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When it Comes to Luxury Car Accessories We Say - Go Big or Stay Home! You’ve got the car of your dreams and you’ve tricked it out with some upgrades that grab attention and make driving even more fun and easy. But why stop there? We’ve dug up eleven of the most luxurious car accessories – from a few inches long to something the size of a refrigerator (in fact it is a refrigerator) – to complete your overall driving experience in 2021. Diamond Studded Ferrari Key Encrusted with more than 1,000 diamonds totaling more than seven karats, the diamond-studded Ferrari key takes be-dazzling to the next level. This is luxury car accessorizing in the extreme. Diamonds make a glittery statement like no other gem. The Ferrari car key can actually be studded with precious metals and a multitude of gemstones. The bespoke Ferrari key was created by the venerable SP Green & Co. of Great Britain and is being offered in several options. A total of 1,160 pieces of a rare variety of diamonds - VVS to flawless variety - has been encrusted on the key. Don’t like diamonds? Simply choose another gemstone. The options for customization are endless, but the idea is to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the key and make it even more exclusive. The bejeweled Ferrari car key is priced at $23,147. more Rolls-Royce Starlight Roof This one has gotten a lot of press and food good reason. It’s simply stunning. When you buy the Rolls-Royce Phantom, you have a few options for your roof. If you love the stars, then you can choose LED lights in your roof that look like stars. Rolls-Royce, of course, produces some of the most iconic and luxurious motor cars in the world. The Starlight Headliner features a universe of fiber-optic lights mounted inside the ceiling of the car with a design that looks like constellations. The headliner is also available on the Wraith coupe and the Ghost sedan. Each headliner is created by hand and tailored to the owner's whims. In fact, Rolls-Royce can mimic just about any constellation. So if Orion’s Belt is your thing…not a problem. Big Dipper your favorite? That’s a go! The Starlight Headliner is not only aesthetically pleasing, but also an effective way to light your cabin. The brightness of the Starlight Headliner is in fact controlled using the car's infotainment system. According to Rolls-Royce, the headliner takes two craftspeople an average of nine hours to create by hand, although more complex designs can take up to 17 hours. Each headliner can feature anywhere between 800 and 1,600 fiber-optic lights. With your own romantic universe within the confines of your Rolls-Royce your special night just got a little more special. Porsche Design Chronograph The Porsche Chronotimer Series 1 in Polish Black resembles the original designs from the automaker’s Porsche Design circa 1970s. And if it looks familiar to you that maybe due to the fact that it’s based on the first run Porsche watches from back in the day. The Chronograph comes in sapphire crystal dial cover with a sapphire case back, a polished titanium case, and black titanium, carbide-coated bracelet. It’s made in Switzerland, of course. Early issues cost half what new ones do today. Deadstock vintage ones go for closer to $10,000. Expect these to appreciate similarly. Porsche Design Luggage Looking for bags that are sleek, functional, and low-key and happen to match your Porsche? This locking set comes fully equipped with ergonomic aluminum grips and lightweight side bars. There are also four rotating wheels, and two large, main compartments with a strong mesh divider. Ferrari Scarf Think of it as lowkey Ferrari. This soft jacquard knit scarf features the famous Ferrari shield repeated in a big pattern above a small fringed edge. You need this for those days on the Mediterranean, your top down and the wind in your hair. And it’s made in Italy, of course! Ferrari Umbrella Now that you have the scarf you simply must have the umbrella? Rainy weather no match for this snazzy umbrella with a rubberized grip, sturdy aluminum structure, and a carbon-fiber effect on the outside canvas that helps to block UV rays. It fits right in the trunk. Bentley Fountain Pen For the pen collector who has everything why not an $800-plus Bentley Fountain Pen? This one was created by the venerable Italian brand Tibaldi and features an 18-carat solid gold nib and an ultra smooth ink flow. It’s the perfect writing instrument to complement your Mulsanne or Bentayga. Choose from colors that include “Silver Tempest,” “St. James Red,” “Silverlake Blue,” and “Beluga.” Bentley’s Mulliner Refrigerated Bottle Cooler You simply must have this luxuriously appointed refrigerated bottle cooler for your Flying Spur.  