Best luxury SUVs 2024 – and the ones to avoid
The best luxury SUVs are as practical as they are classy and as desirable as they are relaxing to drive. Here we count down the top 10 – and reveal the one to avoid...
An increasing number of car buyers are shunning luxury saloons in favour of luxury SUVs, drawn in by the appeal of their elevated driving positions, rugged looks and upmarket interiors.
The best also offer a cosseting ride, punchy performance and the sort of refinement that makes long journeys effortless. And they have the high driving position and sense of opulence many like.
![Range Rover Sport and Lexus RX Range Rover Sport and Lexus RX](https://media.whatcar.com/wc-image/2024-01/best-luxury-suvs-2024-in-line.jpg)
Having extensively tested every luxury SUV on the market, our reviewers rate the BMW X7 as having the finest set of abilities – to find out why, and which version we recommend, you'll need to keep reading.
Of course, there are plenty more luxury SUVs on the market, so we've also rounded up our top 10 choices in the market, as well as the model we recommend you avoid. If any car takes your fancy, click the links to read our in-depth reviews, or see our latest new car deals. Alternatively, check out our definitive list of the best SUVs of any size.
Our pick: xDrive40d MHT M Sport 5dr Step Auto
Strengths
- Supremely quiet and comfortable
- Incredibly spacious and practical
- Great infotainment system
Weaknesses
- There are cheaper alternatives
- Looks won’t be to all tastes
- No plug-in hybrid or electric option
The only thing bigger than the X7’s gigantic front grille is the car itself, so if you’ve got a big budget and a big family, it should definitely be on your shortlist.
As a bonus, the interior is as luxurious as it is sturdy, and refinement is so impressive that someone in the third row can have a conversation with those up front without raising their voice.
The way it drives is also surprising. For a car that’s so big, the X7 handles and feels like something smaller, making it easy to place on the road. Our favourite engine, the 3.0-litre straight-six diesel in the xDrive40d, provides strong performance and surprisingly good fuel economy, too.
Granted, the X7 is a very heavy car, so it doesn't feel as light on its feet as, say, a Porsche Cayenne, but it's still more agile than a Land Rover Discovery or Mercedes GLS – especially in the most powerful M60i versions.
“You wouldn't describe the X7 as being a fun car to drive along a country road, but few luxury SUVs are. What it is, though, is one of the quietest cars I've ever tested.” – Will Nightingale, Reviews Editor
Read our in-depth BMW X7 review
Our pick: 3.0 D300 Dynamic SE 5dr Auto
Strengths
- Offers lots of Range Rover qualities for a lower price
- Incredible ability off-road
- Fantastic range on the PHEV model
Weaknesses
- Cheaper than a Range Rover, but still very expensive
- Rivals are sharper to drive
- Land Rover’s reliability record is a concern
Land Rover knows a thing or two about building luxurious SUVs, and the Range Rover Sport is a prime example of the firm’s expertise.
Like the full-size Range Rover, you get a high driving position that gives you a great view of the road. And yet, the centre console is raised to give it a slightly sportier feel. The ride is also smooth and supple, making it the ideal companion for long journeys.
Our favourite version is the entry-level engine, the D300 diesel, because it blends impressively punchy performance with silken refinement. Indeed, its 296bhp is officially enough to get you to 62mph in 6.6sec, and that feels plenty quick enough despite being the least powerful option in the line-up. Every Range Rover Sport feels stable and relatively agile, but the BMW X5 offers even more grip through corners.
Even taller passengers won't struggle for space in the rear seats, but unlike older Range Rover Sports, the latest model only has room for five – if you want a seven-seat Range Rover, you'll need to spend more on its bigger brother.
“I found that my holiday luggage fit with ease inside the Range Rover Sport's boot – and even better, there's no penalty in terms of space if you go for the plug-in hybrid model.” – Lawrence Cheung, New Cars Editor
Read our in-depth Range Rover Sport review
Strengths
- Smooth and powerful engines
- Pillowy ride in Sport and S line trims
- Superb interior quality
Weaknesses
- Touchscreen infotainment system
- Third-row space is better in the BMW X7
- Entry-level Sport trim misses some important kit
The Audi Q7 is an incredible all-rounder, offering composed driving dynamics and plenty of space for seven occupants.
Its strongest suit of all is comfort; the suspension soaks up impacts from speed bumps and other road imperfections with aplomb and demolishes long journeys like a private jet. The Q7 also takes on corners very well, and feels agile for its size.
