The new 2022 Porsche Cayenne Platinum Edition provides classy satin-silver trim elements with the model’s usual sporty styling.
Porsche just announced the return of its special Cayenne Platinum Edition, available to order now and for delivery this summer. The Platinum Edition was last offered in the previous-generation Cayenne from 2016 to 2018, and like that version the new iteration combines a classy character details with the model’s usual sporty demeanour.
While the old version only came in one body style, the new Platinum Edition is now available as both a standard Cayenne and the sportier Cayenne Coupe, plus its an option with all three different V6-powered models, including 335-hp entry-level, 455-hp E-Hybrid, and 405-hp S trims.
Platinum Edition adds a luxe satin-silver motif as well as extra features
The Cayenne Platinum Edition’s interior gets unique textured aluminum inlays.
Setting the Platinum Edition apart from regular models, are satin-finish Platinum painted front fascia air intake slats, headlight bezels, 21-inch RS Spyder Design wheels, “PORSCHE” lettering on the centre strip of the rear LED taillights, and model designation just below. The Platinum Edition also features gloss-black side window trim and a similar treatment on the sport exhaust tips.
A full palette of exterior colours is available for the Platinum Edition, including solid white and black, plus metallics like Black, Carrara White, Mahogany, Moonlight Blue, and Chalk, the latter grey hue falling into the pricier “special colour” category.
This attractive dash-top clock comes standard with the Platinum Edition.
An aluminum door sill featuring “Platinum Edition” script greets driver and passengers upon entering Platinum Edition models, while additional bright metalwork includes exclusive textured aluminum inlays and yet more satin-silver accents, while Chalk-coloured seat belts provide a final touch.
Additional Platinum Edition standard features include LED headlamps with Porsche’s active cornering-capable Dynamic Light System (PDLS), as well as a set of eight-way-powered front leather sport seats, plus embossed Porsche crests on both the front and rear headrests. What’s more, Platinum Edition models get an analogue clock atop the dash, a surround-sound audio system by renowned stereo-maker Bose, ambient backlighting, rear privacy glass, and possibly best of all, a large panoramic sunroof overhead.
Platinum Edition priced to make it a popular upgrade
All outboard headrests are stamped with the Porsche crest.
The 2022 Platinum Edition starts at $92,800 for the entry-level Cayenne model, although getting the upgrade package with the same engine in the Cayenne Coupe is only $97,500, which means the latter option is just $8,800 more than the $13,600 being asked for this special trim with the regular Cayenne. Almost the exact same spread repeats for E-Hybrid Platinum Edition variants, which start at $109,100 for the regular Cayenne and $109,100 for the Cayenne Coupe, representing an identical $13,600 spread, while the upgraded version of the electrified Coupe starts at $110,500 for an $8,900 difference from its base variant. At the top of the Platinum Edition range, the upgrades to the Cayenne S start at $109,300, representing a $12,500 increase from the regular S, whereas adding the package to the Cayenne S Coupe pushes the price up to $112,000, for a $7,700 price bump.
The Cayenne Platinum Edition adds a whole host of premium features.
Those not willing to wait until summer for the new Platinum Edition may want to check for an alternative trim with their local Porsche retailer, because Porsche Canada currently has new 2022 Cayenne models available with factory leasing and financing rates from zero percent. Make sure to check out our 2022 Porsche Cayenne Canada Prices page for details, plus remember to download our free app from the App Store in order to have all CarCostCanada info with you when you need it most.
The new 2022 BMW i4 promises to do clear battle with the Tesla Model 3.
With an expectation of 40 percent of North American new car buyers moving to full-electric mobility by 2030, BMW is setting out on a path to electrify 25 global models, half of which will be fully electric. Not all will be heading across the Atlantic, or the Pacific with respect to the Chinese-made iX3 crossover SUV that won’t yet be sold in North American markets, but we can expect to receive our fair share.
For starters, Canadians will be the recipients of BMW’s new 2022 i4 sport sedan and iX crossover SUV later this year. The former joins the German automaker’s D-segment 4 Series family, while the latter is positioned alongside the popular X5 mid-size crossover SUV, so therefore they target the popular Tesla Model 3 and Model X respectively. The two electric models share underpinnings too, thanks to BMW’s versatile Cluster Architecture (CLAR) platform that also supports everything from their tiny 2 Series subcompact models to their executive-class 7, X7 and 8 Series models.
The i4 has style on its side, particularly from its rear end design.
The i4 shares its body style with the 4 Series Gran Coupe four-door liftback. It starts at $54,990 (sans incentives, freight, and fees), and will be available in two trims, including the eDrive40 and M50 xDrive. The less eDrive40 version features a single rear-wheel drive (RWD) electric motor capable of 335 hp, while the $72,990 M50 gets both front and rear motors for an all-wheel drivetrain (AWD) capable of 516 hp. Both i4 trims utilize BMW’s 83.9-kWh battery.
BMW promises range of 340 km on a single full charge with the i4 eDrive40, not to mention a 5.7-second sprint time from standstill to 100 km/h, whereas the M50 xDrive can sprint from zero to 100 km/h in only 3.9 seconds and has the battery life to drive up to 510 km after a full charge. This means the i4 comes close to matching the aforementioned Tesla Model 3’s best-possible 576 km range.
BMW will offer one iX trim for 2022, and another two for 2023.
