Category: Sport Sedans

Posted on

Sport Sedan Perfect: The 2021 BMW M5

Not that many years ago, mashing the throttle and launching from zero to 60 miles per hour in less than three seconds was mid-engine supercar territory. A few years before that and it was superbike territory. Go back any further and you’d need some sort of completely built custom dragster that ran on alcohol.

Today, it’s a spacious five-passenger family-friendly sports sedan with enough trunk space for a vacation’s worth of luggage. So is the riddle of the 2021 BMW M5.

Photos courtesy of BMW USA

BMW M5 aka The Benchmark

BMW’s 5 series is already the sports sedan benchmark for style, convenience and luxury. It has been for decades. When the first M5 arrived in the United States for the 1988 model year, the powerful straight-six engine, sport suspension and enhanced braking put the sedan’s performance ahead of the vast majority of two-passenger sports cars. BMW’s latest version of the M5 eclipses all but the ultimate sports cars in just about every performance category while offering 14 cubic feet of cargo space and plenty of room for three adults in the back seats.

Power and Performance

BMW’s ferocious twin-turbo 4.4-liter V-8 produces 600 horsepower and 553 lb-ft in the stock M5 trim. Opt for the Competition model and that horsepower number bumps up to 617. Peak torque remains the same, but the powerband is a bit flatter. That means when you mash the go pedal to the floor you’ll get all 553 lb-ft longer between shifts. While the extra power does enhance performance, you may not notice the slight difference when you’re fighting to remain conscious as the all-wheel-drive German rocket ship of a car simulates the Millennium Falcon’s iconic Kessel Run or what us mere mortals refer to as “a spirited drive to the grocery store.”

The M5’s all-wheel drive helps facilitate the sedan’s frighteningly quick launches and aids the rather family-friendly sedan in achieving a level of grip that matches or bests many purpose-built sports cars. BMW’s race-prepped suspension instills confidence. The stock brakes work flawlessly and the optional carbon ceramic package provides the most aggressive braking we have experienced in a sports sedan.

In case you’re curious, the 2021 BMW M5 is rated at an EPA-estimated 15/21 mpg city/highway.

Relatively Subtle Styling (that we love)

The M5’s styling does little to alert the public that they are indeed looking at an exotic sports car. The sedan’s design is entirely attractive and certainly makes a powerful statement, but it doesn’t make a scene when rolling through the carpool lane at your kid’s school. Sure there will be the occasional thumbs up from the informed vice principal, but no one is calling TMZ to cash in on the cell phone video.

An Interior that Strives for Perfection

BMW’s luxurious interior offers something for everyone, but unapologetically puts the driver front and center. All of the car’s function controls are positioned around the driver and within arm’s reach. The performance-themed gauge cluster includes an rpm pre-warning and shift lights.

We drive a lot of cars, very few can compete with the M5’s comfortable seating, thoughtful instrumentation and all-around fit and finish. While nothing is ever perfect, an argument can be made for this special car’s cabin.

Who are we kidding? We wouldn’t be offended if you labeled any aspect of the M5 as “perfection.”

One of our favorite features is the leather-wrapped steering wheel’s two red buttons marked M1 and M2. Each button can be configured to automatically adjust each of the M5’s numerous performance systems. Once initially configured, they work as M-powered “easy buttons.”

Rear passenger seating is roomy and comfortable. Legroom is excellent. Even the rear middle seat is comfortable.

Technology that Makes an Amazing Driver’s Car Even Better

The standard infotainment includes a 12.3-inch high-resolution screen with navigation. Audio features a 16-speaker Harman/Kardon sound system with USB and Bluetooth streaming and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration. BMW’s iDrive infotainment is intuitive and powerful. A wireless charging hotspot allows you to get in the car, place your phone in the dock and once configured the system automatically connects. It is as easy as it gets.

The M5 also includes a standard head-up display that projects vehicle and infotainment information on the windshield. Standard safety features forward collision mitigation, blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, adaptive LED headlights, auto high beams and front and rear parking sensors.

Available active safety technology includes adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, forward collision avoidance, front cross-traffic and emergency stop assistance.

Pricing

Manufacturer suggested retail pricing for the 2021 BMW M5 starts at $103,500 plus fees.

The Competition package on our review vehicle meant a power increase to 617 horsepower. The package also includes exterior upgrades that include special 20-inch wheels, dark exterior accents, lowered sport suspension and sport exhaust. Inside, owners are treated to front sport seats, premium leather upholstery and M Sport seat belts. As tested our review vehicle cost $139,645.

