Autos
BMW speed demons
Two fun, flashy high-performance rides

Just in time for Pride month, two BMW sport sedans celebrate just how fun, fast and flashy a true high-performance ride can be.
BMW M3 COMPETITION xDRIVE
$78,000
Mpg: 16 city/22 highway
0 to 60 mph: 3.2 seconds
Talk about a pocket rocket, itās hard to beat the thrill of the BMW M3 Competition xDrive sport sedan. This 503-horsepower speed demon streaks from 0 to 60 mph as fast as many premium sportsters, including the glitzy new 621-horsepower Maserati MC20 super coupe ā which costs a whopping $215,000. Along with the lower price tag, the M3 has room for twice as many passengers and boasts three times as much rear cargo space as that two-person Maserati.
While this high-test BMW may be classified as a compact car, thereās ample legroom, decent headroom and a sharply angled dashboard for improved driver visibility. My test car had optional carbon-fiber racing bucket seats, trimmed in snazzy aqua blue and lemon yellow and backlit with illuminated M logos. While the futuristic design is truly a piece of art, scooching in and out of those sci-fi seats ā which sit lower than standard seats and have sharply angled side bolstersāwas quite a challenge. And, hello, it didnāt help that a āthigh separatorā (a raised, hard-padded object stuck in the middle of the bottom cushion) protruded oh-so-close to my scrotum. Letās just say I got more than my fill of butt-clenching exercises during the week-long test drive.
But once situated comfortably behind the sculpted steering wheel, all was forgiven. The M3 cabin is superbly sleek, with modish armrests and a duo of sweeping digital display screens. The eight-speed automatic transmission is wicked smooth, making it practically unnoticeable as the car shifts through gears. And the overall handling is rousing yet controlled, especially with the all-wheel drive. When not grooving to the guttural exhaust growl, I enjoyed jamming to a sparkling 16-speaker Harman Kardon stereo. There are plenty of other creature comforts, such as smartphone integration, wireless charging pad and Wi-Fi hotspot. Driving aids include blind-spot monitor, head-up display, collision alert and pedestrian detection. Thereās even a system to automatically pull the car over if the driver falls asleep at the wheel. As you could tell, I didnāt have to worry about that happening.
BMW M440i GRAN COUPE xDRIVE
$60,000
Mpg: 22 city/29 highway
0 to 60 mph: 4.5 seconds

If the BMW M3 Competition xDrive is a badass sport sedan, then the M440i Gran Coupe xDrive is more buttoned-down ā but only to a point. The M Sport trim level on both vehicles includes sturdier brakes, suspension, and stability control. And each car can be ordered with all-wheel drive, a big plus considering the number of downpours and icy road conditions in this part of the country.
But the M3 is extra taut, tight and tuned ā a race car enthusiastās dream ā whereas the M440i feels as suave as an Aston Martin. Think of it as trading flash for finesse. Styling is just as sharp, though the body cladding, side air vents and rear spoiler are all less pronounced on the 4 Series. Itās also wider and sits higher off the ground. And instead of having a trunk lid, the M440i is a hatchback with a more swoopy profile and easier access to the cargo area. Despite smaller wheels and about two-thirds the horsepower of an M3, the M440i is still plucky and a delight to drive.
And safety features and optional amenities are comparable. Inside, the cabin exudes refined BMW luxury but loses the Jedi spaceship vibe so noticeable on the M3. Gauges and the infotainment layout are the same, with similar but fewer performance-oriented readouts on the digital screens. I still found the M440i cabin to be plenty sporty, with premium fit and finish. And thereās beaucoup insulation to block annoying road noise. Perhaps most important, my tush welcomed the return to more traditional seats.

