Just 10 examples will be made and will be sold through Rolls Royce’s private office network.
Rolls Royce has celebrated its 120th birthday with a unique version of its flagship Phantom luxury limousine – the Scintilla Private Collection.
There will only be 10 Phantom Scintilla Private Collections made and they will be sold exclusively through the firm’s private office network.
Finished in a two-tone paint scheme, featuring the upper body in Andalusian white and the lower body in Thracian blue, inspiration has been taken from the colours of the sea around the Greek island of Samothrace. There is also a hand-painted double coachline and wheel pinstripes finished in blue.
The headlining consists of 1,500 fibre-optic stars with a unique pattern. (Rolls Royce)
The interior focuses on the Spirit of Ecstacy, with different design elements and features dotted about the place. This includes a total of 869,500 stitches consisting of six layers of tatami stitching. Meanwhile, the door cards have illuminated perforations with a variety of different coloured stitching and the seats are upholstered in twill fabric. On the roof, there are 1,500 fibre-optic stars, which are fitted by hand and have a unique pattern, too.
The two-tone paint has been inspired by the colours of the sea around the Greek Island of Samothrace. (Rolls Royce)
Furthermore, the rear picnic tables have 19 coats of lacquer applied to them and the full wood set is rendered in Arctic white. Finally, running the full width of the front fascia is what Rolls Royce is calling ‘Celestial Pulse’ which includes seven ribbons, each individually milled from aluminium to give the interior a bespoke and unique look.
Chris Brownridge, chief Executive of Rolls Royce Cars, said: “The unveiling of a Private Collection is always a landmark moment. These rare and collectable motor cars, limited to just a handful of examples worldwide, are true masterpieces. They illustrate the boundless ingenuity and skill of the creatives and craftspeople at the home of Rolls Royce and stimulate ideas among our clients for their own commissions.”
Prices have not been revealed for this very special and rare car, however, we expect all of the 10 examples to carry a very expensive price tag.
The first 911 Turbo was released back in 1974 and to celebrate a 50-year legacy, the firm has revealed a special edition.
Porsche is celebrating 50 years of the 911 Turbo by introducing a new limited run-out model – the 911 Turbo 50 years.
The original car was launched back in 1974 and brought Porsche’s racing car technology into its road cars. This new model is based on the 911 Turbo S, which was introduced back in 2019.
It uses the same 3.7-litre boxer engine found in the Turbo S from 2019. (Porsche)
This new model uses the same 3.7-litre boxer engine as in the 2019 model. It produces 641bhp and 800Nm of torque, while the car can get from 0-60mph in 2.5 seconds and onwards to a top speed of 205mph.
Externally, there is a Turbo vinyl graphic that runs down the rear quarter panels and harks back to the old RSR Turbo from 1973 – the forerunner of the 911 Turbo. It also features an Anthracite grey rear wing, air intake trims, rear diffuser and mirror base. Plus, for the first time on a 911, it comes with the firm’s new Turbonite paint scheme which is an exclusive metallic grey used on Turbo models for exterior colour and interior trim.
A McKenzie tartan seat design harks back to the original car. (Porsche)
On the inside, there is more Turbo memorabilia with a McKenzie tartan design on the centre of the seats and door panels. There are black brushed aluminium kick plates and an illuminated Turbo 50 logo, too. Meanwhile, the seats feature an embroidered logo on the head restraints and on the back of the left rear seat. Also, there is a numbered plaque finished in aluminium located above the glove compartment, too, showcasing the car’s build number.
Production will be limited to just 1,974 units, while prices start at £200,700. Order books are open now with expected deliveries to arrive in the autumn of this year.
As the covers have just come off BMW’s latest power wagon, how does it stack up against the competition in this niche sector?
It’s been 14 years since BMW gave us an estate version of its legendary M5. However, for 2024, the German carmaker has decided to reinstate the famous model with its new M5 Touring.
Estate cars have always been about space, and the new M5 Touring scores well in this category. Boot space stands at 500 litres, but, fold the rear seats down and that space increases to 1,630 litres, making it not only performance-focused but practical, too.
