There are two BMW iX configurations to choose from. The BMW iX xDrive50 has a base price of $87,100, while the BMW iX M6 starts at $111,500.  Your final price will depend on how many options you choose. BMW iX price points reflect the sheer amount of luxury in a performance SUV, starting with a configurable 14.9″ center stack digital display screen and an electronic panoramic eclipsing dark to light tinted glass sky roof.

To showcase this highly optioned electric SUV, BMW sent me a 2024 iX to test drive and review. The base window sticker price for this xDrive50 model is: $87,100. The options on the test SUV are: the stone grey microfiber wool blend interior for $500, the driving assistance pro package for $2,300, the premium interior package for $3,700, the sport package for $2,500 and the adaptive LED laser lighting package for $1,000. The manufactures suggested retail price (MSRP) plus the $995 destination charge, is: $98,095.

After adding in the state and local sales tax, plus the DMV and dealer fees, the out the door and in your garage total purchase price came to: $110,357. At just over $110 Grand, you get to experience BMW’s xDrive50 EV power and performance with a pair of high voltage electric motors that combine to make 516 HP horsepower, with all wheel drive (AWD) as standard equipment. The iX xDrive50 goes from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.0 seconds.

The iX comes with standard features like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, wireless device charging, ambient interior lighting and cabin preconditioning. The xDrive50 model has brake regeneration and a high voltage lithium ion battery pack that can go 307 miles on a full charge. The charging time on a 240 volt level II home charger is only 11 hours, and the fuel economy rating is 83 MPGe city, 82 MPGe highway and 83 MPGe combined.

BMW has bundled the most desirable features into one single option for the base xDrive50: the Premium Package. For $3,700, buyers will receive a Harmon Kardon surround sound system with 18 speakers, a surround view camera, head up display, an interior camera, multi functional power folding seats, and parking assistant plus.

With parking assistance plus there is no need to worry about visibility when parking. Parking assistant plus helps you park and maneuver, by using several cameras positioned all around the vehicle, to give you a full 360 display of your surroundings, and it’s all in 3D. The iX also has Highway Assistant, which enables attentive hands-free driving, at speeds up to 85 mph on controlled access highways.

As this is a high dollar BMW, comfort, safety and convenience are top priorities. The iX 50 comes with: heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, a 4 zone climate control system, perforated cooling seating surfaces, gold and bronze interior trim accents, a thermally insulated windshield, front and rear parking distance control, frontal collision warning, active blind spot detection, lane departure warning, parking assistant, back-up assistant, active cruise control with stop and go, active lane assist with side collision avoidance, traffic jam assist and dynamic brake control.  All BMW’s come with a free maintenance program for the first 3 years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first, on scheduled service. Now you have peace of mind, and your wallet, for the next 36 months.

BMWs are known for their excellent build quality. Many other brands tend to cut corners on things like paint work, interior materials, and dashboard design in order to save some cash. BMW does not do that, and never will, as they make sure everything has a premium look and feel, inside and out. So, if you’re in the $100,000+ electric vehicle buyers club, and want to impress your co-workers and neighbors, then this is the one to buy, or lease.

Call, click or visit your local BMW dealer for a test drive, and a Bottom Line price review, on the new 2024 BMW iX xDrive50 all electric SUV. And remember that the base price for a new iX starts at only $87,100. BMW – The Ultimate Driving Machine.

Be smart, stay safe, and just breathe. Remember, You Are What You Drive, and maybe, just for those reasons alone, you should Drive one, Buy one, Today. Have a great day, drive safely, and enjoy the ride, as the future looks nice and bright – Tony the Car Guy.

This Bottom Line new vehicle review is a Nut & Bolt and Dollars & Sense editorial provided by Tony Leopardo. Tony the Car Guy is an automotive writer, editor and publisher in the San Francisco Bay Area. If you have a question, or comment for Tony, send it to tonyleo@pacbell.net and visit AutoWire.Net at www.autowire.net 

Pricing starts at around $47,000 for the 2024 Mercedes Benz GLC 300 Pinnacle edition, and goes up to $52,000 for the GLC 300 Pinnacle 4MATIC model, and then it tops out at $57,000 for the 2024 Mercedes Benz GLC 300 4MATIC SUV, plus options of course.

This week Mercedes Benz sent me a 2024 Mercedes Benz GLC 300 4Matic SUV to test drive and review. The base window sticker price for this AWD model is: $57,000. The options on the test SUV are: the metallic paint for $750, the active distance crash avoidance system for $600, the night package for $200, and the AMG Line body styling package for $2,850. The manufactures suggested retail price, MSRP, including the destination and delivery charge, is: $61,400.

After adding in the state and local sales tax, plus the DMV and dealers fees, the out the door and in your garage total purchase price came to: $69,075. If your budget is capped at $70 Grand then this is the SUV you have been looking for. Not only it is priced at just $69K and change, you get the prestige and luxury driving status of a Mercedes Benz.

