Carwow has put together what is arguably the best comparison test of large luxury German SUVs. The star of the show is the new Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class, which we've only seen at the recent launch event, followed by the attention-grabbing BMW X5, the aging Audi Q7 and VW's more affordable contender, the Touareg.
Even if you like to pretend that you don't like German SUVs because they're not sporty, chances are you have a favorite among these four, and it's probably the BMW X5. This all-new generation has been criticized for having an oversized double-kidney grille, but in this company, it looks completely normal.
Price-wise, the new GLE seems a tad too expensive, considering the base UK model is the GLE 300 d with a 2-liter diesel engine. All the others have six cylinders for extra power and torque. The VW Touareg is the cheapest here. However, you have to pay extra for features you definitely need. Overall, the aging Audi, with its available discounts, is the best value.
Exterior design is a matter of taste. For example, we dislike the GLE, which is covered in fake intakes and plastic at the front. And in the dashboard department, we side with the BMW, even though it doesn't have the most screen surface. The Audi Q7 isn't too bad, and it's king when it comes to passenger practicality.
Available as standard with the 7-seat configuration that's optional or non-existent on the other models, it's got miles of room. Meanwhile, the new Mercedes seems to have gremlins in its electrically folding seats.
As far as handling is concerned, the BMW X5 is still the best. Although Mat Watson argues that's not important in an SUV, many buyers of this model won't agree. We wonder how the Volvo XC90 would have done in this company, though.
Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida. Full profile
Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?
Google News