“Would you like me to chauffeur you so you can enjoy the executive rear seat?” asks the friendly Mercedes-Maybach S680 chaperone. “No thanks, I’ll drive,” I respond. But on second thought, I may have made the wrong choice, as I’ve just turned down a chance to experience life living like a royal. Ah, dear reader,… Continue reading Test Drive: 2025 Mercedes-Maybach S680 Poses a Tough Question
Have you heard of Lucid? If you’re a car enthusiast, probably yes, as the motoring outlets have extolled the virtues of the Lucid Air sedan. But have you actually seen a Lucid? Maybe not. Even in wealthy EV-friendly San Francisco, they’re uncommon. Now, have you ever driven a Lucid? The odds say no. The company… Continue reading Test Drive: 2026 Lucid Gravity Grand Touring Don’t Call it a Minivan
I’ve settled into the BMW M5’s extremely comfortable front seat and found its start button only to be startled by theatrical “bbbuuuwhaaahh” power-up noise. The welcome noise gives me a flashback to the THX intro sounds from 2000’s movie theaters. (Yes, the driver is now listening.) The sounds are accompanied by a building glow in… Continue reading Test Drive: 2025 BMW M5 is the Splenda Super Sedan
How much is an hour worth to you? Specifically, an hour in a stuffy, 95°F airport rental car office with a dozen impatient customers and your two travel-weary children? My wife would gladly pay an extra €500 ($589) to escape this hour of hell. Frankly, €500 is too much for me—double the cost of our… Continue reading Review: 2024 Mercedes CLA 180d Shooting Brake is More Capable than Compact
I highly recommend renting a Jeep Renegade e-HYBRID for a trip to the Italian island of Elba. No, scratch that…I highly recommend any vehicle for a trip to Elba, because Elba is a Mediterranean jewel, and the Jeep Renegade is, well, basic transportation. Sorry, let me explain. This summer, we took our two kids on… Continue reading Review: 2024 Jeep Renegade e-HYBRID is Italian like Pizza Hut
(Dear reader: This piece is my travel journal from my Wild West road trip across California, Nevada, and Utah. I hope you enjoy hearing about my eight days on the road and the memories I made.) Day 1: Climbing Out of California It's a midday start to my road trip. My 2016 Mercedes-AMG GT S's… Continue reading Long Term: 2016 Mercedes-AMG GT S is the UFO in the Wild West
They say beggars can’t be choosers, but I’m going to put that to the test. I’m at my local Mercedes-Benz dealership, with the goal of snagging a new Mercedes to review. “I’d love to try the new GLC if you have one to loan,” I tell my service advisor. He checks what is available. “We’ve… Continue reading Review: 2024 Mercedes GLB 250 4Matic and the Choosy Beggar
Valuable life advice can come at you from unexpected places. For example, I was driving through Oakland and spotted a bumper sticker on a Dodge Charger that said, "F*** around and find out." What sage advice! I applied this helpful nugget to my time with the Mercedes C300, f***ing around to find out why Mercedes offers… Continue reading Review: 2024 Mercedes C300 4MATIC Chill or Smash?
Jumping in the M240i after driving the X7 and 540i reminds me of why I love BMW. The small 2 Series coupe is similar in size to the E46 and E92 M3s that made me a Bimmer fan. I'm sat low, close to the ground, with the fat steering wheel falling easily to hand and… Continue reading Test Drive: 2024 BMW M240i xDrive Two is the Loneliest One
BMW hit the reboot button on its 5 Series in 2023 when it brought out the latest version of its midsize luxury sedan. The reboot came with new styling, new technology, and new electric propulsion for the 5 Series EV, the I5. Internal combustion fans will be relieved that gas engines are still available. In… Continue reading Test Drive: 2024 BMW 540i is Neither Here Nor There
Mike's Steering Column 