2025 BMW X3

BMW X3 MOVES INTO FOURTH GENERATION WITH 2025 MODEL

The BMW X3 moves into its fourth generation with the 2025 redesign of what the German automaker introduced for 2004 and calls a Sports Activity Vehicle (or SAV).

The 2025 BMW X3 Drive30I gets new exterior features that include a modified grille and front fascia. A new 33-inch display screen that stretches across the front of the dash doinates the interior. The touchsceen portiion of that display provides access to an expanded suite of infotainment features in BMW’s new iDrive9 system.

New 4- and 6-cylinder engines feature mild hybrid technology and is a bit more fuel efficient. The 2.0-liter, turbocharged inline 4-cylinder in the 2025 BMW X3 xDrive30i that this review is based on earns fuel economy figures of 27 miles-per-gallon city, 33 highway, and 27 combined compared to 21/28/24 for the 2024 version. That’s using premium fuel, of course.

Get-up-and-go also gets a boost with 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque for the 2025 BMW X3 xDrive30i compared to 248/258, respectively, for the previous model. With a 6.0 zero-to-60 mph time, the 2025 version is about a half-second quicker than previous models.

The 2025 BMW X3 xDrive30i is about an inch longer, wider, and taller than its predecessor at 187.2, 75.6, and 65.4 inches respectively, helping increase rear cargo capacity a bit to 31.5 cubic feet from 29.0. It remains, however, easy enough to maneuver in tight parking lots. 

Finally, rear-wheel drive sDrive versions have have been junked in favor all-wheel xDrive configurations. 

Among standard features on the 2025 BMW X3 xDrive30i are an 8-speed automatic transmission (with gear selection via a small switch on the center console or by using the paddle shifters for manual settings), a Sport steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, rain-sensing windshield wipers, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and wireless charging pad.

My test 2025 BMW X3 xDriver30i included no-charge extras like keyless entry and push-button start, lumbar support, BMW Teleservices, heated front seats, and an Anthracite headliner.

Standard safety features include a parking assistant with trailer and reversing assistant, forward collision mitigation, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot steering assist.

Adding to the starting MSRP of $49,500 for the 2024 BMW X3 xDrive30i were items like a Premium Package (Active Driving Assist Pro, heated steering wheel, an interior camera, and remote engine start) for $3,400 and a Driving Assistant professional package for $1,700 as well. Stand-alone options like a parking assistant package that gives you sensors and a surround view camera ($200), front-ventilated seats and special bicolor 20-inch wheels ($600) also add on.

All told that ran the final tab to $57,725 including the $1,775 destination charge.

An inline, twin-turbo 3.0-liter 6-cylinder engine rated at 393 horsepower and 428 pound-feet of torque is offered on the 2025 BMW X3 xDrive M50 that fills out the X3 portfolio. It’s a bit quicker than the 30i with a 4..4-second zero-to-60 mph clocking, but you pay for it. Starting MSRP is $65,275 including the destination charge.

What I liked about the 2025 BMW X3 xDrive 30i: The engine is very responsive and fuel efficient. The interior is roomy and the ride is comfortable. The cargo hold is spacious. Pricing is very reasonable considering the segment. Activated by the push of a convenient button the auto hold feature prevents creeping at intersections.

What I didn’t like about the 2025 BMW X3 xDrive 30i: Some of the numerous tech features are not easy to get to and others require extra touches. The gear selector on the console is kind of funky.

Would I buy the 2025 BMW X3 xDrive 30i? It’s worth a look but the competitive segment offers more attractive options. I’d prefer one with a more user-friendly infotainment system.

2025 CADILLAC CT-5 V-SERIES BLACKWING

MANUAL TRANSMISSIONS DECLINING  BUT CADILLAC IS A SURPRISING SOURCE FOR ONE

It’s not exactly ground-breaking news, but vehicles with manual transmissions have been fading from the markrt for several year now. Figures turned up on internet searches reveal that around 1 percent of the cars sold in the U.S. now are stick shifts.

It was surprising then in about a one-month span recently three of the four cars dropped off in my driveway for test drives came with a 6-speed manual transmission.

