Do you want an SUV that pop, drops, and locks its way out of sticky, muddy, or snowy situations? Mercedes-Benz thinks you do - and they also think you want mad corner leaaaaan, just like a race bike - with the 2020 GLE-Class. Sami has the full scoop on what it's like to drive this upcoming crossover. Benjamin, on the other hand, tries to stifle his disbelief at the GLE-Class and its air suspension antics by talking about his week with the surprising 2018 Kia Stinger four-cylinder turbo. Finally,...
Dec 02, 2018•56 min
What's it like to be whisked off to exotic Morocco and given the keys to Nissan's entire global fleet of off-roaders? Guest Chad Kirchner shares his story of scorpions, Titans, Terras, and Patrols bashing through the dunes, and also discusses the differences between the Nissan Navarra and the Frontier pickup that is sold in North America. Benjamin, Sami, and Chad also discuss the 2018 Ford F-150 Diesel and compare it to the Ram EcoDiesel to try and figure out just how frugal the Blue Oval's effi...
Nov 25, 2018•1 hr 4 min
What's it like to drive a dead car on Mexico's Day of the Dead, in Puebla City, Mexico? Benjamin tells the sad tale of the end-of-the-line for the Volkswagen Beetle, which marks 2019 as its final year of production. He also tours the plant where the Beetle is built and gets to go on a check-out ride right off of the line with VW test engineers. Sami laments the 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan SUV as being not quite enough of anything to feel competitive in its segment, just before the pair dive down a ra...
Nov 18, 2018•48 min
Can you drive the 707 horsepower Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk at near-freezing temperatures on rain-slicked roads and not fall prey to its supercharged, world-killing drivetrain? Benjamin discovers that the answer is yes after a week behind the wheel in chilly Montreal. The pair also get deep with the 2019 Hyundai Veloster N, a hot hatch that's poised to shake up the established order, before Sami does his best to survive the Lightning Round when talking about the Honda CR-V, the Mazda CX-5, an...
Nov 11, 2018•47 min
Is there a world where the Porsche Sport Response button makes any sense? Sami certainly thinks so after driving the 2019 Porsche Panamera GTS at the Bahrain International Circuit, but Benjamin just can't wrap his mind around it. Fortunately, the 2019 Mazda Miata's new engine - which Benjamin had the chance to sample for a week - more than makes up for P-car confusion. Sami also relates his off-road adventure through the Valley of Fire in the Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk, befo...
Nov 04, 2018•45 min
Is it worth stepping up to the 2019 Lincoln Navigator? Or is the 2019 Ford Expedition - mechanically, it's near-twin, and almost a match in terms of features - a better value? After spending a week in these full-size SUVs, Benjamin and Sami compare the two back-to-back and are impressed by how much more the Navigator has to offer, but aren't willing to write off the Expedition, either, in a market that's suddenly packed with strong choices after years of neglect.
Oct 28, 2018•43 min
Reaching above its station as an affordable three-row SUV, the 2019 Mazda CX-9 offers swanky digs and a smooth ride - at least, according to Sami, who can't get enough. Benjamin's crossover-of-the-week is a 2019 Subaru Outback, a great family hauler that has lost its quirkiness but still delivers the goods. The comparison between the two sport-utility vehicles triggers a deep conversation about what vehicles need to be interesting to drive and which ones don't, just before Sami drops the bomb th...
Oct 21, 2018•52 min
What's better than a three-comma-door supercar? A three-comma-door supercar without a roof - at least according to Sami, who spent a week with the 2019 BMW i8 Roadster, perhaps the most unique hybrid electric in BMW's line-up. Benjamin also waxes philosophical on the value of factory 'tuner' cars like the 2018 Subaru BRZ tS, a fun-to-drive coupe that may or may not be worth paying the upgrade fee for the handful of STI parts that come with it. Also, Datsun carnage after Benjamin's most recent tr...
Oct 14, 2018•42 min
Ever wanted to drive an open cockpit race car? Or an open wheel formula car? Benjamin got to do both courtesy of Formula Experiences at Virginia International Raceway, and he has nothing but raves for the Radical SR1 and SR3. Sami then talks about his time with the 2019 BMW X5, an SUV that's now better in every way, except for the one area he was really hoping they'd improve. Finally, Benjamin reveals that out of all the BMWs in the land, the 2018 BMW M2 he drove for a week is the only one he re...
Oct 07, 2018•53 min
What has active aero, a naturally-aspirated V12, and enough curb appeal to trigger a valet batle royale? The 2019 Lamborghini Aventador SVJ. Special guest Bradley Iger put the newest Nurburgring record holder through its paces at Estoril, in Portugal, and was wowed by its grip and speed, and he's here to tell us all about it. Next, Sami holds forth on the confusing 2018 Alpina B7, a full-size luxo-machine that feels like an answer in search of a question, followed by Benjamin's first take on the...
