Take a look at our pick of large SUVs And decide which one is for you!
We’ve picked out some of the ultimate large SUVs on the market - the Audi Q7, the BMW X5, the Jaguar F-Pace and the Range Rover - to help you discover which is the most suited to your intrepid lifestyle. Hold on to your hats...
Which is the Best looking Large SUV?
If you’re trying to impress, you’ll want to look good as you head out on the road. Great styling will give you the confidence you need to pull off the most difficult of challenges. Here’s what you can expect from our line-up of large SUVs in the looks department:
Audi Q7 - The second-generation Q7 is truly an unmistakable Audi. The first thing that’ll get you noticed is the huge diamond-shaped grille that dominates the front fascia, while the simple, muscular design with well-defined character lines will let everyone know that you mean business.
Each of the four trims - Sport, S Line, Black Edition and Vorsprung - offer something special, with the higher specs including options like 20”, 21” or 22” alloys; tactile Alcantara or sumptuous Valona leather; B&O sound system; and more.
BMW X5 -Many an adventure has been directed from the comfort of the BMW X5 which has had several refreshes since it first appeared in 2000. The current X5 carries the same signature kidney grille but with a sharper edge and wide wheel arches to emphasis the choice of 19”, 20” or 22” alloys.
The X5 comes in xLine and M Sport trim level for an elegant or racy feel, however the mood takes you.
Jaguar F-Pace - Jaguar made a daring move when it recently introduced the F-Pace to its range. So far, this athletic, large SUV has been a hit among the sportier models on the market. As the most dynamic-looking car of our four, its defining feature is the bulging front end with bonnet vents and a gaping grille reinforcing it’s thoroughbred nature.
There are five distinct trim variants: basic Prestige, luxurious Portfolio, sporty R-Sport and S, and a truly special SVR performance version as the ultimate F-Pace.
Range Rover - Range Rover has been a crusader on British roads for half a century. Its massive size, iconic shape and instantly recognizable features give it stately appearance, especially in long wheelbase option (Autobiography and SVAutobiography), unique amongst our large SUV line-up.
Each of the Range Rover’s trim levels - Vogue, Vogue SE, Autobiography, and SVAutobiography Dynamic - has something special to offer.
What Large SUV has the Best Handling?
When you’re looking at a beast as big as a large SUV, even the most daring drivers will want to know that they are in control. Let’s take a look at the proportions and equipment that might make controlling these these handy hulks a joy rather than a challenge:
Audi Q7 - The Audi Q7 measures 5.05m in length, 2.21m in width and 1.74m high, shorter and narrower than its predecessor. The turning circle is 12.4m, but 11.4m with all-wheel steering (a payable extra). Every Q7 is available with quattro all-wheel-drive for extra grip, and a minimum of 21.0mm ground clearance so off-roading is no issue. Standard features include front and rear Parking System Plus sensors, rear view camera, hill hold and cruise control with speed limiter. The additional Parking Assistance Pack allows even more perfect parking while further driver assistance features can all be monitored via the optional Head-up windscreen display.
BMW X5 - 4.92m in length, 2.0m wide and 1.75m high, the BMW X5 is smaller than the Q7 but still has a 12.1m turning circle. Options include Four wheel steering and xOffroad pack with xSand, xRocks, xGravel and xSnow modes, enabling optimal grip in all conditions - ideal for those who never let the weather stop them. Expeditions will be ably assisted by the 20.9cm ground clearance while out in the wilds and by the Parking Assistant with rear camera when it’s time to venture into town. Whatever your destination, the Technology Package offers surround view via four cameras so you can react swiftly to oncoming hazards.
Jaguar F-Pace - The dimensions of the Jaguar F-Pace make it the smallest of our large SUVs at 4.74m long and 2.17m wide. It’s also got the tidiest turning circle of 11.59m but like the prowling cat that it is, stays much nearer to the ground at 1.61m tall and 16.1cm clearance (max). This lower position gives it an advantage over other large SUVs when it comes to aerodynamics and handling. There’s a choice of 6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic, along with all-wheel-drive or rear-wheel-drive. The SVR is a special 550 PS supercharged V8 beast which approaches twists and turns or long straight roads with equal energy.