Two — the BMW M3 and Subaru WRX tS — were no surprise and in fact expected. The Cadillac that followed them, however, was a surprise.

Yes, imagine that. A Caddy with a clutch. The 2025 Cadillac CT5 V-Series Blackwing comes with a 6-speed manual gearbox as standard and shifts so smooth it may have you making it your choice of transmission over the available 10-speed automatic.

And it’s hooked up to a V8 engine that packs a powerful punch.

The 2025 Cadillac CT5 V-Series Blackwing sports a 6.2-liter supercharged V8 engine rated at 668 horsepower and 659 pound-feet of torque that scoots it from zero to 60 mph in 3.6 seconds, according to the website zeroto60times.com. It is rear-wheel drive.

No surprise here, but mileage figures are not that impressive. All that power uses up premium fuel at the rate of 13 miles per gallon in the city, 20 on the highway, and 15 combined resulting in a driving range of 255 miles, according to the government. That’s less range than that many EVs are delivering today.

 

This is a true sports sedan and, in fact, a luxury sports sedan in all aspects. The exterior features a redesigned grille and front fascia featuring LED headlights, and the rear sports quad dual exhaust tips that sing a seductive tune on acceleration.

Inside, Cadillac has packed the C2025 CT5 V-Series Blackwing with a long list of tech features that can be selected via a dial on the console or punched in via the touchscreen that is part of the 33-inch display that stretches across the front of the cabin.

Front seats are heated and ventilated and feature a massage function. Wireless charging, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Google built-in infotainment are among standard features.

The Blackwing trim the 2025 Cadillac CT5 V-Series is by far the most expensive model in the portfolio. It starts at $95,595 and that doesn’t include the $1,385 for delivery. That’s a jump of about $40,000 from the basic 2025 CT5 V-Series 4-door sedan.

My test 2025 Cadillac CT5 V-Series Blackwing included options that started with carbon ceramic brakes for $9,000, jet black accents and full semi-aniline leather seats featuring custom quilting and carbon fiber front seat backs for $8,90. A Carbon Fiber 1 package (front spiller, front wheel well deflectors, and rear extra aero spoiler) adds $5,600, and a performance data record tacks on $1,600.

Remember those thirsty fuel consumption figures I mentioned earlier? It shouldn’t come as a surprise they earn the 2025 Cadillac CT5 V-Series Blackwin a Gas Guzzler charge of $2,100, running the final total to $124,005.

What I liked about the 2025 Cadillac CT5 V-Series Blackwing: The manual transmission is very accommodating. Performance lives up to its sports sedan billing. The interior is nicely done, and the exterior is very striking. This is what Cadillac should be all about. The dual exhaust has a very nice sound, Tech features are plentiful and easy enough to operate.

What I didn’t like about the 2025 Cadillace V-Series Blackwing: The trunk is on the small side offering less than 12 cubic feet of space. It is very much on the pricey side.

Would I buy the 2025 Caidllac V-Series Blackwing? You don’t have a whole lot of choices when it comes to  luxury vehicles with such sporty driving characteristics. With the final assembly point in Lansing, Michigan, you don’t have to be concerned with potential tariff charges.

2025 SUBARU WRX tS

FAMED WRX STI STILL GONE BUT SUBARU OFFERS ANOTHER APPEALING OPTION

With Subaru ending production of the high-performance WRX STI sedan a few years back, the Japanese automaker has now come out with a slightly milder but still fun-to-drive version to appeal to enthusiasts.

The 2025 Subaru WRX tS may not be as hot as the STI but with a 6-speed manual transmission and a turbocharged flat-4 (Boxer) engine and features like Recaro sport seats done in black Ultrasuede and high-performance Brembo brakes it is earning praise as the best of the current generation WRX sedans.

Naturally, as a Subaru it comes with all-wheel drive, which makes it at home on a variety of road surfaces wet or dry. This is a racing capable version that is also can be a more mild-mannered daily driver.

The engine is rated at 271 horsepower and 258-pound feet of torque and the manual is the only transmission offered. Constantly engaging the clutch for gear changes can give you a bit of a workout, but it is worth it with the benefits (fun) you get from having more control.