Notably, the near identically sized, yet more conservatively styled BMW 3 Series line continues to offer its 330e plug-in hybrid (PHEV) trim for 2022, which is a less expensive hybrid alternative Tesla doesn’t provide.
Similarly, BMW offers the X3 xDrive30e PHEV to Canadian buyers, but as noted at the onset of this article, the more advanced iX3 EV won’t testing the resolve of Tesla’s Model Y in Canada, at least not yet. This said, BMW follows up its compact X3 hybrid with a plug-in hybrid version of its larger mid-size X5, dubbed xDrive45e PHEV.
Not everyone will fall in love with the iX’ styling, but it looks to be very practical and nicely equipped.
The mid-size iX, on the other hand, is a full-electric that provides two-row, mid-size roominess for up to five passengers and plenty of cargo. BMW Canada will make three iX trims available, named xDrive40, xDrive50 and M60, with all incorporating standard front and rear motors for AWD.
To clarify, the xDrive50 is the only iX trim available for 2022, which means both xDrive40 and M60 models will be arriving later this year as 2023 models. The iX xDrive40, which will start at just $79,990 (plus freight and fees), puts out 322 hp, can hit 100 km/h from standstill in just 6.1 seconds, and has 340 km of range, should be very popular, although Canadians tend to buy more fully equipped models, so the 2022 xDrive50, which starts at $89,990, should be a hit due to 516 hp, a sprint time of 4.6 seconds to 100 km/h, and 521 km of range on a single charge. Finally, the top-tier M60 can be had from $121,750, features 610-hp for a 100-km/h dash of just 3.8 seconds, plus the ability to drive for up to 450 km on a single charge.
Both i4 and iX (shown) interiors promise high levels of luxury.
Additionally, unlike most electronic devices (including many EVs), BMW’s new battery electric vehicles won’t suffer from much battery degradation. This means its models’ various claimed range estimates should stand up over time. BMW claims, in fact, that its i4 and iX batteries will last the life of each vehicle, or specifically up to 1,500 full charge cycles, which is the equivalent of 500,000 km.
BMW X5 owners should find the 2022 iX xDrive50 a good BEV alternative.
We have full pricing and trim information for the 2022 i4 plus 2022 and 2023 iX here on CarCostCanada, as well as the ability to configure each model’s options. Additionally, CarCostCanada members regularly receive information about manufacturer rebates, factory financing, and lease rate deals. Both the i4 and iX are currently being offered with in-house financing/lease rates from 4.49 percent, while members also receive dealer invoice pricing that can be critical when negotiating your best deal. Learn how the CarCostCanada system works, and make sure to download our free app from the Apple Store or Google Play Store too.
The M50 adds BMW M performance and style to the i4 package.
Money in mind, all BMW i4 trims are eligible for provincial zero-emission incentives in BC, Quebec, Nova Scotia, Yukon and the Northwest Territories, while the base i4 eDrive40 also qualifies for the national iZEV rebate program.
Expect to see the new i4 and iX on Canadian roads soon, as it will start arriving at BMW Canada dealers in March.
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2022 Kia EV6 adds size, sophistication and plenty of style to Canada’s electric vehicle mix.
Four new mainstream volume-branded electrics hit the market last year, including the Chevrolet Bolt EUV, Hyundai Ioniq5, Mazda MX-30, and Volkswagen ID.4, and all start under sub-$45,000 sweet spot. It comes as no surprise, therefore, that Kia’s new 2022 EV6 will do the same, entering the Canadian market at $44,995.
Of course, offering a base trim under $45k allows Canada’s national iZEV rebate to kick in, as well as various provincial rebates, and that can add up to a significant amount. Consumers in BC can save up to $8,000, for instance, while the national rebate can add up to $5,000 more. That brings the price down to $32k (plus freight and fees), and therefore well within most buyers’ budgets.
Strong performance and competitive range estimates come standard.
The EV6, which shares underpinnings with Hyundai’s Ioniq5 and Genesis upcoming GV60, mostly mirrors the former model’s pricing structure from beginning to end. The aforementioned base model comes with Standard Range power and a single-motor RWD layout. A Long Range RWD version increases the price to $52,995, while adding a second motor for AWD pushes the price up to $54,995. Additionally, the Long Range AWD model can be had with a GT-Line Package 1 for 57,995, and right at the top of the line is a Long Range AWD with GT-Line Package 2 for $61,995.
The EV6′ interior looks upscale and filled with tech.
To be more specific, the base EV6 with RWD incorporates a 58.0 kWh battery with a 125kW rear motor that makes it capable of up to 373 km of range. The Long Range RWD trim increases the battery size to 77.4 kWh and the rear motor to 168kW for up to 499 km of range, while the two AWD power units utilize the same 77.4 kWh battery as the just-noted trim, but the first version gets a 74kW front motor and a 165kW rear motor for up to 441 km of range, while the most formidable combination combines a 160kW front motor with a 270kW rear motor for up to 499 kms of range.
Rear seat roominess appears plentiful.
Trims in mind, the new EV6’ gets a 12.3-inch standard centre display, while Canadian buyers are also treated to a standard heat pump system for maintaining range during cold conditions.
All of the expected advanced driver assistance and convenience features are on the menu as well, including forward collision avoidance assist, blind spot avoidance assist, automated parking assistance, driver attention warning, intelligent speed limit assist, highway driving assist, navigation-based smart cruise control-curve, and high beam assist.
