The place for independent car reviews in Europe

The BMW X6 M Competition is a 625 hp, 4.4-litre V8 super-SUV that makes almost no sense and is monumentally capable anyway. Brilliant engine, staggering grip, firm ride and a small boot. We would still buy the X5 M.

The Volvo EX60 is the brand's crucial entry into the premium electric SUV class. We drove the 510 hp P10 AWD: superbly built, 660 km of WLTP range, rapid 370 kW charging and the best one-pedal drive on sale. One of the most complete premium electric SUVs you can buy.

The AMG GT 63 PRO 4MATIC+ brings 612 hp, sharper aerodynamics and a serious cooling overhaul to the AMG GT range, all available to order rather than limited like its GT R PRO predecessor. We came away loving the V8 and the pace, 3.2 seconds to 100 km/h and 317 km/h flat out, but the unchanged suspension tuning and a Belgian price premium of over €40,000 make the PRO badge harder to justify this time. It remains a formidable car, just not the definitive one its name suggests.

The DS N°8 is DS Automobiles' new electric flagship, an SUV coupe that leans hard into French design quirks: an X shaped steering wheel, neck heating and a camera fed rear view mirror. We drove the standard range 230 hp version and came away impressed by its efficiency and comfort first character, though the clunky one pedal calibration and slow infotainment hold it back. Priced close to premium German rivals, it will be a harder sell outside France, but it is a genuinely convincing all rounder.

The CUPRA Raval is the first of the Volkswagen Group's new small EVs to reach buyers, and it is a gem. We drove the 211 hp Endurance with the 52 kWh battery: superb build, 446 km of range and a proper one-pedal mode.

The second-generation Jeep Compass looks genuinely tough and returns excellent fuel economy, but the e-Hybrid version is let down where it matters. The 145 hp mild-hybrid feels underpowered and a little jerky, and worst of all the ride is punishingly firm, even on 18-inch wheels. A smart interior and a lovely rotary shifter cannot fully rescue it.

The Ferrari 296 GTB is, in short, a brilliant car. Abnormally fast, surprisingly comfortable and dripping with Ferrari theatre, it blends an 830 hp hybrid V6 with genuine everyday usability. The touch controls and the questionable CarPlay integration annoy, but the way the engine and electric motor work together is spectacular. This is Ferrari at the top of its game.

The C 400 4MATIC electric is the first fully electric C-Class, and Mercedes is keen to sell it as the sportiest one yet, with 490 hp and a 4.0-second sprint to 100 km/h. We came away more impressed by the everyday case: a hushed, air-sprung ride, a genuinely useful AI assistant and up to 762 km of WLTP range. The rear design and a cheap-feeling black panel are our main gripes, and at €67,000 it is not cheap, but this is a hugely convincing debut.

The electric Citroën ë-C5 Aircross does the most Citroen thing possible: it puts comfort first. Progressive Hydraulic Cushions suspension, lovely seats and a clean, clever cabin make it a genuinely relaxing family EV, and in the Long Range we drove it backs that up with a realistic 680 km of range and a huge boot. It is not quick, the plastics and some Stellantis switchgear disappoint, and the fast-charging is only moderate, but as a comfortable, spacious and keenly priced SUV it makes a strong case.

The petrol Fiat 500 is back, wearing the electric 500e's styling but with a FireFly mild-hybrid engine, a slick manual gearbox and, at last, a sixth gear. It is small, nippy, beautifully styled and refreshingly full of physical buttons, and it barely sips fuel: we covered nearly 700 km on its tiny tank. For city life, it is close to genius.

The 911 Spirit 70 is a 1,500-unit heritage-design special, but forget the fancy dress for a moment: underneath it is a Porsche 911 Carrera 4 GTS Cabriolet, so it drives exactly like the sweet spot of the whole 911 range. That means the brilliant 541 hp T-Hybrid flat-six, all-wheel-drive traction that has been measured at 0 to 60 mph in 2.6 seconds, and open-top thrills, all wrapped in a glorious 1970s costume. The ride is firm and it is wildly expensive, but we adore it.

The sixth-generation Toyota RAV4 GR Sport is a suspiciously good SUV: tough-looking, superbly built and refreshingly full of physical buttons. The smooth hybrid drivetrain returned 5.9 l/100km on test, and the GR Sport chassis is firm yet comfortable. Only over-eager safety systems, hard cabin plastics and a steep GR Sport price hold it back.