MAY 2023
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Motoring

Test-drive stories by NITISH S. RELE –motoringtampabay.com

STYLISH 2023 VOLVO XC90 PLUG-IN HYBRID CAN GO PLACES!  

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There are quite a few attractive seven-passenger luxury SUVs on the market but the Volvo XC90 is our favorite. We have test-driven one every couple years and were overwhelmed with the 2023 Recharge AWD Ultimate edition that was dispatched to us recently. The T8 plug-in hybrid has received some modifications that make this incredible ride more appealing than before.
Under the hood sits a 2.0-liter inline-4 turbocharged and supercharged engine, which puts out an enormous 455 horsepower and 523 pounds-feet of torque. A rear electric motor and a center-mounted 14.9 kWh lithium-ion battery can take the midsize luxury crossover SUV nearly 36 miles (previous was just 18) before the gasoline engine kicks in. Charge time is hardly five hours on a 240-volt volt. The 8-speed auto gearbox in our all-wheel-drive vehicle is sprightly in any untoward situation. And the start-stop feature (auto engine stop when the vehicle halts) ensures substantial savings in fuel and weight.

The stunning crossover shows off a centered Volvo iron mark amid a bright chrome bar grille, flanked by LED headlights and Thor’s hammer-like daytime running lights. The substantial cabin conveys an upscale aura with a 12.3-inch instrument panel decked in shimmer graphite aluminum inlays. Adult passengers have ample space for leg and shoulder room in the two rear seats. Volvo Sensus infotainment, with a distinct vertical 9-inch display touch screen, is essentially made up of four tiles: navigation, media, phone and user-defined. Activate one and watch it expand while keeping the other tiles visible for future use. The Gray Ash wood décor and tailored dashboard in charcoal is a nice touch from the typical leather in most luxury vehicles. New for 2023 is a Google built-in Assistant, Maps and Play store. Standard amenities include two-zone auto a/c, 10-way power front cooled/heated Nappa leather seats, leather tilt/telescopic steering wheel, panoramic moon roof, head-up display, aluminum cargo scuff plate, 19-speaker Harman Kardon sound system and hands-free power tail gate.  

The Chinese-owned but Swedish-made car company is renowned for safety. Continuing the tradition, the XC60 gets dual front and side airbags, side curtain airbag, driver knee airbag, lane departure/keep aid, blind spot information, cross traffic alert, rear park assist and sensors, adaptive cruise control, four-wheel antilock brakes, three-point seatbelts for all, side impact protection, dynamic stability and traction control, 360-degree camera, hill start assist and descent control, City Safety (brakes automatically to help prevent a rear-end collision) also gets steer assist, tire pressure monitoring system and daytime running lights.
Whether you are off the beaten path or strolling the highway, the 5,000-pound XC90 is incredibly rapid off the mark, graceful in traffic and a dream to drive. Truly, it is a fantastic combination of beauty and performance.

XC90 T8 (ULTIMATE)
Tires: 275/40R21
Wheelbase: 117.5 inches
Length: 195 inches
Width: 79.1 inches
Height: 69.9 inches
Suspension: double wishbone front, integral axle rear
Steering: electric power rack and pinion
Drive modes: comfort, eco, dynamic, off-road, individual
Fuel capacity: 18.8 gallons
Mileage: 27 mpg combined gas, 58 MPGe
Base price: $79,400
Price as tested: $85,495
Web site: www.volvo.com


LEXUS FLAGSHIP LX600 IS ULTRA COMFORT AT ITS FINEST!  

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Right off the bat, let’s point out that the Lexus flagship sedan, which replaces the LX570 after shedding 441 pounds, isn’t for everyone. Ask why? Well, it has a base price of $102,025, which with options is almost $107,925. Add tax, tag and you are looking at around $125,000.