The interior quality only adds to the sense of comfort you get while driving, with plenty of soft-touch materials, glossy black veneers and smart brushed metal trims used throughout. We also like the fact that there’s plenty of technology on board, but the Q7’s touchscreen infotainment system can be fiddly to use while driving.
While it's diesel power which we recommend in the rival BMW X7 and Range Rover Sport, the Q7's 55 TFSI petrol motor is the one which will make the most sense to most buyers. It offers lots of low-down grunt, and with 355bhp available has no trouble in hauling the Q7 up to motorway speeds. Fuel economy aside, it's the best choice – especially considering that Audi no longer offers a plug-in hybrid version of the Q7.
“I like the satisying click which accompanies the Q7's physical volume knob – especially since it's one of the few physical controls left in the car. Indeed, it's a shame that since a mid-life facelift in 2019, the Q7's infotainment usability has actually taken a step back, since it's now almost entirely touchscreen-based.” – Neil Winn, Deputy Reviews Editor
Read our in-depth Audi Q7 review
Our pick: xDrive50e M Sport 5dr Auto
Strengths
- Fantastic plug-in hybrid version
- Great to drive
- Classy, well-designed interior
Weaknesses
- Wide standard tyres generate road noise at speed
- Third row of seats costs extra
- There are more spacious and practical rivals
It might not be quite as luxurious as its BMW X7 sibling, but there's a good reason why we suspect a lot of buyers will start their journey by looking at the X5 instead – it's a heck of a lot cheaper.
Don't think that by spending less you'll be living in a bargain basement SUV, either, because it's truly hard to fault the quality of materials used inside the X5. Every surface you're likely to touch regularly is coated in plush-feeling materials, but what's especially impressive is that attractive, tactile finishes are used even in places you won't see or touch often. Then there's the X5's infotainment system, which remains one of the best in the business to use thanks to its rotary controller – a feature shared with the larger X7.
While both petrol and diesel engine options are available, we'd steer you towards the xDrive50e plug-in hybrid instead. This combines a 3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor and a big 25.7kWh battery – allowing the X5 to officially cover up to 65 miles on electric power. That's further than plug-in hybrid versions of the Audi Q5 or Volvo XC90 can travel.
As you might expect, having to cart around that large battery means boot space in plug-in hybrid X5s is smaller than that of regular models, but your holiday luggage still shouldn't pose any problems.
“I like the X5's split tailgate – not only does it give you a shelf to rest larger items on when loading them, but also forms a handy picnic seat if you find yourself parked somewhere with a great view.” – Doug Revolta, Head of Video
Read our in-depth BMW X5 review
Our pick: 3.0 D250 S 110 5dr Auto
Strengths
- Comfortable on the road, excellent off it
- Up to eight seats
- Slow depreciation
Weaknesses
- Higher trim levels are very pricey
- Fuel economy and CO2 emissions are poor
- Tiny boot in 90 models
While previous versions of the Land Rover Defender were as luxurious as flying economy on a low-cost airline, the latest version has upped the ante, mixing premium materials and cossetting on-road manners with the off-road prowess which has made the Defender name famous.
You can have your Defender in a variety of lengths, ranging from the shortist '90' models to the enormous '130' version with up to eight seats, but it's the middle-ground seven-seat '110' models which we think make the most sense. Opting for the D300 diesel engine means effortless progress, even with every seat filled – indeed, Land Rover says the 0-62mph sprint can be cracked in around 7.0 seconds.
Your rear passengers will find they have a palatial amount of leg and head room – although both the Audi Q7 and BMW X5 have slightly lower floors, so the rear seats in those models are likely to be more comfortable over big distances.
“When I tested the Land Rover Defender 110 against its Audi Q7 and Volvo XC90 rivals, I found that I could fit seven carry-on suitcases into its boot below the load cover – but both of its rivals could take more.” – Steve Huntingford, Editor
Read our Land Rover Defender review
Strengths
- One of the quietest cars we’ve ever tested
- Spacious and luxurious interior
- Great infotainment system
Weaknesses
- Air suspension and rear-wheel steering available only on pricier xDrive50
- xDrive40 has a disappointing real-world range
- Teslas have a better charging infrastructure
It may have divisive looks, but the BMW iX is a hugely impressive electric SUV. It’s luxurious, quick and incredibly quiet on the move.
Our favourite version is the xDrive50 model. It uses two electric motors and a 108kWh (usable) battery that gives it an official range of 382 miles. That’s farther than the Audi Q8 e-tron and Jaguar I-Pace can manage. Even in real-world conditions, expect to manage up to 284 miles – which should suit most drivers just fine.
