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Overview

The 2020 BMW 4-Series epitomizes the brand's luxury pedigree and storied driving engagement. There's a sporty coupe for enthusiasts and a hard-top convertible for sun-seekers.

While a four-cylinder engine with rear-wheel drive is standard and all-wheel drive is offered, the gutsy optional six-cylinder is silky smooth and is very fuel efficient.

Despite the interior's sedate aesthetic and lack of cubby storage, the cabin is quiet and passenger space is plentiful. The 4 has some desirable standard equipment and offers myriad luxury features, but the latter can easily inflate the bottom line.

Still, the 2020 4-Series is classic BMW, with a pleasantly firm ride and terrific handling.

What's New for 2020?

The 2020 4-Series carries over mostly unchanged, but the coupe and convertible add newly standard features and different options.

Driver assists such as automated emergency braking, forward-collision warning, pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, and more are now standard.

The 4 also receives minor styling tweaks that include darker taillights, black grille surrounds, and an updated rear diffuser.

The other 2020 additions are Mocha Dakota leather, carbon-fiber trim, new wheel designs, and new paint colors (Mediterranean Blue and Sunset Orange). Convertible models are no longer available with the M Sport brakes.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

430i coupe: $45,945
440i coupe: $52,345
430i convertible: $54,095
440i convertible: $61,145

The BMW 4-Series base price is $45,945, which closely aligns with the Audi A5 and the Mercedes C-class. The available convertible and turbocharged six-cylinder both significantly increase the price. While we prefer the coupe body style, the quick and efficient six is worth the investment.

We'd also select the no-cost manual transmission (the automatic is standard) and pass on the $2000 all-wheel-drive system. Instead, we'd dress up the otherwise staid cabin with one of the upgraded upholstery options for $1450.

The M Sport package ($3400) further enhances the 4's driving character with a sportier suspension and includes unique bodywork and exclusive interior features.

The $1700 Track Handling package maximizes the 4's performance potential with adaptive dampers, upgraded brakes, stickier tires, and variable steering.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The 430i is powered by a zesty 248-hp turbocharged four-cylinder, while the 440i boasts a 320-hp turbocharged inline-six that lives up to BMW's reputation as a company that makes great engines.

Rear-wheel drive is standard, but all models can be equipped with all-wheel drive. Both engines provide more than enough forward thrust to keep things interesting.

The Last 440i coupe went from zero to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds, quicker than any rival. While an eight-speed automatic transmission is standard, a six-speed manual transmission is available on certain models. Direct your attention to the hard-core BMW M4 (reviewed separately) for no-holds-barred performance.

While the regular 4-Series won't deliver a white-knuckle driving experience, its chassis instantly adapts to the spirited nature of twisty back-roads or the relaxed comfort of black-top boulevards.

Still, the BMW is at its best blitzing down a curvy road where its body motion is minimal. In our cornering test, it had the least amount of grip of its rivals, but that's not an indictment of the coupe's performance; its best attribute is blending athletic handling and a composed ride.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

A sports car's interior must cater to the driver, and a luxury car's must be comfortable. The 4-Series accomplishes both, with an excellent driving position and spacious passenger accommodations.

Its materials and finishes are becoming dated, however. The M Sport package adds a unique leather-wrapped steering wheel that looks and feels amazing.

The standard front sport seats are supportive but too firm, especially on longer road trips. While two doors might denote limited cargo space, the 4 is less limited than most of its rivals.

The coupe held four carry-ons with the rear seats folded, but interior cubby storage is sparse and caused us to mostly rely on the cup-holders.

A center pass-through is accessible in the back seat but foling the outboard seat-backs must be done via release handles in the trunk.

Infotainment and Connectivity

BMW's iDrive infotainment system is aesthetically pleasing, and the absence of a touchscreen means bye-bye finger smudges. While Apple CarPlay is standard, Android Auto isn't available.

A display screen sits atop the dashboard looking like a propped-up tablet. It's operated by a rotary knob surrounded by redundant buttons on the center console for intuitive control.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The 2020 4-Series has not been crash-tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

BMW also outfits the 4 with several standard and optional driver-assistance technologies.

Key safety features include:

Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
Available adaptive cruise control
Available self-parking assist

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Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

The warranty of the BMW 4-Series is competitive with other entry-luxury cars; its standout feature is its lengthy complimentary scheduled maintenance.