The 2024 GLC 300 is powered by a 2.0L Liter 4 cylinder turbocharged mild hybrid gas engine, with an impressive 255 HP horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque, bolted to a G-Tronic 9 speed automatic transmission, and then routed into a 4Matic all wheel drive AWD traction control system, with dynamic terrain select. This drive line has the ability to supply superior traction and driving control in all weather and road conditions.

The 5 passenger interior is covered in AMG MB-Tex with silver diamond pattern trim and the front seats are powered, heated and have lumbar support. The memory system for the driver controls the seat, steering column and exterior mirrors positions. The comfort and convenience list includes: a dual zone automatic climate controlled air filtration system, keyless entry, keyless start, keyless go, power folding side mirrors, split folding rear seats, a panorama sunroof, rain sensing windshield wipers, ambient lighting, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM radio, and a Burmester surround sound audio system.

Your safety and security starts with: Mercedes Benz connected services, a 11.9″ center stack digital touch screen, a 12.3″ digital instrument cluster, Bluetooth connectivity, an advanced air bag system, a anti-theft alarm system, anti-lock automatic braking, an electronic stability program system, active emergency braking assist, blind spot assist, automatic light sensing headlamps, LED daytime running lamps, LED headlights, LED tail lamps, adaptive high beam assist, rear door child safety locks, a rear view camera, and a 24 hour / 7 days a week roadside assistance program.

The AMG body line styling upgrade package comes with brushed aluminum sport pedals with rubber studs, a MB Tex covered instrument panel and beltlines covered in black Nappa look leather, a flat bottom AMG sport multi-function steering wheel, AMG floor mats, perforated front disc brake rotors with MB logo painted brake calipers, and it’s all blended together with AMG wheel arch trim that’s painted to match the body color.

The Night package adds high gloss black painted trim elements starting with: a black front air flow splitter, black front grille trim, a black rear air diffuser, black side mirror caps, black side window trim, a black headliner, and a set of gloss black roof rails. This Night package adds just enough black accents to set your GLC 300 apart from the crowd.

The GLC is one of my favorite midsize premium luxury crossover SUVs. It offers smooth and efficient power, a classy interior, and plenty of helpful technology features. This newest 2024 Mercedes Benz GLC 300 is intelligent, sporty, luxurious, and practical, plus it get 24 MPG city, 30 MPG highway, and a nice 26 MPG in combined driving.

So, call, click or visit your local Mercedes Benz dealer for a test drive, and a Bottom Line price review, on the new 2024 Mercedes Benz GLC 300 4Matic SUV. And remember that the base price for a new GLC 300 starts at only $47,450. Mercedes Benz – The Best or Nothing.

Be smart, stay safe, and just breathe. Remember, You Are What You Drive, and maybe, just for those reasons alone, you should Drive one, Buy one, Today. Have a great day, drive safely, and enjoy the ride, as the future looks nice and bright – Tony the Car Guy.

This Bottom Line new vehicle review is a Nut & Bolt and Dollars & Sense editorial  provided by Tony Leopardo. Tony the Car Guy is an automotive writer, editor and publisher in the San Francisco Bay Area. If you have a question, or comment for Tony, send it to tonyleo@pacbell.net and visit AutoWire.Net at www.autowire.net 

The Free Wheeling special edition features sunset inspired design touches and reflective exterior graphics, and pays homage to the stylish Bronco’s off roaders that captured our hearts decades ago. Slide into the driver’s seat and experience the perfect blend of technology, nostalgia and modern innovation, as you unleash your adventurous soul.

A lot of people are drawn to the Bronco Sport due to how it’s designed to leave the city behind, so we’re going to focus on that first. It offers excellent off road performance and overall capability thanks to its two available engines, starting with the standard 1.5L EcoBoost Turbo I-3 that delivers 181 HP and has all wheel drive as standard equipment.

The Bronco Sport is more than just a Ford Escape playing dress up. Available exclusively with AWD all wheel drive, it also has some real on road tech and off road abilities, making it one of the most capable compact crossover SUVs when the pavement ends.

To prove that point, this week Ford sent me a 2024 Ford Bronco Sport 4×4 SUV to test drive and review. The base window sticker for this Free Wheeling edition is $33,730. The options on the test SUV are: the Ford CoPilot 360 assist package for $895, the class II trailer tow package for $690 and the convenience package for $1,785. The manufactures suggest retail price, MSRP, minus the $1,000 in package discounts, plus the $1,595 destination and delivery charge is: $37,695.

After adding in the state and local sales tax, plus the DMV and dealers fees, the out the door and in your garage total purchase price came to: $42,407. At just over $6,000 LESS that the average sales transaction price of $48,800, this Bronco Sport 4×4 is a very good buy. The Bronco Sport is aimed at compact SUV buyers who want a sporty looking SUV with 4×4 capability, so they can go off road at any time, and drive right down to the lake.

Power and traction control start with a 1.5L liter Ecoboost inline 3 cylinder gas engine with automatic stop and go, that makes 181 HP horsepower and 190 pound-feet of torque, bolted to an 8 speed automatic transmission, then routed into a full time AWD all wheel drive 4×4 transfer case. Traction to the ground goes thru a set of 225/65 R17 all season A/S black wall tires mounted on very colorful 17″ black and red painted alloy wheels.

