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Thinking of heading to a festival in your car this year? Here are some things to remember

We’ve got some of the key items to remember to pack, as well as those pre-flight checks that’ll ensure your trip goes off without a hitch.

This time of year sees the beginning of festival season. The cold dark days are fading as we enter brighter and warmer weather – so it’s the ideal opportunity to take you, your friends and family on trips away in your car.

As with any vacation in your vehicle, preparation and planning is key to ensure that your journey runs smoothly, calmly and efficiently.

There are many festivals that take place all over the UK, whether it be music, cars, food or even cultural – being prepared is vital especially if you plan to take a trip away for more than a day or so.

We have compiled a list of pre-flight checks to ensure you and your passengers get to your destination as stress free as possible.

Make sure your car is maintained well and all the fluids are topped up

Make sure to check your engine oil. (Credit: PA Archive – Ian Nicholson)

When travelling to a festival, the most important part is getting there safely, on time and above all, smoothly.

Before you set off on your journey, make sure that you have filled your car up with fuel and that all the tire pressures are correct – as low pressure can cause blowouts, uneven tyre wear and will contribute to worse fuel economy too.

Your car is your best friend on a long journey, but only if you’ve maintained it well. Before setting off, check that the oil level is between the minimum and maximum on the dipstick, the brake fluid is topped up and that you have enough engine coolant – which you can check by opening the coolant cap under your engine bay and look to see a translucent reservoir.

Pack plenty of food and drink

Pack plenty of snacks, driving while hungry or thirsty can affect your concentration levels. (Credit: PA Archive – Anthony Devlin)

Food and drink is your very own fuel and by not packing enough of it, could make for a very long and tiring journey.

Festivals usually supply lots of beverages and snacks from different stalls and markets, however always make sure that you keep topped up in the car as you may find by having a limited supply that you will run out very quickly. You’ll also save money as lots of events charge considerably more for food and drink.

Driving while thirsty or hungry can affect your concentration levels and will put you and your loved ones at greater risk of being in an accident.

Water and fruit juice are great examples of drink, while small snacks that can be easy to hand on the move like biscuits or even fruit are great at filling you up for longer.

Toiletries are essential for camping away

Always make sure you’ve got enough toiletries like toothpaste and toothbrushes. (Credit: PA Archive – Niall Carson)

Many festivals are held over more than a one day period, which means you’ll be staying away from home. Make sure to pack all the essential toiletries such as toothpaste and toothbrushes, deodorant, hair shampoos and during the summer, always pack sun cream.

You will find that you’ll be out in the sun all day, and even if you drive there in a convertible with the roof down can still be damaging to your skin if not protected.

First aid kit

Going prepared is always better than not at all, and a first aid kit will come in handy for any bumps or scrapes that you might encounter. If you’re travelling with young children, having plasters, bandages and cleansing wipes will really benefit if anyone were to have an accident.

You may not need one to take with you, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

Take chargers and electronic devices

Always take electronic devices to keep passengers occupied. (Credit: PA Archive – Apple)

You’ll be travelling with your phone and you may wish to take an electronic tablet like an iPad. Make sure you take plenty of chargers as not only you will want to charge them up, especially if you’re driving a long journey and your passengers are using them constantly throughout the trip.

Having multiple chargers will help reduce any arguments or shouting when someone needs to charge up their phone or tablet.

Check your car’s MOT

A car with a valid MOT doesn’t always mean that it’s roadworthy as minor defects can deteriorate over time. (Credit: PA Archive – Liam McBurney)

A vital one that you may not even encounter is to check your car’s latest MOT record. Check if there were any minor defects or advisories that were picked up as even though at the time your car was fit for the road, those defects can deteriorate over time.

Before heading off, make sure those issues have been rectified because otherwise you could be driving a car that may be a hazard to everyone around you.

Take a jump pack just in case of a flat battery

Take a jump pack as it might save you from calling a breakdown company that will add more time to your journey. (Credit: PA Archive – Barry Batchelor)

Always take a jump pack with you just in case your car fails to start on the morning that you begin to head home.

