It seems like just about every day some website or another comes up with their list of the best cars to buy. And though it seems like a no brainer to trust the reviews given by those websites who devote their time ro cars, it may seem a bit peculiar to get car reccomendations from a review site that focuses their reviews on “technology and consumer electronics.” But really, what is an electric car but a very large piece of consumer electronics? So, today lets take a look at what CNET—long trusted for their reviews on just about any gadget—has to say about the 2022 lineup of EVs available.
An Electric Vehicle Designed For Each Need Under The Sun
When it comes to vehicles, it is impossible to recommend something without having a real idea of what the potential buyer is looking for. If you are looking for luxury, you needs for a car are very different from someone who wants the most economical car available. Size is also a huge factor. A family of 4 will need something bigger than anything in a “small” category. That’s why CNET took their findings and broke them down into the best options for a few different categories. They have size options spanning from small to extra-large, an SUV option, truck, station wagon, and best affordable and best luxury options.
So, which is the best option? Depends on what you are looking for. The cars that fill the results of this list come from all over the place, from domestic Ford and GMC options to South Korean Hyundais to a slew of European names including Porsche, Audi, VW, Mercedes and BMW. And since we definitely have a bit of a bias towards European foreign car repair, we are going to take a closer look at those. (We also can’t help but point out that there isn’t a single Tesla on the list.)
Best Full-Size Electric Car Sweep: Porsche and Audi
When it comes to full-size electric vehicles, the Germans just can’t be beat. The Porsche Taycan was selected for the best option in the category, while the Audi RS E-Tron GT weighs in as the first and only runner up. CNET admittedly does have some initial reservations about the Taycan because of the price—we all know the price of Porsche quality—but then they actually drove the Taycan and found out what makes a Porsche so special. The range will get you just about everywhere you need to go in an average day and “its build quality and driving dynamics are basically unassailable.” Not only it is the best full-size available, it does incredible things with the 400 hp that it has available.
When it comes to the full-size runner up, CNET is also a fan of the Audi RS E-Tron GT. Yes, both the Taycan and the RS ride on the same platform, but they are absolutely unique in their own ways. First of all, while the Taycan has 400 hp, the RS is able to produce a hefty 637 hp in its overboost mode. And even with all of that power under your fingertips, the RS is intelligent enough to keep you safe and comfortable even when you are putting her through her paces.
Looking for Something Affordable? Seek the Volkswagen ID 4
One of the great things about European vehicles is that though some can be more expensive, there are also plenty of options that combine that same exceptional engineering with a price tag that will fit most people’s budgets. One great example is the best affordable electric car runner up from CNET’s list: the Volkswagen ID 4. VW has been making great quality cars for decades, and their ID 4 is a perfect example of a German car that doesn’t break the bank while still being quite impressive. And making them more affordable still is the $7,500 tax credit that the ID 4 still qualifies for—depending on which tax bracket you are in.
The ID 4 is an all-electric option that is good at what it does. It’s quiet, comfortable, and has everything you need to get you from place to place. And though it may look a lot like just about every crossover out there—admittedly this is an industry wide problem—it still looks pretty great, both inside and out.
Choose the Mercedes-Benz EQS for an Electric Luxury Vehicle
Mercedes has always been a reliable choice when it comes to high-quality cars, and when it comes to an all-electric option, there’s no exception. The Mercedes-Benz EQS is a standout of luxury and quality in an already very luxurious category. Unlike some earlier models of electric cars, the EQS doesn’t sacrifice anything to be an electric vehicle. According to CNET, “it takes all the coddling comfort found in the gas-powered S-Class and gives it a dash of electromobility.”
Looking for something a little bit friendlier to the planet, but don’t want to skip out on luxury? The EQS is probably the option for you. It takes everything you know and love from the Mercedes gold standard, and turns it electric. What’s not to love?
Winner of the Best Luxury Electric SUV or Crossover: BMW iX
Like the Mercedes EQS, BMW took a few pages out of the book of one of their past successes to make something great. When BMW created the iX, they clearly took a look at their i3 and said, “What can we do to make it better?” Both the i3 and the iX share a composite spaceframe and plastic bits that are reinforced by carbon fiber. The design of the iX, however took a very interesting turn with both an interior and exterior designs that are both fresh and unique.
Like many all-electric options, the BMW iX has plenty to give in the speed department, with 516 hp that produces 564 lb-ft of torque, which means it’s also fun to drive. If you are looking for something luxurious, quick, and interesting both inside and out, the iX might be the option for you.
Best Electric Station Wagon: Yet Another Porsche Taycan
Finding station wagons can be difficult in the U.S. market these days, with many companies focusing on crossovers instead. So, it makes sense that the winner in the electric station wagon category is another European option—this time a Porsche Taycan GTS Sport Turismo. If you take a look at the name, you can tell right off the bat that this car has some speed, with a cool 590 hp available through launch control to get you going in style. And since it is a Porsche, it’s fun to drive in a way that can’t really be compared to a lot of other options out there. If you think that station wagons aren’t cool, you haven’t been behind the wheel of a Taycan wagon.
So Many All-Electric Car Options That Can’t Be Beaten
It would have been hard to imagine just two decades ago how many incredible all-electric options would be available on the market today. Whatever you are looking for, there is something that is perfect fo you. We are excited to see what new innovation the future will bring.