At the end of each year, it has become almost routine for the media to look back at the great things that happened that year. But as we get older, such an inventory becomes more and more meaningful: firstly, it can help us recall and sort out the major events that happened in the year that is about to pass in this era of information explosion; secondly, when we do the year-end inventory, we can also realize the indelible marks that technological innovation and changes in people's needs have brought to the industry.
Previously, Car Buying Guru has already presented you with the top 10 black technologies, top 10 new energy vehicles, top 10 SUVs and top 10 sedans of 2019. Now it's time to hold your breath and see who will make today's list of the top 10 luxury cars of 2019. For luxury cars, the price difference can be dozens of times, so to make it easier to read, this list will be sorted by vehicle price in ascending order to see which ones you can afford to buy on your budget.
Breaking the power limitations with a V8 + electric motor, Ferrari's SF90?Stradale
Price: $3,988,000
Many people think of the SF90?Stradale as the 488's "successor," as the two are almost identical in terms of price. But in fact, this is a car that was made to Ferrari. But in reality, this is a tribute to the 90th anniversary of the Ferrari team, and we have to think of it as a separate entity, a "supercar showpiece" that combines all of Ferrari's cutting-edge technology.
For Ferrari, the significance of the SF90 Stradale lies in the fact that it's the first V8 supercar designed by Ferrari, and that it's a departure from Pininfarina's design, with a more aerodynamic overall shape. What is really exciting is its powertrain, SF90?Stradale is equipped with a plug-in hybrid four-wheel drive system consisting of a 3.9L twin-turbo V8 engine and three electric motors, matched with an 8-speed dual-clutch gearbox, with a maximum power of 735kW and peak torque of 900N-m, accelerating to 100km/h in only 2.5s, and 0-200km/h in 6.7s, and offering four-wheel drive. 6.7s, and provides four power modes for drivers to choose. The hybrid supercar has a range of up to 25km in pure electric mode and a top speed of 135km/h.
The SF90?Stradale will be the fastest and most cost-effective Ferrari ever built. In the past, 1,000Ps was reserved for the $10 million Hypercar, and the Bugatti Veyron, which was the first to break that, had a sky-high price tag of $30-40 million. However, now, with the support of electrification, Ferrari has lowered the threshold of owning this performance to less than 4 million yuan. This hand "below the top", so that the flagship supercar models are eclipsed, after the "arms race" is sure to be colorful.
Elegant as ever, the Aston Martin DBX
Price: from 2.378 million yuan
Finally, Aston Martin, which has always been known for its British elegance, hasn't been able to escape the law of SUVs, and has unveiled its first SUV, the DBX. The release of the DBX, the first SUV, is another milestone in the history of the Aston Martin brand, which not only raises the brand's global image to new heights, but also hopes that the DBX will become the "Cayenne" of its own family, so that it can shoulder the important task of boosting overall sales.
The elegance of the exterior and interior is inherent to Aston Martin, and the DBX has given the SUV segment a new definition of "elegance and luxury". At the technical level, the DBX adopts a new customized all-aluminum body structure, adaptive three-chamber air suspension, 48V electronic active anti-roll control system and full-time four-wheel drive system to ensure maximum adaptability to different road conditions. Imagine in a future James Bond movie, James Bond driving this car after an intense multi-road racing scene, can still wear a straight suit, with the Bond girl together elegantly down the DBX ......
Price increase of 1.6 million yuan may not be able to mention the car, the Lexus LM
Price: Expected to be 1.5 million yuan. p>Price: expected to start from 1.5 million yuan
Looking at the Lexus product matrix, whether it is sedans or SUVs, there are a few hot-selling models, and the overall layout is more complete. Perhaps the success of the Elfa has attracted the attention of Lexus' "old boss" Toyota, and the Lexus brand made its global debut during this year's Shanghai Auto Show with a new member of the family, the Lexus LM. According to the official introduction, the LM is the successor to the flagship luxury sedan LS, the flagship luxury GT coupe, and the flagship luxury sedan LS. According to the official introduction, LM is the fifth flagship product launched by Lexus after the flagship luxury sedan LS, flagship luxury GT coupe LC, full-size luxury SUV LX and luxury yacht LY. It's worth saying that the LM is also the first MPV created by the Lexus brand.