No one wants to be stranded in their car, especially if you’ve got small children with you. Not only is it stressful and creates more hassle, but it will also add a serious amount of time to your journey.

If you don’t bring a jump pack and your vehicle doesn’t start, you will then have to rely on breakdown recovery companies to come to your rescue – which may take longer than you think.

By Cameron Richards

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Polestar and StoreDot develop record breaking charging time for EVs

The Swedish car firm and StoreDot, an extreme fast charging company have collaborated together to develop the world’s quickest charging time.

Polestar and extreme fast charging company StoreDot have developed battery technology that enables a charging time of 10 minutes.

In a recent experiment, a Polestar 5 with a 77 kWh battery pack was charged using StoreDot’s extreme fast charging high energy silicon-dominant battery cells.

The experiment consisted of a Polestar 5 Prototype that took 10 minutes to charge from 10 to 80 per cent. (Credit: Polestar Media)

The advantage of silicon-based cells is that they have the ability to push both energy density and charge rates for several battery generations to come – with the technology constantly improving.

The vehicle went from having a 10 per cent charge to 80 per cent in 10 minutes. A consistent charge rate of 310kW – alongside a peak rate of 370kW – made it one of the fastest charges ever for an EV – with all temperatures, voltage and charged capacity monitored throughout the process.

Dr. Doron Myersdorf, CEO of StoreDot said: “We’re happy to see our partner is among the first EV car makers to acknowledge that XFC is now a necessary standard to make vast EV adoption a reality. With our extreme fast charging technology, you can add 200 miles in under 10 minutes.

A consistant charge rate of 310kW and a peak of 370kW. (Credit: Polestar Media)

He added: “This breakthrough revolutionises EV ownership experience by eradicating the barrier of range anxiety once and for all. Drivers can now truly travel long distances with the same freedom and convenience as traditional petrol-powered vehicles.”

By improving the charging speeds of EVs to similar filling times of internal-combustion engines could help speed up the transition to electric vehicles.

Thomas Ingenlath, CEO of Polestar commented: “This technology will reshape consumer expectations and accelerate mass EV adoption by making EV ownership a seamless experience for the mass market.”

Storedot still has plans to reduce charging times even further by delivering 100 miles of range in five minutes by this year – while by 2026 to reduce it to four minutes and even further still to three minutes by 2028.

By Cameron Richards

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Renault lowers Megane E-Tech starting price and boosts standard equipment level

Among the electric crossover’s improvements are a better heat pump that doesn’t affect the car’s range.

Renault has lowered the price of its Megane E-Tech and added more equipment as standard.

The small electric crossover, which rivals the likes of the Volvo EX30 and Smart #1, now has a price tag of £33,995 – £500 less than before – with the French manufacturer also boosting the standard spec.

It now boasts a patented heat pump, while the Techno and Iconic trim levels also receive a 12-inch screen for the OpenR link infotainment system, as well as adaptive cruise control.

The entry-level Evolution now comes with heated front seat and steering wheel as standard. (Credit: Renault Press UK)

The new pump recovers heat generated by the battery and electric motor twice as efficiently to ensure the best cabin temperature – without impacting on the vehicle’s electric range.

Standard equipment for the Megane E-Tech also now includes automatic wipers and headlamps, automatic climate control, LED daytime running lights plus heated front seats and steering wheel.

The new heat pump allows for greater efficiency between battery use and cabin temperature. (Credit: Renault Press UK)

An electric range of 280 miles on a single charge and a rapid DC charging time of 186 miles of range in 30 minutes remain the same.

Under the bonnet is a 60kWh battery pack as well as an electric motor that produces 223bhp and 300Nm of torque.

The Megane E-Tech can be bought now, with its reduced starting price pegged at £200 more than the Volvo EX30, which is priced from £33,795.

By Cameron Richards

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First drive: Is the new CLE53 AMG Coupe still worthy of its performance-orientated background?

The new CLE53 now has a smaller engine – but does that mean it’s now just a fast Mercedes rather than an AMG model? Cameron Richards finds out.

What is it?