Now that price is settled for a few, but not for most, here’s what you get. The 2023 LX600 offers a 3.4-liter twin-turbo engine with continuously variable valve timing that develops a healthy 409 horsepower @ 5200 rpm and 479 pounds-feet of torque @ 3600 rpm. The all-wheel-drive luxury car is mated to a smooth and quick-to-respond 10-speed auto gearbox. Among the multi-terrain modes available are auto, dirt, sand, mud, deep snow and rock. Torsion limited-slip center differential, uniquely tuned front/rear dampers and a sport suspension ensure that this exhilarating car has a firm trip, traction and cornering stability at every turn. Bringing the gigantic SUV to a slowdown/stop are 13.9 front and 13.2 rear ventilated disc brakes. Ready to haul that boat to the beach this weekend? Go for it since you can tow up to 8,000 pounds in the LX600! Despite the 5,665-pound weight, 0 to 60 is possible in just 6.9 seconds with top speed at 130 mph.

Surrounding the massive spindle mesh grille are triple-beam LED headlights, turn signals and daytime running lights. Step inside the lavish cabin and you will be in awe of rich-appearing red leather. Atop the dashboard sits a massive 12.3-inch infotainment touch screen with a 7-inch multi-terrain monitor underneath, as well as temperature controls. Other niceties are F-Sport power tilt/telescoping steering wheel with paddle shifters, aluminum pedals and front-door scuff plates; four-zone a/c, power-fold flat third-row seat, Hadori aluminum trim, heated/cooled power front seats, Mark Levinson sound system, cooled box (fridge!) in the center console, wireless phone charger and an adaptive variable air suspension.

Standard safety features include dual front and side airbags, side curtain airbag, front knee airbags, vehicle stability and traction controls, front/rear crumple zones, four-wheel antilock brakes with electronic brake distribution and brake assist, panoramic view and blind spot monitors with rear cross traffic alert, head-up display, daytime running lights and a tire pressure monitoring system. Lexus Safety Sense 2.5 brings in a pre-collision system that detects pedestrians, lane departure/tracing assists and dynamic cruise control.

If in the market for a full-size rugged but luxury SUV that can tackle the tough landscape (thanks to multi-terrain select and crawl control) with confidence, the upscale LX600 F-Sport edition fits the bill. And it is ultra luxury to the extreme! You won’t be disappointed as long as the steep price tab is within your reach.

LX600 F-SPORT
Tires: 265/50R22
Wheelbase: 112.2 inches
Length: 200.2 inches
Width: 78.3 inches
Height: 74.2 inches
Suspension: double wishbone front, multilink rear
Steering: electronic power rack-and-pinion
Fuel capacity: 21.1 gallons
City: 17 mpg
Highway: 22 mpg
Web site: www.lexus.com


GENESIS G90 IS A PALACE ON WHEELS!

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Meet the 2023 Car of the Year as picked by Motor Trend and so ingeniously illustrated by the award presenter: “The flagship Genesis G90 is luxury distilled — everything you see, touch and experience has been carefully considered and executed with the greatest of care, from crisp lines of the body work, to quilted-leather and warm wood surfaces throughout the interior, and surprisingly intuitive technological touches.” 

And the accolades keep on coming for the fully redesigned car. After all, the G90 is unlike any other sedan you will come across the road. And that is no exaggeration. Under the hood sits a 3.5-liter V-6 cranking out 409 horsepower @ 5800 rpm and 405 pounds-feet of torque @ 1300 rpm. A 48-volt mild hybrid system or what Genesis terms “electric supercharger” further boosts power to the engine. Zero to 60 is possible in around 5.4 seconds in the agile and quick ride, mated to a remarkable 8-speed auto gear box.

Up front, the familiar diamond-like grille is flanked by jewel-like, parametric-pixel two-line LED headlights to convey a distinguishing presence. As you near the vehicle, flush automatic door handles are a sight to behold. As are the switches to close the power doors! Two high-tech 12.3 screens for infotainment and a digital cluster of speedometer, power gauge, charge level and trip odometer appear futuristic. Both rows get heated, cooled and massage functions while the driver enjoys 18-way power and the front-passenger 16-way seats. Oh, and the second row power reclines besides enabling its passengers to have controls of all types on their fingers! And then there’s the pillow-like headrest and footrest and how can we forget the wireless charger for the rear row? A Mind Curator (pick vitality, delight, care, comfort) allows occupants to relax with different themes such as for audio, lights, massage and even fragrance! Furthermore, there’s the suede headliner, real wood trim, 23-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system, head-up display, power tilt/slide panoramic moon roof, three-zone climate control, rear power sunshades, etc.

