BMW M SERIES

 

BMW’S M SERIES DELIVERS TRUE 

ULTIMATE DRIVING EXPERIENCE 

BMW likes to refer to its cars as the Ultimate Driving Machine, and though there is no argument that BMW sedans and coupes rate high in performance overall, it is the company’s M Series that really live up to the slogan.

The history of the BMW M Series goes back to 1972 when a handful of the German automaker’s employees formed what would become the BMW Motor Sport Division to focus on enhancing BMW products for European race tracks.

The first-tuned vehicle for the road didn’t come about until six years later when the M1 was unveiled at the Paris Auto Show. It was still very much a race car, however. The BMW M535i introduced in 1979 as actually the first version of M Series as we  it today — a high performance vehicle adapted to real-life driving standards.

Over the years BMW has given M enhancements to nearly every model in its fleet. Here are notes on two I recently had show up in my driveway:

BMW M5 Touring

The BMW M5 Touring is a high-performance plug-in wagon version of the popular 5 Series and was offered in the United States for the first time as a 2025 model.

Under the hood is a 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine that is mated to an electric motor giving it a whopping 717 horsepower and 738 pound-feet of torque, moving it from zero-to-60 mph in 3.2 seconds.

An 8-speed automatic transmission with BMW’s Drivelo
gic driving modes and Launch Control.is standard All-electric driving range is only about 27 miles.

Combined city/highway fuel ratings are 54 MPGe under gas/electric power and only 13 MPG on gasoline only, which earns it a $2,600 gas guzzler tax from the government.

Aside from the hatchback configuration and the powertrain, there is nothing really to distinguish the M5 Touring wagon from the M5 Sedan. Even the dimensions are virtually the same. Both are 200.6 inches long and 77.6 inches wide (84.9 including mirrors) and the wheelbase is 118.3 inches.

The Touring is a smidge taller, 59.7 inches to 59.4 for the Sedan. There is 17.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second-row seats of the Touring compared to 16.5 for the sedan’s trunk, and the space in the Touring expands to 57.5 cubic feet when its second-row seats are folded.

The usual suite of luxury features are found in both the Sedan and Touring, including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and wireless charging and multi-zone climate control.

The 2026 BMW M5 Touring starts at $129,350. The 2025 version that made its U.S debut started at $121,500.

What I liked about the BMW M5 Touring: Acceleration is very brisk. The wagon configuration gives it more storage room, making it more suitable for family car use.

What I didn’t like about the BMW M5 Touring: Numerous drive modes and tech features can be a bit overwhelming to get used to. Electric only range is extremely limited.

Would I buy the BMW M5 Touring? Not for me, but if you want a vehicle that rates high in performance while offering hauling capacity your choices are somewhat limited.

BMW M235

BMW refers to the M235 xDrive as a “Gran Coupe” but in the real world it’s a small 4-door sedan also available as 228 and 228 xDrive versions. All are powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine but the M235 is tuned for 312 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The smaller 228 and 228 xDrive are rated  241 hp and 295 lb.-ft.

All get a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The M228 is front-wheel drive (a rarity for BMW) and the M228 xDrive and M235 xDrive are all-wheel drive as noted by their xDrive designation.

Fuel economy figures for the 2026 BMW M235 Gran Coupe xDrive are 24 miles-per-gallon city, 33 highway, and 27 combined. Both M228 models are slightly better with 27/39/31 for the FWD and 26/38/30 for the M228 xDrive. Premium fuel is required for all of them.

BMW gave the Gran Coupe models a makeover for 2025 adding more tech and more power. Leatherette 10-way adjustable front seats, a Haman Kardon premium sound system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charging, and dual zone front climate control are among standard features.

Safety features include blind-spot warning, lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist, and emergency braking assist.

The 2026 BMW M235 Grand Coupe xDrive starts at $50,000 but can go higher. The M228 and M228 xDrive start at $40,000 and $42,000, respectively.

What I liked about the BMW M235 Gran Coupe xDrive: It’s a fun car to drive and relatively well-equipped. It earns kudos from those familiar with the M history.

