BMW 428i xDrive Gran Coupe First Review 2015

When BMW announced it was shuffling its car lineup -- for example, splitting the 3 Series into the 3 Series (4-doors) and 4 Series (2-doors) -- it seemed that understanding what vehicle would wear which badge would be easy. Then the Gran Coupes came along. Even though they have four doors, they are aligned with the coupes in the line. Therefore, BMW's Gran Coupes are the 6 Series instead of the 5 and the 4 Series, the newest in the line, instead of being a 3 Series

4-Door Coupes

Four-door coupes have the sloping roofline of a coupe, with the convenience of a sedan's extra doors. Why would 4-doors be considered coupes? Look at the trend that started when Mercedes-Benz introduced the CLS. Later, Volkswagen offered the Passat CC, Audi brought the A7, and BMW joined the fray with its 6 Series Gran Coupe. The 4-door coupe has been a success, so BMW has introduced the same type of vehicle on a smaller scale

When the 2015 4 Series Gran Coupe first goes on sale in mid-June, the 428i xDrive model will come with BMW's 2.0-liter inline-4, augmented with a twin-scroll turbocharger for an overall output of 240 horsepower. That engine will only be backed by an 8-speed automatic transmission, with either rear drive or all-wheel drive. In September 2014, the rear-drive-only 435i Gran Coupe will go on sale, with a twin-scroll-turbocharged 300-horsepower 3.0-liter inline-6. These models expand BMW's line of 4-door coupes, and as of right now, the closest direct competitor to the 4 Series Gran Coupe is the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class, but coupe fans may also be interested

More Than Just Good Looks

The 4 Series Gran Coupe is a beautiful vehicle, but the car benefits from some practicality because of the decision to go to this design. The roofline is higher than in the 4 Series, which improves headroom for rear-seat passengers -- and the Gran Coupe has room for five people as opposed to four in the regular coupe. The Gran Coupe is also more accommodating when it comes to carrying gear. With the seats up, it can carry the same amount of cargo as the 3 Series sedan (17 cubic feet), but because the Gran Coupe is a hatchback, you can fold down the rear seats and create nearly 46 cubic feet of cargo space. And the hatch opening is nice and wide, making it much easier to get large boxes into the back

The Long and Winding Road

You might think that a 3700-pound vehicle would feel sluggish, but that is far from the case here. The turbo four proved to be an excellent engine, with no noticeable turbo lag and plenty of power. The 8-speed automatic transmission behind it is also terrific, and the pair makes the 4-door coupe scoot along. Acceleration and passing power were impressive. BMW estimates that the 428i reaches 60 mph in 5.7 seconds and the 435i does it in 4.9. We know the inline-6 offers 60 more horsepower, but from our time with the 428i xDrive Gran Coupe, you wouldn't need to spend extra for the six to be happy with the car

On twistier roads, the Gran Coupe feels a lot like a BMW 3 or 4 Series: the handling is fantastic, and the chassis is well sorted. The Gran Coupe is well planted and confident in turns and the front/rear balance is excellent; that combination would encourage anyone to drive enthusiastically. The down side is that the ride was firm in the car we drove, letting in more road irregularities and making it a bit less comfortable on the highway

There are four driving modes: Eco Pro, Comfort, Sport and Sport+. Eco Pro is the mode for people who want to get the best possible fuel economy. It also feels like it reduces the power output and adjusts the timing of when the transmission shifts. Comfort was a good combination of sportiness and smooth response. Put it in either Sport mode, and the Gran Coupe seems to tighten up; shifts are quicker, throttle response is more immediate

For 2015, BMW's newest 4 Series starts at $41,225 and can cost over $65,000 for a fully kitted 435i. That is within the same basic price range as a 2014 4 Series coupe. Mercedes-Benz's CLA is priced much lower to start, at under $31,000, but tops out at over $72,000 with all the boxes checked. BMW's Gran Coupe is a more practical purchase than it seems, but will also satisfy buyers who are drawn to it for impractical reasons

Read More

Audi Q3 previewed for U.S. in Detroit 2015

 the Detroit Auto Show provide an early look at its smallest crossover-style offering, which it believes also will find favor with plenty of buyers here. In presenting the 2015 Audi Q3, Scott Keogh, President, Audi of America noted: "Our growing SUV family will now offer three distinct products in the premium SUV category; and like the successful Q5 and Q7, the Q3 will continue with the established standards they started with regards to utility, technology, craftsmanship and performance

Sharing much of its basic design DNA with its larger siblings, the new Q3 offers room for five in a stylish, well-appointed package that includes a number of standards that are optional in other markets. In addition to sleek bodywork with a low, flowing roofline bookended by a lightweight aluminum hood and tailgate, the Q3's exterior is highlighted by Audi's signature monoform grille flanked by slim-line xenon plus headlights combined with LED daytime running lights up front and full LED taillights. The U.S. Q3 will ride on standard 18-inch alloy wheels but offer an optional 19-inch upgrade

The 2015 Audi Q3 will be available in front-drive or Quattro all-wheel drive, all fitted with the same 200-horsepower/2.0-liter TFSI turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that makes 207 lb-ft of torque. A 6-speed Tiptronic automatic will be standard and versions will feature electromechanical power steering and a stability system with an off-road mode and hill descent control. Like the Q5 and Q7, the Q3 also can be fitted with the Audi drive select system, an option that brings adjustable shocks and permits a driver to choose one of three modes (Comfort/Sport/Auto) that remap the steering, damping and throttle responses

