The BMW iX is the pinnacle of Munich’s EV engineering but it also features of the most impressive interiors on the road today. First the tech and specs: the xDrive50 boasts 516bhp, a range of 380 miles and can add 93 miles of range in just 10 minutes with its 195kW charging capability. A hotter M60 variant pushes those numbers further with 611bhp and a range of 348 miles. But it’s the luxury you’re here for.
Jump inside and the cabin is one of the most detailed and intricate you’ll find: there are super-sharp, customisable digital displays almost everywhere you look, all the semi-autonomous features you could want, and high-quality materials – including crystal glass.
Driving the BMW iX is a remarkable experience too. First there’s the speed; the M60 variant can 0-62mph in just 3.8 seconds, which feels utterly discombobulating on a car this size. Despite its 2.5-tonne weight, the iX is surprisingly agile on corners too, with an air suspension delivering a refined ride with minimal body roll.
Read our full review of the BMW iX here
Mercedes-Benz G-Class
Best for those who want the iconic G-Wagen look
Pros: Legitimate off-road performance, silent running, G-Turns
Cons: Sub-300-mile range, not as luxurious as others here
The G-Wagen started off as the ultimate tool, but much like a Rolex Submariner it’s now something of a luxury item. It comes with a range of ICE powertrains, but what can be more luxurious than the silence and torque of an EV? That’s why we’ve chosen the newly revealed G580 for this list.
Featuring a 116kWh battery pack and four electric motors, it produces a combined 579bhp, 859lb ft of torque and accelerates from 0-62mph in 4.7 seconds. Despite having the elegance and aerodynamics of a brick, it still boasts a range of between 27 and 294 miles.
Inside, it’s not the most luxurious SUV here, though it does feature dual 12.3-inch displays with Mercedes’ latest MBUX infotainment software and premium materials throughout. The real luxury comes in knowing the robust ladder-frame chassis and advanced suspension underneath can actually withstand almost any terrain you can throw at it.
There are screens in the back if passengers get bored, and if that’s not enough, the G-Wagen’s G-Turn party trick will wake them up.
Read our full review of the Mercedes G580 here
BMW X7
Best for SUV buyers that want an ICE version of the iX
Pros: Decent performance, strong interior
Cons: Polarising exterior design
If the BMW iX is Munich’s ultimate example of electric luxury, the X7 is the same but in old-fashioned ICE form. The facelifted model range includes the entry-level 40i petrol and the new M60i, with the former featuring a 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six engine getting a 48-volt mild-hybrid system, producing 375bhp and 383lb ft of torque.
Inside you get dual 12.3-inch displays running the latest iDrive 8.0 operating system surrounded by premium design and materials. Interior aside, the X7 is refined and smooth on UK roads, with optional rear-wheel steering and active roll stabilization giving a little dynamic flair when needed.
If you want more performance, go for the M60i variant. It features a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8, provides impressive performance, and can hit 0-62mph in just 4.7 seconds.
Read our full review of the BMW X7 here
Mercedes-Benz GLS
Best for those who want an S-class on stilts
Pros: Airy, spacious interior, advanced tech and magic carpet ride
Cons: Not that dynamic handling-wise
The S-Class made our list of the best luxury cars, so it’s only right that its larger GLS sibling makes our list of the best luxury SUVs.
It’s a luxurious, supersized SUV that blends comfort, technology, and practicality. The GLS400d variant we drove features a 3.0-litre straight-six diesel engine producing 325bhp and 516lb ft of torque, paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. That’s good for 0-62mph time of 6.3 seconds and a top speed of 148mph, which is more than enough if you’re more about luxury than performance.
As for the luxury? The big Benz offers a smooth and refined driving experience, massively helped by an air suspension system that Mercedes has thrown in as standard. There are options though, including an off-road package that makes it handle much better for less refined roads.
Inside, you’ll find the usual mod cons; the cabin is as spacious as you’d hope and it’s adorned with high-quality materials, dual 12.3-inch displays, and all the other tech you’d expect from a supersize Sonderklasse.