Limited warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
Powertrain warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
Complimentary maintenance is covered for 3 years or 36,000 miles.
2020 BMW 4-Series

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Thursday, August 13, 2020

2021 Porsche 911 Review

Overview

From its rear-mounted flat-six engine to its otherworldly handling, the Porsche 911 has preserved the essential elements that made it an icon. Its familiar circular headlights, Coke bottle shape, and sloping rump make it virtually impossible to mistake a 911 for any other sports car.

Climb into its perfectly positioned driver's seat, fire up its powerful and unique-sounding engine, and engage either of its terrific transmissions; Porsche's legendary 2+2-seater will then proceed to overload you with feedback from its telepathic steering and its peerless performance attributes.

It's offered as a coupe or convertible and with rear- or all-wheel drive. The company's extensive list of options allows it to be personalized for all tastes. The only knock against the 2021 Porsche 911 is that it's too expensive for most enthusiasts to own.

What's New for 2021?

For 2021, Porsche makes a handful of small changes to the 911. The flashiest update is the newly introduced Python Green paint. The standard 911 also inherits options from the pricier and more powerful Turbo and Turbo S variants.

These include the 930 Leather package that spruces up the interior as well as lightweight insulated glass that both saves weight and reduces noise. Porsche also gifts the 2021 911 with programmable GPS capability for the optional front-axle lift system that knows when to raise the nose at specific locations.

Those who opt for the Sport Chrono package will now receive a digital tire-temperature display that appears in the gauge cluster.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

Carrera: $99,000 (est.)
Carrera Cabriolet: $112,000 (est.)
Carrera 4: $106,500 (est.)
Carrera 4 Cabriolet: $119,000 (est.)
Carrera S: $115,000 (est.)
Carrera S Cabriolet: $128,000 (est.)
Carrera 4S: $122,000 (est.)
Carrera 4S Cabriolet: $135,000 (est.)

Porsche hasn't said how much each model will cost or when the 2021 911 lineup will go on sale. But based on the few minor changes and our experience with the current model-year cars, we can still confidently recommend the Carrera 4S.

The S version's increased output nets 64 more horses than the standard Carrera, and we'd be happy with either the engaging manual transmission or the snappier PDK dual-clutch automatic.

Those who want to enjoy their 911 year-round but have to deal with the slippery conditions associated with winter weather—like us—will appreciate the 4S's all-wheel-drive system.

Unfortunately, it's a substantial upcharge and no longer brings wider rear fenders, which now appear on all versions.

Porsche is known for its à la carte approach to options, which is both a blessing and a curse, because it allows a lot of personalization but can quickly inflate the already-rich bottom line. We'd spring for the Sport Chrono package that adds launch control, additional drive modes, and more.

The Sport Seats Plus provide more supportive front buckets, and the Sport package adds desirable performance hardware, specifically a lowered suspension and a louder exhaust system.

Our selection of upgrades would conclude with ventilated front-seat cushions, passive entry, heated, multifunction GT steering wheel, and Porsche's Dynamic Light System Plus that features automatic high-beams and headlights that swivel in the direction the front tires are pointed.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

Mounted in the rear of the 911 Carrera is a twin-turbo 3.0-liter flat-six-cylinder engine. The base version has 379 horsepower and 331 lb-ft of torque; the S model pumps out 443 ponies and 390 lb-ft.

While all Carreras have a ridiculously quick-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission, a sweet seven-speed manual is offered on S models.

Both base and S variants come standard with rear-wheel drive, but they can be equipped with all-wheel drive for four-season high-performance driving. every 911 has astonishing acceleration, especially when the gleefully good launch control is utilized.

Porsche's optional sport exhaust system also helps enhance the experience by providing a fuller engine note. Best of all, the 911 is as comfortable as ever and also better to drive.

Its steering is communicative and brilliantly direct, and the coupe and convertible have increased cornering grip and stability.

The ride quality is surprisingly supple, too, despite the 911's amazing body control, which allow drivers to seamlessly switch between relaxed and spirited romps.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The EPA estimates for the 992-generation dropped dramatically compared to the previous models.

I'll start with the automatics: Both the rear-drive 911 Carrera and Carrera S and the all-wheel-drive Carrera 4 (including the convertible versions) are rated at 18 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway.

