Ford’s “icons” will likely see all-electric iterations within the next decade, and the Bronco certainly looks high on the list for a pure EV version. (Images: Ford)
40% of Ford vehicles sold will be electric by 2030. An electric Bronco could well be part of that picture.
At least, that’s the company’s goal as it laid out its future electrification plans Wednesday. That figure is an abstract, though, as customers and enthusiasts alike care about the actual products that are going to comprise the Blue Oval’s EV share. The company’s North American Product Communications Manager, Mike Levine, put the word out on what we can expect over the coming years.
The main thrust? It looks like the four-door Bronco is a strong contender to spearhead Ford’s next-generation, dedicated electric vehicle platform:
There’s a new all-wheel drive / rear-wheel drive flexible EV architecture on the way for cargo vehicles, pickups and rugged SUVs! pic.twitter.com/P35Jy9hK4l
“There’s a new all-wheel drive/rear-wheel drive flexible EV architecture on the way for cargo vehicles, pickups and rugged SUVs!”, he said on Twitter. By “pickups”, he also added that there will be another dedicated platform for full-size models like the F-150 Lightning. Right now, the first-gen model just revealed leans on the conventional F-150’s platform. The most evocative image, though, is the Bronco — and that outline is unmistakable with the spare tire hanging out back. What’s also clear, as Levine pointed out, is the common underpinnings that we’ll inevitably see between van, truck and SUV, even while the body may hide that common thread, at least to the casual observer.
Ford’s main prongs in its charge on the EV market include the Mustang Mach-E, F-150 Lightning and the E-Transit cargo van.
The Explorer will go electric, naturally
A separate tweet also mentions the Explorer, one of Ford’s bestsellers alongside its F-Series trucks. “Yes, we will fully electrify Explorer as you might expect, given our plan to deliver 40% of our lineup as fully electric vehicles by 2030. We will continue playing to our strengths and electrify our icons in high-volume segments that we dominate today. We’ll share more details later.”
It’s a timely move on all fronts, as Ford faces intense competition to invest, develop and actually sell new electric products in the next few years. Tesla is, at the moment, still the dominant force in the EV space, but General Motors is also investing enormous sums of cash to bring dozens of EV models to market by the mid-2020s. Ford, for its part, is doubling down by investing $30 billion to compete in the electric vehicle field. Stellantis isn’t sitting around, either, as it’s already released a plug-in hybrid Jeep Wrangler 4xe and aims to launch a fully-electric model as well — a move which an electric Bronco would counter.
The Mitsubishi Mirage is about as cheap a modern car as you can buy, but it’s definitely not as cheap as it was a year ago… (Image: Mitsubishi)
The microchip shortage is driving up used car prices across the board, but I didn’t expect that one.
Those of you out there in the market for a car right now, I can sympathize. I’m still shopping around, but our friends over at iSeeCars really ram the point home analyzing 1.2 million used car sales that right now is a terrible time to buy a used car. On average, used car prices have increased 16.8% over the past year. That amounts to average transactions $3,926 higher than they were last April, and already-stupidly-expensive cars like the Mercedes-Benz G-Class throw off that curve substantially. It’s not just pricey exotics, either — even historically cheap wheels like the Mitsubishi Mirage are substantially more expensive.
As new car inventory continues to dwindle and retail customers scrap with each other and rental car companies over what’s left, iSeeCars cover the worst used cars to buy right now, as of April 2021 (the last month data was available).
Top 10 WORST cars to buy right now
While the average transaction prices across the 1.2 million used cars iSeeCars analyzed went up 16.8%, all the vehicles here solidly beat that mark. In fact, the least impacted car in the top 10 “worst” used buys is the Range Rover Sport, as average prices on that model only went up 25.1%. I never thought I’d frame a Range Rover Sport as a value buy against the Mitsubishi Mirage, but in terms of relative price change over the past year, it technically came out better…if only slightly. Mind you, the Mirage is still by far the cheapest used buy on this end of the spectrum.
