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!
Chapters
00:00 Intro
00:23 Price
01:15 Design
03:45 Interior
07:17 Back Seats
11:30 Boot
13:47 Power
14:43 0-60mph
16:34 Volvo XC60 Driving
18:31 Audi Q5 Driving
21:13 BMW X3 Driving
23:59 Mercedes GLC Driving
27:04 Verdict
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