Estate

Munich-based BMW is most famous for its sports saloons, in particular the 3 Series and 5 Series. However, it actually builds almost every type of car imaginable: everything from two-seat convertibles to seven-seat MPVs.

The cheapest model in the BMW range is the 1 Series hatchback, which is a rival to the Audi A3, Mercedes-Benz A-Class and Volkswagen Golf. Meanwhile, at the other extreme is the M8&nbsp;grand tourer, which costs more than £120,000.

BMW was also quick to capitalise on the rise of the SUV and now has ten in its range: the X1, X2, X3, X4, X5, X6, X7 and XM, plus the electric iX3 and iX.

All of this makes it one of the big three German prestige brands, along with Audi and Mercedes-Benz.

SUV (2021 - )

Munich-based BMW is most famous for its sports saloons, in particular the 3 Series and 5 Series. However, it actually builds almost every type of car imaginable: everything from small coupés to seven-seat MPVs.

The cheapest model in the BMW range is the 1 Series hatchback, which is a rival to the Audi A3, Mercedes-Benz A-Class and Volkswagen Golf. Meanwhile, at the other extreme is the X7 luxury SUV, which can easily cost more than £100,000.

BMW was also quick to capitalise on the rise of the SUV and now has more than ten in its range, covering petrol, diesel, electric and plug-in hybrid power options.

All of this makes it one of the big three German prestige brands, along with Audi and Mercedes-Benz. 
&nbsp;

Some people want a car that doesn’t attract too much attention, and if that sounds like you, steer clear of the BMW X4.&nbsp;This&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/best-large-suvs-2022/n17006">large SUV</a>&nbsp;really stands out from the crowd thanks to its combination of bulky go-anywhere presence and a bit of coupé curviness.

It's a formula that's proved pretty trendy. Indeed, the bigger&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/x6/4x4/review/n17306">BMW X6</a> set the ball rolling, offering luxury SUV devotees a more streamlined alternative to the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/x5/4x4/review/n38">BMW X5</a>.

Likewise, under the X4's sleek body you'll find the same platform as the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/x3/4x4/review/n42">BMW X3</a>&nbsp;has –&nbsp;and that's a highly accomplished large SUV in its own right.

The X4 aims to be not only be the better looking version (we’ll leave that to you to decide), but also more entertaining to drive than it's stablemate, although those swoopy lines do make it a less practical choice.

Other premium brands have gone down the same road as <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/x4/estate/review/n134">BMW</a> by taking an existing SUV model and lowering sections of the roofline. For example, there's the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/q5-sportback/hatchback/review/n22878">Audi Q5 Sportback</a>&nbsp;and the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/glc/estate/review/n17201">Mercedes&nbsp;GLC Coupé</a> with similarly slinky styling. Then there's the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/porsche/macan/4x4/review/n52">Porsche Macan</a>&nbsp;– a car that had sporty looks from the start.

So, is the BMW X4 the best of these large, coupé-styled SUVs? Well, we've driven it, and over the next few pages of this review we'll tell you how it compares for performance and handling, comfort, interior quality, practicality and more.&nbsp;For those who are power hungry, there's also a performance-focused version – you can read about that in our full&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/x4-m/estate/review/n20363">BMW X4 M Competition review</a>.

If any of these models turn your head (or, indeed, if you plan to buy any model), you can check for the lowest price by searching our free <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/new-car-deals">What Car? New Car Buying service</a>. It has lots of <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/new-car-deals/category/large-suv">new large SUV deals</a>.

<hr />
What’s new? 
September 2021: Facelift brings updated infotainment, upgraded interiors, extra standard equipment. More power for xDrive30d (282bhp) and M40d (335bhp). 
September 2019: X4 M Competition has 503bhp 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine.&nbsp; 
February 2018: Second-generation X4 on sale. Three diesels: 187bhp xDrive20d (2.0-litre four-cylinder), 261bhp xDrive30d and 321bhp M40d have 3.0-litre six-cylinder engines. 355bhp M40i features turbocharged 3.0-litre six-cylinder engines.&nbsp;

There are plenty of more practical SUVs, but few are as enjoyable to drive as the BMW X4

BMW X4

<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Eye-catching looks without sacrificing too much practicality</li> <li>Strong performance in keeping with a sportier brief</li> <li>Running costs that won’t break the bank</li> <li>Classy interior with high-quality materials</li> <li>Pricing that isn’t exorbitant next to that of conventional siblings</li></ul>

Coupe SUV

SUV (2023 - )

Finding a truly unique car is rare, but the BMW X6 used to be just that. When the original version was launched, we'd never seen a vehicle that combined a chunky SUV body with the kind of sleek, sloping roofline you’d usually see on a sporty coupé.

