Best MPVs and people carriers to buy in 2026

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October 28, 2025

Multi-purpose vehicles, better known as MPVs or people carriers, are the most space-efficient and sensible cars you can buy. However, they faces a fight for survival as families’ heads are turned by the aspirational image of SUVs. Many buyers seem happy to sacrifice the space and versatility of an MPV for the extra style and car-park kudos of driving an SUV.

As our list of the best MPVs reveals, however, you shouldn’t be too quick to dismiss practical people carriers. Whether you’re after a five- or seven-seater, you’ll find an MPV can easily become a part of your family. There are even upmarket options – and MPVs with fully electric powertrains, too.

Here are the best MPVs you can buy in 2026, with our choices presented in alphabetical order.

BMW 2 Series Active Tourer

The 2 Series Active Tourer might be the least desirable BMW on sale. Accordingly, most people go for the X1 or X3 SUVs instead. You’d be wrong to dismiss it, though, as the 2 Series Active Tourer brings a touch of quality to the compact MPV class.

Along with upmarket styling (yep, we’re getting used to that giant kidney grille now), it offers plenty of technology and excellent engineering. There is also lots of room for rear-seat passengers, a big boot and a surprisingly engaging driving experience.

Engine options include mild-hybrid petrols, along with the plug-in hybrid 225e xDrive, which offers a combined output of 245hp. Using its all-wheel drive system, this version can accelerate from 0-62mph in just 5.5 seconds – more than fast enough for a family holdall.

Citroen e-Berlingo

Once you have lived with a car with a pair of sliding doors, you’ll wonder how you managed without them. A wide opening into the passenger area, ease of access in tight parking spaces and a feeling that you’re riding in the back of the A-Team van are just some of their benefits.

The Citroen Berlingo is now electric-only, powered by a 136hp motor and 50kWh battery pack. That makes for an official range of 170-180 miles, which certainly isn’t spectacular. However, if you can charge at home, the Berlingo is perfect for school-run duties. You can choose the five-seat M version or the seven-seat XL, with the latter offering up to 4,000 litres of luggage space and a load length of three metres. It drives a bit like a van, but it doesn’t look like one.

We said: ‘In an industry that blurs the lines, there’s something refreshingly honest about the Citroen Berlingo. Put simply, no car at this end of the market is so very useful. Well, apart from the platform-sharing Peugeot Rifter and Vauxhall Combo Life.’

Read our Citroen e-Berlingo review

Dacia Jogger

Part-people carrier, part-estate and part-SUV, the clever Dacia Jogger cherry-picks the best bits from several categories of car. Above all, it offers seven seats and a huge amount of practicality for remarkably little cash. Granted, prices have increased in recent months, but the entry-level Jogger still costs a smidge over £20,000. For that budget, all its rivals are second-hand.

Buyers can now choose from only two trim levels: Expression and outdoor-themed Extreme, with the basic Essential now dropped from the range. Engine options consist of a 109hp petrol or 140hp petrol hybrid with an automatic gearbox.

We said: ‘A kerb weight of just 1,200kg helps the Jogger feel quite lively, too. It’s certainly more fun than many modern SUVs. And when you’re seven-up and taking it steady, the long-travel suspension and sensible 16-inch wheels do a good job of soaking up bumps.’

Read our Dacia Jogger review

Ford Tourneo Connect

With the Galaxy and S-Max now dead, Ford’s MPV offerings are now solely van-based. They include the Tourneo Connect, which translates its upright sides and flat tailgate into vast interior space. Two sliding side doors make access easy and the interior feels much roomier than an SUV.

Sharing its platform with the Volkswagen Caddy, the Tourneo Connect comes with the choice of three powertrains: 114hp 1.5-litre petrol, 120hp 2.0-litre diesel or 150hp petrol plug-in hybrid.

The Tourneo Connect comes with five seats as standard, although you can upgrade to a seven-seat version. For those who need even more room, a long-wheelbase Grand Tourneo Connect is also available.

Ford Tourneo Custom

There is no denying the commercial vehicle origins of the Ford Tourneo Custom, which is essentially a fancier version of the Transit Custom van. This is no bad thing, however, as it translates into plenty of practicality and a wide array of engine options.

Customers can choose from diesel, plug-in hybrid and fully electric power for the Tourneo Custom. The electric e-Tourneo covers up to 190 miles on a full charge, and is capable of towing a trailer weighing up to 2,000kg.