The CLE53 AMG is a rival to the BMW M440i and Audi S5. (Credit: Mercedes-Benz Media)

The CLE53 AMG Coupe is the flagship model in the CLE line-up. It’s competing directly with German performance coupes such as the BMW M440i and Audi S5. Previous AMG models had a very visceral feeling to them with their raw exhaust tone, stiff ride and swollen wheel arches – and this new model, on the surface, continues that trend.

The CLE53 is the car which comes underneath the upcoming CLE63, but as we’ve come to expect from anything with an AMG badge, we’re sure that this cooker model has still been designed to offer a decent level of performance. 

What’s new?

The CLE53 AMG has a new body, interior and powertrain. (Credit: Mercedes-Benz Media)

The CLE53 has a 3.0-litre engine and mild-hybrid technology and comes with a fully variable four-wheel-drive system, adaptive suspension, and a torque converter transmission alongside a ride height which is 58mm lower at the front and 75mm lower at the rear compared with the standard CLE. 

The design with a more curvaceous, wider stance and more bulbous front end than the previous generation of C Class Coupe. 

The interior is new, with fewer buttons and a large infotainment display where the driver can check out key information for the car. Driving modes, the satellite navigation system, heater and ventilation controls and Bluetooth are all used within the touchscreen.

What’s under the bonnet?

The CLE53 AMG comes with a 3.0-litre in-line six cylinder engine that produces 455bhp. (Credit: Mercedes-Benz Media)

Under that snarling bonnet is a 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbocharged engine that produces 455bhp and can achieve a 0-60mph of 3.8 seconds. It gives out 560Nm of torque or when on overboost it boasts 600Nm – and has an electronically limited top speed of 155mph.

While AMG may be best known for its snarling V8s, Mercedes’ commitment to a greener future means that the new CLE has a smaller turbocharged engine with mild-hybrid technology. The car cuts into electric mode when coasting at slower speeds, too.

What’s it like to drive?

When you get behind the wheel, you know that the CLE53 means business. The optional body-hugging sports seats and fat flat-bottomed steering wheel give you an indication that it’s a car with sporting intent.  Initially, you notice how quiet the new car is at slow speeds, with driving around town a breeze thanks to light steering and a sedate exhaust note. 

Our test car had the AMG Dynamic Plus Package which included different driving modes such as Individual, Comfort, Sport, Sport+ and Race.

Put it into Race mode and the CLE becomes a different animal as the throttle response sharpens up, the suspension gets noticeably firmer and the exhaust valve opens up. However, we found the best blend of excitement and comfort was in Sport+ mode as everything felt just right. The throttle had a good response, the ride wasn’t too firm and the power was there as and when you need it. 

When pushed, the CLE53 corners flat and level and it changes direction very quickly, it’s just a shame that the steering still lacks communication between the driver and the front wheels. There is also a fake exhaust crackle which sounds cheap and the A pillars are quite thick which creates a big blind spot when pulling out of junctions.

How does it look?

The CLE53 has a more curvaceous design than the old C-Class Coupe. (Credit: Mercedes-Benz Media)

Coupes are all about looks, and the CLE is no exception. Compared to its competitors, the CLE looks the most complete with its flared wheel arches, quad exhausts, rear diffuser and bonnet scoops making the whole car look purposeful and fast even when it’s standing still. 

With the optional Graphite grey Magno paint finish, ‘our’ test car stood out from all angles. But one part that looked particularly aggressive was the rear end while a wide and bulbous stance made the car look planted.

What’s it like inside?

Inside, there is a blend of Alcantara, leather and carbon fibre. (Credit: Mercedes-Benz Media)

AMG products have always had driver-focused interiors and the CLE53 is no different. It’s awash with leather and Alcantara, and our test car had carbon fibre dash inserts which made the cabin feel even more special.

The steering wheel is pleasantly finished but other than that, it’s typical CLE with soft-touch plastics, piano black trim and silver inserts scattered all over.

Hop into the rear and there is sufficient leg and headroom for a coupe, plus the boot space is generous at 420 litres of space – but lags behind its rivals with the M440i having 440 litres and the S5 with 465 litres.

What’s the spec like?

