Thanks to our friends at Motor1, today we have a new look at the all-new 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC. This is the first time we’ve seen it without any camouflage on, but a couple of things stand out. First, the greenhouse looks very reminiscent of the EQC 400, the electric crossover we were supposed to receive in the U.S. at one point. That model is sold in Europe and is based on the outgoing GLC, but it looks like the tables have turned. Second, the wheels are ripped straight from the new S-Class, which is somewhat surprising considering the hierarchy. All should be revealed in the coming months, with a North American debut expected before the end of the year.
Yesterday we shared news of Hyundai and Genesis’ updated electric product plan. Today it is Kia’s turn with the announcement of 16 new models. This is five more than Hyundai’s commitment, though we aren’t necessarily surprised. Leaked trademark filings last year revealed a whole lineup of models under the ‘EV#’ moniker, from EV1 to EV9. We of course already have the EV6 and the concept EV9, so that leaves seven more models to follow. That’s still seven seven short of the full Plan S’ promise, so it looks like we have a lot to look forward to from the Korean automaker. More on this here.
The 2023 Nissan Z is one of the most anticipated new cars of the year. While it still rides on the old model’s platform and retains a few tiny interior bits, there is quite a bit to be excited about. We will be getting a chance to drive it for the first time in April, but we now also know when it should be going on sale. According to leaked dealer documents, production has already begun for an on-sale date of June. More on the timeline over at Carscoops.
Yesterday, Rivian did what no reservation holder of its R1T and R1S models could have anticipated. They introduced a less potent dual motor variant at the original price of the quad motor version, and gave the latter a $12,000 price hike. This has affected every pre-order, even those that were placed back in 2020. Acknowledging the outrage and swarm of dropped pre-orders, founder and CEO RJ Scaringe addressed the concerns today. Not only did he apologize for the change, but backtracked for existing reservation holders. More on this development here.
The Genesis G70 wagon (they call it a ‘Shooting Brake’ but that’s not technically true) is forbidden fruit in the U.S. Offered in Europe with only the smaller 2.0L turbo 4-cylinder powertrain, it is quite the looker. Genesis has claimed in the past that the North American market would never accept such a model, but it turns out feedback has suggested otherwise. Chief creative officer Luc Donckerwolke recently said that markets like Japan and the U.S. have expressed strong interest in the model, so now it might be under consideration for us. While this is exciting news, it is a little lukewarm due to the fact that by the time it made its way here, the G70 sedan would be at the end of its life cycle. Is it worth it?