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Dean Gibson

Dean is our senior test editor and lead commercial vehicle reviewer. He's part of the team responsible for reviewing new cars from across all classes, both on launches and in comparison tests, and is part of the New Car Awards judging panel. But with more than 20 years of experience working at Auto Express, there's a lot more that Dean can do.

He looks after our van and pick-up truck content, takes on the odd motorbike review and has had plenty of features to his name, too. His first decade at Auto Express was spent working in subbing and production roles, so he knows inside out how the magazine comes together each week. He's transferred those skills to the online side of Auto Express, too. In fact, about the only part of Auto Express Dean hasn't worked on is advertising...

Dean says...
"A lot of changes have taken place in the car industry over the past 20 years, but for me that moment of getting behind the wheel of a brand-new car for the first time never gets old. It doesn't matter if it's big or small, petrol, electric or somewhere in between, driving a new car and getting a feel for it is always a pleasure, and knowing that our test verdicts will help hundreds of buyers choose their next car is a great responsibility to have."

Dean’s main areas of expertise

  • New cars
  • New vans and pick-up trucks
  • Racing sims
  • Motorsport
  • Model cars

Dean Gibson Q&A… 

What was your first car? 

"That would be a Volkswagen Polo Mk2, in the old three-door squareback body. It did the job. I drove it to Bristol and back, and the downpipe on the exhaust snapped as I got off at Junction 3 of the M4. I tried to use as little throttle as possible so as to not draw attention on the way home through north-west London. It was squashed by a tree branch in a storm a couple if years later."

What is your dream car? 

"It's a constantly changing list. Ferrari F40 is pinned at the top, but also a 1964 Ford Galaxie 500, Audi Sport Quattro, BMW M635 CSi, TVR Sagaris, Ducati 916, Bugatti EB110, Mercedes 300 SEL 6.3, Torsus Terrastorm camper conversion, Unimog, Alfa Romeo GTV6..."

If you could change one thing about cars, driving or the car industry today what would it be?

"I was shocked at a story we ran that said the UK's roads are resurfaced on average once every 100 years. Maybe if maintenance was to a higher standard, then driving would be a more pleasurable experience for everyone."

Social media and e-mail

Lexus RZ review
Lexus RZ 300e - main image

Lexus RZ review

The Lexus RZ is a premium EV that makes the most sense in two-wheel drive guise
In-depth reviews
6 Dec 2024
Lexus LBX review
Lexus LBX - main image

Lexus LBX review

The small Lexus LBX SUV breaks new ground for the luxury car maker
In-depth reviews
4 Dec 2024
Volkswagen ID. Buzz vs Lexus LM: which is the best fancy family car?
Volkswagen ID. Buzz LWB and Lexus LM - front tracking

Volkswagen ID. Buzz vs Lexus LM: which is the best fancy family car?

Old-school cool tackles high-end luxury in this MPV clash
Car group tests
4 Dec 2024
Hyundai Santa Fe review
Hyundai Santa Fe - front tracking

Hyundai Santa Fe review

Bold-looking seven-seat Hyundai Santa Fe SUV delivers lots of space in a striking package
In-depth reviews
4 Dec 2024
Ford Explorer vs Renault Scenic: we find the superior electric family SUV
Renault Scenic and Ford Explorer - front tracking

Ford Explorer vs Renault Scenic: we find the superior electric family SUV

Ford and Renault lead the way when using old names for new cars. How do the electric Explorer and Scenic SUVs compare?
Car group tests
20 Nov 2024
Volvo EX40 review
Volvo EX40 - main image

Volvo EX40 review

A new name has had little effect on the capability of the Volvo EX40 premium SUV
In-depth reviews
20 Nov 2024
Volvo XC40 review
Volvo XC40 - front tracking

Volvo XC40 review

The Volvo XC40 is a comfortable and stylish small SUV with some pleasing practical touches
In-depth reviews
19 Nov 2024

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Lexus RZ vs Volvo EX40: Tesla Model Y rivals go head-to-head in electric SUV battle
Lexus RZ 300e and Volvo EX40 - front tracking