Cargo capacity looks generous.
Additionally, the new EV6 incorporates ultra-fast DC charging at 800V and 400V, without the need for a separate controller. This allows the battery to be recharged to 80 percent in only 18 minutes.
What’s more, the EV6 can be upgraded with a Vehicle to Load (V2L) option, which transforms the new crossover into a direct power source for just about anything. This means you can plug in your personal electronics, appliances for camping, tools for working, and more. You can even recharge another electric vehicle.
The new 2022 Kia EV6 will arrive at Kia Canada dealerships next month.
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Porsche’s Taycan Turbo S is now the Official Safety Car of the 2022 Formula E racing series.
The 2022 ABB FIA Formula E World Championship will get underway this weekend in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, before making its way to nine different cities ahead of the final race in Seoul, Korea on August 14. Along with the cars, teams and drivers, one new addition will remain constant throughout the season, the Porsche Taycan Official Safety Car.
“We’re proud that Formula E has entrusted a Porsche with this task – one that is important for the safety of its drivers,” said Thomas Laudenbach, Vice President Porsche Motorsport. “With the Taycan Turbo S as the official safety car, we’re making an important contribution to track safety and also underlining the importance of Formula E for Porsche Motorsport.”
Expect the 750-hp Taycan Turbo S Safety Car to deal with on-track issues quickly.
The ninth FIA-sanctioned race of the season will be held in Vancouver, Canada this year, from June 30 through July 2, alongside the Canadian E-Fest, which is a unique festival that combines a creative business conference on sustainability with an esports tournament, plus more. Tickets, which start at only $70, can be acquired directly from the Canadian E-Fest website.
The Canadian E-Fest event will be set up in Vancouver’s False Creek area, next to city centre business and residential districts, but unlike the Champ Car race weekends held there 18 years-plus prior, there shouldn’t be any complaints about noise violations from local residents, due to the near silent operation of the Formula E cars.
The track map and surrounding Canadian E-Fest event will remind any long-term Vancouverite of the old Molson Indy Vancouver.
“Formula E is delighted the Porsche Taycan Turbo S will serve as the Championship’s safety car from Season 8,” said Jamie Reigle, CEO of Formula E. “The Porsche Taycan Turbo S is the pinnacle of high-performance electrified vehicles and will light up Formula E city racetracks around the world. In designing the Formula E safety car, Porsche reimagined the critical on-track safety function to be a powerful symbol of the championship’s commitment to an electrified future and the unity of the competitors in the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship.”
The 2022 Porsche Taycan Turbo S that serves as the base for the new Formula E Safety Car is whisper quiet as well, and that’s despite 750 hp (with Overboost) and 774 lb-ft of torque. The car can sprint from zero to 100 km/h in only 2.8 seconds when its Launch Control feature is engaged, plus it moves off the line to 160 km/h in a scant 6.1 seconds. The new Taycan Turbo S starts at $218,000, but it’s possible to get into a 2022 Taycan for as little as $119,900.
The new MDX Type S promises much better performance the regular version.
If you purchased a brand new, fully-loaded Acura MDX last year, you would’ve paid a maximum of $69,400, plus freight, fees and taxes, or about $1,100 less than the much more advanced MDX Sport Hybrid when last available in 2020. Now, however, two new trims are pushing the 2022 MDX’ price up to and beyond the $80k threshold, but nevertheless we think a lot of Canadian luxury utility buyers will be willing to part with $10k more in order to take home the sportier Type S variant.
The new 2022 Acura MDX Type S, which is now available from $79,000 (or $81,500 including destination fees), adds a number of key upgrades that are well worth the extra cost. Specifically, the Type S gets a more potent engine good for 65 additional horsepower and 87 lb-ft of extra torque, which results in a grand total of 355 hp and 345 lb-ft of twist, while the performance-focused family hauler also features an Active Exhaust system in order to make it sound as fast as it is.
This badge means there’s 355 hp and 345 lb-ft of torque behind the grille.
There’s no change in engine displacement, but the 10-speed automatic transmission connected to that 3.0-litre V6 has been beefed up inside, plus enhanced with quicker shifting gear increments, and rev-matched downshifts. What’s more, a performance-tuned version of the Japanese luxury brand’s Super-Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system optimizes the uprated high-performance rubber underneath.
Those tires are special self-sealing all seasons, wrapping around a set of 21-inch twinned five-spoke alloys boasting black-painted pockets, and visible through those rims are aggressive Brembo brakes that incorporate big 363-mm front discs with four-piston fixed calipers.
Unique wheels frame a big set of Brembo brakes, aiding stopping power.
Acura’s first-ever adaptive air suspension helps maintain stability under braking as well as mid-corner, thanks to three unique damping profiles exclusive to the MDX Type S. The brand’s Integrated Dynamics System was improved as well, with special Sport+ and ride height-increasing Lift modes. As exciting as all this sounds, let’s not forget the three-row crossover SUV is a family-first shuttle after all, a point Acura wanted to keep clear by mentioning in their press release that even this sporty Type S will provide “a smooth, comfortable ride.”
Special quilted leather upholstery enhance the Type S’ interior.