Looking to roll into something new? With all the buzz about 25% tariffs, itās the perfect time to grab a new ride before prices soarāespecially for electric vehicles, which may soon wave goodbye to those oh-so-attractive federal tax credits. Whether you are an eco-conscious commuter or just need a chariot for weekend getaways, these three green machines offer some serious swagger.
FORD MUSTANG MACH-E PREMIUM
$42,000
Range: 250-300 miles (depending on battery pack)
0 to 60 mph: 5.2 seconds
Cargo space: 29.7 cu. ft.
PROS: Zippy. Sporty feel. Ample battery range.
CONS: Bit bumpy over potholes. Limited seat adjustments.
IN A NUTSHELL: With sleek curves and a design thatās hotter than a drag queenās heels on the runway, the Ford Mustang Mach-E blends both power and flair. The exterior colors are vibrant and unapologetically bold, just like the rainbow after a storm. Three trim levels, but opt for the spiffy Premium versionāwhich was what I drove and is a nice step up from the $37,000 base model. It also costs a lot less than the gutsy GT, which tops $55,000.
Inside, the Mach-E is like driving a chic lounge on wheels. Toggling through the 15.5-inch touchscreen feels like navigating through the latest TikTok trends. A panoramic glass roof and faux-leather upholstery come standard, but assorted add-onsāstandard features with the Premium trimāinclude hands-free power liftgate, multicolor ambient lighting and 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen stereo. Thereās also plenty of space for all the essentials: totes, coats and besties.
And letās not forget about battery rangeāthereās enough juice here to take you through a whole day of driving without needing a recharge. With Fordās fast-charging network, itās easy to be powered up quicker than you can say, āRide āem, cowboy!ā Well, almost.
How popular is this EV, which looks more like a hot hatchback than an SUV? Last year, sales spiked 27% and outsold the iconic gas-powered Mustang. So yes, the Mach-E Premium isnāt just any vehicleāitās an experience thatās, well, electric.
KIA SPORTAGE PHEV X-LINE PRESTIGE
$44,000
MPGe: 84 city/highway combined
0 to 60 mph: 7.1 seconds
Cargo space: 39.6 cu. ft.
PROS: Comfy. Comely cabin. Oodles of passenger room.
CONS: Clunky dual-use dashboard controls. Bit noisy interior.
IN A NUTSHELL: Next up: the 2025 Kia Sportage PHEV X-Line Prestige, a compact plug-in hybrid that combines style, strength and versatility into one dazzling package. If the Mach-E Premium is a glam EV star, I found the Sportage PHEV to be an SUV showstopper.
Under the hood, power comes from an electric motor and gas-powered backup, so you get the best of both worldsāwhether cruising on green energy or unleashing your inner diva. The all-electric range is almost 35 miles, and all-wheel drive is standardāwhich helps keep things steady, no matter the weather.
Inside, itās pure comfort. While there are two hybrid trim levels, even the base-modelāthe X-Lineāis fairly loaded: LED headlights/taillights, dual-zone automatic climate control, remote start, power liftgate, nav system, wireless charging pad, smartphone integration and more.
For my weeklong test vehicle, I was spoiled with the X-Line Prestige, which is full of a ridiculous number of amenities and safety gear. Letās just say the clever cabin design would make the folks at Ferrari blush. Oh, and thanks to the pristine acoustics from the Harmon Kardon audio, I could have sworn the cast of āHamiltonā was right there with me belting out each tune. āBlow Us All Away,ā indeed.
MERCEDES AMG C 63 S E
$87,000
MPGe: 40 city/highway combined
0 to 60 mph: 3.3 seconds
Cargo space: 11.6 cu. ft.
PROS: Snazzy. Lightning fast. Haute handling.
CONS: Pricey. Quirky steering-wheel controls.
IN A NUTSHELL: Jonesing for an exciting, eco-friendly sedan? Then look no further than the Mercedes AMG C 63 S E plug-in hybrid, which gets the adrenaline pumping each time you slip behind the wheel.
Under the hood, thereās a staggering 671 horsepowerāenough to leave competitors in the dust and make them more than a little jealous. This AMG-tuned Mercedesāthe quickest C-Class everāblasts from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.3 seconds, faster than your heart rate when seeing your next crush at a circuit party. And thatās not even the best partāthe shapely contours of this sportster are as chiseled as Luke Evansā check bones.
Inside, the cockpit is like a designer outfit made for a fab night outāhigh-quality material everywhere, as well as branded sport seats with top-tier upholstery and stitching. One downside: the steering-wheel controls, which look tasteful but can be a tad too touch-sensitive at times.
Still, this elegant ride exudes more than enough bells and whistles to maintain a constant state of euphoria.
Autos
Mad about Mercedes ā and a Mini Countryman, too
These three spiffy SUVs not too basic, not too complicated