Your rear-seat passengers will be delighted when they discover storage for a champagne bottle in a canted position, a bottle stopper and two bespoke champagne flutes – everything hidden behind beautifully trimmed frosted glass. The flutes were designed so that the base of the glasses mirrors the design of Bentley wheels. They can also be placed in specially designed flute holders in the center console armrest, for secure storage between sips even if you hit some bumps in the road (not that you would feel it with all that Bentley suspension). When not being used, the bottle cooler and glasses can be stowed and concealed. Each refrigerated bottle cooler is made to order, hand built and trimmed in the Mulliner workshop in a process that takes highly skilled artisans 15 hours. Bentleys are luxurious. So are their accessories. They wouldn't be Bentleys if they weren't. It takes Bentley's craftsmen 15 hours to make the cooler setup. No wonder the company charges $10,135 for each one installed. The options list, as you can imagine, does not start and end with the cooler. You can also get matching veneer panels, quilted stitching for your seats, scent atomizers in Stirling silver, and a leather-trimmed storage compartment for jewelry so that your cooler doesn’t look out of place. Colored BMW Grilles Add some iconic BMW M colors to your BMW with a simple, affordable accessory: Colored grille insert trims. The trims represent the light blue, dark blue, and red shades found in the M logo, fitting over the standard kidney grille on various BMW models. They simply clip on for installation. The McLaren Watch Even as it celebrates its quarter century birthday, the McLaren F1 is still something extra special in the automotive world. As part of the celebration the F1 now comes with an optional special edition TAG Heuer 6000 Chronometer with the roughly $1 million purchase price. A total of 64 of these spectacular watches were produced - one for each McLaren F1 street version made - each featuring the stylized “F1” and “V12” logotypes that match the car. There’s also the chassis number of that particular buyer’s car included on the watch. Factoid for car nerds: TAG (short for Techniques d’Avant Garde) holds a 25% stake in the McLaren Group, and is a longtime sponsor of the McLaren Formula 1 team. The Bentley Clock With the Bentley Bentayga, you get to choose a clock that is way more than just a clock. And with a price tag of  $160,000 it had better be all that. Bentley brought Breitling in to create a clock that's actually worth the money. Known as the Mulliner Tourbillon, the Bentayga's optional clock is the masterpiece of timepieces. Fully mechanical with no electronics inside, the Mulliner Tourbillon clock is self-winding. An electric motor rotates the clock occasionally to ensure it never runs out of power.  Beautiful to look at and beautifully engineered you could become mesmerized by this clock. Not only was it designed specifically for the dashboard of the Bentley Bentayga, but it's also made of solid gold and has about 12 diamonds embedded in its face. We hear that Queen Elizabeth was the first customer and we’re not shocked by that news. Bentley Driving Gloves Designed just for her, these soft and supple leather gloves have a lowkey design that includes a keyhole back, perforated fingers, and a Bentley B stud closure. The closure matches the wheel centers on the Continental coupe. Choose from beluga (black) or tan and beluga.

Check Out What Makes Audi, Porsche, and VW the Best EVs! The dawning of the new era of “green” cars is upon us. Hybrids are still going strong, providing higher fuel efficiency along with the perceived safety of gasoline as a backup fuel source. But electric vehicles are not what they used to be and have moved firmly into center stage in 2021. That's why we're exploring the best EVs on the market. Once seen as almost a joke in the automotive industry thanks to their former limited range and long-and-drawn-out charging sessions, among other issues, EVs are coming into their own with a new level of performance and speed. With a growing network of lighting quick “super chargers” that can have you back on the road in a matter of minutes (not hours) “range fear” is becoming a thing of the past. According to Forbes magazine, the International Energy Association (IEA) states that electric cars’ worldwide sales topped 2.1 million by last year “While that still only represents 2.6% of global car sales, the trajectory is clear: in 2010, EVs accounted for less than 17,000 cars on the world stage,” according to Forbes.  “But (now), the number increased to 7.2 million.” more Forbes lists three of our favorite luxury electric vehicles as the best in the industry. Let’s take a look at these magnificent beasts, which are not only fun to drive but good for your pocketbook - in terms of fuel costs and savings on maintenance - and good for the planet. Audi e-tron Best EVs - Audi e-tron Audi is known for being cool and understated in the world of luxury automobiles and the e-tron is no exception. Power is provided by two electric motors, one front and one rear, for a total output of 414 pound-feet of torque - or 490 in boost mode - enough to get it 60 mph in a tidy 5.5 seconds. A 95.3-kWh battery provides 208 miles of range. Because it’s an Audi, quattro all-wheel drive is standard, and the interior displays the brand’s trademark Teutonic style and ergonomics. The EPA says combined mileage is 78 MPGe. The interior allows plenty of room for five adults. This fully electric four-seater is also quick and responsive thanks to a similar twin motor system and two-speed transmission. The RS version can deploy an overboost 637bhp (power is normally 590bhp) to deliver an astonishingly fast zero-to-60 of 3.1 seconds. Top speed is 155 mph. Like the sleek e-tron SUV, the four-seater is part of an initial wave of battery-electric vehicles planned by parent Volkswagen Group. The e-tron is built on a new EV-specific platform that incorporates components from the group's existing SUV architectures. Both feature two electric motors making a combined 355 hp and 413 lb-ft of torque. And Motortrend says it’s one of the fastest accelerating electric cars they tested. Even the SUV did 0-60 mph in 5.1 seconds. Range is estimated at just 204 miles by the EPA. The e-tron