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Kia Recalls 21,290 EV9 SUVs Over Passenger Airbag Issue

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Kia is recalling 21,290 EV9 electric SUVs because a faulty occupant detection system could prevent the front passenger airbags from being properly disabled for children.

Kia has issued a recall covering 21,290 EV9 electric SUVs because of a problem with the system that detects occupants in the front passenger seat.

The defect could cause the passenger airbags to remain active when the system should disable them for a child or child safety seat.

Which EV9 models are affected?

The recall covers all 2025 EV9 models and certain 2026 vehicles assembled at Kia’s Georgia plant.

Affected vehicles were built between May 17, 2024, and May 13, 2026.

The recall covers 21,290 Kia EV9 SUVs built at the company’s Georgia plant.

According to documents filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the problem involves the Occupant Detection System (ODS).

The system uses a bladder tube located beneath the front passenger seat cushion to determine whether the seat is occupied and whether the airbag should be enabled.

Seat adjustments can damage the detection system

The issue is linked to how the ODS bladder tube was routed by a supplier.

When the front passenger seat is moved to its highest position, the tube can become pinched.

Repeated adjustments to the seat’s height and tilt can eventually damage the system and cause it to fail.

Improper routing of the ODS bladder tube can cause it to become pinched and damaged when the passenger seat is adjusted.

A malfunctioning ODS can prevent the passenger airbag from being disabled when a child or child restraint is detected.

That means the vehicle may not comply with federal safety requirements.

Owners may notice warning signs

Kia has identified two possible signs that an affected EV9 could have the problem.

The airbag warning light may illuminate on the instrument panel.

The passenger seatbelt warning chime may also sound even when nobody is sitting in the passenger seat.

An illuminated airbag warning light or unexpected passenger seatbelt chime could indicate the problem.

Kia has already informed its dealers about the recall.

Starting October 20, affected owners will receive instructions to bring their EV9 to a dealership for inspection.

If the system is found to be damaged, technicians will replace the ODS and seat cover, ensuring the bladder tube is routed correctly.

Owners can also check whether their vehicle is affected through the NHTSA recall website starting September 4.

For the Kia EV9 recall, the repair will be performed at no cost to owners.

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BMW iX4 Brings 603 HP and 428 Miles of Range

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BMW’s new iX4 brings coupe-inspired styling to the Neue Klasse family, with up to 603 horsepower and as much as 428 miles of range.

BMW is expanding its Neue Klasse electric lineup with the new BMW iX4, a sleeker sibling to the recently introduced iX3. The electric SUV combines a coupe-like roofline with BMW’s latest EV technology and two all-wheel-drive powertrains.

Production is scheduled to begin early next year. The lineup will initially include the iX4 50 xDrive and the performance-focused iX4 M60 xDrive.

The BMW iX4 combines a sporty silhouette with the latest Neue Klasse design language.

The BMW iX4 Offers Up to 603 HP

The entry-level BMW iX4 50 xDrive uses two electric motors to produce 463 horsepower and 475 pound-feet of torque. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds and reaches a top speed of 130 mph.

The iX4 M60 xDrive takes performance much further. Its dual-motor setup generates 603 hp and 645 lb-ft of torque, matching the output of the iX3 M60.

That extra power cuts the 0-60 mph time to just 3.7 seconds. The M60 also has a higher top speed of 149 mph, giving the electric SUV a much stronger performance focus.

ModelPowerTorque0-60 mphTop speed
iX4 50 xDrive463 hp475 lb-ft4.7 sec.130 mph
iX4 M60 xDrive603 hp645 lb-ft3.7 sec.149 mph


Up to 428 Miles of Electric Range

Both versions use a 112.2-kWh usable battery pack. BMW estimates that the iX4 50 xDrive can travel up to 428 miles on a single charge.

The automaker has not yet released an official range figure for the iX4 M60. Its larger wheels, performance hardware and higher output are likely to result in a shorter range.

The iX4 also offers practical capability. With the optional trailer hitch, the electric SUV can tow up to 4,400 pounds.

The iX4 brings BMW’s latest Panoramic iDrive technology into a coupe-style electric SUV.

Neue Klasse Design Meets BMW M Hardware

The iX4 follows BMW’s latest design direction, including the brand’s familiar kidney grille and twin-headlight arrangement. Every version comes with the M Sport Package as standard.

The package includes 20-inch M wheels, while M Sport brakes with blue calipers are available as an option.

The M60 adds a more aggressive appearance. It features a black diffuser, black M mirror caps and dedicated M badging. It also rides on standard 21-inch wheels.

The performance model can also be equipped with BMW’s M Yellow Lights. An M-specific spoiler adds additional rear-axle downforce, reinforcing the M60’s sportier character.

