The name sounds odd, but the Touareg offers a comfortable ride and spirited performance—something we all can understand. Its 3.6-liter V-6 makes 280 hp and is mated to an eight-speed automatic and all-wheel drive. The Touareg is large, comfortable, and solid—plus it’s equally at home both on and off the pavement. A standard touchscreen infotainment display is functional but dated; the optional adaptive cruise control and automated emergency braking, however, are well engineered and effective.
PROS Comfortable, tech-laden interior Active safety functions 3.5 tonne towing, real off-road ability Ride on standard air suspension
CONS No seven-seat option Lacks a full-size spare tyre Expensive for a Volkswagen
The Mercedes-Benz EQC is all new for the 2020 model year.
Pros Plush cabin, refined handling, costs less than some competitors.
Cons Some rivals offer quicker acceleration, shorter driving range than some competing models, infotainment system's touchpad comes with a learning curve.
Pros All-electric powertrain Familiar and handsome styling Impressive performance Spacious interior Customizable regen
Cons Is 200 miles enough range? May be too conservative for some Too late?
The first Mercedes-Benz EV is deliberately free of revolutionary tendencies, but for many of its SUV customers it could be an introduction to a new world of motoring.The first Mercedes-Benz fully electric vehicle (EV) to be sold in Australia has arrived. It's called the EQC and is targeted at the Jaguar I-Pace, Tesla Model X, and imminent Audi e-tron.
Pros Quiet, wafting driving experience Loaded with cabin tech Outstanding safety credentials Understated design a genuine point of difference
Cons Moderate driving range Back seats and boot nothing special Front suspension can get crashy Supply appears to be quite limited