Type S buyers wanting more luxury can ante up for the Ultra Package that, for $4,000 more includes 16-way powered front seats with nine massage settings, plus quilted leather upholstery, and a 1,000-watt ELS Studio 3D surround-sound audio system boasting 25 speakers that include LED-illuminated door speakers, high-performance PrecisionDrive carbon-fibre speakers, and CenterParquet. This package increases the price of the MDX Type S by $4,000 to $83,000 (or $85,500 with destination), which is well into German luxury SUV territory.
As far as external visuals go, the 2022 MDX Type S receives a modified front fascia featuring an open-surface Diamond Pentagon grille design for enhanced engine cooling, while an exclusive front splitter sets the front lower section apart from lesser MDX trims. Additionally, the rear diffuser gets the Type S treatment too, thanks to four exhaust outlets.
Built in East Liberty, Ohio, the 2022 MDX Type S is joined by the TLX Type S sport sedan and NSX Type S mid-engine sports car in the 2022 Acura lineup. We should also expect to see a Type S variant of the upcoming Integra sport sedan, which will be replacing the ILX later this year.
The new 2022 Buick Enclave should find universal appeal from a styling perspective, especially in top-line Avenir trim.
Buick recently unveiled its refreshed 2022 Enclave, and one glance should be all that fans of the brand need in order to trade up to the new model. To be clear, the refresh is more about evolution than revolution, with the majority of styling updates pulled over from its predecessor.
The second-generation Enclave arrived on the scene in 2017 as a 2018 model, unless you’re reading this from China where a unique version appeared two years later for the 2020 model year. The two designs seem to have been melded into one for this 2022 Enclave, which is a very good thing for those who appreciate elegant conservatism over edgy modernity.
That’s one big new grille, although it still comes across as classy, which is important for the brand’s more conservative clientele.
As most in this camp with agree, the outgoing 2021 Enclave was already a very good-looking mid-size crossover SUV, with its Chinese alternate arguably being even more attractive. Changes made to this mid-cycle update include a larger grille for even greater premium presence, new headlights and tail lamps for yet more visual fluidity at its backside, and sharpened bumpers front to rear in order to increase visual width. It all results in even more luxury appeal, which Buick will hope lures in would-be shoppers that might otherwise be coaxed away from imported three-row luxury utilities.
Expect even higher quality finishings inside the 2022 Enclave, not to mention some updated design details.
Away from such lofty heights, the renewed 2022 Enclave’s standard Driver Confidence Plus suite of advanced driver’s assistance and safety technologies include forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, rear parking assist, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic high beam assistance.
Behind the 2022 Enclaves larger grille, the same 310 hp 3.6-litre V6 joins up with a nine-speed automatic transmission to drive all four wheels, with no powertrain option available. A fully independent suspension provides good road-holding and, most importantly in this class, a comfortable ride, although the top-line Enclave Avenir comes with a more sophisticated adaptive suspension.
The Enclave has always been spacious in all of its three rows, especially when compared to three-row luxury rivals such as Lexus’ RX 350 L.
Buick is offering factory leasing and financing rates from zero percent on the 2022 model, although so far the General Motors brand isn’t advertising the updated Enclave on their retail website, so contact your local dealer to see if you can order one. As for the outgoing 2021 model, our 2021 Buick Enclave Canada Prices page is currently showing up to $1,000 in additional incentives for new buyers, while CarCostCanada members were saving an average of $2,916 at the time of writing.
It helped that Genesis’ earliest two models were already in production as the Hyundai-branded Equus and Genesis Sedan, one of two cars, including the Genesis Coupe, that carried the new brand’s name for eight years before its steering wheel hub and trunk lid removed Hyundai’s stylized “H” for Genesis wings (which were already displayed proudly above the front grille), and “GENESIS” lettering was replaced by G80 badging at back.
Most should find the GV70 attractive from all angles.
Since then, all three early cars have been updated with fresh new styling, including a new pentagonal “Crest Grille” plus double-slatted LED “Quad Lamps” fore and aft, and heavily reworked interiors, resulting in a wholly cohesive design language to at least rival its key Japanese rivals, while the new G80 will soon be available with a two-motor pure electric drive system.
Granted, Genesis has a long way to go before it starts matching Lexus sales in Canada, with 1,737 units sold at the close of Q2 2021 compared to 12,405, but it’s closing in on Infiniti’s 3,189 total after the first six months of this year, and has already bypassed Jaguar’s 1,204 deliveries and Alfa Romeo’s 434. Lincoln is also in target with only 3,629 units sold as June ended, and this comes before any GV70 deliveries get added to the Genesis mix.
Although some press photos show the GV70 off-pavement, the SUV has primarily been designed to stay on the road, with limited off-road use.
Interestingly, the sporty 2022 GV70 is not the least expensive compact luxury SUV on the market, a tactic often chosen by upstart luxury brands trying to attract new buyers by providing all the bells and whistles for a better price. Instead, the new model gets an all-inclusive price of $49,000, including freight and delivery fees (or $49,150 all-in as shown on GV70’s retail website landing page).
The new GV70, in fact, is ninth most expensive in a compact premium crossover segment that’s now 16 competitors strong. That places it near the mid-point, although it’s important to point out that most competitors don’t include destination/delivery fees or the $100 A/C tax in their advertised prices. Therefore, after factoring in the latter (and using an average of $2,500 for those brands that made it difficult to locate this information on their retail websites), the new GV70’s retail price is more competitive thanks to a ranking of seventh most affordable.
The GV70 offers up very sleek, sporty lines.
