MINI COOPER S CONVERTIBLE

MINI COOPER S CONVERTIBLE 

DELIVERS MAXI FUN BEBIND THE WHEEL

Though it has a history that dates back to the late 1950s, the latest Mini is a relative newcomer to the U.S., not returning to showrooms here as a 2002 model under the auspices of German automaker BMW,, which gained control of the iconic British icon when it acquired the Rover Group in 1994.

Its compact size makes the Mini an ideal vehicle for crowded urban environs while at the same time evoking a carefree experience for enthusiasts who like a little fun while they are driving.

BMW reported U.S. sales of under 25,000 Mini Coopers when it was returned about about about a four-decade absence, but they jumped to over 36,000 for 2003. They then topped 40,000 for the first time in 2005 and just over 54,000 three years later.

The all-time U.S. sales high, according to the Library of Motoring, a website that keeps track of such data, was 66,502 for 2013. Sales dropped to under 50,000 in 2017 and were only in the high 20,000 range for three years until topping 33,000 last year. 

The 2002 Mini was a three-door hatchback in Cooper or Cooper S trim with the base getting 115 horsepower from its 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine. The supercharged version in the Cooper S upped that to 161 horsepower.

Mini now comes in a variety of trims that even include a 4-door version, all-electric models, and convertibles.

This review is based on the Mini Cooper S Convertible that was redesigned for 2025 but retains all the familiar personal quirks the Mini is loved for. Like bug-eye headlamps.

The turbocharged 4-cylinder engine in the Mini Cooper S now puts out 201 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. The only transmission offered is 7-speed dual clutch automatic with gears selected not by the customary center shifter but via a toggle switch for drive, neutral, reverse and a button for park.

Unfortunately, the ignition switch is right next to it and it’s easy to twist it and turn the motor off when what you want to do is shift gears after backing out of the driveway until you get used to the setup.

All tech features work off the big center disc touchscreen that is part of Mini’s legacy. Items usually found in a separate or accompanying instrument panels, including the speed limit, also are found on the center screen, though the speed also shows up in a head-up display in front of the driver’s eyes.

Standard tech features include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth communication, and wireless charging. To open and close the folding top, you push or pull down on a small switch above the rear-view mirror. It opens in sections, pausing halfway through lowering so you can leave it there for the experience of a sunroof.

Other standard features include LED lighting, dual-zone automatic climate control. a heated steering wheel, auto start/stop and auto hold, and standard cruise control. Adaptable cruise control is available as an upgrade.

Safety systems include electronic brake force distribution, parking assist,  and the usual assortment of seatbelts and airbags. Forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure and lane change warning, blind spot detection, and rear cross-traffic alert come in an optional Iconic Trim package.

Staring MSRP for the 2025 Mini Cooper S Convertible is $39,600. My test vehicle came with several extras — some at no charge — like a Comfort Package that included an auto-dimming rearview mirror and keyless entry bringing the final total to $42,895 including the $995 destination charge.

What I liked about the 2025 Mini Cooper S Convertible: It’s a fun car to drive with the turbocharged engine delivering a peppy performance. Driver assist features include Auto Hold and Start/Stop, both activated via the touchscreen menu. The roof can be partially opened to function as a sunroof instead of a full open air experience. Audio volume can be adjusted by buttons on the steering wheel or a small knob at the bottom of the center stack.

What I didn’t like about the 2025 Mini Cooper S Convertible: There is no separation of typical instrument panel gauges and for operation of tech apps. Everything works off the large center touchscreen. Toggle switches for selecting gears and starting the engine are too close together. The top doesn’t fold flat in the rear when the roof is lowered and it restricts the view out the back. You also must keep constant pressure on the button to raise and lower the top. No manual transmission is offered. Back seat and trunk space is very limited. The overall ride is not the smoothest.

Would I buy the 2025 Mini Cooper S Convertible: Not in my taste. It most certainly not work for family transportation but would be a fun vehicle as a commuter.

2026 CADILLAC CT5-V

WITH PRODUCTION END COMING GET IN 

NOW FOR CADILLAC’S TOP PERFORMER

Introduced a decade ago, Cadillac’s CT5 is coming to the end of its production run.

Various news sources like GMAuthroity.com reported last fall the luxury automaker is ceasing production of its CT4 and C55 sedans at the end of this year. 

But take heart. The company is expected to bring back the next generation of the CT5 sedan in late 2027 or early 2028, though it has not confirmed if V-Series models like the CT5-V Blackwing will be included in that revival.

Which is a shame because the 2026 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing has a lot to offer and more than lives up to its role as a true luxury sports sedan despite trailing European rivals in sales by significant margins in the segment. 

