Jeep Compass
Aerodynamic Finesse Meets Iconic Design
Image © STELLANTIS
The all-new Jeep Compass 4xe, crafted in Italy, redefines the compact SUV landscape by marrying aerodynamic excellence with trail-conquering prowess. Built on the Stellantis STLA Medium platform, it boasts a class-leading drag coefficient below 0.29, making it Jeep’s most aerodynamic offering in Europe. With a 10% drag reduction via a flat underbody, Active Grille Shutters, and aero-optimised wheels, the Compass 4xe delivers up to 650 km of electric range in its BEV variant, alongside e-hybrid and plug-in hybrid options. This ensures eco-conscious drivers enjoy fewer charging stops while embracing Jeep’s legacy of freedom.
Since its 2006 debut, the Compass has sold over 2.5 million units globally, and the 4xe variant elevates its standing in the competitive C-SUV segment, which accounts for nearly a quarter of Europe’s market. Its iconic seven-slot grille and trapezoidal wheel arches honour Jeep’s heritage, while a 10 mm raised suspension, off-road bumpers with 27° approach and 31° departure angles, and a modular anti-scratch Bumper Shield enhance capability on rugged terrain. The 19″ wheels with high-sidewall tires and a rear tow hook ensure grip and utility, making the 4xe a faithful off-road companion.
Inside, the Compass 4xe’s cabin is a sanctuary for adventurers. Polyurethane-coated seats, twice as durable as standard cloth, and anti-scratch rear seatbacks cater to pet owners and gear hauliers. Heavy-duty rubber mats shield against mud and debris, while a tan colour scheme with red accents conceals dirt and adds rugged flair. The Selec-Terrain system, with a dedicated off-road mode, optimises traction, as lauded by Jeep’s Head of Design Europe, Daniele Calonaci, for balancing daily practicality with mountain escapes.
Safety is enhanced by scratch-resistant bumpers and advanced traction management, ensuring confidence on a wide range of surfaces. By blending aerodynamic efficiency – which reduces fuel consumption and enhances stability – with off-road enhancements like a matte anti-glare hood sticker, the Compass 4xe redefines versatility. It proves that sustainability and adventure need not clash, offering urban explorers and trailblazers a vehicle that’s as efficient as it is resilient, ready to conquer any path with unmistakable Jeep soul.
Volvo EX60’s Multi-Adaptive Seat Belt
Safety That Fits Like a Glove
Image © VOLVO
Let’s face it, seat belts can be a pesky nuisance, especially for the vertically challenged or those towering over the crowd. Too tight for the tall, too loose for the petite – finding that Goldilocks fit is a struggle. Enter Volvo Cars’ groundbreaking multi-adaptive safety belt, debuting in the fully electric Volvo EX60 in 2026. This world-first technology promises to make ill-fitting seat belts a thing of the past, tailoring protection to each occupant with a finesse that redefines automotive safety.
Building on Volvo’s 1959 invention of the three-point seat belt – credited with saving over a million lives – the multi-adaptive belt leverages real-time data from the EX60’s advanced sensors to customise protection. By analysing an occupant’s height, weight, body shape, and seating position, alongside crash specifics like direction and speed, the system selects from eleven load-limiting profiles (up from three in traditional systems). For instance, a larger occupant in a high-impact crash benefits from a higher belt load to minimise head injury risks, while a smaller occupant in a milder collision receives a gentler setting to reduce the chances of rib fractures. This bespoke approach, fine-tuned in a matter of milliseconds, ensures optimal safety for all.
Volvo’s five decades of crash data, drawn from over 80,000 real-world accidents, underpins this innovation. Tested at the Volvo Cars Safety Centre’s industry-leading crash lab, the belt integrates seamlessly with airbags and driver assistance systems, creating a holistic safety ecosystem. Over-the-air updates ensure it evolves, learning from new data to enhance protection. With a drag coefficient optimised for its electric 600 km range, the EX60 proves Volvo’s commitment to safety and sustainability, making every journey secure – whether you’re short, tall, or anywhere in between.
Porsche Cayenne Electric
A Thrilling Glimpse at Goodwood
Image © PORSCHE
At the 2025 Goodwood Festival of Speed, the Porsche Cayenne Electric prototype electrified the iconic 1.86 km hill climb, offering a tantalising preview of its dynamic capabilities. Set to join Porsche’s versatile Cayenne lineup alongside combustion and hybrid variants, this all-electric SUV blends blistering performance with refined comfort, signalling a bold step toward sustainable luxury. Driven by a camouflaged prototype, the Cayenne Electric captivated onlookers, proving its prowess in the competitive SUV arena.
Fresh from setting a record-breaking 31.28-second run over the 914-metre Shelsley Walsh hill climb, the Cayenne Electric showcased its agility at Goodwood. Its Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) system, a cornerstone of its near-production design, ensures a level body during aggressive braking, cornering, and acceleration, delivering superior traction and comfort. The prototype’s scorching 1.94-second sprint over 18.3 metres from a standstill hints at the production model’s thrilling performance, set to rival Porsche’s legendary dynamics.
With series production nearing, the Cayenne Electric is poised for its next reveal at IAA Mobility in September 2025, where Porsche will unveil a technical innovation to enhance electric driving comfort. Expected to offer a range exceeding 500 km, this SUV caters to eco-conscious enthusiasts without sacrificing the brand’s performance heritage. By blending off-road capability, urban refinement, and zero-emission power, the Cayenne Electric embodies versatility, promising to conquer both rugged trails and city streets with Porsche’s unmistakable flair.
Report by WILHELM LOOTS
