MIAMI — All-electric power trains may be the future in the automotive world, but the new electric version of the 2020 Mini Cooper SE Electric is already behind the times, which, as we shall see, is unfortunate. With an estimated 110-mile duration on a full charge, the Mini Cooper SE Electric is burdened with a notably short driving range, especially considering several other all-electric competitors are offering twice that and more with recent models.

MIAMI — As you may surmise from the numerical designation, the X1 is the smallest of BMW’s fleet of  SUVs, but don’t sell it short. This is a roomy vehicle that delivers both a fun driving experience while remaining true to the functional aspects of the SUV segment, or SAV for Sports Activity Vehicle in BMW parlance.

PHOENIX — The ubiquitous Toyota Highlander is the best-selling three-row crossover utility vehicle in the very crowded mid-sized segment. Facing stiff competition from superb all-new or redesigned competitors like the excellent Kia Telluride and Hyundai Palisade, a new generation 2020 Ford Explorer, and others, Toyota has introduced its completely redesigned fourth-generation Highlander for 2020.

INDIANAPOLIS — I’ve been craving a grilled chicken sandwich and rolls from the Beef House Restaurant near Covington, Indiana.  With a BMW 840i in the driveway, an 80-mile drive for a yummy snack no longer seemed excessive.  Given too many days locked down with COVID-19 restrictions, I just wanted some road time and a great meal.  I got both in BMW’s best coupe in decades.

MIAMI — The short take on Cadillac’s new XT6 crossover SUV: It’s like the XT5 that I recently reviewed, but, as you may deduce from the alpha-numeric tag, a bit bigger. Perhaps you want more details. The Cadillac XT6 is a new vehicle for 2020 and completes the trio of crossover SUVs that replaced the SRX in the company’s portfolio.

PHOENIX — The mid-sized Atlas Cross Sport is an all-new addition to the Volkswagen lineup for 2020, and a more stylish derivative of the boxier Atlas on which it’s based. For comparison, the Cross Sport is to the Atlas what the Honda Passport is to the Honda Pilot. Other competitors for the Cross Sport are the Ford Edge, Chevrolet Blazer, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Kia Sorento, and Nissan Murano. Outside, while there’s a lot of Atlas in the Cross Sport’s design language, front and rear fascia are different, as are side and rear windows and other small flourishes to the sheetmetal.

PHOENIX — Unlike mainstream automakers with a plethora of new models released every year, a new Rolls-Royce doesn’t come along very often. Enter the Dawn, a gorgeous new four-seat convertible introduced a couple model years ago that is undeniably the most sensual, captivating and immersive luxury car experiences available.

INDIANAPOLIS — There’s no doubt I’d enjoy driving the BMW X6 M Competition with its 617 horsepower twin-turbo V8 engine and hard knuckles to tackle any challenging road.  But, oh boy, that’s an intense way to motor around town or cruise to a vacation spot.  Of course, the regular X6 M steps it down a notch, but even that may be a bit crazy.  Apparently, more than a few BMW customers thought the same because the automaker rolls out a new X6 M50i for 2020.  Think of it as the almost-M X6.

INDIANAPOLIS — As GM, Ford, and Chrysler flee the compact sedan segment, Nissan has decided to double attack it with vigor.  Tossing aside the previous generation’s tall lozenge styling, the all-new 2020 Sentra is back to flaunt its spicy style.  Looking like it’s been to the gym and a makeover artist, it arrives with a wide stance, chiseled flanks, suave interior, and significantly more invigorating driving experience.

PHOENIX — Porsche’s first all-electric car, the 2020 Taycan (pronounced Tie-kahn meaning “lively young horse”) is a profoundly impressive sports sedan. It delivers every bit of refinement, driving engagement with the recognized high-performance sports car experience of other Porsche models that affluent driving enthusiasts have come to expect.