Contributor: Chris Russon
As Chief Motoring Editor of Driving Force since 2009, Chris Russon is a well-respected automotive journalist that has been writing about cars for over 40 years.
Articles By Chris Russon
New BYD Seal U DM-i Plug-in Hybrid Revealed
The first plug-in hybrid from BYD that is due on sale in the UK has been revealed at the Geneva motor show.
New MINI Cooper Electric Models Announced
The Cooper family has grown with the introduction of two new petrol models - the MINI Cooper C and the performance enhanced MINI Cooper S.
First Drive Review: Porsche Cayenne
The Porsche Cayenne is a true luxury SUV, providing a unique blend of practicality with sports-car style and performance.
MINI Ends Production of the Clubman
The last MINI Clubman has rolled off the production line at the MINI factory in Oxford - 55 years after the model’s debut in 1969.
All-New BMW Models Announced for Spring 2024
BMW has gone on a product offensive, announcing seven new models or derivatives, all of which will be on the road in the spring of 2024.
First Drive Review: BMW i5
The BMW i5 shows off the best of BMW in the form of a state-of-the-art all-electric saloon car, packed with high-quality features.
Cheaper Entry-Level smart #1 'Pro' Released
The latest addition to the smart #1 line-up, the #1 Pro, has launched in the UK.
Mercedes-Benz Shows Off New Technology With Concept CLA EV
At the Consumer Electronics Show, Mercedes-Benz showed off a range of digital advancements with their new long-range Concept CLA EV coupé.
BMW Reveals Plans for New Vehicle Technology
BMW is showing its technology plans at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, including augmented reality and teleoperated parking.
First Drive Review: BYD Dolphin
The BYD Dolphin is an attractive and well-equipped electric vehicle, providing a competitive, affordable option to other EVs on the market.
First Drive Review: BYD Seal
Providing incredible performance figures and stunning looks, the BYD Seal makes a great addition to the BYD electric range.
New Mercedes-AMG GT Coupé: Further Details and Specifications
The new flagship of the Mercedes-AMG range – the GT 63 4MATIC+ Coupé - is now available to order in the UK, priced from £164,765.
New Mercedes-AMG SL With Plug-In Hybrid Power
The latest plug-in hybrid from Mercedes-AMG, the most powerful SL sports car with 805bhp on tap, will be available on the road in 2024.
All-Electric Range Rover To Be Built In Solihull Land Rover Factory
The all-electric version of the Range Rover is to be built in Britain at Land Rover's factory in Solihull.
Mercedes-AMG to Produce New Performance Version of CLE Coupé
A performance version of the CLE coupé is to be produced by Mercedes-AMG as the flagship for its new sporty model.
smart Reveals Prices and Specifications for New #3 SUV Coupé
smart plans to shake up the UK’s electric market with the announcement that its new #3 SUV coupé will be priced from £32,950 when it arrives in 2024.
MINI Announce a New Sport Trim for All-Electric MINI Cooper
A version of the all-electric MINI Cooper in Sport trim has been announced, taking its styling from the hot John Cooper Works model.
New Racetrack-Inspired Centrelock Wheels Available for BMW M Models
BMW is releasing model-specific retrofit products for its M2, M3 and M4 performance models using technology adapted from motorsport.
MINI Reveals New John Cooper Works Countryman Model
The flagship of the new MINI Countryman line up is to be a John Cooper Works model, sitting alongside an all-electric version in the SUV range.
Aston Martin Celebrates 30-Year Legacy of the Vantage V550
30 years ago, a select group of Aston Martin fans began taking delivery of the Vantage V550, the most potent Aston Martin production motor car yet.
New Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupé: Prices and Specifications Revealed
The new Mercedes-Benz CLE Coupé has been released in the UK, with prices starting from £46,605 for the CLE 200 AMG Line.
Prices and Specifications Revealed for New Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate
The new Mercedes-Benz E-Class Estate will cost from £57,930 with the model will be available with petrol, diesel, and plug-in hybrid powertrains.