Not too basic, not too complicated. Thatās what I enjoyed most about three spiffy SUVs recently. Call it the Goldilocks effect, but each rideātwo Mercedes and a Mini Countrymanāseemed just right. Thatās a big plus in todayās world of extremes.
MERCEDES AMG GLA 35
$59,000
MPG: 22 city/28 highway
0 to 60 mph: 4.7 seconds
Cargo space: 15.4 cu. ft.
PROS: Affordable luxury, smooth suspension, zippy.
CONS: Bit noisy inside, so-so storage, costly options.
IN A NUTSHELL: The subcompact GLAāthe most affordable Mercedes sold in the U.S.ācomes in two trim levels. With the average price of a vehicle topping $48,000, the base-model GLA 250 is a bargain at $43,000. On paper, the stats for acceleration, handling and braking look spot on. Ditto the fine amenities, including faux-leather seats, ambient lighting, wireless charging pad and power liftgate. Toss in numerous safety featuresāincluding forward-collision warning, blind-spot alert, an automated parking systemāand what could be better? The answer is the sport-tuned AMG GLA 35, which is the vehicle I tested. Zippier, grippier and ritzier than its entry-level sibling, this saucy SUV is also pricier. And beware: The long list of optionsāsuch as head-up display, surround-view camera, illuminated door sillsācan add up quickly. But oh, what a thrill. Stomp on the accelerator, and the GLA 35 scoots from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.7 secondsāa full two seconds quicker than the GLA 250. Along with a more powerful engine and all-wheel drive, thereās now a 48-volt hybrid-assist system. The GLC 35 also flaunts aggressive styling, including a sexy rear spoiler, large dual exhaust tips and bigger wheels. Fave feature: the flat-bottom, performance-oriented steering wheel with spiffy paddle shifters and a panoply of user-friendly buttons and dials.
MERCEDES AMG GLC 43 COUPE

$70,000
MPG: 18 city/24 highway
0 to 60 mph: 4.7 seconds
Cargo space: 19.2 cu. ft.
PROS: Posh styling, potent power, quiet cabin.
CONS: Pricey, limited rear visibility, reduced cargo room.
IN A NUTSHELL: Stepping up from the baby Mercedes GLA, the larger GLCāthough technically a compactāis 12 inches longer. Whatās more, this hauler comes with choice of five trim levels. And you can choose from either a traditional square-back design or sloped coupe-like styling. Confused? Donāt be. Just trust that the AMG GLC 43 Coupe, which is really an SUV, checks all the boxes. Thereās plenty of drama here, with a bulging snout and sinuous shape that any diva would love. Thereās also plenty of power, with a gritty turbo that allows the GLC to accelerate just as fast as the much lighter GLA. And the interior is stunning: NASCAR-like bucket seats, gigantic infotainment touchscreen and reinforced window glass to better insulate the cabin. A clever nav system can project traffic and other info onto the head-up display on the windshield, and rear automatic braking helps anticipate and prevent a back-end collision. Sure, the low-slung roofline cuts into rear-seat headroom and cargo space. But for me, the sacrifice was worth it. After all, itās hard to imagine any other glam-but-gutsy ride equally at home on a fashion runway or at the racetrack.
MINI COUNTRYMAN ALL4

$40,000
MPG: 24 city/32 highway
0 to 60 mph: 5.9 seconds
Cargo space: 24.9 cu. ft.
PROS: Bigger, faster, better.
CONS: Almost too big, bit less playful, higher MSRP.
IN A NUTSHELL: Fully redesigned for 2025, the Mini Countryman enjoys a slew of up-market changes but retains some of its retro quirks. Larger than before, this latest modelāwith so much extra room for passengers and cargoāfeels comfy and spacious. Almost too much so. At first blush, I was reminded of a Subaru Forester or Outback. Both fine vehicles, but without that familiar Mini vibe. Luckily, the steering wheel, head-up display and large Frisbee-shaped infotainment display all channel the previous Countryman. Ditto the overall exterior, which now boasts a redesigned grille, sleeker headlights and refined rear treatment. Yet I missed seeing all the toggle switches and some other playful touches. In their place, though, is a groovy dashboard with nifty LED lighting that changes colors based on the driving mode. While some digital readouts initially seemed too techy, they ended up being very user friendly. And there are two standout features: a huge panoramic moonroof and the use of sustainable materials for the carpeting, seats and such.

Electric vehicles are charging ahead, despite recent saber rattling by politicians. After testing a bevy of EVs, the rides below certainly got my motor running.
BMW iX (midsize SUV)

Price: $89,000-$113,000
Range: 288 to 324 miles
0 to 60 mph: 4.0 seconds
Cargo space: 35.5 cu. ft.
WHATāS TO LIKE: Fun styling. Funky steering wheel. Floating center console. Oh, and cameras, radar and other sensors hidden in the grille, which has a special coating to magically erase minor scratches and dings. I was blown away when the BMW iX debuted in 2022. Three years later, the thrill is still there. Acceleration, cornering and braking? All breathtaking, in both the base model xDrive50 and high-test M60. Gizmos now include eye-tracking software so you can change lanes simply by glancing toward one of the side-view mirrors. An expansive digital monitor above the dash holds both a 14.9-inch infotainment display and 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster. And many materials ā such as carpet and floor mats ā are recycled. A truly eclectic electric? You bet.
CADILLAC LYRIQ (midsize SUV)