Of course, in order to distance itself from its Elfa sibling, the Lexus LM will be available in both 7-seat and 4-seat versions. The 7-seater version will have a 12.3-inch center screen, 17-speaker Mark Levinson audio, panoramic video, automatic brake assist, card key, low-bounce polyurethane seat padding, silver ink trim, 13.3-inch in-car TV in the rear, and swing-valve shock absorbers. The more luxurious 4-seater version is further upgraded on the basis of the configuration of the 7-seater version, adding front and rear row dividers, ultra-luxurious rear seats, rear 26-inch on-board TV, rear on-board refrigerator, rear seat massage, rear control panel, rear armrest box, rear storage space, 19-speaker Mark Levinson audio, headphone jack and 6 USB ports, etc., the level of configuration is the peak of this class of vehicle. this class of vehicles can be considered the pinnacle.
Of course, along with this Lexus LM, there are also rumors swirling around from car dealers about price hikes to pick up the car. It is rumored that some Lexus dealers mentioned the first arrival of the LM in Hong Kong, and then directly opened a price increase of 1.6 million yuan sales offer. This, is really bullying the editor can not afford to buy? Well, I can't even afford an Elfa.
Electric cars can also have a sports car model, Porsche Taycan
Price: 1,148,000 yuan - 1,798,000 yuan
Taycan, is Porsche's first mass-produced electric car products. Some may still scoff at the idea of an electric car, but what we must know is that the Taycan is a Porsche before it's an electric car, and it's still a product with a Porsche soul.
The Taycan's only pre-release models are the turbo and turbo?S, priced from 1,498,000 yuan and 1,798,800 yuan in China, with the Taycan as well as the Taycan?S to come. Following the naming convention for fuel cars gives us a better understanding of the Taycan's performance. To use an Internet joke, the Taycan?turbo/turbo?S will be Porsche's first turbo model without a turbo.
Both the Porsche Taycan?turbo and turbo?S are equipped with a 93kWh-capacity battery pack, with the turbo model delivering 460kW of power output, 500kW in overboost mode and 850N-m of torque, while the turbo?S has the same 460kW of power, with overboost mode capable of 560kW and torque Both cars have a top speed of 260km/h and a NEDC range of 465km, which are the basics for a 7min 42sec Nordschleife.
While you're still considering whether you should spend a fortune on a Taycan, I'm telling you it's already slowing down, as global orders for the Taycan have already topped 30,000, far exceeding Porsche's original target of 20,000 units per year. Even with the hordes of keyboard car gods saying it's too expensive, the Taycan continues to attract a large number of luxury car shoppers.
An Enhanced Version of the Audi Q8
Price: $768,800-$1,097,600
The first thing to note is that, as the latest technological product of the Volkswagen Group's MLB?evo platform, the Audi Q8 has the same genes as the Lamborghini Urus and the Bentley Timberland. When you think about it, it's still a great value to spend a million dollars or so on an SUV with the same roots as $3-4 million top-of-the-line luxury cars.
Of course, that's not all there is to the Audi Q8. If the Q7 is positioned as an executive business luxury seat, then the Q8 is a combination of sports, technology, luxury and more personal attributes in one of the seat. Q8 has a personality of exquisite and domineering look, large and flat smoked octagonal grille, with matrix LED headlights, revealing a ruthless, but also create a strong enough aura. The fog lamps on both sides have been changed to vents to ensure the cooling of the brake system.
In terms of performance, the Audi Q8 is equipped with a 3.0T?V6 engine + 48V light hybrid system, which outputs a maximum horsepower of 250kW and a peak torque of 500N-m. The transmission is matched with an 8AT gearbox, which allows 100km acceleration in just 6.2s. What's more, the legendary mechanical Quattro makes a comeback and is mounted on top of the Audi Q8.