Aston Martin Bulldog on Show at the British Motor Museum
The Aston Martin Bulldog, which earlier this year reached 205.4mph, has gone on display at the British Motor Museum until November 13th 2023.
New BYD Dolphin and Seal Receive Top Safety Scores
The upcoming BYD Seal and smaller Dolphin hatch all-electric vehicles have been awarded 5-star safety ratings by Euro NCAP.
New Upgrades for the Mercedes-AMG GLA Performance SUV
The Mercedes-AMG GLA 45 S performance SUV is getting a rework with a new front appearance, added technology and LED lamps being used throughout.
BMW Announce New iX2 Electric Coupé-SUV
The first electric coupé-SUV from BMW, the iX2, will be on the road in the spring of 2024, joining a new line-up of X2 models.
Grant Awarded for Aston Martin's EV Programme
Aston Martin’s high-performance EV strategy has been awarded £9 million of government funding through the Advanced Propulsion Centre UK.
BYD ATTO 3 Receives Full Five Stars from Green NCAP Testing
The all-electric BYD ATTO 3 has achieved the top rating in the latest Green NCAP round of testing.
Two Plug-In Hybrids Added to New BMW 5 Series Range
Two plug-in hybrids are joining the new BMW 5 Series range, which was recently launched as an all-electric i5 and a mild-hybrid saloon.
BMW Announce a New AI Customer Service System
A customer care service that uses artificial intelligence is being introduced by BMW.
Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupé Gets New AMG Performance Treatment
A coupé is being added to the Mercedes-AMG line-up with the arrival of sharply styled, AMG performance versions of the GLC SUV.
Original MINI Goes Electric As New MINI eMastered
The original MINI has become an electric car with the launch of the MINI eMastered by specialist British company David Brown Automotive.
Aston Martin Celebrates 60 Years of the Iconic DB5
The Aston Martin DB5 has turned 60 and the famous British car company is leading the celebrations for what is possibly its greatest model.
New Mercedes-Benz eCitan Van: Prices and Specifications
The new all-electric eCitan van from Mercedes-Benz will cost from £33,995 when it goes on sale in October.
MINI Invests Millions Into Oxford EV Production Plant
MINI is to build its next generation of electric models at its factory in Oxford in a £600 million deal that secures some 4,000 jobs.
New BMW iX1 eDrive20 Powertrain to Be Introduced
BMW is continuing to expand its all-electric offering with the introduction of a more economical variant of its popular iX1.
New Design Concept for BMW Models
A new look for BMW models has been revealed, with a design concept called the Vision Neue Klasse.
MINI Reveal New Electric Countryman and Cooper Models
MINI have publicly debuted new zero emission versions of the Cooper hatch and the larger Countryman, showcasing MINI's electric future.
New BYD Seal Joins the BYD Vehicle Range
Electric vehicle giant BYD is continuing its push into Britain with the arrival of the Seal performance-oriented saloon.
BMW Further Expands New Armoured Vehicle Lineup
BMW is expanding its new portfolio of armoured vehicles with the introduction of a new version of its X5 Protection VR6.
New 2024 Mercedes-AMG GT Revealed: Prices & Specifications
The second generation of the Mercedes-AMG GT Coupé has broken cover as the new flagship for the high-performance arm of Mercedes-Benz.
New BYD Dolphin: Prices and Specifications
BYD is shaking up the UK EV market with a budget-priced zero emission supermini; the BYD Dolphin.
Aston Martin Add New Volante Model to DB12 Range
Aston Martin is adding an open-top Volante model to its new DB12 range of super sports cars.
BMW Makes First Armoured 7 Series and i7 Models for VIPs
The first armoured all-electric saloon car is to be made by BMW, which has announced Protection versions of its i7 and 7 Series models.
New Performance Models for Mercedes-AMG GLC Line-up
Two new performance models, the GLC 43 and GLC 63, have been revealed by Mercedes-AMG for the GLC SUV line up.