By the numbers, alternatives priced lower than the new GV70 include the $44,298 Cadillac XT5 (plus $2,500 in fees for a total of $46,798), $44,505 Acura RDX (plus $2,475 in fees for a total of $46,980), $44,600 Lexus NX (couldn’t find their fees so adding $2,500 for $47,100), $45,495 Infiniti QX50 (plus $2,220 for $47,415), $45,200 Lincoln Corsair (plus $2,250 for $47,450), and lastly the $46,550 Audi Q5 (plus $2,395 for $48,945).
Genesis’ willingness to let eight brands advertise lower pricing in such a highly competitive market is a bold move, but it just might be calculated one, in that its mid-pack pricing could cause loftier perceptions of its brand identity, and therefore leave cheaper alternatives looking like they’re not good enough. After all, parent company Hyundai has long been seen as a value brand amongst its more established mainstream rivals, and while that’s changing because of impressive entries such as the Genesis and Equus models that came before, plus today’s Santa Fe, Palisade and the list goes on, it’s still important for Genesis to not allow such a more-for-less mindset and instead develop its own brand desirability.
The unique oval layout of some interior controls, is unique to Genesis and the entire compact luxury SUV segment.
On this note, the new 2022 GV70 is more affordable than the $48,500 Volvo XC60 after adding its fees (plus $2,615 for $51,115 in total), as well as Land Rover’s $49,900 Discovery Sport (plus $2,726 in fees for $52,626), plus the $49,900 Mercedes-Benz GLC (not shown on retail site so adding $2,500 for $52,400). Likewise, the BMW X3 starts at $52,550 (plus $2,245 for $54,795), the Tesla Model Y at $55,000 including its $1,300 freight fee (although the least expensive Performance model currently offered on their retail site goes for $69,990), the Alfa Romeo Stelvio at $55,190 (plus fees ranging from $1,995 to $2,695 for a maximum base price of $57,885), the Porsche Macan at $57,800 (plus $1,600 for $59,400), the Jaguar F-Pace at $60,350 (plus $2,826 for $63,126), and finally Land Rover’s Range Rover Velar at $63,500 (plus $2,826 for $66,326).
The GV70’s tasteful layout of controls, appears well designed and very upscale.
An approximate $20,000 price gap, from least expensive to priciest, is a sizeable chasm for compact luxury SUV shoppers to cross, but it should be mentioned that any one of the compact luxury utilities named above comes close to the revered Velar’s starting price when amped up with options, while even the cheapest on this list can go much higher. What’s more, some boast more equipment in their various base trims than others, not to mention stronger performance, greater interior room, etcetera. In other words, it’s not a direct apples-for-apples comparison.
For around $50k, the 2022 GV70 2.5T Select AWD arrives standard with Quad LED headlights, LED tail lamps, 18-inch alloys, proximity-sensing keyless access with pushbutton start/stop and remote engine start, fingerprint authentication, an 8.0-inch LCD digital gauge cluster, a big 14.5-inch HD multimedia display incorporating Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration, navigation, wireless device charging, a 12-way powered driver’s seat with power lumbar, an eight-way power front passenger seat, heated front seats, rear occupant alert, a hands-free tailgate, plus more.
Top-line trims receive a fully digital gauge cluster.
Additionally, the GV70’s standard Highway Driving Assist II driver assistance and safety technology suite adds High Beam Assist, Lane Follow Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, and Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist to all the usual active and passive safety features.
As is often the case in this category, AWD is standard, while the GV70 also includes Terrain Mode Select. The base powertrain is a 2.5-litre turbo-four good for 300 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque, while a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 capable of 375 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque is available. An eight-speed automatic transmission also comes standard, as do steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters.
As for exterior colours, Uyuni White, Vik Black, Himalayan Gray, Savile Silver, Adriatic Blue, Cardiff Green, Barossa Burgundy, and Mauna Red are no-cost options, while base models can only be had with “artificial leather” upholstery in Obsidian Black (Genesis might want to reconsider the name it’s using for leatherette).
Tired of European, American or Japanese luxury? How about stepping up to something South Korean this time?
For $55,500 (including freight and fees), the 2022 GV70 2.5T Advanced AWD ups the ante with 19-inch alloy wheels, power-folding exterior mirrors with puddle lamps, a power tilt and telescopic steering wheel, genuine leather seat coverings (in Obsidian Black, Vanilla Beige, Havana Brown/Ocean Wave, Pine Grove/Ocean Wave, and Slate Gray/Velvet Burgundy, depending on the exterior colour), a power panoramic glass sunroof, ventilated front seats, heated rear outboard seats, plus a fully automatic rear climate control system.
For $59,000, Advanced Plus trim continues adding features such as a driver’s head-up display (HUD), a Surround View parking monitor, a Blind-Spot View Monitor (BVM), an 18-speaker Lexicon sound system upgrade, manual rear side sunshades, and a household-style 110-volt AC power outlet for the rear cargo compartment.
The GV70’s centre HD display is a massive 14.5 inches.
Further up the range, the $63,000 GV70 2.5T Prestige AWD includes a Sport Appearance package featuring metal foot pedals, upscale Nappa leather upholstery with suede-like micro-fibre inserts (in Obsidian Black, Sevilla Red or Ultramarine Blue, depending on exterior colours), a psuede headliner, a driver’s seat power extension for the lower cushion as well as power side bolsters that cinch up in sport mode, Smart Posture Care, Parking Collision Avoidance-Assist Rear (PCA-R), and Remote Smart Parking Assist (RSPA).