Besides the Q8, the even more ferocious Audi RS?Q8 is now available in Europe, and has also set a new record for the fastest SUV in New York North with a time of 7'42"253, which is as much as 7s quicker than the Mercedes AMG?GLC?63?S. At the same time, that time was only 1s slower than the car we've all been talking about - the new-generation Civic Type-R. So if you're not satisfied with the Q8 that's already on the market now, wait until October next year, when the RS?Q8 arrives and is sure to satisfy you, too.
Interpretation of pure American luxury, Lincoln Aviator
Price: 628,800-688,800 yuan
When it comes to mid-sized SUVs of the luxury brands, you will surely be able to count the Mercedes-Benz GLE, BMW X5 and so on, but for the Lincoln Aviator, which represents the most traditional American luxury, you may ignore it, but you will definitely not forget it.
In terms of design, the Aviator's body makes extensive use of lines inspired by airplane wings, making this big guy, which is more than 5 meters long, not bulky at all. The design echoes the vehicle's own name, but also serves as a reminder that the Lincoln brand began with airplane engines.
With a wheelbase of 3,025mm, both six- and seven-seat seating layouts can be arranged, both of which provide ample travel space for each occupant when fully loaded. Combined with Harman's top-of-the-line Revel?Ultima?3D immersive audio system, this combination is a highly enjoyable configuration for music enthusiasts. It is worth mentioning that the Detroit Symphony Orchestra has customized a unique orchestral cue for the new Lincoln Aviator, which plays a beautiful orchestral melody from the moment you open the door, with a strong sense of ceremony, so that people can really feel the enjoyment of the "inner realm" in all aspects.
In terms of power, the Lincoln Aviator comes with a 3.0L?V6 twin-turbo engine and a 10-speed automatic transmission, which is considered to be a self-possessed one in the market in its class. The Lincoln Aviator brings pure American luxury while providing consumers with a highly stylized option.
Snail shell as a dojo, Mercedes-Benz GLB
Price: 314,800-353,800 yuan
For luxury compact SUVs, people have been accustomed to the appearance of the interior is exquisite, but the car is not very spacious, suitable for carrying a small couple or a small family, but difficult to bear the whole family travel. Such models are represented by Audi Q3 and BMW X1. It seems that Audi and BMW have never taken family traveling into consideration in the design of their compact SUVs.
However, from a practical point of view, people's unlimited demand for space has led to the Mercedes-Benz GLB's "a sharp edge" - seven seats.
For this class of 7-seat SUVs, the third row is a well-deserved emergency space, but also a "time bomb". The performance of the third row of space is good or bad, is to determine the detonation time of this "bomb". However, the product positioning of the Mercedes-Benz GLB also allows consumers to the third row of the SUV's expectations will not be too high, and because of the current market is difficult to find rivals, so it is more likely to take the GLB's third row as a step-by-step emergency options.
After setting the precedent for a 7-seat luxury compact SUV, this should have been a good opportunity to sing the GLB's praises. However, the 1.3T engine in the GLB has again been the target of much spray. The engine, codenamed 282941, has performed reasonably well in the Mercedes-Benz A-Class, and A-Class sales are giving volume goods like the Audi A3 a two-hundred-percent boost. But put it in a seven-seat SUV, and you can't help but sweat over the GLB's prospects.
The BMW 3 Series
Price: RMB 293,900-409,900
The new BMW 3 Series has been a controversial car ever since it was officially launched. For those who see the BMW 3 Series as a representative of the luxury sporty midsize car from the beginning to the end of the handling party, from the configuration list given in the early stage, the new 3 Series seems to have shed some of its sporty spirit. For those who are interested in the BMW brand, but also want a sedan with a large interior space and a comfortable ride, sitting in the new 3-Series does give the illusion of being in a 7-Series car. However, the price of the 3 Series seems to be a bit high at the beginning of the market, which also led to its performance in the first three months after the launch of the model, whether in terms of public opinion or sales, compared with its predecessor suffered a Waterloo.
However, the later facts proved that "gold always shines". In the months leading up to the end of the year, sales of the BMW 3 Series gradually rose, while the 330Li with its high-power engine was also officially launched at the Guangzhou Auto Show. Looking at the rising monthly sales curve, one can't help but ask: who said it didn't smell good before?