What I didn’t like about the BMW M235 Gran Coupe xDrive: Cargo capacity is on the small side (12 cubic feet) but then it is classified as a subcompact sedan. Tech features can be overwhelming to operate.

Would I buy the BMW M235 Gran Coupe xDrive? It’s a bit pricey but still offers the cheapest way to get into the BMW fold.

 

LINCOLN NAVIGATOR

LINCOLN UUPDATEs ITS FLAGSHIP SUV 

WITH 48-INCH DISPLAY FOR TECH INFO

Introduced as a 1998 model and beating the Cadillac Escalade to the large luxury SUV segment by a year, the Lincoln Navigator moved its fifth generation with its 2025 redesign.

Updates included the introduction of a huge, 48-inch display screen that stretches across the dash, a secondary 11.1-inch touchscreen, Google-based tech functions, more comfort features (including a “rejuvenate” mode that Ford boasts makes the the Navigator a “spa on wheels,” and a split liftgate with the top rising like a typical liftgate and the bottom folding downward like a pickup tailgate.

Tweaks to the front  and rear also feature new headlights and taillights.

The base Premiere trim was dropped for 2025 but returns for 2026 along with the Reserve trim that served as my test vehicle and the top-of-the-line Black Label. There are also L (for long wheelbase) versions of each trim for those seeking a bit more in the way of cargo space.

A 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine powers all three trims in a spirited fashion. It is rated at 440 horsepower and 550 pound-feet of torque, moving its heft from zero-to-60 mph in under six seconds. It also can tow up to 8,700 pounds.

For optimal performance, it drinks recommended premium fuel at a pretty good clip (15 miles-per-gallon city, 22 highway, 17 overall), though you can get by on regular 87 octane.

Standard interior features include a heated steering wheel, power adjustable pedals with memory, power tilt-and-telescoping steering column with memory, power third-row seats that fold flat,
heated and ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, tri-zone climate control, and more.

The 360-degree camera is a must with a vehicle of this size — 210 inches long and 94.6 inches wide including the mirrors — and also standard is Lincoln’s Co-Pilot 360 2.0 package that adds a backup camera, forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, lane departure warning with lane-keeping assistance, automatic high-beam headlights, and a driver monitoring system.

Other standard features include wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, Lincoln’s Revel 28-speaker sound system, adaptive headlamps and LED tail lamps, a panoramic Vista roof with sunshade, and power deployable running boards.

MSRP for the 2026 Lincoln Navigator starts at $94,890 for the Premiere trim, $104,890 for the Reserve, and $122,420 for the Black Label. Long-wheel versions come in at $3,000 higher.

What I liked about the Lincoln Navigator: The cabin is roomy and quiet and has a high-class, sophisticated aura about it with plenty of cargo space available. The twin-turbo V6 packs good punch for a vehicle of this size. The running boards are a must for getting in and out comfortably.

What I didn’t like about the Lincoln Navigator: The mammoth size makes maneuvering in crowded mall parking lots a laborious task. The panoramic dashboard looks impressive but kind of complicates operation of some tech functions. It takes a while to get used to where to look for some of them. Lincoln has put controls for such basic features as adjusting exterior mirrors and the steering wheel on small touchpads on the steering wheel crossbar and they can be very annoying to operate. The steering wheel itself is an odd shape.

Would I buy the Lincoln Navigator? Too big for me, but if you are shopping for a large luxury SUV and the Cadillac Escalade is a bit over-the-top for you, the Navigator is a great option.

2026 GMC SIERRA

VERSATILE SIERRA OFFERS LOTS OF CHOICES FOR THOSE LOOKING FOR FULL-SIZE PICKUP

Introduced as a 1988 model, the Sierra pickup is the longest running vehicle in the GMC fleet, edging GMS’s Yukon SUV that debuted four years later for the honor.