However, what if you feel its looks are a little too strong? Or, you fancy something German but don’t want a BMW? Well, this sector may be shrinking with options, but we can compare the M5 Touring to its biggest rivals to see how it fairs in this niche market.
Audi RS6 Avant Performance
The RS6 Avant Performance comes with four-wheel-drive and mild-hybrid technology.
The Audi RS6 has always been a tough act to follow in the performance family wagon market and this latest version is by far the best yet.
Here in the UK, you can only buy the Performance model which has a boost in power compared to the standard car. Now, its 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 produces 639bhp and 850Nm of torque as well as featuring four-wheel-drive.
Not only that, but this big old bruiser can get from 0-60mph in just 3.2 seconds and has an electronically limited top speed of 174mph. However, if you pay a little extra, you can have the limiter removed taking the car to around 200mph.
Unlike the BMW, which uses a plug-in hybrid system, the Audi doesn’t and instead uses a 48V mild-hybrid system to help boost its efficiency and improve running costs to some extent.
Its boot space stands at 565 litres and expands to 1,680 litres which is bigger than the M5 but smaller compared to the Mercedes E63 estate.
Mercedes-AMG E63
The E63 uses a 4.0-litre V8 engine
The M5 Touring’s other main rival is the Mercedes-AMG E63 estate. On the outside, you know the big Mercedes means business with its large 20-inch alloy wheels and quad tailpipes to let others know this is simply not just an average family bus.
The Mercedes E63 also focuses on delivering as much space as possible with an exciting power delivery and driving experience.
Like the BMW, the Mercedes uses a plug-in hybrid system that helps boost its economy and efficiency, while still maintaining enough power and torque to make this model fun and exciting.
Under the bonnet sits a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 that produces 604bhp and 627Nm of torque – the same engine found in the AMG GT supercar.
Boot space also is bigger than both the M5 and RS6 at 695 litres with the rear seats in place and 1,945 litres when they’re folded down.
Alpina B5
The new B5 GT has been revealed
A rare and unique alternative is from those at Alpina that have been sprucing up BMW estates and saloons since the 1970s. The B5 is a 5-Series Touring with a bit of fine-tuning to make it a strong competitor against the M5.
The B5 is extremely exclusive, and with its modified 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8 pumping out a total of 625bhp and 627Nm of torque, the B5 will be keeping up with all of the cars on this list. It’s just a shame that all examples are sold out, meaning you will have to rely on the used market to get your hands on one.
BMW i5 Touring
The new i5 Touring launches with two powertrain options
If you fancy a BMW estate but want to go down the electric route then the i5 Touring could be the perfect solution.
Available in a high-performance M60 xDrive spec, it comes with an 81.2kWh battery pack and an electric motor that produces 609bhp and has a claimed electric range of up to 310 miles. The xDrive also benefits from four-wheel-drive and being an estate means that it still has a capacious boot at 570 litres.
The i5 Touring is still great fun to drive – despite its lack of an engine – and the interior is very well screwed together with a lot of plush cabin materials used throughout.
Porsche Panamera
Porsche’s new Turbo S E-Hybrid is the most powerful Panamera to date
The final car on this list also comes from Germany and it’s the controversially-styled Porsche Panamera.
The Porsche is more of a fastback saloon, which makes it the odd one out on this list, but don’t shy away from its different routes as this is still a very practical and fast vehicle.
You can get the Panamera with a variety of different powertrains including a 771bhp e-Hybrid model that can go from 0-60mph in just 2.7 seconds.
Boot space stands at 494 litres or 1,255 litres with the rear seats folded down making it a very versatile car, but not quite on par with traditional estates.
The firm’s flagship SUV is now available with electric or hybrid powertrains and is a milestone for the manufacturer.
Vauxhall has revealed prices and specifications for the latest version of its flagship SUV with hybrid and electric powertrains now available on the Grandland.
The hybrid comes with a 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine mated to an electric motor that produces a total output of 164bhp. It can do 0-60mph in 10 seconds, pumping out CO2 emissions of 125g/km, while Vauxhall claims the car can achieve a combined 51.4mpg.
