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AUTO
REVIEW

Autumn is traditionally the time when automotive manufacturers Jeep Wagoneer/Grand Wagoneer - longer wheelbase L versions
introduce new cars, trucks, and crossovers so I’m going to use this of these popular Suburban/Escalade competitors are now offered.
space to discuss some new 2023 vehicles that I think may be of interest These full-size family haulers are proving to be popular in part, because
to BCMS members. In no particular order, here they are. they have best-in-class interiors.

Cadillac Escalade V - Escalades are popular with Texans in general Lexus RZ - A BEV counterpart to the perennially best-selling RX
and BCMS members in particular, and that’s certainly true for the lat- attempts to do for electric luxury crossovers what the original RX did
est generation, which launched two years ago with more interior space for internal combustion engine (ICE) luxury crossovers—make Lexus
and a game changing independent rear suspension. The 2023 V ver- the default choice. BEVs are so different from ICE vehicles that I have
sion provides suspension upgrades and a supercharged V8 good for doubts this approach is best, but with Lexus’ impressive track record
682HP in an effort to “make an elephant dance”, as they say. Given its they very well may be right.
$155,000 starting price, I’d say, “pass”.
Mercedes EQS/EQE - BEV equivalents of the standard Mercedes
Alfa Romeo Tonale - Joining the Guilia sedan and Stelvio SUV, models we know and (mostly) love, the EQ line looks quite different
the Tonale aims to democratize Alfa with a smaller and cheaper visually, with exterior designs that are all teardrops and jelly beans.
crossover (think BMW X1 and Lexus UX competitor). Alfa sells This is BEV.1 time, so expect rapid evolution as engineers learn and
around as many vehicles in a year as Ford sells F150s in a week, so I innovate. To avoid getting stuck with obsolete technology (or styling)
hope the Tonale succeeds (in case you’re wondering, it’s pronounced when it’s time to trade in your BEV, I’d recommend leasing over buying
“toe-nah-lay” not “toe nail”). for now.

Audi RS3 - The late-great Ferdinand Piech’s beloved 5-cylinder en- Nissan Ariya - The successor to the affordable Leaf BEV looks a lot
gine soldiers on in its 5th decade to power this joyously raucous sports like its predecessor, but delivers much more range (250mi vs around
sedan, which is surely on its last legs as Audi moves resolutely into the 100). If you want a BEV and are on a budget, this and the Chevy Bolt
BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) future. Get ‘em while you can. are pretty much your only choices.

Audi e-tron GT RS - Audi’s version of the BEV Porsche Taycan Nissan Z - The legendary Nissan sports car lives! Essentially a re-
manages to both look better and have a nicer interior than its Porsche bodied 370Z, the 2023 model is full of retro styling elements that re-
cousin. I’m not ready to trade my 911 for an electric car yet, but if I mind you of the original 240Z from the early 1970s. It’s an excellent
were, this is the one I’d buy. choice for enthusiasts, but expect to wait a bit if you want one—it’s
sold out for now.
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 Range Rover Sport - The go-to vehicle for 40-ish moms in upscale
obese man who shows up at your gym in early January, the XM seems zip codes gets many enhancements for its third generation. It’s hard
likely to fail. It features a brawny twin-turbo V8 augmented by plug- to tell it apart from the last one just by looking, but it’s all new, and,
in hybrid technology. Its 0 - 60MPH time is around 3.5 seconds, so it like the “big” Range Rover, the Sport has a nicer interior. In case you’re
has some undeniable pluses. But many will find its styling and wondering. . . yes, the new one’s significantly more expensive.
$160,000 price tag to be challenging.
As always, call Phil Hornbeak, the Auto Program Manager at
BMW M2 - while the new M2’s styling has also been described as BCMS (210-301-4367), for your best deal on any new car or truck
challenging, I’m going to embrace this four-seat sports car because of brand. Phil can also connect you to preferred financing and lease rates.
its wonderful 453HP turbocharged in-line six-cylinder engine and
standard six-speed manual transmission. As with the aforementioned Stephen Schutz, MD, is a board-certified gastroenterologist
RS3, get ‘em while you can. who lived in San Antonio in the 1990s when he was stationed
here in the US Air Force. He has been writing auto reviews
Ford F150 Raptor R - Tired of getting sand kicked in its face by for San Antonio Medicine magazine since 1995.
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.

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