2023 Lexus RZ 450e EV On Sale Now

The all-new, all-electric 2023 Lexus RZ 450e, the brand’s first globally available, purpose-built battery-electric vehicle, with 308 total system horsepower rating from a 71.4 kWh battery delivering an EPA-estimated range rating of up to 220 miles when equipped with 18” wheels and an EPA-estimated MPGe rating of 115/98/107 (city/highway/combined). When utilizing 20” wheels, the RZ has an EPA-estimated MPGe of 102/87/95 with an EPA-estimated range of up to 196 miles. RZ 450e utilizes DIRECT4, an all-wheel drive system first introduced with the 2023 Lexus RX, which features a rear eAxle coupled with the engine and front motor. The 2023 RZ 450e is built in Toyota City, Japan, and is on sale now in limited quantities.

Subaru of America President/CEO Tom Doll To Assume New Role

Tom Doll, President and Chief Executive Officer of Subaru of America will step down from the day-to-day management of the company and will assume the role of Corporate Advisor based at the Camden, New Jersey headquarters effective April 1st . It comes after more than 40 years with Subaru of America, including roles as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer from 2009, and subsequently President from 2013 and CEO from 2018. He led Subaru of America to 12 consecutive years of sales records from 2008 to 2019 when the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic shut down production. Doll also served as Chief Financial Officer, Vice President of Business and Strategic Planning, Director of Accounting, Director of Treasury Operations and Manager of Treasury Operations. Here are a few of many interviews with my friend and one of the auto industry's great leaders:

2021 Tom Doll interview.  

2013: Tom Doll interview. 

2010 Tom Doll interview. 

2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC SUV Starts At $48,250 This Spring

The new generation 2023 Mercedes-Benz GLC SUV,  Mercedes-Benz USA best-selling model, is powered by a new, more powerful 255 horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a second-generation integrated starter generator and 48-volt mild hybrid system that provides up to an additional 23 horsepower. The interior features a new floating 12.3-inch digital instrument panel along with an 11.9-inch central display that rises from the center console. The all-new Mercedes-Benz GLC SUV will start from $48,250 (including $1,150 destination and delivery charge). The new generation 2023 GLC SUV will arrive in U.S. dealerships in the Spring.

2023 Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV Starts At $79,050 This Spring

The all-new 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV, the second fully-electric SUV from Mercedes-Benz based on the premium-class electric architecture, comes in EQE 350+ SUV, EQE 350 4MATIC SUV and EQE 500 4MATIC starting at $79,050 (including $1,150 destination and delivery charge) and will arrive at U.S. dealerships this Spring. The EQE SUV improves range using a heat pump and an intelligent powertrain management system that takes heat from the electric drive (inverter and electric motor) and the high-voltage battery to heat the interior rather than drawing on battery power for the heating system, thus increasing the range. The all-new intelligent powertrain management system monitors at 160 times per second, to determine if the front electric motor is necessary. If not, a clutch disconnects or re-engages the front motor in 100 milliseconds to reduce drag and improves range. The top-of-the line EQE 500 4MATIC starts at $96,350.

2024 Subaru Outback SUV and Legacy Sedan Coming This Fall

The 2024 Subaru Outback SUV starting at $30,190 (including $1,295 destination & delivery) and Legacy sedan starting at $25,985 are powered by a 182 horsepower 2.5-liter BOXER engine paired with a Lineartronic® CVT (continuously variable transmission) with 8-speed manual shift mode and steering wheel paddle shift control switches. The Outback Base is equipped with the STARLINK dual 7.0-inch center information display with the upper 7-inch touchscreen operating audio controls while the lower 7-inch touchscreen controls for climate, EyeSight, X-MODE, and other vehicle systems. Priced at $40,655, the Outback Onyx Edition XT upgrades to the 260 horsepower 2.4-liter turbo BOXER engine as well as 180-Degree Front View Monitor, 8-way power front passenger seat, heated rear seats (outboard seat position), and a full-size spare tire. This year, the Outback Wilderness receives updated front styling. Both models will begin arriving at Subaru retailers this Fall.

2024 Subaru Impreza Starts At $24,085

The all-new 2024 Subaru Impreza, the sixth-generation Impreza which debuted at 2022 Los Angeles Auto Show, is powered by a 152-horsepower 2.0-liter 4-cylinder direct-injection SUBARU BOXER® engine in the Base and Sport trims and a 182 horsepower 2.5-liter BOXER engine in the RS model, and are mated to a Lineartronic CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) with the Sport and RS trims featuring an 8-speed manual mode with steering wheel paddle shifters that allow the driver to control the transmission via eight pre-set ratios. The Impreza comes as a 5-door hatchback and is available in Base, Sport and new RS trim levels. The 2024 Impreza has a starting price of $24,085 (including $1,090 destination & delivery charge).