It’s not just cars, either. Trucks are popular as ever, and the current lack of choice in new inventory and dealer incentives are driving people to seek better deals on second-hand buys, driving up used prices in turn. On the flip side, if you have one of these cars and you’re looking to sell, you could get top dollar right now.
Rank
Model
April 2021 Avg. Price
$ Change From 2020
Year-over-Year % change
1
Chevrolet Corvette
$68,804
+$17,432
+33.9%
2
Mercedes-Benz G-Class
$148,937
+$37,161
+33.2%
3
Ram 1500
$35,798
+$8,002
+28.8%
4
GMC Sierra 1500
$42,347
+$9,418
+28.6%
5
Mercedes-Benz S-Class
$74,326
+$16,198
+27.9%
6
Chevrolet Silverado 1500
$37,324
+$7,960
+27.1%
7
Chevrolet Camaro
$31,220
+$6,582
+26.7%
8
Toyota Tundra
$40,470
+$8,356
+26.0%
9
Mitsubishi Mirage
$11,242
+$2,313
+25.9%
10
Range Rover Sport
$59,579
+$11,969
+25.1%
According to iSeeCars‘ Executive Analyst Karl Brauer, inventory issues aren’t the only factor driving up used car prices. In the case of more expensive, luxurious cars like the S-Class or Range Rover Sport are seeing greater demand because buyers have more money to spend as they cut back on travel and entertainment during the COVID-19 pandemic. In the case of the Mitsubishi Mirage, he surmises that values are shooting up not just because of increased demand, but lower average mileages on used examples than last year. Folks were driving less between spring and summer 2020, so fewer miles on their cars make them more valuable to prospective buyers.
Other cars hardly changed at all from this point last year.
There still are some smarter used buys out there if you’re looking for a used car now and don’t want to pay through the nose. Some subcompact crossovers, for example, have hardly moved from where they were last year. Other models that haven’t been as popular over the past few years also aren’t seeing inflated values, as buyers either gravitate toward more luxurious cars or — in the case of the Tesla Model S — more affordable alternatives.
That’s good news if you’re a bargain hunter, as even in times like this you can still find a deal. You just may need to compromise a bit on what models you’re shopping for, and where your priorities are in terms of having a hot-ticket car like a Range Rover Sport (instead of, say, a Volvo XC90).
Inversely to the worst cars to buy above, if you have one of these cars you won’t necessarily see a huge pay day if you try to sell it right now. That said, most cars here did still see an uptick in value, so at least you won’t get killed on depreciation.
Rank
Model
April 2021 Avg. Price
$ Change From 2020
Year-over-Year % Change
1
Tesla Model S
$53,212
-$1,077
-2.0%
2
BMW i3
$20,868
+$91
+0.4%
3
Subaru Crosstrek
$22,440
+$314
+1.4%
4
Mercedes-Benz GLC
$35,393
+$709
+2.0%
5
Audi Q7
$40,626
+$1,220
+3.1%
6
Toyota Prius
$19,087
+$971
+5.4%
7
Volvo XC90
$39,641
+$2,064
+5.5%
8
Mazda CX-3
$17,950
+$1,062
+6.3%
9
Honda HR-V
$18,669
+$1,203
+6.9%
10
Subaru Impreza
$18,003
+$1,272
+7.6%
All the cars here fall well under the 16.8% or $3,926 that average transactions increased over the past year. Brauer points out, “Consumers who are in the market for a used car should consider these vehicles, which include a mix of vehicle types and price points, because they have not been significantly impacted by the price hikes.”
Of course, if none of these models appeal to you and you’re in a position to do so, the best recourse right now would be to wait. While analysts are shouting from the rooftops and through every other means they have to hand, the supply constrictions won’t last forever. More foundries will come online, demand will drop, and we should see the issue abate in a few months’ time. It’s tough to say exactly when we’ll hit that equilibrium, but hopefully the new and used car markets will cool off as life generally returns to normal.
Images of the 2022 Volkswagen Taos fail to convey how far VW has come in building a successful crossover for the U.S. audience.