Prices start at £34,700 for the hybrid and £40,995 for the electric version. (Stellantis)
From launch, the electric model will come with a 73kWh battery pack that features a 207bhp electric motor plus a heat pump as standard. It’ll give a claimed 325 miles between charge-ups and reach 60mph in 8.8 seconds.
This Grandland sits on a new platform that enables a larger battery pack to be offered as well. As such, next year will see the car come with a 98kWh system that will give an estimated 435 miles on a single charge. Meanwhile, DC rapid charging will allow charging of 10 to 80 per cent to be completed in around 26 minutes.
James Taylor, Managing Director of Vauxhall, said: “The all-new Grandland is a milestone for Vauxhall. With it, every Vauxhall model will be available with a choice of a fully electric powertrain – a decade ahead of government requirements. This is a big step in our electric offensive.”
The new Grandland will sit at the top of Vauxhall’s SUV line-up. (Stellantis)
Prices start at £34,700 for the hybrid model in Design trim. It features LED headlights plus a 10-inch infotainment screen and rises to £38,400 for the top-of-the-line Ultimate, which adds a panoramic glass roof and powered tailgate.
The electric version is priced from £40,995 for the Design and rises to £45,195 for the Ultimate.
Order books are open now and customers can expect deliveries beginning in October.
BMW expands its in-car gaming connectivity with UNO Car Party
Mattel, AirConsole and the German car manufacturer collaborated together to transform UNO into a connected game for passengers.
BMW has announced that it has been in co-development with toy company Mattel and in-car gaming experts AirConsole, to create UNO Car Party, an in-car version of the famous card game.
BMW has been in partnership with AirConsole since 2022. The first collaboration was with Sony Pictures Television to translate Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? for in-car gaming. Now, with the introduction of Mattel’s Uno Car Party, it seems likely that more and more games will be accessible to BMW and Mini products in the future.
The new game will be available via an over-the-air update commencing on August 21 via the AirConsole platform to over 500,000 BMW and Mini vehicles.
The game will be available via an over-the-air update on August 21. (BMW)
Stationary drivers can use AirConsole’s game controller system to connect any passenger to the game using their personal devices. A total of four players can access the game at any given time, however, vehicles must be parked up to enable gameplay.
Anthony Cliquot, CEO of AirConsole said: “Uno beautifully illustrates the strengths of AirConsole with a game accessible to everyone, a bespoke integration to the car hardware and our phone controlled gaming experience. Each player can secretly see their own cars on their phone while playing on the infotainment system of the car. This is an experience that would be impossible to achieve using only touchscreen or Bluetooth controls on the infotainment system.”
Stephan Durach, Senior Vice President of the BMW Group Development said: “We continue to increase the value of the overall digital experience for our customers. Our partners AirConsole and Mattel are helping make in-car gaming into a new social experience, and I am thrilled to offer a family-favourite game like Uno for this exciting innovation.”
Audi V10 engine and Ferrari luggage set are some of the most expensive car parts sold on eBay this year
The automotive marketplace, eBay, has revealed some of the dearest items sold for vehicles for the first six months of this year.
A V10 engine from an Audi R8 and a Ferrari luggage set are some of the most expensive car parts and accessories sold for the first six months of this year through the online automotive marketplace, eBay.
The firm has compiled a top 10 list of the most expensive parts with some truly eye-watering price tags attached to them.
Among the list was a private registration number spelling ELON X. (Tesla)
Number one on the list is a used V10 engine for an Audi R8 supercar. The unit has covered a total distance of 38,598 miles and sold for £16,567. Second place went to a pair of carbon bucket seats for a Porsche 911 GT3 (991), selling for £13,086. Third place was another set of carbon bucket seats for a Porsche Cayman GT4 which sold for £11,962.
Laura Richards, Category Lead at eBay Car Parts and Accessories said: “Like a lot of eBay users, we are passionate car enthusiasts at heart. We have some incredible listings being posted, and subsequently sold, on eBay – it’s always interesting to see what sells on the site.”
She added: “With tens of millions of car parts and accessories available, from the basics, such as tyres and oil, right up to specialist and high-performance parts that you see on the list, eBay is the perfect one-stop-shop solution to help our customers find the parts and accessories they need for their vehicle.”