Posted on

2021 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody Offers 797 Horsepower and Much More

The automotive world took notice when Dodge introduced the first “Hellcat” vehicles in 2014 for the 2015 model year. With a supercharged 707-horsepower V8 engine, the Hellcat Charger would become the most powerful production sedan ever created. Anticipation of seeing the new “cats” on the public roadways was palpable and their e arrival was loud, aggressive and often scary. Dodge’s new cats sent power to the rear wheels with a smoke-inducing vengeance, even with the tiniest of throttle.

Six years have passed and Dodge has expanded the Hellcat line up to include SUVs and with the all-new Dodge Ram 1500 TRX, pickup trucks. All of the variants boast over 700 horsepower. We’ve enjoyed doing the homework while reviewing the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk and we’re currently testing the ferocious TRX, but nothing pulls our enthusiast heartstrings like the tried and true four-door-five-passenger SRT Hellcat Charger.

Unsurprisingly, the 2021 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody with its unique bodywork that features massive fender flares, put a smile on our faces that wouldn’t go away until we had to give it back. Even then we’d sit around and say things like “remember when we had the Hellcat Redeye Widebody?” and the goofy perma-grin would return.

Otherworldly Power and Performance

Powered by a 797-horsepower and 707 lb-ft of torque version of the inspired 6.2-liter supercharged V8 engine, the Redeye retains the title of the “most powerful and fastest mass-produced sedan in the world.” For lack of a better word, this engine is a beast. The supercharger whine is haunting. The exhaust sets off the neighbor’s car alarms and rattles house windows.

There is a good reason the Dodge marketing team opted to include the word “hell” in the sales brochure. Put the HP90 8-speed automatic transmission in drive, tap the throttle and the 20-inch wheels wrapped in 305/35ZR20 tires start to spin, usually without the car going anywhere. They will get traction eventually and when they do the car launches like a rocket ship. It is often scary as _ _ _ _.

Spacious Interior and Plenty of Cargo Space

While the supercharged V8 tends to get most of the attention, the Charger’s ponies are capable of more than a single trick. The spacious interior and ample cargo space make the Hellcat Charger one of the more useful family sedans on the market.

Considering the already family-friendly V6-powered Charger starts right around $30k, the Hellcat Widebody’s base price of $70k and the Redeye’s $80k jumping off point gives Dodge plenty of capital for improvement. With a long list of additional upgrades, our well-equipped test vehicle rang in at $87,165. At that price you expect more than a pretty face and a massive engine. For almost $90k you want heated and ventilated leather seats, suede and carbon fiber trim and unique visual cues. You are looking for that kind of substance and the Redeye delivers.

Rear seating is truly three people ready and the Charger’s trunk offers an incredible 16.5 cubic feet of useable cargo space. That’s enough room to accommodate a long weekend’s worth of luggage for a family of five.

Infotainment that Shines

We are longtime fans of Dodge’s intuitive and easy to navigate infotainment. The “Uconnect” system features at 8.4-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability. The system is found in much cheaper Dodge products where it completely rises above most of the competition. At $87k the system still shines, but feels more like it is “enough” than the segment show stealer that it is in a $25k vehicle. That said, the Hellcat’s special system features a long list of SRT performance apps that the lesser offerings don’t have.

We were also pleased with the optional 19-speaker Harman/Kardon audio system. The premium audio upgrade gives the speakers a chance to rise above the raucous of the supercharged V8, most of the time anyway.

Active Safety Technology

Dodge’s SRT Hellcat is equipped with blind-spot monitors, rear parking sensors and rear cross-traffic alert. Options include automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control and forward collision warning.

Do You Need a 2021 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody?

Obviously the 797-horsepower Redeye isn’t for everyone. That said, it is a lot more useful than the initial marketing would suggest. How many drag strip ready cars are also perfectly equipped for the elementary school car pool lane? How about a rear seat that has room for THREE adults? Or a trunk that fits seven carry on bags?

Seems like we all need one…

Posted on

Sports Sedan Greatness: The 2021 BMW M550i xDrive

I am a longtime fan of the iconic BMW 5 series. As a kid my dad owned a 1982 BMW 528i with a 5-speed manual transmission. The car was 10 years old at the time. It was black and had a mirror like shine, the result of hours spent wet sanding a respray. The car stood out, even around vehicles that cost much more.

For us BMW’s 5 series is in many ways the car you would own if you could only have one car – as in forever. Performance in on par or better than many purpose-built sports cars. The interior is luxurious but avoids gimmicks, for the most part anyway. The trunk provides plenty of cargo space. It looks great.

We recently spent some time with the latest 5 series, the 2021 BMW M550i xDrive sedan. Updated for the 2021 model year, the M550i represents the top trim apart from the heralded M5 sedan. The new model year features improvements in the exterior and interior design, new technology and a 530e model that includes a 48-volt mild hybrid system.