This drive train gets 25 MPG in city driving, 29 MPG on the highway, and a respectful 26 MPG in combined overall daily driving. The greenhouse gas rating is a 5, and the smog rating is a 7, both out of 10. The government safety crash ratings are all 5 stars, and the annual fuel cost is only $2,100 for a full year. Of course, your gas mileage may vary.

As the 8 speed automatic transmission and four wheel drive are standard equipment, the ride is firm, and handling is taut and agile. The controls are very easy to use, including the infotainment system, and you can adjust your drive mode to match the environment. The Bronco Sport has 5 standard G.O.A.T. Modes “Goes Over Any type of Terrain” with Sand, Slippery, Sport, Eco and Normal traction control at the spin of a console dial.

The convenience package adds in: a wireless phone charging pad, LED fog lamps, a universal garage door opener, a 8 way power drivers seat, rear parking sensors and heated front seats. Plus it comes with a AM/FM stereo with 6 speakers, remote keyless entry, Sirius XM radio, auto start and stop, a security anti-theft system, and a perimeter alarm.

So, call, click or visit your local Ford dealer for a test drive, and a Bottom Line price review, on the new 2024 Ford Bronco Sport Free Wheeling Edition 4×4 SUV. And remember that the base price for a new Bronco Sport starts at only $29,795. Bronco Sport – Built Ford Wild.

Be smart, stay safe, and just breathe. Remember, You Are What You Drive, and maybe, just for those reasons alone, you should Drive one, Buy one, Today. Have a great day, drive safely, and enjoy the ride, as the future looks nice and bright – Tony the Car Guy.

This Bottom Line new vehicle review is a Nut & Bolt and Dollars & Sense editorial provided by Tony Leopardo. Tony the Car Guy is an automotive writer, editor and publisher in the San Francisco Bay Area. If you have a question, or comment for Tony, send it to tonyleo@pacbell.net and visit AutoWire.Net at www.autowire.net 

The all new electric 2024 Blazer EV comes with a variety of different battery options and your range will depend on which one you select. These are all impressive with the base Blazer 1LT coming in with 279 miles of range and the Blazer RS available with up to 324 miles of range. All are powered by GM’s new exclusive Ultium battery platform.

To showcase this all new electric SUV, Chevy sent me a 2024 Blazer EV RS AWD all electric SUV to test drive and review. The base window sticker price for this RS AWD model is $56,200. The only option on the test SUV is the RS convenience and driver confidence package for $2,620. The manufactures suggested retail price (MSRP), including the $1,395 destination charge, is: $60,215.

After adding in the state and local sales tax, plus the DMV and dealer fees, the out the door and in your garage total purchase price came to: $67,742. That’s a great price for a midsize all electric SUV with a 300+ mile range on a full charge. And the charging time on a 240 volt level 2 home charger is only 9.5 hours with GM’s Ultium battery pack.

The Blazer power train consists of an 85 kWw battery with 150w watt DC fast charging, and 2 electric motors with 340 horsepower and 325-lb-ft of torque combined. This combo delivers a fuel economy rating of 103 MPGe city, 88 MPGe highway, and it gets 96 MPGe overall. The all electric range for this Blazer EV RS AWD model is 279 miles on a full charge and it comes with a dual level AC charging cord.

The RS convenience and drivers confidence package adds in: a head-up display, adaptive cruise control, HD surround vision, a rear camera mirror, heated wipers in park position, heated outboard rear seat cushions, enhanced automatic emergency braking, intersection automatic emergency braking, automatic reverse braking, rear pedestrian alert and side bicyclist alert. It has all the tech you need to make your daily drive a much safer one 24/7.

Interior comfort is upgraded with: a power 8 way drivers seat, a 6 way power passenger seat, driver memory settings for the seat and mirrors positioning, front heated and ventilated seats, front 2 way power lumbar extensions, a 60/40 split folding rear seat, a heated steering wheel, dual zone climate control, drivers window express up and down, and rear seat and passenger windows express down.

Not to be outdone by the competition 2024 Blazer EV is loaded with connectivity and technology, and it starts with: a 17″ color LCD display screen with Google built in, a drivers 11″ diagonal digital display screen, Sirius XM radio, remote vehicle start, wireless phone charging, power outlets for 12 volt and USB-c ports, a universal home remote, and an alert that reminds you to check the back seat for occupants, like the kids, or the dog.

Right from the beginning, the new 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV was a force to be reckoned with in the all electric midsize SUV class. The price for a 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV now starts at only $50,195 and goes up to $65,995 depending on the trim and options. With the lower starting price, the Blazer EV now qualifies for the full $7,500 federal tax credit, and Chevy dealers are offering several cash discounts upon purchase to move the metal.

Plus the new 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV topped a field of 40 competitors to win Motor Trend magazine’s prestigious Golden Calipers for 2024 SUV of the Year Award. Motor Trend credits the new Blazer EV’s cutting edge technology, dynamic design and Ultium battery power train as the top reasons to pick the new Chevy Blazer as SUV of the Year.

