The Best German Cars for Family Driving
When it comes to high performance and reliability in a car, it's hard to beat German engineering. People across the globe have fallen in love with German cars for their excellent track record of safety, efficiency, and durability, not to mention their unique styling and user-friendly ergonomics. There's a reason why so many people swear by German cars! Since German manufacturers tend to be well-known for their impressive track records with vehicle safety and top scores in crash-test ratings, it's not surprising that families tend to enjoy German-engineered vehicles to transport their children safely and securely on the road. Let's take a look at some of the top-rated German cars for families who are looking for peace of mind without sacrificing luxury, style, and comfort.
2020 Volkswagen Tiguan
If you're looking for a sporty midsize SUV that won't break the bank, the 2020 Tiguan offers a whole lot of bang for your buck! Featuring a seven-passenger capability and a flexible interior with sliding second-row seats, VW's smallest SUV makes excellent use of its interior space with a focus on practical functionality, all for a mind-boggling entry price of just $25,965! Fans of VW's smaller models such as the Golf/GTI and the Jetta will be happy to know that the larger exterior footprint of the Tiguan does nothing to diminish the "fahrvergnugen" (driving enjoyment) experience that made the brand popular in the first place. The Tiguan is considerably easier to drive than other SUVs of its size, and still delivers on the zippy performance we've come to associate with Volkswagen. Perhaps best of all for families, the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan features a safety rating of five out of five stars in the side crash test, meaning it is built to offer maximum protection for passengers in the event of a collision. Not bad for an SUV that feels like anything but a "mom car!"
2020 Audi Q8 SUV
Ranked number 7 among luxury mid-sized SUVs in its class, the Q8 offers an exciting mix of style, performance, and technology along with an impressive 5-star safety rating. Starting at $68,000, the sticker price of the new Audi Q8 can be a little steep for some families, but once you drive it, you'll know where that extra money went! With a 335-horsepower engine, balanced driving dynamics that make dips and bumps in the road virtually disappear, and a number of sleek, user-friendly tech features, the Q8 makes for a smooth ride for the whole family. (BONUS: Want to save on car repairs for your new Q8? Read this awesome blog post on how to do the best extended car warranty for Audi.)
2021 Porsche Cayenne
Starting at $69,000, the Porsche Cayenne's web page touts it as "an SUV by design but a sports car by name." With a variety of available powertrains that include two V-6 engines, a plug-in hybrid, and a beast of a twin-turbo V-8, people who are reluctant to trade in their need for speed in order to accommodate a growing family will gravitate to Porsche's largest offering. Since the base model of Cayenne comes standard with a 12.3-inch touch-screen infotainment system, a 10-speaker stereo, and a personal Wi-Fi hotspot, it offers a lot of high-tech bells and whistles that come only as options for other SUVs in its class. However, since the Cayenne only features two rows of seats and is able to comfortably seat five passengers, it may not be the best bet for larger families (or families who plan to grow). Safety ratings for the 2021 Cayenne are not yet available; however, Euro NACP named the 2017 Cayenne the safest SUV in its class, so it's safe to say we can only expect good things from the latest model!
2020 BMW X5
Ranking near the top of the luxury midsize class, the X5 features refined handling, strong engine performance, an upscale interior, and a reliability rating that is well above average. With a large cargo area, smooth ride, and a user-friendly infotainment system, the 2020 X5 is ideal for family road trips; however, the optional third-row seating is a bit cramped, making it less comfortable for families in need of a 7-passenger vehicle. Starting at $58,900, the X5 gives you a lot of value for your money. However, its 4-star safety rating puts it below the other models on this list, which can be a major consideration for families with children. No matter which German car you choose for your family, it's best to prepare for the future by looking into an extended car warranty to help with costs for repairs and part replacement down the road. Check with your preferred insurance provider to discuss extended car warranty options that are right for you!