Tech features on the new 2025 Subaru WRX tS — the tS signifies tuned by STI, the company’s motorsports division Subaru Tecnica International — operate off a 12.3-inch touchscreen that may look imposing but is quite intuitive to operate.

Standard features include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth hands-free communications, rear-vision camera, blind-spot detection, rear cross-traffic alert, a Harman Kardon premium sound system, and Subaru’s Eyesight Driver Assist technology (adaptive cruise control with the ability to adjust following distance), pre-collision braking, lane departure and sway warning).

LED headlights and fog lights, keyless entry and push-button start, Subaru’s Starlink safety and security systems, 8-way power driver’s seat, heated front seats, a rear lip spoiler, and shark-fin antenna also are included.

The 2025 Subaru WRX tS rides on 19-inch alloy wheels in a matte gray finish.

Pricing for the 2025 WRX tS is at the higher end of the WRS scale. Starting MSRP is $46,875, including destination and delivery charges, the same as the GT trim. That is roughly $10,000 more than the base Premium’s $36,920. The Limited trim starts at $41,300.

Premium and Limited models with Subaru’s Performance Transmission, start at $38,270 and $42,850, respectively. A continuously variable transmission (CVT), the SPT comes with paddle shifters for manual gear selection.

Why bother? Just budget for the tS.

What I liked about the 2025 Subaru WRX tS: Shifts for the manual transmission are effortless. Lots of tech features are offered in a very user-friendly package. The vertical touchscreen may look overwhelming at first but is easy to work with. Seats are comfortable for long runs. The overall size adapts well to crowded parking spaces, but provides good room up front.

What I didn’t like about the 2025 Subaru WRX tS: It can get kind of loud on the highway depending on the road surface. The backseat would be a bit snug for three adults though an adult and two children were just fine. There is a pretty significant jump in MSRP from the Premium trim to the tS.

Would I buy the 2025 Sabaru WRX tS? Yes, for the tS and its manual transmission alone. 

2025 FORD F-150 HYBRID

FORD LOSES STATUS AS BEST-SELLING OVERALL VEHICLE BUT STILL NO. 1 TRUCK

For nearly half a century, the Ford F Series has held the title of the best-selling truck in the U.S. and for nearly the same period it also was simply the best selling vehicle period.

That reign ended last year when the data collection firm JATO Economics reported that a 5 percent dip in F-150 sales to 460,915 dropped the F-150 behind Toyota’s RAV4, which came in at 475,193 vehicles sold for 2024.

Ford, however, retained the No. 1 spot among truck buyers when it comes to brand loyalty with 65.1 percent of them repeat buyers for the Blue Oval brand, according to a survey conducted by J.D. Power.

That figure also leads all categories ahead of luxury automakers like Porsche (the highest ranked premium car at 57.5 percent), Lexus (highest ranked premium SUV at 60.2 percent), Toyota (highest ranked mass market car at 62.5 percent), and Honda (highest ranked mass market SUV at 64.2 percent).

The Ford F-150 moved into its 14th generation with the redesign of 2021 models with fully electric (BEV) and hybrid (HEV) added to the extensive fleet.

This review is based on the 2025 Ford F-150 Hybrid which has had no major changes since its introduction. It was trimmed out with features in the XLT series which include such niceties as 12-inch touchscreen for infotainment features, tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, capless fuel filler, rear privacy glass, Fordpass Connect wi-fi, Bluetooth connectivity, and wireless Apple CarPlay and /Android Auto.

Safety features include blind-spot warning, lane-keeping assist, reverse brake assist, pre-collision assist with emergency braking assist, and a nice wide-view backup camera with guidelines.

The hybrid drivetrain features a 3.5-liter gasoline engine Ford bills as “Powerboost” paired with an electric motor. Together they put out 430 horsepower and 570 pound-feet of torque. The transmission is a hybrid electric 10-speed automatic.