The 2022 Volkswagen Taos has completely changed my opinion of the direction of Volkswagen’s U.S. offerings. It impressed me to the point where I had to find minor things to nitpick. On top of that, I think the ride and quality are not only extremely competitive, but better than (most) other VW products.
Volkswagen kept it simple with the powertrains and trim packages. The 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine produces 158 horsepower and 184 lbs-feet of torque. Front-wheel drive (FWD) versions will feature an eight-speed automatic transmission, all trim levels can be FWD. All-wheel-drive (AWD) models have a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. FWD Taos’ get a torsion-beam rear suspension, while the AWD gets a multilink rear suspension.
Current competitors from Toyota, Nissan and Honda will struggle to match the overall performance of the Taos. On top of that, it the Taos undercuts the base model, AWD Nissan Rogue Sport S ($26,610) and Chevrolet Trail Blazer LS AWD ($24,795). It is on par with the value leaders from Honda and Kia.
With that being said: the 2021 Volkswagen Taos is more than a match for the aforementioned.
Can you tell that I like the 2022 Volkswagen Taos? Check out the pricing:
The Taos S starts at $22,995 and $24,040 for the AWD version. You get standard features like a digital cockpit, 17-inch wheels, 6.5-inch infotainment screen and the basic standards of infotainment connectivity.
You can opt for the $995 IQ Drive package which gives you blind-spot monitor, front assist, rear traffic alert, lane-departure assist with ACC (stop/go cruise control). That package also includes emergency assist and travel assist. It’s a fairly comprehensive package, one that I recommend.
The Taos SE starts at $27,245 and $28,695 for the AWD model. The SE AWD was the one we chose to drive for the video shoot and for driving impressions. Our model had the $1,200 panoramic sunroof, $895 IQ Drive and the $395 18-inch black painted wheels.
The top-of-the-line SEL starts at $31,490 for FWD and $33,045 with AWD. You get the 18-inch wheels standard on FWD models, and 19-inch wheels if you get the AWD model. The largest digital cockpit and infotainment screen are standard, as is leather seating. The only option appears to be the sunroof package.
Sitting in, and driving the Taos:
My reviews tend to heavily feature the driving experience, over everything else. When a vehicle proves boring, I focus on other things. Fortunately, the 2022 Volkswagen Taos is a joy to drive. After filming the video, I did find the seven-speed dual-clutch to have a bit of a rubber-band feeling in heavy traffic.
There is a bit of turbo lag as well, so you will notice it at first, especially in traffic.
Once you shake things up, the little crossover truly shines. It has an extremely competent chassis, on that’s stout in hard corners, and compliant on the highway. The suspension setup is (in my estimation) best-in-class, and the engine power is quite good – despite the lag.
Steering isn’t as limp as many competitors. It goes where you point it, and you have a good idea what the front wheels are doing. The seats are just right, even for my large tush. On top of that, backseat comfort and space are outstanding. I am large, and around 6’1″ – and I can comfortably sit behind myself.
All the seating surfaces are comfortable, and the max cargo space of 51.63 cubic feet of maximum cargo space is good, but it trails many of its competitors.
Only a few other flaws
As I mentioned before, in stop-and-go traffic, the Taos’ dual-clutch was a bit elastic in its response to power. It sometimes felt like it had to wind up to get power, or to was being fed too much power. That was just in heavy traffic, and a light foot takes care of the surge of power.
I think Volkswagen should have added more options for interior storage space. Also, the IQ Drive safety bundle should be standard. Nissan (among others) gives you their safety system standard.
As much as I adore the exterior design, the fake rear exhaust tips irritates me, no end. I know that VW does this with a lot of their vehicles, but I still dislike it. It’s kind of insulting to people’s intelligence, and it takes away from the overall personality of the Taos.
Conclusion:
The bottom line for this crossover is this: with the departure of the Volkswagen Golf from our shores, the Volkswagen Taos is now their most engaging small vehicle. I like driving it more than the Atlas, and the previous generation Tiguan. Sure, a Jetta GLI is much more fun, but this baby has utility, (optional) AWD and tons of comfort baked in.