So, call, click or visit your local Chevy dealer for a test drive, and a Bottom Line price review, on the new 2024 Chevrolet Blazer EV RS AWD SUV. And remember that the base price for a new Blazer EV starts at only $50,195. Chevrolet – Together let’s Drive.

Be smart, stay safe, and just breathe. Remember, You Are What You Drive, and maybe, just for those reasons alone, you should Drive one, Buy one, Today. Have a great day, drive safely, and enjoy the ride, as the future looks nice and bright – Tony the Car Guy.

This Bottom Line new vehicle review is a Nut & Bolt and Dollars & Sense editorial provided by Tony Leopardo. Tony the Car Guy is an automotive writer, editor and publisher in the San Francisco Bay Area. If you have a question, or comment for Tony, send it to tonyleo@pacbell.net and visit AutoWire.Net at www.autowire.net 

The federal tax incentive, or Clean Vehicle Tax Credit, is part of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, to help taxpayers save on clean vehicle technology, and encourage early adoption. Certain restrictions apply to new EV vehicle purchases, so today the EV9 qualifies only for a $7,500 credit toward a new lease. Kia is expanding its only plant in the US to produce the EV9 all electric SUV here. Then the EV9 will be Kia’s first EV assembled in North America and will be eligible for the $7,500 tax credit upon purchase. Production for the EV9 SUV starts at the West Point, Georgia, assembly plant next year.

To showcase this all new EV electric vehicle, Kia sent me a 2024 Kia EV9 Long Range AWD GT-Line SUV to test drive and review. The base window sticker price for this GT-Line long range AWD model is $73,900. The options on the test EV are: the special paint for $695, the GT-Line 2nd row relaxation package for $2,000, the carpeted floor mats for $225, and the carpet rear cargo mat with seat back protection for $115. The manufactures suggested retail price (MSRP), including the $1,495 destination charge, is: $78,430.

After adding in the state and local sales tax, plus the DMV and dealer fees, the out the door and in your garage total purchase price came to: $88,234. At just $1,766 under $90 Grand, this all electric SUV is near the top of the EV charts in price and content.

This 2024 EV9 Long Range AWD GT-Line EV all electric SUV is the flagship SUV model that KIA wants to promote as the best of the best in EV technology and style.

Electric vehicle EV owners are always wondering when their EV will run out of juice, so KIA engineered this SUV with a long range battery pack that can go 310 miles on a full charge. As most day trips are only 20 to 25 miles, you can drive this EV9 SUV for over 2 weeks without having to plug it in. An estimated 15 hours is needed for a full charge with a 240 volt Level 2 home charger, and with a 350 kW DC fast charger, you can go from 10% to 80% charged in only 24 minutes. Either way ensures your EV9 is ready to deliver its promise of a great drive, with a range of over 300 miles to explore the horizons ahead.

Power comes from a 99.8 kWh Lithium Ion high voltage battery with 2 electric motors, one mounted in the front and the other in the rear, that make this SUV an electronic all wheel drive (e-AWD) vehicle. It also has an 800 volt DC fast charge port, a heat pump, and an on-board power generator with a vehicle to land connector (V2L), that you can plug-in and power up a beach party with a sound system, an electric BBQ and run all the lights.

Kia has always been a leader in advanced driver assistance systems and this all new top tier all electric SUV has every option available, starting with: forward collision avoidance assist, blind spot collision avoidance assist, rear cross traffic collision avoidance assist, safe exit assist, highway driving assist, parking distance warning for forward, reverse and sides, parking collision avoidance assist in reverse, and navigation based smart cruise control on curved roads. All the help you need to keep you and your family super safe on every road trip you take, from the grocery store, to the kids school, and then on to Tahoe.

Kia covers the entire powertrain with a 10 year / 100,000 mile warranty, and it includes the Lithium Ion battery for 10 years and 100,000 miles. Complete protection for a decade to ensure that your EV9 SUV can go the distance, with no big bills down the road.

Call, click or visit your local Kia dealer for a test drive, and a Bottom Line price review, on the new 2024 EV9 Long Range AWD GT-Line all electric SUV. And remember that the base price for a new Kia EV9 starts at only $54,900. Kia – Movement that Inspires.

Be smart, stay safe, and just breathe. Remember, You Are What You Drive, and maybe, just for those reasons alone, you should Drive one, Buy one, Today. Have a great day, drive safely, and enjoy the ride, as the future looks nice and bright – Tony the Car Guy.

This Bottom Line new vehicle review is a Nut & Bolt and Dollars & Sense editorial provided by Tony Leopardo. Tony the Car Guy is an automotive writer, editor and publisher in the San Francisco Bay Area. If you have a question, or comment for Tony, send it to tonyleo@pacbell.net and visit AutoWire.Net at www.autowire.net 

The price of the 2024 Alfa Romeo Stelvio SUV starts at $45,950, and goes up to $87,370, depending on the trim, luxury and high performance options. Alfa is discontinuing the Stelvio Quadrifoglio soon, so this might be the last time you get to buy one in the USA.