Our review vehicle, the M550i xDrive is powered by a formidable 523 horsepower 4.4-liter turbocharged V8 engine. The V8 produces 553 ft-lbs. of torque and is coupled with an 8-speed automatic transmission. The all-wheel-drive sedan leaps from 0 to 60 mph in 3.6 seconds and is capable of reaching a top speed of 155 mph.

For the record, that’s blazingly fast. Especially for a car that fits in well while pulling up to the car pool lane at the local elementary school or parked at the local grocery store. No rolling circus, no carnival act, just a gorgeous ride that does little to attract undo attention. Those in the know will take a minute to look it over, but otherwise, it is a sleeper that will give most sports cars a run for the money.

The M550i xDrive’s all-wheel drive system is rear-biased. This equates to a car that is great in the snow, but rowdy like a rear-wheel-drive sedan when pushed. The M550i xDrive also features a rear M Sport differential. The electronically controlled rear differential improves traction and power by changing the grip of the left and right rear wheels and by preventing wheel spin. Paired with a fantastic adjustable suspension, incredibly precise steering and powerful brakes, the M550i is truly a BMW sports sedan worthy of the manufacturer’s benchmark status.

Unique Sleek Styling

While tastefully done, our M550i xDrive Sedan does feature some unique styling cues. A new aero kit and rear trunk lid spoiler enhance functionality and looks. Further setting apart the trim, “Cerium Grey” paint is applied to the side mirror caps, BMW kidney grille, front air intake inlays and to model lettering. Dual trapezoidal black chrome exhaust finishers accent the rear and high-gloss black window surrounds give the sides a distinctive look. Sans the typical brightwork, the M550i is stealthy.

A Refined User-Friendly Interior

Four-cylinder and six-cylinder models are fit with BMW’s “SensaTec” upholstery with contrast stitching. Our V8-powered M550i comes with real “Dakota” leather seating. Nappa leather is available on all models. The dashboard on the four- and six-cylinder 5 Series can be ordered in an optional black synthetic leather with brown stitching, which is also standard on our M550i xDrive.

All models feature comfortable and supportive sport seats. The M550i comes with BMW’s “M Multi-contour seats.” Both the standard and upgraded seating are among the best in the segment. BMW has worked for decades to perfect the sports sedan interior and it shows.  

Rear seating is spacious and comfortable as well. With room for three adults, the M550i is truly a family-friendly sports sedan. Cargo space in the trunk is relatively small at 14 cubic feet but is easily expanded thanks to the standard 40:20:40 split folding rear seat.

Technology That Works

The new 5 Series features a long list of standard technology. The Live Cockpit Professional with iDrive 7 features a 12.3-inch digital instrument display and a 12.3-inch digital central touchscreen control display. That is a lot of hi-def video real estate. BMW’s infotainment features navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Enhanced USB and Bluetooth Smartphone integration and a WiFi Hotspot with complimentary 3-month/3GB trial are also included.

The intuitive system provides real buttons, touch screens, a large wheel and hand motion controls. Spinning your finger in a circle in front of the sensor for instance turns the volume up and down. A thumb’s up to the left advances the audio track or radio station. It only takes a few minutes to become acclimated with the hand motions and once you are it allows for the driver to keep their eyes on the road rather than looking for a knob or touchscreen area.

Active Safety Features

Standard active safety features include lane departure warning with steering correction, automatic high beams, frontal collision and pedestrian warning with braking function, blind spot detection, rear cross traffic alert and rear collision preparation. Optional tech includes driving assistance and parking assistance packages.

The 2021 BMW 5 Series lineup:

  • 248 hp 530i and 530i xDrive Sedans
  • 288 hp 530e and 530e xDrive PHEV Sedans
  • 335 hp 540i and 540i xDrive Sedans
  • 523 hp M550i xDrive Sedan

Pricing

Pricing for the 2021 BMW 5 Series sedan starts at $54,200 plus fees for the 530i Sedan. Our M550i xDrive sedan starts at $76,800, our loaded up review vehicle costs $93,735, including a $995 destination charge.

Posted on

Twin Turbo V6 Excellence: The 2021 Infiniti Q50 RED SPORT 400 AWD

Infiniti knows how to build a twin turbo V6 engine, especially of the 3-liter variety. Much of my childhood was spent daydreaming about the then new second generation 300ZX. The top-tier version was powered by a glorious 3-liter twin turbo V6. A likely underrated 300-horsepower masterpiece that could be considered the grandfather of the engine that sits under the hood of our review vehicle today, the 2021 Infiniti Q50 Red Sport AWD.

