BMW Raises White Flag: Gran Coupe Tones Down Massive Grille

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Car designers can be stubborn. They have to be. If they design something that isn’t found pleasing or popular, they have to live with it forever. It never goes away. That’s one reason why the really bad decision to make some BMW kidney bean grilles so ginormous continues. It’s like the old adage, “We’ll make for you what we want, not what you like.”

That has been BMW’s attitude toward its out-of-scale grilles. Until now. Pleased forum members at BimmerToday noticed a retreat from BMW. It’s in the form of a gesture on the new 4 Series Gran Coupe to soften the giant grille. 

The BMW Gran Coupe grille is not a huge change, but it is a welcome one

BMW 4 Series Coupe and Gran Coupe comparison | Bimmertoday

It’s not a huge change, but it is a start. And an admission that BMW needed to do something to tone down the oversized nose on the 4 Series. “Benny” at BimmerToday found two front ends of the 4 Series Gran Coupe and the standard Coupe. Both share the same sheet metal ahead of the windshield. 

With the fog lights missing on the Gran Coupe it simplifies the front end. There aren’t so many elements the eye must take in. Interestingly, if you look real close you’ll see that the extreme bottom of the fascia is cleaned up on the Gran Coupe. The standard Coupe has what looks like reliefs that stop your eyes. 

But these are the minor changes. As you can see, the big change is the blackout of the lower body color around the kidney bean openings. By painting it out it deemphasizes the lower portion of the grille. It visually shortens the height of the grille, though, in reality, nothing has changed. 

A clever and necessary paint detail makes the BMW grille so much more palatable

A BMW logo on the hood of a black car on March 15, 2021, in Munich, Germany
BMW logo | Christof Stache/AFP via Getty Images

No new tooling was needed for this. Just a clever and necessary paint detail change that makes the front so much more palatable. It’s a cheap and visual trick and we’ll take it. But now that BMW has bought some time it needs to make some design and tooling changes to design the grilles in a much more compelling way. 

The idea that the customer is wrong and the designers are right is ludicrous. If something turns off the buyer you’ve lost the sale. That doesn’t make the customer wrong. It makes the detail or design wrong for turning off a potential buyer. 

There are periods in the design process to pause and access what you’ve got

A silver 1999 E38 BMW 740i in a European city
1999 E38 BMW 740i | BMW

Designers are meant to have a good enough filter to be able to project ahead to imagine how inclusive certain designs will or won’t be. It’s not always easy, and that is why there is a team of designers. And, there are opportunities from ideation sketches to the signoff of the design to make changes. 

Car design has no room for arrogance. BMW Design doesn’t need to admit its mistake or plead mea culpa. It only needs to refresh the front end to reflect that compelling, sexy design that makes a BMW a BMW.

RELATED: BMW Starts Campaign To Shame Haters Of Their Beaver Fang Grilles

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The Best American Cars, SUVs, and Trucks According to Consumer Reports

by Gabrielle DeSantis

If you’re shopping for a new car, truck, or SUV, you may find yourself asking yourself which new vehicles from well-known U.S. brands were given the highest ratings by Consumer Reports? The good news is that Consumer Reports recently highlighted the best American cars, SUVs, and trucks based on their overall scores. Let’s find out what some of them are.

The best American cars include everything from EVs to luxury models

2021 Chevrolet Bolt EV | Chevrolet

The 2021 Chevy Bolt has a lot going for it. It’s not only one of the best American cars but, Consumer Reports also gave it some pretty high ratings. This year’s model earned a 78 overall score, along with a five out of five predicted reliability rating and a four out of five predicted owner satisfaction rating.

Consumer Reports also gave it a 76 overall score in its road tests, adding, “With the equivalent of 200-electrified horses on tap, this small hatchback accelerates with gusto and at 6.8 seconds from zero to 60 mph, it’s as quick as some sports sedans.”

Now, the Chevy Bolt isn’t the only American car that made Consumer Reports’ list. The 2021 Ford Mustang also found itself among the organization’s picks for the best American cars. Unlike the Bolt, however, the Mustang is a new sports car.

Consumer Reports gave this year’s model a 78 overall score. It also gave it an 84 overall score in road tests and a five out of five predicted owner satisfaction rating. Unfortunately, the Mustang was given a slightly lower reliability rating, landing only a three out of five.

Here’s the thing, neither the Bolt nor the Mustang are considered luxury cars. That being said, Consumer Reports did tap both the 2021 Tesla Model 3 and the 2021 Tesla Model S as some of the best American luxury cars. While the Model S earned a 70 overall score, the organization gave the new Tesla Model 3 a 75 overall score.

