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Battle of the Behemoths – Lexus LX700h vs Land Rover Range Rover

Mike Ginsca on April 29, 2026

Big, expensive, and unapologetically opulent. Two titans of luxury off-roading. There’s the brand-new Lexus LX700h, now with hybrid muscle and a reputation for lasting longer than the scenery behind it. And next to it, the ever-so-English Range Rover. It’s as suave as it is sophisticated, the go-to chariot for the well-heeled and well-mannered. But here in Canada, where luxury meets snow drifts and 91 octane costs more than gold, which one actually makes more sense?

Design

The Lexus LX700h looks like it’s been carved out of a single block of steel. Sharp creases, dominating grille, and enough polished aluminum to blind a moose at sunrise. It’s unmistakably Japanese — bold, confident, and about as subtle as a hockey brawl. 

Meanwhile, the Range Rover keeps its minimalist elegance. That clean profile and floating roofline still turning heads since… forever. It’s less ‘look-at-me’ and more ‘I-own-a-private-island.’ 

If you’re after street presence, the Lexus wins for drama. But for pure class? The Range Rover takes it. No contest. 

On the inside, the Range Rover’s cabin is an art gallery of understatement. Windsor leather options, 16-speaker Meridian 3D sound system, and a touchscreen that actually doesn’t make you pull your hair out. Add in heated, cooled, and massaging everything — including your ego.

With the long wheelbase option ticked off, the Range Rover seats 7 in utmost comfort, including those in the 3rd row. But if you skip the extra seats and go for the Executive Class rear setup, things get properly decadent. You get two individual recliners that heat, cool, and massage in near silence, separated by a full-length console with touchscreen controls and deployable walnut tables. It’s business-class travel with better suspension.

The LX700h stays true to its Land Cruiser roots. 7 seats, plenty of room for the kids, hockey gear, and a week’s worth of camping supplies. But the third row still feels more like a penalty box than a lounge. It’s very tight if you’re over 6 feet tall.

However, tick the box for the Executive VIP package, and it transforms the second row into something fit for royalty. Out go the three bench seats, and in come two enormous captain’s chairs with full recline, ottoman leg rests, ventilated and heated cushions, and even a built-in massage program. You also get a rear touchscreen control panel, separate climate zones, and a Mark Levinson sound system that somehow makes road noise vanish into thin air. It’s less family SUV and more private jet experience. 

Technology

On the tech side, both spoil you with toys. Adaptive cruise, lane guidance, 360-degree cameras, auto parking, and enough driver aids to make a pilot jealous. But the Range Rover’s tech feels more integrated, almost invisible. Its new Pivi Pro 2 infotainment runs on a 13.1-inch curved display that responds instantly. Add wireless updates, Alexa integration, and a digital key through your smartphone, and it starts to feel like you’re in Silicon Valley. Even the four-zone climate system can preheat or cool the cabin from your Range Rover app before you’ve even put on your coat. 

The Lexus takes a different approach. Less flash, more dependability. You still get all the assists like adaptive cruise, lane trace, blind-spot monitoring, and so on, but Lexus deliberately leaves a few physical controls in place, knowing some of us prefer a proper button when it’s minus twenty outside.  

Add in a head-up display, crisp cameras, and bulletproof consistency, and it’s technology that feels built to last, not just to impress. So yes, the Range Rover dazzles with screens and software. The Lexus? It just works — and in a Canadian winter, that might be the smarter kind of genius. 

Powertrain

Under the hood, the LX700h packs a 3.4L twin-turbo hybrid V6. 457 hp & 583 lb-ft of torque all sent through a 10-speed automatic transmission. 0-100 km/h takes around 6 seconds, which is not too bad for something that weighs as much as a small cottage. 

The hybrid system fills in the gaps between gear changes, so power arrives in an effortless wave. There’s no drama, just torque. It’s a smooth, electric shove that makes it feel smaller and lighter than it is. 

The LX rides on a body-on-frame chassis which means that it can shrug off small craters in the road. However, there’s no hiding that weight. You feel it through the turns. But it’s not trying to be sporty. It’s trying to be effortless, and in that way, it absolutely delivers. 

The Range Rover, on the other hand, doesn’t just have power; it has theatre. You can get it with a 395 hp inline-6 with a mild-hybrid system, or a 4.4L twin-turbo V8 with up to 607 hp. 0-100 km/h comes up in under five seconds, which is faintly ridiculous for something this tall, this heavy, and this dignified. 

Out on the road, the V8 feels endlessly smooth. There’s no real sense of turbo lag, just a deep well of torque from barely above idle. With the adaptive air suspension keeping the body flat, it corners with far more grace than its size suggests.  