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The 2026 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing has impressive power with its supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine pumping 668 horsepower and 659 pound-feet of torque to its rear wheels via either the standard 6-speed manual or optional 10-speed automatic transmission. The result is a 3.4-second zero-to-60 mph clocking for the automatic or 3.6 for the manual.

Yet even with the power of a beast on the track, the 2026 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing is a polite performer in urban environs with only its deep-throated exhaust notes giving away its true nature.

Inside is a long list of standard luxury and comfort features like leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats with 4-way power adjusted lumbar support and massage function, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering column, alloy driver pedals, and a premium 16-speaker sound system.

A large, high-resolution 33-inch touchscreen dominates the dash and combines instrument and infotainment displays. The Google built-in 5G infotainment system includes voice activation for such functions as adjusting navigation settings and audio systems, and other apps. Wireless Android Auto and, despite the Google interface, wireless Apple CarPlay are included.

Safety features include an HD surround vision, automatic emergency breaking, forward collision alert and emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind zone monitoring and steering assist, lane keeping assist and departure warning, and rear cross-traffic braking with rear pedestrian alert. Front and rear park assist and a head-up display also are included.

Starting MSRP for the 2026 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing is $97,600 but my test vehicle came with several options that ran the final total t0 over the $140,000 mark.

Those options included Cadillac’s Suer Cruise hands-free driving system, two carbon-fiber packages, custom front seats with Semi-Aniline leather, the 10-speed automatic transmission, driver attention assist, 19-inch alloy wheels, and alloy paddle shift controls.

A Precision Package priced at $18,000 added track-focused adjustments to improve handling along with ceramic brakes and high-performance tires.

With fuel ratings of 13 miles-per-gallon city, 20 highway,15 combined the 2026 Cadillac CT5-Blackwing also earns a $1,700 gas tax. That and the options and destination charge ran the final total of my test vehicle to $146,715.

That’s quite  leap from the rest of the CT5 lineup which has base Premium Luxury and Sport trims starting at under $50,000. Even the base CT-5-V starts at under $60,000.

What I liked about the 2026 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing: The performance is exhilarating. The plethora of infotainment functions are easy to get to. The traditional 4-door sedan body makes it good for daily use. My test vehicle had the automatic transmission but a 6-speed manual is available.

What I didn’t like about the 2026 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing: Cargo capacity (12 cubic feet) and rear headroom (36.6 inches compared to 39 up front) are tight. That V8 is very thirsty and drinks premium fuel. Extras take an already expensive vehicle to nearly $150,000.

Would I buy the 2026 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing? If I won the top prize in Powerball I definitely would take a long look at it. If it fits your budget, you need to hurry with that production deadline looming.

2025 RANGE ROVER PLUGIN

ELECTRIC RANGE ROVER COMING; PLUGIN VERSION DEBUTED AS 2019 MODEL

The first all-electric Range Rover is due to arrive in U.S. showrooms this year as a 2027 model. In the meantime, a plugin hybrid version  (PHEV) that offers limited all-electric driving has been around since 2018 when it debuted as a 2019 model along with the smaller Range Rover Sport.

The first generation Range Rover PHEV came with a 2.0-liter turbocharged  4-cylinder gas engine paired with an electric motor offering 398-404 horsepower and 472 pound-feet of torque. Electric-only driving range was a scant 31 miles.

The 2025 Range Rover L460 comes with a 3.0L, turbocharged inline-6 engine and an electric motor that ups horsepower to 460 ponies and torque to 660 lb-ft. (P460e) and 560/800, respectively, for P550e trims.

With a larger battery, all electric range has been stretched to up to 62 miles, which should cover most daily commutes if you charge it overnight. With the battery charged, the 2025 Range Rover PHEV gets EPA ratings of 53 MPGe. With the battery depleted, that figure drops to 21 MPG combined city/highway so it pays to keep it charged up.

The Range Rover plugin is all-wheel drive, of course. An 8-speed automatic serves as the transmission.

Having driven the gas powered Range Rover back in November, I can testify that you’ll detect no difference in driving experience with the plug-in. The shift from electric mode to gas is automatic and smooth.

Plugin models also are similarly equipped tot he gas-only Range Rovers with premium materials throughout the spacious cabin. A 13.1-inch touchscreen dominates the dash for operation of tech features like Navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Other standard features in the Base P550e SE Range Rovers include tri-zone automatic climate control, Smart phone charging, heated and ventilated front seats and heated second-row seats.