Lamborghini Urus Performante
Best for super-SUV enthusiasts seeking peak performance and luxury
Pros: Sharp looks, track-focused handling
Cons: Not as luxurious and more sport-focused
The Lamborghini Urus Performante majors on performance more than luxury, but it still deserves a place in this list. Powered by a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine producing 657bhp and 627lb ft of torque, it accelerates from 0-62mph in a blistering 3.3 seconds. Key upgrades for the Performante trim include steel springs replacing air suspension, a 20mm lower ride height, and recalibrated drive modes – including a new Rally mode for controlled slides on loose surfaces.
The result? It feels like a significantly smaller car than its 2150kg weight suggests. It’s mainly thanks to the straight-line speed, handling tweaks and rear-wheel steering for even sharper turn ins.
Inside, the Urus Performante features Alcantara upholstery (what else?) and an extensive carbon-fibre trim, ensuring a luxurious yet sporty feel. Does it match the likes of the GLS or the Bentayga inside? Of course not, but if track performance with practicality, and in that order, is what you want, the Urus is a great choice.
Read our full review of the Lamborghini Urus Performante
Aston Martin DBX
Best for those who want a blend of performance and refinement
Pros: Premium interior, strong performance, impressive handling
Cons: May not have the luxury of others
Aston Martin’s DBX bends luxury and performance in the way its sports cars have done for years. To that end, it uses a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine with 542bhp and 516lb ft of torque, good for 0-62mph in 4.5 seconds. The interior is spacious and luxurious, with high-quality materials and advanced technology including dual 12.3-inch displays. If you’ve already sampled one of Gaydon’s products but not this, expect the same – but more.
However, the DBX isn’t just concerned with luxury; Aston’s SUV is one of the best-performing products you’ll drive in the newly-formed Super SUV category: dynamic and agile but smooth and comfortable when required, the DBX’s is helped by an air suspension and advanced electronic systems to perform in a variety of road scenarios.
The DBX already leans toward the sporty side compared to other cars on this list, but if you want more go for the 707 model. That pushes the performance further with a stonking 697bhp, whilst still offering a similar level of comfort.
Read our full review of the Aston Martin DBX
Ferrari Purosangue
Best for those who want a luxurious SUV with a prancing horse
Pros: Exceptional performance, luxurious interior, advanced technology
Cons: Some infotainment quirks
Love it or hate it, the Ferrari Purosangue is a groundbreaking SUV for Maranello and one of the best on sale. It may not look like a traditional Ferrari on the outside, but underneath it’s as pure as its name suggests; pop the hood bonnet and you’ll find a 6.5-litre V12 engine producing 715bhp and 528lb ft of torque. It sounds incredible, but more than that, it accelerates Ferrari’s SUV from 0-62mph in 3.3 seconds and to a top speed of over 190mph. It’s not all about straight-line speed though, as the SUV features Ferrari’s active suspension technology and all-wheel steering, providing exceptional handling and ride comfort.
It doesn’t scrimp on the luxury inside though; you’ll find a cabin full of luxurious materials, contemporary tech, and a Burmester 3D Surround Sound System for entertainment on the go. Our verdict? The Ferrari Purosangue successfully transfers Ferrari’s DNA into the SUV segment, without compromising on the Ferrari spirit. And the more you look at it, the more its styling fits in with the rest of Maranello’s current lineup.
CAR took a Ferrari Purosangue to the Sahara earlier this year, and you can read the feature here.
Range Rover
Best for those seeking a luxurious SUV with legitimate off-road capability
Pros: Can do the job off-road but has all the creature-comforts inside
Cons: Tough competition from rivals
The Range Rover SUV remains a benchmark if you’re after a mixture of luxury and genuine off-road performance. Under the bonnet the most recent Range – now with a tidier rear end – offers a range of powerful engines, including a 4.4-litre V8 and a plug-in hybrid too.
On the road, the Range Rover delivers a smooth and refined ride, and handles impressively well for its size, offering a serene driving experience that makes long journeys effortless. The old car’s vagueness and wallow has been well and truly banished, although don’t think for a moment the Range Rover corners like a performance SUV. Inside you’ll find a mixture of restrained but elegant design, premium materials and all the tech you’d expect for a SUV in this sector.
Other rivals on this list may perform better in certain areas, but the Range Rover excels in a bit of everything; it’s a balanced mix of luxury, performance, and versatility.
