Packed with 509 horsepower on our Taycan 4S tester, with 523 lb-ft of torque. An all new rear motor is easily noticeable while suspension calibration has been updated over prior year models. Our Frozen Blue Metallic tester came in riding on 21” RS Spyder design wheels and weighed 4,828 pounds. The EPA estimated range for our Taycan tester is 252 miles on a full charge, but we witnessed 303 on our week-long test which was incredible and exceeded expectations for this Porsche enthusiast. Other models in the Taycan family include the Turbo, Turbo S, and Turbo Gt. With other model variants available in each sub-category the top model Turbo Gt, offered 1,019 horsepower and 914 lb-ft of torque.

Jumping off the page for our test was easily the charging dynamics. In just 18 minutes your Taycan can go from 10% to 80% delivering over 200+ miles of charge; that’s unheard of. More importantly, just 10 minutes of charge provided over half the battery life, and that all is delivered from the unthinkable technology placed into the Taycan and other models. The secret sauce to decreased charging time; it’s all in the battery temperature control and pre-conditioning settings that deliver outstandingly rapid charging, while eliminating the anxiety of long charging down time. Finally in the battery topic, a best in class, 400 kW regenerative braking power, that is standard on the Taycan confirms a twice as much stopping force.

Adding to customer expectations, I give you the Thermal Management System. In addition to delivering an optimal charging experience as already mentioned, the Porsche brand delivers track-readiness. While regular drivers are still enjoying the outstanding thermal management integration for an array of reasons that are always working in the background making this a tech-monster, the track-readiness is just another topic of excellence.

With air suspension and power charge port doors standard now on the 2025 Porsche Taycan, soft close doors are still an upgrade. Did I mention that there are 20+ exterior color options also?

As a performance brand, Porsche gets it and nails it out of the park. Their overall brand delivers customization to the consumer, performance to the driver and appeal to onlookers. Great work Porsche and EV Performance Car of the Year in Grasso’s Garage is an easy achievement.

Grasso’s Garage is here for you! Looking for more auto reviews or are you in the market for a new car? Head to https://www.bostonherald.com/tag/automotive/. Also, for honest input, reach out to me directly: marc.grasso@bostonherald.com.

2024 Porsche Taycan

MSRP: $118,500

MPGe: 90 city / 85 highway / 88.1 as tested

As Tested: $154,315

In 2024, we test the BMW X1 M35i, an even better looking subcompact luxury crossover SUV but one that boasts more power, performance and sportiness. With all of these perks, BMW has made a big mistake, and that is the X1 has lost all of its comfort. In the sporty world of luxury vehicles in today’s market, the competition to the X1 with the Cadillac XT4 and Mercedes GLB, both who boast tons of sportiness, didn’t leave the comfort behind.

As a 6’1” full-framed test driver, I have a hard time even fitting in the over-bolstered seats and seeing out the front windshield at the traffic lights. Unlike the X1 base model, which we really enjoyed, the X1 M35i is over the top in its sportiness, to a level that will see consumers looking elsewhere. Suspension is exceptionally stiff, the ride is very loud for passengers and the seats are exceptionally uncomfortable. Unlike the NX350 from Lexus and XC40 from Volvo, these vehicles are a good example of subcompact luxury who understand both sportiness and luxury concurrently while the Cadillac XT4 tops the category easily.

Powered by a 312 horsepower, 2.0 Liter 4-cylinder engine with 7-speed automatic transmission, the BMW X1 M35i certainly has power but its discomfort stands out so much that it really is a disappointment in Grasso’s Garage.

As we had a lot of excitement for its test, since the X1 was such a great tester previously, potentially the elimination of the M-Sport seats, could be just the answer, with some better drive mode options decreasing the stiffness in suspension. With Grasso’s Garage being a big fan of BMW in the past, this is a big let-down.

Grasso’s Garage is here for you! Looking for more auto reviews or are you in the market for a new car? Head to https://www.bostonherald.com/tag/automotive/. Also, for honest input, reach out to me directly: marc.grasso@bostonherald.com. 

2024 BMW X1 M35i

MSRP: $50,350

MPG: 23 city / 31 highway / 26.0 as tested

As Tested: $56,025

Powered by Maserati’s potent 3.0-Liter Twin Turbo V6 producing a massive 542 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque, the GranTurismo means business. With a max speed of 199 mph, and zero-sixty time of 3.3 seconds, this all-wheel drive, 2-door fashion statement checks a lot of boxes. Paired with the familiar 8-speed automatic transmissions, this sports car delivers both luxury and fashion while achieving a great overall ride and experience.