It’s not the most efficient luxury SUV with a combined fuel economy rating of 12.9 L/100km for the V8 while the LX700h can achieve up to 11.7 L/100km combined. But you can opt for the plug-in hybrid version of the Range Rover with up to 90 km of gasoline-free driving range. Plug it in overnight, and you can do most weekday drives without burning a drop of fuel. 

Off-Road

Of course, all this luxury doesn’t mean much if you’re stranded the moment the pavement ends. And both of these beasts carry the kind of off-road reputation most crossovers can only dream about. 

The Lexus LX700h rides on proven Land Cruiser hardware, complete with full-time four-wheel drive, locking center differential, and multi-terrain select modes. Add in its hybrid torque delivery, crawl control, and a low range that’ll pull you up a rocky trail like a winch. 

The Range Rover, though, approaches off-roading with sophistication rather than brute strength. Its Terrain Response 2 system automatically adjusts air suspension, throttle, and traction control for whatever nature throws at it. And with up to 11.6 inches of ground clearance and a water wading depth over 35-inches, this thing could practically ford a small river on your drive to Whistler. 

Pricing

Now for the tough part, the price. The Lexus LX700h stars at $138,191 CAD with the top spec Executive VIP costing north of $173,000 CAD. 

The Range Rover starts at $133,000 CAD but once you add in every option, and there are A LOT of options, you’re easily looking at over $300,000 CAD.  

So, these are two different approaches to luxury. If you value bulletproof engineering, long-term reliability, and modest running costs, the Lexus is the smarter choice. But if you crave refinement, technology, and that intangible sense of prestige, the Range Rover still sits at the very top of the luxury food chain. 

One’s built to outlast civilization; the other, to rule it. Either way, lucky are those choosing between them.  

If you’d like to know more or test drive either of these luxury SUVs, please get in touch with us at OpenRoadAuto.com 

Comparing the updated 2026 Toyota bZ against the 2026 Volkswagen ID.4 

Mike Ginsca on April 15, 2026

The electric crossover market has become one of the most competitive spaces in the automotive industry, and few models illustrate that better than the Toyota bZ and Volkswagen ID.4. Each represents a distinct approach to electrification. 

Design 

At first glance, these two take different approaches to exterior styling. The Toyota BZ mixes a modern and rugged design with its two-tone paint scheme and newly designed LED headlights. The Volkswagen ID.4 looks more traditional; more like a gasoline powered crossover SUV than an electric vehicle. 

The differences continue to the inside of each EV. The Toyota bZ’s interior design is quite different from any other electric vehicle. The center console and infotainment are pretty simple to use, but the driver instrumentation display and steering wheel are unlike anything else. It’s unique, but not everyone will love it. 

Interior space is good in the front seats, but rear occupant space is a bit less than the Volkswagen. It’s a similar story in the trunk with the ID.4 accommodating more cargo than the Toyota bZ. 

The Volkswagen ID.4 takes a simpler approach to interior design. But it may be a bit too simple for some. Volkswagen uses capacitive touch controls on the steering wheel which you may inadvertently touch while turning, which may change the radio station or turn up the radio volume. The climate also uses capacitive touch controls just underneath the infotainment touchscreen which can be a bit finnicky to use while driving. 

But when it comes to space, the ID.4 has the most amount of headroom and more rear legroom than the Toyota. Plus, it can swallow more family cargo in the back than the bZ. 

Powertrains 

You can get the ID.4 with up to 335 hp. That is with the larger battery pack and with AWD. The RWD version with the larger battery produces 282 hp while the base trim with the smaller battery produces 201 hp.   

To drive, the ID.4 feels like a German car should. It’s stable, smooth, and competent around corners.   

By comparison, the Toyota bZ doesn’t match the ID.4 when it comes to driving dynamics. At least, not the single motor version. Where the ID.4 has a RWD layout, the Toyota bZ has the electric motor powering the front wheels. This doesn’t make much difference in boring city traffic, but it does when you find yourself on twisty mountain roads. 

But the AWD version is a bit better to drive. For 2026, the bZ gets a huge bump in power. It goes from 214 hp to 338 hp. This makes the bZ more powerful than the ID.4 

Range & Charging 

The 2026 Toyota bZ also gains a more powerful on-board charger, 11 kW up from 6.6 kW. So, level 2 charging is going to be faster now. As for level 3 charging, it can take up to a maximum of 150 kW which means 10% to 80% takes just under half an hour. 

Moving to the Volkswagen ID.4, it can accept up to 175 kW of power but because it has a bigger battery than the bZ, it takes just under half an hour as well from 10% to 80% state of charge. 

As for the driving ranges when the batteries are topped up? The ID.4 can drive for up to 468 km in the RWD layout. The AWD dips to 423 km.  

As for the Toyota bZ, it’s the XLE AWD that has the most range with up to 468 km, just like the ID.4. The FWD version can only drive for up to 380 km. 

