2013 Cadillac ATS Review

Prying satisfied customers out of their Audi A4s, BMW 328s, and Mercedes-Benz C350s might seem tougher than establishing democracy in Afghanistan, but conquest sales will have to play a huge role in the success of the new Cadillac ATS. The brand desperately needs a successful entry luxury car because that’s the bestselling segment in the premium-car world. And since Cadillac has been moving in a sporting direction, it’s taking on these European sedans rather than targeting real-estate-agent buggies like the Lexus ES or Lincoln MKZ.

2013 Cadillac ATS

Off to a Good Start

We went into deep detail on the ATS earlier this year and were impressed with its design and engineering. Based on the brand-new Alpha platform, the 2013 ATS features a front-engine, rear-drive layout; four-wheel independent suspension; the latest ZF electric power steering; and four-wheel disc brakes. Motivation comes from a choice of three engines, with an available manual transmission, and optional all-wheel drive. It’s all wrapped in modern and attractive sheetmetal styled with a softer take on Cadillac’s Art and Science design philosophy. The whole shebang is 8.5 inches shorter than the CTS. We got a chance to drive it last month, and now we can finally tell you about it.

2013 Cadillac ATS front three quarter

From behind the wheel, the ATS makes an excellent first impression, with a good driving position combined with superb sightlines delivered in part by reasonably thin A-pillars. Models with sport seats have adjustable thigh support as well as adjustable side bolsters. You can choose from among seven interior color and finish schemes, including ones with aluminum trim and genuine carbon fiber. The ambience feels stylish and rich, and we were immediately able to find a comfortable driving position.

2013 Cadillac ATS review front angle

Good visibility extends to the information displayed to the driver, although the tachometer is tucked a bit far to the left on the instrument cluster and can fall out of your vision when driving hard. A head-up display is available, and there are three customizable windows below the central speedometer that can be configured using a large toggle switch on the right steering-wheel spoke; the control can be manipulated easily without looking down at it. Another toggle on the left spoke operates the cruise control.

2013 Cadillac ATS Concept Ca

The 8.0-inch LCD touch screen for the new CUE (Cadillac User Experience) system looks great and remains highly visible even when hit by direct sunlight. It has a number of clever features, such as a function that only brings up additional buttons when a proximity sensor detects your hand nearby. This allows the screen to stay uncluttered most of the time. You can change the map scale by squeezing or spreading your fingers as you do on a smartphone, and the nav system can pull contact addresses directly from a paired phone. We appreciate not having to manually enter an address that already exists in a connected device.

Overreaching Engine Lineup

2013 Cadillac ATS Interior

We first drove an ATS with the base engine, a 202-hp, 2.5-liter four-cylinder with direct injection. It’s basically a slightly updated version of Chevy’s workhorse engine and is available only with a six-speed automatic and rear drive. This engine won’t generate envy among any Audi or BMW owners. It delivers no better than adequate performance (claimed 0 to 60 in 7.5 seconds, which we think is about right on the nose), and it feels slower than it is—the transmission resists downshifting as you toe the throttle. The big four-cylinder is fairly loud at high revs. Were we in charge at Cadillac, we would have introduced the ATS without this engine and then slipped it into the lineup several months down the road if a less expensive entry-level model were deemed necessary.

Auto Repair Tips That Are Certain To Help Fix Your Car Problems

For lots of people, their auto is practically an extension of their own physical body, it is such an intrinsic part of every single day. Perhaps you are one such individual. Therefore, when auto troubles surface, it is necessary to protect quality, reliable auto repair work service. By following the guidance that complies with, you will have the required devices to ensure your vehicle is up and operating appropriately in no time whatsoever.

Prior to you allow the mechanic using your auto, make certain that you have each of the prices down. Inquire about any added costs that may turn up during the repair work and any sort of fees that you could not know. This will certainly make certain that you are not shocked when the expense comes for your auto repair.

Do not think you have actually been ripped-off by your mechanic because of the higher rate of your bill. Some parts are extremely pricey to change, including engines, transmission systems or control panel pcs. You need to ask your mechanic regarding the price of the parts he needed to put in your vehicle.

If you see your windshield wipers are not taking out all the water from your windshield when it rain, you might need to replace the cutters. This is a straightforward fix anyone could do. Action the blades and acquire new ones from a car supply shop. Remove the old ones and snap the brand-new ones in position.