I bet it would make an excellent choice for Colorado winters.
The 2022 BMW M4 Competition Convertible is here, for all you open-top fans. (Images: BMW)
Meet the 2022 BMW M4 Competition Convertible xDrive.
There’s an awful lot to unpack in that name — but fortunately those of you steeped in current BMW conventions pretty much know everything you need from that name alone. For the uninitiated, here’s a rundown: BMW’s just revealed the droptop version of its remarkably quick, controversially styled M4 coupe, with sales kicking off in October. “Competition” refers to the more powerful version of its 3.0-liter, twin-turbocharged inline-six engine. So far, so evolutionary.
The key M4-specific difference this time around, though, is the “xDrive” at the end of that name. For the first time, this car gets all-wheel drive capability, meaning you can have some top-down fun even when Mother Nature would rather you turned around and went home. Or, in the case of the old rear-wheel drive-only M4, fishtailed home.
On the power front, there aren’t any surprising changes in the 2022 BMW M4 Competition Convertible. Like the M3 sedan and M4 coupe, this Competition version puts out 503 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. No doubt it’s potent, and with xDrive on board BMW claims a 0-60 time in the 3.6 second range. And if tail-happy action is what you crave, the M4 Competition does have selectable 4WD or 2WD modes. Top speed starts off at 155 mph, though with the optional M Driver’s Package you can raise that figure to 174 mph. Again, fairly standard stuff to those of you keen on BMW’s M performance cars as of late.
Inside, the updated BMW M4 Competition Convertible brings similar tech to the standard 4 Series. A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster is on tap, as is a 10.25-inch infotainment display running BMW’s latest iDrive 7.0 system. Naturally, you’d want heated leather seats given the droptop nature of this car, and BMW delivers there. However, if you want to shed some further weight you can opt for the M Carbon bucket seats instead. That saves 21 pounds off the car’s heft 4,306 pound curb weight.
Okay, the M4 is quick, but what about the “convertible” part?
The top on this 2022 BMW M4 Competition Convertible weighs in some 40% lighter than the previous generation, BMW claims. Not only is that good for your acceleration, but that also contributes to slightly faster operation. According to the automaker’s official statement, that roof can open or close in about 18 seconds, at speeds up to 31 mph. Beyond the power top, the new M4 Competition Convertible, as ever, looks more or less like the standard 4 Series. Spring for the M model, though, and you’ll get larger brakes, staggered wheels (19-inch in the front, 20-inch in the back) and the go-faster bits like the M-specific grille, side skirts and lower rear fascia. Yes, you do still get the large kidney grille like the M4 coupe, so take that for what you will.
If the M4 Competition Convertible is what you’re after, make sure to set aside at least $87,295 (including destination) for the privilege this fall.
Even as the Ford Mustang Mach-E just hits dealers in large numbers and the F-150 Lightning makes its debut, the automaker has much larger ambitions. (Images: Ford)
Ford will develop two new EV platforms — one for trucks and one for SUVs.
Reutersreports that, according to sources close to the matter, Ford is gunning for two new dedicated platforms to take on Tesla, General Motors and Volkswagen as the electric battle heats up. While the company has yet to make an official announcement, Ford will likely outline the plan during an investor event Wednesday.
The Dearborn, Michigan-based automaker did previously say it aims to spend $22 billion through 2025, heavily investing in electrification across models in several global markets, including the Americas, Europe and in China. The company will also outline more details on its battery partnership with Korean SK Innovation, as well as its goals for autonomous technologies, said sources speaking to Reuters on the condition of anonymity.
Ford, like many automakers, does not comment on future products, and did not have any information to provide at this time.
The Mustang Mach-Eis currently built on a dedicated EV platform, dubbed ‘GE’. As part of its development over the coming years, Ford will work on evolving that platform into the appropriately named GE2, to debut in mid-2023. That platform should underpin new Ford and Lincoln SUV models. Reports also suggest the same platform will eventually see a fully-electric Mustang coupe and a next-generation Mach-E.