To show off this incredible vehicle, Alfa Romeo sent me a 2024 Stelvio Quadrifoglio SUV to test drive and review. The base window sticker price for this AWD high performance edition is $87,370. The options on the test SUV are: the tri coat exterior paint for $2,200, the active assist plus package for $700, the dual pane sunroof for $1,495, and the staggered front 21″ x 9″ wide, and rear 21″ x 10″ wide, dark hole painted 5 spoke alloy wheels with front 255/40 R21″ summer tires, and rear 285/35 R 21″ summer tires, for $2,000. The manufactures suggested retail price (MSRP), including the $1,595 destination charge, is: $95,360.

After adding in the state and local sales tax, plus the DMV and dealer fees, the out the door and in your garage total purchase price came to: $107,280. At just over $107 Grand this Alfa Romeo is the most expensive, and most exclusive, Alfa Romeo you can buy today. So what do you get for your hard earned $107,280 dollars in today’s automotive world? You can get a very high end, luxury, high performance, SUV that will turn heads where ever you go. This Quadrifoglio edition just reeks of Italian sexiness in style and curves.

The Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio is an overachiever and proud of it. The sole engine is a hypnotic twin turbocharged 2.9 liter V6 gas engine that makes 505 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque. With a top speed of 176 MPH and a 0 to 60 time of just 3.6 seconds, the Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio is the perfect vehicle for drivers craving high performance thrills, without sacrificing utility, and making it one of the fastest compact SUV’s for sale on the planet.

This engine pairs exclusively with an 8 speed automatic transmission, with steering wheel paddle shifters, that send power to all 4 wheels via a Q4 AWD system that allows for superior road command. By leveraging active transfer case technology, the system enables disbursement of power and torque in just under 0.15 seconds, to help maximize handling and control, when applied traction loss is detected.

It’s always fun to drive a 505 HP vehicle with a top speed of 176 MPH, but going really, really, really fast is only 1/2 of the equation. The other half means you have to be able to stop safely, and in a straight line, from 176 MPH. These magnificent machines have a Brembo ultra high performance carbon ceramic floating disc pad brake system, with Brembo 390 mm diameter vented and drilled rotors on the front, and 360 mm diameter vented and drilled rotors on the rear. The rotors look like extra large pizza pans from Domino’s and they can stop this Alfa Stelvio Quadrifoglio SUV on a dime.

Comfort, convenience, and luxury features start with: full leather front sport seats, a leather trim dashboard and upper door trim panels, a heated carbon fiber steering wheel, aluminum paddle shifters, heated front and rear seats, a hands free power tailgate, LED headlights, LED daytime running lights, LED dark tinted taillights, and an electronic dual mode, quiet and wide open, exhaust system with stainless steel quad tipped exhaust pipes.

The tech side is loaded with full speed forward collision warning with automatic braking, blind spot and cross path detection, adaptive cruise control with full stop, lane departure warning, front and rear parking sensors, highway traffic assist, traffic jam assist, lane keeping assist, traffic sign recognition, intelligent speed assist, active blind spot assist, driver attention alert,

Alfa Romeo is known as an upscale Italian sports and luxury automotive manufacturer, and the most important component of a genuine Alfa Romeo is emotion. This is the true meaning behind the tag line “La Meccanica delle Emozioni” that is, to ignite a driving pleasure that goes beyond measurements.

Call, click or visit your local Alfa Romeo dealer for a test drive, and a Bottom Line price review, on a 2024 Stelvio Quadrifoglio AWD SUV. And remember that the base price for a new Stelvio starts at only $45,950. Alfa Romeo – Engines, Technology and Innovation.

Be smart, stay safe, and just breathe. Remember, You Are What You Drive, and maybe, just for those reasons alone, you should Drive one, Buy one, Today. Have a great day, drive safely, and enjoy the ride, as the future looks nice and bright – Tony the Car Guy.

This Bottom Line new vehicle review is a Nut & Bolt and Dollars & Sense editorial provided by Tony Leopardo. Tony the Car Guy is an automotive writer, editor and publisher in the San Francisco Bay Area. If you have a question, or comment for Tony, send it to tonyleo@pacbell.net and visit AutoWire.Net at www.autowire.net 

In overall size, the Ford Ranger is smaller than the Ford F-150, and larger than the Ford Maverick. In North America, the Ford Ranger competes directly with the Jeep Gladiator, Chevy Colorado, GMC Canyon, Nissan Frontier, Honda Ridgeline, and the Toyota Tacoma.  Next year, RAM is bringing back the Dakota midsize pickup truck and that will make the midsize pickup class even more competitive. Today, the Ford Ranger is the number 2 best selling midsize pickup truck in the United States, and Ford wants to stay at and near the top of the sales charts.

To prove that point, this week Ford sent me a new 2024 Ranger Supercrew pickup truck to test drive and review. The base window sticker price for this Lariat 4×2 Sport edition is: $43,525. The options on the test truck are: the 3.73 locking rear differential for $420, the advanced towing package for $825, the floor liners with weather and carpeted floor mats for $200, the integrated cargo box side steps for $215, the secure code keyless entry key pad for $95, and the Toughbed spray-in bed liner for $495. The manufactures suggested retail price (MSRP) including the $1,959 destination charge, is: $47,734.

