoramic glass roof, the longest range in the line-up at 561km WLTP, and the highest specification, with all key luxury and technology features included.

All Škoda EVs are backed by a 7-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, plus a Guaranteed Future Value program and finance offers from 7.99% per annum.

With both the Elroq and Enyaq, Škoda is targeting one of the most competitive EV markets in the world with an emphasis on blending European engineering, cutting-edge tech, and value pricing. The Elroq is aimed at buyers seeking a practical, mid-sized SUV under $50,000, while the Enyaq delivers family-friendly space and longer range without sacrificing performance.

Škoda expects both models to become key players in its Australian electrification strategy as more buyers transition to battery-powered vehicles. The Elroq 60 Select will be available from November, while the updated Enyaq range is already arriving in dealerships.

MG Motor has officially confirmed pricing and specification for the all-new MG U9 ute during its local launch, marking the brand’s long-awaited entry into one of Australia’s most competitive segments.

Available in three variants – Explore, Explore X and Explore Pro – the U9 will launch locally from $52,990 drive-away, while the mid-tier Explore X is priced at $55,990 drive-away and the flagship Explore Pro tops the range at $60,990 drive-away.

Unveiling the model in Australia, MG Motor Australia managing director Peter Ciao said the U9 represents a turning point for the brand.

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“Many of you have witnessed my journey leading MG from zero to a top-ten brand in Australia and New Zealand. That story enters a new chapter today. From this moment, the era of MG only making small cars is over,” he said.

It’s a bold statement reflective of where the brand currently sits in the Australian new car market. MG has appealed to Australian buyers with a strong value proposition, long lists of standard features, aggressive pricing and a long warranty – but only in segments that aren’t quite as pivotal as the dual-cab segment. Was an MG-badged dual-cab always part of the plan? Or is it an admission that the brand needs such a vehicle to take the next leap up the sales charts?

Ciao is rightly strong on what the U9 can do for MG in a market that has shown Australians will buy dual cabs from competition brands. Strong sales from the likes of GWM, LDV and BYD in a segment once weighed down by heritage is proof Australians will look to alternatives, and Ciao is adamant that MG has a contender on its hands.

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“Today we present a truly large vehicle, this 5.5m long MG U9,” he said. “This brand new ute marks a major milestone for MG. We know that a ute is not just a car, it signifies your freedom and your lifestyle and with the arrival of the MG U9, we enter the iconic ute segment.”

Ciao went on to explain that MG knows this segment is about more than just transport, certainly in 2025, where the dual cab has come to define driveways in family homes all over the country, moving well beyond its work horse origins.

MG reckons the U9 will attack the segment with a different approach though, featuring a few party tricks we’ve never seen before (like the drop down tailgate and foldable rear bulkhead), the aggressive pricing we’d expect, and up to date cabin technology.

“This is a different ute,” Ciao said. “We are the next generation, created not just to meet the driver’s needs, but to exceed their expectation. A perfect blend of comfort and ability, and we will set a new standard.” According to Ciao, part of that ‘new standard’ revolves around the expected ride quality
that comes from a coil spring – rather than leaf – rear end.

“For a long time, ute owners have had to endure a rough ride from leaf spring suspension,” Ciao said. “MG U9 changes that. Our independent multi-link rear suspension delivers comfort, and pleasure, while innovations like the rear seat design, and tail gate, make this different from any other ute.”

While the complex rear bulkhead arrangement and step down tailgate are optional equipment on the top-spec model, the rear suspension system is standard across the range. Like KGM with the Musso before it, and Nissan with the Navara, it’s a bold move away from tradition, less focused on heavy payloads and more reflective of the way most high-end dual cab buyers use their vehicles.

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For MG Motor Business Director, Kevin Gannon, success is something the brand won’t try to claim too soon. “We won’t be claiming sales targets and volume,” Gannon said. “In 12 months time, we’ll get a better understanding of where the U9 sits. “Buyers will come from SUVs and other dual cabs as well, it’s a big segment and a market that continues to grow.”

“Pricing is right for the market, and the key features of the vehicle will appeal,” Gannon said.

Measuring more than 5.5 metres long, the U9 is a full-sized dual-cab designed to compete head-on with established rivals like the Toyota HiLux and Ford Ranger. It is powered by a 2.0-litre twin-turbo diesel engine producing 160kW and 480Nm, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and selectable four-wheel drive. Braked towing capacity is rated at 3,500kg, with a payload exceeding 1,000kg depending on variant.

Inside, buyers can expect a tech-laden cabin, with higher grades offering a 14.6-inch infotainment screen, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, wireless smartphone mirroring, heated and ventilated front seats, and a power-assisted tailgate. Safety is also a priority, with a suite including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot monitoring and a 360-degree camera system.

