Peugeot has announced a partnership with Strate School of Design, a leading institution in design and innovation education, with the goal of supporting the creativity and growth of the next generation of designers. Through this collaboration, Strate students will work on real-world projects addressing the challenges of future mobility, user experience, and emerging technologies. Guided by Peugeot’s design experts and the school’s faculty, they will gain a unique immersion in the automotive world. In addition to sharing expertise, the initiative allows Peugeot to identify and nurture the most promising talents, transforming the projects developed into a true innovation lab that helps anticipate the future needs of the mobility sector.

“The agreement reflects the brand’s commitment to bridging the gap between academia and industry, to foster innovative solutions for sustainable mobility, as well as to support young talent from the earliest stages of their education,” said Matthias Hossann, Head of Design at Peugeot. Mike Levy, head of Strate’s Transportation and Mobility Design department, emphasized that this collaboration offers students the opportunity to engage with the ambitions of an industry undergoing profound transformation, working alongside an internationally renowned automotive design team known for its creative boldness. At the same time, the initiative allows the French brand to understand how the new generation of designers envisions their professional practice, their relationship with the brand, and their approach to mobility.

The future of mobility stems from the convergence of innovation, creativity, and the younger generations. This is the vision behind the Geely Design Camp, the international project promoted by Geely Auto, which—following the success of its first two editions in China—is expanding to Europe for the first time this year, involving some of the continent’s most prestigious automotive design universities. The initiative serves as an important platform for dialogue dedicated to young design talents, who are called upon to envision the future of the automobile through new ideas, aesthetic languages, and solutions that combine technology, sustainability, and the customer experience.

The European leg of the Geely Design Camp will reach one of its most significant milestones in Milan, a city that symbolizes international design and is home to the Geely Innovation Design Center Italy—the creative hub inaugurated in 2023 that serves as one of the strategic hubs of the Group’s global design network. Here, the finalists will have the opportunity to engage directly with the world of Geely Auto, gaining a deeper understanding of the brand’s design philosophy, its design principles, and the increasingly central role of aesthetic identity in the development of future vehicles.

“Design is one of the fundamental elements through which Geely interprets the evolution of mobility,” says Marco Santucci, Managing Director of Jameel Motors for Geely and Zeekr. “Investing in young designers means investing in the ideas that will guide the next chapter of the automotive industry. Milan, with its unique design culture, is the ideal place to foster a dialogue between talent, technology, and an international vision.” The program also includes a hands-on experience with a visit to Ambrostore Milano, Geely Auto’s new Italian dealership, which serves as a concrete example of Geely’s market approach: a place where design, technology, and brand values connect with customers and the community on a daily basis.

Geely’s Milan design center opened in 2023 inside the Torre Diamante in Porta Nuova. Here, the Chinese group has chosen to establish its design language at the heart of one of the world’s most influential creative ecosystems. This decision goes beyond a mere operational presence and reflects a specific cultural vision: to shape the future of mobility through a dialogue between European sensibilities, technological innovation, and international identity. The Milan center is now one of the five hubs in the global Geely Design network—alongside Shanghai, Ningbo, Gothenburg, and Coventry—connected through a continuous, 24-hour operational model that accelerates creative processes and fosters consistent design development on a global scale. Milan, however, represents something more: it is the meeting point between “Italian Flair”—defined by proportions, material culture, and an attention to light and the human experience—and Geely’s contemporary vision of smart, electrified mobility.

With its fifth generation, the BMW X5 redefines its role as the aesthetic benchmark in the segment it helped pioneer in 1999. This new chapter in the Bavarian bestseller’s history is, above all, a story of design, in which the classic proportions of the Sports Activity Vehicle blend with the stylistic language of the Neue Klasse. The most recognizable feature of the new X5 is its vertically oriented front end, dominated by the Iconic Glow grille, which is also oriented vertically. Rounding out the design signature are the new “double-X” headlight clusters, making their debut on a BMW and transforming the SUV’s look into a distinctive element.

The result, from any angle, is a monolithic, clean, and powerful image that conveys confidence without decorative embellishments. On the side profile, where the SAV’s proportions remain true to tradition, the most innovative feature is the Winglet door handles. Flush with the bodywork, they require just a light touch to activate the electric door opening mechanism—a detail that demonstrates how design never compromises function, while visually lightening the side profile. Customization remains a cornerstone of the model’s identity: eleven body colors and wheels up to 23 inches in diameter shape the car’s aesthetic character, ranging from understated elegance to the sporty flair of the M60e xDrive. For those seeking a bolder look, M Performance Parts—carbon-fiber splitters, a gloss black spoiler, and an aramid diffuser—add a more aggressive design language. It is in the interior that the Neue Klasse is most clearly evident. The cabin eschews excess in favor of clean surfaces and clear structures, while maintaining its traditional driver-oriented layout.

