Hybrid

The new Lexus ES arrives in 2026 with two faces: as a traditional full hybrid and, for the first time, also as a battery-electric sedan. Both are priced the same; both target company car drivers and taxi operators. But on the road it quickly becomes clear that the Japanese, precisely with the electric drive, have found their more convincing answer to the German business class.

The fifth generation combines 223 hp system power with a high electric range. Limitations are evident in interior space, visibility, and charging performance.

Toyota announces in a recent press release that it intends to intensify its partnership with Uber. The offering is targeted at central European markets and builds on the high popularity of Toyota models in the European ride-hailing segment, according to the automaker. It's a pity that Toyota's engagement in taxis, however, seems to be waning – so far the Japanese have not booked a stand at this year's taxi trade fair in Cologne!

Mercedes had touted the S-Class facelift – in reality, the changes are rather modest. However, something is happening with the internal combustion engines. The plug-in hybrid powertrain has also been optimized and performed well on the test drive.

Almost two-thirds of all vehicle inquiries in Germany now account for electric and hybrid models. However, the gap between interest and actual purchase remains large.

The Chinese manufacturer BYD continues to expand its presence in Europe – and is increasingly aligning itself with vehicle concepts that have been in demand here for years. An example of this is the new plug-in hybrid wagon BYD Seal 6 DM-i Touring. The model was presented at the IAA Mobility and is now available to order in several European markets. For the taxi and rental car business, the hybrid wagon is an interesting alternative.

Bolt, the platform operator for rental car and ride-hailing services, is renewing the fleet of its car-sharing service Bolt Drive in Germany. By the end of October, 400 vehicles are to be put into service gradually—350 Toyota Yaris and 50 Toyota Yaris Cross. All cars are equipped with hybrid powertrains and will be leased to Bolt for two years through the Toyota mobility provider KINTO.

BYD continues its mission to "conquer Germany." The BYD Seal 6 DM-i Touring is intended to deliver the breakthrough. The plug-in hybrid estate performs well but shows a few minor weaknesses. Intax, the conversion specialist from Oldenburg, plans to be able to supply the estate as a taxi from November 2025. Our colleague Wolfgang Gomoll from press-inform has extensively tested the BYD Seal 6 DM-i Touring.

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