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My Drives Online is an attempt to provide a complete guide to automobile industry. Newly released and coming soon cars and bikes are featured here in My Drives Online.
A front 3/4 view of the 2026 Cadillac VISTIQ in Opulent Blue Metallic.
Cadillac continues to make strides in its electric vehicle portfolio, announcing the latest addition, the VISTIQ. Positioned between the LYRIQ and ESCALADE IQ, the VISTIQ stands out as an innovative luxury three-row SUV tailored for the contemporary family.
This marks the third electric vehicle confirmation from Cadillac this year and the fifth addition to its expanding EV family. Earlier in the year, Cadillac introduced the 2025 ESCALADE IQ, the brand’s inaugural all-electric full-size SUV, setting new standards for luxury SUV experiences with its iconic design, superior craftsmanship, and cutting-edge automotive technology.
A rear 3/4 view of the 2026 Cadillac VISTIQ in Opulent Blue Metallic.
In the preceding month, Cadillac revealed the 2025 OPTIQ, designed to serve as the entry point for the brand’s EV lineup in North America, catering to global luxury customers with its dynamic driving capabilities. More details about the OPTIQ will be unveiled in the coming year.
John Roth, Vice President of Global Cadillac, expressed, “VISTIQ adds another compelling EV to the Cadillac lineup, reinforcing our commitment to an electric future. Our brand now has an EV entry in most luxury segments, offering customers a range of choices, and Cadillac EVs will cover most luxury SUV segments across critical global markets in the next two years.”
Stay tuned for additional details on the VISTIQ, including available features and pricing, set to be unveiled next year.
Hyundai Motor America has revealed the pricing and features of the highly anticipated 2024 Hyundai Kona Electric. This second-generation model builds upon the success of its predecessor, offering a larger cabin and cargo area, an impressive EPA-estimated range of up to 261 miles, and enhanced charging capabilities.
Hyundai Kona ElectricHyundai Kona Electric
Key Features and Pricing:
Model Range:
Kona Electric SE: $32,675
Kona Electric SEL: $36,675
Kona Electric Limited: $41,045
(Delivery charge for the 2024 model year Kona Electric is $1,335.)
Roomier and More Versatile Interior:
The 2024 Kona Electric has grown significantly, adding nearly six inches to its overall length. The second row now offers an additional three inches of legroom, creating a spacious and comfortable environment. The cargo area has expanded by 33%, surpassing competitors in cargo room. This, coupled with 17-inch aero alloy wheels and underbody covers, improves aerodynamic efficiency.
Modern Design:
Standout pixel design elements on the front and rear fascias distinguish the Kona Electric. Standard features include LED projector headlights, LED daytime running lamps and taillights, and an exclusive “Seamless Horizon” LED DRL array, contributing to the model’s futuristic character.
Advanced Technology:
The 2024 Kona Electric boasts class-leading technology, featuring a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster seamlessly integrated with Hyundai’s next-generation 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The system includes EV-specific menus, standard Wireless Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay™, Over-The-Air (OTA) software updates, and a Wi-Fi Hotspot.
SmartSense Advanced Driver Assistance:
A comprehensive suite of Hyundai SmartSense advanced driver assistance systems is standard, ensuring safety on the road. Features include Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Blind-Spot Collision Warning, Lane Keeping Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, and more.
Bluelink+ and Hyundai Pay:
The 2024 Kona Electric comes equipped with Bluelink+, Hyundai’s connected car services program, offering complimentary access to various services. Additionally, the model supports in-vehicle payments through the Hyundai Pay platform.
Hyundai Kona Electric
Vibrant Colors:
Available in a vibrant exterior color palette, including Mirage Green, Neoteric Yellow, Abyss Black, and an exclusive Meta Blue Pearl, the Kona Electric lets you express your dynamic spirit.
The imminent launch of Mercedes-Benz Vans’ new midsize van series, designed for both private and commercial use, marks a pivotal moment in the company’s renewed business strategy. This series introduces a fresh exterior and interior design, heightened comfort, and enhanced functionality, particularly through advanced digital connectivity options and upgraded safety features.
