The best luxury SUVs – driven, rated and ranked
Spacious, versatile and dripping in upmarket appeal, luxury SUVs have all the bases covered. Here are 10 of the best
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by James Disdale and Jack Warrick
8 mins read
14 February 2025
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It’s a sign of our embattled and topsy-turvy times that sales of the best luxury SUVs are the healthiest they’ve ever been, despite the ongoing cost of living crisis and ever-pressing climate concerns.
Luxury SUVs are some of the most lavishly appointed machines on the market, melding the cosseting comfort of an executive saloon with refined and mature road manners.
Many of these machines can also squeeze in seven occupants and still have space to spare, and despite what you think about their conspicuous consumption, there’s no doubting their versatility or the depth of engineering on display.
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Don’t forget that many of these models can head further off the beaten track than you’d ever thought possible – although whether you want to pitch diamond-cut 21in alloys and special-order matt paintwork against mud, rocks and hawthorn hedges is another matter.
And despite their bluff appearance and gas-guzzling reputation, many of our contenders in this list feature plug-in hybrid powertrains that could save a fair chunk in fuel costs and deliver some healthy tax savings for company car drivers.
We’ve picked out 10 of the best for you, but our list is topped by the Range Rover Sport – read on to see why it beats rivals from Porsche, Mercedes, Volvo and more.
1. Range Rover Sport
9
- Design8
- Interior9
- Performance8
- Ride & Handling9
- Costs7
Pros
Outstanding refinement
Broad range of dynamic ability
Tech-filled interior
Cons
Many won’t like the exterior design
Expensive
Land Rover has a bad reliability record
Best for: All-round ability
Many brands have tried to muscle in on this increasingly crowded corner of the market, but none has yet managed to depose the king of luxury SUVs: the Range Rover.
The car earns particular credit for its excellent mechanical refinement and smooth drivability; its rich and inviting interior; its uncompromising versatility; and its ability to engage and satisfy its driver.
In this case, we’ve picked the Range Rover Sport, which objectively speaking is a fractionally more complete and compelling purchase than its larger and much pricier big brother.
Now in its third generation, the Sport does a fine job of pitching for the title of ‘every car you’ll ever need’. A material richness that befits its luxury billing is expected, as is the imperious off-road ability and loping on-road comfort.
Despite its size, the Range Rover Sport is agile and direct in the corners, living up to its moniker. Then there’s the first-rate cabin richness, refinement and luxury ambience, while Land Rover’s latest 13.1in Pivi Pro infotainment touchscreen finally gives the brand the onboard tech to rival the best.
Engine selection is versatile, with a range of six-cylinder petrol and diesels, mild hybrid options and BIK-busting plug-in hybrids that offer up to 76 miles of electric range. Those after a bit more punch will be satisfied with the BMW-sourced 4.4-litre V8 that sits at the top of the range with 523bhp or as a 626bhp SV flagship.
Read our Range Rover Sport review
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2. Porsche Cayenne review
9
- Design8
- Interior8
- Performance9
- Ride & Handling9
- Costs8
Pros
Tidy, expensive-feeling, digitally updated cabin
The class benchmark when it comes to driving satisfaction
Rides very well for the most part
Cons
PHEVs’ electric range is good but not class-best
Heavier PHEVs don’t handle quite as well
Thirsty, but then again this is a seriously quick full-size SUV
Best for: Driving dynamics
The Porsche Cayenne isn’t only one of the best SUVs to drive, it’s also one of the best luxury SUVs on sale today.
Does it feel good to have V8 power back, and represented more broadly throughout the Cayenne model range than it used to be? It sure does.
Still to this day Porsche’s best-selling car, the Cayenne is a performance-based powerhouse with a seriously capable line-up of engines, ranging from a turbo V6 and V8 units to an electrified plug-in hybrid.
Beneath the metal, the Cayenne has all the gear to offer a sports-car-esque driving experience and few can match its dynamic capabilities.
The real magic is found inside, where the Cayenne combines quality materials and comfortable seats to give it a genuine luxury edge over its rivals.
Add outstanding ride refinement and it gives away almost nothing to the most comfortable in the class.
Read our Porsche Cayenne review review
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3. BMW X5
9
- Design9
- Interior7
- Performance10
- Ride & Handling9
- Costs8
Pros
Strong, free-revving engines
Refined and dynamic handling
Excellent PHEV with long electric range
Cons
Some rival SUVs are more practical
Updated interior takes a step back in quality and usability
Hybrid can charge at 7.4kW only
Best for: Performance
The fourth generation of the BMW X5 was been treated to a mid-life refresh a year ago, but such were the abilities of the old car that you could argue that no such nip-and-tuck was needed.
It provides a truly soothing and luxurious experience, but one that can be very economical to run and even quite engaging. It really is an astoundingly rounded package.
Even so, 20 years on from the original version that played a big part in redefining this part of the luxury car market, the X5 recipe remains the same.
