BMW will use next month's 2019 International Consumer Electronics Show to preview a digital personal assistant the automaker plans to roll out starting next March. First announced in September, the system, known as the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, is a voice-activated system smart enough to allow you to use natural speech, much like the digital assistants offered by tech companies. You simply go, 鈥淗ey BMW,鈥?and then ask the system anything you'd like to know or would like done. The system can be used outside of the vehicle, too. This is because it is compatible with smart speakers and smartphones to integrate into an owner's ecosystem. It can also be integrated with Microsoft Office 365 and Skype For Business to make the car a mobile office. In future, the system will also be able to give fuel-saving driving tips or think ahead and warn drivers as necessary. It could alert the driver to problems, such as low tire or oil pressure, for example, remind the driver of service appointments and even arrange an appointment. The BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant will be offered for models featuring the new BMW Operating System 7.0 and as part of the Live Cockpit Professional infotainment system. BMW will also use the 2019 CES to highlight its Vision iNext concept, which visitors will be able to use for a virtual test drive. And the BMW Motorrad motorcycle division will demonstrate a self-riding BMW R 1200 GS. The insights gained with this test bike are being used to develop assistance features that could help with difficult maneuvers in the future.
The car reviews justifiably love on it. The Macan鈥檚 curvaceous body definitely possesses some Porsche DNA鈥攅specially with the brand鈥檚 unique four-point LED headlights and oblong taillights. The wide, flat hood is another familiar design characteristic. Cool black trim along the flanks of the white paint delivers just enough visual contrast. Sight lines offer a fresh, appealing appearance from any angle and the rear includes dual chrome exhausts. 18鈥?rims are standard, but I鈥檇 opt for 19 or 20鈥檚 as they fill the wheel wells better. The models add sportier accents as you move up the model ladder. Yet, there鈥檚 definitely a level to satisfy anyone鈥檚 desires in the Crossover category. Porsche is synonymous with performance and the Macan delivers鈥攁s it should. A seven-speed transmission is coupled with the base鈥檚 spirited 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 252hp/273lb-ft torque and 0-60 in 6.3 seconds. You may think that wouldn鈥檛 provide enough oomph but c鈥檓on, it鈥檚 a Porsche and thus feels much quicker, providing the feedback one expects including a decent sporty exhaust note in Sport Mode. The horsepower increases to 340, 360, 400 and 440 as you move up the Macan chain.
Capable All-wheel-drive is standard on all models and performed admirably in rainy conditions. You can also monitor the torque ratios on front and rear axels in the dash. Combined with the stellar suspension, the Macan handles like a dream. Despite the sporting heritage, the Macan cruises admirably on long drives. Braking is confident and a handy Auto Hold feature allows you to lift off the break during idling鈥攁 welcome benefit when stopping on a steep grade. You can opt to disengage the Auto-Stop feature. Sport Mode tightens the steering, suspension and extends the gear shifting. To me, it鈥檚 when the Porsche DNA really shines. Mileage is a decent 20/25. I observed 23mpg in spirited driving. The Macan possesses Porsche鈥檚 unmistakably handsome upscale, sporty interior. Fit, finish and materials is top notch. Creature comforts abound in the cocoon and the scented cowhide leather appointments add to the allure. Soft-touch materials, attractive trim and a perfectly formed steering wheel (heated!) are excellent. The seats are comfortable and supportive with the optional Premium Package鈥檚 14-way adjustability. They鈥檙e heated and cooled too with their control buttons on the console without needing to run through several maddening menus on the info screen.
For a Crossover, headroom is very generous鈥攅ven in the backseat鈥攁nd plenty of elbowroom. Legroom is ample too with feet fitting comfortably underneath the front seats. Visibility is decent but typical for a Crossover. The rear view is mirror smallish as is the rear window, but ample side mirrors are excellent. An optional double-pane sunroof illuminates the cabin. Instantly recognizable is Porsche鈥檚 customary left hand ignition key. The console is chock full of handy buttons and a 7鈥?infotainment touchscreen with a welcome matte finish to inhibit fingerprints. I especially appreciated the volume and tuner knobs to find your favorite stations and you can preset regardless of radio format. Cargo room is good enough for full golf bags to fit diagonally. Of course more can go in with the 60/40 split rear seats folded down鈥攅nabling total cargo space of 53ft鲁. The button for the power trunk lid is camouflaged in the rear window wiper hinge, thus no hatch latch is necessary. Blind spot warnings are a surprising option on the base model. I鈥檇 at least get the surround view camera鈥攊t鈥檚 a great assistant when negotiating tight spaces. Audio availability in the base Macan is a terrific 14-speaker Bose Surround System providing plenty of punch. Again, the volume and tuning knobs are a thoughtful touch. The 2018 Porsche Macan is what the driving enthusiast needs to contemplate when requiring useful storage along with sublime sporty driving chops. The base model is sufficient for most (the most popular version) but some will gleefully spend up to get up to fire-breathing 400 plus horsepower, a load of giddy performance goodies and more sumptuous materials. If you鈥檝e always yearned for a Porsche, this is a great place to start.
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