30/08/2026

theSunday Special XVI ON SUNDAY AUG 30, 2026 Merc C-Class gets tech-heavy makeover

Volvo EX90 gains serious power, faster charging VOLVO Car Malaysia has confirmed that the updated 2026 Volvo EX90 will arrive in Malaysia soon, bringing a major upgrade to its electrical archi tecture, performance and onboard computing. The biggest change is the switch from the current model’s 400-volt system to an 800-volt architecture. For Malaysia, Volvo has confirmed a Twin Motor all-wheel-drive version producing 680PS and 870Nm, with 0 100kPh taking just 4.2 seconds. The new electrical system also sig nificantly improves charging perform ance. Overseas versions can accept up to 350kW DC, compared with 250kW for the current Malaysian EX90. Volvo says up to 250km of range can be added in 10 minutes under suitable conditions, while a 10-80% charge takes around 22 minutes. The 800V system also generates less heat during charging and allows thinner wiring, helping reduce mate rial use and weight while improving efficiency. The EX90’s computing power has also taken a major leap. The updated model uses dual NVIDIA Drive AGX Orin processors, delivering around 500 TOPS of computing performance. The additional processing power supports new and improved safety and driver assistance features deliv ered through software updates. These include connected alerts for slippery roads, hazards and accidents ahead, enhanced automatic emer gency steering in darkness and improved parking assistance. Emergency Stop Assist can also bring the vehicle to a controlled stop if the driver fails to respond to warnings, while automatic emergency calling is available in supported markets. Volvo Car Malaysia has yet to con firm the final local specification, including battery capacity, driving range and pricing. It has also not revealed whether the updated EX90 will continue to be imported or even tually be assembled locally. Registrations of interest are already open, with the first 100 customers to place an order set to receive special early-bird rewards. Details of the rewards have not yet been announced. For comparison, the current EX90 Twin Motor Performance Ultra is priced at RM442,888 in Malaysia. It uses a 111kWh battery, produces 517PS and 910Nm, offers up to 623km of WLTP range and supports DC charging at up to 250kW. The updated EX90 therefore brings more power, faster charging and sig nificantly greater computing capabil ity, although the final Malaysian speci fications will determine how much of the overseas upgrade makes it here.

100km of WLTP electric range, with charging at up to 11kW AC and 55kW DC. The chassis has also been retuned,

grat ing Cha tGPT , Microsoft

HYUNDAI has unveiled the all-new fifth-generation Tucson in South Korea, giving its popular C-segment SUV a larger body, more rugged styling and a completely redesigned cabin. The reveal is limited to design for now, with Hyundai yet to disclose powertrain specifications, pricing or detailed equipment. More information is expected closer to its market launch. The new Tucson adopts Hyundai’s latest “Art of Steel” design language, moving away from the angular Parametric Dynamics styling of the outgoing model in favour of a more upright and muscular appearance. Up front, vertical H-edge daytime running lights flank a slim horizontal centre light, which uses indirect illu mination to conceal the light source and emphasise the three-dimensional design of the front end. The more pronounced look contin ues along the sides, with larger fender and rear-door volumes linked by a strong horizontal character line. At the rear, the SUV gets three dimensional prism-style tail lamps, a slim full-width centre light, vertical combination lamps and a larger bumper with a skid plate. It is not just the styling that has grown. The new Tucson measures 4,700mm long, 1,905mm wide and 1,685mm tall, with a 2,785mm wheel base. That makes it 60mm longer and 40mm wider, while the wheelbase has increased by 30mm compared with W206 FACELIFT brings a bolder face, smarter software, electrified engines and more advanced driver assistance Mercedes-Benz has unveiled the face lifted W206 C-Class, five years after the current generation debuted, with sharper styling, upgraded electrified engines and a major technology overhaul. The most obvious changes are at the front, where the C-Class gets a larger illu minated grille featuring a Mercedes-Benz star pattern. New headlights feature star shaped daytime running lights, while the saloon gains matching graphics in its tail lights. AMG Line models receive sportier bumpers, while a new AMG Line Plus package adds black exterior detailing, a rear spoiler, sports seats, red stitching and red seatbelts. Inside, the C-Class retains its 12.3-inch digital instrument display and 11.9-inch portrait infotainment screen, but the tech nology underneath has been significantly upgraded. The latest-generation MBUX runs on Mercedes-Benz’s MB.OS operating sys tem, with the MBUX Virtual Assistant inte

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and Gemini. Navigation is now based on Google Maps. The steering wheel has also been revised, replacing touch-sensitive con trols with physical rocker switches for cruise control and Distronic, along with a roller for volume adjustment. Under the bonnet, the petrol range gets an updated M254 Evo 2.0-litre turbo charged four-cylinder engine with a new electric auxiliary compressor designed to reduce turbo lag. The C200 produces 177PS, followed by the C250 with 218PS and 320Nm, while the C300 remains the most powerful con ventional petrol variant with 258PS and 400Nm. All are paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Mercedes-Benz’s technical data lists the C200 at 250Nm, although its press release quotes 270Nm. Plug-in hybrid variants continue, including the C400 e 4Matic, which pro duces a combined 395PS and 650Nm. Its 19.53kWh usable battery provides up to Google

with stiffer mounting points and revised adjustable damping aimed at improving body control without compromising comfort. Rear-wheel steering remains available, turning the rear wheels by up to 2.5° and reducing the turning circle by 43cm to 10.64m. Driver assistance gets a major upgrade through the latest MB.Drive suite. Depending on specification, it can per form automatic lane changes, assist when approaching stop signs and red lights, and automatically retrace part of a previously driven route when reversing. Mercedes-Benz says the more advanced MB.Drive Assist Pro will even tually enable highly automated point-to point driving in urban traffic, although it will initially launch in China. The facelifted C-Class Saloon and Estate will open for orders in Germany from Aug 18. Malaysian availability has yet

to be announced. Bigger, bolder Tucson Fifth-generation SUV more upright, gains cabin space and gets a tougher XRT variant

The XRT gets a rectangular grille, larger skid plates, black wheel-arch cladding with a forged carbon inspired pattern, unique wheels and dedicated badging. Inside, it features exclusive seat patterns, dark metal trim and additional floor protection. Hyundai has yet to reveal which powertrains will be offered, while the timing of the Tucson’s arrival in Malaysia remains unknown. For reference, the current Malaysian model is available with 2.0 litre naturally aspirated petrol, 1.6 litre turbocharged petrol and 1.6-litre turbo hybrid powertrains. Prices currently start from RM143,888 and rise to RM197,888 for the 1.6T Hybrid Prestige, with all prices on the road without insurance and excluding ongoing promotions.

the outgoing Korean-market model. The extra dimensions also bring greater practicality. Rear headroom increases by 29mm to 1,031mm, while the rear doors now open to 83°, up from 73°, making access easier. Inside, Hyundai has adopted a more horizontal dashboard design centred around a large display, accompanied by a slimmer driver information screen and a new double-D-cut steer ing wheel. There are also several practical touches, including a hidden tray beneath the palm rest, a card holder beside the driver’s air vent and two wireless charging pads that can charge smartphones simultaneously. For buyers seeking something tougher, Hyundai has also revealed an XRT variant.