With fall fully in swing and the start of 2014 just around the corner, we at GGBailey.com thought this would be a good time to reflect on some of our favorite 2014 year model vehicles, many of which are already available.
The automotive industry, more so than most, is always looking forward, and many 2014 models hit the market as early as last spring. The makes and models we have picked out for our list below represent innovation, luxury, style, customization, and quality -- things that are also represented by our car mats, home mats, and pet placemats.
So check out our Top Ten favorites of 2014 (presented in no particular order) and let us know what you think in the comment section. And remember, if you are lucky enough to own one of these brand new 2014 cars, we can make custom-fit floor mats just for you. Browse our Car Couture™ section or Design Your Mats™ to get the personalized floor mats that match your style perfectly.
1. BMW 4-Series Coupe
One of the best cars of 2014, the BMW 4-Series Coupe represents a new model for the German auto-maker. BMW has phased out the 3-Series Coupe in favor of this longer, wider, lower and more athletic big brother. Available motors include BMW’s 6-cylinder inline, which boasts 300 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque, and a smaller turbocharged 4-cylinder that makes up for slightly less power with better fuel efficiency. The interior is sleek and functional, with in-dash navigation and Connected Drive, if lacking on frills. We are proud to produce the beautiful floor mats that come in BMWs through our parent company Racemark International, but if you want a personalized set of custom car floor mats designed by you, we can help.
Available in most of the U.S. now, check out the Kelly Blue Book review of the BMW 4-Series Coupe by clicking here.
2. Cadillac CTS
One of America’s finest luxury brands, Cadillac has a knack for combining the finer things in automobile design with raw power and performance. The 2014 Cadillac CTS is a fine example of that, beginning with its strikingly aggressive presence that adds some oomph to the four-door market. The CTS benefitted from a resign for the 2014 model, beginning with a lighter platform that gives it sporty feel on the road whether you pick the base model with a 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder, the 3.6-liter V6, or the new twin-turbocharged version of the V6 that produces 420 horsepower and 430 lb-ft of torque. The inside, of course, is decked out, highlighted by the 14-way or 20-way power adjustable driver’s seat made with memory foam, a Bose audio system, and an advanced safety system.
Scheduled for release this fall, you can read the MSN Auto review of the Cadillac CTS by clicking here.
3. Maserati Ghibli
Sticking with the four-door, luxury-meets-power theme, the 2014 Maserati Ghibli is next up on the GG Bailey Top Ten New Car Models of 2014. Part of an effort to increase sales and expand its brand, Maserati is aiming to grab its share of the so-called “four-door coupe” market with the Ghibli. With the heart of a racer, its power comes from two twin-turbocharged V6 engine option and a new ZF 8-speed automatic transmission that spin either the rear wheels, in the Ghibli and Ghibli S models, or all four wheels in the Ghibli S Q4. All versions feature a customizable interior, including the option of a 1,280-watt 15-speaker sound system designed in collaboration with Bowers & Wilkins. Those in the mood to add another level of personalization can add GG Bailey floor mats, as we can make luxury floor mats for all makes and models.
Planned for a fall 2013 release and a starting price of about $65,000, you can read more about the Maserti Ghibli in the Car and Driver review by clicking here.
4. Mercedes-Benz CLA
Speaking of customization and trying to reach a new audience, Mercedes-Benz is targeting a new group of buyers with its 2014 CLA. With a starting price of just less than $30,000, the CLA offers buyers who want the luxury and quality of Mercede-Benz without the normal price tag. Loyal GGBailey.com blog readers will remember we wrote about the CLA-Class during the Frankfurt Auto Show a couple months ago because of its load of customizable options. It’s those options, from two trim levels to the Sports Package that adds 18-inch wheels and an angry-looking front fascia and grill, and the appealing price tag that first got our attention, but the safety features (including the standard Attention Assist and Collision Prevention Assist) and the fuel-saving stop-start feature that turns off the engine when the car stops really won us over.
Rolling out in the fall or winter of 2013, you can read more about the Mercede-Benz CLA in the Edmunds review by clicking here.
5. Chevrolet Impala
With a complete redesign, the 2014 Impala isn’t what you might have come to expect from one of Chevrolet’s most well known vehicles. Adding an air of sophistication to the car, Chevrolet overhauled the interior, giving Impala its own style and integrating luxury features such as an in-dash touch-screen display, voice and gesture recognition, and heated and cooled seats. Also available are a 305-horsepower V6, 20-inch wheels, 11-speaker audio system, and a spy-like passcode-protected dash cubby hidden behind the display screen. We like the aggressive-for-a-sedan styling that features a Camaro-esque front end and dual exhaust almost as much as the custom options. And GG Bailey has the carpet to coordinate with the interior when you Design Your Mats™ in four easy steps.
