2025 Hyundai IONIQ 5 XRT

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An EV that let’s you play in the dirt. But you can’t get too carried away. . .

By Gary S. Vasilash

The stylists who created the Hyundai IONIQ 5 pulled off a feat that is not at all easy to accomplish.

They devised a design that looks absolutely futuristic but—and here’s the tricky bit—doesn’t make one think that it is too advanced to be on the road with other vehicles that, well, don’t have appearances that would make them relevant in, say, 2030.

Realize that the IONIQ 5 was launched as a model year 2022 electric vehicle and is still striking.

So for MY 2025 they made a bit of a swerve with the IONIQ 5, a swerve that takes the vehicle off road.

Now we’re not talking Jeep Trail Rated terrain here.

Hyundai IONIQ % XRT. Yes, take it to the dirt. (Images: Hyundai)

But the XRT trim is more capable than the SE, SEL or Limited models.

For example, there is modified suspension tuning and the suspension is lifted by 0.9 inches—but lest one gets carried away, realize that this brings it to 7 inches. (The ground clearance for a Jeep Cherokee is 8 inches.)

There are off-the-beaten-path approach and departure angles: 19.8 degrees and 30 degrees, respectively.

There are red-painted recovery hooks on the front fascia that are said to be functional. (Those are something that you’re not likely to utilize in your daily commute unless your commute takes you through some tough territory.)

There is a composite cladding on the fascias, around the wheel arches and on the door panels that has a subtle pixelated camo pattern to provide a more-capable appearance. (The XRT wouldn’t look out of place driving on Mars thanks to this addition.) There are XRT black 18-inch wheels wrapped with 235 / 60 R 18 all-terrain tires.

As mentioned, the IONIQ 5 XRT is an electric vehicle. One of the aspects of this 2025 model (and the other trims) is that it comes equipped with the NACS port, standard, which means it can be used at the Tesla Supercharger network, adapter-free. (Which ought to annoy owners of the Tesla Model Y, given the aforementioned still-fresh design of the Hyundai and the aging Tesla exterior, Juniper update tweaks notwithstanding.)

It is worth noting that for those who aren’t using a Supercharger there is a CCS adapter that comes along for the ride.

And while this doesn’t matter as much as it did before the tax credits for EVs were pulled but is still non-trivial: the 2025 IONIQ 5 is built at the Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America in Ellabell, Georgia.

Clever pixilation on the cladding.

The vehicle is, of course, all-wheel drive.

There is a 99-hp permanent magnet synchronous AC motor in the front. A 221-hp motor of the same type in the rear.

The system output is 320 hp and 446 lb-ft of torque.

It has a liquid-cooled 84-kWh battery pack. The peak DC fast charge rate is 250 kW, which means that the battery, on a DC fast charger, can be charged from 10 to 80% in 20 minutes. The EPA estimated range is 259 miles.

On the inside there are H-Tex seating surfaces (a synthetic leather that offers easy clean-up, because let’s face it: this trim wants to get dirty) featuring XRT-unique pattern and logo. And there are XRT badged all-weather floor mats (because you’re going to take this out in, well, all types of weather that you’re likely to bring into the vehicle with you when you go out in it).

Hyundai has some of the best screens in the business, with a 12.3-inch screen for the driver’s info and a 12.3-inch screen for infotainment. There are wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and wireless charging. There is BlueLink+, the connected vehicle service that provides capabilities from remote starting to receiving diagnostic alerts to performing automatic collision notification and more.

And the BlueLink+ services are free, not for a trial period, but for as long as you own the vehicle.

While on the subject of costs, the MSRP for the 2025 IONIQ 5 XRT is $55,400. The one I drove had an optional paint color (Atlas White Matte) that added $1,000; carpeted floor mats for $210; and $1,475 for inland freight and handling, to a total sticker of $58,085, which is in keeping with average transaction prices for EVs.

On the 2026 Nissan Sentra

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What a concept: a good-looking, well-equipped new car with an affordable price tag. Something important in today’s market

By Gary S. Vasilash

Although when you are buying a new car you are (likely) buying the newest version of that car available. What it currently is and what it currently has is what matters.

Still, there is something to be said for legacy.

The Nissan Sentra has been around since 1982. Nine generations. There have been more than 6.5-million sold in the U.S. during this period.

So for someone who is looking to buy a new, 2026 Sentra, there should be confidence that there’s more than a little something right about the car as it has endured.