Pricing & Features 

When it comes to pricing, the Toyota bZ is the least expensive of the two. It starts at $45,990 which is actually a little bit less than the previous model year. That usually never happens. The Volkswagen ID.4 is a bit more expensive with a starting price of $48,495  

But if you opt for a fully loaded version of each, the Toyota bZ is still the least expensive at just under $62,000 while the ID.4 is just under $64,000. 

What features do you get for the $60,000+ price tag? Quite a few. Both are available with leatherette upholstery, heated & ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, wireless phone charging pad along with wireless Apple CarPlay & wireless Android Auto connectivity, dual-zone automatic climate control (3-zone in the Volkswagen), and surround view cameras among others. 

Each EV also has a few features that are unique to that model. For example, the Toyota bZ is available with radiant foot and leg heaters while the Volkswagen ID.4 is available with front massaging seats. 

So what’s the verdict? Well it comes down to your needs and preferences. The ID.4 is the conventional choice with a balanced driving demeanor and ride. While the Toyota bZ is the safe and reliable companion.  

If you’d like to learn more or test drive any of these cars, please get in touch with us at OpenRoadAuto.com. 

The 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9 is the Electric 3-Row You’ve Been Waiting For.

Mike Ginsca on July 23, 2025

The all-new IONIQ 9 joins Hyundai’s award-winning EV lineup. It is a large 3-row electric SUV with an eye-catching exterior and a spacious 6 or 7 passenger interior. 

The IONIQ 9’s lounge-like atmosphere is created through elliptical elements and calming tones, while natural light streams through the panoramic sunroof. Passengers can experience exceptional roominess with ample second- and third-row space. 

The flat floor accommodates flexible seating arrangements for six or seven occupants, while Relaxation Seats in the first and second rows offer full recline capability with leg rests — perfect for relaxing while recharging. 

Speaking of charging, the IONIQ 9 has a 110.3 kWh battery pack in the floor with an 800-Volt architecture. The higher Voltage enables the IONIQ 9’s battery to be recharged at a faster rate for a longer period of time without needing to worry about excessive heat build-up in the battery pack. With charging speeds of up to 350 kW, the IONIQ 9 can be recharged in as little as 24 minutes from 10% to 80%.  

Additionally, the IONIQ 9 adopts the NACS charging plug. This is more commonly known as a Tesla charging plug which will enable the SUV to be charged up from any one of the thousands of Tesla Superchargers across Canada and the United States. 

Once the SUV is charged up, it can be driven for over 500 km. Best of all, the 500+ km driving range is for all trim levels. This is achieved through its sleek exterior design which has an overall drag coefficient of 0.269. To put it into perspective, that is the same drag coefficient as the much smaller Toyota Prius. 

It’s not just about efficiency though, the Hyundai IONIQ 9 is a powerful 3-row SUV as well. The dual-motor AWD+ variant produces as much as 422 hp and has a 0-100 km/h time of just 5 seconds. Regular AWD models produce 303 hp while the RWD version produces 215 hp. In addition, the Hyundai IONIQ 9 can tow up to 5,000 lbs. 

The IONIQ 9 delivers a luxurious and refined driving experience thanks to its smooth and comfortable ride. Its suspension has been specially designed for this electric SUV, featuring a MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear setup along with self-leveling dampers. 

Inside, IONIQ 9’s cabin is a haven of tranquility, thanks to the triple door seals, acoustic glass, sound-absorbing tires and Active Noise Control technology. These features effectively suppress wind and road noise, particularly at highway speeds. 

Sticking with the interior, the IONIQ 9’s cabin design is reminiscent of the IONIQ 5’s with a simple dual-screen layout. Both the driver instrumentation and infotainment touchscreen measure 12.3” diagonally. Climate controls, USB ports, and small item storage bins are conveniently located right underneath the infotainment touchscreen. For a bit of extra space, the center console can slide forwards or backwards for easier access by the 2nd row occupants and to allow a passthrough in between the front seats. 

The 3-row SUV incorporates a route planner which will display charging stations along your planned trip and estimate the battery state of charge when you reach a charging station and your destination. The Hyundai IONIQ 9 can also power external electronics such as a small coffee machine with its V2L technology. This can make family camping a much more luxurious experience. 

The 2026 Hyundai IONIQ 9 starts at $59,999 with the top spec Ultimate Calligraphy trim costing $81,499 and this new EV is available right now at OpenRoad Hyundai Richmond.

The BMW M5 is a 717 hp Eco-Friendly Sedan

Mike Ginsca on July 16, 2025

The BMW M5 was one of the first high performance sedans on the market. It was once the fastest sedan in the world. It once had a performance oriented V10 engine under the hood. And now, the BMW M5 is going green. 

Yes, the all-new BMW M5 can be considered a green, environmentally friendly vehicle. It’s a plug-in hybrid with up to 43 km of electric-only driving range. This means that you can take the kids to school and drive yourself to work without using a single drop of fuel. 

