2022 BMW iX & 2022 Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS

Hi, I'm John Davis and this is MotorWeek !

Join us for a luxury Ute electrified with the BMW iX... Then, we'll pop down to the garage for a "You Drive" session on fluid disposal... We'll take you "Over the Edge" for a drifting detour... Ending with plenty of grip in Porsche's Cayman GT4 RS...

So come drive with us, next!

Closed Captioning provided by Maryland Public Television.

♪ ♪ ANNOUNCER: MotorWeek : television's original automotive magazine.

Brought to you by... ANNOUNCER: For more than 30 years Lucas Oil products has helped people tackle mechanical problems in the automotive, marine, and industrial fields.

From our original four core products... Lucas Oil has developed over 400 custom products to help both professionals and do it yourselfers.

To learn more visit Lucasoil.com.

Lucas oil, keep that engine alive!

MotorWeek is proudly sponsored by Auto Value and Bumper To Bumper, featuring major brand auto and truck parts, and service from coast to coast.

Learn more at AutoValue.com and BumperToBumper.com.

TireRack.Com is proud to support MotorWeek .

First, there was the wheel.

Then, the tire.

"We'll call it TireRack."

Forty years later, we're not slowing down.

JOHN: While, BMW has been in the battery electric game for some time now, their i3 didn't exactly catch on in big numbers.

In order for the BMW faithful to buy in, it has to look and perform like a BMW, and if it's an SUV, that will surely help too.

It sounds like this all-new BMW iX is just what der doktor ordered.

♪ ♪ There's no denying that the 2022 BMW iX is the right vehicle at the right time.

But there's also no getting around the fact that the iX is unlike any BMW we've ever driven, and nearly unlike any we've ever seen.

Sure, there are some familiar BMW design cues such as the twin-kidney grille face, but in profile it looks both thick and pinched towards the rear.

Clearly, this is a new gen of BMW Sports Activity Vehicle.

We also see some styling influence from the tiny i3, BMW's original electric car.

That's fitting as it builds on the i3's mix of aluminum and carbon-fiber reinforced plastic construction.

A big windshield makes for great visibility, and the large panoramic roof with electromagnetic shading adds to the overall spacious interior vibe.

So, we must give BMW some props; if nothing else, they've proved they're not afraid to step out there when it comes to styling lately, even if it means messing with tradition.

Now, in a more familiar BMW fashion, there are various levels of performance available.

Our xDrive50 is the current base model and features twin-motor all-wheel-drive.

BMW of course, builds their own electric motors, and they've been doing it long enough for this to be the 5th generation of their eDrive technology.

The front motor outputs 268 horsepower, the rear, 335; for a total of 516 horsepower and 564 pound-feet of torque.

The 111.5 kilowatt hour battery is rated for as many as 324 miles, but with the 22 inch wheel option, that drops to 315, which seems reasonable, as we were on pace for 311 miles in our driving loop.

There's a good efficiency rating too, of 39 kilowatt hours/100 miles.

Now, the available iX M60 ratchets up the performance quite a bit to 610 horsepower.

Still, our test xDrive50 is far from a slouch as we found out at our Mason Dixon test track.

It launches brutally hard, with little warning; so, if your head's not up against the headrest, it'll be there in short order.

No wheel-spin and plenty enough grip to pounce to 60 in just 4.4 seconds.

Unlike some EVs, it keeps on pulling strongly for the entire quarter-mile, making spaceship like sounds the whole way.

It may not be the most handsome SUV on the road, but it's easily one of the fastest, with a 12.9 second quarter at 111 miles per hour.

Things felt very much more traditional BMW in our handling course, staying incredibly flat, and not behaving like a typical utility vehicle at all.

Much of the double-wishbone front and 5-link rear suspension is made of aluminum; and BMW's unique lift-related shock absorbers, along with the optional air suspension, help provide a very smooth ride on the street, despite a locked-down nature on the track.

Our drivers did have some issues with steering, however, both the awkward shape of the wheel itself, and the overly-sensitive directness in which the wheels respond to it.

The iX did very well in our braking test.

Very-controlled and stable stops from 60 of just 99 feet, with a nice firm pedal, and minimum nosedive.

Now, BMW obviously wanted to provide a different experience inside this 5-passenger cabin too.

So, if you're a traditionalist, you probably won't like things like that squarish steering wheel and minimalist dash.

But, if you're new to the brand, you'll love the avant-garde design, curved display, overall quality feel, crystal-like controls, and BMW's "shy tech" approach of putting technology in the background as much as possible.

But don't worry, they've still included plenty of cup holders and USB ports; all the things expected for today's active, caffeinated, and connected lifestyles.

Front seats could be a little more comfortable for our tastes, but no worries if you're stuck in the back seats; good amounts of room all around, plus, easy to access charge ports, and individual climate controls.