For $68,500, the GV70 3.5T Sport AWD trim line combines 2.5T Advanced AWD features with the larger, more powerful engine, as well as some of the just-noted Prestige items like the Sport Appearance package, HUD, power seat cushion extension, bolsters and Smart Posture Care, Lexicon audio system, and 115-volt power outlet, not to mention 21-inch alloys, special aluminum sports trim, enhanced monobloc brakes, an improved Electronic Control Suspension with Road Preview, plus Sport leather seating.
Only time will tell how well the GV70 is received by compact luxury SUV buyers.
Finally, $75,500 GV70 3.5T Sport Plus AWD trim adds an electronic limited slip differential, a bigger 12.3inch 3D TFT LCD digital instrument cluster, carbon fibre interior trim, plusher Nappa leather upholstery with stitched quilting (in all the same colours as Prestige and Sport trims), a micro-fibre headliner, and laminated acoustic rear door glass, plus the previously-noted surround parking monitor, BVM, PCA-R, RSPA, and rear sunshades. Of note, this segment’s most affordable Cadillac XT5 reaches the same price point when fully optioned, as do most of the others.
Together with the premium finishings, arguably attractive design, no shortage of features and impressive performance numbers, Genesis provides owners with at-home/work valet pick-up and drop-off concierge service, complete with a complimentary courtesy vehicle, when complimentary scheduled maintenance or other repairs are required during the first five years of ownership, or the SUV’s first 100,000 kilometres of use.
The GV70’s long, lean layout should make it good for rear legroom and cargo capacity.
On top of this, GV70 owners benefit from Genesis Connected Services featuring map updates and more for the extent of the SUV’s five-year comprehensive warranty (with an unlimited km extension for map updates and roadside service). The five-year or 100,000-km comprehensive warranty is an entire year longer, and an average of 20,000 km greater than most premium competitors’ comprehensive coverage, plus it’s an additional two years or 40,000 km better than the majority of competitive powertrain warranties.
Still, the compact luxury SUV market is deep with capable offerings, giving Genesis’ newcomer big challenges to overcome. How it’s received is anyone’s guess, but we’ll be certain to report on its success after it’s been around long enough to do so, and of course we’ll review it as soon as a test model becomes available.
The 2022 Acura MDX earned an IIHS Top Safety Pick + score.
There’s nothing like starting out on top, which is why Acura should be feeling pretty good about its all-new 2022 MDX receiving a best-possible Top Safety Pick + rating from the U.S. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).
Acura’s flagship model received a “GOOD” rating in each of its crashworthiness tests, including the challenging passenger-side small overlap test. The MDX also achieved a “SUPERIOR” score for its Collision Mitigation Braking System (CMBS), as well as a “GOOD” rating for its standard JewelEye LED headlamps.
These Jewel-Eye LED headlamps helped the MDX earn its top score.
No shortage of standard AcuraWatch advanced driver assistance and automated safety technologies helped push the MDX over the top, including Adaptive Cruise Control with Low-Speed Follow, plus Road Departure Mitigation.
The MDX’ surround-view camera makes it easy to see nearby cars and pedestrians.
Acura is currently offering up to $1,000 in additional incentives when purchasing a new 2022 MDX, with CarCostCanada members averaging savings of $5,863. Find out how your CarCostCanada membership can help you can save thousands off your next new vehicle by being informed about available manufacturer rebates, learning about factoring financing and leasing rates, and receiving dealer invoice pricing before negotiating your best deal.
Mercedes’ new 2022 C-Class sedan pulls many design cues from the smaller A-Class four-door, and looks all the better for it.
It’s finally the C’s time to shine. As part of a thorough fifth-generation C-Class redesign, the new model will bypass first-gen MBUX electronics to be second in the lineup to feature Mercedes’ entirely new separated digital gauge cluster display and infotainment touchscreen.
That’s probably the biggest 2022 C-Class news, next to the updated model’s completely new sheet metal, mostly because the latter could’ve easily been guessed by looking at the recently updated fourth-generation A-Class sedan that debuted in 2018.
The new C’s side styling is less curvaceous than its predecessor, but the lines are clean and attractive just the same.
The new (W206) C-Class is the A’s obvious bigger brother, at least when the two model’s sedans are placed side-by-side. The A can be had in a sporty hatch as well, while the C is offered in coupe, convertible and wagon body styles. We’ve only seen the sedan and wagon thus far, and sadly the latter car won’t make the journey across the Atlantic later this year, news that no doubt has fans of low-slung, elongated five-door Mercs feeling woeful.
Possibly the most noticeable change to the 2022 C-Class sedan is in the rear, where new taillights dress up the design.
At least the new C four-door should put a smile on those who prefer keeping their cargo snuggly secured away in a locked trunk, as it’s one very stylish sedan. It boasts Mercedes’ new frowning oval grille (the previous sport grille was turned up at its ends, resulting in a happier countenance), also seen on the just-noted A-Class, plus the leaner looking CLA. Moving outward, a new set of more sharply angled Performance LED headlamps stretch farther around each front fender, while a reworked lower front fascia comes across cleaner for a more minimalist approach. Additionally, the hood incorporates a pair of sinuous character lines, pulling memories of the ‘50s-era 300 SL, which is certainly no bad thing.
