BMW dashboard symbols can be life-saving if you know how the indicator lights work. These lights act as warning signs that indicate problems you need to fix. You can find some of these symbols in modern cars like the 1 series, the 3 series, and the X3 series models. These … Read more
Car manufacturers are pushing subscriptions on buyers to bolster their bottom lines. If automakers have their way, you may soon pay a monthly charge for heated seats, remote start, infotainment system connectivity, and a host of other features or services included in the upfront price. Yes, tomfoolery abounds in an … Read more
The ultimate 4 Series is the M4 Competition. We expect BMW to deliver performance options and this German automaker doesn’t disappoint. Indeed, under its heralded “M” moniker, BMW lives out its “The Ultimate Driving Machine” slogan with abandon. Select sedans, coupes, convertibles, and utility attest to this marque’s capabilities, delivering … Read more
There are small cars and then we have the Mini Cooper. Occupying space between “A” and “B” segment models, the Cooper is downright diminutive. It is also iconic, tech-laden, comfortable, and a hoot to drive. There is nothing quite the same as the Mini Cooper until you outfit this vehicle … Read more
The M440i Convertible offers an exceptional driving experience. In a world of crossovers, it is certainly pleasing to find a manufacturer that still builds cars. But not just any kind of car, but ones that are sharp looking, luxurious, and offer an exhilarating drive. BMW may have embraced utility vehicles … Read more
BMW has an all-new model, but that shouldn’t be a surprise. After all, with more than three dozen models offered, new releases are an annual event. The 2020 BMW M235i xDrive Gran Coupe is the latest model served and that name is a mouthful. Breaking it down, the M represents … Read more
Genesis gains its first SUV. Hyundai’s Genesis brand has three sedans to show for it, but we’re still waiting the debut of its first utility vehicle. Fortunately, that wait is nearing an end as this luxury marque intends to release the GV80 SUV this fall. When the GV80 arrives it … Read more
Year two for the current-generation Supra brings important performance changes with it. Toyota resurrected its GR Supra sportscar in 2020 and has already made some important changes for the new model’s second year. Not only does the six-cylinder turbocharged engine produce more power, but it’s joined by a turbocharged four-cylinder … Read more
BMW’s formidable line of SUVs is comprised of seven models sequentially named from X1 to X7. This German marque leaves no holes in its lineup, ensuring that there is a luxury utility vehicle for every shopper. But BMW doesn’t stop there. Indeed, recognizing that many of its customers transitioned from … Read more
Is it a small SUV or a tall hatchback? One look at the BMW X1 may not make it clear what this vehicle is, but as far as BMW is concerned, the X1 represents this manufacturer’s smallest utility vehicle. You’re forgiven if you beg to differ. BMW introduced the X1 … Read more
The global auto industry consists of dozens of brand names, but not all are marketed throughout the world. Opel is popular in Europe, but it is not sold in North America. Suzuki cars are no longer sold in the United States, but its Maruti Suzuki brand is a top seller … Read more
The 2019 BMW X7 is an all-new model, the latest sport utility vehicle from this German luxury brand. It is also the largest SUV this manufacturer has ever offered, a proper three-row model with room for seven. The X7 leads in features, comfort, and quality. its engine choices are robust, … Read more
2019 BMW Z4 M40i First Edition wows Pebble Beach. Finally! One of the more anticipated models not named the Toyota Supra made its debut on Thursday at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance reviewing stand during Monterey Car Week. That would be none other than the 2019 BMW Z4, which is … Read more
The Mini Countryman offers an interesting twist on the small SUV frame. Think “Mini” and words such as tiny, small, and diminutive come to mind. That’s appropriate as the two-door Mini Cooper Hardtop measures just 151.1 inches long. But Mini is more than just one model, with both the Countryman … Read more
Stelvio expands Alfa’s North American product line to three. The 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio will soon arrive in dealer showrooms, the third US model for this premium Italian brand. The Stelvio joins the 4C sports car and the compact Giulia sedan, expanding Alfa’s reach into unchartered territory. Indeed, that dominion … Read more
