Today in Cars: Long-Range Limos, Seven-Seat EV Records, and a Familiar Off-Road Name Returns

I did the usual coffee-in-hand scroll this morning and the feed lit up with a proper mix: a Mercedes EV claiming the longest legs in Australia, a Skoda seven-seater that quietly did nine-hundred-plus kays on a single charge, Mitsubishi dusting off the Pajero badge, Ford juggling China sourcing and Bronco rumors, plus a quick nod to F1 history at Monza. Let’s dig in.

• Mercedes-Benz EQS update lands with a bold claim: Australia’s longest-range EV.



• Skoda’s new Peaq EV quietly pushes a seven-seat range benchmark to 936km on one charge.



• Mitsubishi’s 2027 Pajero pops back into our lives for a brief first taste.
• Ford Australia shrugs at “Made in China” debate and doubles down on product confidence.
• Next-gen Ford Bronco design hints surface via patent filings.
• Leapmotor says most of its buyers wouldn’t pick another Stellantis brand—interesting showroom politics ahead.
• On this day at Monza: Schumacher’s retirement announcement echoes through the paddock.

Range Wars: Mercedes-Benz EQS and Skoda Peaq EV

Mercedes-Benz EQS: Now Australia’s Longest-Range EV

CarExpert reports the updated EQS arrives with pricing locked and a headline stat: it’s now Australia’s longest-range EV. I’ve always said the EQS feels like a big S-Class that traded V12 hush for electron-silent glide; on long hauls it’s limo-grade comfy and eerily relaxing. The previous one had those touch-sensitive sliders that divided opinion—great in theory, fiddly with winter gloves. If the update doubles down on usability while stretching range, that’s a proper win for actual owners who do Sydney–Melbourne runs without drama.

Real-world note: owners I’ve chatted to value charging predictability more than peak charge rates. If Mercedes pairs this range bump with consistent highway charging behavior, that’s where the EQS will feel different in the daily grind—less math, more miles.

Skoda Peaq EV: 936km in a Seven-Seater

Skoda’s new Peaq EV quietly chalked up 936km on a single charge, setting a seven-seat range record, per CarExpert. That number jumps off the page. Seven-seat EVs usually trade range for space and weight, so crossing the 900km line is a strong statement for family road-trippers who don’t want to plan stops around restless kids and melting ice creams. I’ve long liked Skoda’s no-fuss usability—clever hooks, logical storage, and features that feel like someone actually used the car before signing it off. If they’ve paired that ethos with a long-legged battery pack, the Peaq could be the stealth hero of school runs and ski weekends.

SUVs and Off-Roaders: Pajero’s Return and a Bronco Tease

2027 Mitsubishi Pajero: First Taste

CarExpert took an early quick drive in the reborn 2027 Pajero, and I’m glad the badge is back. The name carries dusty tracks and camping chairs in its DNA. With any short preview like this, I temper judgment—ten minutes on a loop rarely reveals ride-layer nuance or how it copes with corrugations. Historically, Pajeros have been honest: robust hardware, sensible ergonomics, and off-road modes that don’t require a PhD. If Mitsu keeps it simple and sorts cabin noise at 110 km/h, there’s a big audience in regional Australia and weekend warriors alike.

• Buyer watch-outs I’ll test in a full review: second-row thigh support, third-row adult tolerability, and how it breathes over sharp edges around town.
• Pragmatic plus: a square cargo area beats swoopy styling when you’re loading tents and an esky.

Next-Gen Ford Bronco: Patent Breadcrumbs

Patent filings flagged by CarExpert hint at where the next Bronco might go. Patents aren’t gospel, but they’re decent tea leaves. Expect evolutionary changes rather than a personality transplant—Bronco’s appeal is its upright charm and the roof-off, doors-off playfulness. The current model’s latches can be a tad fiddly the first time; if Ford iterates on ease-of-use without dulling the vibe, that’s job done. Serious off-roaders will scan for geometry and hardware, but most owners just want that golden-hour gravel-road freedom with Bluetooth and a decent camera.

Made in China? Ford Australia Isn’t Flinching

Ford Australia told CarExpert it isn’t worried about rolling out Chinese-built models. And honestly, the market’s moved. A few buyers I’ve spoken with in Sydney and Brisbane care less about the plant postcode and more about warranty, safety ratings, and whether CarPlay boots quickly on a cold morning. The real lever is value: if the spec sheet looks generous and the drive feels tight, the showroom conversation gets easy. Quality from top-tier Chinese factories has climbed fast—panel gaps and paint consistency that used to be talking points just…aren’t, at least not like they were five years ago.

• What I’ll be watching: parts logistics, software update cadence, and resale perception over the first two years.
• Lifestyle angle: if you’re buying for rideshare or fleet, lower purchase cost plus solid warranty swings the math.

Stellantis x Leapmotor: Friendly Fire in the Showroom?

CarExpert notes Leapmotor claims nine out of ten of its buyers wouldn’t have chosen another Stellantis brand. That’s a bold way of saying “we’re incremental, not cannibal.” The reality in mixed showrooms? Overlap happens—especially on price-led EVs where range, screens, and finance terms win the day. But a fresh EV badge can be a traffic magnet. If Leapmotor pulls in folks who wouldn’t have wandered into a Stellantis store for a small Peugeot or Fiat, that’s net positive. The trick will be keeping the value pitch clean so shoppers don’t bounce between internal options and decision fatigue sets in.

Motorsport Memory: Monza, a Microphone, and Michael

Autosport reminds us that on this day, Michael Schumacher announced his F1 retirement at Monza. I still remember the collective exhale in the paddock—an era closing under the Italian sun. It’s the kind of moment that makes you glance at the taillights of your own car a little differently on the drive home. Motorsport shapes our road cars in obvious and subtle ways, but it also shapes why we care. That Monza mic drop was one of those why-we-care moments.

Quick Hits

• EQS update underscores that luxury EVs are done apologizing for range.
• Skoda Peaq’s 936km run shows family EVs don’t have to be tethered to chargers.
• Pajero’s return is about story as much as spec; long-term testing will matter.
• Ford’s China-built confidence reflects what I’m hearing from real buyers: value first.
• Leapmotor’s claim suggests Stellantis sees EV growth as additive, not a reshuffle.

Conclusion

From a limo that wants to rewrite Australia’s EV range pecking order to a seven-seat Skoda quietly stretching legs, today’s theme is confidence—brands leaning into what they do best. Add a resurrected Pajero, a teasing Bronco breadcrumb, and a Monza memory, and you’ve got a news day with heart and horsepower, electrons and emotion.

FAQ

Is the updated Mercedes-Benz EQS really Australia’s longest-range EV?

According to reporting today, yes—the updated EQS now claims the top spot for EV range in Australia. Exact figures and trim specifics will depend on the local lineup, so check the variant details when pricing hits dealers.

How far did the Skoda Peaq EV go on a single charge?

Skoda’s Peaq seven-seat EV completed a 936km run on one charge, setting a record for a three-row electric vehicle.

Should I worry about buying a Chinese-built Ford in Australia?

Most buyers I speak with prioritize warranty, safety, and value over build location. Quality from top-tier Chinese plants has improved significantly; focus on test-driving the exact spec you’re considering.

When can I get more info on the 2027 Mitsubishi Pajero?

Early quick drives are underway, but fuller tests will follow closer to launch. If you need towing, third-row space, or daily-ride clarity, wait for comprehensive reviews and local spec sheets.

Do patent filings confirm the next Ford Bronco’s final design?

No. Patents are hints, not guarantees. They point to possible design directions or features, but final production details often evolve before launch.