People will either love the 2023 BMW XM or loath it. For sure, it’s a grin a minute from behind the wheel. It’s a dedicated M vehicle, not an M variant like M3 or M5. Plus it’s a plug-in hybrid SUV that can be kind to the environment. But the gas-side is a thirsty twin-turbocharged V8 and the lofty price tag will disappoint those who find the polarizing exterior appealing. Tom Voelk checks out the tech and performance of this high output PHEV and talks to the good folks of Seattle about the design… and finds some surprising responses.

The 2023 BMW XM Is A Rorschach Test On Wheels

New York Times contributor and Emmy Award-winning automotive journalist Tom Voelk looks at all things cars.

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At last, there’s an all-new Toyota 4Runner! The 6th generation gets a Platinum and Trailhunter trims for the first time. The V6 is gone, replaced by a turbocharged 4-cylinder i-FORCE 2.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder making 278 horsepower or the i-FORCE MAX hybrid 4-cylinder with up to 326 horses. Both get 8-speed transmissions. If that sounds familiar, 4Runner is based on the same TNGA-F architecture as the new Tacoma pickup. The 2025 Toyota 4Runner should go on sale in the fall of 2024.

2025 Toyota 4Runner is All-New... Finally

Hyundai’s all-electric Ioniq 6 has racked up dozens of awards and accolades. It’s fast, rides well, charges fast and sports daring Streamliner design. If you’re looking for a curvy EV with the most squares, this is your car. Tom Voelk snags one from Hyundai for a week for a full shakedown and finds it be one of the most enjoyable electric sedans on the market.

2024 Hyundai Ioniq 6 Limited AWD is Sleek and... Sixy

Cadillac is finally pumping out the all-electric Lyriq in volume and it could be the vehicle that makes people forget about tailfins, chrome, floaty chassis dynamics and Cimarron. Lyriq is handsome, comfortable, roomy, powerful, quiet and packed with tech. Tom Voelk checks out an AWD Sport 3 with Super Cruise and finds it to be a solid value with room for five full sized adults. Now about that wobbly charge port door…

2024 Lyriq Sport AWD is Cadillac Done Right

ant a practical vehicle with a serious fun streak? Say ciao to the new Alfa Romeo Tonale. Plug it in and it’ll go 33 miles on electric power (that an easy 10,000 miles annually). Quick and agile, Tonale can take on up to 50 cubic feet of cargo. But it will be might familiar if you’ve visited a Dodge showroom lately. Tom Voelk checks out a top spec Tonale Veloce with eAWD (because it’s the only way Alfa makes it).  

Alfa Romeo Tonale Is An SUV With An Italian Accent

The 2024 Subaru Crosstrek is available with two engines. The Sport model unlocks the more powerful 2.5-liter boxer powertrain that’s found in the more expensive Limited and Wilderness versions. $2,800 more expensive than the Premium model, Sport adds kit that people want, making it the smart choice. Tom Voelk lays down his case on why this is the Crosstrek to buy.    

The 2023 BMW XM Is A Rorschach Test On Wheels

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