The Pro Performance Package is an extra cost of £7,500. (Credit: Mercedes-Benz Media)

Here in the UK, we are getting two versions of the CLE53 and that is the AMG Premium and AMG Night Edition Premium Plus.

Our test car – priced at and came in at £78,825 – was the equivalent of the Night Edition AMG Premium Plus and came with 20-inch AMG alloy wheels, Graphite grey Magno paint and an Alcantara and leather sports steering wheel.

The optional £7,500 Pro Performance Package gives you red brake calipers, electrically adjustable Alcantara and leather AMG performance seats and our test car also had the AMG Dynamic Plus Package with its various driving modes.

Verdict

The CLE53 AMG is a great performance coupe, it’s just a shame that the monotone exhaust note and numb steering spoils the fun. (Credit: Mercedes-Benz Media)

In a world of EVs, it’s a breath of fresh air to drive something as exciting as the CLE53 AMG Coupe.

Though the ride can be a touch too firm in Race Mode, in Comfort it brings the quiet, refined and sophisticated nature that we’d expect from an AMG.

The handling is still a little on the vague side and the exhaust noise isn’t as raw as some of the firm’s older V8s, but the power delivery is still smooth and it does have usable back seats and a decent-sized boot.

The CLE53 AMG Coupe is a great car for those seeking driving thrills, and though the somewhat monotone engine note and sluggish paddle shifts mean it is not quite as engaging as it could be, it’s still a great all-rounder.

 

Facts at a glance

 

Model as tested: Mercedes CLE53 AMG Night Edition Premium Plus

 

Price as tested: £78,825 

 

Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder inline turbocharged 

 

Power: 455bhp

 

Torque: 560 to 600 Nm

 

Max speed: 155mph (limited)

 

0-60mph: 3.8 seconds

 

MPG: 24.2 mpg

 

Emissions: 220g/km

 

By Cameron Richards

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UK drive: Suzuki is still taking the supermini class seriously with the new Swift

Previous iterations gained a solid reputation for delivering cheap thrills with very few bills. Cameron Richards put the latest model to the test.

What is it?

It comes only as a mild-hybrid. (Credit: Suzuki Media UK)

The Suzuki Swift has become a very popular and likeable supermini among British buyers – and it’s easy to see why. A stylish and cheeky exterior design, matched with some of the best-in-class driving dynamics – with the added benefits of affordable and low running costs.

While some superminis like the Toyota Yaris and new MG3 have gone full hybrid only, the Swift comes only with mild-hybrid power with the choice of manual or automatic transmissions.

What’s new?

The sixth-generation Swift has a new body and interior. (Credit: Suzuki Media UK)

This sixth-generation car is all new. The body is fresh as well as the interior, and keeping up with most modern superminis, the Swift, like the model it replaces, will be only available in a five-door bodystyle

Since the third-generation Swift was released back in 2005, the Japanese hatchback has always kept its design relatively unchanged and that’s no bad thing – giving it a recognisable identity.

The rear exterior door handles are no longer hidden away and are now integrated into the body of the car while the front has a lower and more rounded appearance.

What’s under the bonnet?

The Swift comes with a new 1.2-litre three-cylinder mild-hybrid. (Credit: Suzuki Media UK)

It’s simple. There is only one engine on offer and it’s a new 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine that produces 81bhp and 112Nm of torque. It comes as standard with a five-speed manual gearbox or for an extra £1,250 you can have the Swift with a CVT automatic transmission.

It replaces the old 1.2-litre four-cylinder unit and comes with a 12V mild-hybrid system to help boost its efficiency and economy.

With fewer cylinders and advanced electrified power, the Swift now can reach a claimed 64.2mpg and boasts CO2 emissions as low as 99g/km.

What’s it like to drive?

The Swift has still kept what the previous generations had and that is its sense of fun. The steering is precise and direct and the car goes around corners admirably with very little body roll.

The gearbox is nice and accurate and there is more sound insulation which results in a lot less wind and tyre noise when on the move.