The best American SUVs earned high marks from Consumer Reports

While several new cars made Consumer Reports’ list, the organization highlighted plenty new American SUVs too. Among them are models like the 2021 Ford Edge and the 2021 Ford Expedition.

While Consumer Reports gave the Ford Edge an 83 overall score, the Expedition earned itself a 69 overall score. Though the Expedition’s score is significantly lower than that of the Ford Edge’s, both new Ford SUVs did well in road tests. 

Say you want an American SUV but aren’t sold on a Ford. The good news is that Consumer Reports included several other SUVs in its list. Take, for example, the 2021 Buick Encore and the 2021 Buick Enclave. Consumer Reports gave both models similar overall scores. While the organization gave the Encore a 74 overall score, it gave the Enclave a 76 overall score.

Now, the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid isn’t an SUV, but Consumer Reports did include it among its picks for the best American cars. For good reasons, too. The 2021 model earned a 68 overall score, which may not sound all that impressive. However, Consumer Reports did give it an 85 in road tests. It also gave the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid a four out of five predicted owner satisfaction rating.

Only two pickups made the cut for the best American pickup trucks

Perhaps you’d prefer a new American pickup instead. If that’s the case, both the 2021 Jeep Gladiator and the 2021 Ram 1500 were included in Consumer Reports’ list of the best American cars, trucks, and SUVs.

But first, let’s talk about the 2021 Jeep Gladiator. Consumer Reports gave this year’s model a 65 overall score. It also gave the Gladiator a five out of five predicted reliability and owner satisfaction rating. 

However, the 2021 Jeep Gladiator did struggle in road tests and was only able to manage a 52 overall score. According to Consumer Reports, this year’s new Jeep Gladiator is “decidedly clumsy with mushy and slow steering that requires a lot of arm work to get the Jeep to turn.” The good news is that you can expect this year’s model to handle better than pickups like the Ford Ranger and the Toyota Tacoma.

As for the 2021 Ram 1500? It earned a 63 overall score. This year’s model was also given a four out of five owner satisfaction rating. It did significantly better in road tests too. In fact, this year’s model earned an 83 overall score in Consumer Reports’ road tests. 

Which of these vehicles is the right choice for your daily driving needs?

Whether you’re in the market for the best American car, truck, or SUV, we recommend taking these options out for a test drive. After all, getting behind the wheel is the best way to determine if a particular vehicle is the right fit for you.

RELATED: The 6 Most Improved New Cars and SUVs of 2021 According to U.S. News

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2021 Mazda CX-5 vs. Subaru Forester: Compact Crossover Comparison

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The 2021 Mazda CX-5 and 2021 Subaru Forester are both extraordinary popular crossover SUVs for this year. The Mazda CX-5 has a few more options to offer buyers, but eh Forester has off-roading capabilities that Mazda can’t match. Check out how the two compact crossover SUVs compare to one another and where each one pulls ahead.

Is Mazda CX-5 better than Subaru Forester?

2021 Mazda CX-5 vs. Subaru Forester | Mazda

Kelley Blue Book made a comparison of the 2021 Mazda CX-5 and the Subaru Forester. What’s to love about the Mazda CX-5? KBB says that this SUV is stylish and has a lot of equipment standard that other cars might make optional. It offers a turbo engine option and all-wheel drive ($1,400 upgrade), making it one of the sportier SUVs available.

Where does the CX-5 SUV lack a bit? The back seat is a little tight and could use some extra room. The infotainment system isn’t as intuitive as some might like, and the cargo area is smaller (30.9/59.6 cubic feet) than some similar SUVs. Kelley Blue Book says that if you are looking for a sportier option that offers some SUV qualities, the CX-5 is a solid choice. This Mazda works for many budgets while offering a 2.5L naturally-aspirate engine or a 2.5L turbocharged four-cylinder. The 2021 Mazda CX-5’s starting price is $25,370.

This SUV gets 28 mpg overall (25 mpg in the city, 31 mpg on the highway.) The Mazda warranty is three years, 36,000 miles. It has a five-star safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and room for five passengers.

Is the Subaru Forester more reliable than the CX-5?

Not necessarily. The Subaru Forester and the Mazda CX-5 have a lot of similar qualities, including being reliable. It comes standard with all-wheel drive and has a fairly unprecedented ground clearance. The fuel economy is above-average, too. KBB says the Forester lacks a bit with the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), and the style of the Subaru might not be for everyone.