Inside, the Tourneo Custom can seat up to eight people, and offers more than 5,000 litres of luggage space if you remove the rear chairs. Ford offers four trim levels, including the off-road-focused Active and the luxurious Titanium X.

Lexus LM

Think of the Lexus LM as less an MPV and more a roomier alternative to luxury saloons such as the Mercedes-Benz S-Class or BMW 7 Series. Indeed, this is the most expensive Lexus since the LFA supercar, with prices starting from more than £94,000.

The range starts with a seven-seat model, but opting for the flagship Takumi version reduces this to just four seats. With the latter, a gigantic 48-inch display screen is included for the rear passengers, along with massage seats and a 23-speaker Mark Levinson sound system.

A hybrid-assisted 250hp 2.5-litre petrol engine is the only powertrain available, although there is a choice between front- and all-wheel drive. In reality, the driving experience matters little, because the Lexus LM’s appeal is all about the supreme comfort of those travelling in the back.

Mercedes-Benz B-Class

The B-Class has been part of the Mercedes-Benz range since 2004, and is now into its third generation. Compared to the A-Class on which it is based, it tends to be somewhat forgotten about, but exists as a credible rival to the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer.

Think of the B-Class as an A-Class with a higher roof, creating much more headroom inside. Three adults can sit in comfort in the rear of this Mercedes MPV, although there is no seven-seat option. Luggage capacity is respectable, with 420 litres on offer.

Buyers can pick from a 1.3-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with mild-hybrid technology, or a 150hp 2.0-litre diesel. All versions of the B-Class come with the futuristic MBUX infotainment setup, including voice commands and artificial intelligence.

Mercedes-Benz V-Class

With a starting price of around £77,000, the Mercedes-Benz V-Class isn’t cheap. It’s also a bit long in the tooth, so why does it warrant a place on our list of the best MPVs?

Well, it has the potential to seat eight, which makes it more practical than most people carriers. Both the Long and Extra Long variants come with the option of seven or eight seats in Premium trim, with the fanciest Exclusive model limited to seven.

Either way, the V-Class is a spacious, upmarket and supremely practical MPV. The Mercedes-Benz badge sets it apart on the school run, plus there’s an electric EQV version. Just don’t be surprised if other parents ask you for a price of a quick dash to Gatwick.

We said: “The V-Class people carrier might be the least alluring member of the huge Mercedes-Benz range, but it’s also the most practical. Quite simply, the V-Class is big – and it’s clever, too.”

Read our Mercedes-Benz V-Class review

Peugeot e-Rifter

The e-Rifter is a Citroen e-Berlingo in a more conventional suit. Subjectively, it looks more stylish than its equally French sibling, while Peugeot’s ‘i-Cockpit’ dashboard design makes it feel more SUV-like inside. The small steering wheel is an acquired taste, though.

Rear sliding doors, a huge boot and lots of headroom give the e-Rifter several advantages over Peugeot’s range of SUVs, while the electric powertrain should deliver low running costs – albeit a rather limited driving range (172 miles in the official WLTP test).

The five-seat e-Rifter offers 775 litres of luggage space, which swells to 3,000 litres with the back seats folded flat. Need even more room? The extended-wheelbase version is 350mm longer and has seven seats, plus a whopping 4,000 litres for cargo with all the rear seats folded down.

Toyota Proace Verso EV

The Proace Verso shares many parts with the Peugeot e-Traveller, Vauxhall Vivaro-e Life and Citroen e-SpaceTourer. Although it was previously available with a 2.0-litre diesel engine, Toyota’s big MPV is now electric-only. You get the benefit of Toyota’s impressive warranty: up to 10 years and 100,000 miles.

You can opt for seven, eight or nine seats, while extras include leather trim and a panoramic sunroof. The electric motor gives an official range of up to 195 miles, while rapid charging from 10 to 80 percent requires 45 minutes.

Yes, it’s a ‘van with windows’, but the Proace Verso is a very comfortable – and appealingly under-the-radar – way to travel. Prices start from around £45,000 – less than half what you’d pay for a Mercedes-Benz EQV.

Volkswagen ID. Buzz

MPVs and ‘cool’ do not typically go together, but the retro-inspired Volkswagen ID. Buzz proves the exception to the rule. Teased via concept cars since 2001, the all-electric ID. Buzz finally debuted in 2022.