As for all-important SUV capability, there's a great 35.5 cubic-feet of space in the cargo area, which expands to 77.9 cubic-feet with rear seatbacks folded.

While, many brands are focusing on getting EVs more mainstream, the iX is unfortunately still priced more for early adopters, starting at $85,095.

Our tester came in well over $100,000, with the M60 starting at $109,795.

The 2022 BMW iX, even in its base form, is an amazing high-performance EV, and it is perfectly timed, but it's not our favorite BMW.

To us, BMW's i4 Gran Coupe is a much better example of seamlessly integrating battery propulsion into a BMW.

The iX is more of an EV, first and a BMW second.

So, while impressive, we'd prefer things the other way around.

♪ ♪ (car door closes) It's been said that it takes 10,000 hours of practice to become a master in any discipline.

Well, if that's true, a master drifter will have spent over a year of their life going sideways in a car.

Well, this week our Greg Carloss slides "Over the Edge" with a young drifter who's getting an early start on his 10,000 hours of hooning.

♪ ♪ GREG: Before they get their driver's license most teens are practicing basic skills like merging onto a highway or parallel parking... (car engine revs/tires screech) But this kid?

He's a little precocious.

For the most part, Rhys Conklin is your typical 15-year-old.

He goes to high school and mows lawns to save money for his car.

Of course, his car is an LS3 swapped E36 purpose-built for drifting.

Crazier still, he's been behind the wheel since he was 11.

(car engine revs/tires screech) How did you trick your parents into letting you do something like this before you can even legally drive?

RHYS: Yeah, I would say, uh, I'd say, it's more of a convincing.

Um, it was definitely a, a time trying to get them to believe in me, but as soon as I gave them my ideas and my process of what I was trying to do, um, they believed in me and the one thing that they came back with, I need to have all A's and B's in school.

JASON CONKLIN: When Rhys came to me and said, "I want to drift cars" I was a little, like, wow, you're 11 years old.

But he-he has a true passion for it and, lucky enough, we're able to help him with his passion.

RHYS: So, I really started from the beginning.

I had to learn the basics of a manual car.

I had to learn how to come off the clutch.

So that was where I started was just having to drive the car around the parking lot.

And then, from then I just went on to doing donuts and figure 8s, trying to get used to transitions with the figure 8s.

Ever since then, it's just been coming up to where we are now.

So, doing tandem driving.

Yeah, I've learned lots.

GREG: And Rhys has learned from the best.

VAUGHN GITTIN JR.: Man, I've known Rhys Conklin since he was three-years-old.

His dad used to come and, and detail my vehicles.

And Rhys would always be there helping out with a rag.

Always had his hat on.

Rhys is just an unbelievable person all the way around.

But his driving skill is-- is very impressive.

Rhys is without a doubt going to be a serious threat, if he continues on his path and continues to put that passion and effort into chasing his dream.

RHYS: So, I'm at the ProAm level now, but my main goal is to get to the pro level and that's where Vaughn is and the whole FunHaver team-- that's where they are.

So, I'd say that's the next step.

GREG: But any pro will tell you, a driver is only as good as their team.

JASON: Our family is our team and our-- and it's brought our team together, our family closer together, so if there's one thing this has been amazing.

My wife Amy, she handles the logistics... My daughter Brielle, she handles, uh, she's Rhys' spotter.

She's his eyes and the voice in his ear.

And she also handles social media.

And I'm pretty much, I'm the driver, transporter, mechanic, whatever I can do to fill in the gaps.

BRIELLE CONKLIN: Being Rhys' sister is very exciting but it's also very tiring.

(chuckles) We're constantly traveling and going to events, shoots, all that kind of stuff.

In the driving aspect, I don't really have to put him back in his place but for social media sometimes, you know, he does 15-year-old things and I'll have to be like "we're not posting that, Rhys."

(laughs) AMY CONKLIN: Actually, I'm pretty calm when he drives.

I know his personality is pretty laid back and I've been in the car with him and have seen him drive first hand in the passenger seat, so he's very smooth, um, so it's not really too stressful for me actually.

GREG: If Rhys' mom is so casual about her son drifting a 415-wheel-horsepower race car, surely, I have nothing to worry about riding shotgun...right?

(car engine revs/tires screech) He's a lot better than me at driving.

(Rhys laughs) Judging by his performance, Rhys should have no issues getting his driver's license next year...that is, if he can resist the urge to rip the e-brake.

JOHN: The amount of fluids in your car might surprise you.

And just about all of them are vital in keeping things running smoothly.

But they also require special care of how to dispose of them.

So here's "Your Drive's" Logan McCombs on putting fluid waste in its place.