After adding in the state and local sales tax, plus the DMV and dealers fees, the out the door and in your driveway total purchase price came to: $53,701. At just under $54 Grand, you get an upscale, midsize pickup truck with a lot of options that has a towing capacity up to 7,500 lbs, with a maximum payload of 1,805 lbs. This all comes with the advanced tow package, and it includes a class 4 hitch receiver and a wiring harness. It has everything you need to tow your camper to the lake or take a trailer to Home Depot.

Power comes from a 2.3 liter EcoBoost inline 4 cylinder gas engine with 270 horsepower and 310 lb.ft of torque, bolted to a 10 speed automatic transmission, then routed to the rear wheels into a 3.73 rear axle assembly with a locking differential.

This truck has the Lariat Sport equipment package which includes: a set of 255/65R 18″ T/A all terrain tires mounted on 18″ machined aluminum alloy wheels with dark painted pockets, the sport appearance package, the pro trailer back up assist system, the sandstone leather trimmed seating package, the velocity metallic paint, and the remote tailgate lock.

The interior is upgraded with: a 12″ center stack touch screen, ambient lighting, a digital instrument cluster, dual zone climate control, a heated steering wheel, drivers power front seat with memory, power door locks and windows, a 12 volt power port, USB A & C ports, a one touch up and down drivers window and a wireless phone charging pad.

Safety is covered with: a cross traffic alert system, anti-lock brakes with load control, intelligent access with push button start, lane keeping assist, pre-collision assist with automatic emergency braking, a rear view camera, remote keyless entry, remote start, SiriusXM satellite radio, a safety canopy air bag and a passive anti-theft system.

The performance and technology upgrades on the new 2024 Ford Ranger make it well worth the price, plus the Ford Ranger made the KBB list of Best Resale Value Awards. After five years of ownership, the average new vehicle retains only 43% of its original value. A used and in good condition Ranger is projected to retain 56.7 % of its value after five years. That’s a way better return than the average vehicle and you get to drive a great midsize 4 door crew cab pickup truck with a 5 foot bed and a 7,500 lb. towing package.

Call, click or visit your local Ford dealer for a test drive, and a Bottom Line price review, on the all new 2024 Ford Ranger SuperCrew 4×2 Lariat Sport pickup. And remember that the base price for a new Ranger starts at only $32,670.  Ford Ranger – not too big, not too small, it’s just the right size, and as always, it’s Built Ford Tough.

Be smart, stay safe, and just breathe. Remember, You Are What You Drive, and maybe, just for those reasons alone, you should Drive one, Buy one, Today. Have a great day, drive safely, and enjoy the ride, as the future looks nice and bright – Tony the Car Guy.

This Bottom Line new vehicle review is a Nut & Bolt and Dollars & Sense editorial provided by Tony Leopardo. Tony the Car Guy is an automotive writer, editor and publisher in the San Francisco Bay Area. If you have a question, or comment for Tony, send it to tonyleo@pacbell.net and visit AutoWire.Net at www.autowire.net

Maybach vehicles are known for their quality and top tier luxury appointments and options, and they are often owned by royalty and dignitaries. Maybachs’s are typically long and large, with spacious interiors and plenty of features. They’re also quite expensive, like all ultra luxury vehicles, with window stickers starting around $200,000.

The base price of the 2024 Mercedes Maybach GLS class starts at $175,500 and goes up to $200,500 depending on the trim, plus options. If you’re in the market for a high dollar luxury SUV, then you have found the brand you have been looking for. Owning and driving a Maybach makes a statement that you have made it big time, and then some.

To prove that point this week Mercedes Benz sent me a 2024 Maybach GLS 600 SUV to test drive and review. The base window sticker price for this GLS model is $174,350. The options on the 600 edition are: the flute champagne holders in the rear console for $800, the 2 tone Obsidian black and Kalahari gold special paint for $18,500, the 23″ Maybach multi spoke forged alloy wheels for $5,500, the refrigerated rear compartment champagne chiller for $1,100, and a set of rear seat folding tables for $1,800. The manufactures suggested retail price (MSRP), plus the $1,150 destination charge, is: $203,200.

After adding in the state and local sales tax, plus the DMV and dealers fees, the out the door and in your mansions 6 car garage, the total purchase price came to: $228,600. At just $21,400 under a Quarter of a Million Dollars, this ultra luxury Maybach SUV sets the standard for vehicles that get you a front row seat in the $200,000+ Car Club.

And note that the total purchase price for a custom ordered and highly personalized 2024 Maybach GLS SUV can crack the $300,000 threshold, and still go up from there.

The 2024 Mercedes Maybach GLS 600 comes in a single well equipped trim level. The only motor is a mild hybrid twin turbo 4.0L liter V-8 gas engine with 550 horsepower and 538 lb-ft of torque, bolted to a 9 speed TRONIC automatic transmission. Then it’s routed into a 4Matic all wheel drive (AWD)  traction control system with an AirMatic air ride suspension, with E-Active intelligent body control. This is a high tech drive train that produces a lot of power, traction, and control, that’s all rolled into one absolutely amazing looking, fantastic driving with great braking and handling, ultra luxury full size SUV.