Lexus RZ vs Volvo EX40: Tesla Model Y rivals go head-to-head in electric SUV battle

Premium compact electric SUVs are a break from the norm in the class
Car group tests
30 Oct 2024
Skoda Kodiaq review
Skoda Kodiaq - front tracking

Skoda Kodiaq review

The Skoda Kodiaq is a roomy SUV that offers plenty of practical touches and a good engine range
In-depth reviews
14 Oct 2024
Skoda Kodiaq vs Hyundai Santa Fe: a 7-seater SUV showdown
Hyundai Santa Fe and Skoda Kodiaq - front tracking

Skoda Kodiaq vs Hyundai Santa Fe: a 7-seater SUV showdown

The chunky new Hyundai Santa Fe squares up against the Skoda Kodiaq in a battle of the family-friendly seven-seaters
Car group tests
9 Oct 2024
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Ford Explorer review
Ford Explorer - main image

Ford Explorer review

Electric SUV adds some Ford flavour to its VW-derived running gear
In-depth reviews
8 Oct 2024
Renault Estafette returns! Striking concept previews the future of electric vans
Renault Estafette - front

Renault Estafette returns! Striking concept previews the future of electric vans

Renault taps into its past once again, naming its new electric van after 1959 original
News
16 Sep 2024
Nissan Juke vs Volkswagen T-Roc: small SUVs fight for family car honours
Nissan Juke and Volkswagen T-Roc - front tracking

Nissan Juke vs Volkswagen T-Roc: small SUVs fight for family car honours

Small SUVs from Nissan and Volkswagen battle it out to determine which is the best option for everyday family life
Car group tests
17 Aug 2024
New BMW i7 eDrive50 M Sport review: RWD luxury EV with a sporty twist
BMW i7 - front

New BMW i7 eDrive50 M Sport review: RWD luxury EV with a sporty twist

The all-electric BMW i7 eDrive50 loses the front-mounted motor of its xDrive siblings, but remains rapid, quiet and refined
Road tests
9 Aug 2024
Mercedes E-Class review
Mercedes E-Class E 300 e - main image

Mercedes E-Class review

The Mercedes E-Class brings more tech than ever before, and it’s still a great long-distance cruiser
In-depth reviews
8 Aug 2024
New Ford Tourneo Courier 2024 review: hides its van roots well
Ford Tourneo Courier Titanium - front

New Ford Tourneo Courier 2024 review: hides its van roots well

The new Tourneo Courier is the smallest MPV in Ford's line-up and is more fun to drive than its looks suggest
Road tests
8 Aug 2024
Mercedes E 220 d review: a technical tour de force
Mercedes E-Class UK - front

Mercedes E 220 d review: a technical tour de force

The all-new Mercedes E-Class executive saloon piles on the tech to take on the BMW 5 Series and Audi A6
Road tests
8 Aug 2024
BMW iX2 vs Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron: premium electric SUVs fight for glory
BMW iX2 and Audi Q4 e-tron Sportback - front tracking

BMW iX2 vs Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron: premium electric SUVs fight for glory

Sporty electric coupe-SUVs go head to head, as the new BMW iX2 takes on the updated Audi Q4 Sportback e-tron
Car group tests
27 Jul 2024
Volkswagen ID. Buzz review
Volkswagen ID. Buzz - front tracking

Volkswagen ID. Buzz review

The Volkswagen ID. Buzz is arguably the most convincing electric car from the company yet
In-depth reviews
22 Jul 2024
Isuzu D-Max Mudmaster review: extreme off-road add-ons bring big capability
Isuzu D-Max Mudmaster - front action

Isuzu D-Max Mudmaster review: extreme off-road add-ons bring big capability

Japanese firm raids the accessories brochure to make a genuine go-anywhere 4x4
Road tests
19 Jul 2024
Pick-up of the Year 2024: Ford Ranger
Ford Ranger - Pick-up of the Year 2024

Pick-up of the Year 2024: Ford Ranger

The Ford Ranger is the 2024 Auto Express Pick-up of the Year, with the Toyota Hilux and Volkswagen Amarok commended
Awards
3 Jul 2024
Van of the Year 2024: Ford Transit Courier
Ford Transit Custom - Van of the Year 2024

