XPeng G6 AWD review - Trish Whelan, Irish Car

Chinese car company XPeng arrived in Ireland early last year with its first model, the ‘ultra smart’ all-electric G6 mid-sized coupe SUV, which is quite similar in size to its main rival, Tesla’s Model Y. The exterior features a coupe-style silhouette, contoured bodywork, a forward-sloping bonnet, frameless windows, and a rear slope to the roof. Full-width taillights make the car appear wider and glow beautifully at night, with a rear design reminiscent of the Porsche Macan coupe. All models sit on 20-inch alloys. This is a fairly long vehicle with a 2890mm wheelbase, offering ample interior space for five adults. 

The cabin exudes a premium feel, with high-quality materials, soft-touch coverings, a minimalist dashboard, and a centre console. The winter-white faux leather upholstery enhances the spaciousness of the interior. Front seats are heated and ventilated, with multiple adjustments including a memory function for the driver’s seat. A large panoramic glass roof lets in more light. The infotainment system operates on the latest XPeng Smart OS, and there are no physical buttons on the dashboard. Most functions are accessed via the 15.6-inch touchscreen, including adjusting the side mirrors, climate control, vehicle settings, drive modes (Eco, Sport, Individual), the 360-degree camera, fixing the tailgate height, and adjusting and saving driver seat and lumbar support settings. You can also control seat heating and massage functions. 

Navigating the menus proved somewhat time-consuming and confusing, as they’re not very intuitive, so I used the Voice Assistant by saying ‘Hey XPeng’ for key shortcuts. The two-tone steering wheel can be heated in cold weather. A customisable 10-inch digital display for the driver provides essential driving information in a minimalist format. However, in bright sunlight, I found it difficult to see my current speed, displayed in small black figures at the top of the cluster. There was no Head Up Display. The vehicle has four USB ports, a 12V power socket, and two wireless charging pads for smartphones. It lacks a glove box, but the large open area beneath the floating central console more than compensates, capable of holding a bag and an iPad. There’s a spacious compartment below the front armrest, sizable front door bins, and smaller ones at the rear. 

Rear passengers benefit from class-leading leg and headroom, as the panoramic roof does not intrude on headspace. Rear seats are heated, with two USB-C ports, pockets on the back of the front seats, and a fold-down middle armrest with two cupholders. The rear floor is flat. The power-operated boot offers 571 litres of luggage space, expandable to 1,374 litres with rear seats folded, with a small storage area beneath the floor. There is no front 'frunk’. 

Standard and Long Range versions are powered by a single rear-mounted electric motor with an estimated range of 435km, while both the Long Range and AWD Performance models, equipped with larger 80.8 kWh batteries, claim a range of 570 km. I found this figure to be quite accurate. 

My test car was the Performance AWD variant, with an impressive torque of 660Nm, achieving a spirited 0-100km/h acceleration time of 4.13 seconds. The additional electric front wheel motor raises total output to 476hp. 

During my week with the car, I averaged 16.5 kWh/100 km. A standard heat pump helps extend driving range in cold winter conditions. Blind spot detection is well implemented on the driver’s screen and side mirrors, part of the XPILOT driver assist system, which includes Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Departure Warning. Parking aid features are excellent, including the Surrounding Video System providing a 360-degree view. Additional safety features include forward collision warning, door open alert, and rear collision warning with rear cross-traffic alert. The large windscreen offers great visibility forward, though the narrow rear window limits rearward view. 

The ride is quite firm, with very light steering. An irritating feature is the Acoustic Vehicle Alert System (AVAS), which emits artificial sounds to alert pedestrians or cyclists about the approaching silent electric vehicle. It activates at speeds up to 30 km/h and even when slowing at roundabouts, which can be intrusive inside the cabin and cannot be turned off. A rear tow hook is available as an optional extra on all models. XPeng can tow up to 1,500kg. 

In Ireland, the brand is distributed by Motor Distributors Limited (MDL) on the Naas Road in Dublin. The entry-level Standard model starts at €42,000, the Long Range at €49,440, and the Performance AWD from €54,500. Prices include VRT relief and the SEAI grant but exclude dealer delivery charges.

Volkswagen reveals ID. Polo

Volkswagen has unveiled the ID. Polo, an all-electric reinvention of one of its most successful models, writes Brian Byrne. Debuted in Wolfsburg on 29 April 2026, the compact hatchback combines familiar Polo branding with a new electric platform and a starting price of €24,995 in Germany.

The ID. Polo will be offered with three power outputs — 85 kW, 99 kW, and 155 kW — along with two battery options. Volkswagen says the top version can deliver a WLTP range of up to 454 km, while DC fast charging from 10% to 80% takes around 23 to 24 minutes, depending on the version.

The front-wheel-drive ID. Polo offers space for five and a luggage compartment larger than some compact-class rivals. The interior features a Digital Cockpit, a 13-inch infotainment display, and physical buttons. 

Higher-spec versions add features such as Connected Travel Assist, automatic traffic light recognition, one-pedal driving, and vehicle-to-load capability.

Pre-sales in Germany have opened. 

New Mercedes-Benz CLA arrives in Ireland

The new-generation Mercedes-Benz CLA is now on sale in Ireland, arriving with a larger body, more interior space, new mild-hybrid and fully electric drivetrains, and a stronger focus on luxury and technology, writes Brian Byrne.

Recently named European Car of the Year 2026, the third-generation CLA features a more aerodynamic design, updated styling, and a high-tech cabin centred around the latest Mercedes-Benz MBUX infotainment system.

