Our 265 mile test drive in city streets and on highways in hybrid mode produced an impressive 40 MPG.
Sunday, June 30, 2024
Test Drive: 2024 Lexus RX 450h+
2025 Kia Seltos Starts At $26,465
The 2025 Kia Seltos, powered by either a 146 horsepower a 2.0L MPI Atkinson 4-cylinder engineor a 195 horsepower 1.6L Turbo GDI 4-cylinder engine, adds Parking Distance Warning-Reverse on EX and SX trims and Smart Power Liftgate on EX AWD and SX trims as standard with a new Power Sunroof package now available on EX trims. New 17” standard two-tone alloy wheels are on the S trim . The 2025 Seltos gets an updated interior, featuring improved materials and finishes. The cargo cover is now standard on EX AWD. The Seltos S FWD starts at $26,465 (including $1,375 destination).
2025 Honda CR-V e:FCEV - Hydrogen Fuel Cell EV
The all-new 2025 Honda CR-V e:FCEV, America's first production plug-in hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle, has a 270-mile EPA driving range rating, combining an all-new U.S.-made fuel cell system along with plug-in charging capability delivering 174 horsepower designed to provide up to 29 miles of EV driving around town with the flexibility of fast hydrogen refueling for longer trips. It will be available in California starting July 9, with three leasing options, with the majority of customers expected to choose a 3 year/36,000 mile lease for $459 per month with $2,959 due at signing and including $15,000 of hydrogen refueling credits during the lease term. The lease options are based on an MSRP of $50,000, though no purchase option will be offered. Every CR-V e:FCEV includes a 10.2-inch digital instrumentation display, 9-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto™ compatibility, wireless phone charging, a 12-speaker Bose premium audio system, power adjustable heated front seats, heated steering wheel, dual zone climate control, handsfree access power tailgate, parking sensors and sustainable materials including bio-based leather seat upholstery.
7th generation BMW M5 Starts At $120,675 In November
The 7th generation BMW M5 is powered by a 717 horsepower M Hybrid drive system from a combination of a 577 horsepower 4.4-liter V8 engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology and an electric motor mated to an 8-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic and the M xDrive all-wheel-drive system that delivers a fully electric range of approximately 25 miles. The BMW M5 features Integral Active Steering, which turns the rear wheels in either the same direction as or the opposite direction to the front wheels, depending on the car’s speed. The fully digital screen grouping is made up of a 12.3-inch information display and a 14.9-inch control display and the BMW Head-Up Display is included with the standard BMW Live Cockpit Professional in the new BMW M5. A Bowers & Wilkins Surround Sound System with 18 speakers and 655-watts is standard. The worldwide market launch of the new BMW M5 will start in November 2024 with a base MSRP of $120,675 (including $1,175 destination and handling).
4th Generation Bentley Continental GT Speed
The fourth-generation Bentley Continental GT Speed is powered by an all-new Ultra Performance Hybrid powertrain with total system 771 horsepower from a 584 horsepower 4.0-liter V8 engine working in tandem with a 187 horsepower electric motor via an eight-speed dual clutch transmission and an electronic limited slip differential to all four wheels that delivers 50 miles of electric-only range and a total range of 534 miles. The 25.9 kWh battery is mounted behind the rear axle. The new Continental GT Speed and GTC Speed models have the new Bentley Performance Active Chassis that includes Active All Wheel Drive, an electronic limited slip differential, all wheel steering, torque vectoring (front to rear and across the axles), Bentley Dynamic Ride active anti roll system, and a new generation of ESC control software. The Continental GT offers three audio systems with a 10 speaker, 650 Watt system as standard. The new Continental GT has a three-sided display featuring a 12.3 inch high-definition display. The new Continental GT will be launched in Tourmaline Green.
2025 Volkswagen Jetta Starts At $23,220 By End of 3rd Quarter
The 2025 Volkswagen Jetta, powered by a 158 horsepower 1.5-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, will have a revised front fascia, new upper and lower grille designs, LED headlights, more wheel offerings, new dash design and a floating touchscreen infotainment system with an 8-inch display, with a starting price of $23,220 (including $1,225 destination charge. The Jetta GLI is powered by a 228 horsepower 2.0-liter engine which can be paired with either a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission or a six-speed manual transmission. The IQ.DRIVE system is standard on all 2025 Jetta and Jetta GLI models utilizing front and rear radar, a front camera and several ultrasound sensors enabling Travel Assist, Forward Collision Warning and Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Monitoring, Active Blind Spot Monitor; Rear Traffic Alert; Adaptive Cruise Control, Stop and Go, Lane Assist and Emergency Assist. The revamped Jetta lineup is expected to reach U.S. dealers by the end of Q3 2024.