Step up to the more powerful Carrera 4S and its ratings drop to 18 city and 23 highway.

Manual-transmission variants are rated a single mpg lower on the city figures and one higher on the highway.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The 911's interior continues to look sophisticated rather than complicated, with a mix of buttons, knobs and touch-screen controls and—for the first time ever—a large center cup-holder.

The gauge cluster also deviates from history, ditching the mainly analog instruments for mostly digital ones.

While these screens have some user-experience issues and can be blocked by the steering wheel, the central tachometer still uses a physical needle that follows the engine's revs towards its heavenly 7500-rpm red-line.

The 911's low-slung driving position and supportive front seats are fantastic, and the steering wheel has a wide range of adjustment.

We only wish Porsche used less piano-black trim on the center console, provided more interior cubby storage, and gave this icon of a car a grander shifter than the stubby flipper that comes on automatic-equipped models.

Although the 911 continues to offer seating for up to four in theory, the tiny back seats remain as hostile to adults as they were when 911s first hit the road in the mid-1960s.

Infotainment and Connectivity

Every 911 is outfitted with a 10.9-inch touchscreen integrated into the middle of the dashboard.

In addition to voice commands and buttons on the steering wheel, the center screen also features rotary push-button controls on the console.

The infotainment system supports a Wi-Fi hotspot and wireless Apple CarPlay, but Android Auto isn't offered.

Porsche does provide two high-end surround-sound systems that include a 12-speaker Bose unit and a 13-speaker Burmester stereo.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The 2021 911 hasn't been crash tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

The Porsche does have myriad driver-assistance technologies, including desirable options such as automatic high-beams, blind-spot monitoring, and even night vision. Key safety features include:

Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
Available lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
Available adaptive cruise control

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Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Porsche's warranty coverage is standard for the segment, with the first maintenance visit covered free of charge.

However, rivals such as the Jaguar F-type offer more value by covering maintenance for up to five years.

Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
Power-train warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
Complimentary maintenance is covered for one years or 10,000 miles.
2021 Porsche 911

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Wednesday, August 12, 2020

2020 Porsche Panamera Review

Overview

Part sports car, part full-size luxury sedan, part hatchback, the 2020 Porsche Panamera is a dynamic and refined package that delivers the sporting character and performance that has made the brand famous.

As fun to drive as it is practical, the Panamera is perfect for those who dream of driving a 911 but need something that's more versatile and perhaps family friendly.

Once thought to be blasphemy for the German sports-car company to build a sedan, the Panamera is now in its second generation and has been accepted by the brand's loyalists.

Like its popular SUVs, the Panamera has broadened Porsche's appeal and allowed a greater number to enjoy its exceptional engineering and extraordinary driving dynamics.

The company also offers the Panamera Sport Turismo, which is more wagon than hatchback. Although the two body styles are mechanically identical under their sheetmetal, we cover the Sport Turismo models separately.

What's New for 2020?

For 2020, Porsche celebrates 10 years of Panamera production with a 10th-anniversary model. The 2020 Panamera 10 Year Edition consists of 21-inch Sport Design wheels finished in white gold, Porsche 10 logos on the front doors, other logos throughout the interior, and white-gold seat stitching.

Versions of the 10 Year Edition include a standard Panamera, an all-wheel-drive Panamera 4 model, and the Panamera E-Hybrid. All come standard with a set of features that are otherwise optional, including 14-way power-adjustable front seats, a Bose audio system, soft-close doors, and a set of driver-assist features.

Otherwise, Porsche has made the smallest of changes to the Panamera lineup, offering two new metallic paint colors: Gentian Blue and Papaya.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

Panamera: $88,550
Panamera 4: $93,150
Panamera 4S: $106,350
Panamera 4 E-Hybrid: $105,150
Panamera GTS: $130,650

Porsche offers the 2020 Panamera in such a wide range of models and prices, your budget and needs should dictate which is best for you. There isn't a dud in the pack, including the base model, which packs 330 horsepower and costs much less than $100,000.

We're also huge fans of the larger Executive models, which feature a longer wheelbase and offer considerably more rear-seat legroom. Still, it's the Panamera 4S that strikes the best balance between performance and value, with its 440-hp twin-turbo 2.9-liter V-6 and standard all-wheel drive.

Porsche also offers an endless selection of options, but don't skip the adaptive air suspension, which improves the sedan's ride and handling, or the Sport Chrono package.