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And on the subject of timing, Nissan is nothing if not timely.

Among the competitors for the compact sedan are the Toyota Corolla and the Honda Civic.

The current-generation Corolla (and credit to it: it is now in its 12th generation) was launched as a sedan in early 2019 (model year 2020).

The current-generation Civic (and points to it, too: 11 generations) was launched in mid-2021 as a 2022 model.

So the Sentra is the freshest of the three.

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While the conventional wisdom has it that sedans are pretty much dead, Gauthier Bayard, Nissan senior planner, Chief Marketing Manager, said that they have numbers showing that in the next five years there’s going to be some incremental growth in the category.

And things aren’t as sad for sedans as you might think.

Through Q3 Honda sold 185,225 Civics, Toyota 179,983 Corollas, and Nissan 125,741 Sentras.

And while you probably think that crossovers crush those sorts of numbers, that’s not necessarily so.

Again: Sentra 125,741 through Q3 2025.

Ford Bronco Sport: 103,261.

Ford Escape: 114,728.

Bronco: 109,921.

Somehow that compact sedan number doesn’t look too bad.

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And now the Sentra is better.

There is one thing to know before we look at some of that.

Another thing that everyone knows—and knows far too well if they’ve been actively in the market of late—is that vehicles are breathtakingly expensive.

The Sentra S is the starting trim. It has an MSRP of $22,400.

The SV, $23,170.

The SR, $25,000.

The SL, $27,990.

The sort of prices that regular people can afford without having to take out a loan with a length that would be so long the car would qualify for a driver’s license by the time its paid off. (Slight exaggeration. According to LendingTree.com the average auto loan term is 68.9 months.)

2026 Nissan Sentra SR. Handsome, sporty styling wraps an array of useful tech. Notably the entire package comes in at less than $30,000. (Images: Nissan)

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The old saw has it that the styling of a vehicle gets people into a car and the interior (if done right) keeps them there.

According to Lihao Yu, design director at the Nissan Global Design Center, the exterior styling is characterized by the Japanese word shun, which means agile, yet effortless.

Through the clever use of colors and execution of the front fascia, there is a sporty appearance for the SR Sentra and a more sophisticated look for the SL.

And they continue to pay that off on the interior, with the SR having red accent stitching on the seats and the SL quilted seating surfaces.

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And then, of course, there’s the tech, both outside and in.

That is, on the outside there are LED headlamps that have more than 70% greater light dispersion than the previous headlamps. When approaching at night there is a minor light show that commences, welcoming you to the car.

And the outside is seen from the inside with the Intelligent Around View Monitor that makes use of a front camera that provides a wider view than the previous one.

While approaching the vehicle the key fob is detected and the doors unlocked.

Inside there’s a 12.3-inch screen for the gauges and another 12.3-inch screen for infotainment (at least on all trims with the exception of the entry S. It has a 7-inch gauge info display but the 12.3-inch infotainment screen). There’s available Bose premium audio. And there are things including automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, intelligent forward collision warning, lane departure prevention, high beam assist, traffic sign recognition, and more.

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The powertrain is a 149-hp, 146 lb-ft of torque inline four mated to a continuously variable transmission. This is familiar from the last-generation Sentra. The rationale is simple: it works well, so use it. To be sure they’ve tuned it for improved operations.

The SL trim has an upscale look on both the outside and in the cabin.

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When considering the customer, Bayard said they project it will be gender balanced and aged between 25 and 54. The household income will have a fairly wide range, from $50,000 to $150,000 (this latter figure may be a bit generous: according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, median weekly earnings in Q2 2025 were $1,196, which translates to $62,192 per year, so even if there were two wage earners in the household. . .$150K is unattainable.)

What they have developed is what plenty of people need: a well-equipped, affordable, reliable car. And as for that reliability, it is worth noting that in the J.D. Power 2025 US Initial Quality Study, the Senta takes the Compact Car category, besting the Kia K4 and the Hyundai Elantra, two non-trivial competitors.

So if we assume the new one is even better. . .then they really have something special.

Stellantis Advancing Factory Tech

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Investigating and installing new technologies to improve production operations

By Gary S. Vasilash

Chances are, when you think of a corporate venture startup fund focused on early and later-stage startup companies, a multi-million fund, you probably don’t think “auto industry.”

Yet they exist. While like those firms you think about they invest in AI, new battery chemistries and other advances, at Stellantis Ventures the team is looking for ways for the parent company’s factories to work more efficiently and effectively.

