Consumer_Reports_-_April_2020

Audi A8

Audi's redesigned top-level

sedan features a smooth,

powerful turbocharged

V6 engine that returned

21 mpg overall in our

tests, which is impressive for a large

AWD sedan. Audi's new infotainment

system looks complex at first, but

over time we found it to be logical

and intuitive to use. We like how the

touch screen vibrates to confirm each selection for any audio or climate

task. The A8's ride is supremely comfortable, and handling is responsive.

The cabin is quiet and impeccably furnished. The front seats are comfortable

and supportive, and they have a multitude of available adjustments; the

rear seat has limolike room. Forward collision warning, automatic emergency

braking, and lane departure warning are standard.



OVERALL

SCORE

67

$85,200-$129,500

RELIABILITY

1

SATISFACTION

4

ROAD-TEST SCORE 96 MPG 21

Audi E-Tron
!

This all-electric luxury mid-

sized SUV is a treat to drive.

It has standard all-wheel

drive, a luxurious cabin, and

a healthy list of advanced

safety features. The E-Tron's 95-kilowatt-

hour battery gives it an EPA-estimated

range of 204 miles, which trails its peers.

It's quick and super-quiet, which makes

the E-Tron glide along smoothly and

effortlessly. However, it takes 13 hours to charge the E-Tron from near empty

through a 240-volt connector. The standard air suspension gives the Audi a

super-comfortable ride. Although the E-Tron has responsive handling, it isn't as

nimble as the Jaguar I-Pace. The cabin is dominated by two large touch screens,

which we found to be daunting at first but ultimately manageable. Standard

advanced safety systems include forward collision warning, automatic emer-

gency braking, blind spot warning, and rear cross traffic warning.



OVERALL

SCORE

82

$74,800

RELIABILITY

4

SATISFACTION

5

ROAD-TEST SCORE 84 MPGe 74

Audi Q3!

The redesigned Q3 is a

pleasant SUV that packs

luxury and practicality

into a small package. A

turbocharged 228-hp,

2.0-liter four-cylinder paired with an

eight-speed automatic transmission

makes for lively, predictable accelera-

tion and smooth shifts, but the engine

can sound raspy. Handling is sharp

and predictable, and the ride skews firm. All-wheel drive is standard. The Q3's

23 mpg overall fuel economy is on a par with the class, but we like that this

SUV doesn't require premium gas (certain competitors do). An uncluttered

dashboard features well-labeled buttons and an easy-to-use touch screen. Fit

and finish is very good, the front seats are supportive, and the roomy rear seat

can slide forward to make more space for cargo. Thick pillars at the rear hinder

visibility, and blind spot warning is optional.



OVERALL

SCORE

78

$34,700-$42,900

RELIABILITY

3

SATISFACTION

4

ROAD-TEST SCORE 84 MPG 23

Audi Q5
!

The Q5 is one of the best

choices among compact

luxury SUVs. It has nimble

and secure handling. The

ride is compliant and

controlled, and the cabin is quiet.

The smooth 248-hp, 2.0-liter turbo

four-cylinder engine is coupled to a

seven-speed dual-clutch automatic

transmission. It has plenty of power,

yet this combination also returned a good 24 mpg overall in our tests. The

available Audi Virtual Cockpit lets drivers switch between a traditional gauge

cluster and a larger display that can focus on audio, phone, or navigation

information. Fit and finish is impressive, and the seats are comfortable and

supportive. Forward collision warning and city-speed automatic emergency

braking are standard. Other available advanced safety features include blind

spot warning, rear cross traffic warning, and lane keeping assistance.



OVERALL

SCORE

75

$43,300-$52,900

RELIABILITY

3

SATISFACTION

4

ROAD-TEST SCORE 83 MPG 24

Audi Q7

!

Audi's luxury three-row SUV

is an impressive vehicle,

and among the best we've

ever tested. Our Q7 used a

supercharged 3.0-liter V6

that delivered effortless acceleration

and 20 mpg overall in our tests. The

Q7 is very quiet, instilling a sense of

tranquility. The ride has an under lying

firmness unless buyers splurge on the

Prestige trim and the optional air suspension, which makes it as plush as

a luxury car. Handling is responsive and confidence-inspiring. The beautifully

finished interior exudes luxury, with excellent seats and a vivid, high-tech

digital instrument cluster. Forward collision warning and city-speed automatic

emergency braking are standard. A freshened 2020 model features the control

layout and 335-hp, 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 from the new Q8.



OVERALL

SCORE

84

$53,550-$67,850

RELIABILITY

3

SATISFACTION

4

ROAD-TEST SCORE 96 MPG 20

Audi Q8

This five-seat, coupelike

SUV is based on the Q7

but is wider and lower, and

uses a new powertrain and

infotainment system (which

the 2020 Q7 gets). Some functionality

is compromised for the more dynamic

styling. The Q8's 335-hp, 3.0-liter

turbocharged V6, with a 48-volt

mild-hybrid system, is paired to a

smooth eight-speed automatic. It's quiet, luxurious, and among the more

sporty- driving SUVs. The new dual touch-screen control interface is daunting

at first but isn't too difficult to master. The Q8 features standard forward colli-

sion warning and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, but

blind spot warning and rear cross traffic warning are optional—these should

be standard for a luxury SUV in this class. An RS Q8 super-high-performance

version with a twin turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine is new.



OVERALL

SCORE

NA

$68,200-$77,700

RELIABILITY

1

SATISFACTION

4

ROAD-TEST SCORE NA MPG NA

Audi TT!

Overall, the TT is more

about style and technology

than outright performance.

The TT coupe and convert-

ible use a 228-hp, 2.0-liter

four-cylinder engine; the TTS features

a 288-hp version. The six-speed dual-

clutch automatic transmission swaps

gears quickly, but some vibration

is noticeable at very low speeds. The

car feels nimble and entertaining, and dives into corners with enthusiasm and

a dash of steering feedback. The ride is quite firm but not punishing, and noise

is kept at bay. Inside the snug interior is Audi's digital instrument panel, which

incorporates all gauges and displays, and eliminates the center-dash screen.

HVAC and seat-heating controls are incorporated into dash vents. A 2.5-liter

turbo five-cylinder RS performance version is also available. The TT lacks most

advanced safety systems, a disappointment for a car in this price range.



OVERALL

SCORE

78

$45,500-$54,500

RELIABILITY

4

SATISFACTION

4

ROAD-TEST SCORE 84 MPG 26

BMW 2 Series

!

This small coupe is

exhilarating to drive, with

razor-sharp handling and

a sporty feel that is missing

in other recent BMWs. The

230i is the base version and comes

with a 248-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder

engine; the uplevel M240i has a terrific

335-hp, 3.0-liter turbo six-cylinder that

responds instantly to every prod of the

throttle. A 405-hp M2 version with even sportier handling is available. The

six-speed manual and eight-speed automatic transmissions are slick and

super-responsive. The excellent front seats are very supportive, but the

rear seats are cramped. Interior appointments are first-rate, and the iDrive

control system is logical once mastered. All-wheel drive and a convertible are

available. Forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking are

standard. A four-door Gran Coupe version has been added for 2020.



OVERALL

SCORE

87

$35,300-$58,900

RELIABILITY

3

SATISFACTION

4

ROAD-TEST SCORE 98 MPG 25

APRIL 2020 CR.ORG 51

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