Luxury SUV group test: Porsche vs BMW vs Mercedes vs Audi vs Volkswagen
July 29, 2024 by Jamie Edkins
Car changing is a big deal
If you’re after a big SUV with a touch of class, we’ve gathered together five of the best to find out which one is most worthy of your cash.
There are few cars more desirable than a big, German luxury SUV – and there are plenty to choose from in this day and age.
We’ve got hold of the latest offerings from Porsche, BMW, Mercedes, Audi and Volkswagen to answer one simple question – which is best? We’ll run through these cars’ pros and cons, as well as tell you Mat Watson’s pick of the range.
Porsche Cayenne
The Porsche Cayenne has always been one of the best SUVs to drive, and this latest one is no exception. It hides its immense weight very well through the corners, and it’s a comfortable cruiser as well.
It’s a shame there’s no diesel engine on offer, and it can get wildly expensive if you spend too much time browsing the options list. With this in mind, the pick of the range is the Standard E-Hybrid. It’s powerful enough, and you get decent road tax rates thanks to the low emissions, something which also keeps your Benefit in Kind tax nice and low..
BMW X5
If it’s a brilliant all-rounder you’re after, the BMW X5 is pretty hard to beat. It’s comfortable, great to drive, well made and packed with tech, all while offering generous interior space and a massive boot.
There’s a great range of engines on offer as well, with the best choice being the 3.0-litre diesel for its blend of performance and economy. You’ll also want to go for the M Sport trim to get a handful of sporty styling upgrades to help your X5 stand out.
Mercedes GLE
Having a three-pointed star on the bonnet of your SUV is one sure-fire way to get envious looks from the other parents on the school run. The Mercedes GLE is a great choice if you’re after a lovely interior and a comfortable ride.
It is a tad expensive, and the touch-sensitive interior controls are annoying to use. Still, at least there are a lot of great engines on offer, the pick of the range being the 400e plug-in hybrid. Go for this in AMG Line guise and you’ll have an economical and stylish family SUV.
Audi Q7
The Audi Q7 is the sensible choice here. It may not have the wow factor in terms of styling, but it’s hugely practical and very well-made, and it’s comfortable to drive as well. There’s loads of tech on board as well to make daily driving less stressful.
Going for the S Line model makes the Q7 look slightly less drab thanks to larger alloy wheels and a more aggressive-looking bodykit, and the 3.0-litre diesel engine you get in the 45 TDI offers a great spread between performance and fuel economy.
Volkswagen Touareg
Finally then we come to the Volkswagen Touareg. It’s quite a bit cheaper than the alternatives here, but as a result it doesn’t feel quite as premium as you might like. It’s still hugely practical though, and it comes well-equipped as standard.
You’ll want to avoid the R model because it’s too expensive and it’s not as sporty as the name suggests. Go for the 3.0-litre diesel Black Edition with 286hp and you’ll have an economical motorway cruiser with sporty-ish styling.
If you want an in-depth look at each of these cars, check out the video to get Mat’s expert verdict.
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