2022 Infiniti QX50 picks up new standard features

Updated premium crossover

Infiniti

Infiniti is one of a handful of automakers that have continued developing and building cars instead of focusing only on higher-profit and much more popular SUVs and trucks. That said, Infiniti's catalog is crossover- and SUV-heavy. Its smallest and least expensive crossover, the QX50 gets a handful of new features for 2022, and today Infiniti announced pricing.

Infiniti offers the 2022 QX50 in five trims: $40,025 Pure, $43,375 Luxe, $47,825 Essential, $52,525 Sensory, and $57,975 Autograph. All trims get Infiniti's variable compression (VC-Turbo) engine that makes 268 horsepower and returns up to 26 mpg combined. The advanced engine shifts its compression ratio to match the driver's behavior. When more power is needed, the compression changes, and when efficiency is the priority, it changes again. It's a marvel of engineering, but it's not as fuel-efficient as a hybrid. Power reaches the front or all four wheels through a continuously variable transmission.

2022 Infiniti QX50Pricing starts at around $40,000.Infiniti

Beyond the new standard features for 2022, buyers of the new QX50 will have to step up to the Luxe trim to get the most desirable features such as auto-folding exterior side mirrors, power lumbar support, and perforated leather upholstery. Standard comfort gear includes eight-way power front seats, dual-zone climate controls, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a Wi-Fi hotspot.

Infiniti stuck with its dual-screen infotainment configuration with the 2022 QX50. The top eight-inch screen handles wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto duties, as well as navigation. The bottom seven-inch screen handles vehicle controls, radio stations, and other settings. Though the system looks great and adds a high-tech feel to the cabin, two screens can be distracting and confusing while driving. The good news is that the QX50 gets an excellent 16-speaker Bose stereo starting with the Luxe trim.

2022 Infiniti QX50ProPilot Assist and Wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto are now standardInfiniti

The 2022 QX50 hasn't been crash tested by either major ratings organization yet, but the 2021 model performed well. It earned Good ratings in crash testes and a Superior score for its standard crash prevention systems. The 2022 QX50 comes standard with Infiniti's ProPilot Assist system, which brings advanced adaptive cruise control functions that can center the car in its lane, brake, and accelerate. Other standard tech includes blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alerts, rear automatic braking, predictive forward collision warnings, and forward automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection.


Photo courtesy of Bentley Motors

2022 Bentley Bentayga S is the sportiest version of the super luxury SUV yet

New SUV

Following a mid-generation facelift, Bentley is upping the ante once again on its popular Bentayga SUV. This time, the change comes in the form of a new model - Bentayga S - that is designed to be the sportiest offering in the crossover's lineup. This is the first time an "S" version of the Bentayga has been offered.

Its sport-tuned abilities come courtesy of standard Bentley Dynamic Ride, an anti-roll technology that plays with the model's 15 percent increase in damping in Sport mode to deliver a more engaging drive mode. The automaker has retuned the brakes for the car. It now lightly brakes the inside rear wheel at corner entry to sharpen the front axle turn-in.

The model continues to have four drive modes (Snow and Wet Grass, Dirt and Gravel, Mud and Trail, and Sand) and continues to be able to ford up to 500 mm of water.

2022 Bentley Bentayga S

Photo courtesy of Bentley Motors

1 / 21

The Bentayga S rides on standard 22-inch wheels in the buyer's choice of one of three finishes while a larger-than-traditional spoiler takes up room out back. Black exterior accents give the Bentley a unique look while a newly designed, free-flowing sports exhaust provides a robust sound out the rear of the car. Gloss black side sills and front and rear lower bumpers work with dark tinted head and taillight lenses, black door mirrors, and black split-oval tailpipes complete the look.

Powering the auto is a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 that gets 542 brake horsepower and 568 pound-feet of torque. The power plant moves the car from zero to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds with the accelerator at the floor and it has a top speed of 180 mph.

Bentyaga S's cabin has new seats, unique stitching, a fresh color split, and Alcantara upholstery. "S" badging can be found on the passenger fascia, instrument panel graphics, and illuminated treadplates.

Buyers can get the car in a four-, five- or seven-seat configuration. The seats are fluted with stitching contrasting and complementing the hide color.

In front of the driver is a fully digital instrument cluster that was designed to be reminiscent of high-end chronographs. Drivers can customize the look of the display.

