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
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
So far, my morning is going swell because I'm getting lots of seat time and the 2024 Porsche 911 Targa 4S. Lots of seat time—but no drive time—because I'm waiting for the Porsche chaperon to start our tour of Monterey. I don't mind much because my time behind the static wheel of the 911 Targa… Continue reading Test Drive: 2024 Porsche 911 Targa 4S Shake ‘N Bake
Now, here’s a perfect car for a cruise on 17 Mile Drive. The SL63 is Mercedes’ finest drop-top luxury convertible, and I’m on one of the world’s finest coasts with la crème de la crème of automobilia. It is, of course, Monterey Car Week. (Call me unappreciative, but I didn’t actually want to drive an… Continue reading Test Drive: 2024 Mercedes-AMG SL63 Cruises a Perfect Coast
The cover of this book is just ridiculous. It has got the snout of an angry pig and squinty snake eyes. Its tail sports twin stacks of hexagonal tailpipes and a faux diffuser. The massive 22" wheels are black with red highlighting, and the pair of laser-etched roundels on the trunk glass are a galling… Continue reading Test Drive: 2024 BMW XM Label Has Me Seeing Red
Having previously sampled the fantastically lithe but sadly underpowered 981-generation Cayman S and Cayman GTS, I’m excited for today’s test drive of the 2016 Porsche Cayman GT4. The GT4 will cap my exploration of the excellent, but so far imperfect, 981 Cayman range. I hope the GT4’s additional horsepower will make it fast and fun… Continue reading Test Drive: 2016 Porsche Cayman GT4 Proves Every Cayman is Different
“Eeny meenie miney mo, catch a tiger by its toe…” I look over the Mercedes, Maybachs and AMGs at the test drive pavilion, considering what to drive first. I’m strongly attracted to a bright red AMG GT 63 coupe, but I recently drove the sister GT 55 coupe and would prefer a completely new experience. … Continue reading Test Drive: 2024 Mercedes AMG S63 E Performance Wows with New Tech
I have an extraordinary opportunity staring at me, a chance to drive the best from BMW’s 2024 lineup in back-to-back test drives. And the pair of keys to which I have access couldn’t be more exciting; the Alpina B8 Gran Coupe and M8 Competition coupe are at my beck and call. This will be a… Continue reading Comparison: 2024 Alpina B8 and BMW M8 are the Best, Served Two Ways
I've lived with our 2018 Tesla Model 3 for over five years now, and it is the most practical and reliable car I've had. Yes, it is an electric appliance with just a smidge of soul, but if I need to effortlessly get across town or across the state, the Model 3 is the car I’ll pick… Continue reading Test Drive: 2024 Tesla Model 3 Long Range Has Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’
Mike's Steering Column 