♪ ♪ LOGAN McCOMBS: Maintaining your car or truck means working with a number of different fluids, and chemicals, and to do that safely there are a few things you need to know.

First off, whenever you're in the garage working on your car, it's a good idea to wear gloves.

These disposable ones are cheap and easy to use.

Not only will they keep your hands clean, but they can prevent injury and chemical burns as well.

Keep all aerosol cans, fluid bottles and dispenser tubes in a secure cabinet or shelf out of reach of children and pets.

Some may require a cool or ventilated area.

Read the label of any chemicals you are unfamiliar with.

Some epoxies, paints, solvents, and fuels may emit harmful odors that require the use of a respirator.

You may not realize it, but brake fluid begins absorbing water from the air as soon as the container is unsealed.

And even if the bottle is closed, it should be discarded after a year.

Those big bottles look like a bargain, but unless you're doing frequent brake repairs and system bleeds, keeping a small bottle on hand for top offs is usually enough.

Most any fluids or chemicals used for your car can be harmful for you and the environment, if not stored and disposed of properly.

When it comes to trans fluid, power steering fluid, oils and antifreeze, they can all be recycled into new fluids.

So, check with your local city or county recycling program for specifics on how and where to drop them off.

In general, fluids must be kept separate and not mixed, and they must be stored in proper containers.

For used oil, this might be the bottle your new oil came in or an oil drain pan that your oil drains into and it has a sealable jug.

Fuel and other flammable liquids are considered hazardous and must be handled differently, but many of them can be recycled into alternative fuels.

Milk bottles and other lightweight plastics or cardboard containers are generally not suitable for flammables.

Be safe when handling automotive fluids and chemicals, read and heed the labels, and please, put waste in its proper place!

And if you have a question or comment, reach out to us, right here at MotorWeek !

JOHN: We're ready to rock and roll for another round of QuickSpins!

♪ ♪ GREG CARLOSS: The second-generation Kia Niro has arrived for 2023, boasting three electrified powertrains and a whole lot more appeal-- We were invited out to San Diego to see it for ourselves.

This compact utility is bolder, sharper, and slightly larger than the outgoing model: overall length is up nearly three inches at 174-- while, the wheelbase also grows a skosh now at 107 inches.

Interior space hasn't changed much, but one big improvement is rear seat legroom.

Up to two-and-a-half inches more depending on powertrain.

Storage behind the second-row ranges from 19.4 cubic-feet to 22.8, but it is expandable on all models thanks to the folding seats.

There are three front-wheel drive powertrains to choose from.

First, the Niro Hybrid pairs a 1.6 liter 4-cylinder with a 32 kilowatt electric motor.

They make 139 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque, same as last year, delivered through a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

The plug-in hybrid pairs the same 4-banger and transmission to a larger 62 kilowatt electric motor, combined for 180 horsepower.

That's up from the previous year's...139 horsepower but still rated at 195 pound-feet of torque.

Expect 33 miles of all-electric range from the 11.1 kilowatt hour battery, 7.0 miles more than before.

But if all-electric range is your calling, the fully electric Niro EVs 64.8 kilowatt hour pack provides 253 miles of range, up from 239.

The 150 kilowatt motor matches the outgoing model's 201 horsepower, but torque has dropped from 291, to 188 pound-feet, which is a bit of a bummer, but we can take solace in the Niro EV's efficiency and the bliss of silent propulsion.

The 2023 Kia Niro Hybrid starts near $28,000, the PHEV near $35,000, and the EV just over $40,000.

Those prices, along with the handsome redesign and electrified powertrains, keep the next-gen Niro on the map as electric mobility becomes ever present.

JESSICA RAY: It's no surprise how much we like Volkswagen's ID.4 electric crossover; so much so that it won a slot for "Best EV" in our 2022 Drivers' Choice Awards.

The 2023 ID.4 builds upon that success with a new "localization" strategy.

"Localization" comes from more ID.4 models being made stateside at VW's plant in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

That includes a new ID.4 Standard variant.

It packs a smaller 62 kilowatt hour battery estimated at 209 miles of range, powering a single rear-wheel-drive motor, rated at 201 horsepower.

Most importantly, it sets the bar for a new entry-level trim, priced near $39,000 with delivery and before any tax incentives.

Another new model, the ID.4 S, will incorporate standard range with more luxury amenities, like the panoramic glass roof and leatherette seating, starting around $44,000.

No matter which trim you select, a 12 inch infotainment screen is now standard, as is Park Assist Plus with Memory Parking.

There's even a new center console redesigned for the North American market.

All U.S. built ID.4's receive some subtle exterior changes-- mostly gloss black highlights on the front bumper.

There are new wheel designs, and "S" models receive an illuminated VW badge in back.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 does a great job of building on the foundation laid by its well-received debut.