Pricing for the model has yet to be released, but is expected to be a premium on the current Bentayga starting MSRP of around $166,000.

Photo courtesy of Bugatti

New Schedoni bespoke luggage set can be customized to match your Chiron

Luxury Lifestyle

There's owning a Bugatti Chiron and then there's *owning* your Bugatti Chiron. The French supercar manufacturer has teamed up with Schedoni to create a bespoke luggage set that can be configured to match their Chiron.

"Considering the amount of attention and care that goes into crafting every Bugatti model, every single piece of luggage we produce matches the same level of passion, craftsmanship and dedication," said Mr. Simone Schedoni, Chairman at Schedoni. "Our leather sets are especially made for the shape of the Chiron, so every item fits seamlessly, whether it is kept in the front trunk or in the cockpit. Every model made by Bugatti is highly personalized and tailored to its owner, and the options for the luggage sets allow for the same level of bespoke luxury."

Each set is made up of a weekender that is a perfect fit for the frunk of the Chiron. There are two soft garnet leather bags that fit nicely behind the two seats in the cabin of the exclusive hypercar.

Bugatti by Schedoni leather luggage set

Photo courtesy of Bugatti

1 / 19

The luggage leather is pieced from the same cuts of leather that adorn the cabin of the Chiron so they will be a matching set.

The three-piece, highly individualized leather luggage set takes up to 110 hours to craft by Italian artisans. The complete set is made of over 150 separate pieces of leather, around 150 pieces of backing material and 50 cuts of lining.

Buyers can add on the luggage set while they are in the process of commissioning their vehicle. Customers can refine the hand-made leather luggage set to suit their own taste. The grade and type of leather can be changed, as well as the color of the leather and yarn. There are 31 hues to choose from that range from dark to light across a broad color chart.

Unique stitching, patters, and logos and make the luggage even more deeply personalized. Bugatti is willing to work with clients to make their stitching dreams come true.

Customers use the company's 3D car configurator to complete all elements of the design. While the design happens virtually, buyers can get an idea of the final product thanks to the design preview function that visualizes customers' wishes before an order is placed.

If a Chiron isn't in the cars for you, don't worry. Customers can also get complementary luggage sets for their Bugatti Divo or Centrodieci.

Photo courtesy of Brabus

2021 Mercedes-AMG E 63 S becomes the Brabus 800 with new appearance and performance kit

Hot Mods

The 2021 Mercedes-AMG E 63 S is one of the best driving cars you can purchase. Brabus has modified the model adding more performance and fancy appearance accents to make Ito the new Brabus 800.

Brabus has kept the twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 that comes standard in the model giving it a tune that has it now producing 800 horsepower. Injection and ignition mapping are new but the car retains its original nine-speed automatic transmission. Drivers can shift the car using the traditional shifter or Brabus Race aluminum shift paddles on the steering wheel. The car can go from zero to 62 mph in 3.0 seconds and has an electronically limited top speed of 186 mph.

Its exterior is highlighted with carbon fiber accents, which are part of a purpose-built aerodynamics enhancement package. The custom front spoiler lip and air intakes on each side above it reduce lift while the Brabus rear spoiler and diffuser do the same job out back. The car's badges have been blacked out.

Brabus 800

Photo courtesy of Brabus

1 / 12

There's a valve-controlled sports exhaust system with carbon tailpipes, which allows the full baritone of the power plant shine. A variety of different exhaust modes and volume levels are available for use ranging from discreet "coming home" mode to full-on "race" mode. An adaptive suspension moves the car by as much as 20 millimeters depending on the drive mode selected.

It rolls on 21-inch forged Platinum Edition Z wheels with a 10-spoke design that have been tailor made for the car. They feature red pin striping that matches the red Brabus stripes on the car's grille. Continental, Pirelli, and Yokohama tires are available on the model.

The Brabus 800 isn't just sleek on the outside. Inside, the car has been refined as well with leather upholstery matched with stainless steel doorsills that feature an illuminated Brabus logo, which changes color to match the ambient lighting scheme chosen by the driver that is displayed throughout the interior of the model. There's also Brabus door pins and aluminum pedals.

Want more customization? Brabus's in-house saddlery is able to spec out the car based on buyer preferences as well.

Pricing for the model has not yet been disclosed. The original Mercedes product starts at over $107,000.

