When you're getting in and out of different vehicles a lot, as comes with being an automotive journalist, it can take a lot to wow you. But the following vehicles at this year's 2019 Texas Auto Roundup did just that from the moment we stepped inside their stylish, comfortable and impressive confines. Here is our list of the top 11 interiors out of 29 vehicles at this year's event.
2019 Nissan Maxima Platinum
MSRP as equipped: $45,225
Photo Credit: Kevin McCauley/Capturing the Machine
If there was an award for most unexpected interior, the all-new for 2019 Nissan Maxima Platinum would certainly receive it. Suffice it to say, my jaw may have dropped a little when I opened the driver's side door of the Carnelian Red Tintcoat-colored model provided to us at the event. An incredibly well-done Rakuda Tan semi-aniline leather-appointed interior greeted me and invited me to stay awhile. I'd venture to say the interior looks way pricier that its $45K price tag. Not only do you have incredible quilting and stitching on the seats and even the door panels, but also you get a fantastic heated steering wheel inspired by the GT-R. Add to that, Nissan's Zero Gravity Seats are among the most comfortable you'll ever sit in in your life and you quickly discover that the Maxima's cabin is a pretty great place to be.
2019 Mercedes-AMG E63 S Wagon
MSRP as equipped: $138,750
Photo Credit: Kevin McCauley/Capturing the Machine
One thing is certain. Wagons have come a long way since
National Lampoon's Vacation, and we can't think of a better example the 603-horsepower 2019 Mercedes-AMG E63 S Wagon. Its cabin is impeccably designed Black Exclusive Nappa Leather AMG Performance Sport seats with detailed silver stitching. The cabin also has no shortage of aluminum trim and it extends to the back seats as well. You also get a flat-bottomed AMG Nappa leather Performance steering wheel with large, perforated side grips, and four aluminum-clad spokes along with aluminum AMG shift paddles. Shiny Burmester speakers adorn the doors. Car Pro Show host Jerry Reynolds will have a full review of the E63 S Wagon soon so stay tuned for full details.
2019 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye
MSRP As Equipped: $88,900
Photo Credit: Kevin McCauley/Capturing the Machine
We've seen the well-crafted interior of the 797-horsepower 2019 Dodge Challenger Hellcat Redeye before and it is equally impressive the second time around. Incredibly comfortable SRT-logo Nappa brown leather seats along with detailed stitching await along with a well-designed and executed cabin that makes this muscle car as refined as it is powerful. A signature leather-wrapped, flat-bottom steering wheel also awaits the driver along with a 220-mph red speedometer and a Black Chrome instrument panel badge with SRT Hellcat Redeye logo.
Check out Jerry Reynolds' review of the Redeye here.
2019 Lexus RC350 F Sport
MSRP as equipped: $56,790
Photo Credit: Kevin McCauley/Capturing the Machine
What a refreshing pop of yellow in what tends to be a category full of black and the occasional red interiors. This 311-horsepower Flare Yellow RC 350 stands out not just for its performance but with its black and yellow nuluxe and dark gray-trimmed sport bolstered sport seats. It's sport steering wheel, yellow contrast stitching and 10.3-inch infotainment screen make it an interior standout as well.
2019 Maserati GranTurismo Sport
MSRP as equipped: $167,530
Photo Credit: Kevin McCauley/Capturing the Machine
The 454-horsepower 2019 Maserati GranTurismo Convertible Sport cabin is the ultimate luxury cabin of the group, with the kind of hand-built craftsmanship that costs serious coin. It's lavishly appointed with Cuoio leather seats, Walnut Briar Trim, carbon fiber accents and carpeting. Options on our Texas Auto Roundup model took the base price from $150,980 to $167,530.
2019 Infiniti Q60 Red Sport 400 AWD
MSRP as equipped: $64,930
Photo Credit: Kevin McCauley/Capturing the Machine
The 2019 Infiniti Q60 Red Sport 400 AWD has a beautiful interior. You're greeted by gorgeous, supremely comfortable Gallery White Semi-Aniline Leather-appointed bolstered and contoured seats. A two-screen system takes up the center stack surrounded by optional Silver Optic carbon-fiber interior trim.
2020 Kia Telluride SX
MSRP as equipped: $45,815
Photo Credit: Kevin McCauley/Capturing the Machine
In a word, Wow. Kia on a roll. The new 2020 Kia Telluride is the brand's largest SUV and the top of the line SX interior clearly joined the three-row party dressed to impress. Our Dark Moss model featured the $4,000 Prestige Package with double-stitched, quilted and extra-padded Nappa leather trim upholstery. Interior accents include simulated brushed metal and matte-finished wood. A high quality headliner and expansive dual moonroof also impressed. The package also provides heated and ventilated seats in both the 1st- and 2nd- rows. As with the Kia Stinger, I could see Audi design influences in the cabin.
2019 Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio
MSRP as equipped: $79,995
Photo Credit: Kevin McCauley/Capturing the Machine
The Giulia's sophisticated and decidedly sporty interior matches its Ferrari-derived 505-horsepower engine perfectly. Our Misano Blue Metallic model featured an impeccably designed black cabin with $3,500 Carbon Fiber Sparco black leather seats with red stitching along with an upgraded carbon fiber steering wheel.
2019 Mazda CX-5 Signature AWD
MSRP as equipped: $39,155
Photo Credit: Kevin McCauley/Capturing the Machine
We've given the
Mazda CX-5 Signature accolades before for its stepped up premium interior with materials like caturra brown Nappa leather and genuine layered wood trim. From the driver's seat, you see a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear shifter, and look up and you'll see a black cloth headliner. You also get a 10-speaker Bose sound system and heated and ventilated front seats.
BIG NEWS: Mazda just announced a diesel engine will finally be available for the CX-5 Signature AWD.
2019 Lexus 250h Luxury
MSRP as equipped: $41,750
Photo Credit: Kevin McCauley/Capturing the Machine
Lexus is known for quality interiors and its newest SUV the Lexus UX doesn't disappoint. Our silver 250h Hybrid model featured a Glazed Caramel Nuluxe interior with an optional Glazed Caramel Washi dash, a color it was also nice to see follow through on the door panel armrest and center console along with contrast stitching on the steering wheel, gear shifter. The comfortable heated and ventilated seats featured a black accent through the middle as well as perforating and uniquely patterned quilting on the bolstered sides. The end result is an Lexus interior you expect.
2019 Volvo S60 R-Design
MSRP as equipped: $55,490
Photo Credit: Kevin McCauley/Capturing the Machine
The new Volvo S60's impressive interior was designed for driving enthusiasts. It's sporty, modern and uncluttered with metal mesh aluminum decor and diamond patterned finishes. You�ll find comfortable R Design Nappa Leather-trimmed contoured and bolstered seats and an R-designed leather steering wheel (heated is optional) and gear shifter. Note: While the seats are heated, ventilation isn't an option for the R Design trim.
Check out our recent review of this model here.