But with large gaps between major redesigns, the 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 is in only its fourth generation that came about in 2019. Though it shares very much of its DNA with the Chevrolet Silverado, the GMC Sierra is considered a step up in class when it comes to refinement and premium features over its Chevy “sibling.”

The 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 is offered in eight trims with three cab figurations, three bed lengths (depending on the cab), and four engines determined by trim selected. There’s even a turbocharged diesel available along with turbocharged 4-cylinder gas engine and two different V8s, one listed at 5.3-liter, the other at 6.2-liter.

The base model is the Pro trim and is followed up the ladder by SLE, Elevation, SLT, AT4, AT4X, Denali, and Ultimate Denali.

This review is based on the 2026 GMC Sierra AT4X which was introduced as a 2022 model and adds premium features to the AT4 trim that was part of the redesign of 2019.

Both the AT4X and AT4 are tuned more for off-road ventures than the other trims with the AT4X getting more in the way of upgraded premium features as well.

Among standard interior features on the 2026 GMC Sierra AT4X are full-grain leather seats, heated front and rear outboard seats and ventilated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, power steering column, dual zone climate control, and a power sunroof.

Numerous tech systems operated mostly on a 13.4-inch touchscreen with built-in Google compatibility. They include wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a 12-speaker Bose premium sound system, wireless charging, and navigation.

There is also a 12.3-inch digital driver information center, a 16-inch diagonal head-up display, a rear camera mirror, and adaptive cruise control. Keyless open with push-button start is standard.

A suite of features in GMC’s Pro Safety systems includes forward collision alert, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist with lane-departure warning, following distance indicator, and automatic high beam toggles.

Front and rear parking assist, trailer side blind zone alert, rear cross-traffic braking, front and rear pedestrian alert and HD Surround monitoring also are standard.

The 2026 GMC Sierra AT4X also comes with a steel front bumper, LED cargo area lighting, spray-on bed liner, LED daytime running lights, and GMC’s multipurpose tailgate.

The base Pro trim 2026 GMC Sierra starts at under $47,000 but the AT4X resides at the higher end of the pricing chart. Starting MSRP is listed at $79,400, which is a pretty steep increase.

My test 2026 GMC Sierra AT4X included the AEV (American Expedition Vehicles) package that added an AEV front chassis skid plate, AEV transfer case skid plate, AEV stamped rear bumper, 18-inch high gloss black aluminum wheels, AEV rear differential skid plate, rocker protection, AEV branded floor liners, AEV fuel tank skid plate, and more.

The optional 6.2-liter naturally aspirated Ecotek V8 engine added another $1,500. It is rated at 420 horsepower and 460 pound-feet of torque and is mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission.

Premium fuel is recommended for best performance. Government figures show efficiency ratings of 14 miles-per-galloon city, 16 highway, and 15 combined, which coincidentally are the same number for models using the 5.3L V8 that runs on regular octane gas.

With all the options the final price for my test 2026 GMC Sierra AT4X came to $89,945 including a hefty destination charge of $2,595.

What I liked about the 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 AT4X: The cabin  is spacious (43.4 inches of rear legroom) and loaded with lots of fairly easy to use tech features. The digital mirror and surround vision camera are nice safety features. 

What I didn’t like about the 2026 GMC 1500 AT4X: The setup for off-roading ventures eliminates a much-needed running board for cabin access. (Though you can use the optional protective rocker panel rails if you are careful.) It’s not easy to find parking spaces in mall lots to accommodate its size. Options like the AT4X AEV package quickly run up the price.

Would I buy the GMC 1500 AT4X? Not in the market for truck of any size but especially not one this big. Your decision will be whether to pay extra for the interior upgrades like full-grain leather heated and cooled seats or make do with the less expensive Chevy Silverado.

2026 KiA CARNIVAL HYBRID

 

CARNIVAL CLOSING IN ON RIVAL MINIVANS WITH HYBRID DRIVETRAIN BOOSTING SALES

Kia launched the Carnival in 2022 as a replacement for the aging Sedona, dubbing it a “Multi-Purpose Vehicle” rather than the mundane minivan moniker, and by any name it has become a a steady seller in the small but competitive segment.

