Motor News

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler offers two new factory-installed options: washout floors and weatherproof seats.The heavy-duty flooring ($995) and heavy-duty seats ($1695) are now available to order on certain four-door Wranglers.Jeep appears to be responding to similar features already available on the Ford Bronco.Jeep fans might want to start appreciating the Ford Bronco a little more. After all, it appears the Wrangler’s biggest rival is influencing the brand to introduce noteworthy features, such as the washout floors and weatherproof seats that are now available as factory options on certain four-door models.Weatherproofing the Wrangler When the Bronco debuted a couple years ago, it could be outfitted with factory-installed rubberized hose-it-out flooring and marine-grade vinyl upholstery—unlike its competitor. Fast forward to 2023, the Jeep Wrangler can now be ordered with similar add-ons designed to help its interior better withstand the elements and make it easier to clean. The newly optional heavy-duty flooring costs $995 and the heavy-duty seats add $1695.StellantisWhen the Wrangler’s top is off and the doors are removed, the cabin is obviously extra exposed. That’s where the optional vinyl seats come in handy, thanks to added protection against water, mildew, tears, and more. Jeep’s weatherproof seats come in any color you want as long as it’s black. They also feature Light Tungsten stitching and an adorable Wrangler grille embroidered on the seatbacks. Replacing the Wrangler’s standard flooring for the washout option does exactly what you’d expect: It makes cleaning the surface even easier and includes integrated floor drains. Along with its improved ability to get hosed out, the black heavy-duty floor has multiple layers that are said to also provide sound deadening and thermal protection.Unfortunately, these two new Jeep options aren’t compatible with every Wrangler. All the plug-in-hybrid 4xe trims and any two-door configuration are specifically excluded from the weatherproofing fun. The 470-hp Rubicon 392 is also left out.Keeping Up with the BroncosThis isn’t the first time Jeep appears to have taken a leaf out of Ford’s book. Not long after the Bronco was revealed with exterior mirrors mounted to the base of the A pillars rather than on the removable doors—like the Wrangler had always done—Jeep introduced an optional doors-off mirror kit installed by the factory.Jeep Wrangler with Xtreme Recon package.Car and DriverThe Wrangler Rubicon Xtreme Recon package that followed a year later also looked like a direct response to the Bronco’s available Sasquatch package, which notably included 35-inch-tall tires and other hardware that until then wasn’t offered on the Jeep.Read Our Wrangler ReviewsThis content is imported from poll. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.Senior EditorEric Stafford’s automobile addiction began before he could walk, and it has fueled his passion to write news, reviews, and more for Car and Driver since 2016. His aspiration growing up was to become a millionaire with a Jay Leno–like car collection. Apparently, getting rich is harder than social-media influencers make it seem, so he avoided financial success entirely to become an automotive journalist and drive new cars for a living. After earning a degree at Central Michigan University and working at a daily newspaper, the years of basically burning money on failed project cars and lemon-flavored jalopies finally paid off when Car and Driver hired him. His garage currently includes a 2010 Acura RDX, a manual ’97 Chevy Camaro Z/28, and a ’90 Honda CRX Si. More

Mercedes-Benz has announced it’s got a new operating system, MB.OS, that will start appearing on new vehicles underpinned by the company’s new MMA platform.Owners will see safety features such as road-scanning lidar thanks to the new operating system, and games like Angry Birds and social media such as TikTok will be available on the cabin-dominating screens.A long-term partnership with Google is said to add the latest data and navigation features such as Place Details.The old tech mantra of “move fast and break things” has been as present as a meme while we’ve lived through an era of rapid innovation in almost every aspect of our lives. There’s one place it doesn’t quite work: when it comes to safety and trust. In the automotive space, sometimes slow and steady is the right move, and as one of the oldest car companies, Mercedes-Benz has had plenty of time to evolve and develop.Today in Sunnyvale, California, Mercedes-Benz gave us a glimpse of its future, plotting its course through the next round of innovation. This