As we move into the new year, the coming months promise a variety of new cars to explore. Before we get there, let’s take a second look at the vehicles that disappointed us last year. While there were no outright bad cars, we found some that failed to meet our expectations. Let’s examine our disappointments and see how they stack up in an automotive landscape that continues to push boundaries and elevate performance, comfort, and design.
Honda Pilot
Honda’s Pilot received a full redesign with a more rugged appearance and a unique configurable second-row seat, leading to high expectations. Unfortunately, the updated model failed to impress. The new truck-like design resulted in lighter, disconnected steering and more sluggish handling, which was not the case with its predecessor. Furthermore, the removable bench seat section was less useful than anticipated, and the V6 engine delivered underwhelming performance and a rather plain interior. In a highly competitive market segment, these aspects left us wanting more from the Honda Pilot.
Mercedes-AMG C 43
The Mercedes-AMG C 43 turns out to be one of the most disappointing cars of 2023. Its firm standard suspension made for an uncomfortable ride, and the poorly tuned transmission demanded more attention, failing to execute shifts according to expectations. Despite its potential, the C 43 struggled to deliver an enjoyable driving experience, raising questions about its suitability for challenging driving conditions. Overall, the experience with this vehicle was underwhelming and unsatisfactory.
Alpina XB7
Anticipation was high for Alpina’s version of the BMW X7, hoping that it would enhance the stellar driving experience of the standard X7. Unfortunately, the Alpina model failed to meet this expectation. Modifications to the suspension and wheels negatively impacted its ride and handling, falling behind the more favorable X7 M60i. While the Alpina XB7 maintains its aesthetic appeal and interior comfort, much improvement is needed, particularly in the handling department to truly stand out in its class.
Toyota Crown
The premium sedan Toyota Crown was intended to impress in a market dwindling in four-door cars. With Toyota’s strong reputation for releasing exceptional vehicles, expectations were high for the flagship model. However, the Crown did not outshine its predecessors, the Avalon and Lexus ES. Although it offers advanced technology and comfortable driving experience, it lacks the driver-focused performance that could elevate it to a grand touring experience. For the price point, it does not offer a compelling case over its comparable alternatives, raising doubt about its appeal to a wider audience.
BMW M4 CSL
While the BMW M4 CSL undoubtedly offers impressive performance, the driving experience leaves much to be desired. Priced at $140,000, it falls short on day-to-day driving satisfaction. The challenging entry into the car causes discomfort, and the stiff suspension leads to an unpleasant ride, proving to be unwelcome during ordinary city driving. While the CSL significantly excels on the track and offers a thrilling experience, its on-road practicality and comfort are lacking, tempering the overall driving enjoyment.
Overall, this review brings to attention the shortcomings and areas for improvement within automotive platforms that may shape the next generation of vehicles.
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