doesn’t drive like your typical electric car. In fact, it drives like just any other Audi thanks to state-of-the-art drive technology. With its electric motor powering each axle, the all-wheel drive Q4 e-tron creates an impressive 300 horsepower that can get you from zero-to-60 in 6.3 seconds. The interior showcases Audi's state-of-the-art technology, including a digital gauge display that is standard in all models as well as a large infotainment touchscreen angled toward the driver. The four-seater includes front and rear bucket seats with faux-suede upholstery and e-tron branded detailing. You enjoy latest the version of Audi’s MMI system with two displays in the center, including an upper screen with navigation, media controls, and smartphone connections as well as a lower screen with climate controls and a writing tablet. And there are various ways to save.  Some states offer a $7,500 tax credit along with other financial incentives on electric vehicles that can help lower the total ownership cost of the e-tron®. Porsche Taycan Best EVs - Porsche Taycan   Porsche’s first all-electric production vehicle, the Taycan is grabbing massive attention worldwide. And for good reason. The Taycan is high performing and fast, thanks to a pair of powerful electric motors powering all four wheels. And, the Taycan comes in four peak output levels: Forbes notes that the  4S is rated at 522 horsepower or 563 with the larger battery; the Turbo is rated for 670 horsepower and the Turbo S at 750 horsepower.  On top of that the Taycan is the first EV production car to employ a two-speed transmission. The Porsche Taycan Turbo S set a new quarter-mile record for electric cars in Motortrend magazine’s tests. It also came in near the top for zero to 60 with a time of 2.4 seconds. The Taycan is Porsche’s first-ever fully electric vehicle. The four-door sports car starts at $150,900, while the more powerful Turbo S version comes in closer to $185,000. The Turbo S version of the dual-motor Taycan boasts a staggering top speed of 162 mph. The Taycan also provides a range of about 250 miles and you can make multiple high speed runs without a significant loss in performance. It also offers engaging handling and some of the most legendary engineering in the world of sportscars. (What else would you expect from a Porsche)? And it’s got plenty of pep. The Taycan drives like a Porsche sports car in a way that sets it apart from other luxury electric cars. The 4S base model comes standard with a lower-capacity 79.2-kWh battery - although the 93.2-kWh pack is still available.  All models have dual electric motors, with one powering the front wheels and the other powering the rear. Inside the tech-filled interior, the look is sleek and sophisticated but never overstated. You can fill it with a range of optional luxurious materials and rich color schemes and choose massaging front seats, four-zone climate control, a heated steering wheel, and heated rear seats, among many other options. The 2+2 seating is optional but you can add a third seat in the back. Modern, technologically advanced yet classic Porsche. Did we mention it’s fast? Additionally, Taycan's charging system is recalibrated to better preserve the battery's service life and limit overall power loss during fast charging.  A curved 16.8-inch display for the gauges and two centrally located touchscreens help you control the state-of-the-art infotainment system, including Apple CarPlay. Volkswagen ID.4 Best EVs - VW ID4   Volkswagen has always been ahead of the others when it comes to electric cars (remember 2014’s e-Golf?). The new 2021 Volkswagen ID.4 was designed and engineered as an EV and based on VW’s MEB platform for EVs, and the ID.4 boasts an impressive range of 250 miles. It’s currently rear-wheel drive, but an all-wheel drive version is expected soon. Bonus: When you buy an ID.4 in the United States you will three years of unlimited charging at Electrify America’s charging stations at no additional cost. The Volkswagen ID.4 gives you access to the mobility you crave, in a way that is fun, functional and within reach. Starting at $39,995, the ID.4 will transform your everyday driving experience. With the clean lines and aerodynamic design you expect from the new generation of VWs it’s an electric SUV that fits seamlessly into your daily drive or vacation travel. Inside, there’s plenty of room so that you and your passengers can relax and enjoy the journey. And you don’t have to worry about losing charge: The ID.4 can drive up to 250 miles between charges. You can choose from Pro and 1st Edition trims - with a base model launching sometime next year. Upgrade to the Statement package and you get a larger 12.0-inch infotainment display, a panoramic sunroof, a power-operated rear liftgate and 20-inch wheels, among other features. The rear-mounted motor produces 201 horsepower while the dual-motor all-wheel drive model will offer 302 hp. Camping or fishing? You’ll love that the towing capacity is a whopping 2700 pounds. And there’s regenerative braking that helps recapture energy when you slow down. The ID.4 will get you from zero to 60 in a crisp 7.6 seconds and reach a top speed of 99 mph. And you’ll love it’s smooth and comfortable ride as well as the quiet cabin. All you have to do is charge and go! Other things to love about the ID.4: The battery pack holds enough electricity to power the SUV up t 250 miles between charges; The battery can be charged at home on 110- or 240-volt connections, of course, but is also capable of DC fast charging; The EPA rates the ID.4's fuel economy at 104 MPGe city and 89 MPGe highway; The interior offers contemporary design with high-tech features, ambient lighting and lots of cargo space. Want to see more of the best EVs? Check out our inventory below: Electric Vehicle Inventory

