After the first quarter, three months of fresh introductions on the automotive market lie ahead.
In Brief
The second quarter of 2026 promises plenty of automotive news, with the arrival of eagerly awaited models such as the refreshed Toyota RAV4, the Renault Twingo Electric faithful to its heritage but modernized, and the Mercedes GLA packed with cutting-edge technologies. The sector is also signaling progress in electrification and comfort improvements, as brands push innovation to win over an increasingly demanding audience. Advances are also on the horizon with the BMW X5, available in several powertrains including hydrogen, and the Fiat Multipla, which slots into the growing trend of versatile compact SUVs.
Toyota RAV4: A Fresh Look
- Price: from €46,450
- On sale: April 2026
The sixth generation of the RAV4 signals prudence while managing to reinvent itself with a positive tilt. The Japanese SUV progresses in small, steady steps. Few models avoid getting bigger over generations, and the new RAV4 is one of those that keeps the same footprint as its predecessor: 4.60 m long, 1.85 m wide, and 1.68 m tall. The wheelbase also remains unchanged at 2.69 m.
Not a lot of novelty under the sun, given that the design, though modernized, reads more like a facelift than a generational shift. But this doesn’t mean evolutions aren’t visible, such as the noticeably wider fenders. The new lighting signature also helps to refresh the look, and at the rear—like in nearly all new models across brands—the RAV4 wears its name in full on the tailgate panel.
Inside, the dashboard layout evolves only modestly, but the central screen has grown larger (12.9 inches versus 10.5) and the gear lever is now a toggle switch that saves space. While not a paragon of ergonomics, the new RAV4 remains solid in perceived quality and practicality. Powertrain options follow expectations, with a hybrid offering (183 hp and 191 hp in 4×4) and a plug-in hybrid (268 hp and 304 hp in 4×4), enabling up to 100 km of all-electric driving, depending on the model.
Renault Twingo: A Fresh Start
- Price: from €19,490
- On sale: Spring 2026 (imminent)
Sticking to the stylistic lineage of the 1990s Twingo, the new model makes a strong entrance. It remains offered only as an electric version, initially with a battery providing a limited range. With its friendly look, bright colors, and practicality that fits today’s needs, the new Twingo captures the spirit of the original while advancing in many aspects. It notably improves daily convenience thanks to its five-door bodystyle (already present on the previous generation), made possible by a length of 3.79 m, up from the 1992 model’s 3.43 m.
It also makes significant strides in safety, both active and passive, to meet stricter and more comprehensive standards than those from more than three decades ago. Of course, this comes at a price: the 2026 Twingo weighs almost 1,200 kg, whereas the 1992 version barely exceeded 800 kg.
But this added heft isn’t solely due to increased size or onboard technology. The main reason is that this new generation is an “E-Tech Electric,” meaning it’s offered only with batteries. In a first phase—larger capacities will follow—buyers will nonetheless have to settle for a 27.5 kWh pack for an announced 263 km of range.
Primarily for city driving. With an 82 hp electric motor and 175 Nm of torque, the electric Twingo takes 12.1 seconds to hit 0-100 km/h and tops out at 130 km/h. In other words, it’s not built for the highway but can handle major roads with a 110 km/h limit. On the upside, it could be the city queen, sprinting from 0 to 50 km/h in exactly 3.85 seconds.
The Twingo also offers a well-appointed package: the 7-inch digital instrument cluster and the 10-inch central touchscreen come as standard, and the R-Link infotainment system with Google Assistant arrives in Level 2 (Techno top tier).
The Twingo also earns points for a colored dashboard that avoids excessive frugality, along with a well-appointed interior, including two rear seats that slide individually to provide a variable cargo space—up to 360 dm3 in the most favorable configuration, and at least 305 dm3. These figures compare with Renault 5’s 326 dm3 trunk, whose bench remains fixed. The only question remains price: this new Twingo sits at the same level as a thermal Clio VI.
Mercedes GLA: More Tech-Savvy Than Ever
- Estimated price: from €53,000
- On sale: June 2026
Following the CLA and CLA Shooting Brake, Mercedes continues its run with the SUV version of its new multi-energy platform. Expectations are even higher for the GLA, a best-seller for the brand in France. The GLA SUV, due in showrooms in the autumn after a spring reveal, will be offered in electric and hybrid forms. But as it will replace both the current GLA and the EQA, priority will go to battery-powered versions, just as with the CLA lineup earlier.
Its introductory lineup will consist of one or two electric motors, delivering 224 hp with a 58 kWh battery (about 500 km of range), or 272 hp and 381 hp with an 85 kWh battery for a target range around 700 km. Later, a 48V mild-hybrid drivetrain based on a 1.5-liter four-cylinder will be added, offering 156 to 211 hp.
Inside, since the CLA’s arrival, Mercedes has made improvements—often in response to customer feedback—such as reintroducing physical steering-wheel buttons. However, design-wise, one will have to settle for the Superscreen multi-screen dashboard (up to a 14-inch option for the front passenger), already familiar, quite new, and whose features are largely supported by artificial intelligence.
Charging, meanwhile, is expected to reach its peak with the MMA (800 V) platform in the GLA, enabling up to 320 kW on compatible charging stations.
