Monday, March 18, 2024

BMW Z4 ROADSTER



IS BMW READY TO PULL THE PLUG ON PRODUCTION OF ICONIC Z4 ROADSTER?


Though speculation in recent years about the future of the BMW Z4 would lead you to believe the sporty little roadster is on its last legs (wheels?) the reports of its immediate demise may be a bit premature.

As far back as 2016 an item in BMWblog.com lamented its impeding demise with the headline “Say Goodbye to the BMW Z4 – Imperfect but loveable” (sic).

True, a production hiatus of about three years followed that report, but the German automaker brought back the Z4 for 2019, though regrettably it did so without a manual transmission that many of its potential customers would have appreciated.



The first year of its comeback it was offered in only one trim sDrive30i with a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder engine delivering 255 horsepower. An M40i model with a 3.0-liter turbo 6-cylinder bumping horsepower up to 382 and torque to 389 pound-feet was introduced for 2020, and those are the choices that remain today.

This review is based on the 2023 BMW Z4 M40i, but no major changes were made for 2024, which is unlike plans for 2025 when BMW will bring back a manual transmission for M40i models. It will be part of a $3,500 package that also includes other upgrades to make the Z4 more track friendly.



As it is, an 8-speed automatic is the only transmission offered on 2023 M40i Z4s. It includes sport and manual modes with gears switched via steering wheel-mounted paddles. (Sorry, but that’s just not the same as working a clutch.)

With the larger engine the Z4 M40i delivers a zero-to-60 mph clocking of 3.5 seconds (according to zeroto60times.com), a 1.6-second improvement over the 4-banger, while drinking premium at the rate of 23 miles-per-gallon city, 31 highway, and 26 combined.



Though it seats only two, the BMW Z4 is fairly roomy for a roadster and offers a compliant ride. Seat bolsters hold you in place but don’t get in the way of entering or exiting the vehicle.

Creature comforts include dual-zone temperature control, heated seats with lumbar support, and a heated steering wheel. A wind deflector provides protection from excessive buffeting when the top is lowered, which, by the way, is rapidly accomplished with the push of an overhead button.



Tech features include wireless charging, a wifi hotspot,  keyless entry and push-button start, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and BMW’s Live Cockpit system that includes navigation.

BMW’s Dynamic (adaptable) Cruise Control, a rollover protection system, and LED headlights also are among standard features includied it the $65,300  starting MSRP for the 2023 BMW Z4 M40i.

My test vehicle added a Driving Assistance Package (blind-spot detection and lane-departure warning), a Shadowine Package (adaptive full LED headlights, black mirror caps, and extra styling touches), and a Premium Package (remote engine start and parking assistant).

The ivory white Vernasca leather interior and special Thundernight medallic paint (a purple shade sure to appeal to an LSU fan) and some other extras (like wireless charging and a Harmon Kardon surround sound system) ran the final total to $73,620 including the $995 destination and delivery charge.

More packages also are available.

Perhaps that will help stem a slowing sales trend that saw the last two years check in at under 2,000 units each for the Z4. But it needs to be quick. A more recent report from BMWblog.com is that the company has extended production of the Z4 just until March of 2026.

What I liked about the 2024 BMW Z4:
It’s a fun car to drive, surefooted around corners and packing punch. As expected, the trunk is small (9.9 cubic feet), but you don’t lose any space when the top is lowered. Speaking of lowering the top, it’s a simple, quick operation and can be done at a low (very low) speed. The ride isn’t all that noisy when the top is up.

What I didn’t like about the 2024 BMW Z4: Operating infotainment features isn’t overly complicated but takes some getting used to. Thick pillars bracing the windshield give you some blind spots looking forward. Cupholders are inside the interior storage bin making for an awkward reach, especially for the driver. No manual transmission is available until 2025 models.

Would I buy the 2024 BMW Z4? For sure. If you are of a certain age (read: old) this is the kind of vehicle you thought of when someone said “sports car.” This modern day version from Germany still has the same fun in its DNA as the older Brit models Triumph and MG and without the maintenance headaches.