With a base price of $190K, which is a WOW of its own, the Maserati GranTurismo provides an array of standard features and upgradable options. Wrapped in Blu Nobile, which was a $4,500 paint upgrade, 6 total paint color options are available and 5 caliper color options. 4 wheel options were also available. On our tester, a Trofeo tester, we noticed a Carbon fibre rear spoiler, stitched trident headrest, high premium sound system and an array of packages including comfort and tech assistance and sports design to name a few. Extras on our tester totaled just under $30K. Standard equipment included FCA’s UConnect infotainment system which offered navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, while SiriusXM was included for 1-year.

Maserati and FCA have certainly created amazing vehicles that certainly deliver the WOW factor when experiencing the ride, looks and comfort. While usability has always been their best quality, FCA does it again with the 2024 Maserati GranTurismo Trofeo. With price point being a huge factor for consumers, we recognize the $190K base price is a stretch, but for those demanding the WOW factor, here is the only option for 2024.

Grasso’s Garage is here for you! Looking for more auto reviews or are you in the market for a new car? Head to https://www.bostonherald.com/tag/automotive/. Also, for honest input, reach out to me directly: marc.grasso@bostonherald.com.

2024 Maserati GranTurismo Trofeo

MSRP: $190,000

MPG: 19 city / 23 highway / 21.8 as tested

As Tested: $220,120

Powered by a 2.4-liter iFORCE turbocharged engine, did a great job and wasn’t too loud, unlike others in this category.  Coming in at almost 4,200 pounds, the 2024 Tacoma grows in size overall over previous generations, and our TRD Off Road also grows in height. With 278 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque, the Tacoma has no problem getting up and going while still maintaining a 21+ miles per gallon. With a 5-foot bed and 8-speed automatic transmission ,the Tacoma powertrain is a great match, and one that is realistic and quiet.

Our TRD Off-Road package optioned up the Tacoma an additional $8,800 which included an array of features for the spend. SofTex heated and ventilated seats, leather trimmed steering wheel, a 14-inch center console protruding infotainment system, JBL Premium Audio system, moonroof, AC power inverter, Towing Technology, digital rear-view mirror, and much more.

Toyota has had a ton of success in the truck segment, and off-road truck success in their ever-growing fleet of long-lasting reliable vehicles. The Tacoma is no different and our TRD Off-Road boasts great qualities ranging from the honey-do list around the house, to the off-road weekend warriors looking for trails and inclines. As Toyota has a lot to show for in the mass-market manufacturer category, Toyota, unlike Honda, has the truck segment cornered in attempts with keeping up with other truck manufacturers like Ford and RAM. Good Work Toyota, keep the refreshes coming!

Grasso’s Garage is here for you! Looking for more auto reviews or are you in the market for a new car? Head to https://www.bostonherald.com/tag/automotive/. Also, for honest input, reach out to me directly: marc.grasso@bostonherald.com.

2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD Off-Road

MSRP: $42,900

MPG: 19 city / 23 highway / 21.8 as tested

As Tested: $54,829

For the 2024 Mercedes Benz E450 4MATIC with all the bells and whistles including the $68K base price, comes with all the technology and safety features you could ever want. In addition to riding comfortably and safely, the E-class’s excellence has always come from sedan lovers who like to drive similar to our recently tested 5-series BMW. Drivers enjoy the styling and luxury-like aesthetics given off from Mercedes and their long-lasting clientele of upscale consumers.

Powering our 2024 E450 4MATIC is the ever popular and well utilized 3.0L inline-6 turbo engine with a 48V Mild Hybrid powertrain producing 375 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. A 9-speed 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission was also present. Also included was a new vehicle 4-year / 50,000 mile warranty and 24-hour roadside assistance. Optioned up on our Verde Silver tester were 20-inch AMG wheels, 3D drivers display, MBUX Superscreen display for passenger enjoyment, Winter and Leather package as well as the Airmatic package. All upgraded options totaled over $18K and were nicely apportioned.

Mercedes Benz has done a really good job for many years with the E-class sedan. It is rightly sized, priced and ultra plush and luxurious for what you get. With vehicle pricing these days being so over inflated and mass-market brand vehicles creeping over the $60K price point when optioned up, to see an E-class base price north of $65K, makes sense to me. Even with Genesis and BMW offering similar pricing for their models, Mercedes does it right and does it well.

Grasso’s Garage is here for you! Looking for more auto reviews or are you in the market for a new car? Head to https://www.bostonherald.com/tag/automotive/. Also, for honest input, reach out to me directly: marc.grasso@bostonherald.com.

