JOHN MURDOCH'S DRIVE TIME: We examine the new Hyundai Santa Fe SUV and discover BMW's planned updates to i4 and Serie4 Gran Coupe models

In this instalment of John Murdoch's Drive Time, John examines the radically styled new Hyundai Santa Fe SUV, which boasts seven seats and is crammed with technology, and discovers German giant BMW is planning updates to its i4 and Serie4 Gran Coupe models.

Korean giant Hyundai has announced the prices for its new radically styled large Santa Fe SUV.

It will be priced from £46,755 and go up to £57,635 for a plug-in hybrid version in the new top grade Calligraphy trim.

The new model will also be available with a 215ps 1.6-litre hybrid powertrain in either two or four-wheel-drive configurations while the PHEV is four-wheel-drive only and develops 253ps.

All models are mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.

The newcomer has a boxy design and measures 4.83 metres long, with a 2.815 metre wheelbase, and features seven seats.

A six-seat option is available on Calligraphy models for an extra £1000.

In standard seven-seat set-up both the middle and rear rows are fully foldable and the Santa Fe offers huge luggage space ranging from 985 to 1949 litres.

Both powertrains have a top speed of 112mph with the hybrid slightly quicker 62mph at 9.6 seconds compared to 9.8 for the plug-in.

The range kicks off in Premium specification which includes a power tailgate, a dual, curved 12.3-inch display set up, sat nav with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Ultimate models are priced from £50,275 and are auto only with a BOSE sound system, a dual glass sunroof with front glass electric tilt and slide, electrically adjustable steering column and driver’s memory seat function, heated and ventilated front and heated rear seats, dual wireless phone charging, digital centre mirror, head up display, highway drive assist, remote smart park assist, blind spot view monitor and surround view monitor.

Calligraphy trim starts from £52,775 and includes leather upholstery and black finish styling elements including the skid plate, the door side garnish and pillars as well as the rear bumper moulding.

All Santa Fe models are available in a choice of ten colours -Terracotta Orange Solid is a no cost option, with metallic and basic pearl finishes a £700 extra, pearl finishes at £900 option and matte paint jobs a £1200 option.

The PHEV vehicles are available in all specifications and start from £51,885.

In other motoring developments, BMW is refreshing its all-electric i4 and 4 Series Gran Coupe with small exterior changes and new technology added to the cars’ onboard systems.

New headlights and optional Laserlight tail lights are part of the changes as are more paint options and light-alloy wheel designs.

Inside, both models feature the BMW Curved Display which integrates the latest version of the BMW iDrive with QuickSelect, based on the BMW Operating System 8.5.

This revised setup offers an optional Augmented View for the BMW Maps navigation system, enhancing functionality and user interaction.

The cabin has been refined with new steering wheel designs, fresh interior trim elements and contemporary seat coverings, further elevating the luxurious feel of the models.

Production of the BMW i4 and BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé is set to continue at BMW's home plant in Munich, which is currently undergoing significant investment which will see the facility transition exclusively to all-electric models in future.

Both models are due for release this summer with prices starting from £43,830 for the Gran Coupe and £50,365 for the i4.

*Don't miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here.

And did you know Lanarkshire Live had its own app? Download yours for free here.