And with it now "localized," it will no-doubt be easier for prospective buyers to hop into one.

And we'll be back with more QuickSpins soon!

JOHN: There's seemingly no limit to what Porsche can do, as they're constantly tweaking and pushing all of their models to new levels of performance.

Now for their latest trick, they've not only shoved our favorite 911 engine into the 718 Cayman, but given it a fully track-worthy setup nose to tail, and created the 718 GT4 RS.

♪ ♪ There are not too many mechanical things in this world that can't be made better by shoving a bigger engine into them.

So, just when you thought Porsche had perfected the 718 Cayman, someone had the brilliant idea of taking the usually rear-mounted engine from the 911 GT3 and mounting it mid-ship here in the 2022 Porsche Cayman GT4 RS.

This naturally-aspirated flat-6 is truly one of our favorite engines of all time, and getting it into the Cayman is equal parts a remarkable engineering feat and a work of art.

It's also framed up nicely by the glass of the revised rear hatch.

Power output after the transformation is 493 horsepower and 331 pound-feet of torque.

In addition to that hatch update, front fenders get cutouts for brake cooling and downforce creation; those fenders, and the hood are made of carbon-fiber reinforced plastic.

And just to put an exclamation point on how special this car is, a unique version of their 7-speed PDK transmission was developed specifically for the RS.

We didn't experience the insane thrust you find in a 911 Turbo, or even the Taycan, but it hooks up and takes off with power delivery directly proportional to grip levels.

For us, that meant 0-60 in 3.2 seconds; Quarter-mile in 11.6 seconds at 128 miles per hour.

Those times are plenty respectable, but going fast in a straight line is not what this car's about; especially when you add in what we'd call a quite harsh ride on the street and seats that can be tough to live with on a daily basis.

This car really belongs on a proper road course circuit, so off to Summit Point Motorsports Park we went.

Here, we found the GT4 RS is not so much a blunt force instrument of track destruction.

But, rather a fine tool that yields the best results when wielded by a skilled craftsman that is able to bring out its nuances.

The steering is great; excellent feel, properly weighted.

But, the RS' playful and predictable nature makes it just as easy to steer with the throttle.

It doesn't rocket off corners or carry extreme straightaway speeds like a 911 Turbo, but there's an amazing amount of grip for maintaining momentum through turns; not to mention the ability to get on the accelerator early and hard coming out of them.

Of course, there are always options to get even more extreme; from ceramic brakes that take continued abuse for lap after lap without complaint, to a Weisssach Package that shaves weight with additional carbon-fiber, titanium exhaust, and even magnesium wheels.

The Cayman GT4 was already a great track car, the upgrades made to this RS have made it truly exceptional.

And it feels like it inside, too.

There are those aforementioned full-bucket carbon seats, sport steering wheel with top center marking, and GT-style shifter for the PDK.

With a starting price of $150,550, the GT4 RS is easily the priciest Cayman on the street, though you could look at it as a bargain GT3.

However you choose to look at it, the 2022 Porsche 718 Cayman GT4 RS is one sweet piece of performance engineering.

Now, if outright lap times are your only measure, then it may not be the Porsche for you, but if the ultra-connected joy of driving is your desire, and you want the most amazing Cayman ever, with one of the greatest naturally-aspirated engines of all-time riding shotgun, then this 718 is for you!

Well, that's our show, I hope you enjoyed it.

Now, for more MotorWeek , including daily news updates, podcasts, and even complete episodes, cruise on over to PBS.ORG/MOTORWEEK.

And I hope you'll join us next time for the upsized capability of the Jeep Grand Wagoneer L, followed by the fast and classy Audi A8L.

Until then, I'm John Davis.

We'll see you right here on MotorWeek !

ANNOUNCER: To learn more about MotorWeek , television's original automotive magazine, visit... To order a DVD of this program, call... MotorWeek has been brought to you by... ANNOUNCER: For more than 30 years Lucas Oil products has helped people tackle mechanical problems in the automotive, marine, and industrial fields.

From our original four core products... Lucas Oil has developed over 400 custom products to help both professionals and do it yourselfers.

To learn more visit Lucasoil.com.

Lucas oil, keep that engine alive!

MotorWeek is proudly sponsored by Auto Value and Bumper To Bumper, featuring major brand auto and truck parts, and service from coast to coast.

Learn more at AutoValue.com and BumperToBumper.com.

TireRack.Com is proud to support MotorWeek .

First, there was the wheel.

Then, the tire.

"We'll call it Tire Rack."

Forty years later, we're not slowing down.

♪ ♪ This program was produced by Maryland Public Television, which is solely responsible for its content.

(car engine revving) ♪ ♪ You're watching PBS.