This season the luxury automotive world was abuzz with innovation, controversy, and strategic shifts. Here’s a curated journey through the top 20 stories that defined the last three months:
Jaguar’s Bold Rebrand Sparks Debate: Jaguar unveiled a new, softer golden double ‘J’ logo, signaling its transition to an all-electric lineup by 2026. The rebrand, aimed at attracting a younger audience, faced criticism from figures like Nigel Farage and Elon Musk, yet Jaguar’s leadership remains optimistic about the change.
Porsche’s Recall Raises Eyebrows: A recall of the £192,000 Porsche 911 Turbo S due to a defect that could cause wheels to detach left owners disgruntled. One customer, provided with a £60,000 Mercedes as a replacement, refused to drive it, highlighting the challenges luxury brands face in maintaining customer satisfaction during recalls.
Classic Plymouth Barracuda Hits Auction Block: A 1973 Plymouth Barracuda, signed by F1 racer Lando Norris, went up for auction, captivating collectors. The car’s pristine condition and unique signature underscore the enduring allure of classic muscle cars in the luxury market.
UK Car Finance Crisis Looms: A legal battle over undisclosed commissions in car financing threatens to cost UK banks up to £30 billion. The Court of Appeal’s ruling in favor of claimants has sent shockwaves through the financial sector, highlighting the need for transparency in luxury car financing.
Jaguar’s ‘Woke’ Ad Campaign Faces Backlash: Jaguar’s latest advertisement, featuring models in futuristic attire without showcasing any cars, faced criticism for being overly ‘woke.’ The campaign’s reception underscores the delicate balance luxury brands must strike in modern marketing.
Jaguar Halts New Vehicle Sales in the UK: In a historic move, Jaguar ceased selling new vehicles in the UK as it transitions to an all-electric lineup by 2026. This pause marks the first time since WWII that Jaguars aren’t available for new purchase in their home country.
Bentley Delays Full Electrification: Bentley announced a five-year delay in its plan to become fully electric, now aiming for 2035. The decision reflects a reassessment of customer demand and the broader industry’s cautious approach to electrification.
Aston Martin’s Electric Ambitions with Lucid Motors: Aston Martin partnered with Lucid Motors to develop its future electric vehicles, leveraging Lucid’s advanced technology to enhance its electrification strategy.
Cadillac’s Hand-Built Celestiq Debuts: Cadillac introduced the Celestiq, a hand-built luxury EV featuring a smart glass roof and dashboard-wide touchscreen. This bespoke approach marks Cadillac’s return to ultra-luxury craftsmanship.
Rolls-Royce’s Spectre EV Sets New Standards: Rolls-Royce’s first all-electric vehicle, the Spectre, debuted with plans to transition to an all-electric lineup by 2030, setting a new benchmark in luxury EVs.
Mercedes-Benz’s EQS SUV Gains Traction: The Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV garnered attention for its blend of luxury and electric performance, solidifying the brand’s position in the luxury EV market.
BMW’s i7 Showcases Luxury and Innovation: BMW’s i7 sedan combined opulent interiors with cutting-edge electric technology, appealing to traditional luxury buyers and tech enthusiasts alike.
Lamborghini’s Revuelto Hybrid Supercar Launches: Lamborghini introduced the Revuelto, a hybrid supercar blending V12 power with electric assistance, marking the brand’s first step toward electrification.
Ferrari’s Purosangue SUV Enters Production: Ferrari’s first SUV, the Purosangue, began production, merging performance with practicality and expanding the brand’s appeal.
Maserati’s Grecale Folgore EV Unveiled: Maserati revealed the Grecale Folgore, its first electric SUV, signaling the brand’s commitment to electrification while maintaining Italian luxury.
Audi’s Grandsphere Concept Hints at Future Luxury: Audi showcased the Grandsphere concept, an autonomous luxury sedan offering a glimpse into the brand’s vision for future mobility.
Tesla’s Model S Plaid Challenges Luxury Norms: Tesla’s Model S Plaid continued to disrupt the luxury market with its unparalleled acceleration and tech-forward approach, challenging traditional luxury brands.
Lucid Air Sapphire Sets Performance Records: Lucid Motors’ Air Sapphire edition set new performance benchmarks for electric sedans, combining luxury with record-breaking speed.
2025 Genesis GV80 Coupe Concept Revealed: Genesis unveiled the GV80 Coupe concept, blending sporty design with luxury features, hinting at future production models.
McLaren’s Artura Hybrid Faces Production Delays: McLaren’s Artura hybrid supercar faced production delays due to supply chain issues, highlighting challenges in the luxury automotive sector.