Today in cars: Toyota goes three-row EV, AMG brings back the hot six, and regulators eye our dashboards

I started this morning with coffee and three open tabs about the same SUV, and that’s rarely a bad sign. Toyota has finally pressed “go” on an electric three-row family hauler. Meanwhile, AMG has warmed a fresh inline-six for its mid-size SUV, BYD is taking the U.S. government to court, Australia’s privacy watchdog is peeking under our infotainment skins, and somewhere in Europe a Volvo wagon lover just smiled. Let’s lap it.

Toyota’s first electric three-row SUV is here: the 2027 Highlander EV

Multiple outlets, including Car and Driver, Motor1, and Carscoops, all landed on the same beat: Toyota has revealed the 2027 Highlander EV—its first electric three-row SUV. If you’ve ever done the school run in a Highlander hybrid (I have; it’s as stress-reducing as a good podcast and a medium latte), you know why this matters. Space, sanity, and trust. Now add silence and instant torque.

Toyota isn’t talking everyone’s favorite pub numbers just yet—exact range, battery size, motor output, towing. That’s fine; the story here is intent. A familiar, family-sized Toyota going fully electric signals the moment the brand moves past dabbling in EV niches and starts targeting the American driveway sweet spot.

Why families will care

• Three rows with Toyota-grade packaging (the current model is a stroller-and-hockey-bag savant).
• Expected AWD options and DC fast-charging improvements—key for winter trips and weekend leagues.
• Quieter cruising than the already-quiet hybrid, plus that get-out-of-a-gap EV shove.
• Toyota’s track record for durability, now pointed at high-voltage hardware.

Highlander EV vs. today’s Highlander: key differences

Having run a hybrid Highlander down to the ski hill with two teens and a roof box, I’m curious about EV reality: winter range hit, cabin heat load, and whether Toyota tunes regen to feel natural in stop-and-go. If the charging curve holds steady beyond 50 percent and the third row remains adult-tolerable for cross-town hops, they’ve nailed the brief.

Where it could land in the segment

Think of it lining up near Kia EV9 and Volvo EX90: big bodies with an eye on safety and serenity. Toyota’s advantage is ubiquity and dealer reach; its challenge is convincing hybrid loyalists that a plug and a public charger can be as easy as a fuel stop. Fair fight. I’m here for it.

AMG’s middleweight gets its voice back: 2027 Mercedes-AMG GLC53

From CarExpert comes news that the 2027 GLC53 returns with a “hot six.” Translation: the smooth, muscular AMG inline-six is back in the GLC sweet spot, sitting between the 43 and the wild 63. I’ve always liked this tier for its balance—more drama than the entry car, less pogo-stick ride than some V8-baiting flagships.

• Expect turbocharged six-cylinder power with electrified assist for punch and polish.
• AMG chassis tuning that (hopefully) preserves daily comfort—my chief gripe with the last go-fast GLC on rough city streets.
• AMG cabin touches that make every commute feel a little like a pit lane warm-up.

Numbers will come; what matters is the character. A good AMG six sings through the midrange like a favorite vinyl—clean, warm, a little addictive.

Policy and power plays: tariffs, bridges, privacy—and a Stellantis plot twist?

BYD sues over U.S. tariffs on Chinese EVs

CarExpert reports BYD has filed suit challenging the Trump-era tariff wall that effectively blocks Chinese EVs from the U.S. market. If you follow total cost of ownership spreadsheets (I do, guilty), you know where this goes: prices, choice, and supply chains all hinge on the outcome. Even if BYD doesn’t plan U.S. retail tomorrow, the legal precedent matters for any brand wearing a PRC passport.

A bridge too far?

Carscoops flags political heat around the Gordie Howe International Bridge—the mega-link between Detroit and Windsor that will funnel parts, batteries, and finished vehicles. Threatening such infrastructure isn’t just bluster; it’s a migraine for just-in-time manufacturing. Anyone who’s ever chased a missing caliper bolt at 2 a.m. on a launch week knows: delays ripple fast.