Realize that in North America alone Stellantis has 31 manufacturing operations, 18 in the U.S., seven in Mexico and six in Canada, so making improvements can have significant effects on the bottom line.

Inside Detroit Assembly Complex–Jefferson. (Image: Stellantis)

To say nothing of the fact that the company also operates plants in France, Italy, Spain, Germany, UK, Poland, Portugal, Serbia, Slovakia, etc.

Tim Fallon, Senior Vice President, Global Head of Stellantis Production Way, said that an objective that he and his team have is to assure that production systems around the world are setup so that benefits realized in one facility can be shared with others so the whole system is continuously improved. Among the areas focused on are quality, efficiency and sustainability.

And one of the ways there is improvement is through the implementation of new technologies. One of the ways this is being achieved is through the discovery of new tech, something that Anna Valeria Anllo, Head of Global Innovation for Vehicle Process Engineering, said Stellantis Ventures helps the manufacturing team discover.

In addition, there is an on-going compilation of a list of potential suppliers that can help advance the manufacturing process.

Stellantis recently held what it calls its “Factory Booster Day,” an annual event that is attended by Stellantis personnel as well as 80 suppliers—traditional suppliers and startups.

The event was held at the company’s Conner Center in Detroit.

Fallon said there were some 700 people on site as well as an additional 1,200 on-line.

While there is an abundance of advanced technology showcased, the objective is to make this tech operational in Stellantis factories.

For example, at the 2024 Factory Booster Day a firm named KCF Technologies worked with Stellantis personnel on an AI-powered predictive maintenance (PM) system that is being used in North American paint shops. The system collects sensor data from various systems within the paint shop (e.g., pumps, fans, exhaust systems) and then makes a determination as to when PM is necessary.

Fallon said that unlike systems identify problems, this AI system learns and, as a result, uptime is maximized in the paint shops, which are a highly critical part of any assembly plant.

Another example is a camera system that uses AI to perform 100 inspections per vehicle at the Detroit Assembly Complex—Jefferson (where the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango are produced). The KEYENCE IV4 camera system—it features built-in lighting, lenses, and AI-powered inspection functions—provides real-time feedback to operators and automated repair alerts.

Supplementing this is a Stellantis-developed AI Agent Tracker that provides daily performance analytics.

Although the Factory Booster Days are annual events, Anllo said they are consistently looking for the ways and means to improve operations: “We believe in the fast and the furious.”

2026 Volkswagen Tiguan SEL R-Line Turbo

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This is where things become interesting for this oft-overlooked crossover. . . .

By Gary S. Vasilash

Volkswagen has had a Tiguan on offer in the U.S. market since model year 2009. It is now on its third generation of the compact crossover.

The first two generations—model years 2009 to 2017 then 2018 to 2024—were OK vehicles in a segment where the likes of the Toyota RAV4 and the Honda CR-V reside. That means OK is, well, not enough. The second gen vehicle was built all over the place—from Germany to Indonesia, from Algeria to India, yet in the U.S. it was something of a shrug.

That is, if we look at the total sales in the U.S. for the Tiguan for 2024 (gen two), it is 94,372 (and that made it the best-selling VW model overall in the U.S. for that year). Meanwhile, over at Toyota, there were 475,193 RAV4s sold.

And if it seems unfair to compare it with the top-seller in the segment (although it should be noted that on a global basis, Volkswagen is just a smidge behind Toyota in production volume, so it is actually fair; in addition to which, the third-largest global player is Hyundai, and in the U.S. market in 2024 its Tucson had sales of 206,126), that’s the segment in which it competes, so it is up against seriously stiff competition.

And Now This. . .

And with the third gen, and the R-Line Turbo model in particular, VW has a Tiguan that people who are looking for a compact crossover simply need to consider.

I won’t predict huge sales for the Tiguan (an unfortunate circumstance is that the models sold in the U.S. are built in the VW plant in Puebla, Mexico, and as such are hit with a 25% tariff), but it is, unlike its predecessors, a more serious player and if you’re going to be offering something in this highly competitive segment, it needs to be serious because otherwise it will be merely interesting.

When I mentioned to a friend that I was driving a Tiguan, he immediately responded, “The turbocharged one with 268 hp?!?”

Yes, that one.

That is a surprising level of awareness, and if it goes out to the general public, it should do good things.

