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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