Third Gear: I always think there is something vaguely untrustworthy about people who use initials instead of their full name. It definitely seems correlated with people who are projecting a very cultivated image. “I’m RJ Scaringe, important and very cool CEO of important and cool EV startup. Please think about how…

The issue with the Taycan is that it’s really pretty small inside. We have the Sport Turismo, but even it and the Cross Turismo have pretty limited trunk space. It’s incredibly comfortable, but definitely doesn’t give you the feeling of space and luxury you presumably get with the i7, EQS and Lucid.

I love the Delta, but I’d be very wary of buying one without an absolutely rock solid history. This one just feels a bit sketchy (e.g. listed in NJ, but the dealer is actually in Mississauga, Ontario, “recent repaint,” and the ever reassuring “runs smooth”). I’d rather pay up for a better one.

I just can’t get over how these cars look. If I’m buying a full size luxury sedan, I want something discrete and elegant, not something that looks like an angry, squashed stormtrooper.

I think that’s a pretty good approach. Porsche has always run that playbook pretty effectively with the Cayenne, getting buyers to pay the same price for a more basic Cayenne as they would for a better equipped and more powerful BMW, Audi or Mercedes. A lot of people would probably sacrifice some of the toys and…

I think anyone wanting a sporting small EV SUV will have to wait for the Macan EV built on the new PPE platform. Presumably there will be an Audi variant, but doubtful that anything with a VW badge will be offered on this platform.

It is basically a much uglier Audi Q7 with very nice interior materials.

Same as in the Ioniq 5. The first iteration of wireless CarPlay I had was in a 2019 X5, where it was super flaky. Those issues seem to have been resolved in the wireless CP we have in our other car, and it’s surprising how quickly you get used to it, to the extent that it’s a pain not to have it. Really silly that Kia…

The funny thing about the paint is that it’s similar to either Neptune Blue on the Taycan (for which Porsche charges a $3,150 premium), or a PTS colour like Oslo Blue ($11,430 premium). At least Kia is letting people choose a distinctive colour and their premium is $495.

Might be worth mentioning that one of the nicest features of the base 911 engine is that it has smaller turbos, and therefore feels slightly more responsive / closer to a naturally aspirated car. Combine this with the manual, which isn’t available at all in the regular base 911, and the T really could be the sweet…

Right, but how many times has Cadillac tried this “let’s reinvent ourselves as [insert current flavour of luxury positioning],” only to see the strategy make zero impact and the company to go back to selling nothing but Escalades to end users, and sedans to fleets and uber black drivers?

Agreed. I do not understand why so many journalists have been talking up the interior of the EQS as if it’s the pinnacle of interior design.

Safety, right. https://www-esv.nhtsa.dot.gov/Proceedings/25/25ESV-000260.pdf

I had a T8 XC90. It was hands down the most unreliable piece of garbage I’ve ever owned. When it worked it was very comfortable and effortless to drive, but it was in the shop at least 10 times in 14 months before I threw in the towel.

The Ioniq is RWD not FWD. I have the AWD, but only because when I ordered it I thought the higher spec models would get delivered faster. The RWD with the larger battery is probably the sweet spot in the range. A good set of snow tires and it will be more than fine in winter.

Porsche 911 Black Edition. Seriously, a 911 in black with a badge telling you it’s black. That’s it, no other unique characteristics, and certainly no different than getting a normal 911 in black. There’s a reason nobody wants these on the used car market.

Isn’t the range on a typical diesel truck around 1,500 - 2,000 miles? I realize that drivers legally have to take breaks at much more frequent intervals that probably correspond to the Tesla’s claimed range, but how likely is it that charging infrastructure will line up with those breaks? I’m assuming that the battery…

Just recovering from the shock of seeing a new car interior with clear, individual buttons and dials for the climate control.

I honestly think this is at the heart of why Tesla owners are such zealots. They have extended themselves financially to get the car so it MUST be more than a car, it must be the second coming of Christ.

The classiest GT3 Tourings are the ones in a cool PTS colour, chrome trim and silver wheels. So much more elegant than the blacked out look.