We had a blast out west at the Los Angeles Auto Show’s press days last week, and we found plenty of vehicles–both electric and gas-powered–to fit a wide range of lifestyles.
Luxury & Comfort
The two crossovers topping the list for drivers interested in finding a luxurious and comfortable ride are the 2019 BMW X7 and 2020 Lincoln Aviator. The BMW X7 offers a glass shifter, heated and cooled cup holders, and a Rolls-Royce-inspired panoramic LED roof, letting drivers choose from 15,000 color combinations. The Lincoln Aviator uses tech to offer a luxurious experience. Forward-facing cameras scan the road for potholes or uneven pavement. If the cameras find either of these, the car stiffens or relaxes the suspension to make the ride smoother. The company has also made much fuss about its warning chimes performed by the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. Having heard them firsthand, we can say they’ll put you in the luxury mindset.
Weekend Warrior
Jeep’s 2020 Gladiator is a top choice for weekend warriors. Enthusiasts will love the 6-speed automatic that comes standard, the three different 4-wheel-drive options, and the removable doors, roof, and windshield. Towing is top-of-its-class at 7,650 pounds. For those who want an off-roader that’s also electric, there’s Rivian. It’s an automotive newcomer, and it’s set to release its electric truck, the R1T, for 2020. The R1T prioritizes off-roading, with the ability to drive through 3-foot-deep water without harming the electric engines and it boasts a range of over 400 miles. Outdoor enthusiasts will also appreciate the front trunk and the storage space made for holding a snowboard or skis.
Tech Enthusiast
The Byton M-Byte, a Smart Intuitive Vehicle (SIV), is for those interested in becoming early adopters of high-tech driving. It features a large screen–49 inches across–that stretches the width of the dash along with a screen in the steering wheel. The car will also use artificial intelligence to learn about its driver. The 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE SUV features a new user interface, called MBUX. Drivers can just say “Hey Mercedes” to wake up the onboard assistant. The MBUX utilizes natural-language processing and, similar to Byton, uses artificial intelligence to learn drivers’ behaviors.
Value Seeker
Those looking to get the most bang for their buck have plenty of options, for both sedans and crossovers. The 2019 Mazda3 made a splash at the LA Auto Show. It features a new Skyactiv-X engine, which will help you go longer between fill-ups. If you’re interested in buying a Mazda3 before the new model hits dealership lots, you can find plenty on CarGurus. The 2020 Hyundai Palisade could be great for those that have a growing family. It will have three rows, plenty of USB charging points for all passengers, and an intercom system that lets the driver talk to passengers in the second and third rows. Just as importantly, the Palisade, like many of its competitors, will include a suite of safety technology standard for all trims.
We very much enjoyed the press preview, but the Los Angeles Auto Show is now open to the public through November 29th, and the show’s website has details on ticket discounts, special events and appearances, not to mention the 1,000+ cars on display.
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