The 14.8 kWh usable battery pack can be recharged in about 2 hours from a level 2 charger. So on your way back home from work, you can still drive the M5 just on electricity. And you would be getting home quick because the electric motor produces 194 hp and it enables the M5 to reach 140 km/h in the electric-only drive mode. 

But what if you decide to take the long way home? The road that few travel?  

On this type of road, the BMW M5 is a completely different animal. In its sportiest setting, the new BMW M5 delivers 717 hp from a TwinPower Turbo V8 engine. Coupled with the electric motor, an 8-speed automatic transmission and M xDrive, the BMW M5 can accelerate from a stop to 100 km/h in 3.5 seconds and on to a top speed of up to 305 km/h.  

Those numbers are impressive, especially since this is the heaviest M5 to date. The battery pack does add some of that weight, but it needed to be a plug-in hybrid in order to meet & exceed strict government emission regulations.  

Furthermore, the battery pack is in the floor which helps keep the center of gravity closer to the ground. This in turn makes the car feel stable through corners. Add to that the surefootedness of M xDrive and the BMW M5 feels like it’s on rails. This car hides its hefty weight very well. 

But if you want, you can make the car feel a bit more like a wild animal. Like the M5 before it, the M xDrive system allows you to send 100% of the power to the rear wheels. Of course, drive responsibly when you switch it to the 2WD mode. 

The new M5 is physically a big car but it doesn’t quite feel that big from behind the steering wheel. Helping with maneuverability is the rear wheel steering system. This enables the back wheels to turn in the opposite direction of the front ones, by up to 1.5 degrees, to reduce the turning circle of the car. On highways, they turn in the same direction as the front wheels to provide a feeling of surefootedness and stability. 

The interior of the new M5 is up to date and thoroughly modern. It has a head-up display with augmented reality navigation, a single piece of glass housing two displays (one for the driver instrumentation and one for the infotainment system), and it has one of the most advanced ambient lighting systems of any new car on sale. 

But the technology doesn’t end there. The new BMW M5 has a wide array of driver aids such as the hands-free Driving Assistant Professional which will keep the car centered in your lane, change lanes in need be, and adapt the car’s speed to the flow of traffic.  

The car can also park itself with the Parking Assistant Professional. Once the system detects a parking spot and performs the maneuver once, it will remember the maneuver and perform it subsequent times without any driver intervention.  

Thanks to its larger size, the new M5 has more cargo capacity than the previous generation. There’s 467 L of space in the trunk with more available if you fold down the rear seats.  

But should you want more, the BMW M5 Touring is coming to Canada. The M5 Touring provides 500 L of cargo space behind the back seats and up to 1,630 L with the 40/20/40 rear seats folded down. This car is arguably a bit more stylish than the M5 sedan. But beauty is in the eye of the beholder. We’re just happy that the M5 wagon is finally available in Canada. 

What will the new BMW M5 cost you? It’ll start from $135,000 with quite a few customization options available. But what we want to know is, which one would you choose? The sedan or the wagon? Let us know in the comments. 

And should you need help in customizing your very own BMW M5, our knowledgeable product specialists at The BMW Store Vancouver or BMW Langley are more than happy to help out.

The 2025 Acura ADX Brigs Luxury at an Affordable Price

Mike Ginsca on July 9, 2025

What is the Acura ADX? In short, it’s a new entry point into the Acura brand for a smidge under $45,000. It’s based on the Honda HR-V but don’t think of this as a fancy HR-V. Acura’s engineers made a lot of changes to make sure that this is an Acura product.  

The most noticeable change is the styling. The ADX follows the same design language of its bigger brothers. It has the diamond pentagon grille, the chicane LED daytime running lights and taillights, and optional sporty looking 19” alloys wheels.  

The interior styling doesn’t have quite the same design as the larger RDX or MDX, but it is very simple to use. The contoured steering wheel fits nicely into your hands, there are physical climate control switches, a standard 10.2” digital driver display, and a 9” touchscreen. There’s no trackpad in this car. 

The cabin features premium materials such as ultrasuede upholstery, contrasting red stitching and a leather wrapped steering wheel. It can also be equipped like a premium vehicle.  

It comes standard with heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, panoramic sunroof, and a wireless phone charging pad.  

However, if you opt for the Platinum Elite A-spec trim, it’ll come equipped with ventilated front seats, a Bang & Olufsen sound system with 15 speakers, surround view cameras, and a 12-way power adjustable driver’s seat.  

The infotainment system also gets an upgrade on the Platinum Elite A-spec trim with Google built-in and Amazon Alexa built-in. But you don’t need to move up to the top trim in order to have wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto along with Wi-Fi hotspot capability. 

