Graeme Fletcher
Heading into 2021, there are a sea of delayed introductions, meaning many vehicles arriving next year will be badged as 2022 models. Given the lion’s share of today’s sales are geared towards crossovers of one stripe or another in the luxury segment, it makes sense to feature the newest of the breed — but the allure of the modern sports car cannot be overlooked. Here are five new rides that promise to enhance their respective categories.
2022 Acura MDX
The fourth-generation Acura MDX is all new. It brings bolder exterior styling and ramps up the interior quality while adding more space — a neat trick is the ability to remove the middle seat in the second row, giving walk-through access to (and from) the third-row pew when seating for seven isn’t needed.
The 2022 MDX also rides on a new platform with an equally new double-wishbone front suspension setup. The tweaked 3.5-litre V6 engine produces the same 290 horsepower and 267 pound-feet of torque as the outgoing unit, but it now works with a 10-speed automatic transmission and Acura’s available, torque-vectoring SH-AWD system. The fourth-gen system is not only faster to reapportion the drive, it also changes its operating characteristics according to the drive mode selected. Available in mid-2021 will be the MDX Type S, powered by a new 3.0L turbocharged V6 with 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque.
Inside, the MDX makes a true departure from before. It starts with the all-digital Acura Precision Cockpit, replacing the old analog gauges with a customizable 12.3-inch digital display. A second, free-standing 12.3-inch screen works with Acura’s new True Touchpad Interface controller to deliver infotainment functions, including Amazon Alexa and a premium 710-watt audio system with 16 speakers and 16 channels.
2021 BMW M3 and M4
The BMW M3 and M4 are finally ready to roll. Offered in two flavours, the duo promises to deliver a memorable drive. In base form, the 3.0L twin-turbo inline-six makes 473 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque and works with a six-speed manual transmission to drive the rear wheels. The Competition model ups the output to 503 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque, and uses an eight-speed M Steptronic automatic transmission to drive the rear or all four wheels using BMW’s xDrive AWD system. The latter will arrive next year.
But regardless of the model you choose, the M3 and M4 models are fast. The base units run from rest to 100 km/h in 4.2 seconds, and turn the more important 80-120 km/h passing move in 3.1 seconds. The Competition road-rocket hits 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds and does the 80-120 km/h blitz in 2.6 seconds.
Inside, the new cabin is also posh and modern with a 12.3-inch reconfigurable instrumentation cluster with Sport and Track modes, to go along with a 10.25-inch infotainment system. One of its key functions is the M setup screen, allowing the driver to configure the engine, transmission, steering, dampers, stability control system, and if equipped, xDrive.
2022 Genesis GV70
The 2022 Genesis GV70 is set to hit Canadian roads later next year. The second crossover in Genesis’ portfolio takes the essence of the GV80 and scales down the proportions. This means it will likely be the sportier of the two, given it will share the GV80’s powertrains. This means a 2.5L turbo-four with 300 hp and 311 lb-ft of torque will be standard, and an up-level twin-turbo 3.5L V6 with 375 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque is available for those wanting more punch. Both engines will work with an eight-speed automatic and an intelligent all-wheel-drive system. It will also be offered with an electronically-controlled suspension with road preview — this system “looks” at the road and sets the suspension to better dampen any imperfections. Beyond this, there will be an optional Sport package, which will include a Sport Plus driving mode.
Given its proximity to the GV80, the GV70’s cabin will be crammed full of high-tech features. While a little skimpy on detailed information, it should be available with the same 14.5-inch infotainment touchscreen and 12.3-inch instrumentation cluster capable of presenting the information in 3D. An intriguing proposition is the new fingerprint authentication system that will allow the driver to start and drive the GV70.
2022 Infiniti QX55
The Infiniti QX55 is slated to arrive next year, as a 2022 model. It’s an expressive rig poised to join the growing legion of “coupe” crossovers with a sharper exterior style, a bold front end, and 45 individual LEDs in each tail light.
Inside, the QX55 features Infiniti’s InTouch infotainment system with two screens. The upper eight-inch and lower seven-inch screens give easy access to the key functions including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with an optional Bose sound system with no fewer than 16 speakers. Behind the front seats is a sliding second-row seat that allows the riders to increase legroom, or when moved forward, bump up cargo capacity. But do keep in mind the FX-inspired rear roofline does limit headroom and cargo space — as it does with others of the breed.
Riding on large 20-inch wheels, the QX55 arrives with Infiniti’s variable compression 2.0L turbo-four. It makes 268 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque, and works with a CVT with a manual shift mode to drive Infiniti’s AWD system. The drive modes (Standard, Eco, Sport, and Personal) then allow the driver to further tailor the drivetrain’s characteristics.
2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer
A little more fanciful is the Jeep Grand Wagoneer full-size SUV. It’s being billed as a concept at this point, but it’s coming as a 2022 model and will go into production in Warren, Mich. next year. Yes, it’ll likely lose the 24-inch wheels and full glass roof with teak inlays in the tie-down hoops, but the production version shouldn’t stray too far from the concept. It’s based on the Ram pickup platform and will feature a plug-in hybrid powertrain — think Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid. The difference is there will be three 4×4 systems and available Quadra-Lift air suspension.
The cabin is just as radical and dominated by screens. There’s a 12.3-inch instrument cluster, a 2.1-inch infotainment display, and another 10.25-inch touchscreen below for climate functions. Even the front passenger gets their own 10.25-inch infotainment screen, which according to Jeep, is an industry-first. Where things go overboard is the two rear seat riders getting not only 10.1-inch entertainment screens, but another 10.25-inch display on the back of the centre console for rear climate controls.
