This Week in the Auto Industry (Nov. 3-7)

More Charging Options for Lexus RZ Owners

The 2026 Lexus RZ goes on sale this month with more power, faster charging, and smarter Apple Maps EV routing. New buyers get access to 25,000+ Tesla Superchargers with Plug & Charge capability. Even better: current RZ owners (2023-2025) can get a free NACS adapter for expanded charging access, too. 

Bentley Shares More on Its First EV

Bentley's first fully electric SUV has entered pre-series production ahead of a 2026 reveal and 2027 deliveries. The automaker says charging from 0-100 will take under seven minutes. In the same press release, however, Bentley mentioned it's slowing the transition to an all-EV lineup, saying they're keeping plug-in hybrids in the lineup until at least 2035 and adding more high-performance gas engines, including a new limited-run ICE model due by year-end. 

Waymo's Robotaxis Launch in Three New Cities

While an exact date hasn't been set, Waymo said it plans to launch its robotaxis services in three new cities: San Diego, Las Vegas, and Detroit.

Polestar 4 Gets New Google Maps Feature

Owners of the new Polestar 4 will now get live lane guidance from Google Maps. Using the car's front camera and Google's AI, the system will provide the driver with audio and visual clues about merging lanes in real time, like when your exit is approaching and you're still three lanes over. Google says it plans to roll out this feature to more cars as it partners with other automakers. Reviews from the automaker's Montreal drive event also dropped this week, including Telemetry's Sam Abuelsamid's experience driving it. 

Ram to Launch its First SUV in 2028

Ram CEO Antonio Filosa confirmed the brand will bring its first SUV to market in 2028. It's expected to have gas-only options as well as an extended-range EV powertrain, like the one in the new Jeep Grand Wagoneer. This is the first non-truck or van the company has produced in the 16 years since it split from Dodge. 

Honda Is Working on a New V6

Honda shared early details about next-generation hybrid tech coming to the U.S. in the second half of the 2020s, including a new modular platform that reduces weight and improves handling. Additionally, a new hybrid system with a V6 engine is in the works, targeting more power, higher towing capacity, and up to 30% better fuel efficiency than today's gas models. 

BMW Updates the i4 With More Range

BMW is replacing the i4 M50 with a new M60 model that delivers up to 57 more horsepower in Sport mode. Plus, the base eDrive40 now offers an estimated 333 miles of range, which is up 15 miles. Despite these adjustments, the MSRP is staying the same as last year, with a starting price of $57,900. 

This week, we can see that electrification is moving forward, but with more nuance. Some automakers are hedging the full transition with plug-in hybrids, while others are improving the usability of current EVs with stronger charger access, smarter software, and extended-range tech.