BYD’s most affordable EV is about to get a ‘big’ sibling

If the IONIQ 5 isn’t big enough, Hyundai is preparing to introduce the IONIQ 7, set to fill the gap between the IONIQ 5 and IONIQ 9. While the IONIQ 9 was set to fill the spot, initially called the “SEVEN” Concept, Hyundai decided the three-row SUV was a better fit as its flagship model, like the Kia EV9.

The Seagull is BYD’s most affordable EV, starting at about $10,000 in China. In Europe, the UK, and other markets, it’s sold as the Dolphin Surf or Mini, but BYD is preparing to launch a larger variant that may be an even “bigger” hit. more…

Tom started his career as a daily newspaper reporter in metro Detroit and after a decade changed course to cover cars, spending the next 25 years at Wards Automotive doing test drives, technology and supplier coverage, editing WardsAuto World magazine and managing the Wards 10 Best competitions for powertrains, then interiors, then the user experience. He became executive editor at Autoweek in 2022 and joined Valnet in 2025. At CarBuzz, he's returned to his roots: a reporter seeking out news and trends and telling stories, but with more experience. Tom's wife has been putting up with him since 1990, and they have two adult children. He runs half-marathons and plays guitar in a rock band with other Detroit auto writers, called the Exhaust Tones. When the Lexus NX compact crossover came to the US in 2014, many critics found the hourglass-shaped "spindle grille" far too aggressive, some suggesting that it resembled the angry Predator face from the sci-fi thriller. The redesigned Lexus RX also got the same controversial grille treatment. But Lexus got the last laugh, because the RX and NX have consistently been the brand's bestsellers for years.

LexusThe NX powertrain lineup is hybrid-only for 2027. LexusThe NX350h is a traditional gas-electric hybrid and makes 244 horsepower. Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowLexusThe NX450h+ is a plug-in hybrid, and it’s good for 324 horsepower. LexusBoth Lexus models have a restyled front fascia and new headlamps. Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowLexusIn profile, the car looks hardly changed. LexusKeep scrolling to see more pictures of the 2027 Lexus NX. Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowLexusLexusAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowLexusLexusAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowLexusLexusAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowLexusLexusAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowLexusLexusAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowLexusLexusAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowLexusLexusFor Sale Near YouSee all results for near 13565

Olfactory elements don’t typically headline a new-car introduction, but that’s the case for the 2027 Lexus NX. Five years after the arrival of the second-gen NX—currently the brand’s second-best seller—Lexus has treated it to an update that goes beyond the usual facelift, although many of the changes are hard to spot. Perhaps that’s why, at the new model’s introduction, Lexus started by showing off the new Sensory Concierge system. With Sensory Concierge, Lexus follows Mercedes, Lincoln, and others down the path of the car as a wellness spa. Making its debut in the NX, but sure to spread to other Lexus models, this is a fragrance atomizer that can coordinate with music and ambient lighting. There are three moods: Inspire, Radiance, and Revitalize. All combine a perfume diffuser, music, specific ambient lighting, and a signature visual animation on the center display (those animations stop if you shift out of Park); some of the themes also open or close the sunroof shade and alter the climate control settings. The system is initiated via the touchscreen, and doing so requires a bit of a dive: Settings, then Vehicle, then Sensory Concierge.

LexusThere 2027 Lexus NX’s refresh includes a new dashboard and a redesigned center console. LexusThis bright red interior is exclusive to the F Sport. Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowLexusA digital instrument cluster is standard. LexusThe new steering wheel is slightly smaller than the old one. Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowLexusA 14.0-inch touchscreen is standard on all trim levels. LexusA row of buttons is integrated into the dash trim. Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowLexusWireless phone charging is standard throughout the line. LexusThe shifter has been redesigned. Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowLexusKeep scrolling to see more pictures from inside the 2027 Lexus NX. LexusAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowLexusLexusAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowLexusLexusAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowLexusLexusAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowLexusLexusAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowLexusLexusFor Sale Near YouSee all results for near 050000