Already on sale, you can read the Motor Trend review of the Chevrolet Impala by clicking here.
6. Lexus IS
Another revamped ride for 2014 is the Lexus IS. Both available versions (IS 250 and IS 350 AWD F-Sport) feature a bold new styling and a larger GS-based chassis that has resulted in a bigger cabin for driver and passengers that features a 7-inch touchscreen display, a customizable digital gauge (F-Sport only), and voice command capabilities. As far as the styling, the IS benefits from the shakeup with an oversized front grill, aggressive body lines, and LED headlamps. This sports sedan looks quick, and the F-Sport’s 3.5-liter V6 ought to back up that look, while the 250’s 2.5-liter V6 is designed for efficiency. The Lexus IS has already been defying some critics and outpacing most sales expectations, particularly among the younger buyers who favor the sporty appeal and customization options. We think those buyers would enjoy our custom floor mats too.
Starting at about $42,000, you can read the CNET review of the Lexus IS 350 by clicking here.
7. Kia Cadenza
Kia is taking another shot at the mid-level luxury market with its new Cadenza (remember the Amanti?), and this new car for 2014 is impressing the automotive marketplace. In addition to the Sirius XM Traffic and UVO eServices-powered navigation system and leather seats that come standard, the Cadenza also turns up the sweet sounds of luxury with an impressive Infinity auto system and offers a White Package that adds Nappa leather seats, wood accents, and suede-like trim on the headliner and elsewhere. It also has some muscle, with a 3.3-liter V6 producing 293 horsepower and 255 lb-ft of torque, making it Kia’s most powerful vehicle yet. Back inside, comfort also come standard, as the driver seat adjusts 10 ways and is heated and ventilated, while the the back seats are heated too and offer passengers almost 37 inches of legroom. There are plenty of other options to personalize the Cadenza, and anyone wanting to take it one step further can review our GG Bailey custom carpets by ordering a free swatch kit.
Already available in most markets, you can read the Autoblog.com review of the Kia Cadenza by clicking here.
8. Infiniti Q50
Next on the list is another new arrival, this one in the form of the Infiniti Q50. This four-door sports sedan debuts with an aggressive appearance that is also refined. We like it because the Q50 is ahead of the curve in the technology arena, with offerings such as a moving-object detection system, a forward-collision warning, and a long list of impressive options. Under the hood, a 3.7-liter, 328-horsepower V6 engine powers the All Wheel Drive, and a hybrid set up is optional, which is good for 354 horsepower from an electric motor paired with a 3.5-liter V6. But it’s really Infiniti’s new Drive Mode Select that has GG Bailey excited about the Q50. The DMS system comes with four modes -- Standard, Sport, Eco, and Snow -- that changes gear shift patterns, throttle sensitivity and even the steering system’s ratio and effort, but there is also a Personal mode that allows the driver to set up those options to their own liking. And if there is one thing we like at GGBailey.com, it’s the ability to customize and personalize.
The Infiniti Q50 is on sale now, and you can read a review from The Car Connection by clicking here.
9. Ford Fusion
The 2014 Ford Fusion is an interesting vehicle that has won a lot of praise because the Hybrid version combines fantastic fuel efficiency (40 mph or more) with features not often offered on mid-sized sedans, while also blurring the lines between aggressive and traditional stylings by sloping the roofline and rear pillars. Some of the upscale options offered at reasonable prices include the voice activated, touch screen Ford Sync system, lane departure warning, blind spot detection, and automated parallel parking. But the most interesting is the adaptive cruise control, which slows down and speeds up again based on the car traveling ahead of you. If you want an American-made sedan with style and technology, you can’t go wrong with the Fusion. If you want American-made custom floor mats for your Fusion, GG Bailey has the history and pedigree to meet your needs.
To read more about the Ford Fusion, which is available now, check out the ExtremeTech.com review by clicking here.
10. Acura RLX
Rounding out the GG Bailey Top Ten New Car Models of 2014 list is the Acura RLX, which returns much improved after a one-year hiatus 275 pounds lighter and with a beefed up chassis. The RLX features an undoubtedly subtle styling, but five trim levels are available to add options such as central touch screens and Milano leather seating. It also boasts a direct-injected 3.5-liter V6 that produces 310 horsepower while also getting 31 mph on the highway. It has the drive options of a top notch luxury vehicle, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and a 14-speaker sound system from Krell, a brand only audiophiles will get excited about, as they are among the leaders in high-end audio technology. Our Car Couture™ line would add another high-end element, whether you pick the woven oriental, animal, or plaid patterns, or either of our Subtle Two-Tone carpets.
On the market now, you can read more about the Acura RLX from the reviewers at Autoweek by clicking here.
What do you think? Did we leave off one of your favorites? Comment below to join the conversation.