Standard safety features include dual front and side airbags, side curtain airbag, electronic stability and traction controls, brake assist, blind spot, forward-collision, park-collision and rear-cross traffic collision avoid assists, front avoid, lane keep and follow assists, front crumple zones, tire pressure monitoring system and daytime running lights.

Truly, the G90 is nothing short of a palace on wheels. Everyone aboard is treated to royalty in the beautifully-made and skillfully executed cabin. Lest we forget, the sedan has tremendous power to leave a lasting impression. Dream about this commanding machine and if you can afford the steep price tag, it’s yours.

GENESIS 90 (AWD)
Tires: 255/40R21 front, 275/35R21 rear
Wheelbase: 125.2 inches
Length: 207.7 inches
Width: 76 inches
Height: 58.7 inches
Suspension: multilink, plus multi-air chamber suspension
Steering: rack-mounted, motor-driven power
Fuel capacity: 19.3 gallons
City: 17 mpg
Highway: 24 mpg
Base price: $98,700
Price as tested: $100,370
Web site: www.genesis.com


GO OFF-ROADING WITH ALL-NEW 2023 RAV4 HYBRID WOODLAND

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And now you can go off the beaten path in an RAV4. That’s right. Toyota has introduced the all-wheel-drive Woodland Edition – its first hybrid off-road special edition SUV! With coil springs and twin-tube shocks borrowed from a TRD-tuned (Toyota Racing Development) suspension to back it up, this is another winner for the innovative Japanese carmaker.

A 2.5-liter DOHC inline-4 cylinder gas engine cranks out 176 horsepower @ 5700 rpm and 163 pounds-feet of torque @ 5200 rpm. Two electric motors boast hp up to 219 hp. A 244.8-volt lithium-ion battery is recharged by energy captured as the driver applies the brakes or coasts. Also, the electronically controlled continuous variable transmission-equipped sedan boasts a regenerative braking system. The TRD-inspired independent MacPherson strut front and multilink rear suspension with stabilizer bars does a particularly good job of soaking bumps and potholes. And the all-wheel-drive crossover also is equipped with a rack-mounted electric power steering for ease at higher speeds or pulling into a parking lot.

The RAV4 operates in three modes: EV, which is electric at lower speeds of up to 25 mph; ECO, an efficient mode where the driver can control the throttle opening; and sport for some feisty driving. The rounded instrument display showing charge, power and eco readings will come in handy for drivers who like to eke out every gallon of gas.

Projector-beam LED headlights flank a dark gray, metallic-colored hexagonal grille hosting a blue-tinted Toyota emblem. Badges, mudguards and roof rails/crossbars, all in black, are unmistakable. There is plenty of room in the cabin and the 60/40-split second row seat can be folded to obtain 37.6 cubic feet of cargo space. Storage areas are scattered throughout the cabin, including an open bin atop the glovebox, center console box, eight cup/bottle holders, five USB ports and overhead sunglass holder. Other perks are a power driver seat and tilt/slide moon roof, dual auto a/c, leather tilt/telescopic steering column and shifter, 8-inch infotainment touchscreen and a hands-free lift gate.

Standard safety features include dual front and side airbags, side curtain airbag and driver knee airbag, blind-spot monitor, rear-cross traffic alert, side-impact door beams, four-wheel antilock brakes, electronic brake distribution and brake assist, vehicle stability and traction control, backup camera and front/rear crumple zones. Toyota Safety Sense 2.5 brings in a pre-collision system that detects pedestrians, lane departure/tracing assists and dynamic cruise control.

The Woodland version, which will appeal to the off-road buffs, further enhances the varied lineup of this No. 1 seller for Toyota. Plus, the hybrid SUV boasts sizable passenger/cargo room. And as the stop at the pump continues to hurt the wallet, who doesn’t want a gas sipper for a ride? (we earned a combined 39 mpg).