naturally includes features for electric vehicles and automated driving, but also entertainment, productivity, and well-being. And it includes some wildly lit screens.Mercedes Moves ForwardMore to Do and See on Screen(s)Up first is the introduction of MB.OS, Mercedes’s new operating system that promises advancement in infotainment, safety, and the next generation of automated driving. It will debut in a few years on the first vehicle to use the new electric Mercedes Modular Architecture (MMA) platform. NVIDIA will supply the software, data, and AI expertise, as well as chips that can process 254 trillion operations per second for automated driving.Other partnerships for other features include road-scanning lidar from Luminar, while Google will contribute to in-car data and more accurate mapping and navigation. Mercedes will also open its system to other partners to integrate entertainment options. These include TikTok, Zoom, a Vivaldi web browser, and even Angry Birds. Of course MB.OS will have over-the-air update capabilities to keep your system current and also to activate future features.Assisted Driving AdvancesThere’s also plenty of hardware to support all of this software, and going forward, all Mercedes-Benz vehicles will come with the equipment needed for Level 2 automated driving. That’s similar to what we have today, with a combination of adaptive cruise control and lane-centering to relieve a hands-on driver from some of the driving burdens. Customers will be able to order their higher-end Mercedes with Level 3 automation called Drive Pilot.Drive Pilot will be available on the 2024 EQS and S-class sedans and could be the first level 3 system offered in the U.S. It will operate on highways at speeds up to 40 mph, at least initially. The goal is to extend that to 80 mph. Unlike systems from GM and Ford, Drive Pilot will allow the driver to look away from the road, but they’ll still have to be prepared to take over driving duties at a moment’s notice. More significantly, Mercedes will assume liability for the vehicle when in Drive Pilot mode, which is a testament to their confidence in the system.Innovation is nothing new to Mercedes-Benz, and these latest advancements are proof that they’re pushing toward the vision of the future that’s been the stuff of fiction a decade or two ago. (Whether this is the kind of fiction you would like to come true is up to you, of course.)This content is imported from poll. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.Contributing EditorWith a background in design and open-wheel racing, Mark Takahashi got his foot in the door as an art director on car and motorcycle magazines. He parlayed that into a career as an automotive journalist and has reviewed thousands of vehicles over the past few decades. More

Mercedes-Benz has revealed the interior of the upcoming 2024 E-class sedan.It features a gigantic Hyperscreen and many new technology options.The 2024 E-class will go on sale in the U.S. later this year.In advance of the unveiling of the new sixth-generation 2024 E-class, Mercedes-Benz gave us a preview of what to expect—at least from the interior. The cockpit appears to be an evolution of the striking Hyperscreen found in the EQS sedan, with the digital instrument panel protruding above. It’s accentuated by colored ambient lighting strips that encircle the dash and doors to reinforce the futuristic styling.Lurking underneath all of it is an abundance of new technology intended to enhance comfort, entertainment, and productivity. The new E-class uses the latest third-generation MBUX infotainment system, which could be thought of as a precursor to the MB.OS architecture that is due in a few years. As is the case with the EQS, the E-class dash can be optioned with an additional display for the front passenger. This allows the passenger to enjoy streaming content and games without distracting the driver. Cameras track the driver’s eye movements and if they drift over to the passenger screen, the content is obscured. Mercedes calls it image filtering.More on Mercedes’ FutureMercedes-BenzEntertainment and AudioWhen parked, the driver can make use of the many entertainment options. These include games such as Angry Birds, social media on TikTok, and a Vivaldi web browser. If you’re more about productivity, you can use Zoom to join meetings and there’s a built-in video and selfie camera atop the dash. Data transfer will also be helped by 5G connectivity.On the audio front, if you opt for the top Burmester premium audio, the interior ambient lighting can put on a light show for you. You’ll get either pulsing illumination that matches with the beat or smoother color