The interior is the real party piece of the iX, though. It has a minimalist look, a user-friendly infotainment system and plush materials. However, even though there's plenty of space for passengers, the boot is on the small side for such a big SUV.
“As well as its extra range, a side benefit of opting for the xDrive50 over the cheaper xDrive40 model of the BMW iX is that it can charge at a faster rate – up to 195kW, versus 150kW for the xDrive40. If you have a long commute, as I do, that extra charging speed is very useful.” – Stuart Milne, Digital Editor
Read our in-depth BMW iX review
Our pick: 3.0 D300 SE 4dr Auto
Strengths
- Fabulous driving position
- Fantastic off-road ability
- Useful seven-seat versatility
Weaknesses
- Very expensive
- Reliability is a concern
- More physical controls for the infotainment would be preferable
The Range Rover is one of the founding fathers of the luxury SUV class, and today it remains the go-to choice for many.
Why is that? Well, the Range Rover has a presence few other luxury cars can match. It’s stylish both inside and out, plus it’s incredibly comfortable to drive. That’s largely thanks to its cosseting air suspension and whisper-quiet interior.
Our preferred 296bhp D300 diesel engine is the cheapest option, yet still offers enough punch for most situations, although you can opt for a more powerful diesel, two plug-in hybrid versions or a range-topping V8 petrol if you wish.
There is a catch, though, because you do have to pay a premium for the Range Rover. Rivals such as the BMW X7 and Audi Q7 are cheaper, and both come with seven seats as standard. If you want seven seats in the Range Rover, you have to add them as an optional extra on the LWB (long wheel-base) version. That's why the Range Rover doesn't go higher up this list.
"I lived with a Range Rover for four months, and appreciated its high-set seating position every day. This is a luxury SUV which really does place you high above the road, meaning you have excellent visibility around you.” – Darren Moss, Deputy Digital Editor
Read our in-depth Range Rover review
Our pick: 300kW 55 Quattro 114kWh Sport 5dr Auto
Strengths
- Cosseting ride
- Very smooth and quiet
- Spacious and luxurious interior
Weaknesses
- Distracting climate controls
- Some rivals are more fun
- Vorsprung trim is pricey
If you like the look of the Audi Q7 further up this list but have your heart set on going electric, then the Audi Q8 e-tron is a logical side step. Like its Q7 sibling, this is a large and luxurious SUV – and one which offers more comfort for your rear passengers than the rival Mercedes EQC. Just bear in mind that the BMW iX is more spacious still, especially if you regularly carry three passengers on the rear bench.
No version of the q8 e-tron could be described as slow, but it's the mid-range 55 quattro version which we'd recommend putting on your shortlist. In our tests, this version managed the 0-60mph sprint in 5.4sec, yet thanks to its 106kWh battery can officially travel up to 330 miles between charges.
As you'd hope at this price point, the interior of the Q8 e-tron is a fine place to while away a long journey, with high-quality materials and plenty of visual appeal. It's a shame that there are relatively few physical controls, but the ones which are present operate with a highly satisfying click.
“The Q8 e-tron's range sounds great, but in our real-world tests its efficiency was less than stellar. On a cold day, the Q8 e-tron recorded efficiency of 2.2miles / kWh, suggesting a real-world range of 233 miles.” – Dan Jones, Reviewer
Read our in-depth Audi Q8 E-tron review
Our pick: 4.0 V8 S 5dr Auto
Strengths
- Beautiful hand-finished interior
- Effortless performance
- Impressive infotainment system
Weaknesses
- Gearbox can be laggy around town
- High running costs
- Average boot space
The Bentley Bentayga quickly became the British firm's fastest-selling car when it first went on sale, and it's not hard to see why.
It has the same sense of occasion as any other Bentley, with a beautiful interior and a great infotainment system. Performance is effortless, and our favourite version, the V8 S, offers a more engaging drive – even if there's a little more road noise than you'll find in the plug-in hybrid alternative.
Despite its considerable size, the Bentagya offers great visibility, aided by a range of cameras. Those dimensions mean there's huge space inside, and while seven seats come as standard you can also choose a seven seat layout, or even a four seat configuration with throne-like rear seats for those seeking ultimate luxury.