The new slate and glass finishes introduce an unprecedented tactile quality, conveying sophistication through subtraction rather than addition. At the technological heart of the vehicle is the Panoramic iDrive system, featuring a “free-cut” design Central Display, a 3D Head-Up Display, and Panoramic Vision, which extends the projection across the entire width of the windshield. The experience is rounded out by a strip of ambient lighting that runs through the cabin from door to door, transforming technology into atmosphere. The new slate and glass finishes introduce an unprecedented tactile quality, conveying sophistication through subtraction rather than addition. At the heart of the technology is the Panoramic iDrive system, featuring a “free-cut” design Central Display, a 3D Head-Up Display, and Panoramic Vision, which extends the projection across the entire width of the windshield. The experience is rounded out by a strip of ambient lighting that runs through the cabin from door to door, transforming technology into ambiance.

The visual consistency maintained across five different powertrain types—gasoline, mild-hybrid diesel, plug-in hybrid, the all-electric iX5, and the future iX5 Hydrogen—is striking. The new X5 demonstrates that the Neue Klasse design language is not merely an accessory tied to electrification, but an identity capable of spanning every powertrain architecture, confirming the model’s role as the brand’s aesthetic manifesto. Production will begin in Spartanburg in August, with the iX5 becoming the first electric vehicle built at the historic American plant: a sign that the new X5 is poised to write—visually as well—the next chapter in its saga.

Škoda is expanding its electric vehicle offensive with the launch of the new Peaq, a model positioned at the top of the brand’s zero-emission range and marking the Czech manufacturer’s entry into the large SUV segment. Measuring 4.87 metres in length, featuring a wheelbase of almost three metres and offering seating for up to seven occupants, the new flagship combines space, comfort and technology with a claimed driving range of more than 640 kilometres. The Peaq is the largest and most spacious SUV ever produced by Škoda. Compared with the combustion-engined Kodiaq, the new electric model is 116 mm longer, while its 2,965 mm wheelbase even surpasses that of the Superb. These figures underline the brand’s ambition to strengthen its presence in the upper end of the market.

In terms of design, the newcomer fully embraces Škoda’s Modern Solid design language, characterised by clean lines and minimalist surfaces. The styling takes inspiration from the Vision 7S concept. At the front, T-shaped light signatures and the glossy black Tech-Deck Face define the vehicle’s identity, while the rear echoes the same design elements to create a cohesive appearance. “In its scale and presence, the Peaq is unlike any other model in our line-up – and yet it is unmistakably a Škoda. It is a manifestation of our Modern Solid design language,” said Oliver Stefani, Head of Škoda Design.

Among the key innovations are flush door handles, a first for the brand. Seamlessly integrated into the bodywork, they contribute to improved aerodynamic efficiency alongside other optimised design features, helping the Peaq achieve a drag coefficient of 0.249. The new flagship also introduces the largest panoramic roof ever fitted to a Škoda, featuring Dynamic Shade Control technology. Inside, customers can opt for the Relax Package, while other highlights include a Sonos premium sound system, LED Matrix headlights and Travel Assist 3.0. Everyday usability is further enhanced by one-pedal driving and bidirectional charging capability. Sustainability has also played a major role in the vehicle’s development. The Peaq incorporates more than 50 kilograms of recycled materials throughout the exterior and interior, the highest amount ever used in a Škoda model. The range will be available in ten exterior colours and with wheel sizes ranging from 19 to 21 inches.

With the fifth generation, the Audi A6 allroad reinforces its identity through more imposing proportions and a design language that emphasizes the model’s adventurous character without sacrificing the elegance typical of the four-ring brand’s large station wagons. The most significant change concerns the body dimensions. For the first time in the history of the A6 allroad, the model is wider than the A6 Avant on which it is based—by a full 11.1 centimeters. This change profoundly alters the car’s visual perception, making it appear more muscular and solid. The increased track width also helps reinforce its road presence and dynamic character.

The front end offers a contemporary interpretation of the allroad family’s stylistic cues. The focal point is the large, three-dimensional Singleframe grille, flanked by elements that emphasize its off-road capabilities: flared wheel arches, underbody guards, side sills, and contrasting details that define the traditional all-terrain look. The standard black trim accentuates the car’s rugged character, while the matte silver aluminum styling package offers a more refined alternative. Proportions also play a central role in shaping the vehicle’s visual identity. The increased ground clearance compared to the A6 Avant helps create a silhouette that combines elegance and functionality—a hallmark of the allroad variant since its debut.