Ford’s real bread and butter is in trucks, so you can bet we’ll see much more out of the company on that front in the coming years.
What about the new truck platform?
Ford’s recently unveiled F-150 Lightning draws heavily on the recently updated conventional truck. In time, the Lightning too will ride on a new ‘TE1’ truck architecture by 2025, in its second generation. Those anonymous sources said the truck platform could underpin Ford and Lincoln’s large SUVs, like the Expedition and Navigator, as the current body-on-frame trucks are a base for the current models.
Apart from its own platforms, we expect to see Ford models derived from other electric platforms, either co-developed or in which the company invested. Volkswagen is working closely with the Blue Oval in a tech-sharing agreement, and European customers could see models based on the German automaker’s MEB platform used for the ID.4, among other cars. Ford also backed fledging EV maker Rivian, and while recent efforts on a joint venture were (at least temporarily) called off last year, it’s still possible we’ll see a Lincoln model based on a similar platform to the R1S SUV.
The 2022 Chevy Blazer continues on with a few updates, but it seems GM dropped its base engine. (Images: Chevrolet)
Changes to the 2022 Chevy Blazer slim the range down to two engines.
A 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine was originally available with the revived Chevy Blazer, but it seems that’s no longer the case. The company released an official update presentation deck, which excludes the base L trim and its engine from the lineup. That means the new base option is the turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four, which will inevitably raise the model’s baseline price. However, the rather spartan L models usually have a low take rate, and the 193 horsepower engine’s omission likely won’t send too many prospective buyers elsewhere.
Now, the 2022 Chevy Blazer lineup starts with the 2.0-liter-equipped 2LT. Accompanying that change will likely be a substantial price hike above the old L model’s $29,995 starting point, but you at least get more power and features in exchange. Front-wheel drive and a 9-speed automatic are standard, while all-wheel drive is optional. Stepping into the 3LT or Premier offers the 308 horsepower, 3.6-liter V6 as an option, while that engine comes standard on the sportier RS trim.
The Premier trim, for its part, also gets some new wheels and updates along the lower front and rear fascias, rockers and wheel moldings. The RS comes standard with a two-tone roof, and that feature is now an option with appearance packages (Midnight/Sport Edition or Redline Edition) on the LT trims. Finally, two new colors will be available, including Nitro Yellow Metallic and Blue Glow Metallic.
We expect the 2022 Chevy Blazer to go on sale this summer, so we should get more clarity soon on the official trim walk as well as pricing across the updated range.
Harder, tauter, better handling SUVs are all the rage, and Bentley is getting in on the action. (Images: Bentley)
Meet the sportier Bentley Bentayga S.
Even in the hyper-luxury SUV space, sportiness matters to some folks. That’s particularly true as more competition crops up, including the Aston Martin DBX and the Lamborghini Urus, among others. Now, the new Bentley Bentayga S aims to get on the action, adding performance-oriented styling and handling upgrades over the base V8 Bentayga.
On the styling front, the Bentley Bentayga S brings gloss black accents to nearly every surface, replacing all the chrome you typically get on the standard models. From the grille to the mirror caps, headlight accents, exhaust tips and a large rear spoiler similar to the W12-powered Bentayga Speed, The S looks the part as sporty SUVs go. Weirdly, the only part parts that aren’t totally blacked out are the wheels. The unique 22-inch wheels are a mix of silver and black — good news, if you aren’t a fan of all-black wheels.
Same V8, same power
Bentley’s 48-volt electric active roll control technology is standard fare here, where it’s an option on the standard V8 Bentayga. Bentley’s engineers also recalibrated the torque vectoring system, improved the turn-in response and stiffened the air suspension damping by 15% while driving in sport mode. While the Bentayga S does see handling upgrades, it doesn’t have any more power than before. The 4.0-liter twin-scroll turbocharged mill manages 542 horsepower and 568 lb-ft of torque. That’s good for a 0-60 time in the 4.4 second range, and a top speed of 180 mph.
