GM Unveils All-New 2015 Cadillac Escalade

NEW YORK (GM) – Cadillac has introduced the all-new 2015 Escalade, a sophisticated luxury SUV designed to establish new benchmarks for hand-tailored craftsmanship and technology.

2015 Cadillac Escalade
Photo: GM

The fourth-generation Escalade is an entirely new design yet instantly recognizable. Much of the story of Cadillac’s redesigned flagship SUV is on the interior, where new levels of luxury combine with the latest technology.

“Cadillac’s growth provides the ideal stage for the all-new Escalade to take a major leap forward,” said Bob Ferguson, senior vice president, Global Cadillac. “The 2015 Escalade is completely new and elevated in design and technology, inside and out. The clear objective is to once again assume the leadership position among luxury SUVs.”

From its introduction, Escalade quickly became the standard among luxury SUVs with a formula of bold design, powerful capability and luxurious accommodations for up to eight occupants. Three succeeding generations led luxury SUV customers to confer icon status on it. The 2015 Escalade takes design and technical elements from Cadillac’s product expansion to elevate the brand’s signature SUV.

2012 Ram 1500 and 2012 Jeep® Wrangler Win "Best for the Money" Accolades from U.S. News & World Report

AUBURN HILLS, MI (PRNewswire) -- The 2012 Ram 1500 has been named U.S. News & World Report's "2012 Best Full-Size Pickup Truck for the Money" and the 2012 Jeep® Wrangler has been named the "2012 Best Off-Road SUV for the Money." The Ram 1500 and Jeep Wrangler took top honors for outstanding value and availability of features buyers want.

RAM 1500

"The Ram Truck brand is meeting the needs and expectations of our customers with the best trucks in the market," said Fred Diaz, President and CEO of Ram Truck Brand and Chrysler de Mexico — Chrysler Group LLC. "U.S. News & World Report's 2012 Best Full-Size Pickup Truck for the Money award is a powerful, independent accolade, standing as an endorsement for the 2012 Ram 1500 and its value for the money."

Don't Tread Lightly On Winter Tire Safety

(NewsUSA) - With winter upon us, tire safety in cold weather is something every car owner should be familiar with. Most drivers concentrate on tire safety in hot weather to avoid blowouts, but the same precautions should be exercised in the winter. One of the most effective ways to be safe on the road is to use a winter tire specially designed for cold weather.

Common all-season tires contain a tread compound that gradually hardens when temperatures dip below 45 degrees, resulting in a decrease in traction. These tires also tend to collect winter road debris, like snow and ice, which can impact a vehicle's performance on wintry roads.

Mark Ballard, spokesman for Discount Tire Company, America's largest independent tire and wheel retailer, advises motorists to replace all four tires with winter tires if they can expect to encounter snow and ice during the winter months. "It's best to use winter tires, especially if you live in an area with extreme weather conditions where temperatures are below 45 degrees on a consistent basis," he explains. "Relying on an all-season tire to do the work of a winter tire can be dangerous to you and other motorists."

Hit and Miss: GM bats .333 with Thursday's major announcements

GM Orion Assembly Center in Lake Orion, Michigan
Photo Credit: General Motors

THE HIT:  As a Detroit native with family ties to the automotive industry, I am happy to learn that General Motors will invest $145 million in its Orion Township assembly plant for the purpose of building small cars.  It means saving jobs in the heavily depressed Southeast Michigan area and allowing good auto workers to continue doing what they do best-- build cars.

I also hope this new investment is another indication that growth continues following the rebirth of GM, which is an integral part of America's fabric.  It has been great watching the company come back behind the introduction and success of several new models including the Chevrolet Camaro, GMC Terrain, Cadillac CTS Coupe, Buick Lacrosse and others.  Today's announcement included news that Buick's upcoming new small car offering will be among the models manufactured at the Orion plant.  Officials even released a photo of the planned model.

Consumer Reports issues safety warning about Lexus SUV

Consumer Reports has issued a "Do Not Buy" warning for the newly redesigned Lexus GX460 SUV for potential rollover dangers.



Click here to read Consumer Reports Q&A on the GX460.

Test Drive: 2010 Cadillac Escalade ESV Platinum

I was excited to learn that I would get a chance to review the 2010 Cadillac Escalade ESV Platinum. I love the current generation Escalade and have often fantasized about owning one.