RAV4 AWD (WOODLAND)
Tires: P225/60R19
Wheelbase: 105.9 inches
Length: 180.9 inches
Height: 67 inches
Width: 73 inches
Fuel capacity: 14.5 gallons
Mileage: city 38, highway 35
Weight: 3,775 pounds
Base price: $33,025
Price as tested: $34,360
Web site: www.toyota.com


ALL-ELECTRIC BENZ EQE SEDAN IS A SIGHT TO BEHOLD … AND DRIVE!

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Remember the EQ moniker! Why? Because in the near future, it will be applied to every electric Mercedes-Benz. According to the German carmaker, EQ stands for “emotion and intelligence,” two guiding tenets that serve as a stepping stone to reduce carbon footprint. Toward that end, the all-electric large EQS sedan hit the roads a year ago. As a follow-up, we now have the EQE, its smaller and lighter sibling. And a remarkable one at that.

Our test drive, the 2023 EQE 350 4MATIC, is equipped with a 90.6 kWh lithium-ion battery pack that assures the driver of going at least 300 miles on a full charge. Two electric motors with 215 kW total system output produce 288 horsepower and 564 pounds-feet of torque. Believe it or not, the midsize luxury sedan reaches 0 to 60 mph in around 6 seconds with a top speed of 130 mph. Not bad for a vehicle that weighs over 5,400 pounds. On a 240-volt outlet, it will take 9.5 hours to charge the car but a fast DC charger (170 kW) can juice up to 80 percent in a mere 32 minutes. As an incentive, Benz offers a two-year complimentary charge at any Electrify America station. The single-speed direct transmission is instant with comfort, sport, eco and individual modes.
The EQE portrays a cab-forward, one-bow body shape and a coupe-like roofline appearance. Up front, the ‘black panel’ unit (driver assistance systems are located behind) in a deep radiator grille is surrounded by digital light LED headlights. Take a seat behind the robust steering wheel and the red seat belts amid AMG line black/space gray leather convey class. Ambient lights (64 colors) add sparkle to the dashboard and doors. A 56-inch rounded dash called Hyperscreen features two 12.3-inch driver and front-passenger displays and an enormous 17.7-inch central OLED touchscreen. Personal infotainment system or the MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) works through voice, touch and even hand gestures (just say, Hey Mercedes!). Other creature comforts include a 15-speaker Burmeister sound system, power tilt/sliding sun roof, heated/cooled front seats, wireless phone charger and more.

Dual front and side airbags, side curtain airbag, front knee airbags, Presafe, electronic stability/traction control, active brake/blind spot and lane keep assists, 360-degree camera, forward collision/lane departure warnings, tire pressure monitoring system and daytime running lights ensure the well-being of occupants.

With gas still hovering at $3 a gallon, the EQE is a no-brainer. Thanks to an astounding performance, futuristic looks and cutting-edge technology, the all-new electric sedan is an attractive buy, i.e., if the hefty price tag isn’t an issue. Move over, Tesla, for this fresh entrant into the market with more competitive EVs to come from the admirable Benz stable. Let the rivalry begin, we say, in all seriousness!

EQE (4MATIC)
Tires: P255/40R20
Wheelbase: 122.8 inches
Length: 196.6 inches
Height: 59.5 inches
Width: 82.8 inches
Suspension: multilink
MPGe: 131 city, 110 highway
Base price: $78,950

Web site: www.mbusa.com

HYUNDAI OFFERS A VARIED ‘ELECTRIFIED’ CHOICE

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That Tesla is a leader in electric vehicles is a given. But the frontrunner isn’t going to be able to keep the position for long if Hyundai has a say. Or several says (i.e. EVs), for that matter. After all, the Korean carmaker can proudly claim its Ioniq 5 electric SUV as the 2022 World Car of the Year, as well as tout the Kona electric, Tucson PHEV (plug-in hybrid) and regular Santa Fe hybrid. To showcase and experience the diverse lineup, we were recently invited to drive the vehicles in the lush Coconut Grove/Miami neighborhood along the bay and surrounding areas.