Friends and household are an excellent resource when you are planning to get some work done on your car. Ask around to see if anybody could suggest a person to you before you go on your search. Never go with the viewpoint of one individual. Ask a couple of and see exactly what various other answers you get.

Replacing a burnt-out headlight or taillight is much cheaper when you do it on your own. It is simple to do on some cars and could save you a great deal of money. Ask somebody you rely on if he can teach you the best ways to take care of these troubles.

Make certain to ask the auto mechanics who is about to using your automobile whether he is certified. If the response is no, leave right away and get another person to do the repairs. If he says that he is, request some kind of proof so you understand this real.

Understand exactly how the service center you are taking into consideration charges before signing any kind of agreements. Some stores will certainly bill a flat charge for effort, while others base it off of time. Some will go with original parts, while others will certainly use generics. Know what you have in advance of you prior to being accountable.

Stick with Original Tools Supplier (OEM) components. If your vehicle requires parts, decide on OEM parts over universal ones. For optimum efficiency, you ought to have the OEM components that fall to the manufacturer's criteria. While generic parts are cheaper, they're generally a reduced top quality compared to the original ones. This means that you might pay more later for replacements.

If you have actually never ever done any sort of automobile repair work on your own, you need to stick with small tasks and do great deals of homework to find out how to do larger tasks. Be specific not to begin taking your car apart if you aren't certain how to place it back with each other. Before starting any kind of automobile repair task, be sure you have all the necessary components and tools in location which you understand exactly what you need to do to finish the job from beginning to end.

Offered its considerable capability in your day-to-day life, your auto is virtually an additional participant of your family members. When breakdowns happen, you wish to be particular your vehicle is getting the attention and care it is entitled to. If you keep the above pointers nearby at all times, you will never go to a loss when it pertains to getting the repair job your car needs.

Auto Repair Shop Jerry's

Auto Repair Shop

Auto Repair Shop 02

Auto Repair Shop 05

2013 Bentley Continental GT Speed

In my mind it’s a Fiat Punto, but I really have no clue exactly which variety of vehicular mailbox pulled out into the left lane to pass the commercial truck. I remember that the truck had a cartoon of a hot dog with eyes. This was troubling for several reasons, including the fact that I’m not entirely sure it was a hot dog—where I come from, hot dogs don’t have that little tiara of casing material on the top of their “heads.” But, hey, they have their own kind of wieners in Germany, so I don’t know. But this imposition by the possible Punto was primarily troubling because my co-driver and I were going about 100 mph faster than that shitbox in a 616-hp, two-and-a-half-ton, quarter-million-dollar Burnt Orange Bentley Continental GT Speed, in the very lane of the A8 autobahn it seemed to now be parked in.

2013 Bentley Continental GT Speed and Continental GT3 Concept Photos

I tried to remember what the Bentley guy said the previous day about the GT Speed’s brakes, something about them arresting enough energy at full clamp from the car’s 205-mph top speed to power six houses for an hour. Or maybe it was one house for six hours. Would that be any different? And wouldn’t the one (or six) homeowner(s) be better off just using the heat generated by the brakes to warm the house and power the TV with, say, 18 German shepherds on a huge wheel? We were probably driving about 170 mph, so that would be, like, only four houses/hours.

2013 Bentley Continental GT V8 front end in motion

2013 Bentley Continental GT V8 front three quarter in motion

Anyway, we seemed to have a great deal of time to get our numbers very wrong, since the Punto appeared at first as more of a surprising but emotionless blip on our consciousness. We didn’t really seem to be going that fast, but the Punto was getting too large, too quickly. Then…BRAKES! At that point, the big Bentley went all buns up and swaying—very disquieting. And then, well, then nothing. We didn’t die. Nobody was going to get to scavenge the turned-aluminum sunglasses case (a $470 option) or shattered portions of the monstrous carbon-ceramic brake discs ($13,600) out of the debris field on that particular day.

2013 Bentley Continental GT V8

We’d flown halfway around the world for stretches of road like this one south of Munich. Where else could we test the aptly named GT Speed but on the “derestricted” portions of the autobahn? The thing is a speed sled, a huge metal fist punching at the atmosphere (and wayward Puntos) with 12 cylinders and two turbochargers. Where, outside of a specialized test track, could we confirm that the GT Speed could reach 205 mph, a precious and highly theoretical 7 mph faster than the standard GT W-12 coupe (to be known henceforth as the GT UnSpeed)? With only occasional limit-free stretches of highway, though, we admit we never even matched the top speed of the convertible GTC W-12, a measly 195 mph, which is not even 200 mph. We got to 188 mph, which is plenty damn fast, as it turns out.