Essentially, BMW hit on a powerfully appealing concept: that of the sporting SUV with as much space, versatility and 4×4 capability as many needed but not enough to dull its dynamic edge.
The latest car is smaller and lower than many of its rivals, with a more saloon-like recumbent driving position. It still offers a sizable boot, plus the option of seven seats.
Overall, it gives little away in luxury ambience, with a rich and expensively finished cabin that’s been improved by the addition of BMW’s now traditional curved screen for the instrument cluster and infotainment.
Read our BMW X5 review
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4. Land Rover Discovery
9
- Design8
- Interior9
- Performance8
- Ride & Handling9
- Costs8
Pros
Off-road prowess
Terrific, laid-back driveability
Genuine seven-seat usability
Cons
Rear styling yet to grow on us
Rivals still more efficient
Land Rover has a bad reliability record
Best for: Space
On sale in its current fourth generation guise since 2017, the Land Rover Discovery is still near the top of the luxury SUV class.
It won’t be for everyone – but for those who have a use for its Amazon-wide range of abilities, the Discovery is a brilliant and unrivalled product.
The Discovery provides a functional, understated interior with up to seven seats. It’s one of the most spacious and practical luxury SUVs on sale, with 1137 litres available in a five-seat orientation, and it still beats some superminis for space with all seven seats in place. W
ith such size and weight, though, comes considerable thirst, so the Discovery isn’t a cheap car to run, partly because the engine range isn’t as fulsome as that of the Range Rover Sport, including as it does four- and six-cylinder diesel options and a four-cylinder petrol but no plug-in hybrids.
The Discovery is neither fast nor particularly dynamic in its handling. In our view, however, a big 4×4 needn’t be or do much more than this in order to earn its place in your esteem and your affections – and the Discovery certainly does the latter.
In fact, if you don’t need the status enhancement that’s inferred by the Range Rover tag, the Disco is arguably the most complete product in the brand’s line-up.
Read our Land Rover Discovery review
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5. Audi Q7
8
- Design8
- Interior8
- Performance8
- Ride & Handling7
- Costs8
Pros
Outstanding cabin refinement
Towering material quality
Roomier than most seven-seat SUVs
Cons
Remote, assistance-heavy steering
No handling finesse
Unexceptional residual values
Best for: Refinement
The Q7 is a desirable, polished SUV with a real aura of accomplishment.
The Q7 is hugely practical, commendably potent and immaculately mannered, and it comes with a brilliantly constructed cabin
Huge inside, with high-quality materials and a very high level of refinement and mechanical isolation, it may be the embodiment of everything you want in a modern upmarket family car.
The Q7 is at its best when oiling along in a smooth and unflustered manner, its standard air springs soothing progress and its excellent refinement keeping long haul headaches at bay.
The downsides? In typical Audi fashion, the Q7 feels quite remote to drive, handles in grippy and effective but uninvolving fashion and is a little short on the charisma that other cars in this class have in abundance.
Then again, there’s always the related, 592bhp Audi RS Q8, which addresses that character shortage pretty directly. However, the Q7 is at its best when oiling along in a smooth and unflustered manner, its standard air springs soothing progress and its excellent refinement keeping long haul headaches at bay.
Read our Audi Q7 review
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6. Range Rover
9
- Design8
- Interior9
- Performance9
- Ride & Handling10
- Costs7
Pros
All engines offer brisk performance
Exceptional refinement and isolation
Pleasingly finished cabin
Cons
A pretty expensive piece of kit
This modest D350 tipped our scales at more than 2.6 tonnes
It takes an awful lot of stopping
Best for: Cabin isolation
When you think of what a ‘luxury car’ is, your mind will probably immediately be drawn to the Range Rover.
The Range Rover Velar is undoubtedly a car with more of the luxury star quality of its larger Range Rover siblings in some respects than it has in others.
And nobody would blame you. The Range Rover is still one of the best luxury SUVs money can buy and it’s the most refined car on this list, offering unrivalled cabin isolation and ride composure.
It also handles like a car from many segments below it with excellent agility despite its size.
Whether you’re a fan of petrol, diesel or enjoy a little bit of electrification in your life, the Range Rover has you covered. A popular choice with fleet buyers will no doubt be the plug-in hybrid, which boasts up to 70 miles of electric-only range.
Our go-to choice of engine is the six-cylinder diesel, which delivers 345bhp and 516lb ft of torque. It delivers its power smoothly, but it’s serenely quiet on the move – which is something luxury car buyers should absolutely love.
Like many other options on this list, the Range Rover is available with up to seven seats. With five seats in place you get a huge, yawning boot measuring 725 litres. That increases to 1841 with the rear two rows folded flat.
Read our Range Rover review
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7. Mercedes-Benz GLE
8
- Design8
- Interior8
- Performance8
- Ride & Handling8
- Costs7
Pros
Spacious interior with up to seven seats
Wide engine range
Excellent leg room
Cons
Beaten by rivals for boot space
Not as sharp to drive as the BMW X5
Best for: Ride quality
The Mercedes GLE grew in size quite significantly between its previous and current generation, meaning a huge amount of space is on offer for second and third-row passengers.
