It’s been three years since I sold my 2011 E90 M3, yet I still turn and stare whenever I spot one on the road. The V8 M3 did so many things right—it had a phenomenal engine, balanced handling, and livable luxury—and yet it hurt to own because of its frequent maintenance issues. But there weren’t… Continue reading Test Drive: 2023 Lexus IS 500 is Hot, but Won’t Scald
We are about to do something ridiculous: compare two cars with no reason to go head to head. Though the 1M and CTS-V were contemporaries, they were never competitors. One was a lithe Skunkworks sports car, while the other was a plus-sized ass hauler. It didn’t make any sense to pit the Bimmer against the… Continue reading Comparison: 2011 BMW 1M vs 2014 Cadillac CTS-V is Apples to Oranges
Dear Ruth, How are you? All is well here in California. We hope you, Gerry, Melissa, and Katherine are well, too! I hear through the grapevine that your Dodge Durango lease ends soon, and you are shopping for a new SUV. I just drove the new Jeep Grand Cherokee L Limited and think it may be… Continue reading 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Limited is Mama’s Upgrade
I’ve just crossed three years with my 2016 Mercedes-AMG GT S, and frankly, I’m surprised it’s still in my quiver. As sharp and as fast as my black arrow is, it never was a forever car for me. But, I just can’t seem to find anything better for the price. Can you suggest a better… Continue reading Long Term Update: 2016 Mercedes-AMG GT S is Exotic But Not Precious
I don’t like the Mercedes G wagon, and I especially disdain the twin-turbo V8 G63 in front of me. I see it as the automotive embodiment of everything distasteful about showy Los Angeles wealth: It’s an eye-smacking truck that says I can flaunt luxury toys and destroy the planet. And its wallet-flattened price says I… Continue reading Test Drive: 2023 Mercedes-AMG G63 is Excess Meets Excellence
Gleaming like an emerald, the vivid green Evora GT backs out of the showroom and into the sharp morning sunshine. Its creased and sculpted lines are festooned with carbon-fiber scoops, gaping grills and vented panels. The Lotus looks angular, aggressive, and—in this bright color—made to snap necks at high speed. It’s over the top, and… Continue reading Test Drive: 2021 Lotus Evora GT Defies Expectations
As I scrutinize the Maserati Ghibli’s spec sheet, I wonder about its competition. By its dimensions, it is a midsize sedan, the Italian equivalent of a Mercedes E-Class or BMW 5 series. But its interior space—and especially its tight rear seats—is better matched to the compact Cadillac CTS or BMW 3 series. Not that dimensions… Continue reading Test Drive: 2017 Maserati Ghibli is the Armani Charger
“Got anything fun?” I ask, not expecting an affirmative. I’ve only spotted base-level sedans and SUVs in my half-dozen visits to the Mercedes dealer. “Actually, I do,” comes the reply across the loaner desk, “would you like a GLA 35?” Hell yes! I’d love to try a baby AMG! Ten years ago, a four-cylinder AWD… Continue reading Review: 2023 Mercedes-AMG GLA 35 is a Stay Puft Hot Hatch
(Update: This review covers the seven-seat 2022 Mercedes GLB 250. I've also reviewed the five-seat 2024 Mercedes GLB 250.) It's an open secret that I see my service center's courtesy vehicles as my press fleet. Each repair is a chance for me to check off a chore and have a new driving experience. That is… Continue reading Review: 2022 Mercedes GLB 250 4Matic is My Favorite Squeeze
It takes just a second in my brother’s new car to remind me that I’m a BMW guy. A myriad of clues spark the reminder, including the chunky grip of the M Sport steering wheel, the granite-solid doors, and the stepped twirl of the iDrive controller. Thanks to my six years in the BMW fold,… Continue reading Review: 2017 BMW 540i xDrive is Stealth Wealth
Mike's Steering Column 