Morning Grid: Bronco RTR wants the desert, BMW’s EV M3 gets playful, and Mercedes puts a race-bred V8 in its limo

I took my first sip of coffee and nearly sprayed it across the desk. A flat-plane-crank V8 in an S-Class? BMW prepping a quad-motor M3 with pretend gearshifts? Ford courting Gen Z with a Raptor-flavored Bronco that’s more style than stampede? It’s one of those mornings where the industry zigzags and I’m here for all of it.

Headline act: 2027 Ford Bronco RTR goes Raptor-adjacent

Ford’s new Bronco RTR is the off-road starter pack for folks who want the Raptor look and high-speed desert swagger without the Raptor’s wallet-punching power numbers. Multiple outlets describe it as a Raptor vibe—wide stance, shouty attitude, hardware aimed at sandy whoops—minus the full-fat fury. The mood is fun first, serious second. Think dune days, sunset photos, and a little whoop-de-doo.

On a quick loop of washboard last month in a Bronco Raptor, I was reminded how much good damping matters more than marketing. If the RTR borrows even half the Raptor’s body-control magic, it’ll be a riot on fast dirt and still livable in the city. The pitch, as I read it: approachable entry to the go-fast scene, louder than a base Bronco, friendlier than the apex-spec Raptor.

• Positioning: “Affordable Raptor” energy—style and speed focus
• Suspension/stance: Raptor-inspired cues for desert dashes
• Power: Dialed back vs. Raptor (on purpose)
• Target buyer: Younger, social-savvy, adventure-weekend crowd
• Regional note: Another tempting off-roader that’s not headed to Australia (for now)

Where the RTR slots in (big-picture)

Bottom line: If you like the Raptor’s stance but not its monthly payment—or you don’t need the power to rotate the planet—the RTR reads like a sweet spot. I’ll be curious how it rides on broken city tarmac; big-tire, long-travel rigs can tramline and thump. If Ford has the damping right, this could be the one you daily without hating the commute.

Performance powertrains: one goes electric theater, one goes exotic ICE

BMW’s electric M3 (2027): four motors and fake gearshifts

BMW’s next M3 is going full sci-fi: quad motors for crazy torque vectoring, plus simulated gearshifts to keep drivers engaged when electrons make everything too smooth. I’m not mad at the idea. In fast EVs I’ve driven, “one-speed whoosh” can feel clinical. A dramatized shift sequence—done well—adds rhythm, stakes, and a reason to time your throttle. If it’s cheesy? We’ll know on the first on-ramp. But four motors and instant, precise yaw control? That’s real-deal capability, not theater.

Mercedes-Benz S-Class (2026): flat-plane-crank V8, in a limousine

This one made me grin. A flat-plane crank V8 typically screams in supercars and AMGs; it’s lighter, revvier, and more…nervy. Dropping that character into an S-Class—the world’s benchmark luxo-barge—is a delicious contradiction. Expect a sharper, more exotic soundtrack and a freer-revving feel, likely paired with hybridization to keep it serene at cruise. When I tested an S-Class last year, the cabin was so quiet you could hear your own blood pressure. The trick will be giving the driver a bit of theater without shattering the car’s cathedral calm. If anyone can split that atom, it’s Mercedes.

Electrification reality check: GM says some PHEV owners don’t plug in

General Motors’ boss poured cold water on PHEVs, noting many drivers just…don’t plug them in. Not new, but still a worthwhile flag. I’ve run a few PHEVs as daily drivers; charged nightly, they’re brilliant—30–50-ish miles of quiet commuting, engine barely wakes up. Ignore the plug and you lug a heavy battery for hybrid-like mpg. That’s on the owner, not the tech.

• Best for: home-chargers with predictable commutes
• Avoid if: you can’t/won’t plug in regularly
• Tip: Set a charge schedule to off-peak overnight; treat it like brushing teeth—habit makes it effortless

Design and market quick hits

Honda rolls out a “handy” new logo

Honda is introducing a refreshed badge for upcoming models. Cleaner, more modern, and intended to signal the brand’s next chapter. It’s the sort of detail you don’t notice until you park next to an older H and think, huh, sleeker.

Mercedes-AMG GLC gets a starry sprinkle

A subtle makeover is coming for the AMG GLC—think starry detailing you’ll clock up close, less so at 35 mph in school traffic. If you like Easter eggs in your design, this is your crossover.

Japan imports more…Japanese cars

Odd but true: Japan is importing more of its own brands than ever. Globalized production means “Japanese” cars often come from plants elsewhere; domestic buyers are effectively “re-importing” their favorite badges. Supply chains, man. They’re complicated.

Dodge kills its second best-seller

Yep. It’s rare to see a brand pull the plug on a model that still moves metal. Strategy over sentiment—either to clear space for something new or to stop feeding a segment that’s shifting underfoot.

Because we can: a supercharged Chevy Blazer restomod

Someone built an open-air, supercharged Blazer that’s fast, loud, and priced like a coastal cottage. It breaks rules and budgets, which is sort of the point. As a weekend toy? Absolutely. As a daily? Only if your commute is a beach.

What it means for your driveway

• If you love the look of the Raptor but not its price or punch, circle the Bronco RTR.
• If you want an EV that talks back, keep an eye on BMW’s electric M3; the “shift” theater might be the sauce.
• If you’re a luxury traditionalist who still loves engines, that S-Class V8 twist could be your unicorn.
• If you’re shopping PHEV, be honest: will you plug in? If not, consider a conventional hybrid or full EV.

FAQ

When will the Ford Bronco RTR arrive?

It’s been revealed with a 2027 model-year target. Expect more specs and on-sale timing closer to launch.

Is the Bronco RTR coming to Australia?

Current chatter suggests it’s not on the cards for Australia at launch, making it more forbidden fruit for off-road fans there.

What’s special about the next BMW M3 EV?

Quad motors for intense torque vectoring and simulated gearshifts to add driver engagement—aiming to deliver feel, not just speed.

Why is a flat-plane-crank V8 in the S-Class a big deal?

Flat-plane V8s rev faster and sound more exotic—rare in a luxury limousine. It promises character without sacrificing calm.

Are PHEVs worth it if I can’t plug in often?

Not really. Without regular charging, you’re carrying extra weight for less benefit. In that case, a regular hybrid or efficient ICE might serve you better.

That’s the sheet for today. If you see a star-studded grille in your mirror or a Bronco with big energy but smaller numbers, you’re officially caught up.