Weekly wrap: what you missed in auto news this week

When you review some of the cars that were revealed this week, you would be forgiven for thinking that the automotive world is not, in fact, locked-on to a course of planet-saving electrified, downsized vehicles that tread lightly with a tiny carbon footprint.

Instead, Mercedes-Benz unveiled not one, but three monstrous SUVs that run not on electrons, or wind, or gravity, but large turbocharged petrol engines. Its performance branch AMG pulled the covers from the GLE 63 and GLS 63 pair at the Los Angeles motor show, showcasing another application for the company’s accomplished 4.0-litre turbo V8 engine.

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But Maybach made the pair look like a Prius by comparison with its mighty twin-turbo GLS 600 that rolled out to the same audience.

Not wanting to miss out on the action, Audi revealed its own twin-turbo V8-powered SUV and the RSQ8, which shares much in common with the Lamborghini Urus. Coincidentally, Aston Martin chose the same week for its own SUV to make its debut. Say Hello to the long-awaited and much teased DBX.

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The week wasn’t exclusively about oil-depleting, carbon-belching behemoths though. Amazingly, Ford revealed a vehicle it calls a ‘Mustang’ but appears to have about as much in common with the revered coupe of the same name as chalk and chevaps.

The Mustang Mach-E is the Blue Oval’s foray into electric vehicles, but whether its followers accept something that burns no petrol and wears the coveted stallion badge remains to be seen.

BMW threw another morsel out there regarding its electrified vision, divulging that its first pure electric sedan – the i4 – will pack a AMG/Tesla-embarrassing punch. We can’t wait to see that knockout. And if you’re one of the many Australian drivers mulling the switch to electric transport, make sure you read our comprehensive feasibility summary here.

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If all that sounds like too much environmental responsibility don’t worry, the gang at Street Machine have closed out another year of Drag Challenge and the results were spectacular. You can catch all the details here, just don’t ask about the fuel and tyre bill.

In other parts of the country, the MOTOR team was making its own mark on the asphalt with the game-changing Renault Megane RS Trophy. Not only does it take one enviable title during official testing, it also produced some impressive figures during its time with the team.

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There was potentially big news for Australia’s lucrative ute market, with Hyundai confirming the ridiculously cool-looking Santa Cruz pick up will transition from fanciful concept to production model. Keep everything crossed it comes here.

And if you need some suggestions where to take it, 4x4 Australia has released its definitive guide to exploring the country in 2020. Check it out here.

If you’re tired of staring at a screen, fill in any gaps in your automotive week with a listen to the latest WhichCar Weekly podcast or, pick up a copy of one of our great magazines, put the phone on silent and just relax.