This is traditionally the time when automotive manufacturers introduce new cars, trucks, and crossovers so I’m going to use this space to discuss the new 2023 vehicles that I think may be of interest to my readers. In no particular order here they are.
Cadillac Escalade V - Escalades have generally been popular with people with high net worths, and that’s certainly true for the latest generation, which launched two years ago with more interior space and a game changing independent rear suspension. The 2023 V version provides suspension upgrades and a supercharged V8 good for 682HP in an effort to, “make an elephant dance”, as they say. Given its $155,000 price tag, I’d say, “pass”.
Alfa Romeo Tonale - Joining the Guilia sedan and Stelvio SUV, the Tonale aims to democratize Alfa with a smaller and cheaper crossover (think BMW X1 and Lexus UX competitor). Alfa sells around as many vehicles in a year as Ford sells F150s in a week, so I hope the Tonale succeeds (in case you’re wondering, it’s pronounced “toe-nah-lay” not “toe nail”.)
Audi RS3 - The late-great Audi and VW CEO Ferdinand Piech’s beloved 5-cylinder engine soldiers on in its fifth decade to power this joyously raucous sports sedan, which is surely on its last legs as Audi moves resolutely into the BEV (battery electric vehicle) future. Get ‘em while you can.
Audi e-tron GT RS - Audi’s version of the BEV Porsche Taycan manages to both look better and have a nicer interior than its Porsche cousin. I’m not ready to trade my 911 for an electric car yet, but if I were, this is the one I’d buy.
BMW XM - Like the Escalade V, the XM is BMW’s attempt to sell a big and heavy SUV that’s also, “athletic”. And like the 50 year old obese man who shows up at your gym in early January, the XM seems likely to fail. It features a 644HP twin-turbo V8 augmented by plug-in hybrid technology, and its 0 - 60MPH time is around 3.5 seconds, so it has some undeniable pluses. But many will find its styling and $160,000 starting price to be challenging.
BMW M2 - while the new M2’s styling has also been described as challenging, I’m going to embrace this four seat sports car because of its wonderful 453HP turbocharged in-line six cylinder engine and standard six-speed manual transmission. As with the aforementioned RS3, get ‘em while you can.
Ford F150 Raptor R - Tired of getting sand kicked in its face by the completely OTT 700HP Ram TRX pickup, the badass Raptor R now offers a competitive V8 engine (borrowed from the Shelby GT500). I think the standard Raptor has plenty of power, but if you don’t, Ford now has you covered.
Jeep Wagoneer/Grand Wagoneer - longer wheelbase “L” versions of these popular Suburban/Escalade competitors are now offered. These full size family haulers are proving to be popular in part because they have best-in-class interiors.
Lexus RZ - A BEV counterpart to the perennially best-selling RX attempts to do for electric luxury crossovers what the original RX did for internal combustion engine (ICE) luxury crossovers--make Lexus the default choice. BEVs are so different from ICE vehicles that I have doubts this approach is best, but with Lexus’ impressive track record they very well may be right.
Mercedes EQS/EQE - BEV equivalents of the standard Mercedes models we know and (mostly) love, the EQ line looks quite different visually, with exterior designs that are all teardrops and jelly beans. This is BEV.1 time, so expect rapid evolution as engineers learn and innovate. To avoid getting stuck with obsolete technology (or styling) when it’s time to get your new BEV, I’d recommend leasing over buying for now.
Nissan Ariya - The successor to the affordable Leaf BEV looks a lot like its predecessor but delivers much more range (250mi vs around 100). If you want a BEV and are on a budget, this and the Chevy Bolt are pretty much your only choices.
Nissan Z - The legendary Nissan sports car lives! Essentially a rebodied 370Z, the 2023 model is full of retro styling elements that remind you of the original 240Z from the early 1970s. It’s an excellent choice for enthusiasts, but expect to wait a bit if you want one--it’s sold out for now.
Range Rover Sport - The go-to vehicle for 40-ish moms in upscale zip codes gets many enhancements for its third generation. It’s hard to tell it apart from the last one just by looking, but it’s all new, and, like the “big” Range Rover, the Sport has a nicer interior. In case you’re wondering, yes the new one’s significantly more expensive.