Currently, the Kia Carnival is one of only s half-dozen mnivans available in the U.S. market. Overall, the six models account for only a 2-3 percent market share among all  U.S. auto sales with the Chrysler Pacifica topping the list at 110,006 in 2025 followed by the Toyota Sienna (94,346) and Honda Odyssey (76,408)

The Kia Carnival comes in at No. 4 but is closing in after a 44.6 percent jump over 2024 sales to 7 1,917 for 2025 after the addition of  a hybrid drivetrain.

The 2026 Kia Carnival is available in five trims with gas engines and four trims with hybrid drivetrains. This review is based on the 2026 Kia Hybrid SX Prestige trim which gets a combined 252 horsepower and 270 pound feet of torque from its 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine and electric motor.

As a traditional hybrid (HEV), electric-only operation is very limited, kicking in at startup and at low speeds when coasting or creeping in traffic, but for only short distances. Two of its competitors, the all-electric Toyota Sienna and the Pacifica plugin, offer more in the way of electric driving.

The 2026 Kia Carnival Hybrid, however, sips fuel at the rate of 34 miles-per-gallon city, 31 highway, and 32 overall. That’s a big advantage over the 22 mpg for the gas-only Honda Odyssey, which reportedly won’t have its first electrified version until 2027 models are out.

As the top trim in portfolio, the 2026 Kia Carnival Hybrid SX Prestige comes packed with many tech features operated mostly off a user-friendly touchscreen. One drawback to the infotainment system is that the same buttons operate climate and audio control and you have to make sure you have the appropriate menu set to change a radio statioin or adjust A/C blower speed manually.

Standard comfort and convenience features include navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Smart key with push-button start, tri-zone climate control, heated and ventilated front seats, and Smart power sliding rear doors (the obvious giveaway that the stylish Carnival is a minivan, not an SUV).

Other standard features include 19-inch wheels, a power liftgate, dual power sunroof, roof rails, rear spoiler, and rear privacy glass.

Among standard safety systems are forward collision avoidance assist, rear cross-traffic alert and avoidance,  parking assist, surround view and blind spot monitor, and adaptive cruise control,

 

Starting MSRP for the 2026 Kia Carnival Hybrid SX Prestige is $53,090. At no extra charge on my test vehicle were extras like Dark Edition wheels and accents, LED projector headlights and rear combination lights, leather seat trim, a head-up display, Bose Premium sound, a digital rear-view mirror, a heated steering wheel, ambient lighting, and an SX Prestige Package that included heated and ventilated second-row captain’s chairs with leg support. 

With the second-row captain’s chairs, seating is limited to 7 passengers versus 8 for models with bench seats.

Adding to the starting price, however, were extras like a dual screen entertainment center, carpeted floor mats, and a cargo mat.

The final total came to $57,490 including the $1.495 freight charge.

What I liked about the 2026 Kia Hybrid SX Prestige: The SX Prestige trim is packed with many easy-to-use tech features. Styling is  attractive and if not for the sliding rear doors has the attitude of an SUV. Fuel economy is excellent and has a huge advantage over gas-only models. That it comes with a 6-speed automatic transmission instead of a CVT is a big plus in my book. Pricing is competitive among other hybrid minivans..

What I didn’t like about the 2026 Kia Hybrid SX Prestige: The third-row seats fold flat to expand storage space, which is good, but it requires a lot of tugging and pulling. The ride can be rough at times.

Would I buy the 2026 Kia Hybrid SX Prestige? If you are in the market for a minivan, the Carnival is definitely worth a look. Springing for the hybrid version is worth the effort.

LAND ROVER DEFENDER

RANGE ROVER IS OLDEST CURRENT LAND ROVER BUT DEFENDER HAS ITS BACKERS

Though the Range Rover has been around since 1970, you will find  many who will argue that it is the midsize Defender that really carries on the Land Rover heritage.