Comfort and convenience raises up to a new level inside a Maybach with: active multi-contour power and massaging front seats, active multi-contour outboard rear seats with massage, power recliners and 2 Maybach logo satin pillows, a 5 zone automatic climate control system, and all 4 Nappa leather covered seats are heated and ventilated. Hands free Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Mercedes connect services, Keyless Go, and video augmented navigation that are all standard equipment on a Maybach GLS 600 SUV.

Tunes are provided by a Burmester High End 3D Surround Sound System with 15 speakers and 710 watts of system power, and is the perfect introduction to the world of great audio, as Burmester offers immersive 3D properties. This particularly intensive audio system, with perfect sound and optimum performance, supports the allusion of a riding on-air floating feeling inside this ultra luxury SUV.

As a Maybach SUV is more expensive than a Mercedes SUV, the Maybach name is synonymous with luxury. The interior is meticulously crafted with high quality materials, and the interior is incredibly comfortable. Features like massaging seats, premium sound systems, and advanced climate control contribute to a private jet like first class ride.

The real difference between a Mercedes and a Maybach is that the Maybach is designed for a very specific upscale customer, those who value luxury, ultra comfort and major exclusivity, above anything else, and then the price is of no object to the rich and famous.

Call, click or visit your local Mercedes Benz dealer for a test drive, and a Bottom Line price review, on a new 2024 Maybach GLS 600 SUV. And remember that the base price for the new GLS 600 starts at only $174,350. Maybach – Always the Best or Nothing.

Be smart, stay safe, and just breathe. Remember, You Are What You Drive, and maybe, just for those reasons alone, you should Drive one, Buy one, Today. Have a great day, drive safely, and enjoy the ride, as the future looks nice and bright – Tony the Car Guy.

This Bottom Line new vehicle review is a Nut & Bolt and Dollars & Sense editorial provided by Tony Leopardo. Tony the Car Guy is an automotive writer, editor and publisher in the San Francisco Bay Area. If you have a question, or comment for Tony, send it to tonyleo@pacbell.net and visit AutoWire.Net at www.autowire.net 

The model lineup includes the TX 350, TX 500h F Sport Performance and TX 550h+. The main difference between them is what kind of power train you get with each one. The available engines are a 275 HP horsepower 2.4L liter turbocharged inline 4 cylinder engine, than a 366 HP total system horsepower 2.4L liter turbocharged inline 4 engine with Lexus Hybrid Electric Drive, or a 406 total system horsepower 3.5L liter V6 engine with Lexus PHEV Plug-in Hybrid Electric Drive. Each driveline is unique to the model.

This week Lexus sent me a 2024 Lexus TX 500h F Sport SUV with a base window sticker price of $71,300 to test drive and review. The options on the SUV are: the convenience package for $895, the technology package for $2,380, the cold area package for $100, the 120 volt 1,500 watt power outlet for $560, the Lexus logo puddle lamps for $175, a set of wheels locks for $150, the rear carpeted cargo mat for $150, and the door edge protector guards for $155. The manufactures suggested retail price, MSRP, including the $1,350 delivery, processing and handling fee, is: $77,150.

After adding in the state and local sales tax, plus the DMV and dealer fees, the out the door and in your garage total purchase price came to: $86,794. At just under $87 Grand this Lexus TX 500h is a full size luxury hybrid 3 row 7 seat SUV that has a greenhouse gas rating of 5, and a smog rating of 7, both out of 10. The gas mileage is 27 MPG city, 28 MPG highway, and it gets 27 MPG in overall everyday driving. All excellent numbers for a luxury hybrid SUV with the appointments and F sport performance of a Lexus.

F Sport power comes from a 2.4L liter 4 cylinder gas engine with 366 total hybrid  horsepower, bolted to a 6 speed automatic transmission, and then sent into a Direct Shift4 AWD all wheel drive traction control system. Ride and handling are greatly improved with F Sport suspension tuning, with performance dampers and dynamic rear steering.

Lexus connected technologies include a 14″ touch screen display with direct connect, cloud navigation, intelligent assist, destination assist, safety connect, service connect, remote connect, Wi-Fi connect with an AT&T hotspot, SiriusXM satellite radio, wireless Apply CarPlay, and wireless Android Auto, and they all connect within a 4G network.

Safety start with the Lexus 3.0 safety system, lane tracing asset, road sign assist, pre-collision warning with detection, dynamic radar cruise control with curve speed management, lane departure alert with steering assist, intelligent high beam headlights, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, intuitive parking assist with automatic braking, and digital latch side door openers with safe exit assist.

The point of a luxury vehicle is to look special and feel pampered, and Lexus does that very well. The 500h F Sport TX SUV has F Sport Performance exterior styling with a special front fascia and rear valance, black roof rails, dark chrome window trim surround and power folding black outside side view mirrors.