Other items on the list consisted of a Schedoni luggage set for a Ferrari 512 TR, selling for £8,518 and a private registration number spelling ELON X for £8,606.
James Batchelor gets to grips with his first ‘living with an electric car’ experience
It’s been a few months since I took the keys to my Vauxhall Astra Electric, so I know you’re all dying to know how I’ve been getting on.
Reading back my first report, I can see I wasn’t entirely honest with you. I may well drive electric cars all of the time, and I was truthful when I said that I’ve never lived with one before. But I failed to mention I was a bit anxious about spending six whole months with a car you have to plug in for long periods of time to get enough miles in the battery to ever get anywhere.
The Astra being charged at Gridserve in Braintree, Essex. (PA)
I know I sound ridiculous, but I rack up a lot of miles a month doing this job. All those lovely car events held at five-star hotels which involve driving the latest metal and being wined and dined are never close to home. And long distances inevitably mean motorways – often the thorn in the side for an electric vehicle as unlike a diesel engine, fast-flowing motorways are the least efficient places for an EV.
Since I last wrote those introductory words about the Astra I have been mostly doing local journeys, and that means I’ve probably had to charge up once every two weeks. Home charging is relatively cheap even on my standard electricity rate, and costs around £14 to fill up the battery to give an indicated 258 miles. That’s a fortnightly bargain, let’s face it, and an EV-specific tariff from a different energy supplier would cut that even further.
You can set a specific time you want the Astra to charge via the touchscreen. (PA)
The Astra has a clever delayed charging feature allowing you to programme when the car charges. So, let me paint you a picture – you’re on one of those fancy EV tariffs, you get home at 5pm and it’s convenient to plug in to your home wallbox there and then. But, of course, it’s 5pm – everyone is using the National Grid to make a cup of tea and watch The Chase, so charging then will be expensive.
A few prods of the Astra’s touchscreen allows you to set a specific time for the car to charge – such a midnight when your tariff is cheaper. So, you can plug in at 5pm and all you need to do is press a little button beneath the charging port to set that delayed charge. A blue glow shows you that the car will charge at the desired time. It’s a feature I use all of the time when I’m charging at home, despite me not having an EV tariff – so it makes no difference what time I charge because my rate is the same at whatever hour of the day. I still do it though because it makes me feel good, I don’t know why.
I’ve done a handful of longer journeys too, of course. While I have had quite a few issues with the public charging network in the past, it’s all been plain sailing so far. Not wanting to sound like Alan Partridge, my favourite charging stop so far has been Gridserve in Braintree, Essex. To put it simply, it’s designed like a petrol station but for EVs. I like the layout and because it’s a 24/7 managed services owned by Gridserve, you know the chargers will work. Also, because it’s covered like a petrol station, you don’t get wet, either.
Public charging hasn’t been too much of a chore so far. (PA)
I use ZapMap all of the time. It’s an app that details all of the charging points you can use across the UK, and I have even forked out for a paid subscription to unlock extra goodies such as route planning. The Astra Electric comes with wireless Apple CarPlay as standard, so often I plan routes while sitting on the sofa watching Poirot the night before I need to do a long journey, pinpoint the chargers I need, create the route and then in the morning it’s beamed wirelessly to the Astra’s wide and crystal-sharp touchscreen.
Quite a few journeys have involved more than one charging stop. But, to be honest, these have been mostly due to me either needing a break (and deciding I might as well charge the car while I’m eating a pasty), or not having the confidence of getting to my destination with the battery’s remaining charge.
Every time I have bottled it and dived into a service area for a quick zap, it has been entirely due to my anxiety and just wanting reassurance. I’m starting to think the Astra is the most efficient electric car I have ever tested as I routinely see over five miles per kWH (which is seriously good if you don’t know), and even when I put my foot down and have the climate control cranked to maximum, I never see less than four miles per kWh.
I have a diary full of far flung events coming up, so I’ll report back on how the Astra gets on soon.
The new California sits atop a new platform, but does that mean things have changed too much over its popular predecessor? Jack Evans finds out.
What is it?