2024 BMW X5 M and X6 M Competition Models Start At $123,295

The new 2024 BMW X5 M Sports Activity Vehicle and 2024 X6 M Sports Activity Coupe will now be offered exclusively as Competition models with a new 617 horsepower 4.4-liter V8 engine with 48V mild-hybrid technology integrated into the 8-speed M Steptronic transmission delivering an additional up to 12 horsepower. The new BMW X5 M Competition, which starts at $123,295 (including $995 destination and handling) and BMW X6 M Competition at $128,195, come as standard with BMW Live Cockpit Professional, an M-specific version of the latest-generation BMW iDrive interface. Powered by BMW Operating System 8, there's a 12.3-inch information display and a 14.9 inch control display screen. At launch, customers will be able to choose from around 50 BMW Individual paint shades for both models. Production will begin in Spartanburg, South Carolina, in April.

Hyundai IONIQ 6 Starts At $42,715 This Spring

Hyundai IONIQ 6 SE Standard Range with its 53-kWh battery pack and 240 mile range has an MSRP of $42,715 (including $1,115 delivery) and will be available in limited quantities this Summer. The IONIQ 6 SE Long Range with an EPA-estimated 361 miles of range from its larger 77.4 kWh battery has a MSRP of $46,615. Dual motor AWD models have a starting MSRP of $50,115 and have up to 316 miles of range. Eligibility for state tax credits is dependent on individual tax circumstances. The 2023 IONIQ 6 goes on sale this Spring at Hyundai dealerships.

VIDEO: IONIQ 6 introduced at 2022 Los Angeles Auto Show.

2023 Nissan Sentra Starts At $21,045 Now

The 2023 Nissan Sentra, in S, SV and SR grades and powered by a 149 horsepower 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine paired with an Xtronic CVT, is on sale now with a starting MSRP of $21,045 (including $1,095 destination and handling charge). S and SV grades are rated at 29 mpg city, 39 mpg highway and 33 mpg combined and the Sentra SR is rated 28 mpg city, 37 mpg highway and 32 mpg combined. Nissan Safety Shield 360 technologies include Automatic Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Detection, Blind Spot Warning, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning, High Beam Assist and Rear Automatic Braking. 

2024 Cadillac XT4 Goes On Sale This Summer

The 2024 Cadillac XT4 is powered by a 235 horsepower 2.0L turbocharged engine with Active Fuel Management deactivating some of the engine’s cylinders in certain driving conditions and nine-speed automatic transmission with electronic shift control. The XT4 has an available twin-clutch all-wheel-drive system available on all trims that helps traction and vehicle control, whether the road is dry, wet, snowy, or icy. Standard safety and driver assistance technologies include Blind Zone Steering Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Braking, and Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning. The XT4 has a new 33-inch-diagonal LED color touchscreen display command center for its infotainment system and suite of advanced safety features. The 2024 Cadillac XT4 goes on sale this Summer.

2023 Genesis Electrified GV70 Starts At $66,895

The 2023 Genesis Electrified GV70, the third electric vehicle from Genesis powered by 160 kW front + 160 kW rear electric motors and a 77.4 kWh battery, starts at $66,895 (including $1,045 destination charge) has a 12.3-inch digital cluster and navigation system, vehicle-to-load charging and more. The 2023 Genesis Electrified GV70 Prestige AWD, at an MSRP of $73,695, adds Nappa leather seating surfaces, a leatherette wrapped upper instrument panel, microfiber suede headliner, head-up display, a 3D instrument cluster, premium audio, active noise control, heated 2nd row seats and steering wheel and manual read door shades.

2024 Buick Encore GX Starts At $28,090

The 2024 Buick Encore GX small SUV comes standard with a 137 horsepower 1.2L turbocharged engine or available 155 horsepower 1.3L turbocharged engine with AWD available across all trims. The Virtual Cockpit System features 19 diagonal inches of high-definition screens under one sheet of glass, comprising an 11-inch diagonal infotainment system and a configurable 8-inch diagonal driver cluster screen, both angled toward the driver. The 2024 Encore GX includes Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning, IntelliBeam auto high-beams as standard. The Encore GX Preferred trim starts at $28,090 (including $1,195 destination freight charge) with Sport Touring starting at $29,290 and Avenir starting at $34,390. Customers will be able to build and order a new Encore GX on Buick.com starting in May.

Mercedes-Benz S 580e 4MATIC Starts At $123,700

The Mercedes-Benz S 580e 4MATIC with the fourth generation hybrid drive system provided by a 367 horsepower 3.0L I-6 six-cylinder engine paired with a 21.5kWh battery and 148 horsepower permanently excited synchronous electric motor with internal rotor creates a combined total output of 510 horsepower, delivering an all-electric range of about 62 miles according to WLTP, double the previous model. A 9.6 kW charger is on board as standard for at home and public charging, while an optional 60 kW DC charger is available for fast charging. With the 60 kW DC charger, the battery can be charged from 10% to 80% in 20 minutes. The Mercedes-Benz S-Class plug-in hybrid pricing will start from $123,700 (including $1,150 destination and delivery charge) and is now available to order for delivery in the first half of 2023.

