Welcome to the latest edition of the SGMW Happenings, the monthly round-up of what the group’s members got up to last month.
In May 2026, our members have certainly got out and about driving a variety of new cars as well as creating breaking news about new ones. The highlights include a crop of new electric SUVs, as it is 2026 after all, a stunning Italian supercar, and another brilliant best cars list for those who want an automatic.
We also go through the best and worst news and reviews from last month, including that oh-so-controversial Ferrari. Read on for the round-up of May 2026.
SGMW New Car Reveals: May 2026
We start at the end of the month – mainly because of all the outrage caused by the new Ferrari Luce. Yes, it’s the brand’s first EV, and yes, it caused plenty of internet commentary. Love it or hate it, there is no denying it got people talking. But on paper at least, the newest prancing horse has Ferrari pace, with 1,035bhp, 0-62 in 2.5 seconds, and a 192mph top speed. But its styling has left some aghast. Regardless, the Luce is expected to find plenty of buyers when it goes on sale later this year, starting from around £450,000.
Attracting less controversy was the reveal of the new BMW M3 CS Handschalter, a manual version of the much-heralded M Division special. The bad news is that it has less power and torque to accommodate the manual box, and that it’s only destined for the North American market. Booooooo. As they say.
In ‘cars we’ve yet to actually see’ news, the new electric Jaguar GT will be called the Type 01. You might remember the pink and blue prototypes that also broke the internet when they were revealed a while back. While the name likely points to the rebirth of the brand, you should also be aware that Kawasaki has used the moniker before, on the Type 01 LMAT anti-tank missile.
Other notable reveals from last month include the new electric Volkswagen ID. Polo GTI. A model that looks like a much-angrier version of the standard ID. Polo, that is also the first full EV to get the GTI badge.
Normal cars also got some love last month, with the Renault 4 E-Tech line-up being expanded with the arrival of the Plein Sud, a convertible of sorts with an electrically folding canvas roof. Lovely.
SGMW Test Drive Watch: Winners And Losers
The winners:
The new Jeep Compass was praised by reviewers last month with its square-jawed looks and by also being a practical and user-friendly family SUV to boot. In the world of vans, meanwhile, our second winner is the Volkswagen Transporter Sportline, which scored high ratings thanks to its GTI-esque styling cues and because of the varied amount of options and bodystyles available that’ll accommodate a large array of buyers.
Moving on to a different class entirely is the updated Mercedes S-Class, which won praise for the high level of luxury as standard, its vast interior space, and the supreme level of comfort it offers.
Our last winner is a complete departure from the big Benz, though, as the new Citroën e-C3 Urban received positive feedback as it excels in the city, a place that it’s meant for, and its keen price point.
The losers:
Moving swiftly onto the losers, where the BMW XM Label was described as being fast and ridiculous all at once. As well as very expensive, loud, and heavy. Not exactly a surprise given its hefty £130k-plus price tag, the way it looks, and the way it goes.
Finally, the Lepas L8 is a hybrid SUV targeting the VW Tiguan, but while reviewers said it is appealing based on its low starting price, it unfortunately exists in a place where nearly all of its more expensive hybrid rivals offer more pure-electric range and a better driving experience for not that much more money. Yes, it’s a highly competitive market at the moment.
SGMW web watch:
BMW iX3 50 xDrive M Sport review: The new benchmark for electric SUVs – Jim McGill
BMW’s ‘Neue Klasse’ design era is now upon us, and the iX3 EV is the first to wear the German brand’s futuristic look. But is the iX3 worthy of buyers’ attention? Jim McGill puts it to the test to find out.
The Lamborghini Miura Is Among the World’s First Supercars. Here’s What It’s Like to Drive One – Tim Pitt
The Lamborghini Miura was one of the first supercars to grace the road some six decades ago. It’s best described as rare, exceptionally pretty, and much sought after. And now, Tim Pitt has driven one, a P400 SV example that is part of the brand’s factory museum collection, no less.
Read the Robb Report review here
2026 Skoda Epiq: Meet the Sub-£25k, 272-mile range baby EV – Phill Tromans
The new Skoda Epiq is the Czech brand’s smallest EV yet. It gets a range of up to 272 miles, big Skoda SUV looks, and a sub-25k price tag. Phill Tromans explains all of the details.
Read the Honest John article here
Best automatic cars to buy 2026 – Shane Wilkinson
Don’t want to change gear for yourself? Well, the good news is that there’s plenty of slick-shifting automatic cars on sale today that are actually fun to drive. Shane Wilkinson runs through his picks of the very best.
Read the Auto Express article here
SGMW social watch:
Starting with small car news, Stu Bird took the Toyota Aygo Hybrid for a spin at this year’s SMMT test day.
Tim Pitt goes on holiday and indulges in a bit of classic car spotting.
In driving to places news, Matt Richardson takes his Mk1 Ford Focus for its last drive.
In further going to places news, Chris Rees shows that his stunning Francis Lombardi Grand Prix is ready for the Auto Italia event.