A word about that performance: the standard engine provides 201 horsepower, which is a bit below the 2025 RAV4, which delivers 203 hp, but a considerable amount more than the 187 hp for the Tucson.

Improved Engine

The Tiguan is powered by the company’s venerable (it was originally launched in 2006) EA888 2.0-liter engine that has, to borrow a Toyota term, been the object of “continuous improvement” over the years. Now it is the Evo5, which brings with it plenty of improvements, notably the variable geometry turbo and a 500-bar fuel pressure system. The turbo, of course, handles the exhaust while the higher fuel pressure system (they are typically 350 bar) helps with the fuel injection into the combustion chamber (it provides smaller droplets of fuel that facilitate a better air-fuel mixture which means better combustion for both performance and fuel efficiency).

The VW Tiguan SEL R-Line Turbo: improved exterior and exterior styling and performance that is notable. (Image: Volkswagen of America)

An addition word about the turbo. Chances are the sticker on the fuel door of a vehicle with a turbocharged engine will say that premium fuel is “Recommended.” Sometimes it is “Required.” Premium generally runs about $1 per gallon more than regular. While that might not be a big deal for someone who is driving, say, an Audi or a Lexus, for many people that buy vehicles in this category it is.

Regular fuel is Recommended for the Tiguan. Yes, even the turbocharged version. Often putting regular into a turbocharged engine results in reduced output. That’s not the case with the EA888 Evo5: that 268 hp is what you get with regular unleaded.

And while of the subject of gasoline, the vehicle is stickered at 22 mpg city/29 mpg highway/25 mpg combined, with the combined number being accurate during my time with the vehicle.

There is an eight-speed automatic and VW’s 4Motion all-wheel drive system.

(Here’s something clever–and surprising: that combined mpg number for the turbo AWD Tiguan is the same as the 25 mpg combined number for the standard version with AWD. No fuel sacrifice for improved performance.)

Size and Screens

A few more numbers: it has a passenger volume of 101 cubic feet—so it can seat five—and a cargo volume behind the second row of 27 cubic feet; with the seat folded, 59 cubic feet—so you can transport stuff.

There are a 15-inch infotainment screen and a 10.25-inch reconfigurable gauge cluster. A word about that infotainment screen. The graphics have a fresh, clean look.

On the subject of fresh and clean, the vehicle as driven has a “Mistral” leather interior package that is light colored and even has American walnut trim. Often interiors of German cars seem as though the inspiration came from the Black Forest. Not this one, which is a definitive plus.

Solid Offering

But then there’s that issue of being a “German” vehicle.

It has long seemed to me that the characteristic that is most prevalent in German products—vehicular or otherwise—is that they have a lot of serious mechanical engineering behind them. Robust. Solid. (One could argue that this is not merely a stereotype given VW’s contract with Rivian to source Rivian’s electrical architecture and software stack.)

One of the things that I discerned in this third-generation Tiguan that I would comparatively lacking in even recent iterations of gen two is that this solidity is back, that when you shut the door there is a “thunk” indicating substance.

There are lots of things to like about this Tiguan, from its quickness to the puddle lamp and front light illumination when you near the vehicle at night.

But that solidity. That’s something that sets it apart from that array of other compact crossovers.

This makes a big difference.

Mickey on the Grid

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By Gary S. Vasilash

When you think “Formula 1 racing,” you think. . .Mickey Mouse.

When you think “Las Vegas,” you think. . .Donald Duck.

Well, you evidently will at the Las Vegas Grand Prix as Disney and Formula 1 have a “highly anticipated collaboration” that is going to kickoff at the event.

(Image: Disney)

Prior to the qualifying race Mickey and his colleagues will do a pitlane walk.

The mouse will be busy, as he is also going to be performing as a conductor in front of the Fountains of Bellagio.

The Disneyland Band will perform the national anthem on race day.

And these are just a few of the events that will include Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, Goofy, and Pluto.

And, of course, there will be merch.

On November 8 there will be Disney x Formula 1 gear available at the, deep breath, “F1® Las Vegas Hub Presented by American Express inside the Venetian Resort Las Vegas.”

As there are those who can’t make it, there will be “select items” on the DisneyStore.com site in North America.

The race isn’t going to occur until November 22, so people have a solid opportunity to get plenty of Disney stuff before the event.

Presumably, part of this emphasis on behalf of Disney is because it owns ESPN, the broadcaster for this season. Apple will start streaming F1 races next year and it has a partnership with F1 that runs five years.