Unfortunately, there won’t be a 2022 C 300 4Matic Wagon in Canada.
Peering down each side, Mercedes abandoned the outgoing C sedan’s gracefully penned beltline crease, which used to sweep downward through the rear door ahead of disappearing under its handle. This said, the new model appears more slab-sided, although the lower crease remains, which kicks upward as it moves rearward.
Quite possibly the most obvious differentiator between old and new Cs are the taillights, the latest iteration featuring two-piece triangular lenses that wrap horizontally around the rear flanks, compared to the outgoing model’s less distinctive ovoid lamps. Look no further than the A-Class sedan for their inspiration. Finally, the new C-Class gets fresh sets of 18- and 19-inch alloys, along with a revised palette of exterior paint colours.
The new C-Class will come standard with Mercedes’ second-gen MBUX infotainment system.
Those lured to a new car via modernized electronics may have already flocked to Mercedes in recent years, being that the brand’s two-in-one MBUX driving/infotainment display has been second to none (except for Hyundai/Kia that adopted a similar design for many of their latest models). As noted earlier, Mercedes is skipping over the initial MBUX system for an altogether different approach to design and functionality. Instead, it will keep a similar fixed tablet-style display for the car’s primary gauge cluster, but will host the majority of infotainment info on a much larger individual display in a more conventional location, a bit lower on the centre stack, which should be easier to reach for some drivers. Anyone moving from the current C’s analogue dial and digital multi-information setup to the new all-electronic layout shouldn’t be put off, but some elevating their lifestyle from an A-Class may be chagrined after getting used to the first-gen MBUX design. Then again, if new design is good enough for Merc’s full-size S-Class flagship, it should be acceptable for C-Class users, the smaller sedan being the second car in the Stuttgart-brand’s lineup to complete rework its entire instrument panel layout.
The digital gauge cluster is now a separate entity, but its functionality should be at least as good as the first-gen MBUX driver’s display.
The centre display is an elegantly crafted bit of electronica, particularly how it appears to seamlessly meld into a high-gloss carbon fibre weave surface treatment as it curves into the lower console, save for a thin strip of bisecting analogue buttons. The larger display is a touchscreen, just like the outgoing C’s smaller monitor and Merc’s first-gen MBUX unit, the extra digital acreage necessary now that a console-mounted touchpad is nowhere to be seen. Fans of minimalism will like how it looks, but others who preferred a best-of-both-worlds approach will probably complain.
The new infotainment display is much larger than the outgoing version, and controlled by the touchscreen and steering wheel switchgear.
According to Mercedes, the new display integrates haptic feedback for more fingertip feedback, while updating the system software now takes place over-the-air. Mercedes has included mention biometric authentication too, via either voice command or fingerprint scanning, while touching the scanner will initiate pre-selected memory adjustments to the driver seat, radio station, etcetera. The ability to purchase apps (and no doubt additional items in the future) from the Mercedes Me store can be done via fingerprint scanning too, while the C’s new head-up display utilizes augmented reality to project real-time visuals on the windshield in front of the driver.
Look ma, no touchpad and rotating dial. The C-Class does away with Mercedes’ secondary infotainment controls.
Not only the driver benefits from new C’s improvements, by the way. Everyone aboard should appreciate the added comfort from its increase width and length. Both front and rear passengers should have more space for their legs and shoulders at their disposal, which is critical in a category that includes a few rivals boasting almost mid-size dimensions.
For those put off by the larger car when parking, a rear-wheel steering system should make the process easier. Additionally, the C 300 4Matic model gets some major tech upgrades under the hood, such as a standard 48-volt integrated starter-generator (ISG), a.k.a. a mild hybrid drive system. It combines with Mercedes’ potent 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine and nine-speed automatic transmission, for a total of 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. The electric motor is responsible for 20 of those horses, plus 147 lb-ft of additional twist, but despite its boost in output the new car is a tad slower than the outgoing model off the line. Of course, the changes are more about fuel-efficiency, the hybrid drivetrain joined by driveline drag reducing gliding capability, plus a kinetic energy recovery system.
Expect Mercedes’ usual high-quality and impressive comfort.
Strangely, we won’t see the plug-in hybrid version, which reportedly has an EV range of 100 km between charges (maybe it’s reserved for Germany’s taxi fleets), so any hopes of scoring any front-of-business reserved plug-in parking spots when at the wheel of a C-Class need to be dashed, or for that matter blasting past rush-hour traffic in the HOV lane.
The new C 300 4Matic will come standard with a 48-volt mild hybrid-enhanced powertrain.
Mercedes has made no announcements of ultra-potent six- or eight-cylinder AMG-tuned C-Class models either, but instead we’re hearing reports of electrically-assisted four-cylinder variants, possibly similar to Volvo’s T8 and Polestar Engineered power units. The difference between regular and AMG hybrid Cs will come down to tuning, with the former prioritizing fuel economy and the latter focused on performance.
Of course, the new C-Class will also include all the expected driver assistive systems, including sign and red-light recognition, and steering assistance to help drivers maintain a chosen lane up to 210 km/h, where legally permitted.
With styling like this, the C-Class will remain a segment leader.
As noted earlier, we can expect the new 2022 C 300 4Matic arrive in Canadian dealerships later this year, but we’ll have to wait a little longer for pricing and trim details. For the time being, Mercedes is providing up to $5,500 in additional incentives on the 2021 C-Class models, while CarCostCanada members are currently saving an average of $3,950.