GM sent me the vehicle while I was in Greensboro, North Carolina teaching at the National Association of Black Journalists Multimedia Short Course held each year at NC A&T State University.

This is a very large truck with lots of luxury and nice little features that add creature comforts. For example, this Escalade ESV Platinum has front cup holders that will keep your warm drinks warm and your cool drinks cool. You will also find a long list of expected features like a navigation system, premium sound system and Bluetooth connectivity for your cell phone.

Test Drive: 2010 Kia Soul

The Kia Soul Lives Up To Its Name

Many people view commercials as nuisances while watching their favorite television show or a drama-filled, exciting sporting event like the Super Bowl, The Masters or Daytona 500.  You can count me among those viewers but professionally, I accept commercials as a necessary evil because the revenue they generate is the life's blood for most broadcast media companies.

That said, there are many commercials that I find more entertaining than the programs they support.  Several Geico Insurance spots come to mind.  Don't you just love that gecko?  And how about the Kia hamsters?

The first time I saw that commercial I said to myself, "if the car is truly as cool as that spot, Kia has a winner."  Guess what?  The Soul is a winner!

The Soul is the first of the hip, boxy, pseudo crossovers that I have driven.  Based on my week with the vehicle, the bar is now set pretty high for the competition, which includes the Scion xB and Nissan Cube.  The words comfortable, cute and cool fit the Soul like a glove making the vehicle attractive to both youthful consumers and those with a bit more seasoning who still like fun cars.  I consider myself to be a member of both categories.  (Shhh!  Pay no attention to the birthdate listed on my driver's license.)

The boxy appearance of the Soul instantly makes you think crossover or SUV and because the vehicle is small for those classifications, you might think it offers little in terms of functionality.  Think again.  The Soul is far roomier on the inside than you might expect.  Seating is quite comfortable leaving driver and passengers feeling anything but cramped.  

Open the rear hatch, and you will find ample cargo space for a vehicle of this size.  You can easily fit a couple of small suitcases back there, without having to put the rear seats down.  With the seats down, the cargo space expands nicely for your trip to the farmers' market or the home improvement store.  Don't get me wrong.  You won't be able to get six-foot wood panels in the Soul, but you will certainly be able to haul the big box containing the new lawn mower or outdoor grill you just bought.

Features

On the features tip, I think it would be hard to find a better deal than the Kia Soul.  The car is rich with features that you would not expect in this class.  Among the standard features, you find anti-lock brakes, power windows, door locks and outside mirrors, keyless entry and leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob.

I was quite surprised to find, included among the standard items, Bluetooth connectivity for my cell phone, not to mention an iPod connection allowing the Soul's stereo system to easily access my personal music library.  Sirius satellite radio is also included, as a standard item.  I rather enjoyed driving at night while tuned to one of the bass-thumping Hip-Hop channels which made the speaker lights "dance" to the beat.  So cool.

Amazingly, the only option on my test model was a power sunroof.  Wow!

Powerplant

Under the hood, the Soul is equipped with a spunky engine that I first thought might be a small V-6.  Of course, it was a four-cylinder powerplant which, in my test model, was mated to a five-speed, manual transmission.  The combination provided impressive power that only added to the driving enjoyment.  Acceleration is brisk and once at cruising speeds, you have adequate power to keep yourself rolling past slower moving traffic on the interstate.

Fuel efficiency was not bad for a boxy, non-aerodynamic vehicle.  The Soul has an EPA rating of 24 MPG/City and 30 MPG/Highway.  During my week in the Soul, I achieved only 21.8 miles per gallon, driving 192 city miles and consuming less than nine gallons of regular gasoline.

Summary

I loved this vehicle!  It has personality, practicality and-- well-- soul, all at an affordable price.  Why be the ordinary hamster always running in place when you can roll out and explore the world in something comfortable, cute and cool like the Kia Soul?  Pricing starts at $16,950.  As tested, the Kia Soul Sport was $18,345, including destination charge.

GM to end HUMMER after sale to Chinese company fails

DETROIT – General Motors today announced that Sichuan Tengzhong Heavy Industrial Machines Co., Ltd. (Tengzhong) was unable to complete the acquisition of HUMMER. As a result, GM will begin the orderly wind-down of the HUMMER operations.