2024 Volkswagen Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport

The new 2024 Volkswagen Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport, powered by a 269 horsepower 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged and direct-injection TSI® engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission with front-wheel drive standard and 4Motion all-wheel-drive system is available across the model lineup. A 12-inch floating infotainment display is the focal point in the redesigned cockpit, and every trim level has a 10.25-inch fully configurable Volkswagen Digital Cockpit Pro.

2024 Subaru Crosstrek Starts At $26,290 This Spring

The all-new 2024 Subaru Crosstrek, available in Base, Premium, Sport and Limited trim levels, is powered by a 152 horsepower 2.0-liter 4-cylinder direct-injection SUBARU BOXER® engine and the Sport and Limited upgrade to a responsive 182 horsepower 2.5-liter BOXER engine. A center information display with SUBARU STARLINK dual 7.0-inch high-resolution touchscreens comes standard on the entry level Crosstrek. The 2024 Crosstrek comes standard with the latest version of the award-winning EyeSight® Driver Assist Technology. Blind-Spot Detection with Lane Keep Assist and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert is available on Premium and higher. Models equipped with both Eyesight and Blind-Spot Detection now include Automatic Emergency Steering which works with these safety features to assist with steering control to help avoid a collision at speeds less than 50 mph. The third-generation Crosstrek has a starting price of $26,290 (including $1,295 destination and delivery) with the Base and Premium will begin arriving in Subaru retailers this Spring and the Sport and Limited will follow in the Summer.   

2024 Toyota Grand Highlander Coming Late This Year

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander, offered in the XLE grade, Limited and Platinum trims, is powered by a 2.4L turbo gas engine, a 2.5L hybrid with a manufacturer-estimated 34 combined MPG, or the 362 horsepower Hybrid MAX which offers 5,000 lbs. of towing capacity. Controls are centered around the standard 12.3-inch multimedia display. Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross Traffic Alert is standard on all grades. Front and Rear Parking Assist with Automatic Braking is available on Limited and Platinum grades. A Panoramic View Monitor is available and provides a live rotating 360-degree view around the vehicle. The price and on-sale date of the all-new 2024 Grand Highlander will be announced later this Summer.

2024 BMW X5 Starts At $66,195 In April

The 2024 BMW X5 comes in 3 models, the X5 sDrive40i starting at $66,195 (including $995 destination and handling) and the X5 xDrive40i at $68,495, are powered by a 375 horsepower 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder engine. The X5 xDrive50e at $73,495 is powered by a 483 horsepower powertrain with a preliminary estimated electric-only range of up to 40 miles. The new X5 M60i xDrive, powered by a 523 horsepower 4.4-liter TwinPower Turbo V8 engine paired with 48V mild hybrid technology starts at $73,495. The X6, in its third generation, has two trims, the X6 xDrive40i at $74,895 and the X6 M60i xDrive starting at $94,595. The latest-generation 8-speed Steptronic Sport transmission is fitted to all variants of the new BMW X5 and BMW X6. The fully digital BMW Curved Display is made up of a 12.3-inch information display behind the steering wheel and a control display with a screen diagonal of 14.9 inches, both located behind a single glass surface. Production will begin in Spartanburg, South Carolina, in April.

2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE 400 e 4MATIC PHEV Coming This Year

The new 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE 400 e 4MATIC plug-in hybrid is equipped with a permanently excited 134 horsepower synchronous motor, for a combined system output of up to 381 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of system torque. During city driving the GLE prioritizes electric driving. Thanks to an Off-Road drive program, the plug-in hybrid can also drive electrically on off-road terrain. The GLE 400 e 4MATIC is available with a standard 11 kW AC on-board charger as well as an optional 60 kW DC charger. The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLE model range will arrive at U.S. dealerships in 2023.

2024 Mazda CX-90 Starts At $40,970 This Spring

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 three-row crossover, built on Mazda's all-new large platform, is available with an all-new 340 horsepower e-Skyactiv G 3.3L Inline 6 Turbo engine equipped with M-Hybrid Boost (a mild-hybrid system), or a plug-in hybrid with 323 horsepower combining a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine and electric motor and 17.8 kWh high-capacity battery designed to operate purely on the electric motor in a variety of driving scenarios. Also available is a 280 horsepower e-Skyactiv G 3.3L Turbo engine. Both inline six engines are equipped with M-Hybrid Boost, a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. The engines are paired with an all-new eight-speed automatic transmission, specifically designed for the electrified longitudinal powertrains and large platform vehicles. The 2024 CX-90, with three powertrains and 11 package choices, will have a starting MSRP of $40,970 (including $1,375 for destination and handling) and will arrive in dealerships in this Spring.

2024 BMW M3 CS Starts At $119,695 This Spring

The limited-edition 2024 BMW M3 CS, powered by a 543 horsepower 3.0-liter inline-6 with an 8-speed M Steptronic transmission and the M xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system, features the latest-generation BMW iDrive based on BMW Operating System 8, which includes the BMW Curved Display. This is formed by a 12.3-inch information display and a control display with a screen diagonal of 14.9 inches, which are housed together behind a curved glass surface. The new BMW M3 CS starts at $119,695 (including $995 destination and handling) and will be built in limited numbers at BMW Group Plant Munich starting in March 2023.