Volvo V60 Cross Country
Predicted Cost: $45,100
Volvo has always been a fantastic contender when you’re looking for the best technology and features while maintaining sane price tags. It exists somewhere between luxury brands such as Mercedes and BMW, and the cheaper entry brands like Nissan and Toyota. Every year Volvo attempts to create new technology that’s unique to them for the sake of better customer experience and safety, which makes us like and respect the automaker even more.
The 2020 Volvo V60 Cross Country is no different in this sense and serves as a wonderful cross between an SUV and a mid-sized wagon. The V60 ads three inches to its height and has a sleeker and more aerodynamic build, which makes it an optimal candidate for the occasional off-road driver. The interiors of the Cross Country remain mostly unchanged except for some improvements to the touchscreen, this is perfectly fine since Volvo is already known for providing extensive and comfortable interiors that often rival those of Audi and BMW. The car features a 250 horsepower 2.0-liter inline-four engine that produces 258 pound-feet of torque. You can get this one for a starting cost of $45,000.
Toyota Prius Prime
Predicted Cost: $27,600
The Toyota Prius Prime is one of the auto maker’s most popular vehicles and is both loved and hated by many. When the hybrid car first inserted itself into the markets at a time when eco-friendly cars were just starting to gain steam, it proved to be among the first reliable environmentally aware cars that are affordable, reliable and fun to drive. The new 2020 Prius Prime is a hybrid car with electric-only capabilities that is extremely practical, in addition to having an insane fuel economy milestone of 56 miles per gallon, making it one of the most cost-effective cars to drive. If you’re looking for a purely electric car, this is definitely not the car for you because its electric-only mode will only take you just around 25 miles on a full charge.
Although the Prius’ design is considered to be a bit boxy and out-dated, it’s still definitely one of the more recognizable designs and immediately makes you think of “hybrid technology” when you see it, which is perhaps one of the reasons for the car’s continuous popularity. Some of the upgrades in this year’s version include upgraded interiors, a sun visor extender, black trim instead of white, Sirius XM radio and new USB ports for rear passengers. While not groundbreaking in any way, these improvements just add slightly more value to an already solid model that manages to keep up with the times.
Bentley Continental GT
Predicted Cost: $201,225
Oh boy, it’s the Bentley Continental GT. Often reserved for the most upper-class citizens and most easily spotted in front of only the most prestigious hotels and mansions, the Continental GT takes the idea of a car and turns it into a true work of art, much akin to The Sistine Chapel or Da Vinci's Mona Lisa. This year’s version of the ultra-luxury car features an improved exterior that makes it look even better than before, with the dual options of either a twelve-cylinder or an eight-cylinder engine. The car is a loud, scary and delightful drive, with critiques describing the sound of acceleration as “an elephant being stabbed”.
Other improvements to the already impressive set of features found inside and outside the cabin include better handling, upgraded electronics, a fantastic foldable touch screen and even better sound canceling and smooth suspension when driving in rough roads. Buying the 2020 Bentley Continental GT will set you back a minimum of $200,000* and a monthly salary in annual car insurance, but if you’re able to afford it and want to truly drive or be driven in the absolute best an executive can get, you’ll be very happy with Bentley’s new creation.
BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe
Predicted Cost: $84,900
If you’re looking for the best that the German automaker BMW has to offer, the 2020 BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe is somewhere in the top of that search. This is a very long car, with dimensions of 200” L x 76” W x 55” H. It has a massive storage space of 15.5 cubic feet that can practically house a few human beings… but don’t. That being said, the Gran Coupe can definitely drive just as-well-as you’d expect. In terms of performance, you’ll be getting a 335 horsepower inline six-cylinder V8 engine that can go from zero to sixty in just under five seconds, according to BMW.
The coupe version of the car is considerably faster vis-a-vis its acceleration times, and can allegedly go from zero to sixty in just 3.3 seconds when attempted in perfect conditions. BMW considers this their flagship car, as it contains just about everything that makes the company so respected and admired. The asking price for this car is $84,900 for the 840i Gran Coupe, $87,800 for the 840i xDrive Gran Coupe, and $108,900 for the M850i xDrive.
Mercedes-AMG GLC 43
Predicted Cost: $60,495
Moving from the BMW luxury series to Mercedes’ menacing AMG GLC 43 series, this sleek luxury compact SUV has everything you could want from a Mercedes experience, including refined interiors, a near-infinite amount of features and great engine options for those who want speed and sound along with their premium experience.
The 2020 version of the GLC 43 includes beautiful new headlights and taillights, revamped quad outlets which give even more comfort and the iconic Panamericana Grille that makes Mercedes’ vehicles look so menacing. You’ll also get a brand new steering wheel, an improved touchscreen, more features for the interior, standard heated front seats and new trim. When it comes to performance, you’re looking at a nine-speed auto transmission driving experience with a 3 liter, twin-turbo V6 engine that can go from zero to sixty in 4.7 seconds. The 2020 AMG GLC 43 starts at $59,500 and has an EPA-estimated 21 MPG combined fuel economy. Making it an ideal vehicle for the occasional off-road driving upper-middle-class family.