“One year ago, General Motors announced that we were going to divest HUMMER, as part of focusing our efforts on Chevrolet, Buick, GMC and Cadillac going forward. We have since considered a number of possibilities for HUMMER along the way, and we are disappointed that the deal with Tengzhong could not be completed," said John Smith GM vice president of corporate planning and alliances. "GM will now work closely with HUMMER employees, dealers and suppliers to wind down the business in an orderly and responsible manner."

GM first acquired the marketing rights to HUMMER from AM General, manufacturer of the military HUMVEE, in 1999.  In 2000, a HUMMER concept was introduced at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.  That concept became the H2 which began sales in 2002 alongside the HUMVEE-based H1 through a nationwide network of HUMMER dealerships.  GM later introduced several other HUMMER models including the H2 SUT, H3 and H3T.  The H1 was discontinued after the 2006 model year.

GM will continue to honor HUMMER warranties, while providing service support and spare parts to current HUMMER owners around the world.

Test Drive: 2010 Ram 1500 Laramie Edition

Pickup trucks are not just for hauling construction supplies and towing horse trailers anymore.  While sales were down in 2009 for every major manufacturer, U.S. consumers still purchased more than 1.4 million pickup trucks.

Trucks remain popular and therefore, automakers continue to give consumers options ranging from small to large and basic utility to sheer luxury.  The 2010 Ram 1500 Laramie Edition is clearly in the big and luxury columns.

As a former HUMMER H2 owner, I like big vehicles.  There is something about their practical utility and bodacious image that make you feel invincible.  When I stepped into the 2010 1500 Laramie that Ram sent for review, I felt like I was back in my old H2 but with upgrades.

The leather seats are comfortably wide and—like the H2—they can warm your body when it’s cold.  However—unlike the H2—the Laramie seats can also cool your body when it’s hot because, in addition to being heated, they also are ventilated.

Another advantage the 1500 Laramie has over my former HUMMER is very good rear access.  This crew cab has large rear doors making it easy for passengers to enter and exit.  Rear leg room and shoulder room are quite ample allowing three-- maybe four, depending on size-- guests to ride in comfort almost matching the driver and front passenger.

Of course, the true mettle of a pickup truck is its utility.  In the case of the Ram 1500 Laramie edition, the crew cab configuration allows for the shortest payload length in the 1500 lineup; just 67.4 inches.  However, my test model was equipped with an extender allowing you to open the tailgate to accommodate and secure longer items.

This truck also provides several storage options including two glove compartments; a deep, split-level center console; and map pockets on the inside.  Outside, the 1500 Laramie has fairly deep, lockable side storage boxes on both sides of the payload area providing good space to securely keep tools or other items.

Under the hood, the Ram 1500 Laramie has the venerable 5.7-Liter HEMI V-8 engine which produces 390 horsepower and 407 lb-ft of torque.  Acceleration is brisk; cruising is smooth.  And, if you have something to tow, the muscular powertrain allows you to pull up to 9,900 pounds and carry a maximum payload of 1,430 pounds.

Features

Standard features on the Ram 1500 Laramie Edition include remote keyless entry, security alarm, tire pressure monitor, SIRIUS satellite radio, heated and leather wrapped steering wheel, 20-inche chrome wheels, and more.

Optional features on the test model included leather-trimmed bucket seats, ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, rear park assist system, RamBox cargo management system, and more.

Summary

The Ram 1500 Laramie Edition is a good combination of size, strength and suppleness.  It provides the comfort you expect from a luxury SUV and the utility you expect from the average pickup truck.  If you are in the market for a truck, do not write this one off before you give it a serious look.

Editor’s Note:  While the Ram series is America’s #3 selling full-size pickup behind the Ford F-150 and Chevrolet Silverado, MotorWeek—television’s original automotive newsmagazine—has named the Ram series its 2010 Drivers’ Choice Award winner for the second consecutive year.

GM announces GMC Acadia Denali for 2011

DETROIT – Today GMC unveiled the 2011 Acadia Denali in Detroit. The first Denali was launched in 1999 on the Yukon brand and helped define the luxury SUV segment. With nearly half of all Yukon sales being Denali models, expanding the Denali line to include the Acadia was a logical extension. Acadia Denali will provide GMC customers with all the amenities the Denali is known for in a fuel-efficient crossover.

“The GMC Denali models have come to stand for luxury and exclusivity, and that’s just what customers will get in the new Acadia Denali,” said Lisa Hutchinson, GMC product marketing director. “The decision to develop an Acadia Denali was made quickly within the new GM in response to customer and dealer demand for a Denali version ever since the launch and success of the Acadia.”