Setting up camp is an easy process
Volkswagen’s California is a common sight on the UK’s roads. It’s hard to drive along a coastal route or the countryside in the summertime without seeing the familiar boxy look of Volkswagen’s nearly ever-present camper. Replacing it is no mean feat and, given the success of the older T6.1-generation van, the challenge is all the more.
But Volkswagen seems up for that challenge, given that has released this – the new California. While the exterior might be recognisable, a lot has changed – both underneath and inside – but can it still deliver? We’ve been testing it to find out.
What’s new?
The fold-out seats are stored in the boot door
The big change comes from what California is based upon. Whereas ‘Calis’ of old were sitting upon the same platform as the Transporter van, this model shakes that method up by using the new Multivan as a base, which itself uses the same basic modular chassis that you’ll find underpinning cars like the Golf. It is, therefore, a more car-like platform, instead of a van-based one.
Volkswagen says that by doing so, the California stays under two metres tall – basing it upon the new Transporter (shared with the new Ford Transit) may have pushed it into being too tall. Plus, it allows the California to bring a more car-like driving experience than before – that’s the theory, anyway. Plus, you now get sliding doors on both sides, rather than just one as before.
What’s under the bonnet?
The split-tone paint scheme remains
You’ll be able to get the California with a variety of engines and while Volkswagen is being a little coy about which ones will be heading to the UK – and what kind of outputs they will bring – the ones we tested used a familiar 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel engine with 148bhp and 360Nm of torque. You get a seven-speed DSG automatic gearbox, too, and while it doesn’t feel all that sprightly – Volkswagen hasn’t released official acceleration figures, however – there weren’t any times during our drive where it felt out of its depth.
You should also be able to get the California with a turbocharged petrol engine, while it’s expected that a plug-in hybrid model will be introduced further down the line, too. This could be a great option for more localised adventures as you’ll be able to potter about on electric-only power for a good chunk of your journey.
What’s it like to drive?
The California feels far more settled to drive than before
The new California instantly feels more car-like than the model which came before it. Sure, when you lop off the roof to add a pop-top bed and install a small kitchen with a fridge and cooker it’s always going to drive a little less keenly than a standard Multivan, but it’s a definite improvement over the more agricultural T6.1 which preceded it. This diesel engine provides a good slug of performance and while it can be a bit vocal under heavy acceleration, it does a decent job of getting the California up to speed in good enough time.
The forward pillars are quite chunky, mind you, so approaching roundabouts requires a little extra caution. Rearward visibility isn’t the best either – though that would be the same with a ‘normal’ van. However, with light steering and nice square dimensions, the California is very easy to park and should prove reasonably simple to live with on a day-to-day basis for times when you’re not exploring the open road.
How does it look?
The California is an icon of Volkswagen’s range
Well, it looks like a California really, doesn’t it? You can get the iconic split-tone colour scheme and there will be a number of options when it comes to wheel choices and trims. Volkswagen has yet to confirm for the UK but it initially appears that there are three interior packs to choose from that’ll help you tweak the look of the cabin as well.
Certainly, during our time with the California it turned heads and got the usual greeting wave from other campers out on the roads.
What’s it like inside?
The new dashboard setup is easy to use and intuitive
Most of the key reasons why you’d be purchasing a California lie inside its cabin and there have been a few changes to this latest model when it comes to how it’s all arranged. Up front, you have the two main seats which rotate to create a lounge-like area and there’s a handy step-through between the two. In the back, you’ve got another two seats and they’re framed by the compact kitchen area which contains your cooker, neatly integrated pull-out fridge and some cabinets for storage. There’s no option for a bench seat anymore, with all versions getting individual chairs instead.
It’s all very logically placed and easy to navigate between and there’s a good level of quality and robustness to it all. Up top – on these Ocean-specification vans – there’s an electrically-operated pop-top roof which raises to create a roomy sleeping area with an integrated mattress. Back in the main section of the California, you simply fold down the two middle seats and you can then bring out another well-sized bed.
What’s the spec like?