The Q3's nicely turned out cabin features leather seating surfaces with heated 12-way power front buckets, a panoramic sunroof with retractable shade and LED ambient lighting as well as the ultra-convenient Audi advanced key and a 60/40 folding rear seat that can expand cargo space from a standard 16.2 cu ft to 48.2 cu ft. The top-line Prestige trim level also includes the Audi connect infotainment system that brings Audi's sophisticated MMI navigation, a factory-fitted Wi-Fi hotspot that can handle up to eight devices, real-time news/weather/traffic, myAudi Destination, Google Voice Local Search  and more

Enhancing its personalization potential, the new Audi Q3 also will offer an impressive selection of optional equipment. Highlighting that roster is a 14-speaker/465-watt Bose premium audio system, the MMI navigation system with a 7-inch color screen, a programmable power tailgate, a Sport Package with upgraded front seats and a Driver Assistance Package that brings Audi side assist plus the Audi parking system with rearview camera.  Pricing for the 2015 Audi Q3 will be announced closer to its on-sale date

Read More

Audi A3 2015

New A3 trades hatchback versatility for sedan stardom

The Audi A3 hatchback has been something of a niche player in America since it first made its way to our shores for the 2006 model year, but that's about to change with the introduction of the all-new 2015 Audi A3

We've always liked the A3, and even if we're a bit sad to see form trump function for the sake of broader appeal, we're also happy to see a good car on the verge of bigger success

The $30,000 Audi A3

At its starting sticker price of $29,900 plus destination, the 2015 Audi A3 has a turbocharged 1.8-liter, 170-horsepower engine, 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, front-wheel drive, leather seats, panoramic moonroof, Bluetooth connectivity and a retractable 7-inch display with Audi MMI control. Audi is hoping to attract mainstream midsize sedan shoppers with the rethought A3 -- a loaded Honda Accord or Toyota Camry can climb into the low $30,000 range -- and its impressive list of standard features helps

And the $45,000 Audi A3

A fully loaded 2015 Audi A3 tops out around $45,000 with a more powerful 220-horsepower turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, Quattro all-wheel drive, navigation with voice control and handwriting recognition, higher-resolution retractable display, remote-sensing unlock and start, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, adaptive cruise control, 705-watt Bang & Olufsen audio system (sorry, no rectractable tweeters like in some other Audi vehicles) and USB device connectivity

Read More

Aston Martin V8 Vantage GT 2015

Aston aficionados in the U.S. seeking more bang for the buck will have something to look forward to this fall with the arrival of the new 2015 Aston Martin V8 Vantage GT. Making its debut in New York, this enthusiast-grade variation of the V8 Vantage theme boast more power and sharper handling to match its competition-influenced appearance - and will open at $102,725, almost $17,000 below the starting price of a base V8 Vantage model

Vantage S performance in a GT

The new V8 Vantage GT can be had in both Coupe and Roadster body styles. It shares performance with the V8 Vantage S, which has a more potent 430-horsepower version of Aston's 4.7-liter naturally aspirated V8 Vantage engine that gives the GT a top speed of 190 mph and lets it charge from 0-60 mph in just 4.6 seconds. Power is delivered to the rear wheels via a 6-speed manual transmission. However, the 7-speed Sportshift II transaxle that's standard-issue on the S is available here as an option. To ensure the extra muscle gets put to best use, the new GT also boasts a full-on sport suspension and quick-ratio power steering setup

Visually, the V8 Vantage GT draws its inspiration directly from the successful GT4 racing variant that will be campaigned here and in Europe. Standard exterior enhancements include extensive blackout out trim touches and distinctive graphite-painted diamond-turned light alloy wheels. A selection of optional heritage-themed graphics packages is offered as part of an intentionally limited extras list

Sporty Interior

That same type of fast-paced flair is evident inside the new V8 Vantage GT. Unique cloth/leather/Alcantara trim is used on the door panels and deeply contoured sport buckets - seats first seen on the V12 Vantage S -- while machined carbon, carbon fiber, piano black and satin chrome accent elements add further distinction. Clearly far from Spartan, the fun-focused GT does sacrifice some of the normal Vantage luxo features in the interest of achieving its more affordable price point. That list includes items like cruise control, heated/memory seats, Bluetooth, satellite radio and a primo audio package (although a 1,000W Bang & Olufsen sound system is optional). But despite those missing goodies, hard-core Aston aficionados should still find plenty to like about this new, high-value entry level offering. The 2015 Aston Martin V8 Vantage GT models are expected to arrive in the U.S. starting this fall

Read More

Acura TLX to bow in New York 2015

It's now official: the production version of the all-new 2015 Acura TLX sport-luxury sedan will have its global unveiling next month at the New York Auto Show. 

Acura provided a good deal of technical information on the production 2015 TLX when the wraps came off of the TLX Prototype, much of it concerning the powertrain. The 2015 TLX will be offered with two direct-injected i-VTEC engines and two new transmissions. The all-new 2.4-liter direct-injected 4-cylinder base motor gets backed by a new 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission while the optional 3.5-liter V6 pairs up with a new 9-speed autoshifter.  Performance and EPA stats still remain undisclosed, but Acura anticipates best-in-class status for both

All-Wheel Steer Featured

All front-drive versions of the 2015 TLX will feature a new generation of Acura Precision All-Wheel Steer technology that offers independent left/right rear toe-angle control. Stepping up to a V6 will allow buyers to opt for a next-gen version of the automaker's Super-Handling All Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system that incorporates new torque-vectoring control logic. We now know that this new SH-AWD package also is 25 percent lighter than the current setup, which should further enhance the dynamic qualities of the 2015 Acura TLX

Acura also announced driver assist technology available on the new TLX. Topping that long list are a Collision Mitigation Braking System, Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keeping Assist System, Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow and Blind Spot Indicator. We'll have full details on the 2015 Acura TLX following its reveal on April 16

Read More