2024 Mercedes Benz E-450 4MATIC

MSRP: $68,100

MPG: 22 city / 31 highway / 24.8 as tested

As Tested: $87,920

Powered by the 2025 3.0-liter Hurricane Straight-Six Turbo (SST) standard output engine which provides 420 horsepower to the wheels and 469 lb-ft of torque. A 5-link rear suspension with solid axle was also present as the front suspension offered an upper and lower “A” arm. Riding on 18 x 9.0-inch aluminum wheels and all-terrain tires, the RAM Rebel means business.

Optioned up on our Flame Red tester was the Towing Technology package, Trailer Tow group package, advanced safety package, bed utility upgrade package, dual-pane sunroof, Rebel options Level 2 and 4-corner air suspension. Although too nice for the job site in my opinion, this trailer-pulling, camper-enjoying pickup truck certainly brings a lot to the table, but all of this comes with a big price tag. Just over $80K for this truck as tested with the upgrades mentioned.

While FCA continues to produce rightly sized and usable vehicles, we recognize most recently in 2024 a significantly inflated pricing that is associated with these. Jeep and RAM to be more specific has seen a recent decline in consumer loyalty as pricing has been a determining factor on consumers’ new purchases. With the utilization of FCA’s UConnect infotainment platform in the fleet today, consumers will certainly have a hard time reducing their useability functions which will in turn keep consumers coming back to FCA for more, especially in the RAM Rebel with that massive screen and easy to use technology, not to mention the implementation of the passenger seat additional screen with HDMI connections and more. For the half ton Rebel, a great truck in a huge category with tons of competition which makes it hard.

Grasso’s Garage is here for you! Looking for more auto reviews or are you in the market for a new car? Head to https://www.bostonherald.com/tag/automotive/. Also, for honest input, reach out to me directly: marc.grasso@bostonherald.com.

2025 RAM 1500 Crew Cab Rebel 4×4

MSRP: $64,195

MPG: 17 city / 24 highway / 20.4 as tested

As Tested: $81,835

As Ford’s primary focus for the Bronco was outlined to steal consumers from the Jeep brand in attempts to expand the off-road culture, instead they blew it out of the park with recent pricing reductions across the FCA footprint proving the 2024 Bronco Big Bend certainly takes the cake. The Jeep Mojave and Rubicon Wranglers are certainly big enough and do whatever Jeep-lover expect as its off-road presence, comfort and abilities top the chart, but the road noise factor always seems to be there. For Bronco, not so fast. The Bronco Big Bend had reduced road noise with all of the same usages as the Wrangler; win!

Powered by a 2.3L EcoBoost inline 4-cylinder engine, the 2024 Big Bend Bronco paired exceptionally nicely with the 10-speed automatic transmission. This combination was ultra quiet and a pleasure to ride/drive. Upgrades to our Bronco tester included, Big Bend Series, Sasquatch package, the hard-gray molded top with sound deadening headliner and LED signature lighting.

Similar height stance, drive modes, boxxy exterior, roof removal options, wheel upgrades and comfort, are all similar to the competition, but the Bronco does it better as the road noise is virtually gone. With an almost 19 miles per gallon enjoyment on our 400+ mile test, we recognized some appreciation for the 2.3 Liter engine which was peppy, powerful, had no issues getting up to speed and looking good while doing so. Great work Ford; now don’t go overpricing this thing in the future!

Grasso’s Garage is here for you! Looking for more auto reviews or are you in the market for a new car? Head to https://www.bostonherald.com/tag/automotive/. Also, for honest input, reach out to me directly: marc.grasso@bostonherald.com.

2024 Ford Bronco Big Bend

MSRP: $40,370

MPG: 18 city / 17 highway / 18.9 as tested

As Tested: $54,920

For BMW, we expect nothing less than a mid-sized rightly priced comfortable and luxurious sedan boasting all of the accouterments from the upscale German manufacturer. Our tester, a 2024 BMW 530i xDrive wrapped in Brooklyn Grey Metallic with a beautiful burgundy Venganza interior. Powering the 5-series all-wheel drive sedan was the potent and familiar 2.0L BMW TwinPower Turbo inline 4-cylinder engine paired with an 8-speed STEPTRONIC automatic transmission.

Providing excellent interior space and comfort, the 5-series has always shown out well in its typical luxury fashion, while serving many purposes. Both professionally and family oriented, the 5-series has the ability to satisfy a lot of consumers’ wants and needs with its endless list of add-ons and packages. With a base price of just over $60K, we recognize pricing similarities with the competition such as Genesis, Volvo and others. Our tester offered the Driving Assistance Pro Package, the M-Sport Package and the Premium Package which boosted the total price just north of $70K. The M-Sport package offered an array of usage and appearance items such as 21 inch wheels, Aluminum Rhombicile Silver trim accents, M-sport Suspension, Interior and exterior added flares and M steering wheel.

