The first few weeks of 2026 have been nothing short of a rollercoaster for petrolheads and EV enthusiasts alike. From the neon lights of CES in Las Vegas to the showroom floors in Mumbai, the automotive landscape is shifting faster than a dual-clutch transmission.
Here is the latest global car news you need to know today.
1. The Volvo EX60: A New King of Range?
Volvo has officially pulled the wraps off the 2027 Volvo EX60, and it’s a stunner. Positioned as the electric successor to the beloved XC60, this SUV is setting a new benchmark with a 400-mile (643 km) range.
More importantly, Volvo is leading a “common sense” revolution. Following years of “touchscreen-only” interiors, Volvo (alongside Volkswagen and Kia) is officially bringing back physical buttons for critical functions.
The Autocritic Take: It seems the industry has finally realized that fumbling through menus at 100 km/h isn’t “premium”—it’s annoying.
2. India’s January Sticker Shock
If you were planning to buy a new car this week at autocritic.in, we hope you checked the latest price lists. Major manufacturers including Mercedes-Benz, Hyundai, and MG Motor have implemented price hikes of up to 3% effective this month.
- Mercedes-Benz: Prices up by 2% due to currency fluctuations.
- MG Motor India: The popular Windsor EV and Comet EV are now dearer by ₹20,000–₹35,000.
- Nissan: The Magnite has seen a price bump of up to 3%.
3. The “Big Three” Launches of the Week
The Indian market is currently witnessing three massive launches that will define the SUV segment for the rest of the year:
- Mahindra XUV 7XO: The facelifted XUV700 is finally here with a triple-screen layout and Level-2 ADAS.
- Maruti Suzuki e Vitara: Maruti’s first-ever global EV is officially hitting the roads, boasting a 500 km range.
- The New Renault Duster: Set for a grand unveiling on January 26, the legend returns to reclaim the compact SUV crown.
4. High-Octane Global Shorts
- Lamborghini’s Winning Streak: Lamborghini just announced a 5th consecutive year of record sales, driven by the hybrid Revuelto.
- Ford’s F1 Tech: Ford CEO Jim Farley confirmed that their 2026 F1 partnership with Red Bull is already yielding “tech transfers” for their future road-going hybrids.
- Toyota’s Secret Mid-Engine: Rumors are intensifying that a new Toyota MR2-inspired sports car is officially in development.
Final Thoughts
2026 is the year where “Practicality” is making a comeback. Whether it’s the return of physical buttons, the rise of long-range hybrids, or the refinement of the “big SUV” formula, car makers are finally listening to what drivers actually want.
What are you most excited about this year? The new Duster or the EX60? Let us know in the comments below!
