We all have guilty pleasures. Whether it be junk food, crappy television or a corny song, everyone has something that they love that they’re slightly ashamed to admit. But what about an automotive guilty pleasure? Surely, as car enthusiasts, there’s at least one car that you secretly like but you might not tell other enthusiasts. For me, I have two — the Mercedes-Benz G-Wagen and the BMW X1 (current front-wheel drive generation).
The former, I take quite a bit of heat for from BMW enthusiasts. How could I like a nearly three-ton, Kardashian-driven box from the rival Mercedes-Benz? Well, it’s just awesome, that’s why. Admittedly, I really like the old, ’80s ones best, with their cloth, plaid seats, no-frills interiors and rugged good looks. But I’d take any G-Wagen from any generation. They’re just so tough, badass and cool. I don’t care that the Kardashians drive them, I don’t care that no one will ever use their off-road capability and I don’t care that they’re mainly bought as fashion statements. I love the G-Wagen, I want one and I will likely buy (a very old and cheap) one, one day.
Now, for the latter, the BMW X1, I do genuinely like it. I know, I know, I should leave my proverbial BMW enthusiast badge and gun left on the desk on my way out the door. Still, I think it’s a great car. Sure, it’s front-wheel drive based, which isn’t as exciting as rear-wheel drive, but it’s such a nice driving little crossover that does everything well. It looks good, it’s comfortable, practical, spacious, well-made and decently fun to drive. All for an affordable price. As someone with a small family of my own now, the BMW X1 is actually something that makes a lot of sense for me and I would drive one with real pride because it’s a damn good, honest little car.
So those are my automotive guilty pleasures. What are yours?