Starting January 2024, customers can place orders through sales partners and online for the revamped midsize van lineup, boasting extended standard equipment and streamlined equipment packages. Pricing begins at 46,210.80 euros for the Vito Mixto, 47,074.02 euros for the panel van, and 57,924.44 euros for the Vito Tourer. The eVito is priced from 63,438.90 euros as a panel van and 68,397.63 euros as a Tourer. The V-Class and EQV MPVs start at 59,469.00 euros and 75,410.00 euros, respectively, while the V-Class Marco Polo camper van starts at 80,005.00 euros.
Mercedes‑Benz Van
The company has implemented a refined strategic approach, emphasizing a premium strategy for commercial vans (eVito and Vito) and a luxury strategy for newly developed midsize vans for private use, aligning with Mercedes-Benz passenger cars. This shift will be fully realized with the introduction of the Van Electric Architecture (VAN.EA) from 2026 onward. The EQV, V-Class, and V-Class Marco Polo serve as crucial milestones in this strategic transition.
Klaus Rehkugler, Head of Sales and Marketing at Mercedes-Benz Vans, expressed the company’s goal to provide the most desirable vans and services across various segments. The enhanced luxury positioning of EQV, V-Class, and V-Class Marco Polo, along with the premium character of eVito and Vito, enables a more focused approach in high-margin regions and sectors.
Mercedes‑Benz VanMercedes‑Benz Van
Key updates in the midsize van series include:
New Exterior and Cockpit Design: The EQV, V-Class, V-Class Marco Polo, eVito, and Vito feature a distinctive visual identity with a prominent grille, adaptive MULTIBEAM LED headlights, and new paint colors. The interior receives a wide-screen cockpit, stylish air vents, and a next-generation steering wheel.
Comfort and Functionality: The series introduces the KEYLESS start function, optional steering-wheel heating, ambient lighting with 64 colors, and a dimmed rear lighting feature. The V-Class and EQV now have a standard sliding door on the left-hand side for convenient rear access. The Vito Tourer, Mixto, and eVito Tourer offer the electric EASY-PACK tailgate for the first time.
MBUX Multimedia System: The latest generation of the MBUX multimedia system, standard across the midsize van portfolio, provides an interactive and digital experience. Additional functions, including ENERGIZING comfort control, enhance the driving experience for EQV, V-Class, and V-Class Marco Polo.
Intelligent Connectivity and Extras: The MBUX system, in conjunction with a Mercedes me account, offers digital extras such as maintenance, accident, and breakdown management. Intelligent navigation, car-to-x communication, and extended MBUX functions with the “Hey Mercedes” voice assistant are part of the offerings.
Driver Assistance Systems: Safety and assistance systems, including Active Brake Assist with intersection function, Blind Spot Assist, and Active Lane Keeping Assist, have been enhanced. The midsize vans now feature the adaptive MULTIBEAM LED headlights with Highbeam Assist PLUS and a new driver assistance package.
Wide Range of Drive Systems: Customers can choose from various drive systems, including the all-electric EQV and eVito Tourer models with two battery sizes. The EQV offers an electric range of up to 363 kilometers, while the eVito Tourer provides up to 370 kilometers. The midsize vans also feature efficient diesel and new petrol engine options.
Upgraded Standard Equipment: Mercedes-Benz Vans has significantly improved the standard equipment and simplified equipment packages, making it easier for customers to select functional options that are often bundled together.
The new midsize van series reflects Mercedes-Benz Vans’ commitment to delivering innovative, comfortable, and connected vehicles for diverse customer needs.
Stellantis and Ample have officially inked a transformative agreement aimed at advancing electric vehicle (EV) battery charging technology, with the goal of achieving a complete EV battery charge in less than five minutes. The partnership centers on integrating Ample’s Modular Battery Swapping solution into Stellantis’ electric vehicles, allowing drivers to swap depleted batteries for fully charged ones at specially designed stations, minimizing charging downtime.