But Disney isn’t going away from F1.

Emily Prazer, Chief Commercial Officer of Formula 1 and President and CEO of Las Vegas Grand Prix, Inc.:

“As we look ahead to the global Disney’s Mickey & Friends and Formula 1® launch in 2026, the Fuel the Magic program will bring two iconic brands together to give fans of all ages a race weekend filled with creativity, entertainment and a touch of magic.”

Somehow both F1 and Las Vegas seem more Jessica Rabbit than Minnie Mouse.

2025 Mazda CX-5 Turbo Signature

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By Gary S. Vasilash

Nomenclature in the auto business is a trickier thing than it ought to be for consumers trying to figure out what it is that they might like to buy.

One example of this is the situation that exists between the Mazda CX-5 and the Mazda CX-50.

The CX-5 is an established moniker, having been around since model year 2013.

The CX-50 is far fresher, having been introduced in model year 2023.

Both are compact SUVs.

The addition of the “0” does indicate that the CX-50 is bigger (e.g., 185.8 inches long vs. 180.1 inches for the CX-5; a 110-inch wheelbase vs. a 106.2-inch wheelbase).

The point is, if you go into a Mazda dealership and are looking for what can be considered the “zippier” of the two, go for the CX-5, especially given that both vehicles come with a 2.5-liter engine that, at the top of the line trims (like the one here), produces 256 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque, so because the CX-5 is slightly smaller, it provides better maneuverability. (Of course, both vehicles are not particularly large in the context of many SUVs/crossovers out there, so this is a relative thing.)

2025 Mazda CX-5: the sort of presence other compact SUVs probably wish they had. (Image: Mazda)

Like all Mazdas—and this is no mean feat—the CX-5 looks great. There has been a consistency in styling for the past few years that Mazda hasn’t deviated from. The exterior sheet metal of the CX-5 is formed in a way that makes it distinctive in a category of vehicles that is becoming increasingly truck-like in appearance. (If people want trucks, don’t they simply buy trucks?)

The cabin is comfortable and the materials are what can be considered a “category-above” compared what are found in other compact crossovers. It is something of a mystery as to how a company that doesn’t sell a whole lot of vehicles vis-à-vis the competitors can have Nappa leather and leather-wrapped steering wheels and shifter, to say nothing of a solid 10-speaker Bose audio system.

The CX-5—as in all trims—is an all-wheel-drive vehicle. In this trim level there is the Mazda Intelligent Drive that allows selection of Normal, Off-Road, Sport. Somehow that central choice doesn’t seem all that relevant for a vehicle that will undoubtedly be driven normally 95% of the time and quickly 5%.

And there is a full suite of the Mazda i-Activsense safety features, including Smart Brake Support (you close too quickly on a vehicle in front of you and the vehicle will let you know it) to Adaptive Front Lighting (which is both cool and functional: when you are turning the headlights appropriately pivot to show you where you are going). When moving through sluggish traffic, there’s Traffic Jam Assist, which uses radar cruise control that can bring the vehicle to a complete stop as well as a steering function that helps keep the vehicle centered.

The EPA Passenger and Cargo volumes are 103.6 cubic feet and 30 cubic feet, respectively, so while not giant in either case, certainly reasonable.

The 2025 CX-5 starts at $29,050 and goes to $41,080 (sans delivery fees).

One option I strongly recommend: the Soul Red Crystal Metallic paint. It shows off the form in a wonderful way.

2025 Toyota Crown Nightshade

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It isn’t just the dark color scheme that makes this stealthy. . .

By Gary S. Vasilash

Quick: what is the top-of-the-line car model offered by Toyota?

As you’ve probably read the headline, you made a correct guess.

And I’m guessing that it was a guess because the Toyota Crown is something that is not as well known as it ought to be in the lineup.

The Crown was introduced in the U.S. as a model year 2023 vehicle. It replaced a vehicle that also didn’t have the visibility it deserved, the Avalon.

(Arguably in the case of the Avalon there was reduced promotion because it was so well executed that the owners of Lexus dealerships probably wouldn’t have liked that the Avalon would give the Lexus ES a run for the consumers’ money.)

While you might think that this is a bit of an exaggeration to talk about the relative invisibility of the Crown, consider this:

Through the first three quarters of 2025, there were 8,669 Crowns sold in the U.S. (The Crown Signa, which, in effect, replaced the Venza, a crossover, had nearly double the sales of the sedan: 16,277.)