“Don't think that just because you're in a large car that you have to settle for large running costs. Indeed, the V6 plug-in hybrid model of the Bentayga can officially cover 28 miles on eletricity alone, and returns upwards of 80mpg if you keep its battery topped up.” – George Hill, Staff Writer
Read our in-depth Bentley Bentagya review
Strengths
- Effortless performance
- Wonderfully opulent interior
- Superb refinement
Weaknesses
- Unsettled low-speed ride
- Hugely expensive to buy and run
- Controversial styling
Yes, you could buy a property for the same money, but would your three-bedroom house come with lambswool mats as standard? For the best of the best interiors, the Cullinan swats away its rivals with lashings of leather, wood and solid metal finishes.
It’s not only the Cullinan’s interior that impresses. Considering its size, the Cullinan provides effortless performance from its mighty V12 engine. Indeed, this 2.6-tonne SUV can go from 0-62mph in just 5.2sec. And yet, it’s quiet, smooth and refined.
So, if you can afford it, the Cullinan makes a brilliant choice. However, the enormous list price and expensive running costs do restrict its position on this list.
“In the Cullinan even opening the boot is luxurious, because Rolls-Royce offers a glass partition which separates the rest of the interior from the boot space – meaning you can remain warm and toasty even if the boot is open to the elements.” – Claire Evans, Consumer Editor
Read our in-depth Rolls-Royce Cullinan review
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And the luxury SUV to avoid...
The Maserati Levante is spacious and well equipped, but the driving experience it delivers doesn’t live up to the badge’s promise. For instance, the handling is stodgy and the ride is bumpy, and those two factors let it down significantly. The interior also doesn’... Read our review
How we choose the best luxury SUVs
Our highly experienced reviewers have extensively assessed every luxury SUV in the most rigorous programme of testing in the business. Following that, we’re able to definitively place each model in this ordered list, making it easy for you to see the best models at a glance.
More than 20,000 motorists contribute to our annual reader survey to tell us what is most important to them. Armed with this information, we’re able to focus on the vital areas in more detail. That means for luxury SUVs, we pay particular attention to:
Outstanding build quality is essential for a luxury SUV. Everything you touch should feel plush and solid, and there should be no scratchy plastics in sight. As well as these perceived-quality considerations, we look for build quality, too. Here we test to see every part of the interior feels built to last.
Just as a luxury SUV should have an interior fit for a king, it should pamper you as such on the move. Cars are praised for their ability to soak up lumps and bumps in the road, but marked down if they’re so soft that they start to wallow about on undulating surfaces. We assess how luxury SUVs cosset their driver over a variety of surfaces, to determine which ones strike the right balance between comfort and control.
Loud or unpleasant noises or vibrations can easily disturb the sense of tranquillity you’d expect to experience inside a luxury SUV. When testing a car, we measure the sound intensity in decibels that a car generates at a steady 30mph and 70mph. Our expert road testers also listen out for any noises or vibrations which emerge under certain conditions (such as under hard acceleration).
We also consider how easy it is to drive a car smoothly; this is especially important in luxury electric SUVs, because some regenerative braking systems can make the brakes feel grabby or unnatural when you press the brake pedal.
This is in addition to the tests we perform on every car. You can read more about this in our how we test cars feature.
FAQs
The best luxury SUV is the BMW X7. Although previous category winners here have included the Range Rover Sport and Audi Q7, BMW's luxury SUV is now the best all-rounder here, combining comfort and practicality into a very tempting package. For the best experience, we recommend teaming the punchy yet frugal xDrive40d diesel engine with M Sport trim.
There is no SUV supercar as such, but the Aston Martin DBX, Ferrari Purosangue and Lamborghini Urus are pretty close. They’re all high-performance sports SUVs that offer lightning-fast performance and pin-sharp handling. In fact, each of those SUVs handle so impressively that they almost match some sports cars for agility.
In our most recent What Car? Reliability Survey, the Porsche Cayenne (2018-2023) was ranked as the most reliable luxury SUV, with an overall score of 98.7%. Very few owners experienced any problems within the past year, with the few who did finding faults with the car's non-engine electric. Better still, all remedial work was carried out for free.
At the other end of the scale, the Mercedes GLE (2019-present) was the least reliable luxury SUV, with a score of 87.6%. Quite a few owners experienced issues with their cars, and 42% of those spent more than a week being fixed. At least all of the repair work was carried out for free.
According to our latest depreciation data, the Range Rover Sport is one of the most rock-solid investments around. In fact, in 3.0 P460e Autobiography form, it keeps 71.6% of its original value once you've had it for three years and covered 36,000 miles – the most of any luxury SUV. The regular Range Rover and the Porsche Cayenne are also good choices if retained value is your top concern, with both keeping more than 53% of their value over the same timeframe.