When it comes to the ride, things are composed and smooth but a little fidgety when the roads become a little bumpier, but nothing too uncomfortable while the exhaust tone has a characterful thrum, making it a lively and energetic car to drive.

With a mixture of town and B road driving our test car managed 57.4mpg, not quite the 64mpg Suzuki claims, though not far off.

How does it look?

The rear door handles have gone back to being integrated into the body of the car. (Credit: Suzuki Media UK)

The new Swift is more rounded than its predecessor and while its design might be new, this latest car is still easily identifiable as a Suzuki Swift with its black painted A-pillars and tall side profile – while the floating roof design remains the same as the outgoing model.

The front is where the new car looks noticeably different with large headlights and a clamshell wrap-around bonnet – while the front grille is more rounded with the lower valance has a more ellipsoid shape.

While appearances can be subjective, in our view the looks don’t catch the eye quite as well as previous generations. Though it’s still a good-looking supermini, the Swift’s design may not be to everyone’s liking.

What’s it like inside?

The dashboard is angled more towards the driver. (Suzuki Media UK)

Suzukis have always had very well-made yet budget-focused interiors and while the new Swift does feel like it won’t break, the materials used still aren’t quite as plush compared to its German rivals – though those are considerably more expensive.

Everything is logically laid out and Suzuki is still using physical buttons for the climate control making it a lot more user-friendly and easier to navigate than the Swift’s contemporaries.

Rear leg and headroom were good with an ample amount of knee room, too, though the boot space isn’t the biggest at 265 litres with the seats in places though you can expand that to 980 litres with them folded down – marginally smaller than the Volkswagen Polo’s boot capacity at 351 litres and 1,125 litres respectively.

The rear seats also don’t fold flat which can make loading longer items to the back trickier. However, the load lip is lower than on the old Swift, which does aid accessibility.

What’s the spec like?

Even the entry-level model comes with sat-nav and a reversing camera. (Credit: Suzuki Media UK)

The spec is simple, with the new Swift only available in two different guises. It’s also very well equipped from the off with the entry-level Motion coming with 16-inch alloy wheels, LED headlamps, rear view camera, sat-nav, rear parking sensors and adaptive cruise control.

Our test car was the top-spec Ultra that boasts automatic climate control, electric folding door mirrors and polished alloy wheels.

Prices start at £18,699 for the basic Motion model, which is £1,100 cheaper than the most basic Polo – while the Ultra is priced at £21,049 which undercuts the cheapest Yaris hybrid by more than £1,600.

Verdict

The Swift is still a great supermini with a fun driving experience and high equipment levels. (Credit: Suzuki Media UK)

It’s refreshing to see Suzuki launching a new Swift in a sector that has been cut back due to the rise and popularity of SUVs.

Superminis have been hit hard recently with many car manufacturers deeming them too costly to switch to electric power, but the Swift demonstrates that mild-hybrid technology and fun driving characteristics can still be achieved – with an attractive price tag.

The Swift is still a great choice for those wanting a highly specced and engaging supermini without the higher running costs or the need to move to an EV – and with prices undercutting its rivals by over £1,000, the Swift is certain to make a big impression among British buyers.

Facts at a glance

Model as tested: Suzuki Swift 1.2 Mild Hybrid Ultra petrol

Price as tested: £21,049

Engine: 1.2-litre three-cylinder mild hybrid petrol

Power: 81bhp

Torque: 112Nm

0-60mph: 12.3 seconds

Top speed: 103mph

MPG: 64.2

CO2 Emissions: 99g/km

 

By Cameron Richards

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MG’s Cyberster drop-top electric vehicle goes on sale in the UK

The Cyberster will be available in two different guises.

MG has opened up its order books for its new convertible EV, the Cyberster.

From launch there will be two models on offer, the standard Trophy and the top-of-the-line GT.

The Trophy comes with an electric motor that produces 335bhp, has a torque figure of 475Nm and can do 0-60mph in 4.8 seconds.

The GT, meanwhile, comes with dual electric motors which boast a power output of 496bhp, can produce 725Nm of torque and enable the Cyberster to do 0-60mph in 3.0 seconds.