The ID. Buzz Will Blow Your Mind, Man. The iconic Volkswagen Microbus, like other symbols of the 1960s, came to represent the counterculture and even helped an entire generation to turn on, tune in and drop out as they shunned the establishment and hit the open road. Now, that iconic bus is making a comeback as the design inspiration for the 2024 all-electric Volkswagen ID. Buzz - and it’s going to blow some minds. The 2024 VW ID. Buzz, which will land in the United States in 2023, celebrates the German company's iconic Type 2 Microbus – or VW Bus - Fthein a very high-tech, electric-vehicle kind of way. Perhaps the new slogan should be power off, plug in, pull away. (Our apologies to Timothy Leary, the Harvard psychologist, who coined the first phrase). Starting at an estimated $40,000, the 2024 VW ID. Buzz will be an all-new beast. For starters, it has an all-electric powertrain that provides around 300 miles of driving range, flexible and super cool seating configurations, and a powerful electric engine that leaves the original in the dust. more This is everything else we are learning from VW about the vehicle, which is still in its concept form: Just like the original generations, the ID. Buzz will offer you plenty of space for passengers or cargo, with an abundance windows and resulting natural light. There’s even a “front trunk” that was also featured in the original VW Beetle. Remember loading into that old VW Microbus with your friends and then hitting that mountain highway only to sputter and shake at 18 mph - pedal to the metal - as sedans and coupes sped by you on the incline? Ok well, maybe you don’t. But that was because the first microbuses churned out only 30 horsepower. The new Microbus will ride on Volkswagen's Modular Electric Drive (MEB) – and even the base model features rear-wheel drive and an output of around 200 horsepower that can get you from zero to 60 in under 5 seconds and reach a top speed of 99. Try that in your 1960 hippie bus! The Volkswagen ID. Buzz’ top-level trim will feature all-wheel drive and an unheard of estimated 360 horsepower. This electric van has plenty of room for friends, pets and luggage - and a variety of ways to use the interior. The Volkswagen ID. Buzz Cargo's battery capacity starts at 48 kWh and can be increased to 110 kWh, according to Car and Driver. The innovative van features a highly adaptable three rows of seats that can be spun around laid down or removed completely if you’re hosting your own be in. This means you can sleep in it, eat in it, chill in it. The movable center console slides forward and back on a track and contains a table. And somehow designers even saved room for a trunk. Best of all you don’t have to worry about running out of power and you will spend zero on gasoline. The batteries provide driving ranges of 200 and 340 miles, respectively. Those who plug into a DC fast charger will attain an 80 percent charge in about a half an hour. The VW ID. Buzz was designed to recall the original Type 2 Microbus without copying it. The front V in the body harkens back to the two-tone early version. But the ID. Buzz features design elements such as a light strip that surrounds the vehicle and gives it a futuristic visual appeal. The LED headlights have hexagonal segments that act as “eyes” to communicate the vehicle’s status. The LED light of the headlights interactively mimics the gestures of the human eye (interactive spotlight); the headlights thereby interact with other traffic participants. According to VW, the ID. Buzz masters these light scenarios: Parking When all systems of the ID. BUZZ are shut down it looks from the front as if its "eyes" are closed. When the ID. BUZZ is parked, just a narrow, small LED strip is visible in the headlights. Opening When the ID. Buzz is "awakened", it greets its driver and passengers with a 360° light show. First, the Volkswagen logos at the front and rear end light up. Then the ambient wrap-around lighting illuminates. Finally, the ID. BUZZ opens its "eyes.” Driving The Volkswagen logos, wrap-round ambient lighting and daytime running lights that consist of LED strips and the LED headlights are always active while driving. As the car accelerates, the "eyes" adjust to the higher speed by adopting a more dynamic light signature. Automated In fully autonomous driving mode laser scanners in the roof are extended and illuminated. As the car speeds up, the LED "eyes" also look ahead in this mode, giving the car a sportier appearance. Interaction In addition, the "eyes" are interactive. If the ID. BUZZ wants to turn, for instance, the LED headlights look in the direction the car is going to turn. And there’s plenty of other cool features. Rather than using a conventional key to unlock the vehicle, you simply move your hand across a specific sensor and the doors will open automatically. Once you are seated inside, the doors will close automatically. When you are ready to split, step on the pedal and press the D on the steering wheel. The new microbus is designed for long trips on the weekend. Camping. Fishing. Concerts. Love ins. Protests. You name it. You can sleep in and live from this vehicle. The new ID. Buzz is the seventh generation of the microbus. Like its predecessors it remains a versatile