Overall, the Subaru Forester is a compact SUV that has a surprising amount of space inside. The cargo area has 31.1/74.3 cubic feet. The ground clearance makes it ready for off-roading adventures. KBB gave it the Best Resale Value Award and Lowest 5-Year Cost to Own award.

This SUV gets 29 mpg overall (26 mpg in the city, 33 mpg on the highway.) The Subaru warranty is also three years, 36,000 miles. Like the CX-5, the Forester has a five-star safety rating from the NHTSA and room for five passengers.

Advantages and disadvantages for the SUVs

The Mazda CX-5 comes with two engine choices, seven trim level options and is offered in front-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive. The non-turbo engine gets 187 hp, and the turbo version offers 227 hp. This SUV can tow 2,000 pounds. The turbo engine offers a slight advantage over the engine options for the Subaru, in addition to the upscale looks.

The Forester has a single-engine choice of a 2.5L flat-four with 182 hp. It has five trims: base, Premium, Sport, Limited, and Touring. This Subaru offers a wide variety of safety and driver features that come standard. The higher-end trims offer more options, but so does the base. The Forester can tow 1,500 pounds. The standard all-wheel-drive platform gives this pick an advantage, as does its off-roading capabilities.

If you have any plans for off-road adventures, the Subaru pulls out ahead. Otherwise, the CX-5 is going to get you to your destination safely, no matter what trim and options you pick. As far as compact crossover SUVs go, both the Mazda CX-5 and Subaru Forester are reliable and stylish options.

RELATED: What Is the Best Year for the Mazda CX-5?

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Ford Offers 7-Year Loans on the Maverick and It’s a Huge Problem

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Ford is a business. Hell, it’s in their name: Ford Motor Company. That means, come the end of the day, they have to turn a profit to keep the lights on. Well, that and to make more excellent Ford GT’s. However, business sense and morality often collide. Usually, one wins over the other. That’s why we’re here. Unfortunately, business may have beat out morality again (hi there, Tesla). Now, it’s time to examine why the American motor company’s loans may be predatory towards buyers.

Car finance 101

The 2022 Maverick | Ford

First, a little finance 101. Just like a house, a car is one of the largest purchases you’ll ever make. As such, loans can be helpful. They can also be harmful, but more on that in a bit. A loan can be helpful because that expensive car is now divided up into more manageable monthly payments. These payments can be further reduced by putting money “down” on the purchase price of the vehicle, reducing how much you need to finance.

Usually, your bank will offer financing. Generally speaking, they’ll do it for a small interest rate on the loan, say, 1%-3%. Sometimes, manufacturers will do it too, like Ford has done. This is where the trouble starts. From one point of view, this may not be a good thing, as Ford, the people who make your car, now have a vested interest in keeping you in that loan for as long as possible. The trade-off? A lower monthly payment to entice buyers into an already cheap car.

Ford’s 7-year loan offering

The interior of the new Maverick, complete with touchscreen
2022 Maverick interior | Ford

According to Cars Direct, Ford will offer you a 7-year loan to the tune of a massive 5.9% APR. That is a frankly disgusting interest rate. Some quick math reveals that the American automaker will make roughly $4,500 in interest off of you during those seven years. This isn’t even the first time the automaker has done this. The new Mustang Mach E had a very similar offer at a similarly appalling interest rate.

All this to say nothing of the depreciation. The Maverick could be a smash hit, like the Mach E. Or, it could tank along with its resale value. Regardless, seven years of depreciation at a segment average of around 20%-40% isn’t a good look. Based on that math, you’d be losing close to $5,000 in the first year, all while paying Ford their 5.9% interest rate. You would be far better off putting some money down and financing through your local credit union. Some banks are shady, but not 5.9% APR shady.

This is not a good idea

A gigantic Ford dealership sign with a stop sign in the foreground
A little poetic “Fordshadowing” | Justin Sullivan via Getty Images

Here’s where we get into business vs. morality and playing devil’s advocate. Or, in this case, Ford’s advocate. It is a smart business move. The customer is loaned your truck for their entire ownership of the vehicle, and then you, as Ford, can take it back on trade and mark the thing up and sell it again. Of course, this isn’t exactly moral. An absurdly high interest rate, coupled with depreciation, leaves the customer almost nowhere to turn but the trade-in lot. Though this is based on opinion, please consider other alternatives to Ford’s loan program, such as a loan from your local credit union.

RELATED: Ford Wants to Take Its Bronco Owners Off-Roading

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