Daily Drive: Phones Over Cars, Oddball Polestars, and Australia’s Next Wave of Hybrids

I took my first sip of coffee and scrolled the overnight headlines, and it felt like the industry blinked and realigned again. Executives are talking culture, not crankshafts. Special editions are landing. Hybrids are marching into the Outback. And somewhere, predictably, a Mustang left a car show sideways. Let’s unpack it.

Hyundai’s boss says Gen Z would rather upgrade iOS than buy a manual—plus, a nod to Musk

Two candid notes out of Hyundai’s corner caught my eye. First, the observation that young people increasingly prefer phones over cars. That tracks with what I hear from students and new grads I meet—mobility is an app, not a possession. When I talk to twenty-somethings, the must-haves are seamless CarPlay/Android Auto, reliable driver assists, and a monthly price that doesn’t scream. The badge? Less so.

The same Hyundai leader also credited Elon Musk with forcing the industry’s revolution. That’s not hyperbole. Whether you drive a Tesla or not, the playbook—over-the-air updates, vertically integrated software, and a ruthless focus on simplifying complexity—has reshaped the brief for product teams globally. I still remember driving one of the first mainstream EVs with OTA updates; the car literally felt a little different after breakfast. That’s table stakes now.

Polestar’s take: weird is welcome

Over at Polestar, the boss claims 80% of customers like oddball features. I believe it. In the Polestar 2 I ran for a week, the sparse cabin and Google-native infotainment felt intentionally offbeat—almost like Stockholm loft meets Silicon Valley dev kit. Owners I chatted with loved the little design Easter eggs and the clean logic of the interface. Not perfect—voice commands occasionally needed a second try—but the personality sticks.

Ten years after Dieselgate: swagger returning to Europe?

Autocar’s reflection on Europe, a decade past Dieselgate, suggests the continent is finding its feet again. From where I sit, Europe’s comeback isn’t about chest-thumping performance; it’s about smart architectures, weight control, and a renewed love for design purity. The cars I’ve driven from German and Scandinavian brands lately feel lighter on their feet and heavier on substance—less marketing flab, more engineering fiber. That’s the kind of swagger you don’t have to shout about.

New Metal for Australia: AMG GLE53 Edition R and a Hybrid LandCruiser

2026 Mercedes-Benz GLE53 Edition R (Australia)

Mercedes-AMG has announced a special GLE53 Edition R for Australia. If prior AMG specials are any guide, expect curated paint, trim, rolling stock, and a handful of option-pack goodies rolled in. The regular GLE53’s formula—a turbocharged inline-six with mild-hybrid assistance and a chassis that knows how to hustle—has long been a sweet spot for fast-family duty.

• AMG-tuned chassis with everyday usability (I’ve hustled a GLE53 over pockmarked B-roads; it’s more composed than its size suggests).
• Edition R likely focuses on visuals and equipment bundling rather than powertrain overhauls.
• Perfect for the school run that occasionally detours via a scenic mountain pass.

Quirk to watch: Mercedes’ infotainment is powerful, but it can bury a setting or two. My tip? Use voice for climate and nav; save the fishing expedition for the driveway.

Toyota LandCruiser Hybrid lineup confirmed (Australia)

Toyota has confirmed a hybrid LandCruiser lineup for Australia. That’s a big deal. In heavy-duty SUVs, hybridization isn’t just about sipping fuel—it’s about instant torque, smooth low-speed control off-road, and a calmer powertrain when towing. The LandCruiser name carries serious credibility in the bush; pairing that with electric assistance could make long corrugations and steep descents feel that bit more precise.

• Hybrid assist should help with off-the-line torque and low-speed modulation on trails.
• Expect Toyota’s typical calibration polish—brake feel and regen blending matter most off-road.
• Think big family trips, long regional commutes, and caravan weekends without the refuel anxiety.

Ownership note: Mind the packaging. Where Toyota parks the battery can affect third-row space and underfloor storage. Also check the stated tow rating for hybrid variants; sometimes it differs within the range.

Which suits your life: AMG fast or Toyota tough?

Car culture cautionary tales: a Mustang pirouette and a crushed Hellcat

Mustang driver floors it at a Ford show—and physics collects the mic

Another day, another V8 meets cold tires. According to reports, a Mustang left a Ford event a little too hot and ended up making the kind of exit you don’t want on camera. I’ve watched this happen in real time: lots of torque, a touch of steering lock, traction control half-asleep, and boom—oversteer that turns into a lawn-dart. If you must put on a show, short-shift, stay straight, and read the crowd. Better yet, save it for a track day.

Police crush a Dodge Hellcat to “send a message”

A seized Hellcat met the crusher in what authorities framed as a lesson against illegal street racing. It’s dramatic, and it does get attention. As someone who spends plenty of nights at legal drag strips, I’ll say it again: organized venues are cheaper, safer, and far kinder to your insurance. Also, they have better coffee than a holding cell.

So where are we, really?

Executives are saying the quiet parts out loud: younger buyers want seamless tech and sane costs; the industry’s EV/software pivot is irreversible; and character—quirks, even—is a selling point. Meanwhile, Australia’s lineup is getting both faster and smarter, from AMG specials to hybrid LandCruisers. And car culture? Still brilliant, still fragile. Respect the machine, respect the crowd, and we all get to keep having fun.

Quick Hits

• Hyundai boss: phones over cars for young buyers; credits Musk for accelerating industry change.
• Polestar: most customers embrace unusual, distinctive features.
• Europe post-Dieselgate: confidence returning, with substance over noise.
• Australia: Mercedes-AMG GLE53 Edition R announced; Toyota confirms hybrid LandCruiser lineup.
• Car culture: Mustang mishap at a show; crushed Hellcat as a public warning.

FAQ

What is the Mercedes-AMG GLE53 Edition R?

A special-edition version of the AMG GLE53 for Australia, expected to bundle distinctive styling and equipment with the model’s turbo inline-six and mild-hybrid setup.

Is Toyota really bringing a hybrid LandCruiser to Australia?

Yes. Toyota has confirmed a hybrid LandCruiser lineup for Australia, pairing the model’s rugged capability with electrified assistance.

Why do some executives say young people prefer phones over cars?

Because many younger buyers prioritize connectivity, subscriptions, and seamless tech over traditional notions of ownership—so cars are judged first by their software experience and cost of entry.

Do Polestar buyers actually like the quirky stuff?

Polestar says roughly 80% of customers appreciate unusual features and design flourishes, and in my experience the brand’s minimalist, tech-forward vibe resonates with that crowd.

What’s the lesson from the Mustang mishap and the crushed Hellcat?

Respect traction and crowds when leaving events, and keep high-speed antics to sanctioned venues—authorities are clearly willing to make examples of bad behavior.