Aston Martin Launches New Valour To Celebrate 110 Years
To mark 110 years of production, Aston Martin is to build a 705bhp manual V12 engined supercar, priced at more than £1 million.
Mercedes-Benz Launching New Automated Overtake Feature
Mercedes-Benz is moving towards automated driving with the arrival of a lane change function on the new E-Class saloon and estate cars.
Mercedes-Benz Announce New CLE Coupé
A new 2-door coupé has been revealed by Mercedes-Benz, with the CLE replacing both the C-Class and E-Class coupé versions.
Hydrogen Cars Tested by BMW in UK
BMW brings some of its hydrogen-powered iX5 cars to the UK to evaluate the vehicles in real-world conditions.
New M35i XDrive Added To BMW X1 Model Line-up
A high performance range topper is joining the BMW X1 SUV line up in the shape of the new M35i xDrive.
New BMW M5 Touring Announced
BMW has announced it will be adding an estate version to its forthcoming high performance M5 line up.
New Updates to the Range Rover Evoque
The Range Rover Evoque is being updated with changes to the exterior and significant upgrades to onboard technology and interior trim.
Rare Aston Martin Vehicles From Aston Martin Works
A multi-million pound never-before-seen collection of rare and exotic Aston Martin sports cars has come together at Aston Martin Works.
BYD to Launch New EV | Budget-Friendly 'Dolphin' SUV
BYD, the Chinese EV specialist, is to launch a keenly priced compact SUV in the UK later in 2023.
Mercedes-Benz Electric Hypercar Concept Revealed
Mercedes-Benz reveals a concept hypercar paying tribute to its experimental C111 models, whilst also pointing to their electric future.
Stratstone smart of Glasgow Roadshow from Friday 16th June to Thursday 22nd June 2023
The new all-electric smart #1 will arrive on UK shores later this summer, signalling the start of a new era for the smart brand.
New Range Rover SV Bespoke Service Launched
Range Rover is launching an SV Bespoke commissioning service, which gives enhanced levels of personalisation and refinement.
Aston Martin Reveal New DB12 | Features and Design
Aston Martin has revealed its new DB12 coupe – a car it describes as a quantum shift in its bloodline.
BMW Announce Details for the All-Electric BMW i5
BMW announced an all-electric BMW 5 series will be part of a new line-up as it launches the eighth generation of its most successful business saloon.
BMW Unveils Touring Coupé Concept
BMW is presenting the world premiere of its BMW Concept Touring Coupe at the opening of the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este 2023 in Italy.
New Manual-Only Special Edition of the John Cooper Works MINI
A manual-only special edition of the high performance MINI John Cooper Works is to be produced with a run of 999 models.
New Aston Martin DBX707 AM23 Edition Released
Aston Martin is celebrating the success of the Aston Martin F1 Team with the release of an exclusive AMR23 Edition of the DBX707.
smart #1 Wins Top Design Awards
The new smart #1 has been awarded two leading design prizes by international expert juries.
MINI Reveals Designs for the Full Electric Family
MINI has given a first glimpse of the design of its upcoming all-electric model family.
New Conversion Kit Brings Electric Power to the Classic Mini
EV technology company Electrogenic has expanded its range of conversion kits with a ‘plug and play’ solution to electrify the classic Mini.
MINI Launches New Cooper Electric
The next generation of the MINI family is being launched with the MINI Cooper Electric.
Aston Martin Works Expands Services to Help Preserve Heritage Vehicles
Aston Martin is helping owners to future-proof their vehicles with the expansion of its services from its Works division.
Mercedes-Benz Reveal New and Upgraded Electrified E-Class
Details of the next generation Mercedes-Benz E-Class have been revealed ahead of the car’s arrival later in 2023.
BMW Enables Digital Key Plus for Android Users
The BMW Digital Key Plus is now available for smartphones with Android operating systems.