The new 3 Series is based on BMW's CLAR platform, a platform that, in addition to being highly modular, makes lightweight one of the core aspects of building products. So, although the new 3 Series body three circumference dimensions and wheelbase than the previous generation has increased, but in the lightweight materials are used, effectively improve the body rigidity and reduce the weight, and even in some parts of the rigidity is increased by 50 percent. Although the wheelbase has been lengthened again, the G28 (standing in for the new 3-Series) maintains a 50:50 front/rear axle load distribution, and the front and rear wheelbases are also larger compared to the F35 (the previous generation BMW 3-Series codename), and the center of gravity has been lowered further. So on paper, the G28 is still a "driver's car".
No rear-wheel drive, no luxury, Cadillac CT5
Price: $279,700-$339,700
In fact, in addition to the BMW 3-Series, Cadillac's models are also strong contenders in the luxury sport sedan market. In the past, the ATS targeted the BMW 3 Series, and the ATS-V targeted the BMW M3. Time has changed, and now Cadillac has decided to change the naming convention for its models, so the burden of benchmarking the 3 Series has been placed in the hands of the CT5.
Cadillac's positioning for the CT5 is a sports sedan that will drive "to the end". From the hardware conditions, CT5 took out the "sports sedan" home base, and even some "out of the ordinary". Brembo braking system, variable ratio steering rack and pinion, E-boost electronic power braking system, Michelin PilotSport? PilotSport?4S tires, MRC active electromagnetic induction suspension, five-link independent rear suspension, mLSD mechanical limited-slip differential, active-closing grille, wider front and rear wheel-arch molding, rear spoiler, rear diffuser ...... all of this is still original equipment.
On top of that, the CT5 has tons of black tech added to its equipment list, making it another major selling point. When you open the door, you're greeted by Moli leather seats that are heated, ventilated and have the only massage function in their class. By the way, when the active safety features are in effect, it also alerts the driver through seat vibration to raise safety awareness.
HUD head-up display, an audio system with 15 high-performance speakers from the Bose?Performance lineup, and a second-generation HD streaming wide-angle interior mirror, as well as a CUE in-car system with Internet integration, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, following distance alert, full-speed collision avoidance, automatic braking, reverse collision warning, and automatic braking. braking, reverse collision warning, and automatic parking. If you compare the configuration table carefully, you will find that many of the standard features of the CT5 have already surpassed the high or optional features of rivals in the same class. In addition, the CT5 is equipped with GM's new-generation electronic architecture and replaces the CAN bus with an in-vehicle Ethernet datalink, improving in-vehicle communication capabilities as well as electronic bandwidth.
Volvo S60
Price: $249,800 - $379,900
While rivals around the world are launching new generation models, Volvo is finally slowing down to bring its long-awaited new generation S60 to the market.
Volvo's new generation S60 has been on the market for a long time.
Intelligent safety features such as City?Safety, Road Departure Prevention and Protection System, LKA Lane Keeping Assist, DAC Fatigue Alert System and other intelligent safety configurations are standard across the board, making the all-new Volvo S60 re-establish the safety benchmark for luxury midsize cars. In terms of health, the all-new S60 also adopts skin-friendly fabric materials at the baby-accessible level, anti-allergy chrome accents, and a 65°C high-temperature test that is 2.6 times higher than the national standard, all of which make the cabin of the all-new Volvo S60 a comfortable, healthy, and safe mobile cockpit.
Together with Driver-E?E drive intelligent technology that brings four different parameters of power in T3, T4, T5 and T8, as well as front double-wishbone lightweight suspension, HRS hydraulic damping and cushioning technology specially designed for the Chinese market, four driving modes, and optional 4C adaptive chassis, the luxury mid-size sedan is also a good handler.
Writing in conclusion
Of course, there are far more luxury models that have been launched in the past year, with new models including the new-generation Land Rover Defender also attracting attention. It's just that these models are among the most iconic of their respective brands.
The Car Buyer's Guru's list of the most noteworthy luxury cars of 2019 is here, so what will 2020 look like? Let's take stock this time next year!
This article comes from the authors of Automotive Home Car Guru, and does not represent the viewpoint position of Automotive Home Car Guru.