transitions for more low-key music. We think it’s a fun novelty, but it may get tiring at night.Car and DriverSit Back and RelaxIn regards to relaxation, the existing Energizing Comfort system gets a clever addition. The system combines seat-massage functions with climate control, interior fragrances, music, and on-screen graphics to set specific moods. A new feature will pair the system with wearable monitors to detect stress levels and can activate relaxation and breath coaching to get you back to a more blissful state.Another new feature is something Mercedes calls routines. Users can select from several templates that can automatically activate seat heaters at a certain temperature along with the interior lighting. There’s even a Date Night routine that will set the mood with rose-colored lighting and your favorite slow jams. You also have the ability to create your own routines. In the future, Mercedes plans to include AI-generated routines based on your particular habits.Mercedes-BenzCombined with the long list of tech features that already exist, these new features increase the wow factor, but don’t represent the kind of transformation we expect from the forthcoming MB.OS system. It should nonetheless delight owners and passengers with its newest comfort and entertainment options.Mercedes says that the 2024 E-class will go on sale in the U.S. later this year, so we expect to see more of the new sedan revealed within the next few months.Our illustration of what the 2024 E-class could look like.Illustration by Christian Schulte|Car and DriverContributing EditorWith a background in design and open-wheel racing, Mark Takahashi got his foot in the door as an art director on car and motorcycle magazines. He parlayed that into a career as an automotive journalist and has reviewed thousands of vehicles over the past few decades. More

Car and Driver’s annual Editors’ Choice awards honor the top vehicles in their respective segments, as decided by our expert car evaluators and informed by our rigorous and industry-leading testing regimen.Of more than 400 models on sale in the U.S. market this year, only 125 cars, trucks, SUVs, and vans are featured on this year’s Editors’ Choice list, which is intended to help narrow the shopping list for consumers to the best choices in each market segment. Our testing includes real-world analysis of fuel economy, instrumented testing of each vehicle’s on-road performance, and subjective evaluation by our expert staff of car-enthusiast editors.With average transaction prices for new cars skyrocketing and a large number of body styles and powertrains offered throughout the industry, buying a new vehicle has never been more overwhelming. Car and Driver’s 2023 Editors’ Choice list is here to cut through the static to help you find the perfect car, truck, SUV, or van.See the ListMichael Aaron|Car and DriverOf the more than 400 models available for sale today, we’ve narrowed the list down to just 125 honorees, all of which we consider to be among the top vehicles in their respective market segments. We believe there’s something here for every driver and every budget, from subcompact runabouts starting under $20,000 to a high-end hybrid sports car that’s 10 times that price. Not to mention all the trucks, SUVs, luxury sedans, and electric vehicles that fill the gap between them.”For the millions of people shopping for a new vehicle each year, the choices can seem endless– and confusing,” said Car and Driver Editor-in-Chief Tony Quiroga. “Our Editors’ Choice lineup is the automotive honor roll and the ideal resource, whether someone is searching for the safest car for a new teen driver or for a weekend race car, and everything in between.”Michael Aaron|Car and Driver In addition to Car and Driver’s renowned instrumented performance testing, our editors have devised a series of tests to determine which vehicles are the most worthy of your hard-earned dollars. For example, we run a 75-mph highway fuel-economy test to provide a real-life look at efficiency, and we load up every vehicle we test with carry-on suitcases to measure practical, usable space.Winners from Years PastIf you’re shopping for a new vehicle this year, our Editors’ Choice list is meant to be your starting point. In short, we’ve done the hard work for you, and the rest is up to you. As you progress in your new-vehicle search, we recommend individual test drives of your own, since everyone’s preferences and needs are different. We’re confident that any of the models honored this year will offer satisfying driving dynamics, segment-appropriate practicality, and excellent value. Managing Editor, Buyer’s GuideDrew Dorian is a lifelong car enthusiast who has also held a wide variety of consumer-focused positions throughout his career, ranging from financial counselor to auto salesperson. He has dreamed of becoming a Car and Driver editor since he was 11 years old—a dream that was realized when he joined the staff in April 2016. He’s a born-and-raised Michigander and learned to drive on a 1988 Pontiac Grand Am. His automotive interests run the gamut from convertibles and camper vans to sports cars and luxury SUVs.       More