Australia’s “spying cars” probe

Per CarExpert, Australia’s privacy regulator is investigating connected-car data practices. Every automaker has promised “responsible” collection; now they’ll be asked to show their work. As someone who’s paired a dozen phones across test cars each month, I always deep-dive the permissions menu—and I still wish the “clear my data when I sell the car” button were the size of the hazard light.

Stellantis split—again?

Autocar floats the idea that Stellantis could consider a re-split, peeling apart its sprawling portfolio. Hypothetical, yes, but not silly—unwinding complex conglomerates to “unlock value” is a classic boardroom parlor game. For enthusiasts, it could affect how quickly brands like Alfa, Peugeot, Jeep, and Ram get greenlit for niche projects versus volume machines.

Trucks and fleets: BYD Shark 6 eyes the worksite

Another CarExpert item suggests pricing has leaked for the 2026 BYD Shark 6 cab/chassis as the brand readies a fleet push. A cab/chassis is the Swiss Army Knife of the ute world—fit a tray, a service body, a box, you name it. If BYD nails range or hybrid efficiency under load, plus painless uptime, it’ll land right in the crosshairs of Ranger and Hilux fleet buyers who live by total cost per kilometer.

Fun stuff from Europe: an electric “GTI” and maybe—finally—more Volvo wagons

VW’s electric hot hatch rethink

Carscoops says Volkswagen is happy that its latest performance hatch isn’t the GTI you remember. That’s honest. The EV hot hatch formula will never feel identical to a revvy, heel-toe-friendly Mk5. But instant torque, lower center of gravity, and smarter traction control can write a new kind of mischief. Note to VW: keep the steering talkative and the seats huggy. We’ll meet you halfway.

Volvo estates could return

Autocar reports Volvo’s new EV platform allows “proper low” cars again—code for wagons that aren’t SUV cosplay. This is oxygen for some of us. A long-roof Volvo with modern range and the brand’s safety calm would be road-trip balm. Picture it: mountain bikes inside, dog asleep in back, 300 miles of hush. Yes, please.

EV longevity watch: 165,000 miles, battery still chipper

Carscoops highlights a Xiaomi SU7 owner who racked up 165,000 miles, with the real surprise being how healthy the battery remained. One car isn’t a dataset, but stories like this chip away at lingering fear about degradation. My rule of thumb: charge gently when you can, fast-charge when you must, and keep the pack temperate. Your electrons will thank you.

Safety corner: police warn against a popular 4x4 accessory

CarExpert relays a police warning about a widely fitted 4x4 add-on that may be illegal and unsafe on public roads. We’ve all seen builds that cross the line from functional to “Instagram bravado.” Remember, modifications can affect airbag performance, pedestrian protection, lighting compliance, and insurance coverage.

• Check local regulations before fitting bars, lights, or recovery gear.
• Don’t obstruct sensors or cameras; ADAS needs a clear view.
• Wire lighting properly; glare is dangerous (and fine-worthy).
• Keep recovery points rated and professionally installed.

Quick conclusions

Today feels like a hinge: Toyota swings a mainstream door open for EV-curious families; AMG leans back into characterful cylinders; regulators and politicians remind us the car world runs on laws as much as horsepower. And somewhere in Gothenburg, someone’s sketching a low, clean Volvo estate. Let’s hope they keep the taillight signature.

FAQ

• When will the Toyota Highlander EV go on sale?
  Outlets reporting on the reveal peg it as a 2027 model; exact on-sale timing and specs are still to be confirmed by Toyota.
• Is the new Mercedes-AMG GLC53 a six-cylinder?
  Yes. Reports indicate a return to an AMG-tuned inline-six with electrified assistance, positioned between the GLC43 and GLC63.
• What is BYD’s lawsuit about?
  According to reporting, BYD is challenging U.S. tariffs that effectively block Chinese EVs from the American market, arguing against the trade barriers’ legality.
• Are “spying cars” a real concern?
  Australia’s privacy regulator is formally investigating connected-car data practices. It’s a real issue—review your vehicle’s data settings and factory reset before selling.
• What is the BYD Shark 6 cab/chassis?
  It’s a work-focused variant designed for custom bodies (trays, service modules). Leaked pricing suggests BYD is courting fleets with an eye on running costs and uptime.