Sep 30, 2018•56 min
The 2020 Toyota Supra isn't quite here yet, but Sami spends a day on the racetrack behind the wheel of a Gazoo Racing prototype Supra at Jarama, Spain, while also piloting it through the streets of Madrid. Driven back to back against the Toyota GT86, it raises almost as many questions as it answers, and the pair go deep on what it means for a car with a history as long as the Supra to ride entirely on BMW mechanicals. Benjamin is back from the Arctic Ocean after driving the region's only permane...
Sep 23, 2018•57 min
The 2018 Mercedes-AMG CLA45 will cost you $20k more than the base CLA-Class, but is it a real AMG car? Benjamin thinks so, and while both he and Sami have reservations, it's a major improvement over the standard version of the vehicle. Get ready for more gushing about the 2018 Volvo XC40 SUV, too, as Benjamin hauls tires in class and style. Finally, the pair talk about the Chevrolet Colorado's airbag problem (hint: the explode when you go off-road), and the death of the new new VW Beetle. Links:...
Sep 16, 2018•53 min
Did adding a turbo to the Miata teach Mazda an important lesson about not messing with the MX-5 formula? After a week behind the wheel of a 2004 Mazdaspeed Miata from Mazdas' classic collection, Benjamin certainly seems to think so. Sami, on the other hand, can't get enough of Benjamin's weird winter tales of driving the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van to the Alaskan Arctic Circle after he himself samples the new model in warmer climes. Before wrapping things up, Sami posits that the 2018 Honda Pilot...
Sep 09, 2018•1 hr
Sami is terrified - really and truly - after spending a week behind the wheel of the ferocious 2018 BMW M5, but wonders why you need to input the Konami code to really have a good time. Benjamin counters with the 2018 Cadillac CTS-V's 640-horsepower simplicity, and then contrasts it against the much more raw experience of driving his own first-year, first-generation CTS-V with a manual transmission. The pair wrap things up by lamenting Ford's short-sighted decision to leave the car market in the...
Sep 02, 2018•51 min
Is the 2018 Acura NSX the ultimate example of soulless supercar perfection? Sami discovers that an amazing powetrain and incredible performance statistics don't make for a mesmerizing drive experience - but that the 2018 Lamborghini Huracan Performante Spyder that he drove the next day - also at Monterey Car Week - more than made up for it. Benjamin, on the other hand, is less impressed by the 2019 GMC Sierra Denali, a full-size pickup that comes across more like a missed opportunity than anythi...
Aug 28, 2018•58 min
This week AutoGuide's head honcho Jodi Lai, guest hosts with Sami and Benjamin to talk about her disappointing experience with the 2018 Jeep Cherokee SUV. Sami compares the 2019 Acura RDX's incredibly frustrating touchpad infotainment system against the 2019 Infiniti QX50's variable compression engine, while Benjamin puts many miles on the largest Mercedes-Benz convertible, the S560. The three also try to figure out why, exactly, NextEV decided to patent a self-destruct system for electric vehic...
Aug 19, 2018•1 hr 1 min
The Miata finally has more power - but is it in the right place? Sami drives the 2019 Mazda MX-5 Miata long the California coast to get the answers. Meanwhile, Benjamin gets behind the wheel of the also-more-mighty 2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback, redesigned for the current model year, as well as the 2018 BMW 430i Gran Coupe, which might be the best option for entry-level luxury shoppers. Wrapping things up, Sami road trips in the 2018 Ford F-150 Limited and the 2018 Ram 1500 Limited in a battle o...
Aug 13, 2018•53 min
Benjamin takes the 2019 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye to the track at Club Motorsports in Tamworth, New Hampshire, to find out what happens when you try to make a 797 horsepower muscle car turn a corner. He also spends some time on the same track with the surprisingly fun Dodge Challenger Scat Pack Widebody, which is also new for 2019. Links: Track Tested: 2019 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye vs. 2019 Dodge Challenger Scat Pack Widebody — I had the chance to sample two of the most intr...
Aug 08, 2018•28 min
The 2018 BMW M5 can certainly haul the mail around a race track, but what's it like corralling its 600 horsepower in bumper-to-bumper traffic? Benjamin takes the hit for the team and finds out, spending a week with the super sedan and trying his best to figure out the Konami code for unlocking its many computerized customizations. Sami compares and contrasts the stalwart 2018 BMW 340i against the upstart 2019 Genesis G70 and discovers that the new kid on the block has a few finishing lessons to ...
Aug 05, 2018•48 min
Sami heads to Japan to drive the 2019 Subaru Forester and comes back to tell you where it fits into the world of compact SUVs - and to argue with Benjamin about its always-watching robot eye - in this first drive bonus episode.