The GR86 sports car—even available with a manual transmission, so this is not designed and engineered to take the kids to school or to shop at Costco—nearly had as many sales at the Crown: 8,107.

And the Crown is the kind of vehicle that you can take the kids to school in and to shop at Costco (it is a hatch that offers 15.2 cubic feet behind the second row, so there is space for stuff).

Toyota Crown: a stylish hybrid that, even if it wasn’t in the Nightshade trim, is still stealthy. (Image: Toyota)

The Crown has stylish sheet metal, which is certainly not unusual for Toyota models of late. It could be said that one of the reasons why Toyota still has cars on offer while Chevy and Ford have abandoned them (yes, yes, there is the Mustang, but it is hardly a “car” in the sense of the classic four-door architecture: the GR86 is a car, too, but the “sports” modifier separates it) is because it has freed up its designers.

For the Nightshade edition there is that “dark” theme, with Storm Cloud paint, 21-inch, 10-spoke wheels with a black finish, and dark door handles, mirror caps and rear badging.

Inside there’s a black leather interior and features and execution that may bring Lexus to mind, but not in the way the Avalon did (and if I had to think of a Lexus that might be Crown-like it would be the HS 250h, the brand’s first hybrid sedan, which had but a short (2010-12) run in the U.S.). The front seats are heated and cooled; the rear seat is heated. There is a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a 12.3-inch infotainment screen (which has, just below it, a volume knob for those so inclined to take advantage of the JBL 11-speaker system).

The Crown is a hybrid that produces a system horsepower of 236. (For those who want more power, there is the Platinum trim providing 340 hp.) By and large the 236 hp is certainly sufficient for the aforementioned daily drives. This is an all-wheel drive vehicle.

 The vehicle EPA rated at 42 mpg city, 41 mpg highway and 41 mpg combined. Given that it has a 14.5-gallon tank that is filled with regular fuel, if you were to drive the Crown such that you’d leave one gallon in the tank just in case, you’d have a range of over 550 miles.

Which means Crowns are certainly not seen that often at gas stations.

The Market for Electric Trucks

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Apparently there’s not much of one in the U.S.

By Gary S. Vasilash

While it is common knowledge that the Chinese electric vehicle market vastly outpaces that of the U.S. on a per capita basis, when people think about that it is likely to be in the context of passenger vehicles.

But here is a remarkable finding from BloombergNEF and Smart Freight Centre:

  • In the first half of 2025, there were some 89,000 electric trucks—as in medium-duty trucks and big rigs, not pickups—sold globally.
  • Of that total, nearly 80,000 were sold in China.

How many were sold in the U.S.?

According to Colin McKerracher, Head of Clean Transport, BloombergNEF, “just 200 units.”

200.

Or 0.25% of the Chinese total.

Given the U.S. population is about 24% that of China, one might think that number might be somewhat bigger.

Europe (Switzerland, Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, Greece, Denmark, Iceland, Germany, UK, France, Austria, Belgium) accounts for the remaining ~8,800 electric trucks sold in the first half.

Another stat from the BloombergNEF/Smart Freight Centre that is notable:

  • “nearly 100 to 1”

That’s the comparison of sales of electric medium and heavy trucks with those powered by fuel cells.

McKerracher: “The prospects for hydrogen in road transport look dim.”

Which leads to a question of whether commercial electric truck volumes—battery- and fuel cell-powered—in the U.S. are any brighter.

Calling It Something Doesn’t Make It So

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You don’t get to decide. . . .

By Gary S. Vasilash

(Image: Mercedes-Benz)

“Inspired by the golden era of automotive design of the 1930s, this show car embodies the pure essence of Mercedes-Benz. With its hood giving it a majestic presence, sculptural flowing lines and a touch of Art Deco, it rises to become a true icon of automotive beauty. The interior with its continuous bench seat and the elegant rear, evoking memories of the legendary 300 SL. Our Vision Iconic is more than just an automobile – it is a sculpture in motion, an homage to timeless elegance and a statement for the future. The symbiosis of traditional craftsmanship, state-of-the-art technology and an unmistakable design language makes it the ultimate expression of value, prestige and grace: the most beautiful, most prestigious kind of thing.”

–Gorden Wagener, Chief Design Officer Mercedes-Benz Group AG

Yes, this concept car may have all of those attributes from the hood to the flowing lines and so on.