The Acura ADX is also a spacious subcompact luxury crossover. Of course, front occupants have the most room, but space back here is not too bad. There’s also a lot of space in the trunk with almost 700 L behind these rear seats.  

On the move, the Acura ADX gets its power from a 1.5L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. This is similar to the one that is used in the Acura Integra. It produces 190 hp and 179 lb-ft of torque with the power being distributed to all four wheels via a standard AWD system and a continuously variably transmission. 

This engine doesn’t make the ADX as quick as Acura’s larger SUVs, but it does feel peppy. It doesn’t struggle to get off the line nor to merge onto a highway.  

It’s also quite economical for a turbo engine with AWD. It’s rated for 9.1 L/100km in a city and 7.7 L/100km on a highway.  

The AWD system is unfortunately not Acura’s super handling AWD system like the one found in the RDX or MDX. It cannot send more of the engine’s torque to the outside rear wheel while cornering for better driving dynamics. Instead, up to 50% of the engine’s torque can be sent to both back wheels and Acura’s integrated dynamics system allows you to choose from four different drive modes with the Platinum Elite A-spec providing an individual drive mode that can be customized to your liking. 

As mentioned at the start of the review, the new Acura ADX will start at just under $45,000 with a fully loaded Platinum Elite A-Spec at $51,480.  

Should you want to learn more about the ADX or test drive it for yourself, our knowledgeable product specialists at OpenRoad Acura Richmond are more than happy to help you out.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner Arrives with More Tech and Off-Road Capability

Mike Ginsca on July 2, 2025

15 years. That’s how long the 5th generation Toyota 4Runner has been on sale. By automotive standards, that is an eternity. But in 2025, Toyota has given us a brand new, 6th generation 4Runner that promises to continue the off-road characteristics that the 4Runner is known for in addition to providing a refined and technologically advanced SUV. 

Like the previous generations, the new Toyota 4Runner has a body-on-frame chassis. This is the same one that is shared with the Tacoma, Land Cruiser and Tundra. It’s a high strength, boxed, steel ladder frame with multi-link coil suspension on the back and double wishbone suspension on the front.  

This new platform improves the ride quality when driving on city streets in addition to providing a stronger chassis when off-roading. Speaking of which, the new 4Runner receives some of the off-road goodies from the Tacoma and Land Cruiser. 

Some of these goodies include a front disconnecting sway bar, Bilstein, Old Man Emu, or Fox shock absorbers, a locking rear differential, and rock rails to protect the body. 

These off-road features vary depending on which off-road trim of the 4Runner you choose. There’s the TRD off-road, the TRD Pro and the new Trailhunter trim. These trims can provide an approach angle of up to 32 degrees and a departure angle of up to 24 degrees. They also use the Multi-Terrain Select system, which now functions in both 4WD high and 4WD low, to adjust various vehicle settings for better traction in mud, sand, and dirt environments.  

All three of these off-road ready trims of the 2025 4Runner are available with the new hybrid powertrain. 

The V6 is gone and in its place is the 2.4L turbocharged 4-cylinder hybrid engine of the Land Cruiser and Tacoma. It produces 326 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque. Not only is this the most powerful 4Runner but it’s also much more economical.  

The hybrid version of the 2025 Toyota 4Runner is rated for 9.9 L/100km combined.  That is a drastic improvement over the 13.8 L/100km combined of the old Toyota 4Runner.  

This is achieved not only by the aid of the 48 hp electric motor but also the new 8-speed automatic transmission. Furthermore, this hybrid powertrain enables the 2025 4Runner to tow up to 6,000 lbs. 

But unlike the Toyota Land Cruiser, this new 4Runner is available with a second engine. It’s the same 2.4L turbo 4-cylinder but without the hybrid assist. It produces 278 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque.  

Of course, this non-hybrid engine isn’t quite as fuel efficient with a combined rating of 11.1 L/100km but that’s still better than the previous generation 4Runner.  

The interior of the new 4Runner is almost identical to that of the Tacoma which is not such a bad thing. It means that a vast majority of controls are operated by physical buttons and physical knobs.  

As standard, the 2025 Toyota 4Runner comes with an 8” infotainment touchscreen and a 7” digital driver display. Moving up in the trims increases these sizes to 14-inches and 12.3-inches respectively. 

The infotainment system displays Toyota’s Multimedia system that is found in all other current Toyota vehicles. It supports wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto with this new generation 4Runner allowing for a digital key. The digital key can be connected to a smartphone to allow for vehicle entry and vehicle start up. 

The new 4Runner can also be equipped with features that were never available on the previous generation. Some of these include power operated running boards, a head up display, heated rear seats, ventilated front seats, and a digital rearview mirror. 

But of course the one feature that everyone wanted to remain on this new 4Runner is the power operated rear window. Simply press on the up or down switches, with the key near the SUV, and the rear window goes up and down. Of course you can also control this window from the inside. 