The premium package included remote start, heated steering wheel, interior camera and full LED cornering lights. BMW Ultimate Care includes a 3 years / 36,000 mile maintenance coverage program free of cost while a 4-year /50,000 -mile limited warranty and 12-year rust warranty and 4-year mileage roadside assistance.

Driving a BMW is a different breed as they are easily the best vehicle for drivers; which confirms their mantra of the Ultimate Driving Machine. They are specifically designed for the owner who drives a lot or enjoys driving, but more importantly wants something that is fun and luxurious to drive at the same time. With the 5-series in the fleet and its long-lasting success in the brand, it is exceptionally clear why consumers continue to purchase it, enjoy it and most importantly, drive it. Its must-have status in consumer garages nationwide, just proves the 5-series is great and is here to stay.

Grasso’s Garage is here for you! Looking for more auto reviews or are you in the market for a new car? Head to https://www.bostonherald.com/tag/automotive/. Also, for honest input, reach out to me directly: marc.grasso@bostonherald.com.

2024 BMW 530i xDrive

MSRP: $60,200

MPG: 27 city / 35 highway / 32.2  as tested

As Tested: $73,245

On the inside, the Nautilus brings the WOW factor to the surface. In addition to unthinkable comfort and Zen-like attributes, the Nautilus offers a new and unique design that is keeping both consumers and competition drooling. Their body-width, all-in-one, driver display, vehicle infotainment, navigation and passenger screen all in one. While others have done similar landscapes like BMW and KIA, the Lincoln design, usage and setup is world class.

With Lincoln offering an array of SUVs in their fleet, the Nautilus fits excellently as it is bigger than most 5-seater SUVs with the added rear storage and rear seating legroom, but with its design qualities, it doesn’t appear bigger than a midsize Volvo, etc. Its elegance is what sets it apart from the rest and what confirms its luxuriousness in Grasso’s Garage. With Ford having their hands involved and having minimal common parts and technologies, we are sure the Nautilus will be here to stay and one we can expect to see more consumers flock to as they further explore their search options.

While we recognize an inflated base price of just under $75K, the Nautilus creates a comfortable and luxurious ride to keep up with the tradition of Lincoln’s long history in design and appeal. The Nautilus, a 5-passenger, upscale and large SUV, boasts tremendous legroom, outstanding storage and exterior curvatures, that keep up with Range Rover and the German competitors nicely. With Lincoln being away from Grasso’s Garage for over a year, they certainly have left a trail of disappointment in the driveway when the Nautilus pulled away as reality finally set in.

Grasso’s Garage is here for you! Looking for more auto reviews or are you in the market for a new car? Head to https://www.bostonherald.com/tag/automotive/. Also, for honest input, reach out to me directly: marc.grasso@bostonherald.com.

2024 Lincoln Nautilus Black Label

MSRP: $74,250

MPG: 21 city / 29 highway / 24.4 as tested

As Tested: $76,595

Wrapped in Zadar Grey with a Cloud/Ebony interior, the Velar boasted a 3.0 Liter Turbocharged 6-cylinder paired with a mild-hybrid engine producing 395 horsepower and 405 lb-ft of torque. Matched with an 8-speed automatic transmission and satin chrome paddle shifters. Riding on upgraded 21-inch dark grey wheels, the Velar showed out exceptionally nicely with that British design, other manufactures are drooling to keep up with.

With a base price just over $70K, the Velar is spacious and functional. On the interior, we notice an updated 11.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system, power tailgate, heads up display, Cold Climate Package which was a $1,175 upgrade in addition to the other standard features. Meridien Sound, Apple CarPlay, SiriusXM, Keyless entry, Ambient Lighting, Sliding Panoramic Roof, LED Headlights, Heated seats and much more. The Warranty for the Land Rover brand is a 4-year / 50,000 mile new vehicle limited warranty, 4-year / 50,000 mile roadside assistance and 6-year / Unlimited Mileage Corrosion Warranty.

In Grasso’s Garage, Jaguar Land Rover has always done an excellent job of producing appealing vehicles matched with power and sportiness. While comfort has not necessarily always been top of the chart, the Velar is different. It boasts power, comfort, appeal and usage.

Grasso’s Garage is here for you! Looking for more auto reviews or are you in the market for a new car? Head to https://www.bostonherald.com/tag/automotive/. Also, for honest input, reach out to me directly: marc.grasso@bostonherald.com.

2024 Range Rover Velar Dynamic SE

MSRP: $70,600

MPG: 19 city / 25 highway / 21.2 as tested

As Tested: $81,033