The Volkswagen Tayron, a recent addition to the brand's extensive SUV lineup, offers an intriguing mix of space, comfort, and technology. Positioned between the Tiguan and Touareg models, this plug-in hybrid variant provides ample interior room and impressive electric range but comes at a premium price. Despite its advantages, it faces stiff competition from more affordable Asian manufacturers. This review delves into the Tayron’s driving experience, practicality, and value proposition.
Evaluating the Driving Experience and Performance
The Tayron delivers a comfortable and spacious driving experience, ideal for long journeys or family outings. Its 1.5-liter petrol engine paired with a 19.7 kWh battery ensures a smooth and quiet ride in electric mode, with sufficient power for most everyday driving needs. The vehicle’s adaptive dampers contribute to a well-balanced handling that remains agile despite its size. While the Tayron feels large on the road, its steering is responsive, making it easy to maneuver through tight corners and city streets.
In-depth testing reveals the Tayron’s versatility across various terrains. During our evaluation in southern France, we experienced everything from winding mountain roads to bustling towns. The car's performance was consistently reliable, with the electric motor providing ample torque for quick acceleration when needed. However, the petrol engine can be noisy under heavy acceleration, though it quickly settles down. Charging capabilities are solid, with support for fast charging up to 50 kW, allowing for efficient refueling during longer trips. The Tayron's total range of nearly 600 miles combines both electric and petrol power, though this figure may vary depending on driving conditions.
Analyzing Practicality, Interior Design, and Value
Inside, the Tayron showcases Volkswagen's commitment to quality and functionality. The cabin is thoughtfully designed with features like acoustic glass and a panoramic sunroof, creating a serene and spacious environment. Rear passengers benefit from generous legroom and thoughtful amenities such as heated seats and sun blinds. The boot offers an impressive 705 liters of storage space, expanding to 2,090 liters when the rear seats are folded, making it a practical choice for families or those needing extra cargo capacity.
Despite its numerous strengths, the Tayron faces challenges in terms of value. With prices starting at £43,905, it sits at a higher price point compared to many Asian competitors that offer similar features for less. The absence of seven seats in the plug-in hybrid version is a notable drawback, limiting its appeal for larger families. However, the Tayron compensates with superior build quality and advanced safety features, including autonomous parking via the Volkswagen app. For those prioritizing space and luxury over cost, the Tayron remains a compelling option. Yet, potential buyers should weigh these factors carefully against their specific needs and budget constraints.
The Volvo ES90 marks a significant shift in the Swedish automaker’s legacy of safety, now extending into the digital age. Traditionally known for its robust physical safety features, Volvo is now leveraging advanced software and computing power to enhance vehicle safety. The ES90, designed as a premium electric vehicle (EV), showcases Volvo's commitment to innovation through its cutting-edge technology stack, including powerful AI processors and extensive sensor arrays. This new model not only offers impressive range and performance but also sets the stage for future advancements in autonomous driving.
Revolutionizing Safety with Advanced Computing Power
The ES90 integrates state-of-the-art hardware and software to create an unparalleled safety experience. With two NVIDIA DRIVE AGX Orin processors delivering 500 trillion operations per second (TOPS), the car can perform complex AI tasks in real-time. This computational prowess allows for enhanced perception and decision-making capabilities, ensuring the vehicle remains vigilant under various conditions. The system continuously improves through over-the-air updates, making it adaptable to evolving safety standards.
The core of this technological leap lies in Volvo's Superset tech stack, which enables continuous improvement via data collection and analysis. By collecting raw sensor data from every vehicle, Volvo can refine its models and deploy updated algorithms back to the cars. This iterative process ensures that each update enhances the vehicle's ability to detect and respond to potential hazards, thereby providing a safer driving experience. Additionally, the inclusion of LiDAR alongside cameras and radar creates a comprehensive sensing system capable of identifying obstacles even in challenging environments such as low light or adverse weather conditions.
Paving the Way for Autonomous Driving
Beyond its immediate safety benefits, the ES90 is designed with future autonomy in mind. The vehicle's redundant systems—braking, steering, and power supply—are critical components that prepare it for unsupervised autonomous driving. Supervised autonomy will be introduced first, allowing the system to learn and adapt in controlled environments before expanding its capabilities. This cautious approach prioritizes safety while gradually unlocking the full potential of self-driving technology.
The ES90's 5G connectivity plays a vital role in this transition by enabling seamless communication between the vehicle and cloud-based data centers. This connection facilitates the testing of new algorithms in shadow mode, where hypothetical scenarios are simulated without affecting actual driving. Once validated, these algorithms can be deployed to improve the vehicle's performance. Moreover, the dual Orin processors provide sufficient compute power to run multiple simulations simultaneously, accelerating the development cycle. As Volvo continues to evolve into a software-driven company, the ES90 serves as a testament to its dedication to leading the industry in both safety and innovation.
Elon Musk's flagship company, Tesla, is encountering a significant downturn in both sales and market sentiment. The electric vehicle manufacturer has experienced a notable decline in global sales, with February marking its worst month on the stock market since 2022. Industry experts attribute this slump to various factors, including Musk's increasing involvement in right-wing politics across Western countries. This political engagement appears to be undermining consumer trust and sparking boycotts, particularly in key markets like Europe and California. Activists are linking Musk's political stance to Tesla ownership, encouraging consumers to reconsider their purchases. In addition, incidents of vandalism against Tesla properties have been reported, further highlighting the growing backlash against the brand.
Musk's foray into politics has not only affected Tesla's reputation but also its financial performance. In California, Tesla's largest U.S. market, sales plummeted by nearly 8% in the fourth quarter of 2024 and 12% for the year. Trust and likability towards Tesla have reached their lowest points since 2023, according to Bloomberg News. A September NBC News poll revealed that Musk's favorability had dropped significantly, with only 6% of Democrats and 31% of independents expressing positive sentiments about him. This shift in public opinion has likely impacted Tesla's business, especially in politically sensitive regions.
Internationally, Tesla's sales have also taken a hit. In Germany, the largest electric vehicle market in Europe, Tesla's sales fell by 71% this year. Similar declines were observed in Norway (45%), France (44%), and Spain (44%). These drops coincide with Musk's aggressive political interventions, particularly his support for far-right parties in Germany. In China, Tesla saw a 49% decrease in sales in February compared to the previous year, although industry observers suggest this may be due to increased competition from local manufacturers rather than political factors.
The changing perception of Tesla as a brand is evident in recent incidents of vandalism targeting Tesla charging stations, dealerships, and vehicles. In Littleton, Massachusetts, Tesla chargers were damaged, and at a Carnival parade in New Orleans, Tesla Cybertrucks faced hostile reactions from attendees. Owners who disapprove of Musk's political stance are using bumper stickers to distance themselves from his views, potentially deterring vandals. Despite these challenges, Tesla remains the leading electric vehicle maker in the U.S., but its future may depend more on Musk's political actions than the quality of its products.
The evolving dynamics surrounding Tesla highlight a critical juncture for the company. As Musk's political identity becomes more prominent, it risks overshadowing his role as a businessman. The ongoing consumer boycotts and negative public sentiment could reshape Tesla's trajectory, influencing its success in ways unrelated to its technological prowess or environmental mission. The company must navigate this complex landscape carefully to maintain its position in the competitive electric vehicle market.