But one thing it isn’t is “a true icon of automotive luxury.”

Something becoming an “icon” isn’t a matter of nomenclature (e.g., “Vision Iconic”).

It becomes an icon because there is cultural respect given to something over a period of time.

One could describe the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL, the gull-wing-door vehicle that came out in 1954, as “iconic.” That’s why Wagener is able to cite it as “evoking memories.”

The term “icon” is earned, not labeled.

BMW is eating Mercedes’ Mittagessen in a big way so far as sales are concerned. Perhaps a bit of humility and attention to getting more desirable product on the road now might help Mercedes even if those vehicles aren’t self-proclaimed icons.

Polestar 3: Dual Motor, Pilot, Plus, Performance

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(That’s a lot of Ps in that name. . )

By Gary S. Vasilash

One of the things that interests me when I am in a vehicle is the extent to which people notice it.

You may be surprised at how few vehicles garner some comment from people. The last vehicle I had that drew lots of attention was the VW ID.Buzz. And as I think about that vehicle, I realize that I’ve not seen a lot of them since.

And while that van drew attention largely because of the nostalgia factor, the Polestar 3 has no such fond memories for anyone, as it has been available in the US market only since late summer 2024.

A friend I was meeting at a restaurant came in and pointed out a window to the Polestar 3 in the lot: “Are you driving that? What is it?” The waiter stopped and looked at it, too, while listening to my explanation of how it is a brand from a company headquartered in Gothenburg, Sweden, once a sub-brand of Volvo. (This gets into organizational complexity with the bottom line essentially being that there is Volvo, owned by Geely, and there is Polestar, owned by Geely. So while the two companies are separate, they have the same parent and there is a non-trivial amount of sharing between the two siblings.)

They were both unaware of the brand.

Which is not entirely surprising. Through the third quarter 2025 Polestar has delivered 44,482 vehicles. Globally.

To put that into context, Cadillac delivered 46,525 vehicles. Domestically. In the third quarter alone.

Polestar is still a stealth brand.

This is not particularly pricy when you realize this is a performance vehicle. (Images: Polestar)

A neighbor who was walking her dog past my house while I pulled into my driveway literally turned around and came back to talk to me about the Polestar 3, wondering what it was, saying that she liked the way it looks, both in terms of size and styling. (She is right about that.)

The not-so-good news for the folks at Polestar: She is in the market for a vehicle and is likely going to buy a Chevy Equinox. “EV?” I asked. “No. Gasoline.”

That is not-so-good on two levels.

First of all, the top trim level AWD Equinox has an MSRP, including destination, of $37,395.

The MSRP, including destination, for this AWD Polestar, which is at the top of the line, is $86,300.

Clearly, my neighbor has a good eye, even though she has a different kind of budget.

And second, of course, the Polestar 3 is an electric vehicle, not fueled with gas, which accounts for part of the difference.

And it is interesting to note that whereas that 2025 Equinox she is considering is built in the GM San Luis Potosí plant in Mexico, the Polestar 3 is assembled in Ridgeville, South Carolina (that is nominally a Volvo plant, which goes back to the previous comment about the sibs).

Without going too Volvo about this, it is worth noting that the Polestar 3 is based on the Scalable Product Architecture 2 platform, which underpins the Volvo EX90, that brand’s flagship electric vehicle.

And because it has Volvo DNA it is engineered with safety in mind, ranging from having a boron steel safety cage to an extensive list of sensor-based safety tech that facilitates accident-free driving (note: it helps; it is up to the driver and others to prevent accidents).

One interesting thing is that while model year 2025 vehicles have to have a rear seat reminder system to advise the driver to check the back seat to make sure that a child or pet is not being left behind, many of these systems are simply based on the vehicle being put in park and the alert showing up.

In the Polestar 3 there is actually interior radar that monitors the situation.

So what does one get for the not-minor amount of money.

Well, there are two electric motors that provide a combined output of 517-hp, which means this can be quick. They also provide AWD. But this power also means that the range is somewhat limited: an EPA estimate of 279 miles.

There is active air suspension. 22-inch wheels. A panoramic glass roof. Over-the-air-updates for life.

An example of the interior details that show considerable consideration was paid to the execution of the inside.

The infotainment is based on the Android Automotive OS, with Google built in. (There is wireless Apple CarPlay, too).

The interior is both comfortable and well designed, with details on things like the door trim that subtly make you know that someone spent time considering what they were doing.