Unlike the 300zx, even the longer wheelbase four passenger version, the Q50 is an entirely practical car. With a premium interior that seats five adults and useable – if not spacious – trunk, Infiniti’s premium sports sedan is many things that the beloved sports coupe of my youth wasn’t.

All while shaving a half second or more off the 300zx’s zero to sixty time, depending on news outlet and driver.

Exterior design that has been around the block but still looks fresh

We remember when the Q50 first arrived for the 2014 model year. At the time there wasn’t much that could compete with the futuristic design. Matter of fact, the relatively unchanged exterior was so far advanced that it still looks fresh in 2021. However, in a line up with segment competitors the Q50’s curb appeal slightly wanes.

A well-made premium interior

There are more luxurious sedans in the segment, but no one can argue the Q50’s excellent fit and finish. Front legroom is plentiful and rear seat passengers will find the accommodations excellent for two adults or three youth.

In our experience, Infiniti makes one of the most comfortable seats found in any new car. The frame is padded just enough to be comfortable, but not so much that you lose support. Our Red Sport 400 arrived with semi-aniline quilted leather seats. We appreciated the red stitching throughout the cabin, which adds a nice contrast. The Red Sport also adds quilted side inserts on the seats and dashboard dials with dark chrome finish.

Cargo space is about average for the segment. With 13.5 cubic feet, the Q50 will work for most around town situations. You can fit quite a few groceries or backpacks for instance. But those looking for optimal cargo space and desire something in the Infiniti family will want to look at the QX50 SUV.

Two screens instead of one

The Q50 has not one, but two touch-capacitive color screens in the center console. Both screens work together to provide infotainment and control other vehicle functions. The top 8-inch screen displays Apple CarPlay, Android Auto or navigation and can be controlled using the touchscreen, steering wheel controls or a control knob. The lower 7-inch screen can display various apps depending on the user’s preferences. Infiniti’s “InTouch” system works well after you take time to configure the car and explore the features.

Driver Profiles are automatically implemented based on which key fob is used. Which allows the Q50 to feel like “your car” for everyone in the family with their own fob. The driver’s seat and steering wheel automatically adjust when you jump in and push the on/off button.

Options include a 16-speaker Bose sound system and advanced Climate Control System with “Plasmacluster” air purifier.

Available active safety technology includes an “around view” monitor with moving object detection, intelligent cruise control, forward emergency braking, distance control assist, blind spot monitors, backup collision and lane departure warning. Additional features include lane departure prevention with active lane control, adaptive front lighting, high beam assist and predictive forward collision warning.

A bit more about that incredible engine

Whether you opt for the 300 horsepower of 400 horsepower variant, the Q50’s 3-liter twinturbo engine is a work of mechanical art. Referred to the as VQ V6, the direct-injection system is tuned to provide an excellent balance of efficiency and power. While this is a new car, the tuner/home mechanic in me could easily see this lightweight aluminum engine swapped out into a long number of vintage Japanese sports cars creating the ultimate import restomod. I also think that it could be easily tuned to favor performance over efficiency if/when that time arrives.

The standard twin turbo, offered in the Q50 3.0t LUXE and Q50 3.0t SPORT models, produces 300 horsepower and 295 lb-ft torque. The high-output version, like the one found in our Q50 RED SPORT 400, delivers 400 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque.

Both engines are matched to a seven-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode. The 2018 Q50 can be configured with rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.

Thanks to the powerful engine and quick shifting automatic, the Q50 offers excellent acceleration. Entering the highway, even a short ramp that is about the equivalent of an aircraft carrier, is easy. Passing is a breeze. The plus-sized brakes on our Red Sport made quick work of stopping and resisted fading in stop and go traffic. While we aren’t the biggest fans of Infiniti’s drive-by-wire system, it has evolved over the years, After a few days behind the wheel the system almost feels somewhat natural, almost. Our guess is that most cars at some point in the future will feature a system that uses this technology over the conventional steering that we are accustomed to. It allows for user configuration that would be impossible in a traditional system.

Our Red Sport review vehicle also included Infiniti’s “Dynamic Digital Suspension.” The adjustable suspension system can be set for comfort or varying levels of sport. While we want to be heroes and say that we left the suspension dialed up to the sportiest mode, we found the comfort-biased settings worked the best for everyday driving.

Pricing

The base model Q50 Pure starts at $36,600 plus fees. The Q50 RED SPORT 400 includes leather-appointed seats, aluminum-accented pedals, dark chrome interior trim, dark metallic paddle shifters, 19-inch wheels and tires, custom exhaust tips, sport brakes with red painted calipers, a full range of safety and driver aid technologies. Our nicely equipped Red Sport with all-wheel-drive costs $62,065.