Aside from its nostalgic styling, the ID. Buzz offers a choice of two wheelbases, giving five, six or seven seats. Powertrain options include a sporty GTX model, and it has a battery range of up to 280 miles.

Be prepared to pay a premium to enjoy Volkswagen’s throwback special, though, with prices starting from beyond £60,000. Opting for the sportier GTX increases this to almost £70,000.

We said: ‘On looks alone, Volkswagen has created a hit. Oozing retro charm, especially with optional two-tone paintwork, the ID. Buzz generates an incredible amount of attention and goodwill on the road. Be prepared for questions in car parks, plus people wanting selfies with this modern classic-in-waiting.’

Read our Volkswagen ID. Buzz review

Volkswagen Multivan

It may look a little like a van with windows, but the Volkswagen Multivan actually shares its platform with the perennial Golf hatchback. Replacing both the Sharan and Caravelle, the Multivan sacrifices outright style in the pursuit of cavernous interior space.

There is a choice between Life or Style trim levels, along with two wheelbases and five, six or seven seats. Powertrain options include a diesel engine (remember them?), a 202hp turbocharged petrol and an efficient plug-in hybrid.

Adding too many options can make the Multivan very pricey. However, the entry-level Life version costs from just over £50,000, and offers all the equipment and space you will realistically need.

We said: ‘Look beyond the infotainment system and the price, and the Volkswagen Multivan is a brilliant reminder of why MPVs make so much sense. SUVs might be more fashionable, but the sliding doors of the Multivan are portals to a world of endless practicality.’

Read our Volkswagen Multivan review

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Most UK drivers still don’t know how to use fog lights

By

John Redfern

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October 28, 2025

0

The Highway Code says that front or rear fog lights must not be used unless visibility is seriously reduced

An overwhelming majority of British motorists are unaware of how to use their fog lights correctly.

Research conducted by eBay found that almost two thirds (60 percent) of drivers use their fog lights at the wrong times.

The Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) says that fog lights should only be switched on when visibility drops below 100 metres.

However, more than 13 percent of those surveyed said they would use fog lights when visibility was less than 300 metres, putting them at risk of a fine.

An illuminating issue

UK motorists also admit to being negligent when it comes to maintaining their car fog lights. Although 15 percent say they check them every month, a quarter (24 percent) admitted to never inspecting their lights.

The latter drivers prefer to leave it until the annual MOT test to find out if their car’s lights work properly.

Doing so could see drivers fined, should they be stopped by the police with faulty or non-functioning lights, with a potential cost of up to £1,000 (and three penalty points) for the most serious cases.

Being in the dark when it comes to lights is a more general problem, however. According to eBay’s research, almost half (48 percent) of UK drivers said they used full-beam headlights when it is dark, regardless of oncoming traffic.

Drivers risking MOT failure

A reluctance to get involved with vehicle maintenance was expressed by a fifth (20 percent) of those surveyed, who said they would feel uncomfortable sourcing replacement headlight bulbs.

This is despite the fact that, between June 2024 and June 2025, the DVSA recorded more than 4.3 million MOT failures relating to lights.

Some 31,000 MOT fails were down to issues relating to front or rear fog lights – a timely reminder to ensure these lamps are working.

Abir Tewari, UK director for parts and accessories at eBay, said: ”As the days get shorter, more motorists will be making journeys in the dark. It is important that all drivers know when to use the appropriate lights on their vehicle and how to keep them maintained.

“At eBay, we embrace the spirit of DIY, and our My Garage and Assured Fit functions help motorists of all skill levels carry out essential maintenance by identifying exactly the right parts for their vehicle.”

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Instavolt to build ‘revolutionary’ EV battery storage charger on M6 motorway

By

Richard Aucock

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October 27, 2025

0

Instavolt is stepping up its EV charger tech in the UK

EV charging network Instavolt has begun construction of a new battery storage system directly connected to its chargers at Corley services on the M6.

The new setup will store electricity on site and distribute it to the chargers on demand.

It means the grid connection can be smaller, and will provide consistent ultra-rapid charging even during periods of high demand.

Because it’s able to store and balance energy delivery, Instavolt can offer low-rate off-peak charging rates of 60p per kWh between 8pm and 7am.

Instavolt is also upgrading the chargers at Corley services from 62.5kW to 160kW ultra-rapid chargers. There will be eight chargers on the northbound site, and seven chargers on the southbound site.

