Entering the realm of the luxury automobile may seem like a tall task for car buyers, but with brands like Volvo, it’s easier than you may imagine.

Take their subcompact SUV offering, the XC40, for example. Starting around the low $40K price range, it provides a foot in the door for people looking to step up on the class scale — as long as they’re good with limited space in the rear seats and in the cargo hold.

Volvo’s larger XC60 and XC90 SUVs are more spacious, but if you’re less concerned with the amount of space but still want the Volvo quality design, drive quality and safety features, the XC40 is a strong option to consider — and it competes well against other smaller SUV options in the class — including the Audi Q3, BMW X1 and Mercedes-Benz GLB, Acura ADX and Lincoln Corsair.

Read on for a full review on the 2026 Volvo XC40, which I recently had the opportunity to experience, to learn more about how it holds up vs. its rivals.

Mercedes-Benz vehicles are plentiful and come in all shapes and sizes, including some uniquely designed smaller SUVs.

I recently spent some time driving one of those options, the 2024 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLB35 4Matic, a compact, beautiful and powerful luxury SUV.

First introduced in 2020, the GLB (the second smallest Benz SUV option) first gets your attention with its boxy design, then the AMG power and advanced technology take the GLB to the next level.

The 2024 AMG GLB35 takes on tough luxury competition including BMW X1, Audi Q3 and Volvo XC40. Read on to learn more about how the GLB holds up in this competitive segment.

LOOKS

Immediately of note is the GLB’s boxy but attractive look, which also helps with cargo space. The GLB gets a slight refresh for 2024 in the exterior design (front and rear lighting, bumper, etc.).

A large Benz logo highlights the front, along with a small AMG logo on the hood. Bold, rectangular designs are included on the grille and lighting up front.

With the respect BMW has earned over nearly a century of making automobiles, it’s no surprise that many luxury buyers want to get behind the wheel of one of their current-day offerings.

But as a luxury ride, the price often presents a major barrier to access, leading potential buyers to explore some of BMW's smaller offerings as potential entryways into the brand.

One such vehicle is the BMW X1, the brand’s smallest crossover SUV offering, which got a full redesign for 2023 that carries over into the 2024 lineup.

This little ride packs a lot of features into a small package — including strong overall design, an upscale interior, a performance boost over past models, and updates to safety and tech features.

I recently tested a 2023 BMW X1 xDrive28i model, and I’m back with a full report on how it measures up in a crowded luxury crossover segment that features strong offerings such as the Audi Q3, Mercedes-Benz GLA, Volvo XC40 and more.

Luxury SUV buyers have a bevy of strong options available today, but one name that’s always in the conversation is Audi.

For more than a century, the German automaker has delivered high-quality vehicles that can compete with the best that competitors such as BMW, Mercedes, Lexus, Volvo, Cadillac and others have to offer.

In the world of SUVs, Audi’s smallest offering is the compact Q3, which I recently had the opportunity to test.

With elegant styling, responsive handling and a tech-savvy setup, it stands out in this class in many ways. It offers luxury car buyers a chance to break into the class without spending the big bucks required to take home larger Audi SUV options, which can cost up to twice as much.

Read on to learn more about how it measures up in a segment where anything less than excellence won’t be accepted.

Audi of America has announced its lineup for the 2021 model year, including vehicle packaging updates as well as new standard and available equipment. For 2021, Audi offers new standard and available equipment, as well as enhancements to infotainment and driver assistance systems.

2021 A4 and A5

After an all-around refresh for the 2020 model year, 2021 A4 and A5 models bring additional technology and driver assistance features, as well as more streamlined packages across both models lines. New for 2021, A4 and A5 four-cylinder models receive a power increase of 13 horsepower and a 12v mild-hybrid electric vehicle system. New for 2021, the A4 40 TFSI is now standard equipped with quattro all-wheel drive, and an A5 Sportback 40 TFSI quattro is introduced.

Audi smartphone interface with wireless Apple CarPlay, and lane departure warning are now available and included as standard equipment. The Convenience package now includes a heated steering wheel and parking system plus (front and rear parking sensors). The Premium Plus trim is now standard equipped with adaptive cruise control with active lane assist, top view camera system, and hands-on detection steering wheel. Heated rear seats are now standard on the Prestige trim across the A4/S4 model line and the A5/S5 Sportback.