The top 5 Southern region markets for electrified vehicles are Miami, Tampa, Orlando while BEV (battery electric vehicles) are again Miami, then Orlando and Tampa. It is no wonder that Hyundai held the ‘electrification’ media experience in ‘The Magic City.’ The strategy is to sell one million Hyundai electrified vehicles per year worldwide, revealed Loren Wong, assistant manager of Product Planning at Hyundai Motor N.A. Looking further, the auto manufacturer will produce 11 EVs by 2030. Toward that end, the company has planned a dedicated EV factory in Bryan County, Ga., with production to begin in 2025. And Hyundai is already offering a two-year complimentary charge at any Electrify America station.

Also present was Andre Carter of Hyundai division Supernal, an advance air mobility company, that seeks to address congestion and pollution. Its aim is to develop a family of electric air vehicles such as a battery-powered and autonomous Electric Vehicle Take-off & Landing or eVTOL (4-5 passengers) for intra-city passengers by 2028. “We are taking the time to create a safe, light-weight commercial eVTOL that provides our future passengers with the security and comfort they find in their own cars,” said Carter.  

Supernal is aware that the novel electric air vehicle concept cannot be dropped into cities unless a system has been fashioned that works for everyone and effortlessly integrated into current transit networks. Why Miami? Because Mayor Francis Suarez has been receptive to public-private partnerships integrating into his city. Carter terms the air mobility concept as “subway in the sky.”
While the Ioniq 5 can go up to 300 miles on a full charge, the Kona electric stretches to 258 miles, thanks to lithium-ion battery packs and electric motors. Fast charging times range from just 18 to 55 minutes for 80 percent. With an electric motor and battery pack, the Tucson PHEV travels in electric-mode only for about 33 miles before fuel kicks in. And the Santa Fe hybrid ekes out 37.1 mpg in city, beating EPA estimates of 33.

As noted earlier, an array of hip Hyundai EVs is gearing up to hit the market – the midsize Ioniq 6 sedan and the larger Ioniq 7 SUV – are just two examples. It’s only a matter of time before the Korean carmaker takes the lead in the EV market, leaving the rest of the rivals far behind!

‘BABY BENZ’ C300 AN EXCELLENT, MUCH-REVERED SEDAN

LEXUS LC500 Its origin goes way back to 1982. Then the Benz 190 was labeled as ‘Baby Benz.’ Over a decade later, the ‘kid’ earned the C-class designation and worldwide sales of more than 10.5 million units with China holding the lead for the past six years. The rest, as they so lovingly say, is history.

But Mercedes engineers have not just kept up with history but taken a step ahead by redesigning the C300 for 2022 inside and out. Under the hood of the steel unibody structure still resides a 2.0-liter inline-4 cylinder turbo engine putting out 255 horsepower @ 5800 rpm and 295 pounds-feet of torque @ 3200 rpm. An integrated starter-generator with a 48-volt capacity provides mild hybrid power delivery of an extra 20 hp. Zero to 60 is possible in just 6 seconds with top speed of 130 mph in this fine, snug and effective ride. The 4MATIC all-wheel-drive vehicle is mated to a standard 9-speed automatic, which can be driven in eco, comfort, sport, sport+ and individual modes. The independent four-link axle front and multilink rear suspension works splendidly to absorb unpleasant highway bumps and sudden sharp turns. Returning a weighted response to the driver’s input is razor-sharp, electromechanical power rack-and-pinion steering.

The compact luxury sedan is 2.6 inches longer with a wheelbase up by 1 and width more than .4 than its predecessor. Also receiving a lift are elbow, head and knee room. Up front, the trademark three-pointed star on the power dome hood meets up with a larger Benz emblem centered in the A-shaped radiator grille with chrome surrounds. It is flanked by horizontal LED headlights. A lavish, elegant cabin is expected of any Mercedes with dual auto a/c, 40/20/40 rear seat, steering wheel paddle shifters, Apple CarPlay and Android wireless phone capabilities, illuminated door sills, panoramic sunroof and heated front seats. The flattened round sets of air vents with ambient lights are a sight to behold, especially at night. A central and jet-black tablet-like 11.9-inch touch screen, now tilted toward the driver, serves as a audio, navigation and phone infotainment guide. Indeed, top-notch materials and craftsmanship give the car a rich vibe.

