It’s easy to see why buyers increasingly pick luxury compact crossovers like the 2019 Audi Q5; it’s comfortable and quick with plenty of room.
Pros Good powertrains Useful technology Standard active safety features Comfortable interior…
Cons …but it’s a little boring Ditto on the exterior Pricey top trims
Audi has made a number of features standard for 2019, including heated front seats, a seven-inch gauge-cluster display, rear electric child locks, the Audi Connect CARE telematics system, and aluminum trim around the windows. The mid-range Premium Plus model now offers navigation as standard, a wireless smartphone charging pad, and rear-seat USB ports. The Black Optics package is now available on Premium Plus and Prestige models and includes 20-inch dark gray wheels and blacked-out exterior trim.
Pros Gutsy and efficient powertrain, high-tech features, expensively tailored looks.
Cons Not a cargo-hauling leader, LATCH anchors difficult to access, awkward cupholder location.
A few more features are standard this year.New 7-inch driver information display.Premium Plus trim adds standard navigation and wireless phone charging.The 2019 Q5 now offers a few more standard luxuries, including heated front seats and an upgraded driver display and gauge cluster. The midtrim model now includes navigation and wireless phone charging (previously it was an option). They are small changes, but they're enough to keep the Q5 fresh.
PROS Recent chassis changes deliver a smoother ride than before Quiet, comfortable cabin features top-notch interior craftsmanship All-wheel drive comes standard Wide array of technology options
CONS Only one engine offered Diminished space for luggage behind rear seats
Two new performance models join the 2018 GLC-Class Coupe lineup: the AMG GLC 63 and AMG GLC 63 S. Mercedes has also renamed most of the GLC's options packages to better convey the features added. Heated wipers are now standard, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto can now be added with the Smartphone Integration package.
PROS Elegant and premium interior design Excellent balance between agile handling and a comfortable ride Abundant driver safety aids work great Four- and six-cylinder engines are fuel-efficient for the class
CONS Hard to brake smoothly Rear headroom isn't great, especially in the middle Infotainment controls aren't always easy to use Less useful cargo area than in regular GLC
Mercedes-AMG peppers performance and spicy styling into its coupe/crossover casserole. The powertrain platter includes a 362-hp twin-turbo V-6 or twin-turbo V-8s pumping out 469 or 503 ponies. All engines pair with a nine-speed automatic and all-wheel drive.
Pros Porsche 911 quick, grippy handling, strong brakes, V-8 rumble.
Cons Stiff ride, noisy tires, feels big and heavy from behind the wheel.
The 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class captivates crossover types with its lush cabin and its plush ride; there’s AMG power on tap if you must.
Pros Cabinet-grade interior (agency or furniture) Choose your body Choose your engine Burmester audio thrills Doesn’t cut short on technology
Cons Expensive safety options It’s not a Coupe, it’s just less useful Numb steering (GLC 300) Rivals have diesel, plug-ins