Tuesday, March 5, 2024

2024 SUBARU CROSSTREK

 


CROSSTREK ENTERS THIRD GENERATION 
WITH THE COMING OF THE 2024 MODEL


Introduced as a 2012 model to replace the Sport version of the iconic Outback SUV, the subcompact Crosstrek continues to be a stellar seller for the Japanese automaker Subaru, challenging the Forester and Outback the company’s No. 1 spot.

Over the last three years, the Crosstrek has occupied the No. 1 (2022), No. 2 (2023), and No. 3 (2021 place in Subaru’s yearly sales in swapping positions with the Forester and Outback.

Overall, those three dominate the company’s sales over its largest SUV, the three-row Ascent that hit the U.S. market in the fall of 2018. Each of the top three hold more than double the sales numbers of the fourth-place Ascent, a trend that continues through the first two months of this year.



The redesign that moved the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek into its third generation didn’t change its appearance or size much. Fractions of an inch were shaved off the length down to 176.4 inches and the width to 70.9. A couple of inches were knocked off the height (63 inches), but the wheelbase is a tad longer at 105.1 inches.

But there is a new trim level that Subaru dubs Wilderness at the top of the portfolio to go with the Base, Premium, Sport, and Limited models, and the manual transmission has been dropped from the drivetrain offerings.



Subaru’s Eyesight Technology, a safety systems that monitors traffic and provides assistance such as a full-on emergency stop, is now standard for the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek, and infotainment systems have been updated.

This review is based on the Sport trim of the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek and features a 2.5-liter Boxer engine (a Subaru trait) mated to a CVT (continuously variable transmission) that boosts horsepower to 182 and torque to 178 pound-feet over the 152/145, respectively, in the 2.0L 4-cylinder engine standard in Base and Premium trims.



Along with Premium and Limited trims, the CVT in Sport models includes eight pre-set modes that the driver can access manually via steering-wheel paddle shifters.

There’s not much in the way of peppy performance even in the larger engine, but fuel mileage is rated at 26 miles-per-gallon city, 33 highway, and 29 combined. That’s pretty close to the 27/34/29 figures for the 2.0L 4-banger.



Among comfort and convenience features on the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Sport are Subaru’s StarLink services with an 11.6-inch touchscreen, dual-zone climate control, heated seats, a wireless phone charger, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter, and push-button start.

In addition to the EyeSight Driver assist program, safety features include adaptable control with lane-centering assist, brake assist, and the usual collection of airbags and seatbelts.

Blind spot and rear cross-traffic alert comes in a $1,190 option package that also features a power moonroof and 10-way power driver’s seat with 2-way lumbar support.

Roof rails, a retractable cargo cover, automatic LED headlights with automatic high beam, and LED fog lights also are among standard features. The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Sport rides on 18-inch alloy wheels.

Starting MSRP for the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Sport is $28,995, which is $5,000 more than the starting point for the Base model that carries over from 2023. My test 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Sport that included the one option package came to $32,210 including the $1,295 destination and delivery fee.

What I liked about the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Sport:
The interior is roomy and comfortable. What the 2.5L, 4-cylinder Boxer engine lacks in oomph it makes up for in fuel efficiency. Tech features are plentiful. The touchscreen looks imposing but really is quite user-friendly. It even has knobs to adjust audio volume and surf the radio dial. The Crosstrek isn’t ready to take on the Rubicon Trail, but with a ground clearance of 9.3 inches and extra body cladding in Wilderness trim it has some off-roading chops. Being a Subaru, all-wheel drive is standard.

What I didn’t like about the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Sport: The manual transmission available on some earlier models has been discontinued in favor of a CVT. Ugh. Even with the 2.5L engine the low power shows up when looking for a little more punch for passing at highway speeds. I can live without the touches of gold trim. A power liftgate would be a nice addition.

Would I buy the 2024 Subaru Crosstrek Sport? Models with the 2.5L engine definitely are worth a look. It is a very functional SUV and the price level is appealing. 