Dual front and side airbags, side curtain airbag, four-wheel antilock brakes, electronic stability program, pre-safe (partial braking in an emergency), active brake assist and blind spot assist, forward collision warning, rearview camera, keyless go/start, daytime running lights and tire pressure monitoring system are standard.

There is no doubt that the revamped fifth-gen C300 augments the Benz sedan lineup. If in the market for a gorgeous sedan that provides punch around town, impressive handling/balance, and a sumptuous cabin bar none, take the C300 for a test-drive. It will be well worth your time and effort.

C300 4MATIC
Tires: 225/45R18 front; 245/40R18 rear
Wheelbase: 112.8 inches
Length: 187 inches
Width: 80 inches
Height: 56.6 inches
Fuel capacity: 17.4 gallons
City: 23 mpg
Highway: 33 mpg
Weight: 3,957 pounds
Base price: $45,550
Price as tested: $57,270
Web sitewww.mbusa.com


INFINITI Q50 SPORT SEDAN IS A COOL PICK!

VW ID.4 PRO (RWD)Last year, we test-drove the Q50 Red Sport version of this midsize luxury sport car from Infiniti with 400 horsepower. For 2023, the carmaker dispatched over the lesser trim Sensory model boasting 300 hp @ 6400 rpm. Both have the same 3.0-lier V-6 twin-turbocharged engine under the hood. But kid you not, the sedan didn’t feel much different on the road, navigating sharp curves and turns with self-assurance and grace. And except for adding Premium Care maintenance program (three years of oil changes, tire rotations, inspections), the Q50 maintains its status quo.

Putting out 295 pounds-feet of torque @ 5200 rpm, and available as a rear-wheel or all-wheel drive, the lively midsize sedan is coupled with a slick 7-speed auto gearbox. An independent double-wishbone front and a multilink rear suspension ensure safety for occupants in adverse road/weather conditions. Credit for the superbly accurate steering goes to a power-assist, rack-and-pinion system. Behind the wheels hide large rotors: front dual-piston 12.6 inches at front and rear single-piston 12.1 inches to inspire confidence in the driver. Lest we forget, you can enjoy the Q50 in personal, eco, snow, sport and standard modes.

Up front, the double-arch grille and wide hood are surrounded by LED headlights and daytime running lights. Dual chrome exhaust tips deck the rear. If anyone tells you that the Infiniti cabin isn’t on par with its German rivals, point out the top-notch materials and gloss levels. The InTouch infotainment system, which comes with dual 8- and 7-inch touch screens atop each other, is functional. Also standard are eight-way power heated front leather seats, dual auto a/c, 60/40 rear seat, overhead sunglass holder, Bose audio with 16 speakers, aluminum sill plates with ‘Infiniti’ insignia, and power tilt/telescopic steering column and moon roof. But the 13.5-cubic-foot trunk could use with slightly more space.

Standard safety features include dual front and side airbags, side curtain airbag, four-wheel antilock brakes, vehicle dynamic and traction controls, front seatbelts with pretensioners, remote keyless entry, rearview camera, zone body construction, blind spot, lane-departure and forward-collision warnings, rear cross traffic alert, auto brakes with pedestrian detection, hill start assist, energy-absorbing steering column, tire pressure monitoring system and daytime running lights.

A clever and fine choice for a potential sport sedan buyer, the Q50 displays impressive handling, superb grip and a strong steering feel. And it is a head-turner ride to boot.

Q50 SENSORY (AWD)
Tires: P245/40R19
Wheelbase: 112.2 inches
Length: 189.6 inches
Width: 71.8 inches
Weight: 3,966 pounds
Fuel capacity: 19 gallons
City: 19 mpg
Highway: 27 mpg
Base price: $50,350
Web site: www.infiniti.com

 

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