MIAMI — For over four decades, the BMW 3 Series has been considered to be the benchmark in the sport sedan segment as well as serving as the German automaker’s best-selling model. BMW reports that more than 15 million 3 Series models have been sold worldwide since it arrived in the U.S. in 1976 as a replacement for the iconic BMW 2002 sedan.

MIAMI — If somebody ever would give me $200,000 with the stipulation that I had to spend it all on my next car, at least I know now where I would start. I would head for the nearest Mercedes-Benz showroom and asked the first salesman to take me to the 2019 AMG S63 Coupe. I just might stop shopping there. Though there is no such thing as a “perfect” automobile, a designation that likely would vary from person to person, the S63 Coupe comes as close as any with high marks in performance, appearance, technological features, comfort, and prestige.

PHOENIX — When Ford first introduced the F-150 SVT Raptor in 2010, it set a new standard for off-roading that few ever thought possible. It was not only a high-performance truck on the road, like the SVT Lightning it replaced, it was a completely improbable and delightfully flippant “Baja-ready-from-the-factory” high-performance off-road truck.

INDIANAPOLIS — I fly way too much, but sometimes the destination can be reached by car — preferably a very fast and comfortable one.  It’s a great challenge.  Which car to drive?  A large luxury SUV would be great, but they’re not fun fast.  A sports car is fast, but not very comfortable.  Coupes can be comfy and fast, but aren’t very practical.  So, I settled for a top flight “five door coupe.” 

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — It’s been 28 years since there’s been a Jeep-branded pickup, the Comanche, sold from 1986 through 1992. As one of the most highly anticipated new vehicles to launch in years the Gladiator finally arrives amid renewed interest in midsize pickups among the likes of Chevrolet Colorado, Toyota Tacoma, and Ford Ranger entries.

PHOENIX — Nissan first debuted its all-electric LEAF in 2010. It quickly became the best-selling electric vehicle in the world, with more that 400,000 sold since that time. However, given the recent success of the more advanced Tesla Model 3, that distinction may not hold up for much longer. When Nissan introduced its second-generation LEAF for 2018 with a new 150-mile driving range — up from the first generation’s 107 miles — Chevrolet had already announced the game-changing Bolt with its breakthrough 238 miles.

PHOENIX — For 2019, Mercedes has launched its third-generation CLS 450, which originally debuted in 2004. Often confused as a stable mate in the C-Class category, slotting below the S- and E-class, the CLS actually occupies a class of its own between the S- and E-class sedans. The new CLS actually rides on the E-Class platform but uses the S-Class’ engines and electronics.

MIAMI — Three things you can count on in a German luxury car. The latest in technology will be available and it will be fussy, and sometimes frustrating to operate. The cabin will live up to the highest standards of luxury while giving you the feel of a high-class English gentleman’s club. It will go like a bat out of hell. The 2019 SQ5 from Audi encompasses all three.

LAS VEGAS, Nev. — At the North American International Auto Show in January, Ram 1500 earned top honors as North American Truck of the Year, as chosen by automotive media jurors from across the U.S. and Canada. Fresh off of that win, Ram introduces its all-new 2019 line of 2500, 3500 and Power Wagon Heavy duty trucks.

PHOENIX — Pickup trucks are better than ever and the hottest selling vehicle segment on the market thanks to America’s growing love affair, an insatiable appetite for them and a strong economy. It also helps that most automakers have dramatically upped their game with new entrants like the return of the Ford Ranger and Honda Ridgeline mid-sized trucks. Still others like Ram, Chevrolet and GMC are all new for 2019.