Irish buyers can choose from a 1.5-litre 48-volt mild-hybrid petrol range priced from €57,960, or a fully electric line-up starting from €53,425 after SEAI grants. A WLTP range of up to 793 kilometres is claimed for the electric CLA, while its 800-volt architecture can add up to 325km of range in less than 10 minutes of charging, at appropriate charging stations.

Petrol and electric CLA Shooting Brake estate versions are also due in Ireland soon. 

Polestar 4 review: Trish Whelan, Irish Car

The Polestar brand is becoming more recognised here in recent times, with over 1,000 of their vehicles now on Irish roads. Polestar is a Swedish automotive brand that arrived in Ireland in 2022 with the launch of the Polestar 2 model, followed by models 3 and 4 in 2024, along with a revised Polestar 2. A Polestar 5's arrival is imminent. 

My review car was the long-range single-motor version with a Plus Pack and powered by a 100kWh battery, with 272hp and 343 Nm of torque and a claimed range of 620km, which should quell any range anxiety. An SUV coupe, it is stunning from every angle, slightly shorter and lower than the Polestar 3, but wider for more inside comfort. From the outside, you don’t notice that the car has no rear window. Designers say it allowed for providing extra space for rear seat passengers. 

The car opens as you get very close with the ‘blank’ key fob in your hand. There’s no on/off button, as your bum on the driver’s seat turns everything on and off when you sit or lift yourself to exit. The interior is both luxurious and minimalist. Sumptuous seating and high-quality materials give a premium feel. The dash has no knobs or buttons. The split 16.4-inch screen display features a colourful rotating planet of your choice, which determines the interior lighting colour - I chose bright red/orange Mars. This interface is powered by Google Automotive, so it has Google Maps built in. It controls almost all of the car’s functions, even the opening of the tailgate or adjusting the side mirror settings, with quick access to key features like climate control, permanently located at the bottom of the screen. You can also opt to use Voice Control to change the car’s temperature, radio station, or to navigate to a destination. The many apps include a recording facility that operates as a dash cam. 

The driver’s screen provides all your driving information clearly, with your current speed shown large. With no rear window, a wide rear view is provided via a high-definition camera on the roof, sending the view to a wide ‘screen’ where the rear view mirror would normally be located. It can take a bit of getting used to, but it provides a much wider field of view than a traditional mirror. Cubbies include a large open area below the central console, which you can use to store an iPad or a bag out of sight. 

A panoramic sunroof reaches from the A-pillars to beyond the heads of rear passengers, providing plenty of light, and is tinted to block out bright sunshine. Rear passengers can enjoy their own infotainment and climate control, and can heat their seats. The boot is opened by pressing a dark rectangle on the boot door. Luggage space is a very decent 520 expandable to 1,536 litres, and the floor level can be adjusted. A deep area below stores a tyre repair kit and cables, or you can put these in the 15-litre frunk under the bonnet. 

There are just two drive modes, Normal and Sport. The latter should only be used on a sports track, as Normal provides more than sporty driving. On the road, my Polestar 4 was a pure joy to drive, with so much power on tap for overtaking or for motorway cruising. You feel very engaged behind the wheel, and the car’s low centre of gravity provides beautiful balance and weight distribution. Acceleration from 0-100km/h takes 7.1 secs. Energy consumption is claimed to be 17.8-18.4 kWh/100km - I achieved 20.4 kWh/100km during my lengthy test drive period. 200 kW rapid DC charging from 10-80 per cent takes 40 mins; home charging from 0-100 per cent, 5.5 hrs. 

You can opt for one-pedal driving, and set the feel of the steering wheel to light (for navigating city streets), standard (for motorways) or firm (for active driving on twisty roads). The Lane Keeping Alert was way too sensitive, so I switched it off. 

When tested last year, the Polestar 4 scored a maximum 5-star safety rating from Euro NCAP. A top car for those who want their car to be different from mainstream models. The brand is mainly owned by Geely Holding and Volvo Cars, each of which has ties to the Geely industrial conglomerate in China. Polestar has its headquarters in Gothenburg, Sweden, but produces its cars in facilities controlled by Volvo or by Geely. 

My long-range single motor car is priced from €56,490; the long-range dual motor version from €78,390. Road tax is €120.

New BMW 7 Series on the way

BMW has unveiled a completely new 7 Series, due to arrive later this year, writes Brian Byrne. The new model brings technology inspired by BMW’s Neue Klasse generation, led by improved battery performance, fresh design elements, and a stronger focus on in-car digital features.

Three all-electric 7 Series models will go on sale in September 2026, with two plug-in hybrid versions set to follow before the end of the year. 

The flagship version is the electric BMW i7, which gains new Gen6 cylindrical battery cells that boost efficiency and extend driving range to a claimed 727km (WLTP) in the i7 50 xDrive. The 7 Series also gets expanded personalisation options, including more than 500 exterior colour combinations.

Inside, BMW is introducing its latest Panoramic iDrive system powered by the company's Operating System X, as well as a new passenger screen. 

Volkswagen to launch new full-hybrid Golf and T-Roc

Volkswagen has unveiled a new full-hybrid powertrain for the Golf and T-Roc, with both models due to arrive in the fourth quarter of 2026, writes Brian Byrne. The system is designed to enable short periods of all-electric driving without the need for plug-in charging, using energy recovered through braking and a turbocharged petrol engine paired with a generator.

The new system will be offered in two output levels and is positioned between Volkswagen’s existing mild-hybrid eTSI models and plug-in eHybrid variants. It will deliver lower fuel consumption and emissions than a mild hybrid, while avoiding the higher purchase cost and charging requirements of a plug-in hybrid.

The system is based on a 1.5-litre TSI evo2 petrol engine, two electric motors and a 1.6 kWh lithium-ion battery. It can operate in electric-only, serial and parallel hybrid modes.