The M60 Gets a More Focused Chassis

BMW has given the iX4 M60 more than additional electric power. The performance version comes standard with Adaptive M Suspension, featuring electronically controlled dampers and variable-ratio sport steering.

The suspension also receives bespoke spring and damper tuning, along with anti-roll bar links at the front axle.

An electronically controlled M Sport differential helps improve traction. The M60 also introduces two dedicated drive modes, M Sport and M Sport Plus, which modify the steering and chassis settings for a more performance-oriented driving experience.

Inside, the M60 receives an M Sport steering wheel with a red 12 o’clock marker. The standard seven-speaker audio system is replaced by a 13-speaker Harman Kardon system.

The iX4 M60 adds distinctive M details and chassis technology to the Neue Klasse SUV.

BMW iX4 Targets the Premium Electric SUV Market

The new BMW iX4 gives BMW another way to approach the rapidly expanding premium electric SUV segment. Its coupe-inspired body separates it visually from more traditional SUVs, while the Neue Klasse technology keeps it closely related to BMW’s latest EV strategy.

The iX4 50 xDrive focuses on a balance of performance, practicality and long-distance range. Its 428-mile estimated range makes it the more efficiency-oriented choice.

The M60, meanwhile, puts performance at the center of the package. With 603 hp, a 3.7-second 0-60 mph time and a 149-mph top speed, it becomes one of the most aggressive electric SUVs in BMW’s new lineup.

BMW is expected to begin production of the iX4 early next year, adding another important model to its expanding Neue Klasse family.

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RACING

Russell Will Start From the Back in Singapore

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George Russell will start from the back of the grid in Singapore after Mercedes confirmed a power-unit penalty following his engine failure in Sepang.

George Russell’s fight in the 2026 Formula 1 championship has become even more difficult. After retiring from the Malaysian Grand Prix with an engine problem, the Mercedes driver will now face a grid penalty at the Singapore Grand Prix.

Russell had been in contention for a podium in Sepang before the failure ended his race. The retirement also cost him valuable points in his battle with Mercedes teammate Andrea Kimi Antonelli.

Now, Russell arrives at Marina Bay 84 points behind Antonelli. Starting from the back of the grid will make his championship challenge even more demanding.

George Russell faces a difficult Singapore weekend after Mercedes confirmed a power-unit penalty.

Russell Will Start From the Back of the Grid

Mercedes has confirmed that Russell will need additional power-unit components in Singapore after the failure in Sepang.

The British driver has already used four power units during the 2026 season. As a result, another component change will trigger a 10-place grid penalty.

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff confirmed that Russell will therefore start from the back of the grid on Sunday.

The timing is particularly difficult.

Russell lost a potential podium in Malaysia when his engine problem occurred late in the race. Instead of scoring a major result, he left Sepang without the points he had been fighting for.

Now, Mercedes must give him the strongest possible car for a recovery drive.

The situation also creates an interesting comparison with Antonelli.

The Italian driver received a similar penalty at Monza last month. Despite starting 19th, Antonelli won the race and overcame the disadvantage.

Russell will now face a similar challenge in Singapore.

Mercedes will need to support Russell closely as the driver starts the race from the back.

Mercedes May Have to Change Its Engine Plan

The penalty could also affect Mercedes’ original power-unit strategy.

The team had planned to wait until the United States Grand Prix in Austin before introducing an upgraded engine component.

That plan would have allowed Mercedes to use the updated power unit after Singapore and accept the associated grid penalty at a circuit where overtaking opportunities are generally more favorable.

The engine failure in Malaysia has changed that situation.

Mercedes now has to decide whether to introduce the updated component in Singapore or continue with its available power-unit allocation.

The decision could have implications for the remaining races of the season.

It also highlights one of Mercedes’ biggest challenges in 2026: managing power-unit reliability while competing for the championship.

Power-Unit Reliability Has Become a Mercedes Concern

Mercedes has enjoyed a highly competitive season, but reliability problems have repeatedly interrupted its progress.

Antonelli experienced a power-unit issue in Barcelona.

Russell then suffered problems while leading in Canada and again while fighting for a podium in Sepang.

Those failures have created additional pressure on the team’s power-unit allocation.

For Russell, the consequences are now especially significant.

A driver already trying to close an 84-point championship gap will start from the back at a circuit where track position can be difficult to recover.

That makes every qualifying and Sprint result particularly important for Mercedes this weekend.

Singapore’s narrow street circuit will make Russell’s recovery drive particularly challenging.

Mercedes Still Has Questions About Its Latest Upgrade

Russell’s power-unit penalty is not Mercedes’ only concern in Singapore.

The team is also still trying to understand whether its latest aerodynamic package actually delivered the expected performance gain.

The upgrade debuted in Malaysia, but the weekend produced mixed results.

Mercedes found additional aerodynamic load in some corners, yet the car did not show the expected straight-line advantage.

