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BMW has unveiled the new X5 in South Carolina—and the same factory is teaching humanoid robots to work alongside the people building BMW’s biggest SUVs.

I went inside BMW Plant Spartanburg, now known as the “Home of X,” to see how artificial intelligence, humanoid robots, American manufacturing and five different powertrains are shaping BMW’s future.

The new fifth-generation BMW X5 will eventually be offered with gasoline, plug-in hybrid, fully electric, diesel in markets outside the United States, and hydrogen fuel-cell power. The electric BMW iX5 will also become the first fully electric BMW assembled in America.

But the most fascinating workers inside the factory may be the humanoid robots developed by Figure. BMW is testing whether these AI-powered machines can handle awkward, repetitive and physically tiring jobs while human workers retain the judgment, skill and responsibility.

We also visit BMW’s new Woodruff battery operation and examine why South Carolina has become so important to BMW’s global manufacturing plans.

Are humanoid robots about to transform the way cars are built—and what could that mean for American factory workers?

Watch the full video, leave your thoughts in the comments and subscribe to Test Miles for independent automotive news, reviews and technology.

I’m Nik Miles, and I love my job.

#BMW #HumanoidRobots #BMWX5 #ArtificialIntelligence #MadeInAmerica

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As the automotive world evolves, the line between rugged adventure and everyday comfort becomes increasingly blurred. Enter the 2024 Kia Sorento, a vehicle that not only pushes the envelope in design and technology but also redefines what we expect from modern crossovers and SUVs. With a blend of innovation, style, and off-road prowess, the latest Sorento model is a testament to Kia's commitment to meeting the diverse needs of today's drivers.

Historically, the distinction between SUVs and crossovers hinged on their construction - traditional SUVs boasted a body-on-frame design, providing them with the ruggedness needed for off-roading. Crossovers, on the other hand, adopted a unibody construction, merging car-like efficiency and comfort with the versatility of an SUV. However, as the 2024 Kia Sorento shows, these lines are no longer so clear-cut.

At the heart of this evolution is the introduction of "rugged" trim levels across the automotive industry, and Kia's new X-Pro trim stands out as a prime example. Unlike mere aesthetic upgrades, the X-Pro trim elevates the Sorento's off-road capability without compromising the on-road comfort that drivers cherish. Featuring all-wheel drive, 17-inch wheels with BF Goodrich all-terrain tires, roof racks, and skid plates, the X-Pro trim is designed for adventurers who demand more from their vehicles.

Moreover, the Sorento's exterior and interior updates for 2024 reflect a meticulous attention to detail. The bold exterior redesign, characterized by a boxy, upright hood and Star Map lighting design, signals a new direction in crossover aesthetics. Inside, drivers will be greeted by a panoramic curved display and the next-generation Connected Car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC) system, ensuring both connectivity and convenience.

Yet, the Sorento's appeal goes beyond its rugged capabilities and stylish design. The carryover powertrains, including a 2.5-liter turbo and nonturbo engines, ensure performance is never compromised. Furthermore, the promise of hybrid versions in the 2025 model year indicates Kia's ongoing commitment to eco-friendly driving options.

With a starting price expected to rise modestly from the outgoing model's range of $31,415 to $45,015, the 2024 Sorento represents a compelling value proposition. It marries the practicality of a family SUV with the adventurous spirit of a rugged off-roader.

In essence, the 2024 Kia Sorento stands as a beacon of innovation in the crossover segment, offering a unique blend of style, comfort, and off-road capability. It exemplifies how modern vehicles can embrace opposites - rugged yet refined, adventurous yet accessible. For those in search of a vehicle that refuses to compromise, the Sorento's latest iteration is a journey worth embarking on.

As we continue to explore the ever-evolving landscape of automotive design and technology, the 2024 Kia Sorento serves as a reminder that the best vehicles are those that adapt to the diverse lives of their drivers. In a world where the journey is just as important as the destination, the Sorento is ready to lead the way.

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The 2026 Infiniti QX60 may not be the loudest or sportiest luxury SUV, but that could be exactly why it works so well.

In this review, Nik Miles discovers how the QX60 delivers something increasingly rare: a genuinely calm, comfortable and stress-free driving experience. Its quiet cabin, smooth suspension, light steering and refined turbocharged powertrain make everyday commutes, school runs and road trips feel noticeably easier.

With three rows of seating, available all-wheel drive, useful towing capability and family-friendly practicality, the Infiniti QX60 offers attainable luxury without making life more complicated.

Could arriving more relaxed be the most valuable luxury feature of all?

Watch the full review, then tell us: Would you choose the Infiniti QX60 over its luxury three-row SUV rivals?

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Can you still buy a genuinely good new SUV under $25,000? Nik Miles searched the American new-car market and ranked five affordable SUVs that are actually worth considering.

