2021 Mercedes AMG A 35

Mercedes AMG A 35

The A-Class sedan radiates with European flair, but here, in the land of large crossovers, the market for premium compact sedans is slim but interestingly, it is filled with impressive competition from Mercedes’ premium German rivals. This mid-level AMG performance trim adds a lot of character to the practically minded A-Class sedan but Mercedes squeezes its role into such a narrow space that this A 35 has become a one-year wonder. 

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2022 Nissan Armada

The 2022 Nissan Armada is your classic and unapologetically rough and ready SUV. It carries an off-road pedigree – known as the Patrol in the rest of the world – that few others have forged. But now, with its dune-crushing partner, the Land Cruiser sitting on the sidelines, the Armada is feeling a bit lonely in this narrow segment of the SUV kingdom. Does the recent refresh keep the Armada civilized enough for life on the pavement?

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2021 BMW 430i Convertible

2021 BMW 430i Convertible

Convertibles can be difficult to rationalize. Their open-air freedom usually comes at the expense of some other desirable trait, such as comfort or handling due to the complexities of removing the roof. BMW’s path to building a better convertible meant adopting a folding hardtop – which it did for the past two generations of the 4-Series, however, that system’s complexity, weight, and, worst of all, awkward looks, have spurred BMW to give the soft-top another chance with this new 2021 generation. Has the science of the fabric roof improved so that it meets the expectations that come with being a luxury car? BMW thinks so, and this 430i Convertible is out to prove it. 

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2022 Infiniti QX55

Back in the early 2000s, Infiniti set the stage for crossovers that prioritized style over practicality. Today there are plenty of examples, now known as crossover coupes, from BMW, Mercedes, Audi, Land Rover, and even Porsche – not bad company. While the flame went out on the FX several years ago, Infiniti has rejoined the fray with the QX55 but has it done enough to stand out from the crowd as its spiritual forebearer did? 

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2022 Nissan Pathfinder SL AWD

Nissan Pathfinder

What a leap forward – the all-new Nissan Pathfinder goes from sleepy and mundane to adventurous and lively. Gone are the ponderous shape, inset wheels, and syrupy CVT that sucked the emotion out of the strong engine. The Pathfinder turns to its rugged roots for inspiration without neglecting the reality of a modern crossover’s routine. 

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