Photo courtesy of Maserati

2022 Levante Hybrid joins Ghibli Hybrid in electrified Maserati lineup

New SUV

Maserati's best-selling vehicle is getting a hybrid variant. The 2022 Maserati Levante Hybrid made its debut in China this week continuing the hybrid story fo the brand that started with the Ghibli Hybrid.

The luxury automaker will be using the tagline "Faster. Greener. Unique." to describe the new SUV, which joins the Levante, Levante GranLusso, Levante GranSport, Levante S. Levante S GranLusso, Levante S GranSport, Levante GTS, and Levante Troefo grade options in the stable.

Designed to adhere to the same standards of performance as current Maserati vehicles, the hybrid SUV retains the distinctive exhaust note of current Trident brand vehicles but adds in more fuel-efficient performance.

2022 Maserati Levante Hybrid

Photo courtesy of Maserati

1 / 43

The Levante Hybrid's power comes from the 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine under its hood that is paired with a 48-volt mild-hybrid system that allows the SUV to recover energy when decelerating and braking. This power plant allows the car to weigh less than the six-cylinder Levante and allows for better weight distribution, playing into the car's nimble driving dynamics. Its battery is placed in the rear.

Power output maxes out at 330 horsepower and 331 pound-feet of torque. Maserati limits the car to just over 149 mph. The Levante Hybrid can get from zero to 62 mph in six seconds.

A special edition of the car, the Levante Hybrid launch edition, features a new metallic tri-coat colour called Azzurro Astro that is available as part of the company's customization program, Maserati Fuoriserie.

The model also gets blue highlighted exterior accents on the side air ducts, brake calipers, and C-pillar logo that are similar to what is on the Ghibli Hybrid. The same blue carries over to the embroidered seams of the seats.

The SUV is available as part of the Maserati Connect program that allows a smartphone app to alert the driver when a service is due and allow them to stay in touch with their car via Amazon Alexa and Google Assist.

Pricing for the Maserati Levante starts around $75,000. The Levante Hybrid is expected to be valued far higher than that MSRP.

Maserati recently announced that footballer David Beckham is the company's new brand ambassador.

Photo courtesy of Bentley Motors

Bentley Residences, homes designed for luxury car owners, coming to Sunny Isles Beach

Luxury Lifestyle

Sunny Isles Beach already owns the distinction as being the home to the most Rolls-Royces at one residence, the Acqualina Resort & Residences On The Beach. Now, a strip of oceanfront land that's halfway between Miami and Fort Lauderdale will be home to a new luxury development designed to fit with the lifestyle of luxury Bentley vehicle owners.

The world's first Bentley-branded residences have been launched in partnership with Dezer Development. They've been designed by Sieger Suarez Architects, a firm that has the Porsche Design Tower (18555 Collins Avenue in Sunny Isles Beach), Trump Grande, and Residences by Armani/Casa in its portfolio.

The tower will be built at 18401 Collins Avenue, the current site of the Days Hotel by Wyndham Thunderbird Beach Resort.

Bentley Residences will contain more than 200 luxury apartments. The building will stand 749 feet and reach over 60 stories high, the same number of floors as the Salesforce tower in San Francisco and Franklin Center in Chicago. It's being billed as the tallest residential tower on any U.S. beachfront.

The residences are built-to-suit domiciles that will include an in-unit multi-car garage as well as ocean and bay views via floor-to-ceiling windows from each apartment. Homes will also have a private balcony, pool, sauna and outdoor shower. Interior amenities will include a gym, spa, whisky bar and restaurant. There will also be communal gardens.

"The modern and progressive brand identity of Bentley Residences is at work in both the tower's interior and exterior spaces, rooted in authenticity, sustainability and innovation," said Adrian Hallmark, Chairman and CEO of Bentley Motors. "We've partnered with Dezer to create a living experience that expresses the very philosophy of the Bentley brand and stays true to our vision of inspiring extraordinary journeys."

Architects have designed the tower to include uninterrupted views of the ocean and the waterways and feature sustainable materials throughout with a focus on wellness. The project is being designed in accordance with the Florida Green Building Council (FLGC) certification. Additionally, designers plan to use reduced coastal lighting to protect endangered sea turtles.

Construction of the residences will begin in early 2023. They are schedule for completion in 2026.

