AUDI’S new A5 entry grade and S5 flagship models arrive this month ahead of an expanding range it says will include identically priced petrol- and plug-in hybrid electric variants from later this year offering customers price parity on ICE and PHEV powered models with comparable equipment levels.

The Omoda 9 SHS (Super Hybrid System) large SUV arrives this month the plug-in hybrid offering said to deliver up to 1100km (NEDC) of total driving range – 169km of that possible on electric power alone. Power is from the combination of a turbocharged 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and three electric motors – two at the front and one at the rear.

Mercedes-Benz now offer a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version of its GLA small premium SUV claimed to offer up to 65km (WLTP) electric only range. The driveline is a “sophisticated” hybrid cranking up to 160kW/450Nm with handy all-electric commuting capabilities thanks to its 11.5kWh lithium-ion battery. Petrol power remains for longer journeys.

Sharp driveaway pricing marks the arrival of the Mahindra compact three-cylinder petrol SUV. Offered as standard are dual 10.25-inch screens, cloth upholstery, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, six-speaker sound, 16-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone climate control, keyless entry and ignition, dusk-sensing headlights, sunroof.

Range wide upgrades are introduced on the third-generation Lexus LX with broad equipment and tech changes and the introduction of an “adventure ready” Overtrail grade – familiar to the smaller GX range – offering what the luxury Japanese importer says is “exceptional ground-covering ability … over rough terrain”.

Two high spec’ Rubicon hard-core variants now available in two-door and four-door (Unlimited) configuration gains new colour choices and turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with 200kW/400Nm Jeep claiming the model “remains the benchmark for off-road SUVs, with no compromises on spec”.

Wrangler-based V6 petrol Gladiator four-wheel drive ute scores styling updates including a new-look grille, alloy wheels, and body-colour “fender” flares alongside changes to the equipment list across the board. Single Rubicon grade only the model now includes side curtain airbags, a rear seat reminder, auto high beam headlights and other upgrades.

Turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol drivetrain cut is from the Kona range meaning no all-wheel drive offering leaving front-wheel drive aspirated 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol and hybridised 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol only. Minor changes to wheels, upholstery, front seats, gear selector, rear glass, and wipers among others, accompanied by a small price increase.

Hyundai has crowned its Australian Ioniq battery electric vehicle (BEV) range with the Ioniq 9, a three-row large SUV that delivers 600km of claimed driving range and “lounge-like” comfort from $119,750 before on-road costs. It’s available in a single, fully equipped Calligraphy grade with six- and seven-seat layout options and is powered by an 110.3kWh battery pack.

Two variants of the updated Audi RS Q8 super SUV arrive in August with a return of a standard RS variant alongside the range-topping RS Performance which thanks to a 4.0-litre twin turbo petrol V8 engine with 471kW/850Nm output has lapped the Nürburgring Nordschleife two seconds faster than Porsche’s similar and more expensive Cayenne Turbo GT.

Audi’s most powerful production vehicle to date has landed Down Under, the facelifted, technologically overhauled and all-electric E-Tron GT four-door coupe dishing out as much as 680kW and 1027Nm in its top trim level while still undercutting former four-ringed halo – the R8 Performance – by almost a hundred grand.

The Tayron replaces Volkswagen’s Tiguan Allspace SUV in five- or seven-seat configuration. The range begins with the 110TSI Life and steps up through 150TSI Elegance and sporty 195TSI R-Line grades, with each variant offering its own unique styling details, equipment levels, and in the case of the R-Line, Golf GTI-sourced performance.