2014 BMW M6 Gran Coupe Photos and Info

In a logical extension of its portfolio, BMW has launched the M6 Gran Coupe. Identified by the automaker as "perhaps the perfect combination" of the M5 and the M6, it is a stretched M6 that sits on the exact wheelbase of the M5. Created essentially from the parts bin, the M6 Gran Coupe's hardware was pre-determined from the start. And that’s a good thing.

2014 BMW M6 Gran Coupe front three quarters

Under the hood of this rear-driver sits the 560-hp, 4.4-liter turbocharged V-8; BMW's imprecise TwinPower moniker actually refers to a twin-turbo here. Maximum torque is 500 lb-ft, available at 1500 rpm, and all 560 horses are served when the tach spins to at 5750 before arriving at a 7200-rpm redline. BMW claims that the sprint from zero to 60 mph takes a mere 4.1 seconds. That's as quick as the M6 coupe and a somewhat-inexplicable 0.3 second quicker than BMW says the lighter M5 requires. Top speed is a governed 155 mph, which is reached "in only a few seconds more," as the press release optimistically states. Top speed can be raised to 190 mph with the addition of the M Driver’s package. The engine is mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. There’s no word yet on the availability of a six-speed manual for the M6 Gran Coupe—nor the coupe or convertible, for that matter—which would not only provide a genuine shifting experience but also shave 33 pounds from the four-door’s weight, as it does when fitted in the M5.

2014 BMW M6 Gran Coupe front end

The M6 Gran Coupe is equipped with an extremely capable chassis, which includes an electronically controlled limited-slip differential, electronically controlled shock absorbers, and a rear subframe bolted to the body. This car still uses hydraulic power steering, electronically adjustable and rather superior to the electromechanical power steering found in lesser versions of the 5- and 6-series. Carbon-ceramic brakes are optional, and they will lower weight by a remarkable 43 pounds. The 20-inch aluminum wheels displayed on this car are specific to the M6 Gran Coupe.

2014 BMW M6 Gran Coupe rear three quarters

The M6 Gran Coupe is a long sedan from the outside, but from the inside, the coupe moniker comes alive. The seating position in the front is low and snug, just like in the standard M6 coupe, and the rear seats do not offer the room you might expect from a four-door of its size. There actually is room for five, but the fifth person won't be happy—regardless of how petit he or she happens to be. BMW is well aware of the rear-passenger seating arrangement, referring to it as “four-plus-one.”

2014 BMW M6 Gran Coupe Interior

But practicality is not what the M6 Gran Coupe is about. Instead, it is one of the most beautiful four-door sedans on the market, an automotive dream of luxury, performance, and indulgence. And it’s a good thing this four-door coupe is directed toward all those desirable characteristics and not practicality, because when it hits showroom floors in the summer of 2013, expect to see a sticker price approaching $110,000. At that price, it will cost nearly $20,000 more than a base M5. But that’ll be worth it, purely for the sake of owning the prettiest M5 on the planet.

2014 Audi A8

Throughout the Los Angeles Vehicle Say last November, Audi informed us that it would be bringing four new diesel-powered designs to the United States this year. The very first to arrive is the 2014 A8L TDI you see here, and we have actually now discovered that the large oil-sipper will certainly be valued from $82,500,

2014 Audi A8 TDI Front Three Quarter

The entire brand-new selection of diesel designs will be powered by Audi's 3.0-liter TDI V6, helpful for 240 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque in this application. Naturally, Quattro all-wheel drive is basic, and also in the huge A8, the diesel grunt will certainly be enough to thrust the long-wheelbase flagship to 60 miles every hr in 6.4 secs (nearly a full second slower compared to the A8 3.0 T we evaluated last fall). That said, the A8 TDI must still be a rather engaging guide, and thinking about the truth that this point will reportedly return gas economic climate figures of up to 36 miles each gallon on the motorway (24 in the city), a slightly slower launch time is well worth it. (The A8 3.0 T peaks at 28 mpg road.).

2014 Audi A8 TDI rear right side view

2014 Audi A8 TDI front view

Elsewhere in the section, Mercedes-Benz provides a diesel version of its S-Class flagship, selling for $93,000 and great for gas economy numbers of 21/31 mpg city/highway. By contrast, the A8 TDI appears like a take, and we'll be interested to see where the forthcoming BMW 7 Series diesel falls under the class of significant oil-burning barges.

