Today’s Auto Brief: Electric M3 Naming Drama, Range Rover Sport Goes EV, Ferrari’s Big Bet, and a Tundra Recall

I’ve got a coffee ring on my notebook and a week’s worth of EV torque swirling in my head. Today’s feed swings from Bavaria to Maranello, with a detour through UK tax policy and an ill-advised 130-mph motorcycle sprint. Let’s get into it.

Performance Goes Plug-In

BMW’s Electric M3 won’t be called “iM3”

According to CarExpert, BMW has confirmed the electric M3 will not wear the “iM3” badge. Good. The M3 name carries decades of sweat and tire smoke—no need to bolt an “i” to it like a name tag at a tech conference.

What does that tell us? BMW wants continuity. Expect a car that behaves like an M3 first and an EV second. The current G80 is a bruiser, but that lovely M steering feel is the brand’s true north. The electric car will need to nail that—especially the brake feel and weight management—or track-day folks will sniff it out in two laps.

• Brand takeaway: Keep the badge, keep the heritage.
• What I’ll be watching: Steering feedback, brake-by-wire tuning, and heat management on repeated hot laps.
• Early hunch: Wildly fast (EVs do that), but the magic will be in how it balances pace with precision.

Range Rover Sport is going electric: first look

Motor1 had the first look at the upcoming Range Rover Sport EV. I’ve put thousands of miles on the last two generations through rain, ruts, and the sort of gravel roads you only find when your map app loses signal. The Sport’s trick has always been its dual personality: gym-body stance with surprisingly supple ride quality.

Electrifying it raises a few big questions the brand will have to answer.

• Ride and weight: EVs are heavy; Range Rover’s air suspension will need to earn its keep.
• Off-road credibility: Quiet torque is great on a climb; the packaging of batteries and underbody protection is the homework.
• Charging and range: No numbers yet, but ski-weekend range and fast-charge consistency are make-or-break in this segment.

If Land Rover can keep that “quiet lounge on stilts” vibe while delivering the instant shove EVs are known for, the Sport EV could be one of those cars that makes silence feel decadent.

Value and Emerging Players: Jaecoo J5 Hybrid and a Better Freelander Cabin

Jaecoo J5 Hybrid pricing rounds out the small SUV lineup

CarExpert says the 2026 Jaecoo J5 Hybrid has its prices set, completing the brand’s small SUV range and squaring up against the Chery Tiggo 4 Hybrid. That’s interesting not just because of the spec-sheet duel, but because this slice of the market is where real-world buyers live: school runs, long commutes, a fortnightly big-box run.

• What shoppers will care about: seamless engine-to-motor handoffs, honest fuel savings in traffic, and a cabin that doesn’t squeak by year three.
• Nice-to-haves: A proper spare tire, smart storage for charging cables, and a heat pump if winters get nippy where you live.

I haven’t driven the J5 yet, but if the throttle mapping is smooth and the cabin feels upmarket for the money, it’ll land right in the “why pay more?” conversation.

Freelander interiors: from plasticky to plush

Carscoops highlighted how the new Freelander 8 interior moves well past the cheap-feeling cabins of old. As someone who distinctly remembers the “spray bottle” sheen of early-2000s plastics, this is welcome news. The revived Freelander badge—now part of a fresh, China-focused effort—seems determined to shed the bargain-basement stigma.

• Material uplift: Softer touchpoints and tighter panel gaps make a daily difference.
• Tech expectation: Clean UI and snappy response matter more than raw screen inches.

Supercar Corner: Ferrari’s Million-Dollar Spider Play

CarExpert reports Ferrari expects the 849 Testarossa Spider—yes, roughly a million-dollar proposition—to outsell its coupe counterpart. Does that surprise anyone? Not really. Ferrari’s clientele loves the roof-down theater, the boulevard charisma, the extra sense of occasion. Coupes are cool; Spiders are statements.

Collectors also love a rarity curve. If the Spider production is constrained, the chase gets hotter. The coupe might be the purist’s pick, but in this bracket, lifestyle often wins.

Policy and Safety

UK “eVED” change could sideline lower-paid workers from EV salary sacrifice

Autocar reports that a new eVED move in the UK could block lower-paid workers from accessing EVs via salary-sacrifice schemes. If accurate, that’s a blow to one of the most effective on-ramps to EV adoption. The policy intent and the uptake reality are about to have a difficult conversation.

• If you’re in the UK: Speak to HR/payroll now—eligibility could hinge on how deductions interact with minimum-wage thresholds and benefits-in-kind.
• Market impact: Fewer entry-level and mid-income EV deals means slower mainstream penetration.

CHP nabs a 130-mph rider who forgot to look up

From Carscoops: a motorcyclist tried to ditch the California Highway Patrol at about 130 mph. The chase ended when the eye in the sky—CHP aircraft—did what fast bikes can’t outrun. As someone who’s done his fair share of early-morning canyon runs, here’s the PSA: speed belongs on track days. On public roads, there are too many variables. The helicopter always wins.

Recall Radar: Toyota Tundra

CarExpert flags a recall for the Toyota Tundra. Details vary by market and build, so don’t guess—check. If you own a Tundra, grab your VIN and contact your dealer.

• How to handle it: Verify the VIN, book the fix, and ask if a loaner is available.
• What to expect: Most recalls are inspection-and-repair jobs; time depends on parts and dealership load.

For a truck that’s often a workhorse, downtime planning matters. If you tow or haul for a living, schedule smartly.

Quick Compare: This Week’s Electrified Headliners

Closing Thoughts

The EV wave keeps moving upscale—M3, Range Rover Sport—while value brands sharpen their small-SUV game. Ferrari, ever Ferrari, knows the sun sells Spiders. Policy might pump the brakes on some UK EV uptake, and the recall drumbeat reminds us: keep your VIN handy. As always, I’ll chase the specs and the seat-of-the-pants feel—because in the end, the way a car makes you feel still matters more than the wattage.

FAQ

• What will BMW call the electric M3?
  CarExpert reports it won’t be “iM3.” Expect it to carry the M3 name, with final badging still to be confirmed.
• When can I buy the Range Rover Sport EV?
  Motor1’s first look signals it’s coming, but timelines, range, and pricing haven’t been detailed yet.
• How much is the Ferrari 849 Testarossa Spider?
  About a million dollars, per CarExpert, and Ferrari expects it to outsell the coupe.
• Can I still get an EV through UK salary sacrifice?
  Autocar reports a new eVED change may limit access for lower-paid workers. Check with your HR/payroll team based on your specific pay and benefits situation.
• What should Toyota Tundra owners do about the recall?
  Confirm your VIN with your dealer, book the appointment, and ask about transportation options while it’s in for repair.