The stove is neatly integrated
Because of the new Multivan-based underpinnings, the new California gets a far more tech-heavy setup than before with a larger infotainment screen and digital dials ahead of the driver. It all works pretty well too – our navigation did bug out once or twice, mind you – and there are USB-C charge points below the screen for your phone. In fact, you’ll find charge points aplenty throughout the California – even up in the pop-top roof – and they’ll still run off the van’s leisure battery when you put the car in ‘camping mode’ which switches off the main outlets but keep features such as the fridge running.
There’s plenty of lighting throughout, too, and a handy feature allows you to double-tap any light in the van and it’ll instantly switch all of them off – ideal for when you’ve got comfortable and realised that the back half of the cabin is illuminated. There’s also a separate instrument panel in the middle of the interior for controlling various functions and viewing your water and battery levels, but we found it a little sluggish to respond. Fortunately, there will be an app to go with the California and you’ll be able to access all sorts of functions through this remotely via your smartphone.
Verdict
The new California certainly continues the previous car’s legacy. While it might not be a sizeable change of pace compared to the older model, the more car-like driving experience is certainly a welcome improvement while all of the fixtures and fittings feel just a little more usable than they were before.
While official UK pricing will dictate just how much value this generation of Volkswagen California will offer, it’s certainly shaping up to be another popular sight at the UK’s beach hotspots.
The new Q6 sits atop a brand new EV platform for Audi, bringing more technology and features than ever. Jack Evans finds out what it’s like.
What is it?
Audi’s new badge features on the Q6
Audi was one of the frontrunners in the mass-market electric vehicle segment. With its original e-tron, it showcased an ability to blend electric power with a premium look and feel, making a big impact in the process. With this car – the new Q6 e-tron – Audi is hoping to move the game forward thanks to a new platform and boatloads of equipment alongside plenty of range.
When the original e-tron hit the road it had a few competitors but, old and relatively outdated, these rivals aren’t as cutting-edge as they used to be. You could argue that it’s the Q6 e-tron’s game to lose – but we’ve been out to drive it to see if can deliver a winning experience.
What’s new?
Intricate lights feature at the rear
The new Q6 e-tron is based on a cutting-edge platform and it’s this which has allowed Audi to unlock a whole range of new features and technology. Called Premium Platform Electric – or PPE – it’s going to underpin a number of upcoming Audi models, like the new A6 e-tron, as well as other EVs from inside the wider Volkswagen Group such as the Porsche Macan.
This clever new architecture allows Audi to maximise interior space for the Q6 e-tron without making the exterior proportions overly large. As a result, you get a very similar level of interior space as the larger Q8 e-tron, but in a smaller vehicle overall.
What’s under the bonnet?
The Q6 shares some styling cues with the smaller Q4
As with pretty much every other electric vehicle on sale, you’ll be able to get the Q6 e-tron in a number of motor configurations. You’ll get the best possible range from rear-motor versions, while the all-wheel-drive quattro variants – like the one we’re driving today – add in more performance and the extra security of four driven wheels. All use a large 94.9kWh battery, though a cheaper Q6 e-tron model with a smaller 83kWh battery will also be along soon.
In this quattro guise, Audi claims a range of up to 388 miles while a top-whack charging speed of 270kW means that a 10 to 80 per cent charge could be conducted in 21 minutes. As with the Q8, there are charging ports handily located on both sides of the car so you’ll never be caught out when parking near a charger.
What’s it like to drive?
Been out driving the new Audi Q6 e-tron in Norway this week. Makes the Q8 e-tron (and quite a few other EVs) look and feel mighty old. pic.twitter.com/XPPl68vi8M
Travelling atop the silky-smooth roads of Norway, the Q6 e-tron proves comfortable, refined and easy to drive – so just as you’d want a premium SUV to feel. Visibility isn’t bad, either, and it’s refreshing to have a proper rear windscreen wiper, which is something omitted from so many electric SUVs of late – though we’ll wait for an upcoming coupe-inspired ‘Sportback’ version to disrupt this. This quattro model affords more than enough performance for most occasions, too, and there’s a lot of traction to tap into, even when you’re going around tighter, slippery corners.
It’s not a driving experience which is going to set the world alight and despite quite weighty steering, it isn’t what you’d call sporty. But there’s a generally good sense of balance to the Q6, and though it’s not featherweight at more than 2.3 tonnes, it’s actually lighter than some rivals.