Drop the top in this handsome little British people mover. The Mini Cooper now includes a convertible, available in standard, S, and John Cooper Works editions. The standard model is powered by a 1.5-liter, turbocharged three-cylinder engine; the “S” gets BMW’s 2.0-liter, twin-scroll turbocharged four-cylinders and the top-end model garners … Read more
Infiniti’s athletic midsize sedan can be had in an extended wheelbase version. The elongated model delivers best-in-class rear seat legroom. The luxury market is an intensely competitive one with BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Lexus seated as the top sellers. The first two marques rely on diesels to supplement their gasoline offerings; … Read more
Apparently, Lexus is listening to its customers. Toyota’s luxury brand, long a leader amongst premium marques, has been playing it relatively safe even as its European rivals continue to push the styling envelope along with a fun driving edge. Operating within the careful confines of expertly crafted sedans and hybrids … Read more
Shell United States has developed a new premium fuel, claiming that it will extend engine life and increase efficiencies. The new fuel has gone on sale this month. To celebrate this auspicious occasion, the oil company is giving away 100 BMWs. Most cars run on regular-grade gasoline, but there are … Read more
The 2016 Cadillac CT6 ushers in a new era for GM’s preeminent marque, a full-size sedan outfitted with leading-edge technologies. The new model debuts in New York at month’s end, a five-passenger vehicle set to take on Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz. In the chronology of Cadillac brand history, an 8.2-liter … Read more
Cadillac has an incessant image problem, one that has not been resolved by introducing a bevy of new models. Indeed, the automaker cannot assemble its traditional full-size Escalade sport utility vehicle fast enough to meet customer demand. A Reuters report published on Tuesday revealed that buyers are snapping up Escalades, … Read more
Small car…big fun! A Mini Cooper S will all the trimmings. Ah, Mini! You stole my heart and in more than one way. Your iconic, good looks are what caught my eyes and, yes, I managed to put up with the decaling found on the side mirrors, along the doors … Read more
October 2014 sales remain in positive territory. The US auto industry continues to record strong sales even as the overall economy shows only modest gains. Sales this year should top 16.5 million units with analysts forecasting at least 17 million units sold for 2015. And if October 2014 auto sales … Read more
Two-thirds of the airbag recalls involve Honda vehicles. The news this week turned especially gruesome as the New York Times shared the account of a dying Florida woman lying in a hospital bed who appeared to have stab wounds in her neck. On further investigation, it was revealed that an … Read more
Wow. There are very few cars I test drive that surprise me. I expect that certain vehicles will stand head and shoulders above the pack, including the Porsche Cayman among sports cars and the Toyota FJ Cruiser among 4×4 models. But I must tell you that Hyundai has trotted out … Read more
The Hyundai Equus is the top-of-the-line model in this Korean brands arsenal, a true-blue full-size luxury sedan that is in the same class as the Lexus LS, Audi A8, BMW 7 Series, and the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. It retails for about $10,000 less than the Lexus and comes in at a … Read more
If you are looking for an informal meetup of car enthusiasts, then a Cars and Coffee event is the place to go. This past Sat., I happened upon the local gathering in Cary, NC, featuring more than 100 vintage, classic, exotic, Asian, European and American models. A Chevy Bel Air … Read more
It is both an electric vehicle and a super car, what makes the BMW i8 so unique in the emerging field of vehicle electrification. Introduced to a packed media audience at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show in Germany, it represents the first production model in BMW’s new “i” sub-brand segment. … Read more
Ask what should seem to be a fairly straightforward question and you would hope for similarly worded answers. That wasn’t the case when I made a query to auto industry and public relations professionals about branding. That query asked: Are sub-brands the way to go? By sub-brands, that would represent … Read more
The BMW 3 Series has long been the benchmark compact luxury car by which all other competitors are judged. Its also a complete line too with coupe, convertible, sedan, wagon and hatchback models built. Beginning in 2014, however, the coupe and convertible models are being pulled out and given a … Read more