Hey Everyone!
Happy Holidays, Happy New Year, and all that! Here are some more impressive vehicles I enjoyed reviewing throughout 2021 that you should consider that are 2022 editions. I included a many of them in the new app called TheCut that I happily contribute to as well. I also have lifestyle Andrea Janise providing her perspective below.
Keep coming back because I will be adding more to this post.
Cheers!
All photos courtesy of automakers.
Reviewed by Andrea Janise
Volkswagen took a gangster leap into the future with
their brand-new ID.4 model adding a gem to their lineup. This progressive
electric vehicle kicks in the door of the crossover SUV segment with its curvy,
futuristic frame combined with Volkswagen engineering’s universal EV setup leading
to a definite standout for environmentally conscious drivers. On the
head-turning tip, the ID.4’s exterior is accentuated with a black roof complete
with silver roof rails, panoramic fixed-glass, and an electric sunshade; 20-inch
alloy wheels with all-season tires; and the automatic LED package is complete
with inclement weather lights for optimal visibility.
Inside the cabin, besides the various advanced tech enhancements rivaling Blade Runner including the “intuitive start” where everything turns on as soon as you enter the driver’s seat when having the key fob in hand—Volkswagen makes comfort a top priority. The V-Tex leatherette seats; heated, leather-wrapped steering wheel; a center console with USB data and charging ports; multi-color adjustable ambient lighting; and heated front seats with 4-way lumbar support and massage capability collectively make every errand a blessing. Safety gets a serious nod too including an advanced airbag protection system, Intelligent Crash Response System (ICRS), and travel and lane assist. The most highlighted perk, of course, is the savings on gas mileage at a EPA estimated range of 260 miles with a full charge which further justifies why the ID.4 EV was voted 2021 World Car of the Year. You want the future? Here it is.
What the sticker says: The 2021 Volkswagen ID.4
is $45,190 MSRP
For more information, visit Vw.com.
Photos courtesy of Volkswagen.
Genesis continues to shine in all facets with their
2022 sedan and SUV
The highly anticipated, all-new GV70 3.5T AWD Sport
Prestige has lived up to the hype in virtually all facets. Eyes will be glued
to its sleek body design and stealthy LED lighting presentation, this compact
luxury SUV provides two engine choices—a turbocharged, 2.5-liter four-cylinder
version, and the reviewed twin-turbo 3.5-liter V6—with both using an
eight-speed automatic transmission. The latter engine labeled the Sport Prestige
trim pushes 375 horses, plus the AWD capability makes maneuvering sharp corners
a breeze.
The interior is already plush including a panoramic
sunroof, but the strongly suggested Select Package (Nappa leather, ventilated
front seats; Genesis digital key; surround-view camera system; and banging
16-speaker Lexicon audio system) and Sport Prestige package (21-inch alloy
wheels, carbon fiber trim, 12.3-inch digital cluster, three-zone climate
control) are highly recommended for the full Genesis experience.
Simply put, this is easily nominated as one of the top
debuts of the year. It’s fire!
What the sticker says: The 2022
Genesis GV70 3.5T AWD Sport Prestige is $52,600 MSRP.
For more
information, visit Genesis.com.
Photos courtesy
of Genesis.
\For the ultimate luxury hybrid sedan experience, the 2022
Lexus ES300h Ultra Lux is among the top autos of the segment in features,
looks, and value. After getting used to the ignition’s silent start, drivers
will dig the cloudlike ride powered by the 2.5-liter, four-cylinder engine delivering
a responsive 215 horsepower regulated by three driving modes—Eco, Normal, and
Sport—complete with steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters still rolling at a
wallet-friendly 44 mpg combined gas mileage.
The posh cabin’s experience is embellished by a 12.3-inch
color display with navigation and voice command including Amazon Alexa;
wireless charging; WiFi; quilted heated leather upholstery; a woodgrain
steering wheel; Apple/Android CarPlay; and theateresque 17-speaker, 1,800-watt
Mark Levinson audio package to list a few of the generous amenities. This sedan
sits on 18-inch “Split V-Spoke” alloy noise reduction wheels, and flaunts a
stunning, refreshed grille to stand up to the bank-breaking exotic cars it pulls
up on. To ease the mind, Lexus is consistent in maintaining safety through
their revered 2.5 pre-collision system, 10 airbags with Smart Stop technology,
pedestrian detection, lane departure and steering assist.
An overall safe, comfortable, and impressive option for
hybrid enthusiasts ranked the highest of the ES 300’s four trims—base, F Sport,
Luxury, and this Ultra Luxury—its price tag under $55K fully equipped makes
this whip a strong consideration. Oh, and the Nightfall Mica blue this was
reviewed in was a good look. Lexus keeps it poppin’.
What the sticker says: The 2022 Lexus ES300h Ultra
Lux is $51,080 MSRP and $54,450 including the triple beam headlights, Navigation/Mark
Levinson Audio Package and destination fees.
For more information, visit Lexus.com.
And Ale bonus:
Speaking of Lexus, if you want to save some money and stick with a 2021 model, have a family, want to stay in the luxury segment, and still want an engine with some punch, consider the 2021 Lexus RC350 FSport AWD. This SUV in the revered FSport trim is all about performance and handling. The 3.6-liter, V6 engine flexes with 311 horsepower, and the driving experience is enhanced with all-wheel drive, the custom FSport Handling package complete with sport-tuned adaptive suspension, and all the amenities that come with it like the aluminum pedals, to the racing-style heated wheel, signature grille, moonroof, and 19-inch split-five-spoke alloy wheels. Add the theateresque Mark Levinson 17-speaker, 835-watt sound system included in the highly recommended Navigation package, and everything from taking the kids to soccer practice to hitting the track brings an exhilarating experience to every passenger. Keep an eye out for the hybrid versions as well.
The 2021 Lexus RC350 FSport starts at $51,350 and reviewed with options including the Navigation/Mark Levinson Package ($2,725) and triple beam LED headlights ($1,160) total $57,580.