Ciao described the U9 as a vehicle designed not just for work, but to embody adventure and lifestyle.

“Owning a ute is more than transport. It’s freedom, exploration and lifestyle. With the arrival of U9, MG proudly joins that story,” he said.

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Geely has launched its one of the cheapest plug-in hybrid SUVs in Australia, unveiling the EX5 EM-i – marketed in Australia as the Starray EM-i.

Deliveries will begin on October 1, 2025, with the entry-level Complete grade priced from $37,490 before on-road costs.

To entice early buyers, Geely is rolling out a ‘Premium Offer’, which includes either a 3.88 per cent comparison finance rate or three years (45,000km) of complimentary scheduled servicing. The deal also bundles a Mode 2 home charging cable and premium paint at no extra cost.

Customers who finalise their orders by September 30 and take delivery before November 30 will receive an additional incentive: a discount matching their deposit contribution of up to $1,000.

The debut marks the beginning of a global rollout, with launches confirmed for Poland, Indonesia, Thailand and Mexico before the end of 2025.

Powered by Geely’s EM-i Super Hybrid System, the Starray EM-i pairs a 1.5-litre petrol engine with a 160 kW electric motor. Together, they deliver up to 943 kilometres of total range (NEDC) and 83 kilometres of pure electric driving (WLTP). With a combined fuel consumption of 2.4L/100km and electricity use of 14.7kWh/100km, the system is engineered to minimise running costs while maximising efficiency.

Built on the company’s new Global Intelligent Electric Architecture (GEA), the SUV features a lightweight, highly efficient 11-in-1 hybrid drive unit – the first of its kind – along with a thermal efficiency rating of 46.5%.

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Inside, the Starray EM-i highlights space and versatility. A long 2755mm wheelbase and 84.3 per cent space efficiency allow for a roomy cabin, complemented by more than 30 smart storage solutions. Boot capacity starts at 428 litres, expanding to 2065 litres with the rear seats folded. Comfort is enhanced with ergonomic nine-layer seat cushions offering heating and ventilation.

Geely’s design has already drawn global recognition, with the Starray EM-i winning the Red Dot Design Award, the Italian A’ Design Award, and the MUSE Design Platinum Prize.

Technology takes centre stage with the Flyme Auto intelligent cockpit, featuring a tri-screen setup that includes a 15.4-inch central display, a 10.2-inch instrument cluster, and a 13.8-inch head-up display. A premium 16-speaker Flyme Sound system with a 1000W amplifier and headrest speakers delivers cinema-grade audio, while dedicated modes adapt sound profiles for different driving situations.

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Safety remains central to Geely’s pitch. The SUV integrates active driver-assist features such as lane departure warning, collision mitigation, lane-change assist and rear cross-traffic warning. A reinforced battery safety system and six-airbag configuration further bolster occupant protection.

BMW is moving into the final phase before launching its Neue Klasse lineup, with series production of the new all-electric BMW iX3 scheduled to begin in late October at the company’s state-of-the-art facility in Debrecen, Hungary.

Milan Nedeljković (below, right), BMW’s board member for Production, said the milestone signals “a new era of automotive manufacturing,” noting that the plant is the first in the brand’s global network to be designed from the outset under the iFACTORY concept. That framework prioritises fully digital processes, fossil-free operations, and streamlined efficiency.

Hans-Peter Kemser (below, left), head of Plant Debrecen, said building both a new model and a new plant simultaneously was an unprecedented challenge. “We have simplified processes, reduced complexity, digitally validated each operation and leveraged global expertise. The result is a plant with efficient production and the flexibility to integrate additional models.”

The iX3 will spearhead BMW’s next-generation electric vehicles, with Neue Klasse technologies set to roll out across 40 models and updates by 2027.

Plant Debrecen was planned and tested virtually, enabling exact installation of production lines. In the body shop, more than 1,000 robots were optimally placed using digital simulations, while the press shop uses standardised tooling across BMW’s global network. Artificial intelligence further drives efficiency, with the in-house AIQX platform automating quality checks and feeding real-time feedback to workers.

Debrecen is BMW’s first car plant powered entirely by renewable electricity, with a 50-hectare on-site solar farm supplying a quarter of its energy needs. The paint shop, a major energy consumer, now operates without fossil fuels, cutting annual CO₂ emissions by up to 12,000 tonnes. Thermal storage systems and waste heat recovery deliver further efficiency.

The Hungarian facility will also be the first to assemble BMW’s Gen6 high-voltage batteries. Production processes were refined in pilot plants and are supported by digital twins and AI databases, ensuring zero-defect quality monitoring and efficient local assembly.

With more than 2,000 employees and a design that integrates best practices from BMW plants worldwide, Debrecen will serve as a model factory for the brand’s global transition into the Neue Klasse era.