There will two models on offer being the Trophy and GT. (Credit: MG PR)

The Trophy and GT will come with a 77kWh battery pack offering a claimed electric range of 316 miles for the former and 276 miles on a single charge for the more powerful GT.

However, those figures are subject to verification and UK type approval.

Both models are equipped with four driving modes – Comfort, Custom, Sport and Track.

David Allison, MG head of product and planning said: “The Cyberster is a car designed to excite, whether through its head-turning design or its scintillating performance. Both the Trophy and GT are compelling two-seat EV sporting roadsters which promise to propel gran touring into the electric age.”

Charging times for the Trophy have not been confirmed, but the GT is capable of using DC rapid charging of up to 150kW – enabling a charging time from 10 per cent to 80 per cent in 38 minutes.

The Cyberster comes as standard with Brembo Brakes as well as 19-inch alloys for the Trophy and 20-inches for the GT.

Prices start at £54,995 and rise to £59,995. (Credit: MG PR)

Inside there is a standard 10.25-inch driver display flanked by two seven-inch displays and another coloured display mounted in the centre console to allow access to the climate control – the boot capacity is measured at 249 litres as well.

Features such as Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, eight-speaker Bose sound system, DAB and voice recognition, a 360-degree parking camera and USB ports are all standard, too.

Orders can be placed at any selected MG dealer across the UK with deliveries expected in August. Prices start at £54,995 for the Trophy and rise to £59,995 for the dual-motor GT.

By Cameron Richards

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Warwickshire named biggest speeding hotspot in England and Wales – survey

Warwickshire has been named the ‘speeding hotspot’ of England and Wales, with a new study finding one in five drivers exceed speed limits in the county.

Warwickshire Police saw 91,325 speeding violations in 2022 – equivalent to one for every 4.58 vehicles in the area.

Go Compare Car Insurance’s findings – which used combined regional figures from the Home Office and the DVLA – located other speeding ‘hotspots’ including Greater London, Devon and Cornwall with the Met Police reporting one penalty for every 4.82 vehicles. Devon and Cornwall, meanwhile, saw one offence being issued for every 4.64 cars in the area.

Bedfordshire and Surrey both entered into the top ten – with speeding violations issued for every 8.18 and 9.14 respective vehicles – while Yorkshire was identified as another speedy area. Both North and West Yorkshire were in the top 10 list with penalties for every 6.26 and 6.49 vehicles respectively.

Tom Banks, a car insurance expert at Go.Compare, said: “Speeding is perhaps one of the most common safety risks associated with using our roads, so identifying the country’s hotspots is a key indicator of where the most dangerous places to drive are. It seems that the South is home to some of the nation’s worst areas, although the figures for Yorkshire are also particularly concerning.”

At the other end of the scale sat South Wales, where one offence was recorded for every 43 vehicles. North Wales also had a very low ratio, with one offence issued for every 21 vehicles.

Northumbria Police reported one offence for every 21.87 vehicles in the area it covers – Northumberland and Tyne and Wear – while Cleveland Police, which looks after Middlesborough, Hartlepool and Stockton, had a ratio of one offence for every 30 vehicles.

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Tesla Model Y crowned the best-selling car in Europe for March

The electric SUV has proven a popular choice among buyers beating the likes of previous best-sellers such as the Volkswagen Golf and Dacia Sandero

The Tesla Model Y has been named the best-selling car in Europe for March.

According to Jato Dynamics, EV sales are declining while hybrid numbers are on the up, with a total of 382,700 hybrid vehicles registered between January and March this year – the highest number of quarterly registrations since 2021.

Even though Tesla’s share in the EV market has dropped from 27.3 per cent in March 2023 to 19.9 per cent last month, the firm still managed to shift 26,847 Model Ys – over 1,000 more than the second best-selling car – the Volkswagen Golf at 25,779 units.

Felipe Munoz, Global Analyst at Jato Dynamics said: “The average price of a new car is still prohibitively high, and consumers are understandably hesitant about making the shift from petrol and diesel powered vehicles to electric models.

Hybrid sales were up by 18 per cent in the corresponding quarter of 2023 compared to year-on-year increases of 3.8 per cent and 4.8 per cent for EVs.