The firm says it will subsequently roll out a further 12 batteries across its network, with North Wales and Eastbourne next in line to get the clever electricity storage solution.

“We’re the first to be able to provide this kind of battery storage system on a motorway network,” said Instavolt CEO Delvin Lane.

“This transformative project represents another important milestone for Instavolt and for the UK’s public charging infrastructure.”

He said the firm is demonstrating how smart energy management “can deliver reliable ultra-rapid charging while reducing pressure on the grid.

“It’s innovations like this that will help ensure EV charging remains scalable, sustainable and ready for the next wave of electric vehicles”.

Lane added that Instavolt currently has more than 2,200 EV chargers – which operate at 99 percent uptime and are powered by fully-renewable electricity.

“This development reflects our ongoing commitment to delivering a seamless and reliable EV charging experience for all drivers,” added operator of Corley services, Welcome Break CEO John Diviney.

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Hot Wheels models now cover the full 2025 Formula 1 grid

By

John Redfern

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October 27, 2025

0

Scuderia Ferrari and Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team are now part of the Hot Wheels diecast model line

The complete 2025 Formula 1 grid has now been captured by Hot Wheels in 1:64 scale die-cast form.

Earlier this year, Hot Wheels announced a new collaboration with Formula 1, which saw cars from eight of the 10 teams created as miniature models.

Both Scuderia Ferrari and the Aston Martin Formula 1 Team were notably absent from the range at launch, however.

However, fans of Sir Lewis Hamilton or Fernando Alonso can rest easy, as the two teams have now been added to the Hot Wheels grid.

Ferrari and Aston Martin ready to play

The announcement of Ferrari and Aston Martin joining the Hot Wheels F1 range was revealed at a special event during the 2025 Mexico City Grand Prix.

Famous Mexican driver Sergio Perez, who will return to racing next season for the fledgling Cadillac F1 Team, hosted the big reveal.

Hot Wheels expects the models representing all 10 teams, and 20 current Formula 1 drivers, to reach toy store shelves by December 2025.

Prices for each 1:64-scale model start at £2.30 in standard form. However, more detailed Premium models, featuring metal components, rubber tyres and driver helmets, will cost £10.99.

The F1 grid in the palm of your hand

“With the addition of Scuderia Ferrari HP and Aston Martin Aramco Formula 1 Team to the collection, fans of every team on the grid can now experience Formula 1 in a whole new way,” said Ted Wu, global head of vehicles at Mattel.

“Hot Wheels has always celebrated the most exciting vehicles in the world, and nothing is more thrilling than Formula 1. These die-cast cars put the speed, precision and excitement of Formula 1 racing right in the palm of fans’ hands.”

Emily Prazer, chief commercial officer for Formula 1, added: “Seeing the full 2025 Hot Wheels Formula 1 collection come together with all teams on the grid now represented is fantastic. Especially given the incredible attention to detail Hot Wheels delivers.”

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Do UK speed cameras still need painted road markings?

By

Motoring Research team

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October 27, 2025

2

Not all speed cameras use road markings – nor are they needed to prosecute for speeding.

More than 30 years have passed since Britain’s first-ever speed camera was installed on Twickenham bridge in London

The Gatso (short for Gatsometer) was the first fixed speed camera to gain official approval from the Home Office. Trials began in 1988, before they were pressed into use as enforcement devices from 1992. A Gatso camera uses radar to measure speed, then two static images of the passing vehicle for use when issuing a ticket.

Gatso speed cameras – officially called ‘safety cameras’ – were originally painted grey, but a change in the law stipulated that all cameras must be easily visible to drivers. In the early days, they also featured removable film, which had to be checked by operators. Digital versions that don’t rely on film arrived in 2007.

You’ll know if you’ve been caught by a Gatso, because a flash will illuminate the car and its number plate. Crucially, the photograph also captures the white calibration lines painted on the road.

Are road markings required?

There are two types of white lines – sometimes known as ‘dragon’s teeth’ – used for speed cameras. Some are painted in the centre of the lane, while others are found at the edges of the road. Some Gatso cameras have no road markings next to them, either because the camera housing is a dummy, or because the road has been resurfaced.

As this Freedom of Information (FOI) request highlights, ‘there is no laid down distance [for road markings] and [they] can vary by both area and site’.