It is a compelling, complete and highly accomplished SUV that, with the option of seven seats, makes for outstanding family transport
Generally speaking, if comfort, refinement, luxury and practicality are your priorities, the GLE is worth a look.
Despite weighing in at significantly over two tonnes, the GLE masks its considerable size and weight thanks to impressive handling. It gets additional plaudits for its pliant ride, which is added by optional air suspension.
Inside, the GLE uses Mercedes’ latest MBUX infotainment system and dual widescreen instrument and Comand controls displays, plus it gets a giant head-up display with improved display functionality.
Engine options include a trio of four- and six-cylinder turbo diesels with up to 325bhp, as well as a 3.0-litre turbo petrol that, in the GLE 450, makes 362bhp and 369lb ft.
Read our Mercedes-Benz GLE review
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8. Volvo XC90
8
- Design8
- Interior8
- Performance8
- Ride & Handling8
- Costs7
Pros
Genuine seven-seat cabin
Confidence inspiring and comfortable
Huge amount of versatility
Cons
Refinement could be better
Undistinguished cabin plastics
Not the most communicative driving experience
Best for: Daily driving
We previously rated the Volvo XC90 the best seven-seater car on sale in the UK, but it also holds its own in the overall luxury SUV segment.
It truly is the car Volvo can’t afford to stop making. The improvements – especially the infotainment and passive suspension set-up – are well judged and it’s still, as ever, a supreme product.
A facelift in 2025 certainly keeps things fresh and makes sure the flagship Swedish model retains its compelling blend of practicality, passenger space, class and comfort.
While it might look slightly different this time around, the XC90 still balances efficiency and low running costs with accessible performance. The plug-in hybrid is pretty quick, too hitting 0-62mph in 5.5sec.
But the XC90 really shines inside, housing smart and high quality materials along with plentiful space for up to seven adults.
For many, the XC90 will still be the SUV of choice for family car buyers, and it’s certainly one to consider if you’re after a comfort-focused BIK-buster.
Read our Volvo XC90 review
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9. BMW X7
8
- Design8
- Interior9
- Performance9
- Ride & Handling8
- Costs6
Pros
Finely judged blend of everyday ride quality and uncanny B-road handling
Wants nothing for performance – awesomely quick but not frighteningly so
Good visibility, endless space and opulent materials make for a calming atmosphere
Cons
Doesn’t cosset occupants with quite the serenity of a Range Rover
Lacks the tactile helm of Porsche’s Cayenne
Not the overtly sporting SUV some will want
Best for: Passenger space
The BMW X7 is the German brand’s largest car and it is a seriously capacious luxury SUV.
The lower 7 Series limousine is probably still the better luxury car in outright terms, but it doesn’t offer the outstanding practicality of the X7.
It’ll seat seven in comfort (though you can opt for six seats) and there’s a huge level of adjustability and creature comforts, with between 300- and 2001 litres of boot space at its disposal.
Elsewhere inside, you’ll probably feel as if you’re in a raised BMW 5 Series. It’s absolutely rammed full of technology, including BMW’s eighth-generation iDrive infotainment system with two huge and domineering curved screens. There’s even a rotary dial, although some of the controls are only accessible through the touchscreen.
Add a 20-speaker Bowers & Wilkins sound system, USB ports for each row, and headrest-mounted tablet holders, and you’ve got a luxury SUV to suit the entire family.
Petrol and diesel powertrains are the order of the day for the X7, but they’re all excellent. No matter which you choose, you’ll hit 0-62mph in less than six seconds.
The range is capped by the blisteringly powerful (and wholly unsensible) M60i, which hurls out 523bhp for a 0-62mph sprint of just 4.7sec.
Read our BMW X7 review
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10. BMW iX
9
- Design7
- Interior9
- Performance9
- Ride & Handling8
- Costs7
Pros
Exceptional refinement and rolling comfort
SUV-typical space and versatility
Inviting luxury interior
Cons
Divisive exterior styling
Manual regen control could be improved for better drivability
Questionable looks aside, the BMW iX is well deserving of its place on this list of the best luxury SUVs.
Following its 2025 update, the iX looks far smarter than before and it’s also more powerful and efficient than ever.
You might not like everything that the BMW iX is – but what it does as a luxury EV demands recognition.
In its most efficient specification, drivers can expect 426 miles of range, which makes it one of the longest-legged electric SUVs on sale today.
Power is equally impressive, with between 402bhp and 659bhp on offer, so shifting all that weight (all 2.5 tonnes of it) is light work.
Overall, an iX will leave you satisfied if you’re eyeing up a luxury SUV with a comfortable ride, opulent materials and an excellent real-world range. Its one of the best luxury SUVs and electric SUVs on sale today.