New smart #1 Electric SUV: Prices and Specifications Revealed
The new all-electric smart #1 will arrive on UK shores later this summer, signalling the start of a new era for the smart brand.
Jaguar Land Rover Announces £15 Billion Investment in EV
Jaguar Land Rover is to invest more than £15 billion over the next five years to transform the brand into an all-electric vehicle manufacturer in the UK.
BMW Reveals i7 M70: The Most Powerful All-Electric BMW Model Yet
The most powerful all-electric BMW model has been unveiled at the Shanghai auto show, where the wraps came off the i7 M70 xDrive.
Mercedes-Maybach EQS 680 SUV Revealed: The First All-Electric Maybach Model
The luxurious Mercedes-Maybach EQS 680 has been revealed at the Shanghai auto show.
New smart #3 EV Revealed | All-Electric Coupé SUV
smart has launched its first sports utility coupe, the smart #3, at an event during the Auto Shanghai show.
BMW XM Performance Boosted With Label Red Treatment
BMW is boosting its XM high performance plug-in hybrid model with the introduction of Label Red special edition, limited to just 500 units.
First Drive Review: BYD ATTO 3
The BYD ATTO 3 is an all-electric SUV brimming with character and innovation, perfect for technology lovers wanting a high performing EV.
Updates for Mercedes-Benz GLS and Mercedes-Maybach GLS
Updated Mercedes-Benz GLS and the flagship Mercedes-Maybach GLS have been announced with upgraded standard equipment and extra options.
New #3 SUV Concept Released by smart: Features and Specifications
All-electric brand, smart, has released early design details and the official name of the second model set to launch since the marque’s renewal.
MINI Launch a Final Edition of the Clubman Model
MINI has signalled the end of the Clubman estate with the launch of a limited edition of Final Edition models.
Hybrid Power for Mercedes-AMG GLA and GLB Models
Mild-hybrid engines are coming to the Mercedes-AMG GLA and GLB crossover SUVs as the German performance brand steps up its electrification programme.
BMW Announce New All-Electric and M Performance 5 Series Models
An all-electric estate car will be part of a new BMW 5 Series line up due to be launched later in 2023, the Bavarian carmaker has announced.
Mercedes-Benz Announce New GLC Coupé | Prices and Specifications
A coupé version of the new Mercedes-Benz GLC will be on sale in the summer, joining the SUV model which was launched late in 2022.
Aston Martin DBX707 Becomes Official F1 Medic Car
The powerful Aston Martin DBX707 super-SUV takes to the track as the official FIA Medical Car in this year’s Formula 1 championship.
MINI Confirms New Electric Countryman
MINI has confirmed a fully electric version of its Countryman model is on the way and is to be built at the BMW factory in Leipzig.
New BMW i4 eDrive35 Added to the BMW Electric Line-Up
The first all-electric BMW i4 eDrive 35 will be on the road in the UK this summer, with order books now open for the latest EV to join the Bavarian carmaker’s line-up.
BMW Performance Taken to a New Level With the X5 and X6 M Competition
High performance variants of the new BMW X5 and X6 will be joining the line-up when it is released in the spring.
New Look for Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupé and SUV
Facelifted versions of the Mercedes-Benz GLE SUV and coupé have been released, with the cars costing from £77,890 and £92,675 respectively.
Mercedes-Benz New EQE Released: Luxury Electric SUV Now Available
The luxury all-electric Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV has been released in the UK with prices starting from £90,560.
MINI Launches New Limited Edition Convertible EV
A limited run of open-top MINI Electric cars are being released in the UK following the presentation of a one-off model last summer.
BMW M3 CS Special Edition Announced
BMW is to release a high performance special edition M3 CS, which will be available in March 2023.
Mercedes-Benz Reveals New CLA: Facelift, Tech, and Powertrains
A facelift is being given to Mercedes-Benz’s 4-door CLA coupe and its estate car Shooting Brake sibling.