Munoz added: “Consumers are familiar with hybrid vehicles; they’ve been in the market for more than two decades now. For many drivers, they are the best option: cheaper than EVs at point of purchase and not reliant on public charging infrastructure that simply isn’t there in many markets.”

Despite the slowdown in EV uptake, Tesla was still at the top of the chart for BEV sales with a total of 39,000 units registered in March closely followed by BMW and then Volvo thanks to the success of its new EX30 model. In all, some 1,377,541 vehicles of all types were registered across Europe in March.

By Cameron Richards

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Lamborghini unveils updated Urus with plug-in power

The facelifted Urus will be the first performance plug-in hybrid SUV.

Lamborghini has released a more powerful plug-in hybrid version of its performance Urus SUV.

The new Urus SE incorporates a twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 producing 611bhp and 800Nm of torque. An electric motor, meanwhile, delivers an additional 189bhp and 483Nm of torque.

Combined, the Urus SE has a total power figure of 800bhp and 1,283Nm of torque which makes it one of the most powerful SUVs to arrive in the UK.

Capable of 0-60mph in 3.2 seconds and 0-120mph in 11 seconds, the Urus SE can reach a top speed of 189mph, while a 25.9kWh battery pack should return a claimed 37 miles of electric-only range.

The exterior features a new bonnet and headlight clusters that incorporate LED headlights alongside a redesigned bumper and front grille. At the back, there is a new diffuser and boot lid as well as trademark Lamborghini “Y” lights that are shaped around the tailgate.

The updated interior sports a larger 12.3-inch screen than the previous Urus, as well as a digital instrument cluster and updated seat, panel and dashboard coverings.

The centre console features a switch that allows the driver to toggle between six different driving modes including Strada, Sport, Corsa for road and track use – while Neve, Sabbia and Terra modes are more destined for different off-road driving.

Prices have not been confirmed yet while Lamborghini is understood to not be accepting orders at present. However, with the current Urus starting from £188,000 we expect the new Urus SE to start closer to the £200,000 mark.

By Cameron Richards

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Mercedes reveals electric version of the G-Class with the EQG

The legendary G-Class off-roader has been given the EV makeover.

Mercedes has revealed its latest addition to the EV market with the EQG – an electric version of the firm’s iconic G-Class.

The electric version will come with a 116kWh lithium-ion battery pack and will give a claimed range of 294 miles on a single charge. The vehicle uses 200kW DC charging, too, enabling it to be rapid-charged from 10 to 80 per cent in 32 minutes.

Underneath the skin, four individually controlled electric motors produce the equivalent of 579bhp and give a torque output of 1,164Nm.

Just because the G-Class has received electric power, doesn’t mean it isn’t still a capable off-roader. This new EQG has a ground clearance of up to 250mm, and a fording depth of 850mm for water and mud. It comes as standard with adaptable adjustable damping on the suspension to help the vehicle remain stable and planted over rough terrain.

A new function Mercedes is calling G-Turn, which allows the EQG to turn on the spot, with the four wheels from left to right being able to turn in opposite directions – helping with manoeuvrability and getting out of tricky situations off-road.

The new G-Roar system also allows fake exhaust noises recorded from the combustion power V8 G-Class to pump through the speakers, and depending on what driving mode the driver is in, the noise will turn up or down whether Comfort or Sport mode is activated.

The EQG also features something called the ‘Transparent Bonnet’ which gives the driver a virtual view of the underside of the vehicle – which is then displayed on the infotainment screen helping the driver prevent any damage that may occur when driving off-road.

From launch, there will be one model available – the Edition One. It will come in a choice of five different exterior paint finishes, blue brake calipers and 20-inch AMG spoke alloy wheels.

The Edition One also includes the AMG Line and Night Package which includes silver running boards, a nappa leather interior with blue stitching, a sports steering wheel and black door mirrors.

Prices have not been revealed yet, with order books still yet to be available, but we expect the EQG to be marginally more expensive than the combustion-powered G-Class which starts at £133,500.

By Cameron Richards

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