Car Design round-up: Audi RS 5, four new Polestars and Waymo reduces sensors

Audi RS 5 

The Audi RS 5 is Audi Sport’s first high-performance plug-in hybrid. 

This muscular PHEV has a long wheelbase, large wheels and a low-slung body. The shallow rear window forms part of the boot lid, creating more boot space than first meets the eye.

The RS 5 measures around 90mm wider than the base-model A5 at both the front and rear, with flared fenders. The 3D honeycomb grille is linked to the air curtains through a dark mask, and the rear diffuser has a vertical red reflector placed in the centre – a nod to the motorsport heritage of the RS 5.

The light signature features darkened Matrix LED headlights and digital DRLs in a checkered-flag design.

Full release here. 

BYD reveals 2026 Seal saloon 

The new 2026 model year Seal has received a series of design tweaks compared to the 2023 edition.

19-inch wheels give the Seal a more assertive stance and, to the rear, the BYD logo now sits above the full-width LED light bar. There are three new exterior colour options – Ruby Red, Obsidian Black and Lavender Grey. The boot capacity has grown from 400 litres to 485 litres and now includes a pair of tethering hooks to secure loose items.

Inside, the headrests forgo the BYD logo stitching and the centre armrest no longer displays the NFC (near-field communication) logo.

Full release here. 

Polestar announces plans for four new cars

By 2028, Polestar plans to bring four new models to market – the Polestar 5 in summer 2026, a refreshed variant of the Polestar 4 at the end of 2026, the next-generation of the Polestar 2 in 2027 and Polestar 7 in 2028.

This follows Polestar delivering its best year in retail sales in 2025.

Full release here. 

Skoda reveals limited edition Kodiaq Edition X

To celebrate 10 years of the Kodiaq SUV, Skoda has released a limited edition Kodiaq Edition X. 

The special model includes metallic exterior paint complemented by a black D-pillar and a dark chrome front grille with a horizontal light strip. A red decorative strip between the rear LED lights completes the external design enhancements. 

Perforated black leather or artificial leather are the two material choices for inside the SUV, paired with a grey dashboard and decorative door inserts. 

Full release here. 

Waymo cuts robotaxi sensors by 42% 

Waymo’s sixth-generation Waymo Driver deploys a streamlined sensor suite that cuts the number of sensors in its perception system by 42%. This technology will undergo employee testing in San Fransico and Los Angeles. 

This system uses 13 cameras (down from 29), four LiDARs (down from five) and six radar units. The sixth-generation Driver also features a 17-megapixel imager, which Waymo says enhances resolution and effectiveness in low-light situations.

Read our coverage of autonomous vehicles here. 

Full release here. 

People news 

Karoline Auer is now design strategy lead at Changan Automobile Design Centre Europe. 

Surendar MJ has stepped into the role of lead vehicle development at Lucid Motors Middle East.