How does it look?
Large wheels come as standard
From front to back, the Q6 e-tron is instantly recognisable as an Audi model. The four rings take a prominent position at the front, while the intricate LED headlights set the technology-focused tone for the whole car. In fact, with Active Digital Light Signatures, they can be configured to show different patterns depending on the driver’s taste and individual elements can dim up or down depending on the situation.
The side panels – or ‘rockers’, as Audi call them – provide a nice break in design for the whole car, too. But it all does feel very in keeping with the rest of the Audi line-up, particularly the smaller Q4 e-tron.
What’s it like inside?
The interior is dominated by tech
Looking for a more analogue experience from your next car? You’re not likely to find it in the Q6 e-tron. The interior of the Q6 e-tron is dominated by technology, with the forward portion of the cabin framed entirely by displays with one for the driver, a central one for infotainment and an optional third screen for the passenger. It all blends together into one widescreen setup and though a little intimidating at first, it soon becomes the hub of the whole vehicle. Altogether, you’re getting over 37 inches of screen real estate.
However, the space is good overall. The rear-seat legroom is excellent, even when you’ve got taller riders sitting up front and there’s a decent level of headroom, too. A 525-litre boot is of a good size, too, and more than you’ll get in a petrol-powered Q5. Plus, you get the added bonus of a 64-litre ‘frunk’ which provides ideal storage for the charging cables. It’s particularly handy for when they get wet, too, and saves you from getting your luggage damp by dragging cables inside the main boot.
What’s the spec like?
A handy frunk features under the bonnet
Prices for the Q6 e-tron will hover around the £63,000 mark for the single-motor ‘performance’ versions and rise to £68,975 for quattro variants. Costs should dip to around £59,000, too, with the arrival of the smaller-battery variant, The good news is that, regardless of trim, you’re getting that big-screen setup with all of its many functions. In truth, some of the menus are a little over-laden with features but there are ways to shortcut them and we can’t find fault in the responsiveness with icons being easy to touch and operate on the move. The head-up display is clean and incorporates some clever graphics for the navigation and speed limits, too.
At this price, the Q6 e-tron is looking very competitive – particularly when you take into account the ageing nature of its rivals. BMW’s iX3 has been around for some time and the Mercedes EQE can’t offer the same level of technology. Given its breadth of in-car features, the Q6 e-tron does make a very strong case for itself price-wise.
Verdict
The Audi Q6 e-tron delivers an attractive proposition. It gets some next-level technology, drives in a refined and controlled manner and has enough range to ensure that long-distance trips aren’t going to be out of the question. Rapid charge speeds and plenty of in-car space and practicality only add to things.
We mentioned that this was the Q6 e-tron’s game to lose. With what it has come equipped with, we’d say that the ball is in the court of Audi’s rivals.
Facts at a glance
Model as tested: Audi Q6 e-tron quattro Launch Edition
The Passat has always been a go-to for drivers after a spacious and comfortable option, but is that the case with the latest version? Jack Evans finds
What is it?
A long rear overhang hints at the Passat’s boot space
The Volkswagen Passat has always acted as a ‘safe pair of hands’ in the car world. Efficient, comfortable and spacious, it has remained a core part of Volkswagen’s range for decades, even as SUVs and crossovers became more frequent sights. These days, the Passat seems more up against it than ever – but that hasn’t stopped Volkswagen from bringing it back for another generation.
Only available as an estate car, the latest Passat continues a legacy which has seen it become one of Volkswagen’s most popular cars over its 50 years on sale. Should you consider it over the fashionable SUVs and crossovers though? We’ve been finding out.
What’s new?
Slim lights give the Passat a distinct look
As touched upon, this latest Passat will only be available as a load-lugging estate, so already it’s a car which arrives with a focus on practicality. With its 690-litre boot – expandable to 1,920 litres with the rear seats folded down – it’s certainly spacious alright, and dwarfs cars like the BMW 3 Series Touring which only offers 500 litres in comparison. In fact, it’s closer in boot size to cars from the class above.