2014 Audi A8 TdI quattro Interior photos

The 2014 Audi A8L TDI will certainly strike showrooms in the US this springtime. For the full specifics, scroll to read through the car manufacturer's short press bash.

Toyota Corolla 2014 Previewed with Furia Concept

The all-new 2014 Toyota Corolla is still several months away, but the Japanese carmaker is keen to show off the future styling direction for their bread-and-butter compact sedan, with the unveiling of the Furia concept at the 2013 Detroit Auto Show.

2014 Toyota Corolla Furia Concept

2014 Toyota Corolla to be Unveiled Before the LA Auto Show

It’s a great-looking concept, but it’s too obvious that most of the styling ideas won’t show up in the conservative Corolla, such as those 19-inch alloys and the LED tail lamps. It is slightly longer and lower than the current model, with a longer wheelbase for more interior space. No specs have been released.

2014 Toyota Corolla Furia Concept

2014 Toyota Corolla Furia Concept

Toyota Furia Concept 2014 Toyota Corolla Sedan

2014 Toyota Corolla Furia Concept

Expect the actual 2014 Toyota Corolla to debut by the winter of 2013, with a gradual release in UAE, Saudi and other GCC markets by early next year.

2014 Bentley Flying Spur

Bentley establishes a new luxury performance sedan benchmark with the launch of the new Flying Spur. With its unrivalled blend of effortless driveability, exquisite luxury and craftsmanship, sculpted design and state-of-the-art technology, the new Bentley Flying Spur takes the worldwide success of its iconic predecessor further. Bentley's most powerful four-door model ever makes its global debut at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show.

2014 Bentley Continental Flying Spur

Bentley's styling team has developed an athletic design for the new Flying Spur that combines traditional Bentley styling cues with a sporting stance and contemporary details. Sharp feature lines complement muscular rear haunches, while LED day-time running lights, dipped headlights and taillights characterise the front and rear profiles. The interior designers have created a luxurious, spacious cabin that dresses advanced acoustic and electronic technologies in exquisite hand-crafted leather hides and wood veneers.

2014 Bentley Flying Spur 2013 Geneva Motor Show

Driver and passengers alike interface with the car and the outside world through touch-screen infotainment, mobile connectivity including Wi-Fi, a Rear Seat Entertainment suite and a new hand-held Touch Screen Remote which allows rear-cabin occupants to control an extensive range of features from the comfort of their seat. An eight-channel, eight-speaker audio system with Balanced Mode Radiators provides high quality sound clarity, with the 1100W Naim® for Bentley premium system available as an option.

2014 Bentley Flying Spur Release Photos

Powering the new Flying Spur is Bentley's renowned 6.0-litre, twin turbo W12 engine, coupled to a ZF eight-speed transmission. Developing 625 PS (616 bhp) and 800 Nm of torque, the new Flying Spur features more power than any other Bentley four-door in history. A 14 per cent improvement in the power-to-weight ratio over the outgoing model delivers a breath-taking 0-60 mph time of 4.3 seconds and a top-speed of 200 mph (322 km/h). In the modern Bentley tradition, power is delivered to the road via all-wheel drive with a 40:60 rear-biased torque split for a sure-footed, engaging drive in all road and weather conditions.

2014 Bentley Flying Spur side in motion

Bentley Chairman and Chief Executive, Dr Wolfgang Schreiber, comments: "Bentley's new Flying Spur is the ultimate luxury performance sedan. Our engineers have worked tirelessly to ensure that the Flying Spur is the perfect combination of power, comfort, refinement and hand-crafted quality. Fitted with the very latest technology, the new Flying Spur is equipped both for business and relaxation whilst remaining a car to enjoy from behind the wheel."

2014 Aston Martin Vanquish

Burying the late, great DBS and resuscitating the Vanquish name is no small task for Aston Martin. Armed with a nearly $300,000 asking price, the new 2014 Vanquish demands equal doses of sexy-yet-discreet styling and forward thinking hardware to uphold its desirability in the current exotic car landscape.

Introducing the 2014 Aston Martin Vanquish

Does the new flagship succeed in stoking the embers of desire? A recent drive on rambling English roads offered some insight into the Vanquish's ability to stoke our champagne-fueled dreams.