The gas engine drinks fuel at the rate of 22 miles-per-gallon city, 24 highway, and 23 combined, which, admittedly are not typical hybrid numbers. But that is about 20 percent in fuel savings over other F-150s with V8s and all-wheel drive. Zeroto60times.com reports a zero-to-60 mph time of 5.0 seconds

Starting MSRP for my test 2025 Ford F-150 XLT was $51,815. Several extras ran that total fo $69,665 including the destination and delivery fee and $6,900 in discounts.

What I liked about the 2025 Ford F150 XLT Hybrid: The F-15 Hybride is a quiet cruiser on the highway and very comfortable overall. The cabin is roomy and comfortable. The infotainment system is extensive and easy to use. Running boards and grips on the A pillar help a lot for getting in and out (mostly in). Auto hold, which prevents creeping at full stops, is among safety features.

What I didn’t like about the 2025 Ford F150 XLT Hybrid: The bulk of the full-sized pickup will have you searching and searching for roomy parking spots in mall lots. The overall price is on the high side of the F-150 portfolio.

Would I buy the 2025 Ford F150 XLT Hybrid? Not a truck guy, but if you are and a Ford guy to boot, why not go for the hybrid and save a little money on fuel?

2025 BMW M3

WITH BMW, M IS FOR MAGIC WHEN IT COMES TO THE COMPANY’S PERFORMANCE SEDANS

BMW likes to hype its cars as the “ultimate driving machines,” which seems like they are kind of taking a poke at its Teutonic colleagues Mercedes-Benz, Audi, and even — or especially — Porsche.

All are finely engineered products and are recognized as among the finest luxury vehicles on the market today.

But BMW has a pretty strong case for its bold bragging when it comes to its M Series of sport coupes and sedans.

The 2025 BMW M3 sedan offers a sporty, powerful driving experience while still maintaining the road manners of a typical family sedan. Now it its seventh generation, you can take it to the track in the afternoon and the country club in the evening, though I would advise checking the mileage before turning it over to the valet. The temptation may just be too great for them.

It comes in two trims with turbocharged 6-cylinder engines tuned to different power numbers. The engine for the base 2025 BMW M3, which this review is based on, is rated at 473 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque and is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. It is rear-wheel drive.

The 2025 BMW M3 Competition trim gets an upgrade to 523 hp and 479 lb.-ft., and is paired with an 8-speed automatic gearbox. No manual is available. It also is available with BMW’s xDrive all-wheel system which features a RWD mode.

BMW reports zero-to-60 mph times as 4.1 seconds for the base M3 and 3.8 for the Competition trim.

Fuel mileage figures for my test 2025 BMW M3 were 16 miles-per-gallon city, 23 highway and 19 combined, which, according to the government, are the same numbers for models with the automatic transmission.

Inside, the 2025 BMW M3 features leather upholstery, heated sport front seats with the M logo, a 16-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, an Anthracite headliner, dual-zone automatic climate control, wireless charging, a 14.9 inch touchscreen, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto included in the $76,000 starting MSRP.

Fortunately, BMW has come a long way in simplifying operation of infotainment systems after the disastrous introduction of its iDrive system a couple of decades ago. You no longer need tech support to get to the radio, though manually adjusting the A/C blower is kind of funky.

Safety features include forward collision warning with automatic braking, lane departure and blind-spot warning, and front and rear parking sensors. The rearview camera also provides a wide view of cross traffic.

Optional features on my test 2025 BMW M3 included carbon fiber trim, multi-spoke silver wheels, and an M Driver’s Package (increases top speed) that ran the final total to $92,225 including the $1,175 destination charge.

The 2025 BMW M Competition with RWD starts at $81,375 including the freight charge. AWD tacks on another $5,100.

For my buck, I’d go with the 2025 BMW M3 base with the manual transmission.

What I liked about the 2025 BMW M3: It was fun driving a car with such power matched with a manual transmission. The interior is roomy and comfortable and offers good rear storage space. Tech features are generally user-friendly. 

What I didn’t like about the 2025 BMW M3: I’d like the steering wheel to rise automatically and the driver’s seat to slide back when the engine is turned off to make it easier to get out. Auto hold would be a nice feature to include as well. Road noise is on the excessive side. There is quite a jump with manual operation of the A/C. The blower goes from calm before the storm (very low) to storm level in just one setting.

