Range Rover Evoque
The Evoque looks good, and even better in photos, but it rarely lives up to its advertising once you drive it. The engine feels underpowered, and the soft handling removes any sense of excitement behind the wheel. Despite the luxury badge, the driving experience feels distant and uninvolving. Acceleration never feels urgent, even when you push it, and the steering offers little feedback through corners. It is a car designed to impress at a glance, not engage over time. Owners often say it looks premium in the driveway but feels forgettable on the road. Unfortunately, the shine fades quickly for many diasppointed buyers.
Audi Q7
The Q7 has a very positive first impression due to its stature and technology. When you actually get inside, though, the excitement fades quickly. The driving experience reminds you of sitting back in a plush sofa; while comfortable, it just isn't exciting.
Mercedes GLC
The GLC looks good. Its badge and interior reflect premium. However, once you actually drive it, the novelty fades rapidly. The steering feels numb, the engine has a sleepy groan, and the overall experience feels like it was made to impress your neighbors rather than enjoy driving it yourself.
BMW X5 (Base Model)
As a BMW model, many people associate the X5 with a sporting experience. However, most people who have driven the vehicle are surprised at how mellow the base model is compared to the performance versions of the X5. While the suspension works fine, the powertrain does not give you that expected surge of power.
Lexus ES
The ES provides a comfortable, quiet, and reliable experience, but it feels overly relaxed at times. It is smooth, calming, and drama-free. While that may be an advantage if you desire a relaxing car, it is not a great choice if you are searching for excitement or energy.
Range Rover Velar
Although the Velar’s exterior is beautiful and futuristic, the driving experience is anything but exciting. The throttle response feels sluggish compared to the bold lines of the exterior, and the driving dynamics do not live up to expectations.
Cadillac XT5
With an attractive exterior and an elegant, well-designed interior, the XT5 driving experience can feel overly subdued. The engine performs well, the steering is fairly traditional and light, but for what it possesses in driving experience, it lacks in excitement or character.
Lincoln Nautilus
The unnaturally smooth and quiet rides of the Nautilus, an attempt to avoid disturbing the driver, may be good in theory. However, the result is a rather cushiony feel with no excitement. Steering is easy, acceleration is gradual, and driving this vehicle feels like being in a plush environment, like a five-star hotel.
Volvo XC90
The interior and exterior of the XC90 combine to create an aesthetically pleasing vehicle. However, driving this vehicle tends to be less enjoyable than many drivers may have expected when they first laid eyes on it. While its engine is sufficient, the XC90 was designed for comfort and relaxation rather than for excitement.
Acura MDX
The MDX is reliable and packed with features, but the driving experience often feels ordinary. The steering is fine, the acceleration is fine, and the suspension is fine. Everything sits in the middle. Nothing feels bad, but nothing feels exciting.
Infiniti QX60
The QX60's interior and exterior design are meant to provide a luxurious experience, a feeling that diminishes quickly once you actually start driving the car. The CVT transmission is underwhelming, and the engine gives off an impression of being worn out. If fun driving experiences are your desire, you will need to look elsewhere.
Mercedes E-Class (Base Trim)
The E Class is legendary for comfort and refinement, and it absolutely delivers. But the base trim driving experience can feel a little sleepy. The engine is calm, the steering is relaxed, and the car seems more interested in keeping you comfortable than giving you any thrill.
Lexus RX
The RX is king of the smooth ride. It is soft, silent, and practically stress-free. That said, it’s so darn smooth that you may find yourself wishing that it wasn’t quite so calm. The steering feels disconnected, and it doesn’t give you the sensation of being part of a powerful vehicle.
Audi A6
The A6 appears to be a fun executive sedan, but its driving feels very controlled and predictable. It doesn’t stray from a given path, which has its advantages in being predictable, but because it lacks playful energy, it feels boring.
Tesla Model Y
Although it has impressive acceleration, the Model Y hardly makes you feel excited about driving it. Steering is quite artificial, the interior is simplistic to the point of being plain, and there can be a lot of wind noise in the cabin.
BMW 7 Series
You will expect the 7 Series to be the ultimate driving experience, but the newer cars have shifted their focus away from driving excitement and towards comfort, so the excitement is gone. It's about floating even more than it is about driving. The level of luxury is extremely high, but the level of fun has been drastically reduced.
Cadillac Lyriq
The bold styling and impressive technology of the Lyriq create a sense of excitement, yet the overall driving feel is excessively tranquil. There is a lack of feedback from the steering wheel, and while acceleration is smooth and well-controlled, it feels as though there is no true connection to the car.
Genesis GV80
The GV80 looks great and feels like a quality product, but when you actually drive it, there's a much greater focus on comfort than on an exhilarating experience. It has plenty of luxury features, but it lacks that emotional kick you would expect from a vehicle with such a nice exterior design.
Lincoln Aviator
Though the Aviator has a very soft overall feel to it, and looks premium and muscular in size, the suspension feels soft, the steering is slightly vague, and the turbo motor is sometimes confused in its behavior compared to how it looks. It isn't very interesting, considering its exceptionally high price.
Mercedes EQS
While the EQS offers some truly amazing technical advancements, this vehicle leaves you with an empty feeling when driving it. You do not feel engaged or have any connection to this car. You feel like you are in a spaceship that happens to be a luxury model but lacks excitement for the ride.
