Electric Cars

The 2026 Toyota C-HR heralds a new era for the nameplate, re-emerging as a fully electric subcompact SUV after a four-year absence from the market. This reimagined vehicle combines a distinctive, angular design with a powerful all-wheel-drive electric powertrain, positioning it as a strong contender in the rapidly expanding electric vehicle segment. While its dynamic appearance suggests a sporty driving experience, the C-HR prioritizes comfort and efficiency, making it an ideal choice for urban commuters and those seeking an eco-conscious yet capable vehicle.

Returning to the market, the 2026 Toyota C-HR distinguishes itself with a completely new electric architecture. Unlike its predecessor, which ran on gasoline and was available between 2018 and 2022, the latest C-HR is built upon the advanced e-TNGA platform, shared with the recently updated Toyota bZ compact electric crossover. This shared foundation highlights Toyota's strategic shift towards electrification, providing a smaller, more agile counterpart to the bZ model. Underneath its bold exterior, the C-HR is powered by a dual-motor setup, featuring one motor on the front axle and another on the rear. This configuration ensures standard all-wheel drive and delivers a substantial combined output of 338 horsepower, significantly surpassing the power of some rivals like the Kia Niro EV by 137 horsepower. This impressive power enables quick acceleration from a standstill, with Toyota projecting a 0-60 mph time of 4.9 seconds, a figure the manufacturer believes could even be conservative.

The C-HR's energy is supplied by a 67-kWh battery pack, providing an estimated driving range of up to 287 miles on a single charge for the SE trim, with the XSE model offering a slightly reduced 273 miles due to its larger wheels. Charging capabilities are enhanced by a NACS (North American Charging Standard) port, allowing owners convenient access to Tesla Superchargers. Toyota indicates that the C-HR can achieve an 80 percent charge from 10 percent in approximately 30 minutes when utilizing a Level 3 DC fast-charger under optimal conditions, complemented by an 11-kW on-board AC charger for home charging. Inside, the cabin offers a contemporary and comfortable environment, featuring a digital gauge display, a prominent 14.0-inch central touchscreen, and dual wireless phone chargers. Despite its compact SUV classification, the C-HR maintains a functional interior with 25 cubic feet of cargo space behind the 60/40 fold-flat rear seats. Safety is also a key focus, with standard driver-assistance features including automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning with lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control.

The 2026 Toyota C-HR stands out as a stylish, powerful, and efficient all-electric subcompact SUV. While its handling may not be described as exhilarating, its comfortable ride, quiet cabin, and advanced features make it an attractive option for those seeking a practical and modern electric vehicle. With competitive range and strong performance, the new C-HR offers a compelling blend of design, technology, and electric mobility.

The 2025 BMW X5 M Competition makes a bold statement in the high-performance SUV segment, demonstrating that even a vehicle of considerable mass can possess agile dynamics and exhilarating power. This model, with its potent 617-horsepower twin-turbo V-8 engine, achieves remarkable acceleration and impressive handling, effortlessly masking its 5450-pound curb weight. While its steering system, like many contemporary BMWs, could benefit from enhanced feedback, the overall driving experience is nonetheless engaging and offers a sophisticated blend of sportiness and opulent comfort. The interior, adorned with plush leather and a serene cabin environment, ensures a refined journey, although the avant-garde digital instrument cluster might not appeal to all traditionalists.

2025 BMW X5 M Competition: Power and Panache on the Open Road

The 2025 BMW X5 M Competition, a formidable presence on the automotive landscape, showcases an exceptional fusion of brute force and refined elegance. Under its sculpted hood lies a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V-8 engine, unleashing a staggering 617 horsepower. This powerhouse propels the mid-size SUV from a standstill to 60 mph in a mere 3.4 seconds and completes the quarter-mile in 11.8 seconds at 118 mph, a testament to its expertly engineered performance capabilities. Despite its substantial 5450-pound mass, advanced tuning allows it to corner with remarkable dexterity, achieving 0.97 g on the skidpad. This "baby elephant," as one might playfully describe it, truly dances on the asphalt, offering a driving experience that belies its size.

Drivers will appreciate the X5 M Competition's willingness to engage, even if the steering feedback is somewhat muted, characteristic of modern BMWs. The thick-rimmed steering wheel acts more as a precise remote control, guiding the vehicle with a lightness that contradicts its weight. Once acclimated, drivers can effortlessly navigate twists and turns, finding a satisfying rhythm. The glorious rumble of the V-8 engine, a symphony of power, enhances the journey, particularly when the M Sound feature, which pipes in artificial engine noise, is deactivated to appreciate the authentic exhaust note. The swift eight-speed automatic transmission ensures seamless power delivery, making every acceleration a thrilling event.

Inside, the X5 M Competition prioritizes luxury and comfort. BMW has wisely opted for sumptuous, soft leather seats over rigid racing buckets, ensuring that long drives are as relaxing as they are exhilarating. The cabin is remarkably quiet, registering a mere 68 decibels at 70 mph, further enhancing the sense of tranquility. The adaptive suspension, set to its softest mode, provides a controlled and supple ride, effortlessly absorbing road imperfections. A recent mid-cycle refresh introduced a large, curved digital panel, integrating a 12.3-inch gauge cluster display with a 14.9-inch touchscreen. While this modern interface is visually striking, some might find the digital gauge cluster less intuitive than traditional analog dials, preferring clarity over contemporary aesthetics.

With a starting price of $132,450 for the 2026 model, representing a $3800 increase, the X5 M Competition positions itself as a premium offering. The 2025 test model, equipped with desirable options such as extended leather, the Driving Assistance Professional package, the Executive package, and a Bowers & Wilkins audio system, reached an as-tested price of $142,850. For those who value an exceptional blend of high performance and unparalleled luxury, and are willing to overlook a few minor steering eccentricities, the 2025 BMW X5 M Competition stands as an attractive and highly capable choice in the competitive SUV market.

This review of the 2025 BMW X5 M Competition provides valuable insights into the ongoing evolution of high-performance luxury SUVs. It highlights the impressive engineering feats that enable large, powerful vehicles to maintain agility and deliver exhilarating driving experiences. However, it also underscores a growing trend in the automotive industry: the shift towards digital interfaces and less tactile steering. While technological advancements bring new features and aesthetic appeal, the trade-off often involves a reduction in the raw, unfiltered feedback that many driving enthusiasts cherish. The challenge for manufacturers like BMW lies in finding the perfect equilibrium between innovation and preserving the visceral connection between driver and machine. The X5 M Competition is a testament to what is possible, yet it also serves as a reminder that the "feel" of a car remains a crucial, if sometimes overlooked, element of driving pleasure. Future designs will undoubtedly continue to grapple with this balance, aiming to deliver both cutting-edge technology and an engaging, intuitive driving experience.