Stick with me here on a dive into the artificial intelligence pool. Their case goes that the Defender name that was attached to 90 and 110 models in 1990 carried on the adventuress 4X4 spirit of the company’s earlier models, which had begun life in the 1940s as the rather bland Series I and later Series II, and Series III.

Production of the Defender has not been continuous, however. Land Rover pulled the Defender out of the U.S. market in 1997 and in 2016 halted production entirely.

Four years later, the Defender returned. A  bit more refined overall with three body styles and no longer of body-on-frame construction, the 2020 Defender still carried on the vehicle’s reputation as a serious luxury off-roader.

Reception has been favorable. U.S. sales of the Defender hit a high of 27,707 for 2024. In 2025 the numbers fell just short of that at 23,187. Worldwide it is Land Rover’s best-seller.

The Defender’s off-roading capability was enhanced with the launch of a new OCTA trim introduced for 2025. The 2025 Land Rover Defender OCTA also is the performance leader for the lineup with its 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 pumping out 626 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque resulting in a sub 4-second zero-to-60 mph time.

This review is based on the 2025 Land Rover Defender 110 OCTA. The Defender also is offered in 90 and 130 body styles. The Defender 90 is a two-door model, the Defender 110 a four-door with two rows of seating, and the Defender 130 an extended length model with three rows of seating.

In addition to the OCTA trim, the Defender is offered in S,  SE,X-Dynamic, and X styles. The 90 P300 S and 110 P300 S models are powered by a 2.0 liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine while the higher trims get the 3.0L turbo V8.

Premium fuel is recommend for both engines and they are mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission with a 2-speed transfer box. My test 110 OCTA also featured rear electronic active differential and all-terrain progress control. Land Rover’s new 6D Dynamic suspension uses hydraulic dampers to control body roll for smoother performance both on pavement and off-road.

LED headlights, a panoramic sunroof, rain-sensing front and rear wipers, a rear privacy glass, keyless entry and push-button start were standard on my test Defender 110 OCTA.

Other standard comfort and convenience features included tri-zone climate control, a power adjustable heated steering wheel, a front console refrigerator a Meridian premium sound system, and an 11.4-inch touchsreen for operation of features that include audio, navigation, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Safety features include a 3D surround camera, blind-spot assist, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, emergency braking, and a rear traffic monitor. An adaptive speed limiter can be set to alert you to when you are exceeding the posted limit.

Pricing for the Defender starts at under $58,000 but soon jumps into the $60,000 bracket. My test 2025 Land Rover Defender 110 OCTA was listed at $152,000 with extras like matte protective film, tow hitch receiver, 22-inch wheels, and an emergency pack running the final tab to $160,005 (including the $1,625 destination and delivery fee).

Perhaps your skill as a bargainer will get you a better deal considering it is now 2026. I’ll leave you to argue if you are buying the oldest Land Rover model. 

What I liked about the Land Rover Defender: Few SUVs offer superior off-road capability with as much luxury as the Land Rover fleet. The twin-turbo V8 packs good punch, though it also is very thirsty for premium fuel. Auto Hold keeps you from creeping at intersections.

What I didn’t like about the Land Rover Defender: The infotainment  system has a steep learning curve with many functions hidden behind various menus. Getting to them can be distracting for the driver. The rear hatch door swings to the right and with the full-size spare tire hanging off it, it is very heavy. Top trims are priced in six figures even before options. Though billed as a midsize, it takes some searching to find accommodating parking spaces in crowded mall lots. Cargo capacity of 34 cubic feet is not what you might expect out of an SUV this size.

Would I buy the Land Rover Defender? Not really for me, and the pricing may be prohibitive even for those with 6-figure budgets.

2026 CHEVROLET CORVET

CORVETTE VENTUR
ES INTO NEW TERRITORY WITH HYRID AND AWD E-RAY MODELS

Hybrid-assisted drivetrain and all-wheel drive are not things that you would normally associate with the Chevrolet Corvette, but the company added both features to the iconic sports car it launched as a 2024 model in January of 2023.

