Car Design round-up: Bentley, Toyota and Lexus

Bentley Black Rose revealed

Bentley has unveiled ‘The Black Rose’ Batur, a bespoke Mulliner creation that pushes the boundaries of craftsmanship with an automotive first: 3D-printed, hallmarked 18-karat rose gold.

The exterior of this grand tourer is an exercise in contrast. A deep, custom ‘Black Rose’ metallic finish – one of 18 Baturs being built by the bespoke studio – wraps the body, offset by a gloss Beluga upper and satin rose gold highlights on the grille, mirror caps, body kit and 22-inch tri-tone wheels.

Inside, Bentley’s material mastery reaches new heights. The rich Beluga leather and charcoal grey tweed provide a brooding canvas for the real star: Bentley’s 210 grams of 18-karat rose gold. Applied to the Drive Mode Selector, Organ Stop vent controls and steering wheel marker, this metalwork is sustainably sourced from recycled jewellery and hallmarked in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter.

This Batur showcases the art of commissioning and the refining of Bentley’s design language.

Full release here.

Lexus presents the world premiere of the RZ

Lexus dials up the drama with the new RZ 550e F Sport, injecting a dose of aggression into its all-electric lineup.

With an aerodynamics-led design, this Sport edition flaunts a sculpted front lower bumper, brake ducts and an extended rear spoiler – all in the name of stability and efficiency – while retaining the heart of the original RZ’s design.

New 20-inch aero wheels balance lightweight performance with bold aesthetics, while the exclusive Neutrino Grey paint contrasts with the black F Sport elements.

Inside, laser-etched Ultrasuede and Dynamic Shadowy Illumination create a high-tech, moody cabin.

And yes, steer-by-wire debuts – but here, it’s all about making EVs look as fast as they feel.

Full release here.

Mercedes-Benz CLA launches

The new Mercedes-Benz CLA blends technology with a fastback silhouette featuring a lower greenhouse, muscular arches and a shark-nose front.

A highlight is the illuminated grille, which features the iconic Mercedes-Benz star and 142 chrome-effect stars. Not only this, the grille can play various animations to other drivers as you zoom past.

Aerodynamics are optimised with sculpted surfaces, flush door handles and a GT-style rear that screams performance. Frameless doors add to the coupe-like drama, while full-width light bars front and rear ensure the CLA remains unmistakably Mercedes.

The interior features a ‘floating’ MBUX Superscreen that could even make the S-Class jealous. Turbine-like air vents, premium materials and a panoramic roof make the inside of the vehicle feel indulgent, with a nod to sustainable practices with recycled PET textiles.

And, in a retro twist, Mercedes resurrects the frunk for the first time since the Mercedes-Benz 130 from the 1930s, adding 101 litres of additional load space, and a nod to the brand’s long history.

Blue-tifully bold

Nissan is giving grayscale the blues – literally. Enter Aurora Blue Metallic, debuting on the 2025 Murano, designed to shake up the sea of silver sedans.

“This colour shares shades of blue found in the sea,” said Nissan’s colour designer Yasuhito Oba, but don’t expect just any old navy. Two special pigments – one for depth, one for a red-shifting shimmer – create a dynamic finish that morphs from sunlight sapphire to moody midnight.

Designed to highlight the Murano’s sculpted panels and luxe details, Aurora Blue proves that it’s time to shift out of neutral.

Full release here.

Renault Megane updated for 2025

Renault’s Megane E-Tech electric just got a shot of adrenaline with the new Esprit Alpine trim – because even EVs deserve a sporty streak.

Dressed in an exclusive Matte Shadow Grey, with Ice Black 20-inch alloys and darkened badging, this Megane swaps eco-chic for track-inspired fierceness.

Inside, recycled materials meet Alpine’s signature blue stitching, while a cockpit of black-and-blue textures adds a premium edge. The new One Pedal punction for regenerative braking is just the cherry on top.

Full release here.

Toyoda Gosei launches ultra-thin register for car air conditioning

The Ozempic of air conditioning units has been revealed by Toyoda Gosei, which aims to meet the increasing demand for thinner instrument panels for a more spacious cabin.

An airflow control mechanism has been incorporated into the register, which allows for airflow adjustment without losing wind force through a narrow opening – reducing the product’s thickness by 40%. You can see this in Toyota’s bZ3X model released in China earlier this month.

Full release here.

Toyota unveils new micromobility concept

Toyota FT-Me proves that big ideas can come in small packages. Measuring under 2.5 metres, this pint-size EV takes up half a parking space and – if cities allow – only a third when perpendicular parking is in play.

Its ‘jet helmet’ aesthetic, with a high-contrast black and white bi-tone, projects a mix of agility, safety and urban edge. The wraparound glass and 360-degree visibility concept ensure drivers stay in sync with their surroundings.

Customisation is key, with Toyota pitching the FT-Me at both young drivers (some as young as 14) and professionals seeking an ultra-efficient city runabout. It even ditches pedals, offering full-hand control for wheelchair users – no modifications needed.

Sustainability gets top billing too, with a lightweight build, recycled materials and a solar-panel roof that adds up to 30km of daily range.

Full release here.

New BEV models launch in Europe from Toyota

As part of the commitment towards achieving a carbon-neutral society, the Toyota Motor Corporation has announced an expansion of its battery electric vehicle (BEV) lineup in Europe.

The Toyota C-HR+, bZ4X and Lexus RZ will be launched in Europe. This comes after the new Urban Cruiser was released at the end of 2024 in Europe.

Full release here.