The team also struggled with balance and tire management.

That has prompted Mercedes to compare the latest package with the previous specification during the Singapore weekend.

The two cars could potentially run different configurations to give the engineers a clearer comparison.

Singapore should provide useful information because its characteristics are very different from those of Sepang.

The Marina Bay circuit features mostly low- and medium-speed corners, along with bumps, curbs and high temperatures.

That could help Mercedes determine whether the Malaysian problems were caused by the new package, the setup or the track conditions.

Russell Faces a Major Recovery Mission

The Singapore Grand Prix now presents Mercedes with two objectives.

The team needs to understand its latest upgrade while giving Russell the tools to recover from the back of the grid.

For Russell, the championship situation is becoming increasingly difficult. The Sepang retirement already created a significant points deficit, and the Singapore penalty adds another obstacle.

But the Antonelli example from Monza shows that a back-of-grid start does not automatically eliminate the possibility of a strong result.

Mercedes will therefore need to maximize every opportunity.

Russell’s Singapore weekend may be one of the most important recovery challenges of his 2026 season.

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RACING

McLaren Targets Both Singapore F1 Race Wins

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McLaren believes Singapore offers a major opportunity to reverse its recent form and extract the full potential of the MCL40.

McLaren is looking to reset its Formula 1 season in Singapore. After difficult weekends in Baku and Sepang, the team believes the Marina Bay circuit could provide an opportunity to return to the front.

Lando Norris’ victories in Hungary and the Netherlands now feel increasingly distant. Since then, McLaren has struggled to maintain the development momentum that previously made the MCL40 one of the strongest cars on the grid.

The team is determined to change that in Singapore.

McLaren technical director Neil Houldey believes the team has the pace needed to fight for victory, but it must execute the weekend much more effectively.

McLaren heads to Singapore looking to reverse its recent decline in performance.

McLaren Believes Singapore Can Change Its Momentum

The recent results have raised questions about McLaren’s development direction.

The latest upgrade package was expected to keep the MCL40 moving forward. Instead, the car appeared less competitive in both Baku and Sepang.

McLaren now wants to understand exactly why it failed to extract the expected performance.

Singapore presents a different challenge.

The Marina Bay circuit is dominated by slower corners, heavy braking zones and uneven sections of track. The race also takes place at night, while the Sprint format leaves teams with less practice time.

That combination means preparation will be particularly important.

Houldey says McLaren needs to optimize its cooling system because of the high temperatures expected throughout the weekend.

The setup will also require a careful compromise between aerodynamic performance and mechanical behavior over the bumps and curbs.

Singapore’s bumps, curbs and high temperatures create a very different challenge for the MCL40.

McLaren Must Unlock the MCL40’s Full Potential

Houldey believes McLaren did not maximize the car’s potential during the previous two races.

That assessment is important because the team has not necessarily lost all of its underlying pace.

Instead, McLaren believes it has failed to put the MCL40 into the right operating window.

The team has also faced difficulties extracting maximum performance from the Mercedes power unit in Norris’ car.

A lack of suitable top speed has cost performance on some laps, adding another layer to McLaren’s recent struggles.

Singapore should reduce some of those concerns because outright top speed is less important than at circuits such as Baku.

The priority will instead be finding the correct aerodynamic balance while ensuring the car remains predictable over the street circuit’s bumps and curbs.

McLaren also knows that performance can change significantly from one circuit to another.

That gives the team reason to remain confident heading into the third race of the current triple-header.

McLaren Wants to Win Both Singapore Races

The Sprint format makes preparation even more important.

Teams have less time to evaluate setup changes before competitive sessions begin. McLaren therefore plans to arrive with a clear baseline while remaining ready to react to changing track conditions.

Safety-car periods and incidents could also have a major impact on the weekend.

Houldey has set an ambitious target.

McLaren wants to win both races in Singapore.

That means maximizing every available opportunity, from qualifying performance to tire management and race strategy.

The team believes the MCL40 remains fast enough to compete at the front. The challenge is turning that potential into consistent results.

Lando Norris will be central to McLaren’s attempt to return to the front in Singapore.

McLaren Is Still Fighting for the Championship

The Singapore weekend arrives with seven races remaining in the 2026 season.

That leaves McLaren with significant opportunities in both championships.

The team is currently trying to close the gap to Ferrari, which sits second among the constructors and has extended its advantage to 89 points.

McLaren therefore needs more than a strong weekend. It needs to turn its pace into consistent podium finishes and victories.

The recent difficulties have provided useful data. The team can now use that information to identify areas that require improvement.

The objective is clear: leave Baku and Sepang behind, extract more from the MCL40 and rebuild momentum.

McLaren believes the opportunity is still there. Singapore could be the weekend when the team finally turns that belief into results.

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