If the speed camera is to be used within Section 20 of the Road Traffic Offenders Act, the lines or some other distance reference need to be present, so a secondary check can be carried out. The lines on the road are normally set at five feet, six feet, one metre or two metre intervals.

This is an important point, because Gatso speed cameras DO NOT require road markings for the speeding ticket to be enforceable. The lines are there to make it easier for safety camera partnerships to provide the necessary evidence. Using the lines is a more effective secondary check.

Alternatively, other fixed features can be used to assess the distance travelled by the vehicle between the two images in the evidence. An example could be the road markings in the centre of the road.

Slow down and stay safe

We contacted a road safety partnership for clarification. We were told: ‘If no lines are present an offence could still be prosecuted’.

The National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) guide for the operational use of speed and red-light offence detection technology sheds more light on the subject.

Section 16.2.2 of the guide states: ‘HOTA [Home Office Type Approved] unattended automatic devices will have a second independent method of checking the primary speed measurement. One such method offered by manufacturers is the taking of two photographs of the offending vehicle at a known time apart, which can be compared with the distance travelled within that time interval to drive at the speed of the vehicle. Only approved methods of secondary checks should be utilised.’

No markings for average speed cameras

Modern speed cameras do not rely on road markings to catch speeding motorists. Take the SPECS digital cameras (pictured above), which measure the average speed between two cameras. These are commonly found on A-roads, or to enforce temporary speed limits on motorways.

The fact is, speed cameras have never needed painted road markings, they were simply there for evidence and enforcement purposes. However, that’s not to say that the markings can’t be used by motorists who feel a speeding ticket has been issued unfairly.

If in doubt, don’t speed. If you see a camera, assume it is operational and that you will get caught if you speed past it. In all senses, the risk simply isn’t worth it.

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New Chery Tiggo 9: seven-seat hybrid SUV to cost £499 a month

By

John Redfern

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October 27, 2025

0

The Chery Tiggo 9 comes with a 428hp hybrid powertrain, and can cover over 90 miles on battery power alone

Chinese car manufacturer Chery has announced its latest launch for the UK: the flagship Tiggo 9 CSH.

The upmarket seven-seat Tiggo 9 will be aimed at popular family SUVs such as the Kia Sorento and Hyundai Santa Fe.

As the parent company of the Omoda and Jaecoo brands, Chery was the fourth-largest vehicle manufacturer in China last year.

The addition of the Tiggo 9 CSH to Chery’s UK lineup follows the launch of the smaller Tiggo 8 earlier in 2025.

Hybrid power for 650 miles of range

Powering the Tiggo 9 CSH is a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine, which is combined with an electric motor for total outputs of 428hp and 428lb ft of torque.

With a three-speed Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT), the all-wheel-drive Tiggo 9 CSH can accelerate from 0-62mph in 5.4 seconds.

A 34.7kWh battery pack gives the Tiggo 9 CSH the ability to cover 91 miles on electricity alone, and provides a combined petrol and electric range of more than 650 miles.

The Tiggo 9 can recharge its own battery or use DC rapid charging at speeds of up to 71kW. A 30 to 80 percent charge can be completed in 18 minutes.

Generous specification for Tiggo 9 CSH

Chery will offer the Tiggo 9 in range-topping Summit specification only for UK buyers.

Standard equipment for the Tiggo 9 CSH Summit includes heated and ventilated ‘eco-leather’ seats with a massage function for those in the front. The steering wheel is also heated, while the dual-zone climate control has an air purification function.

Multi-colour ambient lighting, a ‘pet mode’ for the ventilation system, a 540-degree surround-view parking camera, a panoramic sunroof and a power-operated tailgate are all part of Summit package, too.

Dominating the dashboard is a 15.6-inch central touchscreen, which sits alongside a 10.25-inch digital instrument panel. A head-up display is also included, along with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto phone connectivity.

Available to order now

Prices for the Chery Tiggo 9 CSH will start from £43,015. All Chery vehicles come with a seven-year or 100,000-mile warranty, supported by more than 25 dealerships throughout the country.

Chery will also offer a variety of finance deals, such as a 1.9 percent APR PCP package. With a £4,536.50 deposit, this would see customers pay £499 across a 48-month loan agreement.

These prices mean the Tiggo 9 will substantially undercut many of its plug-in hybrid SUV competitors.

Pre-orders can be placed through Chery’s website now, with the first customer deliveries expected in December 2025.