Van of the Year 2024: Ford Transit Courier

The Ford Transit Courier is the 2024 Auto Express Van of the Year, with the Citroen Berlingo and Ford Transit Custom commended
Awards
3 Jul 2024
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Electric Van of the Year 2024: Ford E-Transit Custom
Ford E-Transit Custom - Electric Van of the Year 2024

Electric Van of the Year 2024: Ford E-Transit Custom

The Ford E-Transit Custom is the 2024 Auto Express Electric Van of the Year, with the Renault Master E-Tech and Vauxhall Vivaro Electric commended
Awards
3 Jul 2024
MINI Countryman review
MINI Countryman - main image

MINI Countryman review

The MINI Countryman is the brand’s most convincing SUV to date, with a standout interior and petrol or EV power
In-depth reviews
3 Jul 2024
Ford Transit Courier van review
Ford Transit Courier - front

Ford Transit Courier van review

Although the Ford Transit Courier is the baby of Blue Oval's van line-up, it's now bigger and more competent than ever
In-depth reviews
1 Jul 2024
Hyundai Tucson Hybrid 2024 review: class-leading SUV gets subtle improvements
New Hyundai Tucson hybrid - front tracking

Hyundai Tucson Hybrid 2024 review: class-leading SUV gets subtle improvements

There’s been a nip and a tuck for the class-leading compact SUV
Road tests
26 Jun 2024
New MG Cyberster 2024 review: electric GT is a world away from the MGB
MG Cyberster 2024 UK - front

New MG Cyberster 2024 review: electric GT is a world away from the MGB

The two-seat MG Cyberster electric roadster fits the open-topped grand tourer brief
Road tests
24 Jun 2024
Renault Scenic vs Hyundai Ioniq 5: eye-catching electric SUVs go head-to-head
Renault Scenic vs Hyundai Ioniq 5 - header image

Renault Scenic vs Hyundai Ioniq 5: eye-catching electric SUVs go head-to-head

Renault is resurrecting past names for its electric future. But how does the new Scenic compare against the Hyundai Ioniq 5?
Car group tests
18 Jun 2024
Updated Renault Captur pricing and specs announced
Renault Captur facelift - front static

Updated Renault Captur pricing and specs announced

The facelifted Renault Captur shares kit with the Clio, and starts from £21,095
News
11 Jun 2024
New Renault Captur 2024 facelift review: stylish small SUV gets welcome updates
Renault Captur facelift - front

New Renault Captur 2024 facelift review: stylish small SUV gets welcome updates

The Renault Captur SUV gets a sharper look and more kit as part of a 2024 facelift
Road tests
7 Jun 2024
Ineos Grenadier Quartermaster pick-up review
Ineos Quartermaster - front

Ineos Grenadier Quartermaster pick-up review

Adding a bed to the company's go-anywhere Grenadier 4x4 comes with compromises
In-depth reviews
18 May 2024
Skoda Scala vs Citroen C4 2024 twin test: which is the best-value family hatchback?
Skoda Scala and Citroen C4 - front tracking

Skoda Scala vs Citroen C4 2024 twin test: which is the best-value family hatchback?

The revised Skoda Scala takes on Citroen’s C4 in the battle to be the best-value family hatchback
Car group tests
18 May 2024
Volvo XC40 vs MINI Countryman 2024 twin test: a small SUV skirmish
MINI Countryman and Volvo XC40 - front tracking

Volvo XC40 vs MINI Countryman 2024 twin test: a small SUV skirmish

The MINI Countryman is now a big hitter in the premium compact SUV class, but can it beat the Volvo XC40?
Car group tests
4 May 2024
Renault Kangoo E-Tech long-term test: a surprisingly sophisticated small electric van
Auto Express senior road test editor Dean Gibson pointing at the Renault Kangoo E-Tech

Renault Kangoo E-Tech long-term test: a surprisingly sophisticated small electric van

Final report: frustrating infotainment hasn’t spoiled our time with electric van
Long-term tests
3 May 2024