What Car Has Taken YOU By Surprise In 2015? 00R Gets His Doors Blown Off...

This may sound self-serving, but my current car, a 435i Gran Coupe, just continues to grow on me every single day. When i had first test driven it, I actually ranked it 2nd on my overall list and truly didn't feel it was any more special than most of the others I tested (which was pretty much everything in the segment except the ATS). Something drew me back to the 4GC, and I decided to sign the papers.

I can't remember a car that I've ever owned where I just can't wait to get into it and drive the snot out of it. The run-flat tires are a bit of a drawback, as is the steering at times, but, man, I just look forward to driving the car every day. I've said it before and I'll say it again, this car wants to dance where my previous car wanted to just run fast.

The build quality is superb. The anthracite wood trim with brushed aluminum accents easily transforms a pretty sterile dashboard/console design into something pretty stylish. The luxury touches are great (though I chose not to fully option it up). And the more I look at the design of the exterior, the more I realize how absolutely gorgeous it is (except the rear taillights which are truly mundane).

In all honesty, I was soooooooo close to signing for the M4, but am so, so glad that I did not. Though the M4 is certainly a more capable car, I have to say with honesty that I don't think it's $20-$30k more capable.

Despite what "certain people" might think around here, I am not a German car fan with blinders. I don't need to justify why I say that, but the point I want to make is I can see why the BMW 3 Series and now the 4 Series continues to be so successful. Yes, it's taken some hits lately for being a bit "soft", but with the various drive modes, it's an absolute blast to drive and I cannot wait to replace my run-flats with true summer tires.

4 gran coupe was on my list last December, but the dealer advised they were hard to get in and lease offers were not great. Agree the car is stunning outside, but the interior still needs a bit of work. I am surprised I do not see more of them on the road, given the 3 series success (I do think lease programs have to do with this)

with you on the 4GC. I'm due for a new car in December and want a 435xi GC but I know the 440GC is around the corner that will not only have more power, updated interior, standard LED's, etc., but based on what happened with the 3-Series will also likely be a couple grand less expensive than the current one.

@jeffgall, I see the 4GC everywhere now. One of the things that attracted me to it in the first place was the fact that there weren't many on the road at all. Even my friend who follows cars closer than even 001 said it was very rare for him to see one. Ever since I got mine, BAM!, they're everywhere. Same thing happened with my previous car, LOL. When I first got it, no one knew what an A5/S5 was, but one year later, they were everywhere.

@JRob, I wish I could have waited for the 440, but the timing wasn't right. And if I had the time to wait, then I would have waited for the C450 AMG Sport.

Cid,the C450 AMG Sport is exactly what I am waiting for. :)

JEEP WRANGLER, which was a bit of a shock given I'm a huge fan of technology & innovation hence my daily driver, a car that literally drives itself in NYC traffic, a CLS 400.

My friends 2015 Jeep Wrangler blew me away this wknd on a trip upstate with its charm, simplicity, and unapologetic nature. It's a vehicle that gives you this sense of occasion and rides unlike anything else. There's no fancy tech or features to distract you when bored, you just simply enjoy the ride or actually TALK to the ppl you are traveling with albeit it much louder at highway speeds as the off road tires and wind noise can pick up a bit.

Aside from its legendary off roaring capability, the Wrangler just reminds you of a time when things were...simple. It bucks most of the trends in the SUV world today staying true to its original design & purpose.

After this wknd, I totally back the Pope's decision to buy a Wrangler.

I have a last generation S 600. But the new generation S class simply blows it away - along with the rest of the UBER class (Rolls and Bentley). The new S class is simply the best Luxury regular production car in the world - it really has no competition. I was actually considering a Mulsanne - but no longer.

On another issue - I bought a new Chrysler Mini-van this year as well. Having driven over 10,000 miles in the first three months (Both my Brother and I are moving) - I must say that i cannot understand the bad reputation for mini-vans - especially for carrying lots of grandchildren. It handles a lot better than I thought it would - I only had one initial quality issue (A bad brake rotor caused some vibrating) - and it has had lots of different things in the cargo bay. It still can take a 4x8 piece of plywood flat on the floor with the rear door closed. And its Media interface - Uconnect - seems pretty easy to understand. While it is the last of an old design and will be replaced this coming year - I can't imagine a better way to haul passengers and cargo in a car like riding machine.

Yes, agree with you on the S-Class. My friend purchased the first S63 in my state, and it completely blew away his '12 Panamera Turbo S.