showstopper featuring a two-tone V-nose, rectangular windows, a hint of a windshield sunshade, and a gesture at the rear side air vents that characterized the original. “The ID. Buzz stands for the new Volkswagen,” WV chairman Herbert Diess noted as he announced the new vehicle in California recently. “We are fully committed to the future of mobility, and we want to reignite America’s love for VW.” Standing beside Diess at the announcement in Pebble Beach was Ben Pon Jr., whose father, Ben Pon Sr., was the first to import VWs to America and the very person who sketched the rough outline of the new bus on a napkin during lunch one day in 1947. Now, the rest is history. And today it’s also the future. Fully electric, Filled with Tech. Ready to turn off, plug in and pull away. --------------------------- Interested in buying a Volkswagen? For more information about possible launch dates of  the ID. Buzz  contact our VW Marin dealership or see our current VW inventory.

In a Move that is sure to lead other automakers to follow suit, British car companies Jaguar and Bentley have announced they will be fully electric by 2030. Craving more luxury electric vehicles in the market? Well, earlier this year Bentley became the latest automaker to lay out plans for an all-electric fleet in the future. The century-old automaker Bentley is best known for high-performance — and gas thirsty — vehicles like the Bentayga SUV and Flying Spur sedan. By 2026, however, all of its products will be plug-based, whether in hybrid or battery-electric form, the company has revealed. Bentley’s announcement comes amid an accelerating shift by the global auto industry away from gas and diesel to battery power. It also reflects a transformation within the electrified vehicles segment. more UK automaker Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) said earlier this year that its Jaguar luxury brand will be 100 percent electric by 2025.  And its Land Rover brand will release its first all-electric vehicle in 2024, the first of six fully electric models planned for release over the next five years. It’s not just good for the environment and business - in some places it’s the law. Paris, Amsterdam and Berlin — some of the world’s largest markets for premium brands like Bentley — will soon ban automobiles that are not electric. The new crop of luxury electric vehicles takes advantage of the wheel-spinning torque that electric motors can deliver, as well as their near-silent sound. This is part of what has generated growing interest within the luxury market, especially as technology continues to improve. All of these factors have caused a growing number of high-end automakers to start laying out plans to add hybrids, plug-ins and EVs. Earlier this week, the CEO of Aston Martin announced plans to have at least 20 percent of its sales come from electrified products by 2024, with its first all-electric model to follow about two years later. Bentley’s lead competitor, Rolls-Royce, has also said it will begin shifting to electric propulsion. Bentley is in a good position to go all electric due to the fact that it is one of 12 brands owned by Volkswagen, which has laid out one of the industry’s most aggressive battery-car programs. VW will have at least 50 BEVs on sale by mid-decade, including luxury brands such as Porsche and Audi. JLR’s only fully luxury electric car to date is the Jaguar I-PACE SUV. The Jaguar I-PACE has been designed to ensure every step of the customer journey delivers peace of mind and makes owning an electric car as easy as possible. This electric car’s driver-focused technology and enhanced exterior design bring an even greater sense of luxury Jaguar’s electric car. From the new Atlast Gray grille tip finish and an enhanced paint palette, new range of wheels this is not your grandfather’s electric car! Jaguar set out to create the world’s most desirable electric vehicle and show what can happen when a top luxury brand works its magic on a once utilitarian category of car. It’s even better than before with a new state-of-the-art infotainment system, three-phase charging and other technology that benefits driver and passengers alike. Every change made to this model ensures it’s the benchmark of its class. There’s faster home charging: 11kW (AC) domestic wall box can add 53km/33miles of range (WLTP) per hour for customers with three-phase supplies. The I-PACE also offers outstanding performance and range: Acceleration from 0-60mph in just 4.5 (0-100km/h 4.8 seconds) seconds and up to 470km / 292 miles (WLTP). And even greater. JLR expects all Jaguars and 60 percent of Land Rovers to be zero-emissions vehicles by 2030. That’s the same year its home market-  the UK - will ban the sale of new internal combustion engine vehicles. It's a set ahead for luxury electric vehicles. JLR says it hopes to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2039. Bans of internal combustion engine vehicles have been announced in Norway by 2025, France by 2040, and California by 2035. The 100-year-old Bentley company said it would launch two plug-in hybrids next year as part of its "Beyond100" strategy to accelerate the development of electrified models. “Within a decade, Bentley will transform from a 100 year old luxury car company to a new, sustainable, wholly ethical role model for luxury,” Bentley Chief Executive Officer Adrian Hallmark said in a statement. Rolls-Royce first luxury electric vehicle is coming very soon. So stay tuned! Let us know if we can answer any questions about your EV of choice!