"Partnering with Bentley Motors, a true global luxury brand and being able to create another first in the Miami marketplace is an extraordinary opportunity," added Gil Dezer, President of Dezer Development. "With Bentley Motors, together we will create something inspiring, powerful and iconic – a true game-changer when it comes to luxury living."

Ad Placement 300x100
Ad Placement 300x600

CultureMap Emails are Awesome

Automotive Map is moving to Your Test Driver

New website

Big news! Automotive Map has moved to a new site and has changed its name to Your Test Driver. You'll notice the same format, writing style, and content on the new site. That's because Your Test Driver is run by Chris Teague, the former editor of Automotive Map. We hope to see you there for continued coverage of news, reviews, and features from around the automotive industry.

2023 Nissan Leaf pricing announced

Updated EV

Nissan is nearing the release of the Ariya, its first new EV in several years. Even so, the brand hasn't forgotten about its first mass-market EV, the Leaf. It was an early entrant in the space, and has been an efficient, affordable, commuter car for over a decade. The car got a mild facelift for 2023, with updated wheels and exterior styling accents. Today, Nissan announced pricing for the Leaf, which starts at just under $29,000.

2023 Nissan LeafThe Leaf feels lively, despite middling power numbers.Nissan

The base Leaf comes with a 40-kWh battery capable of delivering a 149-mile range. Its 110-kW electric motor produces 147 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque. The Leaf SV Plus features a 60-kWh battery for a range of 212 miles. It comes with a 160-kW motor that makes 214 horsepower and 250 pound-feet of torque. Nissan backs all Leaf models with an eight-year/100,000-mile battery warranty.

ProPilot Assist comes standard for the Leaf SV Plus, and brings a full suite of advanced driver aids that include adaptive cruise control, driver alertness features, and a surround-view monitor. All Leaf models get Nissan Safety Shield 360, which includes automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warnings, blind spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alerts, automatic high beams, and rear automatic braking.

2023 Nissan LeafThe Leaf SV Plus offers up to 212 miles of range.Nissan

The new Leaf starts at $28,895, which includes a $1,095 destination charge. The Leaf SV Plus starts at $36,895. The 2023 Nissan Leaf is on sale now, and may be eligible for federal tax credits of up to $7,500. Depending on where you live, you may also be able to receive a state tax credit or other incentives.

2022 Nissan Altima: Three things to know

Comfortable midsize sedan

The Nissan Altima may not get the attention or the praise that the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord get, but it's a solid entry in an ultra-competitive segment. It's also one of few options in its class with available all-wheel drive. We spent a week with the 2022 Nissan Altima SR Midnight Edition with AWD and came away from the experience impressed. Here are three things to know about the car.

The 2022 Nissan Altima is a Good Value

With a starting price in the mid-$20,000 range and available all-wheel drive, it's hard to complain about value here. The Altima is still reasonably priced at the top end, where it maxes out at around $35,000 before options and fees. That's a great value for a spacious, comfortable car like the Altima, and with all-wheel drive it's a great all-weather commuter.

2022 Nissan AltimaNissan offers the Altima in several configurations.Nissan

2022 Altima Interior Space and Comfort are Generous

It's easy to ignore Nissan's Zero Gravity seats as another marketing buzzword, but they are legitimately comfortable and supportive in a way that not many others are. Available leather upholstery and contrast stitching give the interior an upscale feel, but even lower trims' cloth upholstery feels nice and works well from a visual standpoint. Up front, there's room for both passengers to stretch out, and the driver won't feel cramped on leg or headroom. Back-seat passengers get a similar treatment, as there's plenty of space for adults and kids. Parents will find an easy time loading and unloading car seats as well.

2023 Nissan AltimaThe Altima gets an update for 2023 with fresh styling and more tech.Nissan

The 2023 Nissan Altima Gets an Update

Nissan is refreshing the Altima for 2023 with a facelift, new tech, and better safety features. The new car will go on sale in the fall of 2022 and will come in several trims, including one with Nissan's truck VC-Turbo engine. The Altima's most noticeable update will be its front fascia, which is all-new for 2023. Nissan gives the car a fresh grille design that varies depending on the trim, and LED headlights will be standard. Nissan Safety Shield 360 is standard, and the Altima is available with all-wheel drive, ProPilot Assist, and more.