Power is Style, Status, and Speed

By Jonathan McGrew

When you think of the word “power,” what comes to mind? Perhaps you think of influence, control, or capability. The Power Issue celebrates great people, communities, and ideas; it is an issue that inspires us to be better — the best we can be. It is only fitting to make our automotive column in this issue reflect the same.

Like the people who change our world, there are only a few vehicles that showcase the best the world has to offer in terms of innovation, performance, quality, and style. One of those vehicles is the BMW M235i. The smallest of the exclusive and performance-driven M-Series from BMW, the M235i isn’t about being the most luxurious or most expensive; it is about being the best two-door, rear-wheel-drive coupe. Starting with 320 horsepower coming from twin turbos and styling that is primed to become an icon — like the classic 2002 — the M235i is affordable in BMW terms. Yet, it has the quality and “Ultimate Driving Machine” feel that BMW is known for: rail-like handling, sports car ride, and serious power on tap. While we might not all be able to buy a $46K vehicle that rockets us to 60 mph in just over 4.5 seconds, we can all appreciate it.

BWM doesn’t just bring their innovation and performance to small coupes — they also bring it to SUVs. The X5 is sought after, new and used, and represents the top-of-the-line midsize SUV. It’s a vehicle that has intelligence built into the fabric of its design from the 445-hp TwinPower Turbo V8 to the 8-speed automatic transmission and the dynamic suspension. It also has the flexibility to seat seven while turning heads with its one-of-a-kind styling. And, did I mention safety? From driver assistance to brake drying, the innovation not only gets the X5 going, but keeps you safe at all times. At $84K, the 2014 X5 xDrive50i isn’t for everyone, but certainly inspires what motoring should be.

Speaking of innovation, the 2014 Range Rover Supercharged Long Wheelbase (LWB) might not be the first SUV you think of. However, the Range Rover has a class-leading aluminum body and chassis that has reduced weight for improved fuel economy. Yes, it still only gets an EPA rated 19 mpg on the highway, but when you consider that this luxury SUV has 510-hp and compare it to previous generations, it’s pretty impressive. Add to that the quality and attention to detail found in a vehicle nearing $123K, the Range Rover isn’t something you buy every day, nor are some of the options that are available. Consider sitting in traffic with air-cooled leather seats that massage your stress away. Or perhaps the four-zone climate control or panoramic sunroof for when you want let nature and the sunlight in. It is no exaggeration to say vehicles like this just didn’t exists 50 years ago.

Finally, I wanted to end with a vehicle changing the world in volumes. Subaru give their customers control, innovation, and performance with the recently introduced Subaru XV CrossTrek Hybrid. While I’m not a huge fan of the basic XV, the Hybrid is steps above. With city EPA figures of 29 mpg and highway figures about 4 mpg better than that, the XV combines the best of environmental innovation, all-wheel drive, and putting the power in the hands of the everyday driver. How does Subaru do this? They built a vehicle with a top-of-the-line price just over $30K making it attainable for all, which just goes to show “power” comes in all shapes, sizes, prices, and perspectives.