Would I buy the 2025 BMW M3? Sure would. The M3 can serve as an everyday driver as well a capable on-track performer even if you never take it racing.

2025 FORD MACH-E

IT’S NOT REALLY A MUSTANG BUT MACH-E ENJOYING A GOOD RUN IN EV MARKET

Though Ford insisted on borrowing the Mustang nameplate for it, the Mach-E was the company’s first car from the blue oval specifically designed solely as an electric vehicle.

Four years later the Mustang Mach-E, rated among the top-5 sellers in the U.S. EV segment along with a couple of Tesla models and the Honda Prologue and Rivian R1S, according to data collected by Cox Automotive and reported on caredge.com.

It’s easy to figure out why. It’s a much more practical vehicle for families than the traditional Mustang Pony Car, offers a livable driving range, and is chock-full of all the technological features that today’s buyers demand.

Another advantaage: With Ford gaining access to the plethora of Tesla superchargers across the country, Mach-E owners are not likely to confront the hassle of finding an available charging outlet if they haven’t installed one at their home.

The 2025 Mach-E is pretty much the same Mach-E that debuted for the 2021 model year. The 2025 Mach-E comes in four trim levels (Select, Premium, GT and Mach-E Rally) offering various power and range possibilities and either rear-wheel or all-wheel drive.

Select and Premium models provide 250 miles of range with RWD and a standard range battery, 230 with AWD and a standard range battery, and up to an estimated 300 miles with AWD and an extended range battery.

Premium models have the same figures with AWD and also can be had with  an extended range battery that lasts for an estimated 320 miles in RWD configuration. 

The performance-oriented GT and Rally trims come only with AWD and an extended range battery and enjoy ranges of 280 (GT) and 264 (Rally) miles.

This review is based on the 2025 Mach-E GT.

GT and Rally Mach-Es boast 480 horsepower and 634 pound-feet of torque. Throwing in a Performance package on the Rally raises the torque output to 700 pound-feet.

That’s a considerable jump from the power numbers for the Select and Premium trims though even those trims post torque numbers of up to 500 lb.-ft. on AWD versions. 

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Every Mach-E comes with safety features like frontal collision warning and braking, evasive steering assistance, blind-spot warning, lane-centering, adaptive cruise control, a 360-degree camera providing a  top down view , and rear-parking sensors.

Ford’s hands-free driving BlueCruise system is available on a subscription basis, and wireless AppleCarPlay and Android Auto are included across the portfolio as well as navigation that is displayed on the large center touchscreen.

Standard convenience features to the 2025 Mach-E include a hands-free power rear liftgate, heated front seats, power adjustable front passenger seat, a 10-speaker audio system, sport-tuned suspension, Brembo front performance brakes, 20-inch wheels, and sport front seats.

Options offered include a glass roof, an GT Performance package that cuts zero-to-60 time to 3.3 seconds, and a special Bronze appearance package that adds bronze-painted 20-inch wheels.

Pricing for Select and Premium trim models starts at just under $40,000 but the 2025 Mach-E GT carries a base price of $54,459. 

What I liked about the 2025 Ford Mach-E GT: The GT trim is quick to 60 mph (3.8 seconds). The 15.5-inch touchscreen can be imposing but infotainment features are easy enough to get the hang  of. The interior is roomy with good space for both passengers (over 43 inches of legroom up front and just over 38 in the second row) and cargo (29.7 cubic feet with second-row seats in place).

What I didn’t like about the 2025 Ford Mach-E GT:  Slapping a Mustang logo on the front grille and steering wheel crossbar doesn’t make the Mach E a Mustang. To many Pony Car aficionados it borders on automotive sacrilege. There are a couple of gimmicks, the most obvious the buttons on the pillars that you press to open the doors. Pony car lovers will miss the exhaust notes that emanate from the traditional gas versions. Even the 6-cylinder Mustangs have a distinctive sound. 

Would I buy the 2025 Ford Mach-E GT? I’m still not in the market for an all-electric vehicle so probably not. But if you are, the Mach-3 deserves more than a casual look.