March 2024

BMW 7 Series gets fully electric drive capability in i7 sedan



By Paul Borden
MotorwayAmerica.com
 
(April 1, 2024) BMW began getting serious about electrifying its fleet of luxury vehicles a decade ago introducing the i3 hatchback as its first mass-produced zero-emission model. Last year the German automaker topped out its portfolio of sedan-configured EVs with the 2023 BMW i7. A big, powerful brute packed with a multitude of tech features and creature comforts (massage anyone?), the BMW i7 came in only one trim level for 2023.

2024 Mercedes-Benz CLA250 4Matic



Entry-level Benz gets modest
refreshing; 13 more horsepower

By Jim Prueter
MotorwayAmerica.com

(March 31, 2024) The Mercedes CLA is the smallest Mercedes offering and the second-most affordable in their lineup next to the GLA crossover utility vehicle. Mimicking the expensive facade looks of the S-class luxury sedan in a scaled down form. Its styling is handsome and the interior is reasonably upscale and modern.

Hyundai hits the sweet spot with Ioniq 6 EV



By Paul Borden
MotorwayAmerica.com

(March 29, 2024) Hyundai brought its Ioniq 6 all-electric sedan to market as a 2023 model and has made no significant changes to the 2024 version, which to me is an indication designers and engineers did it right the first time. Extended range, a long list of standard features, user-friendly tech features, and distinctive but not overly funky looks are just some of the things working in the 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 6’s favor.

Don’t get April fooled by wobbling gas prices



(March 29, 2024) WASHINGTON, D.C. — After an early spring surge, the national average for a gallon of gas spent the past week drifting up and down by a fraction of a cent before settling a penny higher at $3.53. But the break may be temporary, as gas pump prices will likely resume a spring increase.

Kelley Blue Book announces winners of 2024 Consumer Choice Awards



Honda scores most wins
from new-car shoppers for 2024


(March 28, 2024) ATLANTA — After several years of car-buying challenges due to production complications from the pandemic, 2024 is finally a great time for consumers to buy a new car, with supply evening out and more deals becoming available. Yet while some of the challenges have eased up, buying a new car is still a huge purchase decision where shoppers devote hours to researching which brand and model is best for them, and consumer perception weighs heavily into this process.

2024 Mercedes GLC 300 Coupe — Updated GLC gets larger, adds hybrid power



By Jim Prueter
MotorwayAmerica.com

(March 28, 2024) Like the standard issue compact GLC SUV from which it's based upon, the second generation GLC Coupe tested here as a 2024 model is basically a smaller, sportier version that's grown a bit larger length and height, yet remains the same width. So slight is the visual change between the old and new would require them to be parked side by side to see the grille now favors the AMG variants along with the stylized propeller on either side and of course the enormous trim-star moniker. Designers have also tidied up the front fascia that together, gives the GLC a surprisingly more modern, updated look. Nice.

Study finds EV owners concerned over durability of their tires



(March 27, 2024) Electric vehicle owners are noticing vehicle tires wearing faster than those on gasoline-powered vehicles, according to the J.D. Power 2024 U.S. Original Equipment Tire Customer Satisfaction Study. Findings from the study highlight EV owners having less satisfaction with the durability of their tires, expecting them to wear similar to gasoline-powered vehicle tires. However, EV tires naturally wear quicker because of greater vehicle weight and higher torque.

2024 Ferrari Purosangue — The performance SUV only Ferrari could build



By Jim Prueter
MotorwayAmerica.com

(March 26, 2024) PHOENIX — The idea we'd ever see the day when the traditional image of the Prancing Horse badge would ever adorn anything other than an exotic two-seat, low-slung sports car completely defies physics and compromises to the storied heritage and practicality of the Ferrari brand of impressive, beautiful and expensive cars.

Report —Automakers losing about $6,000 on every EV they sell



(March 25, 2024) Automakers are losing thousands of dollars on every EV they sell, and for the most part not meeting consumer expectations for the vehicles, according to Boston Consulting Group. The group estimates that most automakers lose about $6,000 on each EV they sell for $50,000, after accounting for customer tax credits.

Gas prices march higher with the arrival of spring



(March 22, 2024) WASHINGTON, D.C. — The national average for a gallon of gas rose 11 cents since last week to $3.52. While domestic gas demand has been lackluster, rising oil prices helped push pump prices higher. The Midwest may see a bit of a price reprieve, as the large BP Whiting refinery in Indiana is back up and running after being down since Feb. 1.