Limited Edition Aston Martin DBS Revealed: 770 Ultimate
Aston Martin has announced its most powerful production car ever in the shape of the DBS 770 Ultimate.
Aston Martin Marks 110 Years
Aston Martin is celebrating its 110th anniversary with a year of events that mark the iconic British brand’s past, present, and future.
First Drive Review: BMW 2 Series Active Tourer and Coupé
The BMW 2 Series Active Tourer and Coupe may be different in bodystyle, but they share an undeniably luxury feel and fantastic all-round performance.
First Drive Review: BMW X2
As demand for SUVs continues to surge, BMW has entered the market with something a little different to the rest.
First Drive Review: BMW Z4
BMW's latest Z4 offers everything you need from a sports car and more, keeping it towards the top of the pile in its segment.
First Drive Review: Mercedes-Benz CLS
The Mercedes-Benz CLS is an impressive model, with a high performance and driver-focused experience being the tip of the iceberg.
First Drive Review: BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé
The Gran Coupé is a worthy addition to BMW's 2 Series range, offering fantastic driving dynamics and a comfortable ride.
First Drive Review: Range Rover Velar
Offering something significantly different to the rest of the Land Rover range, the Velar is as sharp and sophisticated as SUVs come.
First Drive Review: MINI Countryman
The Countryman SUV has proven itself a worthy addition to the MINI range, taking on British roads with ease.
First Drive Review: Range Rover Evoque
Land Rover's fashionable SUV lives up to expectations by offering advanced technology and a refined ride as part of its extensive arsenal.
First Drive Review: Land Rover Defender
We tested the latest Land Rover Defender both on and off-road during our First Drive Review, and it is safe to say it seriously impressed.
First Drive Review: BMW X1 and iX1
The BMW X1 and iX1 are true front-runners in the compact SUV market, boasting superb driving dynamics in a practical package.
First Drive Review: MINI Electric
Iconic MINI looks with efficient electrified performance, the MINI Electric offers a superb all-round experience.
BMW Reveals New Powerful 3.0 CSL
BMW has created an exclusive special edition model to mark the end of its 50th anniversary celebrations of its fabled M division.
Festive MINI Returns With 3,000 Christmas Lights
The Festive MINI is back and wrapped in 3,000 Christmas lights by creator Nicholas ‘Nico’ Martin, to raise money for the MS Trust and Duchenne UK.
Classic MINI Recreated as an Electric Vehicle
The classic MINI is being recreated as an electric vehicle, with conversions being offered by Recharged Heritage to future-proof the iconic vehicle.
Mercedes-Benz Launches Luxury All-Electric EQS SUV
The brand-new Mercedes-Benz EQS all-electric luxury SUV is now on sale, with prices starting from £129,170.
Mercedes-Benz Reveals Prices for New A-Class and B-Class Models
Prices and specification details have been revealed for Mercedes-Benz’s new compact A and B-Class models for 2023.
Top Euro NCAP Safety Scores for BMW X1 and 2 Series Active Tourer
Independent safety experts Euro NCAP have awarded both the BMW X1 and the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer, the highest rating of five stars.
Aston Martin Marks 50 Years of V8
Aston Martin marks the 50th anniversary of the iconic V8 - one of the most desirable heritage models.
New BMW M2 Due in 2023
A new BMW M2 is to be released in May 2023 and will come with even more performance than its predecessor.
Jaguar Land Rover Launches New Charging Service
Drivers of Jaguar or Land Rover EVs can now benefit from the launch of Jaguar Charging and Land Rover Charging.
BMW Release Track-Honed BMW M4 CSL
BMW is to release a track-honed version of its M4 sports coupé with a restricted production run, called the M4 CSL.
Mercedes-Benz Reveals New GLC Prices
The new Mercedes-Benz GLC is now on sale in the UK, with prices starting from £51,855 for the entry-level GLC 220 d AMG Line.