The BMW Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV) are engineered to take your breath away, unleashing more driving fun as well as greater efficiency. It’s good for you, your pocketbook - and it’s good for the planet.  In fact, the 2020 BMW electrified fleet of vehicles is designed to give you more: Power and performance Everyday savings Zero-emissions driving Time savings by using HOV lanes. Intuitive drive modes automatically optimize efficiency by selecting the ideal combination of electric and gas power on drives of any length in your hybrid BMW. You can also choose to drive in all-electric mode within a certain range, or with the convenience of the combustion engine like a conventional BMW. more The electric range of a plug-in hybrid vehicle depends on the size of the battery, as well as the vehicle weight, aerodynamics, and tire type. In the case of 2020/2021 BMW plug-in hybrid electric cars, the EPA-rated electric ranges are: BMW X3 xDrive30e Sports Activity Vehicle®: 17 miles BMW X5 xDrive45e SAV: 30 miles BMW 330e / 330e xDrive Sedan: 22/20 miles BMW 530e / 530e xDrive Sedan: 20/18 miles BMW 745e xDrive Sedan: 16 miles The combined driving range when engaging both the electric motor and the BMW TwinPower Turbo engine is significantly higher and can be optimized based on driving and charging behavior. You get to experience a plug-in hybrid without compromising a bit of BMW prowess and performance. With both an electric motor and a gasoline engine, you get the best of both worlds: Pure electric for day-to-day driving, plus a powerful gasoline engine for longer trips. In other words, BMW Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles can be fully electric, fully gasoline or a thrilling combination of both. During stop-and-go-driving, around town and on your daily commute, the gasoline engine may never start when in electric mode. You can even drive in pure EV mode at highway speeds. And for stronger acceleration, the electric motor can boost the gasoline engine for impressive performance from a stop or when merging into traffic. With regular overnight charging at home, you’ll enjoy better overall mileage and fewer trips to the gas station. BMW plug-in hybrids can also charge while driving. Regenerative braking allows the plug-in hybrid to regain part of its energy. In addition, charging can also take place during the journey with the function known as Battery Control Mode. This mode maintains the charge of the high-voltage battery constantly at the desired level or increases it to the present value, by having the electric motor function as a generator. In this way, for example, it is possible to use Battery Control Mode during a drive on the highway to protect or even increase the electric power reserves so that a subsequent urban route can be covered with electric driving and without any local emissions. Even if you don’t have time to catch a charge, your PHEV will still get you where you need to go. When the battery is fully discharged, the BMW TwinPower Turbo engine automatically takes over. The combustion engine and electric motor can work independently or together for impressive performance and freedom from range anxiety. And you can stay connected to your plug-in hybrid at all times with your BMW Connected app, where you can manage charging status, locate charging stations, monitor your electrical consumption, and more right from your phone. Operate at peak performance and enhance the efficiency of your plug-in hybrid with BMW Charging: the advanced, comprehensive charging program that offers tailored solutions for both home and public charging. And it’s compatible with any outlet. You can grab a charge at any power outlet with the Occasional Use Cable, included as standard with every BMW plug-in hybrid.  Install a BMW i Wallbox in your home for fast charging between daily drives. And did you know that BMW’s partnership with EVgo gives you access to more than 35,000 Level 2 chargers nationwide through your BMW Charging app. And with the BMW TwinPower Turbo engine, you can be assured that your plug-in hybrid has the range to get you where you want to go. With even more ways to lower overall ownership costs and additional incentives for increased convenience, living an electric lifestyle has never been easier. If you live in California be sure to read about the $1,500 credits for larger battery EVs here. And that is just one of the many perks to owning a BMW electric car or plug-in hybrid. You may be eligible for federal tax credits of up to $7,500, in addition to other state incentives such as rebates, tax credits, and grants. You could also save up to $1,500 in fuel costs within five years. Contact us today to learn more!