To learn more about how to save money with your CarCostCanada membership, check out our “How it Works” page. Members receive info about manufacturer leasing and financing deals when available, plus factory rebates when available, as well as dealer invoice pricing that can help you save thousands when negotiating over a new vehicle. Also, be sure to download the our free app from the Google Play store or Apple store too, so you can access all this critical money-saving info on your smartphone.
The C-Class: Rapid-Fire Questions to Dirk Fetzer (1:07):
The New C-Class Sedan: An Intelligent Comfort Zone (0:49):
The New C-Class Sedan: A Connected Comfort Zone (0:56):
Porsche’s base Carrera coupe starts at $115,000 for 2022, with the Cabriolet (shown) available from $129,600.
It might only be April, but 2022 Porsche 911s are already available to configure and order on Porsche’s retail website.
It all started with the recent introduction of the fabulous new 502-horsepower 911 GT3, which starts at $180,300 and will be delivered this fall, while now all 2022 911 body styles and trims are showing on Porsche Canada’s retail website, with pricing for the base model moving up from $113,000 for the current model year to $115,000 for the next model year’s cars.
The $2,000 price hike is reasonable, being that the German luxury brand will add standard comfort and communications features across the entire 911 line, starting with an updated Porsche Communication Management (PCM) touchscreen measuring 10.9 inches across. It features a simplified interface inspired by the one in the new Taycan EV, which integrates entertainment, navigation, comfort and communications systems into one flexible layout that boasts plenty of personalization options.
Porsche added a new Carrera S trim to the 911 range for 2021, which starts at $133,100 for 2022.
Additionally, the PCM update includes a trial period extension for the brand’s connected services package, growing to 36 months from just 12. After the three-year initiation period is over, connected services can be had via subscription.
Porsche Connect, that comes as part of the just-noted connected services package, now includes Voice Pilot that responds to natural language prompts available when saying, “Hey Porsche.”
The Navigation Plus system now features real-time traffic information too, plus online map updates and a calendar, as well as Radio Plus.
The 911 Targa, which offers a four-seasons coupe and retractable hardtop body style, can be had from $138,000.
Slow to the party, the new 911 is the first Porsche to include standard Android Auto, which should be appreciated by the bulk of consumers who use Android-powered smartphones. PCM has long included Apple CarPlay, and will continue to do so via wireless and wired connectivity.
Music lovers can rejoice too, not to mention talk radio fans, because a SiriusXM satellite radio (with 360L) three-month trial subscription is now standard.
What’s more, just as with the Taycan, all 2022 911 models can accept direct integration of Apple Music and Apple Podcasts after purchasing an Apple service subscription.
Porsche’s 2022 911 Turbo starts at $198,400.
As for mechanical technologies, dual-clutch PDK transmission-equipped 911 Carrera, Targa, and Turbo models are now upgradable with Remote ParkAssist, which lets the driver remotely move the car in and out of a parking space with their smartphone when standing outside.
Additionally, Remote ParkAssist comes bundled with Active Parking Support, controlled via the new PCM. A 3D Surround View parking camera is now optional too, as is Rear Cross Traffic Alert with Lane Change Assist.
After the $115,000 base 911 Carrera, the identical coupe body style can be further upgraded to the all-wheel drive-equipped Carrera 4 from $123,400, or buyers can opt for a Carrera S at $133,100, or Carrera 4S at $141,500.
The top-tier Turbo S can be had as a Cabriolet for $250,200.
The enhanced 911 Carrera Cabriolet begins at $129,600 for 2022, while chopping the roof off with AWD results in a $138,000 Carrera 4 Cabriolet. Additionally, the 2022 Carrera S Cabriolet now starts at $147,700, while the Carrera 4S Cabriolet can be had from $156,100.
If you want the best of both worlds, the 911 Targa 4 is now available from $138,000, while the Targa 4S starts at $156,100. Once again, three 911 Turbo models are available for the coming model year, starting at $198,400 for the Turbo, and then moving up to $213,000 for the Turbo Cabriolet, plus finally $235,600 for the Turbo S and $250,200 for the Turbo S Cabriolet.
The all-new GT3 is the star of the 911 lineup for 2022, starting at $180,300.
Last but hardly least, the model Porsche says is “the most focused and agile ‘992’ generation car yet” is only available in a single trim line, but we’re not complaining, as the new 2022 911 GT3 is reportedly as good as sports cars get for just $180,300. So far, no 911 GT2 model has been announced, so we’ll obviously need to come back to cover all this again when the brand’s (current) ultimate super coupe arrives on the scene.
So far, we haven’t updated our 911 coverage to include a 2022 Porsche 911 Canada Prices page (expect one soon), so for the time being check out our 2021 Porsche 911 Canada Prices page that’s showing a factory leasing and financing rate of zero percent, plus average member savings of $2,800.
Make sure to find out how CarCostCanada can save you thousands off your next new vehicle purchase by informing you about the latest factory leasing and financing deals, manufacturer rebates, and dealer invoice pricing that can help you negotiate your best deal. Also, remember to download the free CarCostCanada app from the Google Play Store or Apple Store, so you can have all of this critical info available to you at the dealership, when you need it most of all.
All 2022 Porsche 911 trims are available to order now, with deliveries expected this coming fall.