It’s all underpinned by Volkswagen’s MQB Evo platform, which you’ll also find on cars like the Volkswagen Golf and Seat Leon. It’s a flexible platform, too, which is why you’ll find such a broad number of body lengths and styles available atop the same basic setup.
What’s under the bonnet?
Model-specific lettering is found at the rear
An added benefit of that platform is that it allows hybridised engines to be easily used on this new Passat. The car we’re driving is equipped with a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine which is hooked up to a mild-hybrid system which helps to boost efficiency while lowering emissions. Unlike a plug-in hybrid, it can’t really run on electric-only power for a decent stretch of time, however, but is here to take the strain off the engine. Needless to say, 51.5mpg and CO2 emissions of 125g/km are impressive.
It’s all driven through a seven-speed DSG automatic gearbox and while performance figures for the Passat may not be scintillating – 0-60mph comes in nine seconds flat and all-in it’ll do 138mph – they’re on the money for this size and type of car.
What’s it like to drive?
The Passat handles well and is very comfortable
This latest Passat relays the same kind of assured, easy-to-drive experience that we’ve come to expect from this car over the years. It’s a large vehicle, of course, but it’s not a tricky one to place and though the steering feels relatively woolly, it’s a car which you can quite easily put exactly where you want it. The 1.5-litre engine is almost deceptively quiet, too, and unless you’re accelerating hard it’s very difficult to work out whether or not it is actually running.
The automatic gearbox has a tendency to be hesitant when you’re moving off from a dead stop and doesn’t like to be rushed. However, driving at a more moderate pace sees it shifting smoothly. Also, with this level of efficiency, you’re unlikely to need a trip to the petrol station all that often – we came very close to Volkswagen’s claimed MPG and it’s certain that you could achieve it on a long run.
How does it look?
The Passat will only be available as an estate
The Passat exhibits all of those classic estate car design cues with its long wheelbase and stretching back section. However, Volkswagen has done well to give it a character all of its own – separate from the rest of the range – and while the front end is noticeably Golf-like in appearance, it does have a distinctive look overall.
You’ve got three trim lines – Life, Elegance and R-Line – which all have a big impact on how the Passat looks. It’s more than likely the R-Line, with its sportier bumpers and larger wheels, will become one of the more popular choices.
What’s it like inside?
The interior is comfortable and well finished
Space is the most dominant aspect of the Passat’s interior. There is boatloads of legroom for those sitting in the back, ensuring that Passat will be a much-loved option for long-distance drivers. The general build quality is good, too, and there are pleasant materials dotted here, there and everywhere. Headroom is decent as well, so passengers of sizes and shapes should be able to get comfy.
As we’ve mentioned, boot space is more than adequate and because of the Passat’s relatively low ride height, it’s far easier to access the rear load area than it is in an equivalent crossover or SUV. Certainly, when it comes to loading heavier items into the back it’s a far easier process in the Passat.
What’s the spec like?
The Passat’s roof rails provide a base for further accessories
The Passat has always been a more value-orientated model and while prices have crept up for this new generation – it starts from £38,505 – you do get plenty of equipment without having to tick any boxes. Entry-level Life cars, for example, get 17-inch alloy wheels, a rear-view camera and a full infotainment system with satellite navigation and Volkswagen’s new ChatGPT-powered voice assistant.
Our Elegance-grade car, meanwhile, takes a more luxurious angle with comfier seats with a massage function for the front chairs, as well as a tilting and sliding panoramic sunroof. A big benefit is the Acoustics Pack which brings extra sound deadening and laminated safety glass for the side windows. It helps to boost the refinement levels of the Passat overall and gives it an even more premium feel inside.
Verdict
The Passat feels like the perfect antidote to the vast swathes of crossovers and SUVs which have been introduced to the market recently. While it doesn’t offer the raised seating position of either of these types of vehicles, where it excels is in its spaciousness and versatility.
Not only that, but the Passat brings a level of refinement that few others in this price bracket and, when coupled with some excellent efficiency, makes this a great all-rounder.
Facts at a glance
Model as tested: Volkswagen Passat
Price: £41,590
Engine: 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol with mild-hybrid technology