Sporty Tweaks for BMW Z4
BMW’s Z4 roadster has been updated to include a fresh design to the exterior with enhanced standard equipment and a wider range of options.
Hybrid Power for New Mercedes-AMG C63
Mercedes-AMG is ditching its V8 powertrains and turning to hybrid technology honed on the Formula 1 circuit for its latest C63 saloon and estate.
BMW Nets an Eco Catch
BMW is working with different approaches to use plastic waste from the maritime industry as a raw material for vehicle components to reduce CO2 emissions.
Vegan Flavour for BMW and MINI
The BMW Group plans to launch its first vehicles featuring completely vegan interiors in 2023.
Aston Martin introduces the Vantage V12 Roadster
Aston Martin has developed a roadster version of its V12 Vantage, which is being released in a limited run of only 249 models.
Jaguar Land Rover in Bid for Bond
Land Rover Defender, Range Rover and Jaguar stunt cars from the James Bond film No Time To Die are among lots being auctioned to mark 60 years of Bond movies.
Special Land Rover Revealed
A special run of classic Land Rover Defenders is being created to mark the brand’s off-road expertise across the globe.
Fresh Look for Aston Martin Wings
Aston Martin’s famous wing badge is being given a new look with a design created by British graphic artist Peter Saville.
Touring Treatment for Mighty BMW M3
The BMW M3 Touring, a high-performance estate model, is being added to the M3 line-up with prices starting from £80,550.
New BMW X1 to Have EV in Line Up
A new version of the BMW X1 compact SUV will be available with a fully electric powertrain as well as petrol, diesel and plug-in engines.
Exclusive Jaguar Marks Le Mans Glory
An exclusive version of the high-performance Jaguar F-Pace SVR has been created to mark the brand’s victory at the Le Mans 24 hour race in 1988.
New Look #1 Redefines smart
The new smart #1 - pronounced hashtag one - is a battery-electric car with a range of some 270 miles, and it will be on sale in the middle of 2023.
Ultimate Performance From Special BMW M4
An exclusive run of track-honed high-performance BMW M4 models is being released as part of the Bavarian carmaker’s 50th anniversary celebrations for its M sub-brand.
New Look for BMW 3 Series
Updated versions of the BMW 3 Series saloon and estate models have been announced and will arrive later in the summer.
New 8-Seat Land Rover Defender Announced
Land Rover is teasing a new eight-seat version of the latest Defender, which will have its debut on May 31.
Dam Stunt Debut for New Range Rover Sport
The new Range Rover Sport has made a dramatic entrance onto the global automotive stage by becoming the first vehicle to climb up a flooded dam spillway in Iceland.
New 7 Series Plugs-in for BMW
All versions of BMW’s new flagship 7 Series saloon will have plug-in technology as the Bavarian car maker sets out to exploit electrification to the full.
Mercedes-Benz Reveals SUV Version of EQS
An SUV version of the Mercedes-Benz EQS all-electric luxury saloon has been revealed and will be on the road later in 2022.
New Top Spec for Range Rover Velar
A performance oriented version of the Range Rover Velar is being introduced by Land Rover, following similar derivatives of the Evoque and Range Rover Sport.
BMW Lights Up New X7
The new BMW X7 super SUV will be cutting a dash with the car featuring an illuminated front grille as well as a host of high-tech features.
Sport Model Joins Jaguar F-Pace Range
Two new models are being added to the Jaguar F-Pace line-up with the introduction of 400 and 300 Sport versions.
Aston Martin Marks 30 Years of Super Model
Aston Martin Works is marking 30 years since the debut of the Virage - one of the marque’s most memorable and desired ‘niche’ models.
First Look at New BMW 7 Series
A sneak preview of the next generation of BMW’s flagship 7 Series saloon has been given by the German carmaker at its annual conference in Munich.
Special Editions For MINI Line-Up
MINI is launching three special edition models which will be available on the Hatchback, Convertible, Electric, Clubman, and Countryman.