Electric Cars

General Motors' long-standing workhorse vans, the Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana, are finally embracing a more contemporary in-cabin experience with the introduction of a new infotainment system for the 2027 model year. This significant upgrade, featuring a 7.0-inch touchscreen, marks a departure from their previous minimalist approach to interior technology. The move aims to enhance user convenience and connectivity, aligning these dependable vehicles more closely with current automotive trends, even if the technology itself is not GM's newest iteration. Despite this technological leap, the core design and utility that define these vans largely remain consistent, maintaining their reputation for practicality while offering a modest improvement in user interface.

For years, these twin vans have prioritized function over flair, offering basic audio systems with limited connectivity options. The upcoming 2027 models, however, are poised to integrate GM's Infotainment System 3, first seen in other GM vehicles in 2020. This integration signifies a welcome, albeit overdue, enhancement to the driver and passenger experience, promising features like Bluetooth phone connectivity and audio streaming as standard. While advanced functionalities such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are yet to be confirmed, this foundational upgrade lays the groundwork for a more connected and user-friendly cabin. The consistent starting price of just over $45,000 suggests that GM is delivering this technological advancement without significantly impacting the vehicle's established value proposition, ensuring these vans continue to be a cost-effective choice for commercial and passenger transport needs.

Modern Infotainment Arrives in Workhorse Vans

The 2027 Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana vans are finally receiving a much-anticipated technology upgrade, integrating a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system. This marks a significant departure from their previous, more basic audio setups, offering drivers and passengers a taste of modern in-car connectivity. While the system, GM's Infotainment System 3, was initially introduced in other GM models back in 2020, its inclusion in these long-serving vans is a notable step forward. This update aims to enhance the user experience by providing improved access to multimedia and communication features, moving the vans beyond their purely utilitarian past. Despite this interior refreshment, the fundamental design and utility of the Express and Savana are largely preserved, maintaining their robust and practical appeal.

Previously, these vans came equipped with rudimentary two-speaker audio systems, offering connections primarily through AM/FM radio, MP3 players, auxiliary cords, or USB ports, with Bluetooth as an optional extra. The 2027 models, however, will standardize a more comprehensive infotainment experience. The 7.0-inch touchscreen, running Infotainment System 3, will provide standard Bluetooth phone connectivity and audio streaming. While the availability of more advanced features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is still pending confirmation, this upgrade substantially elevates the cabin's technological profile. Passenger and Crew Van package models will also benefit from an increased speaker count, doubling to a total of four, while Cargo and chassis-cab variants will retain the two-speaker setup. This strategic update brings a touch of modern convenience without compromising the vans' established reputation for simplicity and durability, all while maintaining an accessible starting price point slightly above $45,000.

Preserving Practicality Amidst Technological Evolution

The introduction of a new touchscreen infotainment system in the 2027 Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana vans represents a careful balance between modernization and the preservation of their core identity as practical, no-frills commercial vehicles. This update, while significant for a platform known for its resilience and longevity, is strategically implemented to enhance functionality rather than completely redefine the vehicle. By integrating an infotainment system that, while not the absolute latest, is a considerable improvement over previous offerings, GM aims to meet contemporary user expectations for connectivity and media access without inflating costs or straying from the vans' established market position as dependable work tools.

Beyond the internal technology, the 2027 models will largely carry over their existing mechanical and structural components, reinforcing their reputation for robust performance and minimal complexity. This continuity includes maintaining the familiar powertrain options and cargo capacities that have made them popular choices for businesses and tradespeople. The manufacturing location will shift to GM's Wentzville Assembly plant, but this change is expected to have no impact on the vans' specifications or quality. With a starting price point just exceeding $45,000, GM ensures that the Express and Savana remain competitively priced, offering a blend of proven durability and enhanced cabin technology. This approach reflects a commitment to evolve the vans in a way that respects their heritage of utility while incrementally improving the driver's interface for a more connected future.

Kith and BMW are once again joining forces, showcasing an extraordinary collaboration that will capture attention at Monterey Car Week. The partnership introduces two remarkable X5 SUVs, bridging a significant generational gap in automotive design. This unique project underscores both brands' commitment to pushing boundaries and creating automotive pieces that blend performance with distinctive style.

Ronnie Fieg, the visionary behind the New York-based streetwear label Kith, has masterfully integrated BMW's renowned 5.0-liter S85 V10 engine, originally from the E60 M5, into a 2000 BMW X5 E53. This first-generation X5, now boasting 500 horsepower, maintains its original all-wheel-drive system while incorporating a six-speed manual transmission. The restoration of this classic X5 was an intensive process, reportedly taking over a year to perfect, as revealed by Fieg on his Instagram.

Beyond the V10-powered E53, the collaboration also features a 2027 BMW X5. This contemporary model sports an exclusive Frozen Titanium Silver exterior, a hue directly inspired by the Titanium Silver Metallic finish of Fieg's meticulously restored E53. This particular paint option will not be available on the standard production X5 models, making this version a truly limited edition offering. While specific mechanical details for the 2027 X5 have not been fully disclosed, it is anticipated to be a Neue Klasse model, though it is not expected to share the V10 engine of its classic counterpart.

Both custom-designed vehicles are poised for their public debut during the prestigious Monterey Car Week. While past collaborations between Kith and BMW have led to limited production runs, there is currently no official word on whether these specific X5 models will enter broader production. Nevertheless, their unveiling represents a significant moment for automotive enthusiasts, highlighting the creative synergy between a luxury car manufacturer and a prominent streetwear brand.