What about massage seats in luxury cars? Luxury vehicles have to stay ahead of the curve when it comes to delivering the industry’s top features – everything from in-vehicle refrigeration to infotainment and sound systems. But when it comes to one of the most luxurious features of all - high quality massage seats - some brands are leading the pack. In fact, these automakers are offering massages so relaxing that you’d have to visit a real life massage therapist to beat this kind of body work. We took a look at some of the top ranked massage seats in luxury cars according to Motor Biscuit and Motor Trend websites. So settle in, turn on some soft music and prepare to unwind! Here they are: more 1. The Rolls-Royce Ghost is considered one of the most luxurious vehicles in the world. And its massage seats are one of the many reasons. The Ghost is generous with its seats' kneading power and will relax all four passengers if that’s what they want. According to Motor Biscuit: “The executive seat is the best-equipped massage, however, as the up/down waves that go from the top to the bottom of the occupant's back are complemented by a shoulder-to-lumbar massage given by a separate set of air cushions.” The executive seat is, of course, the best-equipped massage, giving you up and waves that go from the top to the bottom of  your back. That’s complemented by a shoulder-to-lumbar massage given by a separate set of air cushions. And if you’re being driven by a chauffeur, he or she is sure to thank you for the great massage when you come out of your special event! Ahhhhhhh. 2. The Jaguar XJ offers massages for all takers and there are five modes, each with five intensity levels. The rear seat reclines, allowing rear passengers to get into drooling mode. Heating and ventilation for each of the seats – and supple leather – make this an extra special experience.   3. The A8, Audi’s largest sedan, is equipped with one of the best massages in the business – if you choose it as an option. Massage is available in any of the four outboard seats, along with heating and ventilation. The massage features five modes and five intensity levels. On top of that the rear seat reclines, and a power rear footrest is available. So you can also kick back and cool down. 4. Maybe the crème de la crème of massage: The Bentley Mulsanne uses the same system as the Audi A8, but it wraps it up in even more luxury and opulence. Along with the massage you get heating and ventilation, reclining seats. And there’s five types of massages with 10 levels of intensity. On top of that you get iPads built into the front seatbacks; they can be deployed while getting a massage and enable rear-seat passengers to video chat as they convey their feelings about the massage they're receiving. It doesn't get much better than that. But then again, what would you expect from Bentley? Honorable mentions: The 2021 Audi e-tron. This electric luxury crossover SUV comes with very nice massaging seats and its higher trim level, the Prestige trim, provides Valcona leather along with the massage! The 2021 Porsche Cayenne. This Porsche has optional massaging front seats along with eight-way power-adjustable front seats and leather upholstery. In addition to the massage feature, other optional features include heated and ventilated front and rear seats and 14- or 18-way power-adjustable front seats. Adding in massage will cost more money, of course. For example the Audi e-tron starts at $74,800, but you will pay an additional $4,300 for the trim that includes massaging seats. The 2020 Porsche Cayenne has a starting price of $67,500, but its top trim starts at $166,200. Adding massaging and ventilated seats in the front can cost $2,000 in those models. Find Massage Seats in Luxury Cars

Back in action at Rolex 24 at Daytona. IndiGO Auto Group and Black Swan Racing will be back on the starting grid with the incomparable Porsche GT3 R at the prestigious Rolex 24 at Daytona on January 25th. After a mishap in qualifying put their #54 car out of commission, Black Swan Racing found a replacement GT3 R just in the nick of time to compete on Saturday. The new car, which is currently being prepped by Black Swan engineers, is being built on a spare chassis from fellow Porsche team Wright Motorsports, and all four of Black Swan’s drivers will eligible to put it through its paces in one of the most challenging events in all of racing. “It’s great to be able to get the band back together, so to speak,” said Black Swan Racing team owner and co-driver Tim Pappas. “Following a challenging 2019 season, we will improve each day in 2020.” He went on to say, “Our partnership with indiGO Auto Group is an instrumental part of our 2020 commitment, and I look forward to flourishing together.” IndiGO’s connection to and passion for the Porsche brand, with Porsche dealership in North Houston, TX, St. Louis, MO, Marin County and Palm Springs, CA, make it the perfect match for Black Swan’s team and its Porsche 911 GT3 R. The Porsche 911 GT3 R is one of the most advanced racing machines ever created. It’s mounted with an ultra-modern four-liter flat six with direct fuel injection that cranks out over 500-hp. In developing this breathtaking racing machine the engineers at Porsche paid special attention to saving weight, improving aerodynamic efficiency and reducing fuel consumption. When the green flag drops at the Rolex 24 at Daytona this Saturday, the indiGO Auto Group will be trackside to share the passion of performance with the Black Swan Racing team and the Porsche GT3 R. And when the checkered flag waves, indiGO will be at the finish line to cheer them on.