The Acadia launched in 2007 as the first crossover from GMC, with segment-leading fuel economy and innovative features. An exclusive SmartSlide System allows easy access to an adult-sized third row with available seven- or eight- passenger seating configurations. Fold-flat second- and third-row seats allow flexible passenger and cargo configurations of the best-in-class interior space. Acadia’s refined styling, impressive fuel efficiency, and confidence-inspiring safety features made it an immediate success and ideal platform to build upon for a Denali model.

The 2011 Acadia Denali goes on sale in the third quarter of 2010. It is available in both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive models, as well as seven- and eight-passenger configurations. The standard 3.6L direct injected V-6 contributes to an EPA highway rating of 24 mpg with FWD models.

The Acadia Denali will stand out with its signature Denali design cues highlighted by the mono-color exterior and chrome honeycomb grille, a feature on all GMC Denali models. It also wears a number of specific exterior design cues, including:

• Unique lower front and rear fascias
• High-intensity discharge headlamps
• Body-color lower cladding and rocker moldings
• Body-color rear fascia and fender flares
• Unique body-side moldings with chrome accents and Denali badges
• Dual chrome exhaust tips

Further distinction comes with 20-inch, two-tone chrome-clad wheels. The six-spoke wheels feature black chrome spoke inserts set against bright chrome.

The Acadia Denali is offered in five exterior colors: Quicksilver Metallic, Summit White, Carbon Black, Red Jewel Tintcoat and White Diamond Tricoat.

Luxury amenities

Acadia Denali delivers all the luxury and refinement that are hallmarks of the Denali line. It includes a number of exclusive design, comfort and convenience features including:

• Premium acoustics - laminated glass, triple door seals, and liquid applied sound deadeners
• Perforated leather seats with matching leather door panel trim
• Heated and cooled driver and passenger seats
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel with mahogany wood inserts
• Complementary wood grain finish on the instrument panel and center stack
• Enhanced accent lighting in the footwells
• Chrome, lighted sill plates with the Denali logo
• Dual SkyScape sunroof system, with sliding front sunroof and fixed rear section
• Head-up display (HUD)

Additional content includes:

• Tri-zone automatic climate control
• Navigation system including XM NavTraffic (available)
• Bluetooth connectivity
• OnStar
• Rear-seat DVD entertainment system, with roof-mounted flip-down screen (available)
• Premium audio system with USB port and Bose 10-speaker sound system
• XM Satellite Radio
• Rearview camera system
• Eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with memory
• Remote vehicle start

GMC capability

Acadia Denali is powered by a 3.6L direct injection V-6 engine with VVT that optimizes performance and fuel economy, while also reducing emissions – including a 25-percent reduction in cold-start emissions. Engine performance is enhanced by the advanced six-speed automatic transmission. The maximum towing capacity is a class-leading 5,200 pounds (2,364 kg).

A long, 118.9-inch (3,021 mm) wheelbase and wide 67.28-inch (1,709 mm) front/rear tracks give it a lower center of gravity and enable smooth, stable ride and handling for driving comfort. Independent front and rear suspensions enhance smoothness and deliver a more responsive driving experience. The front suspension features a MacPherson strut design, with a direct-acting stabilizer bar and aluminum knuckles, while the rear suspension uses a compact, state-of-the-art linked “H” design. Isolated mounting points help reduce noise and vibration.

The suspension is tuned specifically for the Acadia Denali’s 20-inch wheels and the available AWD system enhances dry-road handling and provides increased traction on wet, snow and ice-covered roads. Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS are standard, as are the following features:

• StabiliTrak electronic stability control system with rollover mitigation technology
• Traction control system
• Tire pressure monitoring system

Acadia Denali is covered by GM’s five-year/100,000-mile Powertrain Warranty and three-year/36,000-mile Bumper-to-Bumper warranty – the best coverage in America.

About GMC

GMC is one of the industry's healthiest brands and is evolving to include more fuel-efficient trucks and crossovers. The all-new GMC Terrain is a smaller SUV that offers outstanding fuel economy along with the capability, engineering excellence and refinement that have defined GMC for more than a century. Complementing the Terrain is the Acadia eight-passenger crossover, Yukon and Yukon XL and Sierra pickups. Today GMC is the only manufacturer offering three full-size hybrid models. Details on all GMC models are available at www.gmc.com.