Range Rover - Truly gargantuan dimensions of 5.0m in length (5.2m in long wheel base), 2.22m in width and 1.86m in height make the Range Rover the biggest of our large SUVs and, with a turning circle of 12.33m, the least practical in urban driving. Time to head off road! This is where the Range Rover excels with a wading depth of 90cm, and a ground clearance of 22cm. Terrain Response 2 allows the vehicle to react to conditions by changing suspension, powertrain and slip control settings, whatever situation you find yourself in.
The Large SUV with the Easiest Handling is...
BMW X5 - While the Range Rover could probably get you anywhere without breaking into too much of a sweat, its size puts it at a disadvantage in built-up areas. We’re going to go for the BMW X5 for just the right mix of city skills and off-road capability.
Which is the Most Practical Large SUV?
When you’re looking for the ideal travel companion, space goes a long way, so all of these large SUVs are primed for adventure. But which one is top of the heap when it comes to being a welcome addition to your crew?
Audi Q7 - The loading space of the seven-seat Audi Q7 is 295 litres and 770 litres with one row folded. The maximum boot space is a huge 1,955 litres with all rear seats down. The power-operated tailgate is standard on every trim and an extremely helpful feature when you’re carrying ropes, boots or other equipment.
Optional Towing Pack includes electrically folding towbar and trailer assist feature which allows a pulling capacity of up to 3,500kg.
BMW X5 - The boot volume of the BMW X5 is 650 litres with all five seats up and 1,870 litres with the rear seats down. Third row seating is an optional extra, which makes the X5 practical for bigger families. The tailgate has automatic operation on the top part, and a manually operated bottom section.
Falling short of its weightier opponents, the towing capacity of the X5 is just 1,900kg but a selection of BMW roof racks, boxes, ski holders and bike carriers allows you to extend the carrying potential depending on which thrill you’re seeking.
Jaguar F-Pace - For a sports car in an SUV body, the F-Pace is surprisingly practical. The boot capacity is the smallest in our line-up at 650 litres with the seats up and 1,740 litres with the seats folded down but a powered tailgate comes as standard, although gesture-activation is a payable option.
Towing weight is reasonable at 2,000kg while the Lifestyle Pack includes roof bars, splash guards and boot mat for the car-proud traveller.
Range Rover - The Range Rover is known as a car that’s always fit for adventure, so it’s lucky that it has 909 litres of boot space and up to 2,030 litres with the rear seats folded. Additional kit fits nicely on the optional roof bars.
Electronic Air Suspension means that you can lower the car by up to 50mm to assist with the loading of heavy cargo and towing capacity is up to 3,500kg for when you’ve got the serious gear with you (electronically deployed tow bar is optional).
What is the Best Value Large SUV?
The only thing that’s not to love about our fabulous large SUVs are the price tags. You get what you pay for - all that space, a luxurious interior and driver assistance features to help you have the driving experience of a lifetime. Here’s what you’ll be looking at to fund your adventurous lifestyle:
Audi Q7 - To get you on the road with the Audi Q7 you’re looking at a minimum of £58,685 for the 3.0-litre 231PS Sport 45 TDI quattro tiptronic. The fully loaded Vorsprung 50 TDI has a starting price of £83,935. When it comes to fuel consumption, both the 45 TDI and 50 TDI return 41.5 mpg* in combined driving conditions, and these are the most efficient on offer from the Q7, aside from the hybrid Q7 e-tron at 156.9 mpg (combined).*
BMW X5 - The starting price of the BMW X5 is £64,040 for the 30d xLine (diesel). The petrol variants cost a little more at £58,885 for the 40i xLine. For the M50d, you’ll have to part with £82,660 to gain the 406PS of the X5’s biggest engine.
Jaguar F-Pace - The Jaguar F-Pace has a budget friendly starting price of £46,250 for the Prestige 163 PS 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel. Top of the range is the SVR 5.0-litre V8 at £79,090. If you’re heading far and wide on your search for the ultimate thrill, you‘ll be interested to know that the most fuel efficient F-Pace engine is the 2.0-litre diesel with rear-wheel-drive and manual transmission, and it returns a combined mpg of 51.4*.
Range Rover - Since the Range Rover is at the ultra-luxurious end of the spectrum, the starting prices are significantly higher than those of other premium SUVs. The lowest price you’ll pay is £99,375. The ultimate 5.0-litre supercharged V8 costs a whopping £142,285!