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Geely EX5 arrives in the UK with big savings

By

Richard Aucock

-

October 25, 2025

1

A package of deals makes the new Geely EX5 seem striking value alongside established rivals such as the Skoda Enayq

Geely Auto has arrived in the UK with a headline-grabbing package of deals for its first car: the Geely EX5 electric SUV.

Priced from £31,990, the launch package includes a Geely EV Grant, a subsidised home wall box charger and even a £1,000 scrappage incentive for those trading in an old petrol or diesel car.

The Geely electric vehicle grant is available on all three versions of the Geely EX5, the SE, Pro and Max.

The Geely EV Grant reduces the price of a top-spec Max model to £32,240 – just £250 more than the standard price of the base-spec Geely EX5 SE.

Geely EV Grant

Model	Price	Geely EV Grant	Post-grant price
Geely EX5 SE	£31,990	£2,300	£29,690
Geely EX5 Pro	£33,990	£3,200	£30,790
Geely EX5 Max	£36,990	£3,750	£32,240

Tempting finance deals will be available from launch too, including a four-year PCP with 10 percent deposit and an APR of 3.9 percent.

With a £3,500 deposit, the Geely EX5 SE is available for £339 a month – and the top-spec Max is only £50 a month more, at £389 a month. All new Geely vehicles come with an eight-year, 125,000-mile warranty.

The Geely EX5 is a Skoda Enyaq-sized electric SUV with a 267-mile range and enough power to deliver a 0-62mph time of 6.9 seconds.

Motoring Research will be driving the new Geely EV5 for the first time in the UK soon.

At the Geely London launch

The Geely brand launched in London this week at a headline event held on the Greenwich peninsula. Many Geely executives were in attendance, including vice president of Geely Auto International, Moe Wang.

Geely is the international conglomerate that also owns Volvo, Polestar and Lotus, along with the LEVC London taxi firm.

General manager at Geely UK, Michael Yang, said the brand already has 25 car dealers open and ready to take orders, with 25 more set to open by the end of the year.

Geely will have 100 UK dealers in operation by the end of 2026. Within three years, it has an ambition to be selling 100,000 cars in the UK.

This would potentially make the Geely brand as big as Ford in the UK market.

“Geely Auto is here to stay,” said Michael Yang. “We are not just launching a car, but a new benchmark in value.”

While the Geely EX5 is the launch vehicle, it will be followed in quick succession by many more models, both EVs and petrol-powered hybrids.

Geely plans to introduce 10 new cars in the UK within the next three years.

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Prices announced for new 2026 Mercedes-Benz GLC electric SUV

By

John Redfern

-

October 25, 2025

0

All launch versions of the electric Mercedes-Benz GLC 400 4Matic have a battery range of up to 406 miles

The new electric version of the Mercedes-Benz GLC SUV is now available to order in the UK, with prices starting from £60,350.

Revealed earlier this year at the Munich Motor Show, the battery-electric GLC shares nothing but a name with its combustion-powered relative.

While the regular GLC has become one of the world’s best-selling Mercedes-Benz models, the now-discontinued EQC EV failed to achieve the same level of success.

Mercedes-Benz has higher expectations for its newly rebranded ‘GLC with EQ Technology’, which is the first in a new family of vehicles from the German marque.

Air suspension adjusted via the cloud

At launch, the GLC will come solely in 400 4Matic specification, with four-wheel drive via an electric motor on each axle. With a combined output of 489hp, the GLC 400 4Matic can accelerate from 0-62mph in 4.3 seconds, and reach a top speed of 130mph.

The 94kWh battery offers an official range of up to 406 miles, making for a vast improvement over the old EQC. It is also compatible with charging speeds of up to 330kW.

Air suspension is available on the options list as part of the Refinement Package, which also includes rear-wheel steering.

Cloud-based Car-to-X communication allows the air suspension to learn from other Mercedes-Benz vehicles, then to automatically adjust the car’s damping based on feedback. Drivers can also lower and raise the ride height using voice commands.

First deliveries due in 2026

Mercedes-Benz will offer five trim levels in the UK, starting with Sport and progressing through AMG Line, AMG Line Premium, AMG Line Premium Plus and Premier Edition.

All cars come with noise-insulating glass, heated seats, dual-zone climate control, wireless smartphone charging, parking assistance and a reversing camera.

Higher-spec models gain flush-fitting door handles, a Burmester 3D sound system and seats with a massage function. The gigantic 39.1-inch MBUX Hyperscreen infotainment display is standard on AMG Line Premium models upwards.

