The United States seems to completely overlook many incredible European automobiles in favour of domestic models. Here are the 10 most underrated European cars you can buy in America…
Contents
Overview
European automakers like BMW and Mercedes-Benz have established that their vehicles are marginally more premium than those from other regions. This is largely because of the solid reputation that each company has built up over the many years that they have all been in operation. Nevertheless, given the enormous influx of models from all over the world, some European models, such as the Jaguar XF, are overlooked because there are so many other options in the same segment. As a result, those models might become undervalued and relatively uncommon, which might result in discounts or better alternatives. Therefore, there are still some European models that are disregarded in this automotive environment of niches and oversaturation of particular vehicle types. So, here are the 10 most underrated European cars available on the US market.
10. VW Arteon
The VW Arteon made its debut in 2017 as a replacement for the Passat CC-a more better and stylish version and with a better engine. The Arteon is probably the best looking car in it’s segment. It’s estate version is also available in the Europe. For the US market, the 2.0L turbocharged inline-4 is offered in the Arteon in three different tunings, with the top-spec R-Line producing 280hp and having AWD. An 8-speed automatic transmission is standard on all Arteon trims.
9. Jaguar XF
Ever since the S-Type was phased out in 2007 the Jaguar XF has been available. The current XF, which uses aluminium body panels rather than steel ones, builds on the success of the first generation XF, which was a gorgeous piece of art. The Jaguar XF is a remarkable sedan as it offers a powerful 4.0L engine producing 250 or 300 horsepower. The performance oriented S model holds a supercharged V6 engine which puts out 380hp. The XF was recently updated and now boasts the most cutting-edge technology available in the Jaguar Land Rover lineup. Unquestionably a fantastic European option in the US.
8. BMW 230i
The BMW 230i was brought into the market in 2014 and is a phenomenal compact sports car. This car is loved by most of the people. While the M240i is the most desired one, the entry-level 230i is just as good. The 230i is a quick little rocket equipped with a 2.0L turbocharged inline-4 engine that produces 255hp. Unlike the 2-Series Active Tourer, the 230i comes standard with rear-wheel drive and can only be ordered with an 8-speed automatic. BMW discontinued the convertible 2-Series with the previous generation, leaving only the coupe as an option for the current model.
7. Volvo XC40
The Volvo XC40 is one of the coolest models the Scandinavian automaker has ever produced, despite being the smallest crossover/SUV in their lineup. The XC40 is offered in mild hybrid, plug-in hybrid, or all-electric versions. A 48V electric starter motor and a 2.0L turbocharged i4 power the mild hybrid, while the plug-in hybrid is powered by a 1.5L turbocharged i3 and either one or two electric motors. Two electric motors, the most powerful of which has a combined 400hp, are available for the fully electric XC40.
6. BMW X2
The BMW X2 is the X1’s coupe-styled variant, and it was unveiled in 2017. While its platform and the majority of its interior are similar to the X1, its exterior is very different. It looks sportier and sits lower to the ground, more like a lifted 1-Series than a lowered X1. The body has now become more sleeker. The X2 comes standard with front-wheel drive, but higher-end models like the xDrive28i, which is sold in the US, are offered with xDrive. This car has a 2.0L diesel engine which produces about 195hp. While the same car with the petrol engine puts out 225hp. The best part about the BMW X2 is the BMW roundels on the C-pillars near the tailgate, which is reminiscent of the legendary E9 coupe.
5. Range Rover Velar
The Range Rover Velar is a mid-size SUV which is larger than the Evoque but remains smaller than the Sport. The Velar was the Range Rover model and sub-model with the best aesthetics for a while, but now the majority of them share the same design language. A variety of engines are available for the Velar, ranging from a dominant supercharged V8 in the Velar SV Autobiography Dynamic Edition to a 2.0-liter turbocharged i4. The Velar is a more elegant substitute for the Porsche Macan, Mercedes-Benz GLC, and BMW X3.
4. Jaguar I-Pace
The Jaguar I-Pace is the British company’s first entirely electric vehicle, and it makes a respectable effort. The I-Pace has two electric motors installed, one at each axle, and standard all-wheel drive. Together they produce 400hp and 513lb-ft of torque. The I-Pace has a 90 kWh battery installed, which gives it a claimed range of close to 300 miles, though actual range may be a little less. The I-Pace is a fantastic option because it differs from typical SUVs by having a large battery pack. Jaguar even developed the eTrophy racecar to compete in electric races.
3. VW Jetta
The VW Jetta is the German equivalent of the Toyota Corolla and can be stated as the sedan version of the famous VW Golf. Because the Jetta is equipped with the same engines as the Golf, its top-spec GLI model has the same 228hp as the Golf GTI. Currently the seventh generation of the Jetta is on sale which is better then ever. The Jetta’s main engine in the US is a 1.5L turbocharged inline-4 paired with an 8-speed automatic that only drives the front wheels.
2. Mercedes-Benz GLB
The Mercedes-Benz GLB is one of the smaller SUVs in the line-up. The GLB’s party piece, in addition to its fantastic practical styling, is that it can seat seven people. The GLB and GLA both use the same platform, so the same engines are in use. The GLB250 is the only model available in the US, but it is available with either front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. An 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission is used with the 2.0L turbocharged engine to produce 221hp. The GLB is unquestionably a very practical and stylish people carrier from Europe.
1. BMW M550i
One of the best sports sedans available is the BMW M5, which is the pinnacle of the 5-Series. BMW offers the M550i, a scaled-up or toned-down version of the standard 5-Series, even though the M5 is typically the more sought-after model. The 4.4L twin-turbo V8 found in the M5 is used in the M550i, but it is equipped with a non-M version that only makes 523hp. Because the M550i comes equipped with xDrive as standard and is a more comfortable option to the hardcore M5, it was chosen as the foundation for the Alpina B5 Bi-Turbo. Due to its excellent performance, the M550i is a misunderstood European vehicle that is sold in America. It is an underdog in the sporty sedan market.