Opening the power operated liftgate reveals three rows of seats. But the 7-seat capacity is only available on certain trims of Toyota 4Runners equipped with the non-hybrid engine. Those with the Hybrid Max powertrain only have 2-rows of seats.  

Nevertheless, this new 4Runner provides a bit more legroom in the 2nd row over the previous generation. Front legroom remains unchanged. As for the 3rd row, it is very tight and should ideally be used for kids or in emergency situations when you need to ferry 6 others over a short distance. They will not want to sit in that 3rd row for very long.  

Like most other Toyota vehicles, the 2025 4Runner comes equipped with standard Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 along with blind spot monitor, rear cross traffic alert, and hill start assist. Of course, it also comes with 8 airbags to keep you and your family safe in the event of an accident. 

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner starts at $54,200 for the SR5 trim. This new generation has a total of 8 different trims, some of which are only available with the hybrid max powertrain while others are only available with the gasoline-only powertrain. The most expensive is the Trailhunter with a price of $84,201. 

So that is a look at the all-new 2025 Toyota 4Runner! What are your thoughts on this new SUV? Or do you still prefer the older generation? Let us know in the comments.  

And should you want to learn more or test drive the new 4Runner, please contact our knowledgeable product specialists at any one of our 6 OpenRoad Toyota dealerships throughout BC and Ontario.

Coupe SUV Showdown: 2025 Genesis GV80 Coupe vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe

Mike Ginsca on June 25, 2025

A coupe-SUV is a type of sports utility vehicle with a sloping rear roofline akin to a sporty sedan. It offers the tall driving position of an SUV but with the stylish design of a low-slung compact car. 

One of the first cars to have this design was the BMW X6 way back in 2008. It took a few more years before other manufacturers created their own Coupe-SUVs but now, almost every luxury brand offers one. The latest to join this trend is the all-new Genesis GV80 Coupe. 

Like the standard GV80, the GV80 Coupe is a spacious SUV with a luxurious cabin. The quilted Nappa leather seats are among the most comfortable you’ll ever sit in. The D-shaped steering wheel and available carbon fiber trim add a touch of sportiness to complement the stylish exterior.  

But the main focal point of this interior is the 27” OLED display. This is a seamless integration of the driver instrument cluster and the infotainment system. These are not split screens made to look as though it’s one like how it is in some other vehicles. 

To further add to the ambiance of luxury, the GV80 Coupe has a built-in fragrance system. This is integrated into the climate controls and Genesis offers three distinct aromas; Coming Home, Jaunty Breeze, and Down to Earth. 

However, there is a small drawback to having a coupe-SUV design which is most noticeable in the back seats. Legroom between this and the regular GV80 is the same but headroom is a bit less in the coupe version. Also, there’s no optional 3rd row and you get a little bit less cargo space behind the seats.  

But what you take away with one hand, you give with the other. Under the hood, the GV80 Coupe has a more powerful engine than the one in the standard GV80.  

Both cars have 3.5L twin-turbocharged V6 engines. But the one in the Coupe version produces 409 hp whereas the one in the standard GV80 produces 375 hp. Why the difference? Well, the GV80 Coupe has a 48-Volt mild hybrid system. 

It’s not a traditional hybrid system in the sense that it will allow the SUV to be driven for brief periods on nothing but just electricity. Instead, this system provides a little bit more power to the engine through the use of an electric supercharger. In addition, it also provides a smooth auto start/stop function and improved fuel economy, particularly in a city environment.  

And then of course, there is the design. The sleek roofline and subtle spoiler give this SUV the sporty stance that sets these types of vehicles apart from every other. The GV80 coupe also comes with standard 22” wheels and like all other Genesis vehicles, the signature double lines of the headlight daytime running lights are carried to the side turn signals and the rear taillamps. 

But as I said at the start of the article, this is the latest coupe SUV to join the market. So how does the new kid on the block compare to something that’s been around the block a few times already?  

Like the GV80 Coupe, the Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe has a similar sporty silhouette. Looks are subjective which is why to some, the GLE Coupe may look a bit more elegant from certain angles. The slim taillights and subtle spoiler make the GLE Coupe look timeless, especially if you get it in black. 

But looks are one thing. What’s available under the hood of the GLE is something completely different. You can get it with the bi-turbo V8 engine which produces just over 600 hp. The Genesis GV80 Coupe can’t match that. Of course, if that’s too much for you, there’s the GLE 53 AMG with 429 hp or the GLE 450 with 375 hp.  