Monday, February 26, 2024

2024 KIA EV9

 


IT’S NOT SCIENCE FICTION: KIA OUT WITH 

3-ROW, ALL-ELECTRIC CROSSOVER SUV

 
Its name may bring back memories of old 1950s era science fiction movies, but the Kia EV9 (Plan EV9 from Outer Space staring Vampira, Bela Lugosi, and Tor Johnson and directed by Ed Wood) is much more than just a badly stretched punch line.

New for 2024, the Kia EV9 is spacious electric crossover SUV offering three rows of seating capable of accommodating six or seven passengers, an interior packed with family friendly features, and a decent-sized cargo area behind the third row.  At 197.4 inches in length, it’s a shade longer than Kia’s Telluride.



It is available with either rear-wheel or all-wheel drive and goes over 300 miles between charges when equipped with the long-range battery..

The 2024 Kia EV9 is offered in four trim levels starting with the base Light Short Range (230 miles) and Light Long Range trims. Wind and Land versions have standard all-wheel drive and a dual electric motor setup that increases horsepower to 379 from the 215 (Light Short Range) and 201 (Light Long Range trims).



This review is based on the top-of-the-line 2024 Kia EV9 GT-Line trim that matches the 379 hp in Wind and Land trims and puts out 518 pound-feet of torque that Kia claims gives it a zero-to-60 mph clocking of under five seconds. 

Th GT-Line also puts the price tag at a starting point of $73,900 before extras and freight charges are added on, which is a significant jump from the other trims and approaches 3-row electric exotic SUVs from Tesla and Rivian.



My test 2024 Kia EV9 GT-Line came with standard AWD and the long-range battery giving it the plus-300 miles of driving range. (A charge up 87 percent gave me a 275 range.)  

Standard comfort and convenience features included a 12.3-ineh panoramic touchscreen display with navigation and Meridian Premium Sound and a nice, clear display for the surround view camera.

Seats are covered with Syntex synthetic fabric and the front seats are heated and ventilated with the driver getting leg support. The second-row captain’s chairs also are heated and ventilated and move back and forth at the touch of a button to provide more legroom for third-row occupants.


Other interior standard features include a wireless phone charger, a memory setting for the driver’s seat, and a 36-month trial of the Kia Connect system for access to remote features such as lock/unlock, climate control, Find My Car, Wi-Fi hotspot, and more.

Among standard safety stems are blind-spot and collision warning assist, rear-cross traffic alert, navigation-based Smart cruise control on main highways, parking distance warning, and the usual collection of side, knee, and side-curtain airbags.

Engaging the turn signal also activates Kia’s blind-spot monitor in the instrument panel to alert out to what may be coming up from behind you.

Exterior features start with dual sunroofs (though the second row is fixed), a power liftgate, a second-row retractable storage console, roof rails, rear spoiler, and rear privacy glass.

In addition, the GT-Line gets exclusive features like 21-inch alloy wheels, a head-up display, special exterior and interior styling tweaks, increased towing power (up to 5,000 pounds, though that can affect range), parking collision assist, and Kia’s Remote Parking Assist 2 system (Youtube it).

My test 2024 Kia EV9 GT-Line had as options a Second-Row Relaxation Package (power seats with leg support), Ocean Blue paint, carpeted floor mats, and carpeted cargo floor protector that ran the final total to $78,430 including the $1,495 freight charge.

With the EV9 Kia also introduces to us a new word. “Frunk”  is merging of the words “front” and “trunk.” It’s  a small compartment up front where a gasoline engine would be whee you canr stow small items, like maybe a couple DVDs of Plan 9.

What I liked about the 2024 Kia EV9 GT-Line AWD: The ride is smooth and, naturally, quiet. The cabin seats six comfortably and the third row doesn’t infringe that much on cargo space. It’s about the same size as the company’s full-size Telluride. Charging time is relatively quick, and the plus-300 mile range for the long range battery (standard in AWD models) is a plus. Tech features are plentiful and generally user-friendly except for the lack of knobs to tune the radio and a slow response to some touches.

What I didn’t like about the 2024 Kia EV9 GT-Line AWD:
The placement of the gear shift lever (which includes the starter button) is just weird. If the steering wheel is cranked in a certain direction, fat as it is the lever is actually hidden. The ride may be too quiet. You have to have to be careful around walkers because there is no engine noise to alert them of your presence.

