In the luxury sport-utility vehicle space, there's a whole lot of competition. Even crazier is how many of these SUVs are all-new.
Just think: There's an all-new Volvo XC60, the BMW X3 just landed, the GLC is relatively fresh, there's the all-new Discovery and then there's the all-new Stelvio. I am sure I am missing one or two also.
That said, if you're looking to stray from the usual suspects, there's a chance you may cross-shop the all-new Volvo XC60 and the Alfa Romeo Stelvio with something more traditional. In this case the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class.
So, what happens when you get this fearsome foursome together for a group test? Well, seek and ye shall find, Spies!
The end result may surprise you.
Verdict
First place: Volvo XC60
D5 trim isn’t the XC60’s sweet spot, but you get enough performance for your money, while the more advanced tech on offer puts clear ground between the Volvo and its rivals. It offers the best blend of practicality, performance, comfort and usability in a thoroughly modern package that’s good to drive, which is why it takes victory here. We’d go for the even more frugal D4, though.
Second place: Mercedes GLC
The GLC’s comfort and quality allied to its vast interior and practicality make it a great premium family SUV. However, it loses out to the XC60 on price, performance and agility – not to mention the Mercedes’ older in-car entertainment. This is still much better than the Alfa’s system, though; the GLC is a more complete package when compared with the Stelvio.
Third place: Alfa Romeo Stelvio
While the Stelvio is quick and responsive, it loses out on comfort, interior quality and tech. Low CO2 given the pace plus an affordable price relative to competitors make it a cost-effective company car, but private buyers will lose too much money. The Alfa isn’t as well built or trimmed as its rivals, but the lack of infotainment tech and ride refinement seals its fate here.
Read Article