It’s funny when people try comparing MINIs to other cars because it just doesn’t work. With Fiat’s failed attempt at funky, MINI truly stands alone. And with the backing of BMW, their cars are both premium and fun-to-drive. Personalization is the name of the game at MINI and building the one that’s just right for you is an exciting endeavor and something that’s tough to find elsewhere for under 6-figures. So here I have the Cooper S Convertible with the 189 horsepower turbo decked out in the highest Iconic trim level replete with silver bonnet stripes and the MINI Yours soft top for an as-tested price of $40,850…….with blue-ish looking Enigmatic Black paint, these 18” MINI Yours British Spoke 2-tone wheels, my personal favorite interior – Satellite Grey in Chesterfield Leather, and this new Touchscreen Navigation Plus with wireless Apple CarPlay…sorry Android users. This one also comes standard with a heated steering wheel in a new design, heated seats, power folding mirrors, a head-up display, a Harman/Kardon Premium Sound System and a wind deflector. The one possible rub against this Iconic model that favors the base Classic trim is that you can’t get this one with a stick shift – the 7-speed dual clutch transmission is standard. But it works particularly well with this 2.0-liter turbo, with crisp shifts, steering wheel paddles, 3 driving modes, an additional 3mpgs and a quicker 0-to-60mph time of 6.7 seconds. There are some fun sounds here too adding to the sporty persona. And with summer-use tires clutching the road, snappy steering and a buttoned down suspension this is quintessential MINI driving.

2020 PORSCHE  911 CARRERA S TEST DRIVE BY CAR CRITIC STEVE HAMMES. When you’re really passionate about something you dive deep into your desires. If you’re an audiophile you’ll pick up on every nuance of the speakers, or if you’re a watch collector you’ll have intimate knowledge of its inner workings. And that’s what buying a Porsche is like; it’s a car for the driver who appreciates exactness and demands the best no matter the cost.
The priciest options on this tester are the Black/Bordeaux Red leather interior, the Adaptive Sport Seats with memory, the Sport Package which includes the exhaust, the front axle lift system to keep that chin off the ground, the rear axle steering and the Bose sound system.  As-tested, this car comes in at $137,570 and features new easier to control touchscreen infotainment with wireless CarPlay and other innovative features.
At face value you could say it’s just another Silver 911…but its added muscularity and new lighting design give it the subtle newness you’re looking for while retaining its unmistakable silhouette.

2020 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA GLI TESTDRIVENOW QUICK TAKES. THE GTI OF SPORT SEDANS.
The Jetta GLI Autobahn features the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit as standard equipment. The 10.25-inch screen replaces the traditional instrument panel, and the customizable digital display’s 133 DPI resolution renders details with extreme precision.
The 2020 Volkswagen Jetta GLI is available in two trim levels: S and Autobahn.
The Jetta GLI introduces new technology for 2020 with the next-generation Car-Net® telematics system, and all models are equipped with in-car Wi-Fi capability when you subscribe to a data plan. Autobahn models add standard wireless charging and the DCC® adaptive damping system for the 2020 model year, along with an optional Black Package which includes 18-inch black aluminum-alloy wheels, a black roof, black mirror caps, and a black spoiler.

Pricing for the Jetta GLI with 6-speed manual transmission starts at $26,245. The 7-speed DSG® dual-clutch automatic transmission starts at $27,045 Destination charges for all Jetta GLI models is $920.

2021 Mercedes AMG GLE 63 S Review By TestDriveNow Car Critic Steve Hammes. With a top speed of 174mph and all of the wow factors like heated and cooled cup holders and headlights that turn on like pulling back a curtain, the GLE 63 S is for those who go all in on life and have the means to do so.   Mercedes has been producing some crazy fast SUVs over the past 20 years and this one here is the OG. Originally known as the ML 55, this all-new 2021 GLE 63 S carries the brand’s AMG torch into a new decade of decadent speed.

I’m a big fan of this current generation of MINIs thanks largely to BMW’s heavy influence and the Clubman’s combination of updated tech and premium attributes makes for a truly unique choice.
Following current trends, the Clubman now sports more grille, new LED fogs and headlamps that automatically adapt their brightness to the situation on the road, LED rear lights with the Union Jack design and a host of styling and equipment tweaks inside and out.  

This is the top trim Iconic model including the $800 Driver Assistive Package which provides active cruise control, a pop up heads-up display, and parking assistant leading to an as-tested price of $40,600.  And yes, there’s always a little sticker shock when I test a MINI but this Clubman feels very modern, personalized and boutique and items with those attributes are always going to command a premium.  

MSRP as-tested: $40,600