Inspired by Seventy-Seven Bespoke Hypercars, Inside and Out

Trickle down styling usually works in the realm of four-wheeled exotica, and Aston Martin's new Vanquish exhibits some of the tight radius curves and hunkered down poise inherited from its ultra-rare predecessor, the One-77. But the new $279,995 flagship also gains a thorough mechanical reworking that helps answer to detractors who claim the British brand is all show and no go: while an extruded aluminum tub remains at its core, the Vanquish adds carbon weave structures to the nose and tail for further weight savings and 25 percent more torsional rigidity, as well as carbon fiber skin all around. Official avoirdupois has yet to be announced, but the Vanquish's curb weight is estimated in the region of 3,750 lbs, nearly 100 lbs less than its DBS predecessor.

2014 aston martin vanquish Sx-Z

2014 Aston Martin Vanquish FD Opt

Introducing the 2014 Aston Martin Vanquish

2014 Aston Martin Vanquish

The new 5.9 liter V-12 sits lower and lighter, churning more power (565 hp, 457 lb-ft compared to the old mill's 510 hp) while claiming greater fuel efficiency, thanks in part to the incorporation of variable valve timing. Connecting the powerplant to the 6-speed automated manual rear transaxle is a carbon fiber prop shaft surrounded by an alloy torque tube. Aston claims that 60 mph arrives in 4.1 seconds, and that the Vanquish tops out at 183 mph.

Inside the cabin, a new interior treatment reveals One-77-inspired stitch patterns and details like a haptic touch surface on the center stack. The cockpit has been expanded for less of a cocooning effect, while the "boot" offers 60 percent more space.

2014 Chevrolet Malibu

We called the redesigned 2013 Chevrolet Malibu "a consistent disappointment" during 2013 Car of the Year testing. Jonny Lieberman went so far as to call the midsize sedan "not so much a car as it is a collection of things I hate about rentals." We've heard GM was fast-tracking a refresh to address the sub-par 2013 Malibu, and now we have the first official details on the restyled and more efficient 2014 Chevrolet Malibu.

2014 Chevrolet Malibu

One aspect of the 2013 Malibu we didn't mind was its exterior styling, but it's hard to argue with Chevrolet's decision to make the 2014 Malibu appear like a smaller Impala. While no one will confuse the 2014 Malibu's interior with that of the 2014 Impala, the midsizer now has 1.25 inches more rear-seat knee room thanks to reshaped front seatbacks, and Chevrolet claims the rear seat -- one we called "rock hard" on the 2013 Malibu at COTY testing -- is more comfortable. The rear seat cushion is about half an inch slimmer to let passengers sit deeper in the seats. The 2014 Malibu's center console is now longer, and we hope the Malibu's neat hidden storage compartment behind the dash's touch screen has been retained.

2014 Chevrolet Malibu

2014 Chevrolet Malibu

2014 Chevrolet Malibu

Engine stop-start technology is now included on every 2014 Chevrolet Malibu, which should give dealers (and advertisers) something to brag about. Of course, electric accessories including the climate control, power windows, and sound system are powered by an auxiliary battery when the engine has stopped. Fuel economy on the 2014 Chevrolet Malibu with a 2.5-liter I-4 has improved to an estimated 23/35 mpg city/highway, up from the 2013 model's 22/34 mpg. For comparison, the 2013 Toyota Camry is rated 25/35 mpg, while the 2013 Ford Fusion with the 1.6-liter EcoBoost I-4 and a six-speed automatic is good for 23/36 mpg, or 24/37 mpg with engine stop-start technology. The automatic-transmission 2014 Fusion will make use of a new 1.5-liter EcoBoost engine, meaning its fuel economy numbers might improve. The class leaders are still higher, with the 2013 Nissan Altima at 27/38 mpg and the automatic-transmission 2014 Mazda6 at 26/38 mpg.

2014 Aston Martin V12 Vantage S

Aston Martin is taking sports car performance to extremes with the announcement of the new Aston Martin V12 Vantage S.

The new car replaces the outgoing V12 Vantage in markets around the world and, with the exception of the One-77 hypercar, arrives as the fastest road-going Aston Martin yet offered.

2014 Aston Martin V12 Vantage S

2014 Aston Martin V12 Vantage S

Providing the most visceral yet engaging sports car experience in the British luxury car maker's current range, the new Aston Martin V12 Vantage S delivers exceptional sporting agility underpinned by admirable long distance refinement.

Equipped with the new 573 PS Aston Martin AM28 6.0-litre V12 engine, featuring latest generation Bosch engine management, the car is capable of reaching 205 mph.