The contenders:

2026 Hyundai Venue
2026 Buick Envista
2026 Chevrolet Trax
2026 Nissan Kicks
2027 Kia Seltos

These SUVs are compared for price, safety technology, fuel economy, passenger space, cargo capacity, warranty coverage and everyday usability. Some are roomier, some are more efficient, and one delivers the strongest overall value.

All prices are starting manufacturer’s suggested retail prices before destination charges, taxes, registration, dealer fees and optional equipment. Adding destination charges will push several of these vehicles above $25,000.

Which affordable SUV would you buy? Tell us in the comments, and subscribe for honest new-car reviews, automotive news and practical buying advice from Nik Miles and Test Miles.

#SUVsUnder25000 #AffordableSUVs #NikMiles

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The Lexus RZ 550e is a 402-horsepower electric SUV with an eight-speed gearbox that does not actually exist. There is no clutch, no mechanical transmission and no real redline—but somehow, it is enormously entertaining.

Lexus calls it M Mode. Pull the paddles and the software interrupts the power, changes the sound and creates eight virtual gears. In this video, Nik Miles tests whether the fake shifting is simply automotive theatre or whether it makes this luxury EV genuinely more exciting to drive.

The 2026 Lexus RZ 550e F SPORT also brings dual-motor DIRECT4 all-wheel drive, a 4.1-second 0–60 mph time, everyday practicality and modern driver-assistance technology. The gearbox may be imaginary, but the smiles are surprisingly real.

Would you rather have smooth, silent EV acceleration—or simulated gears and engine noise? Tell us in the comments.

Subscribe to Test Miles for independent car reviews, automotive news and the features manufacturers do not always explain.

Lexus information:
https://pressroom.lexus.com/
https://www.lexus.com/models/RZ

#LexusRZ #LexusRZ550e #ElectricCars

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The 2026 Lucid Gravity may be better than the Tesla Model X in almost every traditional luxury category—but unfinished software could be the one thing holding it back.

In this Lucid Gravity review, Nik Miles tests the award-winning luxury electric SUV to discover whether its incredible hardware can overcome its occasional technological problems.

The Gravity offers up to 450 miles of range, as much as 828 horsepower, seating for seven adults and enough acceleration to reach 60 mph in approximately 3.4 seconds. It can also add up to 200 miles of range in under 11 minutes under ideal charging conditions.

But specifications only tell part of the story. We examine its ride comfort, interior space, cargo capacity, charging performance, driver-assistance technology and software glitches. We also compare the Lucid Gravity with the Tesla Model X to determine which electric SUV delivers the better ownership experience.

Is the Lucid Gravity the best luxury electric SUV on sale—or brilliant hardware trapped inside unfinished software?

Subscribe to Test Miles for honest vehicle reviews, automotive news and everything you need to know before buying your next car.

#LucidGravity #ElectricSUV #EVReview

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Buying an EV? Before worrying about horsepower, driving range or public fast chargers, there is one much more important question: Can you charge where you live?

Around four out of five EV charging sessions happen at home. That means the real charging station for vehicles such as the Volkswagen ID. Buzz and Ford Mustang Mach-E GT Performance Edition is usually not beside a highway—it is in the garage or driveway.

In this video, Nik Miles explains why home charging can make electric vehicle ownership remarkably easy. Plug in at night, charge during lower-cost off-peak hours and wake up with enough range for another day of driving.

But there is a significant problem. Renters, apartment residents and drivers without dedicated parking often cannot install a charger. That has divided EV ownership into two very different experiences: effortless overnight charging for some drivers and continuous planning for everyone else.

We examine:

• Why most EV charging happens at home
• How quickly a home charger can restore driving range
• Why EV owners with home charging use public chargers less frequently
• How overnight charging can reduce running costs
• Why apartments and rental properties remain a major EV adoption challenge
• The role of workplace, curbside and shared residential charging
• What buyers should consider before purchasing an electric vehicle

The future of electric transportation may depend less on batteries and horsepower than on something much simpler: getting electricity to the places where people park.

The ChargePoint home charger featured in this video was provided to Test Miles.

Subscribe to Test Miles for independent vehicle reviews, automotive news and practical advice designed to help you make smarter car-buying decisions.

Visit: https://testmiles.com

#ElectricVehicles #EVCharging #HomeCharging

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The Jeep Wagoneer L and Grand Wagoneer L stretch the original formula by adding 12 inches of overall length, but does that actually make them better?

Nik Miles heads to Montana to get behind the wheel and find out. From increased cargo space and third-row comfort to how the extra length affects driving, this review takes a close look at whether the longer Wagoneer models are worth the upgrade.

In this video, you'll discover:

What the extra 12 inches really adds
Cargo space and family practicality
Third-row passenger comfort
Driving impressions on Montana roads
Grand Wagoneer L luxury features
Who should choose the L over the standard model

If you're shopping for a full-size luxury SUV, this is one comparison you won't want to miss.

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#Jeep #GrandWagoneer #WagoneerL #SUVReview #NikMiles #TestMiles #JeepWagoneer #LuxurySUV #FamilySUV #Montana

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