The rise of luxury SUVs has driven the increasing amount of luxury family cars, whereas previously it was five-seat sedans like the BMW 5 Series or Mercedes-Benz S-Class, nowadays you can choose from the likes of the BMW X7, Mercedes-Benz GLS, Land Rover Defender 130 and more.
Below you’ll find our list of the best luxury 7-seater options on the market today, so you can get you and your extended family or friends wherever you need to go in absolute comfort.
Top seven luxury seven-seater cars
1. Land Rover Defender 130
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Land Rover Defender 130
The British brand took a big risk changing its iconic off-roader into something far more modern, but judging by the sales it has been a runaway success. It was the best-selling large luxury SUV in 2023, beating the established players including the BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE.
Part of that success is because the Defender now comes in multiple forms, from the short-wheelbase 90 to the three-row, seven-seat 130. But this isn’t just the 110 version with extra seats squeezed into the boot, the 130 has an extra 340mm in the wheelbase to free up more room for more passengers.
And it’s not strictly just a seven-seater, either, with the option to expand to eight seats if that’s what’s needed.
2. Audi Q7
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Audi Q7
As the name hints at, Audi’s biggest SUV has space for seven, with the third row of seating now standard on Australian models. This not only adds versatility but also creates some more differentiation between the Q7 and the similar-sized but more style-orientated, five-seat Q8.
As you’d expect from a luxury vehicle, not only are the seats trimmed in leather, but the extra row seats are electronically controlled, so putting them up or laying them down is as easy as pressing a button.
3. Volvo XC90
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Volvo XC90
While it’s soon to be replaced by the all-electric EX90, Volvo’s biggest model is also one of its surprise performers as its the third best-selling seven-seat SUV from 2023.
Which is even more impressive when you consider this current generation has been around since 2016, so it’s getting on in age for a modern vehicle.
Part of its longevity is arguably down to the Swedish brand’s safety reputation but also the cleverness of the design.
For example, the second row features three individual seats, rather than a bench, and the middle seat incorporates an integrated booster. That means you don’t need to drag around a car seat or get caught out if you need to suddenly take a smaller child.
4. BMW X7
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BMW X7
While BMW does offer seven seats in the popular X5, the larger X7 is the one for those who need to use the extra seating on a regular basis. The X7 is more than 200mm longer overall and has an extra 133mm of wheelbase to liberate interior space for a more spacious third row.
Because it was designed specifically to be a seven-seater (although it can be optioned as a six-seater with second row captain’s chairs) there’s meaningful space in the third row and it’s easy to access.
Just one lever moves the second row seats up and forward, out of the way, so even adults can climb into the last row when you need to.
5. Lexus LX
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Lexus LX
The Lexus version of the Toyota LandCruiser is a big vehicle in every dimension and cuts an imposing figure on the road. So it’s a little surprising that the third row seats are modest in terms of space, at least when compared to some others on this list.
On the plus side, they are power-operated, so they’re easy to use or stow, which makes for a flexible cabin space.
If the LX doesn’t have enough room for you then Lexus has you covered with the LM350h people mover. While SUVs may be all the rage these days, if human cargo is your priority it’s hard to go past a van.
