The Car Guide’s 2020 Best Buys: Audi Q7 and Q8
Every year, The Car Guide publishes its Best Buys in nearly 30 different vehicle categories. Today we continue our review of the 2020 winners with a look at midsize luxury SUVs. And believe it or not, the four-ring brand comes out on top yet again.
After dominating our Sub-compact luxury SUV (Q3) and Compact luxury SUV (Q5) categories, Audi completes a trifecta with the Q7 and Q8 (MSRP from $71,300). By the way, these two were our Best Buy in 2019, as well.
The versatile Q7 shines with outstanding build quality, lots of cutting-edge technology, handling that is more dynamic than ever and a maximum towing capacity of 7,700 pounds. Of course, we also love the sharp and newly refreshed exterior.
Some excellent four- and six-cylinder turbocharged engines are available, ranging from 248 to 355 horsepower. The latter features a 48V mild hybrid system, but don’t miss the upcoming plug-in hybrid variant that can travel approximately 40 kilometres on battery power.
Similar to the more athletic-looking Q8, there’s a high-performance model (SQ7) blessed with a 500-horsepower, twin-turbocharged V8. The cream of the crop, however, is the sensational RS Q8, which cranks out 590 horsepower and is a treat to push on a track.
The runner-up in the midsize luxury SUV segment is the pair formed by the BMW X5 and X6 (MSRP from $73,500). The former was redesigned last year; now it’s the latter’s turn—new body, new technologies and improved interior finish. In both cases, the powertrain lineup is impressive. For example, the M Competition models pack 617 ponies under the hood.
Finally, third place goes to another German SUV that’s available in traditional and coupe body styles, namely the Porsche Cayenne (MSRP from $76,700). We highly enjoy its generous power and sports car-like dynamics. Amazingly, the Turbo S E-Hybrid model produces a combined 670 horsepower and can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in just 3.6 seconds while offering an EV range of up to 44 kilometres.
The Car Guide’s 2020 Scores
- Audi Q7 and Q8 – 84%
- BMW X5 and X6 – 83%
- Porsche Cayenne – 82%