Customization remains one of the key aspects of the design. The lineup includes eight color options and alloy wheels up to 21 inches in diameter, which emphasize the model’s striking presence and highlight the enlarged wheel arches. Inside, the design is dominated by the Audi Digital Stage, consisting of an 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster and a 14.5-inch curved OLED display, complemented by a 10.9-inch passenger screen in the higher-trim versions. The dashboard layout prioritizes clean surfaces and a strong integration of technology with the interior architecture. Lighting also plays an important role. Dynamic interactive lighting runs through the cabin and dashboard, creating a continuous visual element that contributes to the in-car atmosphere and communicates with occupants through dedicated light signals. Finally, the identity of the new A6 allroad is defined by its exterior lighting.

After winning the 2026 Car Design Award in the Brand Design Language category, the Jeep design team sought to explain the brand’s key stylistic principles that enabled the designers to win the award. “Ours is a unique brand with 85 years of history: we design every model with humility and great attention to customer needs, offering our interpretation with deep respect for the DNA we’ve inherited. Evolution must always keep in mind the values that make Jeep what it is, and our history is the running start that allows us to leap into the future,” said Daniele Calonaci, Head of Jeep Enlarged Europe.

The guiding principle of Jeep’s design philosophy is “Design to function”: every line, every detail is designed to serve a purpose for the vehicle and its customers. In pursuing this fundamental goal, the design integrates timeless aesthetics with lifestyle. The Jeep brand identity stems from many elements that, when skillfully combined, define what a Jeep truly represents. The sketch created by Daniele Calonaci and his team reveals the entire “recipe” and its ingredients.

Off-road performance is fundamental to the development of every model. The first Jeep was conceived to “take you where other vehicles can’t go”—and every model today still lives up to this ambition. All Jeeps can tackle the most challenging off-road obstacles, as well as the difficulties of everyday life. Their capabilities are ensured by short overhangs to optimize off-road angles, high ground clearance to clear rocks and fords, wide trapezoidal wheel wells with large tires, and a tow hook for recovery when needed.

To deliver on its promise of safety, sturdiness, and durability, every Jeep SUV is fully protected. A thick, 360-degree protective coating shields the underside of the body. Black mold-in-color bumpers—meaning the color is integrated into the material rather than applied as a surface coat—and aluminum components help preserve the paint; scratch-resistant materials have also been used for the Jeep Shield on the Compass and Avenger 4xe. The vehicle’s radar is positioned to prevent damage in tight spaces or around obstacles. Headlights, rear reflectors, and front fog lights are recessed to protect them from minor impacts. Appropriate materials are used in strategic locations to reduce wear, such as durable, washable fabrics and protective covers on the backs of the front seats.

The traditional boxy shape of Jeep SUVs optimizes interior space. The split-folding rear seatback allows for various cargo configurations, with a total capacity that, in the case of the New Compass, reaches 1,560 liters with the seats folded down. Jeep SUVs offer space everywhere: the dashboard is contoured at the top, and the interior is designed—both stylistically and engineering-wise—to create additional storage compartments.

Bonzanigo Design & Brand Development, a new firm based in Ticino, in Italian-speaking Switzerland, has emerged on the international design consulting scene. Founded by Carlo Bonzanigo in 2025, the firm specializes in integrating design, product development, brand identity, and creative direction, through an approach that combines strategic considerations with design innovation. This initiative is rooted in the experience gained over more than thirty years of work in the fields of transportation design and creativity applied to industrial products: throughout his career as a designer, Bonzanigo has held prominent roles, including Senior Vice President of Design at Pininfarina and Head of Advanced Design and Concept Cars at Citroën, contributing to the development of projects and visions within complex, global production contexts.

“Our multidisciplinary approach combines design vision, industrial expertise, and brand value creation, based on the belief that emotional design is a fundamental component of the design process,” explains Bonzanigo, whom we asked about the principles guiding his new firm’s consulting work. “I believe that in recent years we have forgotten that good design and good aesthetics are integral parts of a meaningful and memorable user experience. Coming from the automotive world, where the ability to evoke emotions is an integral part of the product experience, this aspect is of particular importance to us.” Bonzanigo has also described and analyzed these concepts in depth in his book *Automobiles, Design, and Emotions: A Celebration of Aesthetic Pleasure*, a comprehensive treatise on the subject published in 2021.

This wealth of cultural knowledge is now being put to use in his consulting practice, marking the beginning of a new professional phase. “We work across a wide variety of industrial sectors and with companies of all sizes. We support young and ambitious startups in defining their aesthetic identity, design strategies, and products, but we also effectively apply our methodology to established companies seeking to strengthen their commercial success. “Because design is the primary ambassador of a brand’s values and one of the most effective factors in creating economic value.”