Brian Drives Cars Podcast By Brian Makse Bleav cover art

Brian Drives Cars

Brian Drives Cars

By: Brian Makse Bleav
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About this listen

Brian Makse is an automotive expert with an insatiable passion for driving and motorsports. A racer and racing team owner, he's driven racetracks worldwide and now shares his knowledge and experiences through popular automotive videos on his YouTube channel. With decades of racing insights and countless miles behind the wheel of everything from supercars to SUVs, Brian brings an adventurous and helpful voice to his new car reviews, driving tips, and racing tales – drawing on his deep expertise and enthusiasm for automotive excellence to inform and entertain auto lovers around the world.Brian Makse
Episodes
  • The Minimalist Polestar 3 Has Maximalist Tech
    Jul 6 2025

    The 2025 Polestar 3 Launch Edition promises Swedish minimalism but delivers 25 speakers, LiDAR, and 254 TOPS of Nvidia computing power. At $92,000, this electric luxury SUV challenges everything you know about Scandinavian design philosophy. But does all this technology actually make you a better driver?

    In this comprehensive review, we examine Polestar's first SUV through the lens of real driving performance. From the 517-horsepower dual-motor setup with torque vectoring to the occasionally frustrating key fob situation, we test every aspect that matters to driving enthusiasts. The minimalist interior hides maximum complexity, but does Swedish engineering justify BMW iX pricing?

    Our honest assessment covers acceleration testing (0-60 in 4.5 seconds), handling dynamics with the dual-chamber air suspension, and daily usability in real world driving conditions. The Polestar 3 represents a fascinating paradox: minimalist design philosophy meeting maximum technological complexity. Whether you're cross-shopping against the BMW iX, Genesis GV70 Electrified, or Tesla Model X, this review provides insights you won't find elsewhere.

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    // MY AMAZON STORE with my favorite things for drivers https://www.amazon.com/shop/influencer-4cc174af (this is an affiliate link)

    /// MERCH Pick up some sweet merch in our store! https://brian-makse-shop.fourthwall.com

    /// SOCIAL

    YouTube: http://youtube.com/@brianmakse

    Instagram: http://Instagram.com/BrianMakse

    Twitter: http://Twitter.com/BrianMakse

    Facebook: http://Facebook.com/MakseAttack

    Link In My Bio: https://makse.com/linkinbio/

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    About Brian: http://makse.com/about

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    20 mins
  • Why The $123,500 M4 CS Changes Everything About BMW M Cars
    Jul 5 2025

    2025 BMW M4 CS Review: What BMW Won't Tell You About Modern M Cars

    The BMW M4 CS reveals something BMW doesn't want you to know: they've been holding back their best engineering capabilities in regular M cars to justify premium variants like this $123,500 track-focused monster. After extensive testing, I discovered that the chassis tuning, brake calibration, and suspension geometry in this CS could have been implemented in every M4 from day one – but BMW chose not to give it to you until now.

    This comprehensive review explores exactly what separates the M4 CS from the Competition and whether BMW's tiered engineering strategy makes this the ultimate M4 or just an expensive way to access capabilities you should have had already. The CS makes 543 horsepower from its twin-turbo S58 engine, weighs 77 pounds less than the Competition xDrive, and delivers genuine supercar performance in a daily-drivable package.

    What You'll Discover:

    I break down the real-world ownership experience beyond typical press reviews, including the shocking compromises BMW made (like completely eliminating cup holders), the shared components with M3 CS and M4 CSL that most people never learn about, and why this limited-production model represents either brilliant product strategy or sophisticated customer manipulation. In this episode, you'll find detailed performance testing, interior analysis, and honest assessments of whether the $25,000 premium over M4 Competition delivers meaningful improvements or just exclusive bragging rights.

    Technical Highlights:

    The S58 3.0L twin-turbo inline-six produces 543 hp and 479 lb-ft, launching this 3,902-pound machine to 60 mph in 3.2 seconds. The M xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive system includes rear-wheel drive mode for maximum enjoyment, while the adaptive M suspension features CS-specific geometry that transforms handling dynamics. Carbon ceramic brakes, M Carbon bucket seats, and extensive CFRP bodywork justify the weight reduction and premium positioning.

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    // MY AMAZON STORE with my favorite things for drivers https://www.amazon.com/shop/influencer-4cc174af (this is an affiliate link)

    /// MERCH Pick up some sweet merch in our store! https://brian-makse-shop.fourthwall.com

    /// SOCIAL

    YouTube: http://youtube.com/@brianmakse

    Instagram: http://Instagram.com/BrianMakse

    Twitter: http://Twitter.com/BrianMakse

    Facebook: http://Facebook.com/MakseAttack

    Link In My Bio: https://makse.com/linkinbio/

    /// MORE

    About Brian: http://makse.com/about

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    19 mins
  • The 2025 Camry SE AWD Is A Hybrid That Doesn't Hate Driving
    Jun 29 2025

    2025 Toyota Camry SE AWD Review: Not Your Aunt's Boring Sedan Anymore

    Toyota has completely reinvented the Camry for 2025, going all-hybrid across the lineup while adding available all-wheel drive. In this in-depth review, we test drive the value-oriented SE AWD model to discover if Toyota's bold move pays off. With 232 horsepower, sport-tuned suspension, and impressive fuel economy, this ninth-generation Camry challenges everything you thought you knew about Toyota's bestselling sedan.

    We explore the completely redesigned exterior styling featuring the aggressive hammerhead front end, then dive into the surprisingly sporty interior with its SofTex seats, heated steering wheel, and improved driver ergonomics. On the road, we test the fifth-generation Toyota Hybrid System paired with the Electronic On-Demand AWD system that uses a dedicated rear electric motor for improved traction and handling. Plus, we analyze whether the SE AWD trim level, priced around $35,000 as tested, represents the sweet spot in the Camry lineup.

    KEY SPECS:

    • 2.5L 4-cylinder engine with 5th gen hybrid system (232 combined hp)
    • Electronic On-Demand All-Wheel Drive with rear electric motor
    • Electronically controlled CVT with paddle shifters
    • Sport-tuned suspension with larger stabilizer bars
    • 18-inch black-finished alloy wheels
    • Heated front seats and heated leather-wrapped steering wheel
    • 34 MPG combined real-world fuel economy

    ———————————————————————

    // MY AMAZON STORE with my favorite things for drivers https://www.amazon.com/shop/influencer-4cc174af (this is an affiliate link)

    /// MERCH Pick up some sweet merch in our store! https://brian-makse-shop.fourthwall.com

    /// SOCIAL

    YouTube: http://youtube.com/@brianmakse

    Instagram: http://Instagram.com/BrianMakse

    Twitter: http://Twitter.com/BrianMakse

    Facebook: http://Facebook.com/MakseAttack

    Link In My Bio: https://makse.com/linkinbio/

    /// MORE

    About Brian: http://makse.com/about

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    21 mins
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