After adding an electric motor and all-wheel drive, Chevy dubbed this Corvette the E-Ray. Just two years after its debut, it then overhauled the 2026 E-Ray’s interior, moving the long string of buttons that lined the center console to buttons on the center stack under the touchscreen.

Interestingly, the electric motor drives the 2026 Corvette E-Ray’s front wheels while the mid-engine V8 drives the rear wheels via an 8-speed dual clutch automatic transmission. Combined horsepower and torque is listed as 655 hp and 595 pound-feet resulting in a zero-to-60 mph clocking of well under 3 seconds.

Set to stealth mode, the E-Ray can go short distances using the 160 horsepower electric motor only. Chevy puts the range at 4-5 miles at a speed up to 45 mph, so no, this isn’t a way to save on fuel on daily commutes to work.

Also, don’t expect a big bonus in fuel mileage from the E-Ray’s hybrid assist. With ratings of 16 miles-per-gallon city, 24 highway and 19 combined, the 2026 E-Ray is not as thirsty as performance-oriented  Z06 and ZR1 trims, but the base Corvette Stingray earns similar numbers from the EPA. Where the E-Ray beats the Stingray is in horsepower and torque with an advantage of 165 hp and 130 lb.-ft.

Chevy didn’t spare anything when it came to refreshing the interior. In addition to the elimination of the so-call “wall of buttons” that lined the center console separating the driver and passenger, a new 12.7-inch touchscreen at the top of the center stack replaces the old 8-inch screen and is flanked by a 14-inch driver information center. A 6.6-inch third screen to the driver’s left provides a way to position the head-up display, record trip data, and adjust Performance Traction Management.

Tech and comfort features are aplenty. They include dual-zone air conditioning, heated and ventilated seats, a rear camera mirror, Bose audio system, an entertainment package with built-in Google, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charging, 8-way power bucket seats with leather upholstery, and a carbon-fiber steering wheel.

Standard exterior features include remote top activation (down only), heated outside mirrors, LED headlights, a composite front splitter, and rear spoiler.

Rear Park Assist, Rear Cross-traffic Alert, blind=zone alert, forward collision alert, lane-keep assist, automatic emergency braking, and an enhanced theft deterrent system are among standard safety features.

The 2026 Chevy Corvette E-Ray joins Z06 and ZR1 with six-figure starting MSRPs for both coupe and convertible form. The base Stingray runs from $70,000 to $81.750 as a coupe and $77,000 to $88,750 as a convertible..

My test 2026 Chevrolet E-Ray Convertible in
3LZ trim started at $126,550. But options like carbon fiber wheels and interior trim, a carbon fiber display hood above the driver information center, carbon fiber and sueded steering wheel, sueded seat inserts and more ran the final bottom line to $155,895 including the $1,995 destination fee and $1,000 carbon fiber wheel discount.

Here’s some interesting trivia. The very first Corvette in 1953 started at $3,498, which is equivalent to $38,000 to $42,000 in today’s dollars according to AI. The website Dollar Times, reports that a gallon of gas would cost you 29 cents on average that year, which is $3.52 in today’s figures.

Stop beating your head against the wall.

What I liked about the 2026 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray Convertible: Performance is breathtaking. The updates give the Corvette a more sophisticated interior with the tech features that are de rigueur for vehicles in this price range. The solid roof makes for a quiet ride before being lowered. A trunk in front (frunk) as well behind the engine provides a little more cargo space but this is not a vehicle for Home Depot or Lowe’s runs. The hard-top roof lowers and raises with the push/pull of a convenient button. The passenger will appreciated the new arrangement of buttons.

What I didn’t like about the 2026 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray Convertible: Getting in an out, especially on the driver’s side, is a chore. The flat-bottom steering wheel helps a little but not a lot.  Be nice if it raised automatically when the engine is turned off. Rear visibility is restricted with the roof in place.  

Would I buy the 2026 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray Convertible? The six-figure price tag shrinks the potential market but if it is within your budge, by all means this vehicles belongs on a list of super cars like Ferrari and Lamborghini.