The collaboration is set to kick off in Madrid, Spain, in 2024, featuring a fleet of 100 Fiat 500e vehicles within Stellantis’ Free2move car-sharing service. The Fiat 500e, a global leader in EV sales, particularly in European markets, will spearhead the initial program.
Ricardo Stamatti, Stellantis Senior Vice President of the Charging & Energy Business Unit, expressed excitement about the partnership, emphasizing how it aligns with Stellantis’ commitment to exploring diverse avenues for electric vehicle mobility. The ambitious plan includes not only the Madrid initiative but also discussions on extending Ample’s battery-swapping technology to fulfill Stellantis’ fleet and consumer demands across various platforms and geographies.
Ample’s CEO, Khaled Hassounah, highlighted the joint solution’s potential to eliminate barriers to EV adoption. By combining compelling electric vehicles with rapid charging capability, the partnership aims to address range anxiety and enhance energy efficiency for customers worldwide.
Ample’s technology offers an innovative approach to delivering energy to electric vehicles, providing a quick and convenient refueling experience akin to traditional gas refueling. The company’s modular batteries are designed as drop-in replacements for original electric vehicle batteries, enabling seamless integration without extensive vehicle platform reengineering.
The lightweight battery-swapping stations, deployable in public areas within just three days, form a scalable infrastructure to meet growing demand. When an Ample-enabled EV approaches the station, it is immediately recognized, and the driver can initiate a battery swap through a mobile app, resulting in a fully charged battery in less than five minutes.
The subscription-based model for Ample’s battery technology is poised to minimize EV downtime, reduce upfront vehicle costs, and offer customers the latest battery technology, thereby extending the EV’s range and lifespan.
Aligned with Stellantis’ Dare Forward 2030 strategic plan, which aims for a 100% passenger car battery electric vehicle (BEV) sales mix in Europe and a 50% mix in the United States by 2030, the partnership signifies a bold step toward achieving these targets. As part of Stellantis’ commitment to sustainability, the company is on track to become a carbon net-zero corporation by 2038.
Ample, recognized in prestigious tech and innovation lists, continues to make waves in the industry, with its Modular Battery Swapping solution contributing to the evolution of electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
The latest addition to Volkswagen’s all-electric ID. family, the ID.7, has secured a prestigious five-star rating in the Euro NCAP safety test for 2023. This remarkable achievement places the electric limousine among the highest-rated models of the year, according to the esteemed European New Car Assessment Programme.
Volkswagen ID.7Volkswagen ID.7Volkswagen ID.7
The comprehensive Euro NCAP assessment evaluates vehicles in four key categories, where the ID.7 excelled across the board. With an impressive 95% rating, the ID.7 claimed the top spot in the ‘Occupant protection for adults’ category. Moreover, the vehicle showcased exceptional results in ‘Child Occupant Protection,’ ‘Safety for Unprotected Road Users,’ and standard driver assistance systems.
Volkswagen ID.7
The safety assessment not only centers on ensuring occupant protection but also evaluates the efficacy of automatic emergency braking systems in protecting vulnerable road users, including pedestrians and cyclists.The ID.7 Pro boasts an array of standard assist systems, including:
Oncoming vehicle braking when turning and swerve support
Driver Attention Monitor and Driver Alert System
Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC)
Travel Assist, Lane Assist, and Emergency Assist
Memory function for Park Assist
Autonomous Emergency Braking Front Assist with Pedestrian and Cyclist Monitoring
Park Assist Plus, including Park Distance Control
Side Assist, Rear Traffic Alert, and exit warning system
Moreover, every ID.7 model in Germany is fitted with Car2X technology, facilitating smooth communication with fellow vehicles and traffic infrastructure for the exchange of real-time information on local hazards. The ID.7’s top-of-the-range safety features and exceptional Euro NCAP performance underscore its commitment to excellence and safety in the electric vehicle market.
