I’m trying hard to figure out who would buy the $51k ($64k as tested) 2025 BMW X3 xDrive30i M Sport. By its dimensions and capability, the X3 xDrive30i appears to be a practical hauler of young kids and their crud, but when fit with the M Sport options, the SUV transforms into a hard-riding performance… Continue reading Test Drive: 2025 BMW X3 xDrive30i Someone Skipped Cardio
The car standing in front of me isn’t some unknown exotic, it is the Lucid Air, Lucid’s first-ever production car. I’ve been seeing them around Berkeley for four years, but have yet to get up close and personal with the model. In Berkeley’s sea of Teslas and Subarus, the Air stands out, on account of… Continue reading Test Drive: 2025 Lucid Air Grand Touring is Smooth as Butter, Fast as Stink
“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
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
Mike's Steering Column 