Would buy the 2024 Kia EV9 GT-Line AWD? No. I’m still waiting for the charging infrastructure to catch up to electric vehicles. As the top-of-the-line model, this one has the added burden of a high MSRP and the entry level model, though considerably cheaper, doesn’t have nearly as much range.



Monday, February 19, 2024

2024 HYUNDAI TUCSON PHEV

 


EASE YOUR WAY INTO ELECTRIFICATION REVOLUTION WITH PLUG-IN POWER


Hyundai seems to have hit a hit a sweet spot in the plug-in version of its Tucson Plug-in SUV with only minor updates the last couple of years since introducing the PHEV model in the 2022 redesign,

The Plug-in (or PHEV) Tucson comes with a nice catalogue of standard features and actually provides a perkier ride than gas-only versions with the 1.6-liter, turbocharged 4-cylinder gas engine-electric motor drivetrain delivering a combined 261 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque.

A 6-speed automatic transmission also instead of a CVT (continuously variable transmission) commonly found in hybrid drivetrains makes good use of that power in every day traffic. 



All-wheel drive also is standard on the Hyundai Tucson PHEV.

Naturally, in addition to the extra power with the PHEV, you also get a big boost in fuel economy. The 2024 Hyundai Plug-in offers 33 miles of electric-only driving and sips fuel at the rate of 35 miles-per-gallon of combined electric-gas operation, giving it a range of 420 between fill-ups and charges.



The government rates the gasoline versions with front-wheel drive at 25 miles-per-gallon city, 32 highway, and 28 combined wit a total range of 333 miles.

Only two trim levels with the SEL serving as the base model carrying a starting price tag of $40,100 when the $1,375 destination and delivery charge is included. This review is based on the Limited trim that takes the Tucson PHEV into the mid-$40,000 range with a total of $46,825 including the freight charge.



Standard equipment includes a panoramic sunroof, 19-inch wheels, automatic LED headlights, LED daytime running lights, and LED taillights, and roof side rails.

Comfort and convenience features include push-button start, hands-free power liftgate, leather-trimmed seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, dual automatic temperature control with rear vents, heated and ventilated power front seats, heated rear seats, surround-view camera, rain-sensing windshield wipers, parking assist, wireless device charging, a 10.25-inch instrument cluster, 10.25-inch touchscreen with navigation, Bose premium sound system, and Smart Cruise Control that is Hyundai’s upgraded adaptive cruise control system.

Safety technology includes frontal collision avoidance assist, blind spot collision assist, rear cross-traffic collision assist, front and rear parking distance warning, safe exit alert, and the usual collection of seat belts and airbags. Engaging the turn signal activate’s Hyundai’s blind-spot monitor that displays in the instrument panel what might be coming up from behind you. 

The driver’s seat also includes lumbar support and a memory function.



The cabin itself is roomy and if not premium level at least upscale and eye-pleasing. Front-seat riders get 41.4 inches of legroom and those in the second row get 39.5. Not sure what is gained, if anything, by it, but a push-button panel on the center console is used to select gears instead of a shift leaver.

Cargo space with all seats in place is 31.9 cubic feet. That is considerably less than what you get with gas-engine and HEV (standard hybrid) models because of the PHEV’s battery pack, but it expands to 66.3 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

All in all, the Hyundai Tucson PHEV gives you a comfortable way to ease into the so-called electrification revolution that the government seems to be forcing on us with no range worries or recharging woes that are inherent in all-electric vehicles.

What I liked about the Hyundai Tucson Plug-in:
The hybrid drivetrain provides a peppier performance than the standard gasoline version.The cabin is roomy and quiet. There’s a semi-premium feel about it. Cargo space is plentiful. Infotainment features are plentiful and user-friendly.with one quibble (see below). The transition from EV mode to the gas engine is seamless.

What I didn’t like about the Hyundai Tucson Plug-in: I would prefer knobs to adjust volume and surf the radio dial instead of having to push a button on the centerstack facing. The touch-style operation can be distracting for the driver to use. Only two trim levels are offered on the Plug-in.

