From EVs to luxury vehicles, this year has seen it all. So who wins? Well, obviously the ones with the best tech goodies. After all, we are Stuff! So here are our top picks of 2022.
Stuff Gadget Awards 2022: Best Cars of the Year
The top cars from 2022
Hi-Tech Car of the Year
Mahindra XUV700
As a brand on the offensive, the resurgence of Mahindra luxury SUVs was marked by the much-hyped but much capable XUV700. Everything from its flush-mounted door handles to the dual 10in screens in the cabin reeks of newness. The XUV700 also gets an Alexa-based voice assistant to handle most mundane tasks in the car and it is the fastest voice-activated system we have ever tested! 12 speakers scattered across the cabin strategically means that the XUV700 is the first car this side of a Burmesterequipped Mercedes to get “height” speakers. ADAS comes in the form of lane-keep assist, pilot assist and adaptive cruise control, all of which can make your long-distance journeys more pleasant. There are enough variants between the petrol and diesel engine options to fit every budget too. The XUV700 is impressive on many levels.
Best of the rest
Skoda Slavia
All the dynamic prowess of a typical Skoda but with a fresh infusion of style, features and “Indian-ness”. The Slavia reminds us why sedans are still the enthusiast's choice.
KIA Carens
Practicality with style isn’t always the easiest combo to get right. The Carens might not be classically pretty, but it does look very modern and the space inside, along with its three rows is a revelation.
Mahindra Scorpio-N
Double whammy for Mahindra this year with the XUV and the all-new Scorpio-N. Meant to be more hardcore than the XUV and more luxurious than the Thar, it meets all of Rohit Shetty’s needs.
Electric Vehicle of the Year
Mercedes-Benz EQS580
It’s hard to imagine that one of the world’s most advanced automobiles is assembled right here in Pune, India! Mercedes-Benz has pulled out all stops to establish its superiority in the luxury EV space and the EQS580 sits almost at the very top. There’s an AMG version of the EQS too, if you want to compete with comets. For every other millionaire, the Hyperscreen experience when you enter the cabin is unforgettable. The gigantic 56in pane of Gorilla Glass holds three screens that let you play games, check on traffic alerts and maximise your range. Speaking of which, upwards of 850kms is the claim, all of which will be traversed in pure serenity.
Best of the rest
Not much differentiates the Gen3 from its predecessor, but Ather has been chipping away the rough edges to make this the go-to EV scooter. Faster UI, faster charging and faster delivery.
A shape that is bound to turn more heads than its sticker price, the EV6 is the poster boy for Kia’s design studio. Strong performance, capable range and entertaining dynamics add to its appeal.
Volvo XC40 Recharge
Not much differentiates the EV version of the XC40 besides a few cosmetic changes, but the powerful 78kWh battery gives it the propulsion that changes its character completely.