This week, our Founder and CEO Todd Blue announced the purchase of the company’s second Jaguar dealership, formerly known as the Alvarez Jaguar dealership. This acquisition marked indiGO Auto Group’s 15th dealership nationwide; Jaguar Riverside is located at 8051 Auto Drive in Riverside, California. “With the addition of Jaguar Riverside, we’re now able to serve the Inland Empire and surrounding communities with our special brand of white glove service that our Coachella Valley and Southern California clients currently enjoy,” said Mr. Blue. “Our future plans include bringing the Land Rover brand to Riverside once the construction of our new facility is complete.” Plans are underway to begin construction on a new facility in June 2019. The new facility – which will become Jaguar Land Rover Riverside – will more than double in size to become a 40,000 square foot building with state-of-the-art automotive service facilities and customer luxuries. The dealership project is expected to be complete in January 2020. At the new Jaguar Riverside, customers can shop new Jaguar vehicles – including popular models like Jaguar’s first all-electric vehicle, the 2019 Jaguar I-PACE, and the 2019 Jaguar F-PACE SVR – in addition to quality pre-owned vehicles. Learn more at jaguarriverside.com.

The next generation of Wraith delivers a truly remarkable, spirited drive unlike any other. With 624 horsepower and a 6.6 L V12 engine, it is the most powerful series model to carry the Rolls-Royce name. It’s clear from the driver-centered responsiveness, an abundantly spacious four-seat cabin and an obvious display of luxury and opulence that Wraith was designed for the modern-day Rolls-Royce enthusiast. Experience the power of Wraith in the video below. Want to experience Wraith for yourself? Visit us at indiGO Auto Group’s Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Rancho Mirage on the Desert European Motorcars Campus or Rolls-Royce Motor Cars North Houston.

Last week, Automotive News featured our Founder & CEO Todd Blue in the publication’s “Q+A” section. Mr. Blue is a member of the Porsche Dealer Board of Regents, and he took a moment to chat with the editorial team at Automotive News about the exciting future of Porsche and the nuances of the 2018 model year. Read a snippet of his interview here, and view the entire article on autonews.com. Automotive News: How was 2017 for Porsche dealers? Todd Blue: Fantastic. The connectivity to the dealer body is outstanding. What major issues do Porsche dealers face? In 2018, we have a transition year where Cayenne doesn't come till the third quarter. Pacing ourselves, with anticipation of what will be our best-selling vehicle, is a balancing act for Porsche dealers, but we've got some good planning. Also our 911 volume is a little backloaded toward the end of the year. But things are in good balance with the product mix. We've got some really wonderful and new and fresh products at the beginning of the year like the GT 911s — the GT2 RS, the GT3s. We're getting that now, which is very helpful. What does the board of regents hope to accomplish in 2018? Even though we're talking about 2019, 2020 for Mission E, we are very focused on everything we're doing on the electrification of Porsche. The time is now to be planning, thinking, strategizing. We are making more than just baby steps toward electrification, which is going to be a revolutionary thing for this company and the industry. Porsche has committed to a major push on electric. Is it doing enough to get dealers ready to sell them? There are meetings scheduled, in a healthy staggered way, between now and the arrival of that vehicle to get dealers ready. Nothing will be a surprise to any of the dealers. Porsche is on this. We'll be ready, and they are getting us ready through a tremendous amount of communications. What specific changes will need to happen at the dealership? Whether it's the number of amps required for the fast-charge system to charge these vehicles from a zero battery to 80 percent in 15 minutes, that's going to be a huge point of differentiation, especially in the beginning, for Porsche. All the ways to handle the batteries, both the physical way as well as the maintenance, is all being discussed. Read the full interview here.   Shop at indiGO Auto Group’s three award-winning Porsche dealerships: Porsche North Houston, Porsche St. Louis, and Porsche of Rancho Mirage on the Desert European Motorcars Campus.