Orders for the new GLC can be placed with dealerships now, or online via the Mercedes-Benz website.

The first deliveries of completed cars to UK customers are expected in the middle of 2026.

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New Toyota bZ4X prices now start from under £40k

By

John Redfern

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October 23, 2025

0

UK prices for the Toyota bZ4X will begin from £39,995, with first deliveries due in January 2026

Toyota has confirmed UK prices and specifications for the updated 2026 bZ4X electric SUV.

First launched in 2022, the bZ4X was the first fully electric car sold by the Japanese marque.

From the outset, questions were asked about the bZ4X’s battery range, including by Motoring Research’s Richard Aucock.

However, revisions for the 2026 model should extend the bZ4X’s previously disappointing range, and provide a host of other improvements.

Longer range for top bZ4X

The updated Toyota bZ4X will be available with a choice of two batteries, allowing customers to choose between 57.7kWh and 73.1kWh capacities.

Front-wheel drive will remain standard across all three trim levels of the SUV, but the range-topping Excel is also offered with all-wheel drive.

Opting for the larger battery pack means the bZ4X is capable of 352 miles when fully charged. This makes for a noticeable improvement over the 317-mile maximum range of the current model.

Excel versions also come with a 22kW built-in AC charger, helping to reduce charging times. A battery pre-conditioning function is included on all models, too.

Order from November 2025

The bZ4X range opens with the £39,995 Icon, which is only available with the smaller 57.7kWh battery. Standard equipment now includes two wireless smartphone chargers, a larger 14.0-inch infotainment screen, ambient cabin lighting and piano black trim for the wheelarches.

Design specification adds the larger 73.1kWh battery, a 360-degree surround-view camera, puddle lights and an integrated windscreen de-icer. It costs from £45,795.

Top-spec Excel starts at £48,995, with 20-inch alloy wheels, ventilated power-adjustable front seats, heated rear seats, a digital rear-view mirror and synthetic leather upholstery all included.

Orders for the revised Toyota bZ4X can be placed from 3 November 2025. Deliveries of the first cars are expected in January 2026.

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How to use the emergency refuge areas on smart motorways

By

Motoring Research team

-

October 23, 2025

0

Emergency refuge areas provide a safe haven for stranded vehicles on a smart motorway. Located on stretches of UK motorways where there is no hard shoulder – or where the hard shoulder is sometimes opened as a live lane – emergency refuge areas look similar to a layby.

They are usually signposted and highlighted with bright orange tarmac (see the photo above). Emergency refuge areas are only meant to be used in an emergency, such as a puncture or breakdown.

A survey of 2,000 drivers by the RAC found only 1.5 percent had ever used an emergency refuge area. However, looking out for them could prevent an accident if your car develops a problem on the motorway and you need to stop.

Make contact you re-join the motorway

Do you know how to use emergency refuge areas on smart motorways?

If the hard shoulder is operating as a running lane, you should contact Highways England before leaving the refuge area to rejoin the motorway.

Didn’t know this? You’re not alone: just one respondent in the RAC’s survey did. “It is essential that motorists understand how and when to use an emergency refuge area so they do not put their own safety and that of other road users at risk,” said the RAC’s former chief engineer, David Bizley.

“Vehicles should pull up to the indicated mark on the tarmac or the emergency telephone and then the occupants should leave the vehicle from the passenger side. Everyone should stand behind the barriers and should use the emergency roadside telephone provided to speak to a Highways England representative.”

What is a smart motorway?

A busy highway with heavy traffic, multiple vehicles, and a congestion warning sign. Overhead gantries display speed limits. Trees line the background.

There are 375 miles of smart motorway across the UK, including the M25 and sections of the M6 and M1.

Traffic flow is controlled using variable speed limits displayed in red circles on the overhead gantries. Cameras monitor the motorways and lanes can be closed remotely if required – if a vehicle breaks down, for example.

Emergency refuge areas are located on smart motorways and should be positioned every 1.5 miles, with an emergency roadside phone available to request assistance.

Smart motorways allow the hard shoulder to be opened as a live lane during busy periods to ease congestion. However, after a number of fatalities, expansion of the UK’s smart motorway network was halted in 2022. Then-prime minister Rishi Sunak cited a lack of public confidence in smart motorways as one reason for his decision.

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