Thursday, June 20, 2024
All-New 2025 BMW X3 Starts At $50,675 In The 4th Quarter
The all-new 2025 BMW X3, in its fourth generation badged as 30 xDrive and M50 xDrive, is 1.3 inches longer than its predecessor and 1.1 inches wider. The BMW X3 30 xDrive is powered by a 255 horsepower 2.0-liter TwinPower Turbo 4-cylinder engine and starts at $50,675 (including $1,175 destination and handling). The BMW X3 M50 xDrive has a 3.0-liter engine and a 48V hybrid system for a total system output of 393 horsepower integrated into the eight-speed Steptronic transmission with a starting price of $65,275. The driver and passengers can spend any downtime they have in the car when it’s stationary by gaming in single-player or in multi-player mode. They only need their smartphone, which will serve as a controller, and the gaming experience on the BMW Curved Display is ready to go. Forward Collision Mitigation, Lane Keeping Assistant and Speed Limit Info, along with the Driving Assistant including Active Blind Spot Detection and manual Speed Limit Assistant are standard. The Parking Assistant, now standard, incorporates features such as the Backup Assistant and a Rear View Camera. A trailer hitch is optional, and allows a trailer load of up to 4,850 lbs depending on the model variant. Market launch will get underway in the fourth quarter of 2024.
Sunday, June 16, 2024
2024 Jeep Wagoneer S Launch Edition EV Coming This Fall
The all-new, all-electric 2024 Jeep Wagoneer S Launch Edition is four-wheel drive with a range of more than 300 miles on a single charge, delivering 600 horsepower. It carries a 400-volt, 100-kilowatt-hour battery pack that allows owners to charge the vehicle from 20% to 80% in 23 minutes (with DC fast charger). Every Jeep Wagoneer S Launch Edition includes a 48-amp Level 2 home charger or public charging credits of equal value through Free2move Charge, Stellantis’ 360-degree charging ecosystem. Wagoneer S customers can access the Free2move Charge app to search for charging stations, activate the charging session and keep track of charging history (US only). The Wagoneer S gets an all-new standard 12.3-inch driver cluster and Selec-Terrain traction management system that features Auto, Sport, Eco, Snow, Sand drive modes for all weather and road conditions.. Jeep Wagoner S customers are automatically enrolled in Jeep Wave, a premium loyalty program filled with benefits and perks, including dedicated 24/7 support. The all-new, all-electric 2024 Jeep Wagoneer S will launch first in the U.S. and Canada in the second half of 2024 and later be available in markets around the world.
2025 Genesis GV80 Coupe Starts At $81,300 This Summer
The first-ever 2025 Genesis GV80 Coupe comes with a 375 horsepower 3.5L twin turbo V6 engine mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission in the 3.5T AWD which starts at $81,300 (including $1,350 freight) or a 409 horsepower 3.5L twin turbo engine with 48V e-Supercharger in the 3.5T e-Supercharger AWD starting at $87,100. Standard equipment includes a 27-inch OLED integrated instrument cluster and navigation touchscreen, 20-inch sport alloy wheels, Nappa leather seating surfaces, power heated and ventilated second row seats, wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™, Bang & Olufsen® premium audio system, panoramic sunroof, head-up display, and Genesis Digital Key. It also comes equipped with Genesis’ suite of advanced driver assistance systems and features – including Surround View Monitor, Blind-Spot View Monitor, and Parking Collision-Avoidance Assist. The first-ever 2025 GV80 Coupe will arrive at U.S. retailers this Summer.
2025 BMW M2 Starts At $66,075 In August
The 2025 BMW M2 is powered by a 473 horsepower 3.0 liter 6-cylinder in-line engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology via the 8-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic. There are new design accents for the exterior and interior, a broadened exterior color range, and the introduction of BMW Operating System 8.5 to support the latest generation of BMW iDrive. Standard equipment for the new BMW M2 also includes three-zone automatic climate control, ambient lighting, a Harman Kardon surround sound system, and the BMW Live Cockpit Plus with BMW Maps navigation system. The standard smartphone integration enables use of Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™. Among the optional items available are Active Cruise Control with Stop&Go function and the Parking Assistant with Reversing Assistant. Starting at $66,075 (including $1,175 destination and handling), it will be launched worldwide in August 2024.
2025 BMW 2 Series Starts At $40,375 In August
The 2025 BMW 2 Series comes in a 230i Coupe that starts at $40,375 (including $1,175 destination and handling), 230i xDrive at $42,375, both powered by a 255 horsepower 2.0 liter Inline 4 cylinder TwinPower Turbo engine mated to an 8-speed Sport Steptronic transmission. The M240i with a 382 horsepower 3.0 liter 6 cylinder TwinPower Turbo engine starts at $51,275, and the M240i xDrive at $53,275. The BMW Curved Display comprises a 12.3-inch Information Display and a 14.9-inch Control Display that serve as a platform for the further developed BMW iDrive with QuickSelect based on the BMW Operating System 8.5. The new BMW 2 Series Coupe will be launched on the market in August 2024.
