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
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?
Mike's Steering Column 