Sure, the GLE 450 doesn’t produce the same power as the twin-turbo V6 in the Genesis, but it has a clever engine. It has a 48-Volt mild-hybrid system like in the GV80 Coupe but if you switch the drive mode to Eco and then take your foot off the throttle pedal while driving over 60 km/h, then the engine will shut itself off and let the car coast. This in turn provides better fuel economy because it allows the GLE to coast a little bit further down the road with minimal loss in speed due to engine braking. It does this for brief periods and the engine immediately starts up whenever you touch the throttle pedal again. This gives the GLE Coupe a combined fuel consumption figure of 11.2 L/100km vs 12 L/100km for the GV80 Coupe. 

But you’re not just buying a car like this for the fuel economy and the looks, you’re also getting it for the luxury. Both cars have similar features such as heated, ventilated, & massaging front seats, head-up displays, wireless phone charging pads, and soft close doors. But it’s the Mercedes can be optioned with just a few more convenience & luxury features which just sets this car further apart from others. 

Some of these features include a 4-zone climate control system, heated front arm rests and upper door panels, heated & chilled cup holders, and one of the smoothest drives of any luxury SUV thanks to the Airmatic suspension. 

So, these two coupe SUVs have elegant silhouettes, similar interior space and similar features. Where they differ is with their prices. The Genesis GV80 Coupe is only available in one trim level and it will cost you $104,000. The Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 Coupe starts at $99,900 but in order to have similar options to the GV80 Coupe, you will have to add on a few packages. 

In the end, which one fancies your eye more? Let us know in the comments. And if you’d like to learn more about either car, please contact our knowledgeable product specialists at OpenRoad Mercedes-Benz Surrey or Genesis Richmond.

An Icon Like No Other; 2025 Porsche 911 Carrera

Mike Ginsca on June 18, 2025

The Porsche 911 is arguably the most iconic sports car of all time. From its sleek silhouette to its rear engine layout, there’s almost no person on Earth that doesn’t know what the Porsche 911 is. As such, when it came time to update the 911 for 2025, Porsche didn’t mess with the recipe. They enhanced it. 

Part of the enhancement for the 2025 model year, code named 992.2, is a tweak to the exterior styling. The 911 has updated matrix LED headlights with standard four-point daytime running lights. This update also does away with the auxiliary lights that were just above the bumper intakes of the previous model year.  

Around back, the LED light strip has been redesigned to make the 911 appear wider. You can also option the 911 Carrera with an aerokit for a more distinctive look. But the most noticeable design change is with the GTS. It has 5 vertical flaps to either side of the front bumper which can close for better aerodynamics or open for better cooling. 

And the GTS needs better cooling because it has to keep the new hybrid battery cool. Yes, the Porsche 911 is now a hybrid sports car. 

Available on the GTS, for now, the T-hybrid powertrain consists of an electric motor situated inside the strengthened 8-speed PDK gearbox and a new single electric exhaust turbocharger. The latter utilizes Formula 1 technology whereby an electric motor between the exhaust and intake turbines spins the turbocharger to provide instantaneous boost at any engine rpms.  

Power for the new hybrid components comes from a 1.9 kWh battery pack that is roughly the same size and weight as a conventional 12-Volt starter battery. The GTS also does away with a conventional starter motor and instead relies on the gearbox integrated electric motor to start the 3.6L boxer engine. 

In addition to providing better response and better efficiency, the T-Hybrid engine is of course more powerful than the older 911 GTS. It produces 532 hp & almost 450 lb-ft of torque. 

But the GTS is not the only 911 model that received an updated powertrain. The standard 911 Carrera is more powerful as well. 

The twin-turbocharged 3.0L flat-6 engine produces 388 hp and 331 lb-ft of torque. This is achieved through turbochargers that were previously used in the older generation 911 GTS. With the Sport chrono package, the 911 Carrera can accelerate from a stop to 100 km/h in just 3.9 seconds.  

The Carrera S bumps the power to 473 hp and drops the 0-100 km/h sprint to 3.3 seconds, with the sport chrono package.  

But in order to make these cars faster, Porsche ditched the manual transmission. At least for the standard Carrera, Carrera S and the GTS. You can still get a 6-speed manual transmission on the Carrera T, and of course the GT3. But all other standard models get an 8-speed PDK.  

Sticking with the interior, it has received a few updates for this model year. Most notably is the fully digital driver instrument cluster. The centrally mounted analog tachometer is gone and in its place is a digital version. This not only allows for various information panels to be displayed but the driver can also choose from different themes such as the classic view with a centrally located tachometer or the rev counter view where the rev needle is situated so that it is at the 12 o’clock position at shift speed. This was the case with many historic Porsche racing cars. 

Other changes to this interior include a new push button start on the left side of the steering column, the drive mode switch is now standard on all models of the 911, there’s a new wireless phone charging pad with up to 15 Watts of power, and there are new options and combinations of leather trims. 

The infotainment system also sees a few new changes. Firstly, you can listen to streaming music through Spotify or Apple music without your smartphone being connected to the car. Simply scan the QR code that is displayed on the touchscreen and you can start listening to your favourite tunes.  

