Browsing tag

luxury cuv review

First Drive Review – 2020 BMW X1 xDrive28i – By Carl Malek

The 2020 BMW X1 has often been a model that has largely preferred to lurk behind the scenes. While the bigger X3, X5, and even the X7 hog the bulk of the spotlight, the X1 has performed its duties as a entry level model without as much as a whimper. But BMW is always eager to shake things up to try and keep their models fresh in the rapidly evolving SUV/CUV sales race, and the 2020 X1 is no exception. BMW has made some subtle but noticeable updates to the tiniest member of the X family for 2020. But do …

Keep reading

Road Test Review – 2020 Lincoln Corsair Reserve – By Carl Malek

When we concluded our time with the Lincoln Aviator, we mused that perhaps Lincoln had finally found the missing ingredient towards long term success in the luxury utility market. But while the Aviator has managed to make a big splash for offering buyers a world class interior, impressive performance, and three row capability. It cannot shoulder the burden of Lincoln’s broader goals alone, and needs a supporting actor to help it in this regard. Enter the all new Corsair which aims to help broaden Lincoln’s appeal in this key arena. Replacing the long running and equally long in the tooth …

Keep reading

Road Test Review – 2019 Lexus UX200 F Sport – By Carl Malek

Lexus like other automakers, had a bit of a conundrum when it came to the task of luring in young millennials to its model lineup. How do you create something that comes jam packed with technology, style, and sophistication but in the compact dimensions that are needed for a urban commuter? While the Lexus RX is still a venerable nameplate (the bewildering RX350L excluded.) Its bigger size does not bode well for buyers in urban environments, and the Lexus NX can be a bit too extreme for other buyers. Lexus thinks it has finally hit the sweet spot with the …

Keep reading

First Drive Review – 2019 Cadillac XT4 Premium Luxury – By Carl Malek

It’s no secret that Cadillac is very late to the compact luxury crossover party. While the XT5 was a humble attempt at giving Cadillac a fighting chance in the broader luxury segment, it could do little to hide the fact that a very noticeable void existed between it and some of the smaller luxury CUVs that are pulling in younger buyers in droves, especially those that want utility, but in a smaller tidy package that still is jam packed with luxury. The 2019 Cadillac XT4 aims to make up for lost time, and is Cadillac’s first formal foray into this …

Keep reading

Road Test Review – 2018 Audi Q5 2.0 quattro S tronic – By Carl Malek

When it comes to being a true jack of all trades, the Audi Q5 certainly has a lot going for it. With its impressive amounts of luxury, poise, and quickness, the Q5 has always been a consistent presence in Audi’s utility lineup. While the Q8 is currently hogging the spotlight when it comes to showing off its slick infotainment technology and impressive engineering, the smaller Q5 has been quietly doing its job as Audi’s bread and butter offering, especially for buyers looking for something between the Q3 and the bigger Q7. But is the Q5 still an excellent volume player …

Keep reading

Road Test Review – 2019 Volvo XC40 T5 AWD Inscription – By Carl Malek

It’s no secret that Volvo has had a key void in its utility lineup over the past few years. While models such as the XC90 and XC60 have done a good job meeting the needs of a clientele that demands distinctive Swedish styling and luxury in an upscale wrapper. However, when it comes to addressing the needs of young urban centric buyers that want a good gateway into the brand, there was a noticeable void in its utility lineup. Volvo aims to address this flaw with the introduction of the 2019 Volvo XC40 crossover, which was designed to bring some …

Keep reading