Should you want to take your $219,800-and-up Bentley Bentayga S off-road, you can spec the “All-Terrain Specification” as well. That adds four dedicated off-road modes — Snow and Wet Grass, Dirt and Gravel, Mud and Trail, and Sand — as well as a wading depth up to 19.6 inches (500 mm).
Again adding to the sporty theme, the Bentley Bentayga S brings in tons of Alcantara throughout the entire cabin, as well as embroidered S logos in the seat backrests and more logos on the dashboard and illuminated sill plates. Of course, being a Bentley, you still have the option to change most aspects of the interior to your tastes through the online configurator. The 2022 Bentley Bentayga S is available in four, five, or seven-seat configurations.
The 2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class adopts sharper styling, and the C300 now lays out its U.S.-spec trims. (Photos: Mercedes-Benz)
These are the options for every 2022 Mercedes-Benz C300 model.
When it goes on sale in the first half of 2022, the new Mercedes-Benz C300 will remain the entry-level version, and the automaker laid out a more specific trim walk for buyers shopping the new car Tuesday. Three trims are available for the C300 in total, applying to both the standard rear-wheel drive model as well as the 4Matic all-wheel drive option. Mercedes says this is a “new level” of C-Class, taking both styling cues and technology from the flagship S-Class sedan. That includes the exterior looks, an updated interior and features like a freestanding 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and 11.9-inch infotainment display, with the latest-generation MBUX infotainment system.
All three C300 trims — Premium, Exclusive and Pinnacle — all make use of the same 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The mild hybrid unit manages 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, providing a nice 22 lb-ft torque bump over the old entry-level model. In this new generation, all updated Mercedes models benefit from the 48-volt “EQ Boost” system, which in the C300 offers up 20 more horsepower and 148 lb-ft more torque in short bursts for better power delivery and smoother acceleration. While this isn’t the super sporty AMG model (those will inevitably come later), the optional AMG Line with Night Package offers a sportier look across all the trims.
Here are the standard features with each model:
2022 Mercedes-Benz C300 Premium (base model)
On every new C-Class, you’ll get the 12.3-inch digital cluster and 11.9-inch infotainment screen. The MBUX system also offers a fingerprint scanner for access to personalized settings, as well as wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support. 18-inch wheels, a standard-size sunroof, LED lights and heated front seats also come as standard fare. The Pre-Safe pre-collision system comes on every model including the Premium, as does attention assist, active brake assist and blind spot assist. Finally, every C-Class hosts a power operated trunk closer.
Exclusive trim
Stepping up one level, the “Exclusive” offers everything on the Premium model, but adds more tech to the mix. Active Parking Assist, a surround view 360-degree camera system, inductive wireless charging and a Burmester 3D surround sound system are standard equipment on this trim. Enhanced ambient lighting is another touch, which offers some cool lighting themes for those who are interested in that sort of perk (you can see the glow underneath the dashboard, along the door panels and above the pedals in the photo above).
Pinnacle trim
At the top end, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz C300 Pinnacle offers up everything from the two lower trims. This time around, though, you also get Navigation support — for those who still use onboard nav systems in lieu of Apple CarPlay/Android Auto at least. Mercedes does take a bit of a different approach here, though, offering both the head-up display on this trim and an “Augmented Video” function for the navigation system.
Other options
Regardless of which trim you choose, there are some features that are available across all three levels. Ventilated seats and a panoramic roof, for example, are available on all models as standalone options. A heated steering wheel, more USB ports and the AMG Line package are also available. You can also get the navigation system as a feature without having to shoot for the most expensive Pinnacle. SiriusXM satellite radio, for its part, is an option on the Exclusive and the Pinnacle.
While this lays out the trim walk for the 2022 Mercedes-Benz C300, pricing is still a question mark for the moment. That information usually comes out closer to the on-sale date, so we should have more details later this year or in early 2022.
Roman just bought one of the most hated modern Land Rovers to prove a point: Even this SUV doesn't suck! Or maybe it does...that's what we're going to find out in our latest project series.