Another change is the ability to stream videos to the main touchscreen. The ScreenhitsTV app integrates numerous popular streaming services, but it does require a subscription to use. However, Porsche Connect customers receive a 3-year voucher with data allowance. Needless to say, video streaming is only available when the car is stationary.  

In addition to all of the updates on the 2025 Porsche 911, this still remains as one of the most customizable vehicles on sale today. The 911 Carrera starts at $143,600 while the new 911 GTS starts at $188,300.  

Our knowledgeable product specialists at Porsche Centre Richmond or Porsche Centre Langley are more than happy to help you customize your very own Porsche 911.

Porsche Introduces the All-New Macan Electric

Mike Ginsca on November 13, 2024

10 years ago, Porsche introduced the compact Macan SUV. It quickly became a hit among consumers for its city-sized dimensions and exhilarating Porsche driving dynamics. Now in 2024, it will be available alongside the 2nd generation, all-electric, Porsche Macan.  

Staying in Control

The new Macan Electric retains the city-sized dimensions of its gasoline counterpart. It is roughly the same height and same width, but it is a little bit longer. However, you don’t need to worry about the Macan Electric being cumbersome to maneuver in a tight parking lot because it is available with rear wheel steering. 

The back wheels can turn in the opposite direction to the front wheels, by 5 degrees, when the car is moving slowly. This reduces the turning circle. When you’re driving down a highway, the wheels turn in the same direction at the fronts, which helps make the car feel more stable. 

But that’s not all that the new Macan Electric uses to keep the driver in control. It comes standard with adaptive air suspension with 4 selectable modes, 5 ride-height positions, and the ability to lower the rear axle only for easier loading and unloading.  

Then there’s the Macan 4, 4S, and Turbo which come equipped with a dual-motor layout for an AWD system. So should you want to take your new Porsche Macan Electric on a snowy mountain road, just slap on some winter tires and it’ll handle the white fluff without a fuss. The standard Macan Electric, however, is a single-motor RWD only SUV. 

Powerful Motors

The single-motor Macan Electric is capable of producing 335 hp & 451 lb-ft of torque. But if you engage launch control, the overboost function will momentarily provide 355 hp. That’s enough to accelerate the Macan Electric from a stop to 100 km/h in 5.7 seconds. 

The Macan Electric 4, 4S, and Turbo have incremental increases in power outputs. From just over 400 hp all the way up to 630 hp with the overboost function and launch control in the Macan Turbo Electric. 0-100 km/h in that car is in the low 3 second range. 

Providing the motors with the electric power is a 100-kWh battery pack. A pretty sizable battery pack for such a compact luxury SUV. That battery also gives the Porsche Macan Electric a driving range of up to 654 km. That’s like driving from Vancouver to Seattle, and back, on a single charge with a bit of charge left in the battery. In fact, all versions of the Macan Electric, including the 630 hp Turbo, have driving ranges of over 600 km.  

All versions of the Macan Electric can be recharged at a maximum rate of up to 270 kW. Porsche doesn’t say exact charging times at this rate but we’re estimating that it’ll be around 20 minutes from 10% to 80%. From at 11 kW, level 2 charger, it can be recharged from 0% to 100% in about 10 hours. 

Supple Interior

The power and exhilarating driving experience is only part of the equation of a Porsche vehicle. The other part is the luxurious interior. The Macan Electric takes some inspiration from the Cayenne, which was updated for the 2024 model year. It has the same steering wheel, a configurable digital driver instrumentation screen, a large infotainment touchscreen and an optional passenger touchscreen which allows access to navigation and streaming apps such as YouTube.

There’s also a new Head-up display which Porsche says that is meant to look like an 87-inch TV screen at about 30-feet away. This means that you can still clearly read all of the vital information that is displayed but your eyes don’t need to refocus when you’re looking at it thus reducing eye strain. That’s German thinking. 

Depending on which seats you have optioned on your Macan Electric, the driver and passenger sit up to one inch lower in this new Macan compared to the gasoline version. But you don’t need to worry about visibility if you’re a shorter individual, the Macan Electric is equipped with standard 8-way power seats. 

The rear occupants sit half an inch lower than in the gasoline version and have a bit more legroom thanks to the longer wheelbase of the car. There’s also a standard panoramic sunroof to allow for more light in the back seats. 

The Cost

The Porsche Macan Electric has a starting price of $94,900. Of course, going up in the trim levels will incrementally increase the price with the Turbo starting at $127,800. Then there is the options list where you can customize your new Macan Electric to your liking. 

Should you need help in customizing your new Porsche, our knowledgeable product specialists at Porsche Centre Richmond and Porsche Centre Langley are more than happy to help you get behind the steering wheel of your very own Macan Electric.