2014 Aston Martin V12 Vantage S

Peak and low rev torque improves appreciably, too. With 620 Nm available at 5,750 rpm - up from 570 Nm previously - the Aston Martin V12 Vantage S is not to be found wanting. Crucially, too, low rev torque - measured at just 1,000 rpm - leaps from 440 Nm to 510 Nm. This serves to both flatten and fatten the torque curve, thereby significantly improving driveability.

Aston Martin Chief Executive Officer Dr Ulrich Bez said: "The new V12 Vantage S is, simply, pure Aston Martin. It is extreme in its nature yet truly timeless in its design language. Learning from our successes on the track feeds the development of this type of car and I'm proud to launch such an exciting sports car in this, our centenary year."

Race car technology runs right through the DNA of the Aston Martin V12 Vantage S with, for instance, CNC machined combustion chambers and hollow cam shafts just two examples of track technology feeding through to the road.

2014 Aston Martin V12 Vantage S

Another clear example is the new car's new gearbox. The Sportshift™ III AMT (automated manual transmission) is a major development of the automated manual gearbox that appears in the current V8 Vantage S.

Designed and engineered to exploit the full sporting potential of the V12 engine, the new Sportshift™ III hydraulically actuated automated manual transmission provides motorsport-style paddle shift changes for optimum performance delivery and efficiency. The unit is also appreciably lighter than the outgoing six-speed manual gearbox - saving 25 kg.

2014 Aston Martin V12 Vantage S

This race-derived and motorsport proven technology - used routinely in Aston Martin Racing's race-winning Vantage GT4, GT3 and GTE competition cars - provides for great driver control with only milliseconds of torque interruption and delivers precise and swift gear changes.

The Sportshift™ III transaxle, from transmission experts Oerlikon Graziano, joins an extensive array of new sport- and track-focused developments that ensure the Aston Martin V12 Vantage S is fully equipped to exploit the huge performance potential of its 6.0-litre naturally aspirated AM28 engine.

The debut of three-stage adaptive damping - another 'first' for the Vantage family - allows the driver to more precisely tailor the car's dynamic character. 'Normal', 'Sport' and 'Track' modes provide a broad swathe of dynamic performance that can be tuned to better suit the driver's requirements. The system also governs the level of power steering assistance offered.

Working alongside the extended adaptive damping system is a 'Sport' mode, controlled via a button on the centre console, that alters throttle response, gearshift speed and timing, and exhaust note to, once again, tune the character of the car to the driver's requirements.

A whole new exhaust system - derived from that of the One-77 hypercar, no less - is lighter, smaller and, crucially, even more sonorous than that of the outgoing car.

The ZF Servotronic power assisted steering is new, too. With a quicker 15:1 ratio, it is linked to the adaptive damping button and offers two-mode steering assistance designed to best match the 'Sport' or 'Normal' settings generated by the Adaptive Damping System.

2014 BMW X5

The third-generation 2014 BMW X5 has arrived, and its big news is an optional rear-wheel-drive variant. Those models will have a 300-hp turbocharged 3.0-liter in-line six-cylinder gasoline engine in the U.S. We're expecting a Frankfurt motor show debut in September. Why rear drive? BMW says customer clinics revealed prospective buyers, including those in the U.S., aren't really concerned about the luxury SUV being able to take them off-road.

2014 BMW X5 m50d image BMW Blog

Developed under the codename F15, the new BMW X5 retains its upright profile and traditional features such as a two-piece tailgate. There's a bolder front end with a more prominent kidney grille, LED headlamps and a heavily contoured bumper with so-called air-curtain ducts on the lower outer edges sending air more efficiently through the front-wheel houses.

BMW X5 2014

Overall, the new SUV has a more structured look with a more contoured hood, more pronounced shoulder line and an added feature line in the lower doors. BMW says it's all aimed at reducing visual bulk.

2014 BMW X5

At 192.4 inches long, 76.3 inches wide and 69.4 inches high, the new X5 is a mere 1.3 inches longer, 0.2 inches wider and 0.6 inches taller than its predecessor. The new model carries over the 115.5 inch wheelbase.

2014 BMW X5 Brown Front Three Quarters view

Inside, the new X5 has a more luxurious interior, with styling following the latest BMWs. Buyers will get two rear-seat choices: a fixed 40/20/40 bench or a new 70/30 bench; it adjusts longitudinally for space for an optional third row. Cargo capacity grows 1.1 cubic feet to 23.9, rising to 66.0 with the second- and third-row seats folded.