2025 Honda Civic Sedan Starts At $25,345 Later This Summer
The 2025 Honda Civic Sedan, on sale now in four trim levels, starting with LX and Sport, and topped by the hybrid-powered Sport Hybrid and Sport Touring Hybrid, starts at $25,345 (including $1,095 destination charge). The hybrid-electric powered 2025 Civic Sport Hybrid starts at $29,845. Sport trim is now available with either a new 2.0-liter engine, or the more powerful 200 horsepower hybrid-electric powertrain. The Honda Sensing® suite of safety and driver-assistive technologies is standard on all Civic models including increased system visibility for motorcycles and bicycles for the Collision Mitigation Braking System™ with Pedestrian Detection, Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Keeping Assist System. Forward Collision Warning; Road Departure Mitigation incorporating Lane Departure Warning are also standard. All Civic Sport models also are now equipped with a blind spot information system with Rear Cross Traffic Alert. The refreshed Civic Hatchback, including the first-ever Civic Hatchback hybrid, will arrive at dealers later this Summer.
2025 Nissan LEAF S Starts At $29,280 Now
The 2025 Nissan LEAF S has a 40-kWh lithium-ion battery with an EPA-estimated range of up to 149 miles and starts at $29,280 (including $1,140 destination and handling), while the SV PLUS has a 60-kWh battery and up to 212 miles of range and starts at 37,330. Every Nissan LEAF comes standard with Nissan Safety Shield® 3603, a suite of technologies that includes Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Blind Spot Warning and Lane Departure Warning. For added driver convenience, LEAF SV PLUS also includes ProPILOT Assist and Intelligent Around View® Monitor5. The 2025 Nissan LEAF is now on-sale.
2025 Toyota Crown Signia Starts At $44,685 Late This Summer
The first-ever 2025 Toyota Crown Signia, available in a choice of XLE and Limited grades, has standard electronic on-demand All Wheel Drive and the Toyota Hybrid Electric Vehicle system with 240 net system horsepower that delivers an EPA-estimated combined 38 MPG rating. All Toyota Crown Signia grades also receive a 12.3-inch fully digital gauge cluster with selectable gauges. Drivers can choose different display layouts with the push of a button, including a Hybrid System Indicator that shows system output and regeneration status to encourage eco-driving habits. The Toyota Crown Signia starts at $44,685 (including $1,095 delivery processing and handling fee) for the XLE grade and $49,085 for the Limited grade. Models are expected to arrive at Toyota dealerships later this Summer.
2025 Toyota Corolla FX Special Edition Arrives This Fall
The 2025 Toyota Corolla FX special edition, powered by a 169 horsepower 2.0L, Dynamic Force 4-cylinder DOHC 16-valve engine with has a manufacturer-estimated 34 combined MPG rating, adds a rear spoiler, 10.5-inch screen, 7-inch multi-information display and a wireless charger from the 2025 XSE trim. Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 will also come standard on the 2025 Toyota Corolla FX. Corolla FX models arrive at Toyota dealerships in the Fall of 2024.
2025 Cadillac OPTIQ Coming This Fall
The 2025 Cadillac OPTIQ, with a Cadillac-estimated 300 miles of range, is powered by a 300 horsepower (224 kW) dual motor all-wheel drive propulsion system with an 85-kilowatt-hour battery pack. OPTIQ has a 33-inch diagonal advanced LED display with 9k resolution, Super Cruise driver assistance technology enabled by high-definition GPS mapping, driver attention system, lane changing capabilities and steering wheel light bar. Standard safety and driver assistance technologies include adaptive cruise control, Blind Zone Steering Assist, Enhanced Automatic Parking, and Forward Collision Alert. Production of OPTIQ will begin late this Fall.
2025 BMW 330i Sedan Starts At $46,675 In August
The new 2025 BMW 330i Sedan powered by a 255 horsepower 2-liter inline TwinPower Turbo 4-cylinder engine with 48V mild hybrid technology starts at $46,675 (including $1,175 destination and handling). The 2025 M340i powered by 386 horsepower 3-liter inline 6-cylinder engine paired with an 8-speed Steptronic Sport transmission starts at $60,775. The new BMW 3 Series has the latest version of the BMW iDrive with QuickSelect based on BMW Operating System 8.5 and features a new home screen and QuickSelect rapid-access tech. The new BMW 3 Series Sedan will be launched worldwide in August 2024.
2025 BMW M3 Starts At $77,175 In July
The 2025 BMW M3, refreshed inside and out, is powered by a 473 horsepower 3-liter straight-six engine with M TwinPower Turbo technology through a 6-speed manual transmission starts at $77,175 (including $1,175 destination and handling). The M3 Competition delivers 503 horsepower via an 8-speed M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic starts at $81,375. The new BMW M3 Competition Sedan with M xDrive that develops 523 horsepower starts at $86,475. The new BMW M3 has the latest generation of BMW iDrive based on BMW Operating System 8.5. The fully digital screen made up of a 12.3-inch information display and a 14.9-inch control display contains M-specific content. All variants will be launched worldwide in July 2024.