BMW v Mercedes v Audi v Volvo: BEST premium SUV review

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Rating: 4; Vote: 2

If you re in the market for a high-end plug-in hybrid SUV, which should you go for - a Mercedes GLC, BMW X3, Audi Q5 or Volvo XC60? Well, Mat s got his hands on each one, and he s about to put them all head-to-head to find out which is the #1 plug-in hybrid SUV you can get your hands on! So let s see how they all compare. Starting with the Volvo, it s one of the oldest cars here - but it can still keep up with these more modern plug-in hybrids! Since 2017 it s only had a couple of minor updates made to the design and interior, but it still has a classy design, with chrome trim on the outside helping it to stand out. The interior is pretty minimalist, although controlling most features through the touchscreen infotainment system can be a bit annoying. It also has new digital dials, but they re a bit bland. The XC60 is powered by a 2-litre turbo petrol engine and an electric motor, the T8 is the most powerful car in this line-up, being able to produce 455hp. An entry-level XC60 will set you back 47, 650. Next up we have the Audi Q5. It may come with exceedingly obvious fake exhaust pipes, but it s still one of the best-looking cars here. Just like the Volvo it comes with chrome trim on the outside, and all-in-all it looks pretty smart. The interior is well built as well, with soft-touch materials found throughout the cabin. Thankfully it comes with physical buttons for the climate control, and the digital dials are probably the best in this entire line-up. The Audi Q5 is equipped with a 2-litre turbo petrol engine & an electric motor, and this 50 TFSI e edition can produce 299hp. The Audi Q5 range is the most affordable, too, with it coming in at a price of 46, 785. Next up it s the BMW. Up front, it comes with a pretty huge grille (which will come as no surprise to our BMW fanboys & girls, but we think it makes it s all a bit much. After all, it s only a family-friendly SUV, so it could perhaps do with being toned down a bit. Thankfully the quality of the cabin more than makes up for this, with high-quality materials found throughout, and a pretty high-tech infotainment screen which can be controlled with a dial on the centre console. The X3 is powered by a 2-litre turbo petrol and an electric motor, but it s the least powerful hybrid here, with the xDrive 30e only able to produce 292hp. The BMW X3 range kicks off at 47, 295. Then finally we have the newest car in this line-up, the Mercedes GLC. Just like the Audi it has super prominent fake exhausts, but we still think it s one of the best-looking cars here. It has a great side profile, and the elements of chrome trim and the running boards along the side enhance the look. It s a positive story on the inside, too, with a large infotainment screen in the centre of the dash and a large digital dial display. You ll find soft-touch materials throughout the cabin as well. It s powered by a (you guessed it ) 2-litre turbo petrol with an electric motor, and these combine to produce 320hp. It ll come as no surprise that the GLC is also the most expensive car here, being the newest, with the range starting from 52, 880. But which do you think is the best - will the all-new GLC come out on top? Or does the classic XC60 stand a chance? You ll need to stick with Mat and see for yourself! Oliver: I dont understand the miles per gallon logic, can someone explain? How do you get over 500 miles per gallon, than they switch to the dials, it says something like thirty something and he calculates something in his head and says its not 500 miles per gallon, like what? In liters per 100 kilometers it s way more logical to me and easy to understand
Date: 2023-05-31

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Comments and reviews: 14

Anthony
Hey carwow
Next video you should do is a midsize luxury SUV comparison with the Audi Q7 and Land Rover Defender and BMW x5 and Volvo XC90 and Lexus RX and Land Rover Discovery and Audi q8 and Porsche Cayenne and Land Rover Range Rover Sport and Maserati Levante and Mercedes Benz GLE Class and Volkswagen Touareg and Genesis gv80 and BMW x6 and Aston Martin DBX and Bentley Bentagya and Lamborghini Urus and Ferrari purosangue and Jeep Grand Cherokee
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Chakib
The collision detection at least in my XC40 Recharge only triggers when you're going head on against an obstacle in front of you and I believe it takes into account your steering angle, that's why it didn't trigger. It knew at that angle you wouldn't collide with the truck otherwise it'll trigger at every corner.
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Long
The Volvo does have that problem with the back doors being part of the wheel housing which unfortunately has meant for a lot of owners that it doesn t keep tight enough and let in dirt and dust into the back seat. A shame really. The car is absolutely perfect for me in all aspects.
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Preston
Like I have said in the XC60 review. Overall, I would take a GLC but if we are talking about safety, I would take the XC60 but for performance an Audi SQ5 is good value for money. And the BMW, for the convenience. This is my opinion though.
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Theo
I dont get these cars at all, superb combi sweeps these uglies in all categories. any solid estate really. even 80' hatchbacks are faster and have similar luggage space. these embody everything wrong with car design
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Jon
Or just buy a Tesla Model Y for a better overall experience with less money and much bigger boot. And if you want petrol, then go for the VW Tiguan - even the R version is competitive for the price.
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Spasm975
That Volvo interior is awful, looks more like a Ford in comparison to BMW Audi or Merc.
But from the exterior pov, even though it's the oldest line here, it still looks the best.
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William
2 other great cars in the same category to compare to these 4 would of been the Range Rover Velar P400e plug in hybrid or the land rover discovery sport P300e plug in hybrid.
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Anthony
Where is the Lexus nx and Jaguar f pace and Land Rover Discovery Sport and Genesis GV70 and Alfa Romeo Stelvio and Maserati Grecale and DS7 and Porsche Macan and Mazda CX60
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Jason
I d take the Volvo, I like it s relatively understated looks and to me the interior feels much more restful and pleasant than the others. Though I d prefer a V60 to the XC.
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Preston
It's amazing how much technology has evolved over the past generation. Not the price though, they are very expensive, but I guess technology doesn't come cheap.
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aykut
Just bought an Q5 55tfsi E. Added horsepower really makes the car come alive. Unfortunately choose the adaptive air suspension and it is back at the dealer again
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John
Funny you mention the lack of a driver mode button in the XC60, years previous to 2021 (I think that s the correct year) had this as a roller button
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Andrew
I think we almost all if not all want to see the ultimate Super SUV drag race: Urus Perf vs Cayenne Turbo GT vs DBX 707 vs RSQ8 vs X6M competition
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