Then you add in 22″ F Sport alloy wheels, auto leveling LED head lamps, LED fog lamps, leather trimmed F Sport heated and ventilated power front seats with drivers memory, heated and ventilated second row Captains chairs, an F Sport leather trimmed and heated steering wheel, F Sport aluminum pedals and scuff plates, power folding third seats, a panorama glass roof, a wireless cell phone charging pad, ambient illumination, and a Mark Levinson premium audio system with 7.1 surround sound decoding, 17 speakers, and 1,800 watts of power that makes the world seem like a much nicer place to be in. Mark Levinson audio is the best sounding system that’s in any luxury car today.

Call, click or visit your local Lexus dealer for a test drive, and a Bottom Line price review, on a new 2024 Lexus TX 500h F Sport SUV. And remember that the base price for a new TX sport utility vehicle starts at only $53,700. Lexus – Experience Amazing.

Be smart, stay safe, and just breathe. Remember, You Are What You Drive, and maybe, just for those reasons alone, you should Drive one, Buy one, Today. Have a great day, drive safely, and enjoy the ride, as the future looks nice and bright – Tony the Car Guy.

This Bottom Line new vehicle review is a Nut & Bolt and Dollars & Sense editorial provided by Tony Leopardo. Tony the Car Guy is an automotive writer, editor and publisher in the San Francisco Bay Area. If you have a question, or comment for Tony, send it to tonyleo@pacbell.net and visit AutoWire.Net at www.autowire.net 

The Elite Edition is the top of the line trim model in the Honda minivan class. It has every option that Honda puts on a minivan, so by choosing the Elite Edition, you get it all. This week Honda sent me a 2024 Honda Odyssey Elite Minivan to test drive and review with a base window sticker price of $50,370. The options on the minivan are: none. The manufactures suggested retail price (MSRP), including the $1,395 destination charge, is: $51,765.

After adding in the state and local sales tax, plus the DMV and dealers fees, the out the door and in your garage total purchase price came to: $58,236. So, what do you get for your $58 Grand and change? The 2024 Honda Odyssey Elite Minivan is a great vehicle. Consumer reports named the Honda Odyssey their 2024 Best Minivan for the Money winner because it has the highest combination of quality and value in its class. The 2024 Odyssey minivan has comfortable seating, lots of cargo room, and a super smooth ride.

This all starts with a new and improved 3.5L liter VTEC Honda V/6 gas engine with variable cylinder management (VCM) that makes 280 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. All sent to the front wheels thru a 10 speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters, with intelligent traction management. This drive line has a greenhouse gas rating of 5, and a smog rating of 5; both out of 10. The gas mileage is 19 MPG city, 28 MPG highway, and it gets a respectable 22 MPG in combined driving. Not bad for a family minivan that can haul up to 7 people, plus all their gear, in near luxury level style.

The comfort and convenience features are: a leather trimmed interior with a leather wrapped steering wheel, a center display stack with navigation with voice recognition, a multi view rear view camera, a Blu-Ray rear entertainment system with wireless headphones, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM satellite radio, HD radio, Bluetooth hands free audio links, a wireless phone charging pad in the center console, a USB interface port, push button start and stop and a premium audio sound system.

The 2024 Honda Odyssey Elite Edition trim offers concert hall quality audio through an 11 speaker sound system, with a 550 watt amplifier and a subwoofer. The Radio Data System, or RDS, on all trims shows the song titles, artists’ names, sound information, band logos and sometimes the album cover that FM radio stations like to broadcast.

The Elite Edition includes: a heated steering wheel, tri-zone automatic climate control, a drivers 12 way power seat with memory and 4 way power lumbar support, both heated and ventilated front seats, front passenger 8 way power seat with 4 way power lumbar support, an automatic dimming rear view mirror, HomeLink, a tilt & telescoping steering column, illuminated visor vanity mirrors, magic sliding 2nd row seats, 60/40 split fold down 3rd row seats, a set of floor mats, a 115 volt power outlet and rear door sunshades.

Tech and comfort features included: dual power sliding side doors, a blind spot traffic info system with a cross traffic monitor, a power moonroof, a hands free access power tailgate, 19″ alloy wheels with 235/55 R19 all season tires, rain sensing wipers, LED head lights with auto high beam and auto on and off, LED fog lights, LED tail lights, heated power door mirrors with turn indicators, power folding and auto dimming side view mirrors, a capless fuel filler pipe, rear privacy glass, front and rear parking sensors, smart entry with a security system, remote engine start, and walk away automatic locking. Everything you need on a family minivan to be safe, happy and secure.

So, call, click or visit your local Honda dealer for a test drive, and a Bottom Line price review, on a new 2024 Honda Odyssey Elite Edition Minivan. And remember that the base price for a new Odyssey starts at only $39,635. Honda – The Power of Dreams.

Be smart, stay safe, and just breathe. Remember, You Are What You Drive, and maybe, just for those reasons alone, you should Drive one, Buy one, Today. Have a great day, drive safely, and enjoy the ride, as the future looks nice and bright – Tony the Car Guy.

This Bottom Line new vehicle review is a Nut & Bolt and Dollars & Sense editorial provided by Tony Leopardo. Tony the Car Guy is an automotive writer, editor and publisher in the San Francisco Bay Area. If you have a question, or comment for Tony, send it to tonyleo@pacbell.net and visit AutoWire.Net at www.autowire.net