00R - was the Geneais a V8 or V6. I had a very different experience in my friend's V6. Engine was a bit corse and transmission shifts felt delayed. Interior was ok, but not at the top of the class. Materials were a grade below (this is where I think a good portion of the cost reduction is found). Then again, I am an Audi driver and everyone's interior seems to be a step below. My friend also made a comment the other day that he has had numerous visits to the dealership for issues in the first 6 months of ownership and has questioned his decision on this car.

My brother-in-law and his father both have the new Genesis and they are with the V8. There simply is no reason NOT to get the V8 given how affordable the car is. Their experience and mine behind the scenes is that the Genesis is a model of reliability.

3.8-liter.

I have found it so far to be a very smooth motor. Some slight rumble at idle but nothing extraordinary.

I think the interior materials are quite good with exception of the quality of the leather and the center stack's cubed trim.

For $50k these are things I can live with while a comparably equipped Audi, BMW, Mercedes or Lexus would be in the $60s.

The car that has taken me by surprise is the base V6 Mustang. Although the Ecoboost Mustang can have desirable option packages that the V6 cannot, the V6 is surprisingly satisfying at the track. Yes the GT is faster at the track, but the V6 feels like it has better weight balance and it's not a slow car at all.

I am least impressed by the Ecoboost Mustang. I find the engine coarse and it huffs and puffs way too much.

The GT is a delight of course, but I'd go with with V6 if I were buying. Given that the GT350 won't be that much more than a full-boat GT, I would say stand in line for a GT350 is you want a V8 Mustang.

I'll have to agree with 00R with his assessment of the newest Genesis. I tested both the Genesis V8 & K900 and was completely impressed at interior features & engine performance. Usually non-believers are impressed with just a short ride.

Does it have to be a new car?

How much did Hyundai pay for this?

Tesla Model S. I don't like the limited range and the interior looks cheap (but so do Porsche and Ferrari) but the car itself is excellent, not what I was expecting from something that doesn't make any noise and is overpriced.

I have to agree with your Hyundai sentiment. Don't get me wrong. It's impressive where Hyundai is today, considering where they came from. There's no doubt that the Genesis and Equus may be considered viable alternatives to higher-priced cars. And the K900 is a really good product, no doubt.

But, where does Hyundai (or Kia) stand out? What have they brought to the table that truly has changed the landscape of the car industry? It's easy to follow others' lead. I think one will notice with the Koreans that they seem to create products that are equal to or better than the older or outgoing models of the higher-priced Germans and Japanese. Not to mention their design themes tend to follow the same trend. Maybe this proves that it's easy to take an already-established product, pick it apart to figure out how the other manufacturers made it work, then make one yourself.

What I'm missing is true innovation from the Koreans. Each of the Top 4 luxury brands have brought something new and/or innovative to the industry, whether related to performance, safety, or luxury. Even Acura had their share of innovations that they brought and are bringing to the table. If I missed any of the Korean "firsts in the industry", then i apologize, but offhand, I cannot think of any. Even "affordable luxury" was already pioneered by Acura, then bettered by Lexus. Hyundai seemed to be starting something when it came to market with the last Sonata's styling, but recent products appear to have them going backwards and following current trends again.

So, many like to point the finger of "brand snobbery", but they are forgetting that that "snobbery', in many ways, was earned by the more successful luxury names. When your brand's history can be traced back to many "industry firsts", that carries much weight.

I'll add that, in many ways, Cadillac is in a very similar position as Hyundai. They are building incredibly capable cars, but what is really helping them stand out from the rest of the luxury segment? Their V products are certainly impressive, but while they perform wonderfully, they are let down by many other details. And their non-V products aren't setting themselves apart. The Germans are faster than the non-V Caddies. They are better built, have much nicer interiors, have better technology, and, subjectively, look better. The Caddies handle well, but the differences from the competition is negligible, especially to the majority of buyers.
Many have stated that what Cadillac is missing is cachè and prestige. Just like I said above regarding earned snobbery, it applies here as well. Cadillac really needs to find a way to set itself apart through true innovation and/or amazing design. Sure, it's probably a bit tough considering technology is moving at a neck-breaking pace, and it's really hard to think of where Cadillac can really be two steps ahead of the competition. Then again, the Germans seem to be in that position all the time. Just look at some of the tech that the S brought recently, and what the 7 Series and new E-Class will be bringing to the table. Look at what Audi is bringing with the new TT and A4. Where is Cadillac? How is Cadillac going to be prestige to the term "American made"?

Porche Macan - I never realized an SUV could drive that well.

Hughjazz said something positive about a Hyundai? Nawwwww