Week in Review: May 2 to May 8

This week’s news isn’t as action-packed as last week, but a couple of key items are worth noting.

Polestar

Polestar’s announced two new major updates to the Polestar 2’s infotainment system. The first is the addition of a digital key function, which allows you to use your smartphone as a key via an updated Polestar mobile app. It uses Bluetooth to function and requires you to be near the vehicle for it to function. Earlier today, Polestar also announced a video streaming app, which will allow you to watch shows, news, and other forms of entertainment in the car as long as it’s not moving. If you drive away, the car turns off the video feed but continues playing the audio. The video streaming app is currently available in European markets in the beta testing stage. The types of content you can access will vary based on your location.

Jeep

Jeep has launched the configurator for the Grand Cherokee L, which starts at $38,690 including the destination charge for a rear-drive Laredo. Load up a range-topping Summit trim and you’re looking at over $60,000.

Mercedes

The folks over at EV Pulse have caught the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV testing and based on the spy shots they got a hold of, it’s essentially a crossover version of the sedan. It features the same crazy MBUX Hyperscreen and likely the same powertrain options as the EQS sedan. However, the EQS SUV will likely be offered with a dual-motor setup only in all the flavors that it will be offered in. At least for the U.S. market

Volkswagen

Volkswagen has announced that it will reveal the refreshed 2022 Tiguan AllSpace on May 12. This is the long-wheelbase Tiguan and the only version sold in the North American market minus the AllSpace moniker.

Ford

Ford has added the Timberline trim to the 2021 Explorer lineup. This is an off-road-oriented version equipped with steel skid plates, a Torsen limited-slip differential, all-terrain tires, and revised shocks, springs, and stabilizer bars. The approach and departure angles have also been improved over the standard Explorer. The only engine offered on the Explorer Timberline is the 2.3-liter turbo-four, which is good for 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque and comes with a 10-speed automatic transmission.

Hyundai

Hyundai has revealed in its investor presentation that it will refresh the Sonata and the Palisade for the 2022 model year. We’re expecting the hybrid variant of the Sonata to get the new 1.6-liter turbo-four-based powertrain from the Tucson and Santa Fe, which makes 226 hp combined. Currently, the Sonata Hybrid uses a naturally aspirated 2.0-liter four-cylinder-based unit with a total output of 192 hp.  The refreshed Palisade and Sonata Hybrid could get new tech features, including the remote-controlled self-parking feature, which is currently available only on the non-electrified Sonata 1.6T, 2022 Tucson lineup, and the refreshed Santa Fe. Later this year, the Elantra N will join the lineup and will release almost immediately after the Kona N.

The next Ioniq model has also been confirmed for a 2022 debut. Called the Ioniq 6, it’ll be a sedan sized similarly to a Tesla Model 3 and a BMW 3 Series. It’ll also take a lot of design cues from the Prophecy Concept, which could indicate that it’ll be a fastback four-door with a liftgate instead of a conventional trunk. This could be the first Hyundai EV to get an N variant, which will likely share the same 577-hp dual-motor powertrain with the EV6 GT.

Genesis

Over at Genesis, the brand will reveal its first battery-electric vehicle on the E-GMP platform later this year. Called the GV60 and wearing the project code JW and JW1, this should feature the same powertrain options as the Kia EV6  including the high-performance dual-motor iteration with 577 hp and 545 lb-ft of torque. Following the GV60 will be the GV70 EV, which is scheduled to debut in 2022. Expect that model to use the same platform as the internal combustion variant and could share the same dual-motor layout from the Electrified G80, which makes 365 hp and 416 lb-ft.

Before 2021 ends, Genesis will introduce the next-generation G90 flagship full-size luxury sedan. It’ll be on the same RWD-based architecture as the G80, GV80, and GV70 but will have a version with the longest wheelbase. Expect the North American-spec version to initially get the 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 paired to an eight-speed automatic as its powertrain option. Since the platform it’s on can support all types of propulsion systems, the G90 will get an EV version roughly a year after the internal combustion model arrives.