It adds a Sport Plus setting with launch control and dials up the response and performance of the Panamera's engine, transmission, and chassis significantly.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

With agile handling and a smooth ride for a sports sedan, especially when equipped with the optional adjustable air suspension, the 2020 Panamera is a thrill ride that offers the comfort and luxury expected in such an expensive four-door hatchback.

Every 2020 Panamera is powered by a turbocharged engine, but don't be confused by the more powerful Turbo models, The base Panamera is rear-wheel drive and powered by a 330-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6.

The more expensive Porsche Panamera 4 comes with all-wheel drive, and Porsche says it can hit 60 mph in 5.2 seconds. Under the hood of the considerably quicker Porsche Panamera 4S is a 440-hp twin-turbo 2.9-liter V-6. It does zero-to-60 time of 3.6 seconds.

Porsche Panamera 2020 for sale. Exterior color : Black.

Upgrading to the GTS model adds a 453-hp twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 engine. It's the best performing of the non-Turbo Panamera models; however, its suspension sacrifices some ride quality to further improve the sedan's handling.

The Panamera 4 E-Hybrid is a 462-hp plug-in hybrid and offers an electric-only driving range of 14 miles, according to the EPA. Buyers looking for an all-electric Porsche should check out the new Taycan.

All Panamera models get an excellent eight-speed automatic, and the non-hybrid models feature a powerful braking system that offers excellent feel and modulation that make smooth stops easy.

The regenerative braking system in the hybrid model, while powerful, doesn't operate quite as smoothly.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

Fuel efficiency is not the Panamera's forte, but its fuel economy is about average for this class. The base and least powerful Panamera is rated 19/27 mpg city/highway by the EPA.

With all-wheel drive, that highway number dips to 26 mpg. The more powerful Panamera 4S is rated 18/26 mpg and is significantly more fuel efficient than the Panamera GTS.

The Panamera 4 E-Hybrid is potentially the most fuel-efficient model, as it offers a limited all-electric driving range of 14 miles before needing to fire up its gasoline engine. Its EPA numbers are 51 MPGe and 23 mpg combined.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

Porsche's only sedan boasts a driver-focused cabin that looks and feels every bit of its steep price tag. Its list of standard features is long and appropriate for the class, but as with any Porsche, the options list is also quite extensive and pricey.

Upgrades include everything from massaging seats to leather-covered climate-control vents to a fire extinguisher. More common options include ventilated seats, soft-close doors, four-zone automatic climate control, and a power-operated rear sunshade. We especially like its optional sport seats with 18-way adjustability.

You sit low in the Panamera, which gives the sedan a sports-car feel, and it's spacious, even for taller drivers. Rear-seat space is also generous, especially in the longer Executive models, which offers limo-like legroom.

The center console looks high tech and expensive as it's littered with touch-sensitive controls for functions such as the climate control. Unfortunately, we've found this all-touch system to be fussy and difficult to use while driving, but you get used to it quickly.

With 17.6 cubic feet of cargo space, the Panamera also offers a large trunk for this class.

Infotainment and Connectivity

Sitting in the center of the Panamera's dash is a large and attractive 12.3-inch touchscreen; unfortunately, the sedan's infotainment system isn't as easy to use as it should be.

Although its infotainment system has standard desirable features such as Apple CarPlay integration, navigation, and a Wi-Fi hotspot, its menus are over-complicated, and many of its functions could be more intuitive. As it is, they can be distracting while driving.

Strangely, Android Auto capability and wireless phone charging aren't unavailable.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The 2020 Panamera has not been crash-tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

However, it is available with numerous driver-assistance features, and Porsches have a very good reputation for safety and crash performance. Porsche even offers a night-vision system.

However, despite the Panamera's considerable price, many of these tech-based driver aids and active safety systems are additional-cost options. Key safety features include:

Available forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
Available blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert
Available lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

At four years or 50,000 miles, both Porsche's limited warranty and its power-train warranty are competitive in this class, and its 24-hour roadside-assistance program spans the same amount of time.

Porsche also includes complimentary scheduled maintenance for a short period, but BMW's complimentary scheduled maintenance program is considerably longer.

Limited warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
Power-train warranty covers 4 years or 50,000 miles
Complimentary maintenance is covered for 1 year or 10,000 miles.