Safety features include adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot warning, a 360-degree camera system, and standard collision avoidance systems with pedestrian detection. A hands-free liftgate, 4-wheel steering, and adaptive air suspension also are included.

Upgraded P550e Autobiography trims get all that plus Semi-Aniline leather upholstery, an upgraded Meridien sound system, a massage function for front seats, and a refrigerated front console compartment.

None of this comes cheap.

Base P550e SE trims have a starting MSRP of $121,375. The upgraded P550e Autobiography trims start at $153,075.

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What I liked about the 2025 Range Rover L460: Being able to drive on all-electric power without range concerns, even for short distances, is a big selling point for me. The premium interior is roomy and packed with lots of tech features. The ride is quiet and smooth

What I didn’t like about the 2025 Range Rover L460: The learning curve for all those infotainment features is pretty steep. Often you have to take your eyes off the road to get to the proper menu. The Rang e Rover’s overall bulk requires careful maneuvering in mall parking lots. 

Would I buy the 2025 Range Rover L460? The infotainment system is a real turnoff for me and I likely would look elsewhere if I were shopping in the large luxury SUV segment. That’s a shame because the interior overall is a big plus and if you are looking for off-roading ventures, the Range Rover is unsurpassed.

2026 CADILLAC LYRIQ

 

CADILLAC ADDS V-SERIES MODELS TO ITS 

GROUND-BREAKING LYRIQ ELECTRIC SUV

Launched as a 2023 model,,the Lyriq represents Cadillac’s first entry into its all-electric fleet that now boasts four other offerings and a “V” enhanced performance version for the 2026 Lyriq lineup.

The dual motors in the all-wheel drive 2026 Cadillac Lyriq V-Premium that I recently spent a week in boosts performance to 615 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque over the 515 hp and 450 lb.-ft. in the similarly equipped standard Lyriq. That results in a zero-to-60 mph clocking of 3.3 seconds, making it the fastest Cadillac on the market today.

As expected that extra power comes at cost of electric driving range. Cadillac puts the 2026 V-Series models at 285 miles, a gap of just over 40 miles than the standard single-motor RWD Lyriq’s estimated 326 miles and nearly 35 miles less than than dual-motor AWD Lyriq’s 319.

In addition to the extra boost, the 2026 Cadillac Lyriq V-Series also gets Brembo performance brakes, an adaptive suspension setup, dedicated performance modes (like V Mode and Velocity Max), and distinctive design cues like special V-Series badging, a lower front fascia, 22-inch wheels, and optional carbon-fiber trim.

As the first Cadillac EV, the Vistiq has influenced succeeding models when it comes to interior comfort and style. For example, sitting behind the wheel of the Lyriq I got the feeling of being in the Vistiq that I tested earlier. Both have a leather-wrapped steering wheel and a 33-inch curved touchscreen for operating infotainment features with built-in Google.

Both have Interluxe leatherette seat surfaces, heated and ventilated front seats with a massage function, and heated second-row seats.

The biggest difference in tech features is that Applle CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on the Lyriq but not offered on the Vistiq. 

Other differences show up behind the front row. 

The Lyriq offers only two-row seating for five passengers while the Vistiq has a third row to accommodate up to seven. The Vistiq also offers more cargo space — up to 80 cubic feet with all seats folded to the Lyriq’s 60.8 cubic feet. Full leather seating and a Nappa Leather package also is available on the Lyriq.

The Vistiq has five-zone climate control to accommodate the third row, the Lyria only dual- or tri-zone.

GM’s Super Cruise hands-free driving system requires a subscription but standard safety features include emergency braking with pedestrian detection, forward collision alert, lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist, intersection emergency braking, following distance indicator, blind spot steering assist, rear cross traffic braking, and reverse automatic braking if an object is detected.

The standard Lyriq models fun from $60,695 to $73,295 for variations of the Luxury, Sport, and Premium trims. The base 2026 Lyriq V starts at $80,090, the Lyriq V-Premium at $85,290.

What I liked about the 2025 Cadillac Lyriq V-Premium: Though classed as a “small” SUV, the Lyriq has a roomy, classy interior with premium touches throughout. Cargo capacity is very good at 28 cubic feet behind the second row. Charging times at fast-charge outlets are very good.

What I didn’t like about the 2025 Cadillac Lyriq V-Premium: The infotainment systems comes with a bit of a learning curve. As with its Vistiq stablemate, there is no “frunk” for upfront storage of smaller items. The Lyriq’s V-Series gives up a lot of range.

Would I buy the 2025 Cadillac Lyriq V-Premium? With a competitive price, the Lyriq is well worth a look if you are in the market for a five-passenger SUV with good passenger and storage space.