Would I buy the Hyundai Tucson Plug-in? Yes. The Plug-in version offers the best of two worlds when it comes to the drivetrain with the capability of handling short hops via electric drive while offering a gas engine for longer excursions. 



Wednesday, February 14, 2024

2024 MERCEDES-AMG GLS63




GLS SERVES AS FLAGSHIP MODEL 
FOR MERCEDES-BENZ SUV FLEET


Though its roots go back to the late 1990s when Mercedes-Benz introduced its first SUV, dubbed the M and later adjusted to ML to alleviate a conflict with BMW’s M line, the GLS came into being as a 2017 model when it replaced the GL-Class that had served as Mercedes’ flagship SUV since its introduction in 2006.

In the alphabet soup that serves that fills the Mercedes-Benz automotive nomenclature chart, the “G” designates the GLS as an SUV, G coming from the German word gelandewagen for “off-road vehicle.”

The “S” makes it equivalent to the flagship “S-Class” sedan in company hierarchy, thus assuming the role as the German automaker’s flagship.SUV just a notch above the GLE (which is equivalent to the E-Class sedan). 

As for the “L,” it basically serves as window dressing..



The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS is part of the third generation of the model and comes in three trims. The GLS450 is equipped with a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine while the GLS580 gets a 4.0-liter turbo V8.

This review based on the beast of the lineup, the 2024 Mercedes-AMG GLS63 with a 4.0-liter biturbo V8 under the hood that boosts horsepower and torque to 603 and 627 pound-feet, respectively, over the 580’s 510/538, respectively.



A 9-speed automatic transmission,, air suspension,, and 4MATIC all-wheel drive are standard.

It is a thirsty beast drinking premium-grade fuel at the rate of 14 miles-per-gallon city, 18 highway, and 16 com. The government says you will spend $10,500 more in fuel costs over the average new vehicle in a span of five years. We can always trust the the government, right?



Packed with all of the latest tech features and with beau-coup room for up to seven riders as well as their stuff, the 2024 Mercedes-AMG GLS63 satiates the power-hungry and family needs in one slick-looking vehicle.

New for this year are a new front bumper, grille, and taillights and new 21-, 22-, and 23-inch wheel designs. Instead of the usual Mercedes logo above the grille the 2024 Mercedes-AMG GLS63 gets one recognizing its AMG status.

Mercedes upgraded tech features that operate either by the “Hey, Mercedes” voice-activated system (well, at least most of them do) or by swiping the 12.3-inch touchscreen display or the laptop-like pad on the center console.

All GLS trims get a surround-view camera as standard and especially considering the vehicle’s size, this is a welcome addition.



The list of standard features including in the hefty MSRP for the 2024 Mercedes-AMG GLS63 include navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a panoramic sunroof, 64-color ambient lightning, heated and ventilated front seats with massage function, 5-zone climate control, self-close doors, and a Burmester surround-sound system.

Standard safety features include active brake assist, blind-spot  and lane-keeping assist, and attention assist.

My test 2024 Mercedes-AMG GLS63 came with 23-inch multi-spoke AMG wheels, carbon-fiber trim, and a dash cam that ran the final total up to $153,000, including the $1,150 destination and delivery fee, from the base MSRP of $145,580.

What I liked about the 2024 Mercedes-AMG GLS63: There is plenty of room and plenty of power. Even third-row riders get comfort. Cargo capacity is good even with third-row seats in place. Its performance is more like you would expect from a midsize or even a compact SUV instead of a full-size model (except when it comes to tight parking lots). The surround-view camera system is an invaluable asset, particularly in tight conditions.

What I didn’t like about the 2024 Mercedes-AMG GLS63:
The six-figure price tag is to be expected with the “S” and “AMG” designations but still is daunting. Infotainment features are plentiful but come with a fairly steep learning curve. I don’t care for the “swiping” technique for manually selecting functions on the touchscreen or console pad. Steering wheel buttons are tiny and seem to be designed with the fingers of a 5-year-old in mind.

Would I buy the 2024 Mercedes-AMG GLS63? Too big for my taste, and the operation of the infotainment system can be maddening. Do you really need a six-figure SUV with zero-to-60 mph capability of around four seconds?