Price: $60,000-$70,000
Range: 314 miles
0 to 60 mph: 5.7 seconds
Cargo space: 28.0 cu. ft.
WHATāS TO LIKE: If a BMW iX is cutting edge (say, like āTransformers Oneā), then a Cadillac Lyriq is old-school cool (a la āDeadpool & Wolverineā). Handsome design. Familiar feel. Quiet cabin. Handling is more affable than athletic. Ditto the acceleration. The land-yacht aura extends to the seats, which are cushy instead of taut. For older ā er, more mature ā drivers, this is a plus. But thereās plenty of tech here, too: 33-inch digital display, tri-zone climate control, hands-free driving, wireless charging pad and so on. When first sliding behind the wheel, I wished the navigation/infotainment interface was more intuitive. But a stellar voice-assistant system more than made up for it.
KIA EV 9 (large SUV)
Price: $57,000-$76,000
Range: 230 to 304 miles
0 to 60 mph: 4.9 seconds
Cargo space: 20.2 cu. ft.
WHATāS TO LIKE: A cyborg in the city? With Robocop styling and Tron-like finesse, the Kia EV9 looks and feels out of this world. Three-row seating, with scads of passenger room. Lowering all the rear seats expands cargo capacity to fit more than 15 suitcases. And unlike most EVs, the EV9 can tow up to 5,000 pounds. Yet the hulky hauler behaves like a nimble ninja, easily darting in and out of traffic. At almost 6,000 pounds, the King Kong Kia is three tons of fun āliterally. There are so many creature comforts ā self-leveling suspension, ambient lighting, massage seats, rear-window shades, 14-speaker Meridian audioāyou would think this was a Range Rover.
MERCEDES EQE (midsize SUV)
Price: $80,000-$110,000
Range: 265 to 307 miles
0 to 60 mph: 5.6 seconds
Cargo space: 14.0 cu. ft.
WHATāS TO LIKE: Luxury is as luxury does and Mercedes does luxury well. With a dashing design, silken ride and hushed interior, the EQE sets a high bar. Four trim levels, including the awe-inspiring AMG with 617 horsepower. Everything is state-of-the-art: powertrains, suspension, safety, multipixel headlights, cabin air purifier, Burmeister stereo and more. An augmented-reality nav system monitors traffic, weather and such, then conveys this info into graphic overlays on the head-up display. And the standard faux leather seats? They look and feel like the real thing. One downside: minimal cargo space. But then, thereās always a full-size EQS topping out at $180,000.
NISSAN ARIYA (compact SUV)
Price: $40,000-$56,000
Range: 205 to 289 miles
0 to 60 mph: 7.5 seconds
Cargo space: 22.8 cu. ft.
WHATāS TO LIKE: Cute, compact, comfy. Itās easy to like a Nissan Ariya, with its cheeky exterior, composed handling and low price. Choice of two battery packs, as well as two-wheel or all-wheel drive. Base-model pricing is hard to beat, but beware the tradeoffs: pokey acceleration and reduced range. Luckily, the other trim levels offer more oomph. All Ariyas come loaded: LED headlights, heated steering wheel, heated front/rear seats, nav system, head-up display and lots of safety gear. Notable options: panoramic sunroof, hands-free liftgate, limited hands-free cruise control, automated parking and illuminated kick plates. Overall, I found the ride smooth, though not sporty. Racing mavens may want to look elsewhere, but itāll cost you.
SUBARU SOLTERRA (compact SUV)

Price: $40,000-$47,000
Range: 222 to 227 miles
0 to 60 mph: 6.1 seconds
Cargo space: 27.7 cu. ft.
WHATāS TO LIKE: The first EV from Subaru ā the Solterra ā boasts origami-like flair. Built in tandem with the quirkily named Toyota bZ4X, both SUVs fall a bit short in battery range āless than 230 miles. But the Solterra comes standard with all-wheel drive, roof rails and front cross-traffic alert. Plus, it now has faster charging times, as well as hands-free driving at up to 25 mph and an automatic lane-changing system used in conjunction with the turn signal. While not a true off-roader, this āSubieā has above-average ground clearance ā 8.3 inches ā to better tackle snow and potholes. And I liked all the storage compartments, along with dual-level cargo floor to fit extra luggage.
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