UPDATE 2/22/23, 7:00 p.m.: In response to our request, the legislation’s sponsor, Florida State Senator Lauren Book, issued a statement accompanied by this photo of her own dogs:Sen. Lauren Book’s family pets.Courtesy of Florida State Sen. Lauren Book”Our family has three dogs—two of which are almost 175 pounds each and love sticking their heads out the window—so I welcome and appreciate all public comment on this issue, which is only one piece of a complete proposed overhaul of the state’s animal welfare system as brought to me by veterinarians and advocates. We can easily amend this piece out of the bill while protecting the intent of the animal welfare community and vets who proposed the policy because of unintended injuries they’ve treated—and we will. In the meantime, let’s all invest in a good pair of ‘doggles’ to keep our furry friends safe.”Lately, Florida’s been full of ideas for bannin’ stuff, and the list might soon expand from books and driving in the left lane to unrestrained dogs in cars. Florida state senator Lauren Book is sponsoring a bill, SB 932, which concerns animal welfare and covers a lot of ground. It includes language restricting animal testing for cosmetic products, prohibiting the declawing of cats, and creating a public registry of animal-abuse offenders. All of which sounds hard to argue with, no matter how many times a cat has shredded your draperies. But there’s also a provision that will likely rankle dog owners, not to mention dogs. Specifically, the part of the bill that concerns “prohibiting a person from taking specified actions relating to the transportation of dogs on public roadways.” What, do they want to outlaw your dog sticking his head out the window? Well, yes, actually. Let’s take a look.No Dogs on Laps, No Dogs on MotorcyclesThe first part of the dog-transport section (and there are several) says that you can’t have a dog on your lap while you’re driving. That, we agree with. Mostly because the people who drive with dogs on their laps don’t really have dogs, per se—they have cats who like to go for rides. Because if a dog is on your lap while you’re driving, chances are it weighs less than 10 pounds, is wearing a designer hat, and would lose a fight to a moderately combative chipmunk. And if that’s not the kind of dog on your lap—as in, a large, slobbery, rambunctious creature that’s capable of barreling through a closed screen door—then that dog should not be between you and the controls of your motor vehicle. Fair enough. Dogs in cargo area, and unrestrained, and heads out the window: would also be illegal.Ezra Dyer|Car and DriverPart B says basically the same thing, but applied to motorcycles—you can’t let your dog ride in front of you on a motorcycle, even if he wears goggles and puts his paws on the handlebars like he’s driving and everyone loves it. Dog in a backpack on a motorcycle? Evidently OK. And as for a cool dog in a motorcycle sidecar, why, we’re pretty sure that’s the Florida state flag.We asked our dogs about this, and they said that if you criminalize dogs sticking their heads out the window, then only criminal dogs will stick their heads out the window.Now for the third rule of dog transport: You cannot “allow a dog to extend its head or any other body part outside a motor vehicle window while the person is operating the motor vehicle on a public roadway.” Yes, it would be illegal for your dog to stick its head out the window. We asked our dogs about this, and they said that if you criminalize dogs sticking their heads out the window, then only criminal dogs will stick their heads out the window. We pointed out that the penalty would actually only be a non-criminal moving violation (our dogs clearly hadn’t read the full text of the bill).Ezra Dyer|Car and DriverThe anti-head-out-the-window rule is almost a moot point given SB 932’s subsequent rules around dog restraints in cars. It says that dogs in motor vehicles must be either in a crate, or restrained with a harness or pet seatbelt, or physically restrained by somebody who isn’t the driver. And any dog in the bed of a pickup would have to be in a crate, period—and the crate itself secured to the truck. (Human Floridians would still be allowed to ride uncrated in the bed of a pickup.) There’s also some wording about not driving around with your dog on the roof or standing on the hood of your car, no matter how rad your dog is.Dog SittingWe’re guessing that there was some kind of incident that spurred these proposed rules around restraining dogs, and we contacted Senator Book’s office to ask if that’s the case. If we find out more, we’ll let you know. In the meantime, who wants to go for a ride?This content is imported from poll. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site.Senior EditorEzra Dyer is a Car and Driver senior editor and columnist. He’s now based in North Carolina but still remembers how to turn right. He owns a 2009 GEM e4 and once drove 206 mph. Those facts are mutually exclusive. More

Bentley will end production of the W-12 engine next year, in April 2024.The Batur serves as a sendoff for the engine and has a version with 740 horsepower.The Continental GT, Flying Spur, and Bentayga are also currently offered with the twin-turbo 6.0-liter W-12.Bentley will stop production of the W-12 engine at its factory in Crewe, U.K., in April 2024, marking the end of the line for the VW Group’s unconventional 12-cylinder powertrain that was introduced more than 20 years ago. Once the W-12 departs the production line, Bentley says it will be replaced with V-8 and V-6 hybrid production as the company continues to transition its lineup towards hybrids and EVs.Essentially made up of two VR6 engines, the W-12 has been around since the early 2000s in various forms. Besides the wide range of Bentley models in which it’s available, including the Continental GT, the Flying Spur, and the Bentayga, it was previously offered in other VW Group vehicles such as the Audi A8 and Volkswagen Phaeton.More on the W-12Bentley views the Batur as the sendoff for the W-12, as that model features the most powerful version of the engine, with a new confirmed output of 740 horsepower and 737 pound-feet of torque (up from the 729 hp originally claimed). However, it’s already sold out, and the company warns interested customers that few order slots remain for other Bentley models equipped with the W-12.This content is imported from poll. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. More

For 2024, BMW gives the X5 M and X6 M new powertrains, updated looks, and giant dash-mounted displays.The 2024 X5 M and X6 M are now Competition only, pairing BMW’s latest twin-turbo V-8 with a 48-volt hybrid system.Matching their new-look front ends are redesigned dashboards with curved displays running the brand’s iDrive 8 infotainment software.Hybrid technology is continuing to propagate across BMW’s sacred M lineup. Perhaps to ease the inevitable proliferation into the iconic M3 and M5 sedans, the 2024 X5 M SUV and its hunchbacked counterpart, the X6 M, are the first of the brand’s highest-performance vehicles to adopt a 48-volt electrical system, which is also part of a comprehensive mid-cycle refresh.New Kind of CompetitionPreviously, the BMW X5 M and X6 M were offered with an individual Competition package that brought an extra 17 horsepower, a rowdier exhaust note, and larger-diameter rear wheels and tires—among other bits. For 2024, both models are now only available in Competition guise, meaning all that performance-enhancing hardware becomes standard.At their heart remains a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V-8. However, it has been heavily revised. BMW says the new S68 engine features myriad changes intended to make it more responsive and efficient than its predecessor. Peak output remains the same at 617 horses and 553 pound-feet of torque, but it’s now supplemented by an electric motor added to the eight-speed automatic transmission. The motor generates 12 hp and 148 pound-feet, with the 48-volt system also acting as a starter-generator.The transmission itself includes better cooling components and new gear ratios. Along with a wider ratio spread than before, the first three gears are now shorter. Despite all these powertrain changes, BMW doesn’t expect the ’24 X5 M or X6 M to be any quicker than the year before. Both are still claimed to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds. BMW does expect them to produce fewer engine emissions thanks to new catalytic converters. Official EPA ratings have yet to be announced.BMWBMWOther mechanical changes to the X5 M and X6 M include revised dampers and rear-suspension tweaks intended to improve high-speed stability. BMW also says both SUV bodies are now more rigid due to additional bracing. Both M utes still have standard all-wheel drive and an