Test Drive: 2010 Chevrolet Equinox

The New Equinox: A Diamond in the Rough

As a big fan of big sports utility vehicles, my interest in small SUVs and crossovers has been limited to helping my mother select possible vehicles for lease. She bought two Buick Rendezvous crossovers, on my recommendation, and loved them. When GM discontinued the model, Mom went back to a sedan, choosing the award winning Saturn Aura, again, on my recommendation. I’m ready to go three-for-three: “Mom, if you want to go back to driving an SUV or crossover next year, get the all-new Chevy Equinox!”

It is an easy recommendation to make. My mother, as a company retiree, only drives General Motors vehicles. If she wants to return to the comfort, practicality, and sure-footed traction of a crossover/SUV, the new Equinox is the ticket.

Chevy has done a great job designing this latest generation of the popular Equinox. With competition from the class-leading Honda CR-V and the popular Toyota RAV-4, and the rough landscape for American automakers, Chevy really needed to hit a home run with the second generation Equinox. After spending a week in the Equinox LT with front wheel drive, I am left thinking that front-to-back, side-to-side, top-to-bottom, the new Equinox is winner.

Exterior Appearance

On the outside, the new Equinox looks larger than the previous generation and takes advantage of GM’s many styling improvements. The standard Chevy grill with body-colored bar through the middle and the trademark Chevy bow tie logo, new headlamps, fog lights, tail lamps, fender flares and side panel lines combine to give the vehicle’s small body and more muscular look. Add the optional 18-inch or 19-inch wheels and you have some real beef. This moves the Equinox from a soft, female oriented vehicle to a harder, more unisex model in my mind.

Power

Under the hood, the Equinox comes with a 2.4 liter, I-4, direct injection engine producing 182 horsepower and 172 lb.-ft. of torque. A 3.0 liter, V-6, direct injection engine producing 264 horsepower and 222 lb.-ft. of torque is optional. My test model had the standard engine, which I found to be surprisingly adequate. While I would prefer the more powerful V-6 setup, the four-cylinder setup will be just fine for those who place less emphasis an acceleration and require less than 1,500 pounds of towing capacity. Also, these power ratings match or nearly match the Honda and Toyota competition. Any differences are so minor they are negligible.

As for efficiency, my energetic driving style allowed my to manage only 18.3 MPG in city driving during my week in the Equinox. EPA fuel economy ratings for the Equinox are 22 MPG in the city and 32 MPG on the highway. These figures match or surpass the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV-4.


Interior Appearance and Comfort

The new Equinox has a far more attractive interior than the previous generation. Seating appears more upscale. My test model included optional leather appointed seating, which was quite comfortable. Leg, head and shoulder room is plentiful, both front and rear. The most notable and welcomed improvement, in terms of interior appearance, is the center console. I never liked the former styling, which looked more like a mini-van console than an SUV console. The 2010 model now employs a more traditional SUV console with the gear shifter, and cup holders in the expected positions.

Features

Standard features on the 2010 Equinox are plentiful. Among the safety features are antilock brakes, dual front and side airbags, and a rearview camera system that puts the video screen right in the rearview mirror. Outside the vehicle, heated power sideview mirrors, roof rack side rails and fog lamps are all standard. Inside, you will find GM’s trademarked Multi-Flex sliding rear seat, a premium 8-speaker audio system with CD player and AM/FM/XM radio, and Bluetooth connectivity for your cell phone. GM has also, finally, combined the key with the key fob in switchblade style. But, the best feature is the cargo space. With rear seats upright, it is large enough to accommodate your golf bag! Impressive, considering the larger HUMMER H3 cannot make the same claim.

Summary

The 2010 Chevrolet Equinox is one of the vehicles General Motors is counting on to help fuel is rebirth and return to prominence in the auto industry. The first new vehicle introduced after bankruptcy, the Equinox is a great start for the New GM. It has the look, the feel and the features to make this large SUV lover consider the smaller package.

Auto Test: 2009 BMW X6 xDrive50i

The Crossover Redefined

Small sport utility vehicle, modified minivan, or new age station wagon. Any of these might describe what is commonly referred to as a crossover vehicle. None of them describes the BMW X6. The company that claims to produce the ultimate driving machine has created the ultimate new-style crossover in the X6.
Where the typical crossover looks like a sport utility vehicle and feels like a car, the X6 looks like a car and feels like a sport utility vehicle; a truly refreshing concept that BMW calls the “Sports Activity Coupe.” Keep in mind that what every other automaker calls a “utility” vehicle, BMW calls an “activity” vehicle.