Aug 01, 2018•20 min
The 2019 Mercedes-AMG C63 S introduces brand-new 'predictive' driver's aides in the form of the AMG Dynamics system, and Benjamin hits the track at Bilster Berg in Germany to decide whether they help lap times or just get in the way while sampling every single model in the C63 line-up. Sami spends a week with the 2018 Porsche 718 Boxster GTS and is stunned by how incredibly quick and competent the 911's little brother has become in just a few short years. Finally, Benjamin tells a sad story of d...
Jul 28, 2018•45 min
Sami spends time with the weakest Mustang engine wrapped in the heaviest (convertible) body and attempts to convince Benjamin why that's not a completely terrible experience. He also samples the huge wing on the 2018 Subaru BRZ tS and pronounces it to be the next logical progression in the coupe's evolution - in a world where extra horsepower isn't available, of course. The pair then delve into the mailbag to respond to messages from readers about BMW, supercars, and more.
Jul 21, 2018•40 min
What happens when you swap a high-revving V8 for a twin-turbo V6? The 2018 Audi RS5 answers that question with surprising authority, according to Benjamin after he spend 1,000 miles behind the wheel delving into the soul of Audi's latest sports car. Sami decides it's time to ditch Germany and embrace Sweden (by way of China) if you're in the market for a small luxury SUV as he throws his weight behind the 2018 Volvo XC40 versus the 2018 BMW X1. Finally, the pair enjoy some autonomous car schaude...
Jul 14, 2018•46 min
Is driving the 2018 Lamborghini Aventador S roadster a life-changing experience? According to Sami, the answer is yes - with a few caveats. Benjamin drives a pair of down-to-Earth Minis - the Cooper and the Countryman - that booked the Mini universe in terms of both price and size. Finally, both Benjamin and Sami get deep into the revelation that the Challenger Hellcat is gaining a new family member - the Redeye - and that some old favorites are getting a host of upgrades and changes. Links: 201...
Jul 07, 2018•41 min
Do you need a 475 horsepower, track-ready SUV? Does anyone? The 2018 Dodge Durango SRT gets road-tested by both Benjamin and Sami this week, who are both in love with its exhaust note and appalled by its fuel economy. Sami also ponders the missed opportunity that is the 2018 Chevrolet Tahoe RST, the 'performance' edition of the Durango's direct competitor that leaves a lot on the table. The pair also provide final thoughts on the departing 2018 GMC Sierra Denali, what it's like to attend the Bob...
Jul 01, 2018•35 min
What's it like driving the 2019 Audi Q8 across the driest desert on the planet? Benjamin has the scoop after piloting the Q8 through Chile's Atacama, which NASA uses as a stand-in for the surface of Mars. Closer to home, Sami is impressed by how well Subaru has nailed its second attempt at a seven-seat crossover with the 2019 Subaru Ascent, which he drove along the Cape Breton coast. Finally, Benjamin drives one of this heroes - the bonkers Renault Clio V6 - and Sami is sad about the recent reve...
Jun 23, 2018•52 min
The 2018 BMW 640i Gran Turismo is perhaps the most bizarre BMW also built - and yet, somehow, perhaps the most useful vehicle in the company's current line-up. Both Benjamin and Sami have their minds completely blown by this baffling, and amazing, automobile. Also on deck: Sami spends a week with the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee, and the pair try to figure out who, exactly, needs to order Applebees directly from their car's touchscreen, which you can now do in a brand new Hyundai, and why Porsche na...
Jun 16, 2018•45 min
Would you buy a diesel pickup? What about a diesel pickup that's smaller than a full-size? And would you pay $50,000 for it? These are the questions Benjamin tries to answer when driving the 2018 GMC Canyon Diesel over the course of a week. Sami, when not provoking Benjamin about how many tires he's hauling around, also chips in with his thoughts on the 2019 Kia Sorento redesign, before wrapping things up with listener questions. Links: 2019 Kia Sorento vs 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee — Despite risi...
Jun 09, 2018•44 min
Does the 2019 Lexus ES still have a place at the table in a world where mid-size premium sedans offering tons of luxury features can be had from nearly every automaker on the market? Benjamin and Sami discuss the all-new ES after having put it through its paces.
Jun 07, 2018•20 min
When is weird too weird? When is weird not enough? That's what Sami attempts to discover when comparing the 2018 Kia Soul crossover to the 2018 Toyota CH-R. Benjamin jumps in with his strangely authoritative opinions on why, exactly, a whole bunch of other strange-looking SUVs failed where the Soul has succeeded. He then talks about his time driving the twin-turbo rotary-powered FD Mazda RX-7 from the Mazda classic collection, while Sami quietly seethes with jealousy. Links: Retro Rewind: Drivin...
Jun 03, 2018•46 min