electronically controlled limited-slip rear diff, but they can now work independently of the stability-control system.M SUVs Get a Nose JobWhile BMW’s latest design language is arguably the most divisive it’s ever been, the brand appears to avoid the brunt of the backlash with its facelifts of the X5 M and X6 M. Instead of giving them the polarizing pig nostrils worn by the four-door M3 and two-door M4, or the alien-looking arrangement seen on the X7 SUV and 7-series sedan, the M-badged mid-size SUVs have a less offensive nose job. Of course, we’re sure some people will still find ways to be offended.The front of the X5 M and X6 M now features narrower headlights with arrow-shaped accents that double as daytime running lights and turn signals. Their black kidney grilles gain horizontal slats, and the nameplate badge is larger than before. A black section now frames the grille as well as the one below it in the front bumper, creating an X-like shape. A different set of air intakes on either side contribute to the nose job.Out back, the X5 M and X6 M add taillights that echo the X motif up front. That and lower vertical reflectors constitute the rear changes for 2024. BMW also adds more metallic paint options that include Isle of Man Green as well as Brooklyn Grey and Frozen Pure Grey.A Step Up In TechFor those who don’t already know, BMW is retrofitting a giant curved screen into models that currently don’t have it, which up until now included the X5 M and X6 M. The setup combines a 12.3-inch gauge cluster with a 14.9-inch touchscreen under one piece of glass. The infotainment system supports the company’s iDrive 8 software, which provides diverse interaction controls along with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.The curved display takes up most of the real estate on top of the dashboard and brings a redesigned layout. The latter applies to the slimmer HVAC vents and a new ambient light strip with a crystal-like texture. The lighting element is customizable and can even alert the user of an incoming call. Other changes inside the X5 M and X6 M include new carbon-fiber paddle shifters on the back of the steering wheel. Carbon fiber is also the default interior trim, but it can be replaced with wood elements.The 2024 BMW X5 M starts at $123,295. That’s $4100 more than a ’23 model with the Competition package, but it also includes a host of notable updates. The 2024 X6 M starts at $128,195—a $4200 increase versus before. Both models are slated to start production in April and will likely go on sale sometime this summer.BMW Bonus Coverage!This content is imported from poll. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. More

Hyundai has announced pricing for the 2023 Ioniq 6, an electric sedan based on the same platform as the Ioniq 5.It starts at $42,715 for the Standard Range model and ranges up to $57,215 for a loaded Limited Long Range with the dual-motor AWD powertrain.The Ioniq 6 will go on sale this spring, with the Standard Range arriving in the summer.Although the number in its name is bigger, the MSRP number on the Hyundai Ioniq 6’s window sticker is smaller than its Ioniq 5 sibling’s. The new electric sedan starts at $42,715 and ranges up to $57,215, slotting in just below the Ioniq 5 crossover and offering a similar lineup that includes Standard Range, Long Range, single- and dual-motor configurations and SE, SEL, and Limited trim levels.The existence of the base SE Standard Range model is news to us, as Hyundai hadn’t previously said it would offer a version of the Ioniq 6 in the U.S. with the smaller 53.0-kWh battery pack. It comes only in a single-motor configuration with a 149-hp electric motor, and offers an estimated range of 240 miles.More on Hyundai EVsStarting at $46,615, the SE RWD Long Range is the Ioniq 6 that achieves the longest estimated range of the lineup, at 361 miles. It has 18-inch wheels, a 225-hp electric motor, and a 77.4-kWh battery pack. The better-equipped $48,815 SEL and $53,715 Limited have a lower range estimate of 305 miles owing to their 20-inch wheels and likely their heavier weight.Adding the more powerful, 320-horsepower dual-motor all-wheel-drive setup to the SE, SEL, or Limited trim levels costs an extra $3500. In the SE trim, choosing the AWD configuration drops the range estimate to 316 miles, while the AWD SEL and Limited models have the lowest range estimates of the bunch, at 270 miles on a charge.Hyundai says that Ioniq 6 models will start arriving at U.S. dealerships in the spring, with the Standard Range car arriving a bit later, over the summer.This content is imported from poll. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. More