BMW X5: A Singular Power
- Estimated price: from €95,000
- On sale: Summer 2026
The upcoming generation of the German flagship SUV will keep thermal powertrains in the lineup—most notably diesel—but will also be offered with a hydrogen fuel cell. The forthcoming BMW iX5 will ride on the Neue Klasse architecture, shared with the iX3. While the gasoline, hybrid, and hydrogen variants will retain the same overarching design, they will continue to use an evolution of the current CLAR platform. The X5 will align with the brand’s new identity, featuring muscular curves and an even more athletic stance. If BMW has released a few prototype images showing proportions, no cabin or onboard tech details have been disclosed. Facing the ambitions of Audi and Mercedes, the X5 will need to reach the highest levels of processing power and connectivity. At roughly 5 meters in length and with a wheelbase around 3 meters, it should offer optimal comfort for five occupants. Under the hood, expect electrified diesel, plug-in hybrids, and later, a hydrogen fuel-cell variant. In addition, two iX5 variants—two- and four-wheel drive—could offer ranges beyond 700 km. There’s also talk of an M version with power set to surpass the current XM’s 748 hp (V8 PHEV), which may be updated in 2026.
Fiat Multipla: An SUV Built on the Grande Panda
- Estimated price: from €19,000
- On sale: June 2026
Fiat will unveil a roughly 4.40 m long SUV before summer. Built on Stellantis’s Smart Car platform, it represents an interesting market opportunity for the Italian automaker. After the 1956 600 Multipla, then the 1998 compact Multipla SUV famous for its three-front-seats layout and controversial styling, the spring model will be an extrapolated version of the Grande Panda, continuing the concepts shown in February 2024. This Multipla (name not yet official) will be the first member of this new product family. Built on the Smart Car platform, shared across several Stellantis models, it will position itself as the Italian alternative to the Citroën C3 Aircross and Opel Meriva, but will not be assembled in Trnava, Slovakia like its cousins; instead, it will roll off the line in Kenitra, Morocco.
Under the hood, it will draw from the group’s mainstream engines: a 1.2-liter three-cylinder with 100 hp, the 1.2 mild-hybrid at 136 hp, and a 100% electric version at 113 hp, offered with two battery capacities (42 and 51 kWh net) delivering about 300 or 400 km of range. It will also be offered in a fastback SUV bodystyle, i.e., with a sloped rear profile.
New Cars: What Else Is Coming?
- Audi A6 Allroad and e-hybrid
- Audi Q7, A6 Allroad, and e-hybrid
- BMW 5 Series
- BYD Atto 2 DM-i
- Ford Ecosport
- Hyundai Bayon
- Jeep Recon
- Jeep Renegade
- Kia EV5
- Jeep Renegade
- Mercedes AMG GT XX
- Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake
- MG4
- RAM Rampage
- Renault 4 Savane
- Renault Mégane E-Tech
- Toyota bZ4X Touring
- Renault Mégane E-Tech
- Volkswagen ID. Cross
Find our feature on market newcomers in l’Auto-Journal No. 1200, January 8, 2026.
Comparison Table
| Model | Starting price | On sale | Powertrain | Power | Battery/Range | Length | Key data |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota RAV4 | €46,450 | April 2026 | Hybrid; Plug-in Hybrid | 183/191 hp (hybrid 4×4); 268/304 hp (PHEV 4×4) | Up to 100 km (electric, PHEV) | 4.60 m | 12.9″ central screen; trunk: not disclosed |
| Renault Twingo | €19,490 | Spring 2026 (imminent) | Electric | 82 hp | 27.5 kWh / 263 km | 3.79 m | 0-100 km/h: 12.1 s; Cargo: 305-360 dm3 |
| Mercedes GLA | €53,000 (est.) | June 2026 | Electric; Hybrid (later) | 224 hp (58 kWh); 272/381 hp (85 kWh) | 500/700 km | Not specified | Charge up to 320 kW; Superscreen up to 14″ (optional) |
| BMW X5 | €95,000 (est.) | Summer 2026 | Internal combustion, hybrid, hydrogen | Not specified; M variant > 748 hp possible | Range > 700 km (hydrogen and iX5) | ≈ 5 m | Wheelbase ≈ 3 m |
| Fiat Multipla | €19,000 (est.) | June 2026 | Gasoline, mild-hybrid, electric | 100 hp (gas); 136 hp (hybrid); 113 hp (electric) | 42/51 kWh; 300/400 km | 4.40 m | Fastback body available |
Key Takeaways
- The second quarter of 2026 will bring major launches such as the Toyota RAV4, Renault Twingo Electric, Mercedes GLA, BMW X5, and Fiat Multipla.
- The new models underscore a strong push toward electrification and hybridization, with ranges expanding across versions.
- Renault Twingo reveals itself exclusively as electric, with a 27.5 kWh battery and urban-range emphasis.
- Mercedes GLA and BMW X5 lean on tech, connectivity, and wider motorization choices.
- The Fiat Multipla reinvents itself as a compact versatile SUV, built on the Stellantis Smart Car platform.
- Technological upgrades are evident in features and ergonomics, notably at Mercedes and Toyota.
FAQ
Which models are most anticipated for the second quarter of 2026?
The standout debuts are the Toyota RAV4, the new Renault Twingo Electric, the next-generation Mercedes GLA, the refreshed BMW X5, and the Fiat Multipla SUV.
Is the Renault Twingo 2026 exclusively electric?
Yes, the new Twingo will be offered exclusively in an electric version, with a 27.5 kWh battery for an announced 263 km range.
What is the announced range for the electric models introduced?
The Renault Twingo is rated at 263 km; the Mercedes GLA ranges from 500 to 700 km depending on version; the Fiat Multipla is expected to offer about 300 or 400 km depending on the battery.
What powertrain options will the new BMW X5 offer?
The forthcoming BMW X5 will be available with combustion (diesel), plug-in hybrid, and hydrogen propulsion.
Does the Fiat Multipla 2026 keep its original flair?
Yes, it preserves the Multipla spirit by reinventing itself as a versatile compact SUV, available with several powertrains including an electric version.
