China, as the world’s largest car market, showcases exceptional vehicles. Models like BYD Qin and Song series, Ideal L series, Nissan Sylphy, Volkswagen Lavida, are all well-known for their quality. Despite not being top sellers, cars like Volkswagen Touareg, Peugeot 508L, Subaru Forester, are also exceptional. Let’s take a closer look at these cars today.
Volkswagen Touareg Price: 587,800-793,800 yuan (109210$) When it comes to underrated cars, the German imported Volkswagen Touareg must be mentioned first, which is difficult for many people to understand. It has the confidence to rank first, based on which the “Executive Edition” Audi Q7, “Luxury Edition” Porsche Cayenne, “Track Edition” Lamborghini Urus, and “Luxury Edition” Bentley Bentayga are created. As the base model of these luxury cars, can it be inferior to them? However, embarrassingly, its sales in China in 2023 were only 6,543 units, a 15% decrease compared to the previous year, even with many discounts at the terminal, the original price is estimated to be lower. Its more expensive siblings sell better than it, with the Cayenne even requiring additional options to be sold to you.
Of course, what affects its sales is definitely not the Cayenne or the Touareg brothers, the main reason is still on itself. First is the price, although its actual selling price is now less than 500,000, it is still the most expensive Volkswagen in China. And what’s even more deadly is that its sibling Audi Q7 is now at the end of its product cycle, the final price is only slightly more expensive, compared to Audi’s four rings which are more attractive, right? Secondly, the updates are slow, the Touareg is definitely a good car, with a stable and delicate driving feel, and the configuration is high enough, but its exterior and interior design lags behind the new energy vehicles, even its own siblings have better looks than it. The last reason is that Volkswagen feels that this Volkswagen is not so “Volkswagen”, because in the minds of consumers, the real Volkswagen is still the Lavida, Sagitar, Passat and other cars.
Subaru Outback/Forester MSRP: Outback 29.98-32.33 thousand, Forester 22.38-28.38 thousand Japanese cars are no longer as influential as before, Subaru is even considered a “lesser-known” brand. With their attributes close to utility vehicles, they struggle to enter the mainstream market and are not accepted by family car users. I have test-driven both of these cars extensively, they have excellent handling and combine SUV off-road capability with the comfort of a station wagon, making them essential for fishing enthusiasts and light off-road enthusiasts. Their MSRP has been decreasing in recent years, and their final selling price is quite attractive. For tens of thousands, there are no better options available. When I don’t have to work anymore, I will buy one to explore mountains and seas.
Peugeot 508L Guide price: 163,700-227,700 yuan (31330$) Many may have forgotten that French cars are still being sold in China. The Peugeot 508L used to be a niche car, but now it’s just cold, with many dealerships closed. Its overall quality is not weaker than its competitors. The new front end looks good, but some may miss the old standing lion logo. All models currently available come with a 1.8T engine and 8-speed automatic transmission, with a top speed of 230 km/h. Some say it can be a substitute for the Audi A6L.
Final thoughts The Lincoln Aviator, a midsize luxury SUV, has a starting price lower than the final price of the Touareg. For less than 500,000, you can get a proper V6 engine luxury SUV, but unfortunately, the engine does not represent everything. At this price point, BBA brands are more attractive. The Lincoln Aviator is well-designed inside and out, with careful attention to materials, but its brand may be a drawback as the price increases. A fan asked about choosing between it and the Volvo XC90, personally, I prefer the Lincoln Aviator. What do you think?