The X6 comes in two models: the six cylinder xDrive35i and the eight cylinder xDrive50i . Both are produced at BMW’s Spartanburg, South Carolina assembly plant alongside the X5 model. BMW delivered an eight cylinder version for me to evaluate.

One word can express my feelings about this ride on many levels—WOW! But, since I’m sure you would like more than that, here are some detailed thoughts based on my week in the vehicle.

Appearance

At first glance, the X6 appears imposing and aggressive. It is both. Upon closer inspection, you discover it is also elegant and well mannered. Its footprint is large. My X6 test model, with its wide stance and tall profile, was only made more imposing by its massive 20-inch wheels with fat, performance tires.

The body commands attention, especially the sloping rear. It’s sleek, sporty and like no other crossover on the market. The X6 comes in ten available colors including eight metallic choices.

Power

Under the hood, a 4.4 liter twin turbo V-8 engine producing 400 hp and a peak 450 lb-ft of torque available between 1,750 and 4,500 rpm. BMW says the X6 will vault you from 0-60 mph in 5.3 seconds. If you’re not a numbers person, suffice it to say this vehicle is quick. The engine packs pure power and the exhaust note is melodically muscular. Get yourself a good radar detector. Before I knew it, the heads-up display showed the number 92 on the windshield. An indication that I needed to slow down or at least do a peripheral scan to make sure “Smokey” wasn’t lurking nearby ready to pounce with an expensive citation since I had just passed a sign with the number 60 beneath the words “speed limit.”

Of course, all of the exhilaration comes at the expense of fuel efficiency. The X6 xDrive50i gets an EPA estimated 12 MPG in city driving and 18 MPG on the highway. My actual mileage pretty much matched the estimates. I got 11 in the city and 17 on the highway. The six cylinder model gets an estimated 15 MPG in the city and 20 MPG on the highway. Both require premium gasoline.

Comfort

Inside, the X6 has what you would expect from a luxury coupe: front and rear, heated leather bucket seats; automatic, digital dual-zone climate control and premium sound system among many features. The cabin is very quiet. You hear minimal road noise and maximum engine rumble. I like that.

Seating is outstanding. The 20-way power multi-contour fronts can adjust in so many ways, it should be nearly impossible to get seat fatigue even on the longest of road trips. Leg, head and shoulder room are more than ample, even in back where you might think head room would be tight due to the sloping roof. You do need to watch your head getting in and out of the rear, but once inside passengers fit nicely into bucket seats that look and feel just like the fronts.

Features

The X6 comes with a long list of standard features including BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system, Dynamic Stability Control, Xenon Adaptive headlights which swivel the lights in the direction the car is steering, front and rear Park Distance Control, GPS navigation and more. BMW’s iDrive on-board computer is also standard. Highly criticized when first introduced in 2001, iDrive has been greatly improved. I would prefer direct access buttons to reach features more quickly, but iDrive is user friendly enough. The test model is fully loaded with every option available. Among them-- a 6-disc DVD changer and LCD screen attached to the center console to keep rear-seat passengers entertained during road trips; high-definition radio; iPod and USB adapter (the system can read your music library and give you full access through iDrive); rear-view camera and the aforementioned head-up display.

Visibility

One thing that suffers, noticeably, in the X6 is visibility. Your view of the road through the windshield and front windows is superb. But the vehicle’s high stance, sloping roof and low-slung rear windshield make the rear view seem limited. Also, the wide b-pillars greatly limit your over-the-shoulder view out of the side windows. You are forced to rely almost entirely on the more than adequately large side-view mirrors.

Summary

I’m back to my one word description—WOW! When it comes to European cars, I’ve always preferred Germany’s other big brand. Now, it’s a toss-up. Clearly, BMW has an edge in this “new” SAC category. We’ll see if other automakers decide to compete and whether any try to create a similar vehicle at a more universally affordable price. The X6 is expensive by the average buyer’s standard. The starting price for the xDrive50i is $66,550. The test model, fully loaded topped $84,000! The xDrive35i starts at $55,900. Pricing aside, I think it will be hard for anyone to match what BMW has done with the X6. It gets two “thumps up” and a hearty “high five” from me.

BMW X6 xDrive50i Website