The X6's coupé SUV concept divided opinion from the start, and while it's now in its third generation, it continues to do so today. To some people it's a car that simply makes no sense&nbsp;because it’s more expensive and less practical than the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/x5/4x4/review/n38">BMW X5</a> it’s based on. To others, its blend of function and form makes it very desirable.

What’s clear, though, is that there are enough coupé SUV fans out there for the X6 to have become a trend-setter, with a host of manufacturers now selling rivals. The <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/q8/4x4/review/n17559">Audi Q8</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/gle-coupe/4x4/review/n17279">Mercedes GLE Coupé</a>&nbsp;for example&nbsp;both owe their existence to it, as do the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/porsche/cayenne/coupe/review/n19924">Porsche Cayenne Coupé</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/land-rover/range-rover-velar/estate/review/n17374">Range Rover Velar</a>.

Just how good is the latest BMW X6&nbsp;though, and how does it compare with the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/coupe-suvs/n23014">best coupé SUVs</a>? Read on to find out...

<hr />
What’s new? 
April 2023: Facelift brings revised exterior design (including illuminated grille), mild hybrid tech for all engines, xDrive50e plug-in hybrid now has 483bhp. Choice of xDrive30d, xDrive40i, M60i. 
April 2020: 616bhp X5 M Competition has twin-turbo 4.4-litre petrol V8. 
September 2015: 309bhp xDrive40d joins the range. 
April 2015: X6 M arrives with 567bhp. 
December 2014: Second-generation X6 on sale. Choice of 254bhp xDrive30d, 444bhp xDrive50i, 376bhp M50d. 
&nbsp;

The X6 coupé SUV is good to drive with an interior that’s one of the best in the business

BMW X6

Mercedes’ line-up is vast – ranging from the A-Class family hatchback through to staple saloons such as the C-Class and E-Class, and onwards towards multiple SUVs, luxury saloons and even sports cars. Coupés and convertibles are thrown into the mix as well.

As one of the ‘big three’ German brands, Mercedes most often finds itself competing with Audi and BMW but more recently has found itself fending off Tesla and Volvo, too.

Mercedes models are known for comfort. One example of this is the E-Class, because while the Audi A6 has a plusher interior and the BMW 5 Series handles better, the E-Class is the most comfortable for a long motorway journey. 
&nbsp;

Mercedes-Benz

The Mercedes GLE Coupé is a bit like that annoying sibling who’s always trying to get one up on you. While the regular GLE is already a very posh and&nbsp;imposing SUV, here comes the GLE Coupé trying to grab all the attention.

Whether it succeeds is somewhat subjective – we’ll leave it up to you what you think of its styling. Basically, though, if you want a sportier, sleeker version of the regular <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/gle/4x4/review/n145">Mercedes GLE</a> it's the model to go for.

It's not, of course, the only choice across the market, and if you're looking for a premium <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/coupe-suvs/n23014">coupé SUV</a> you'll at least want to consider the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/q8/4x4/review/n17559">Audi Q8</a>, <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/x6/4x4/review/n17306">BMW X6</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/porsche/cayenne/coupe/review/n19924">Porsche Cayenne Coupé</a>. Does the Mercedes GLE Coupé remain the best choice once we've tested it head to head with rivals? Read on to find out...

<hr />
What’s new? 
- February 2023: prices released for updated GLE Coupé, which now features revised exterior styling, LED headlights and the latest generation of MBUX infotainment with ‘Hey Mercedes’ voice control 
- January 2023: new mild-hybrid diesel and plug-in hybrid engines announced 
&nbsp;

Mercedes’ line-up is vast – ranging from the A-Class family hatchback through to staple saloons such as the C-Class and E-Class, and onwards towards multiple SUVs, luxury saloons and even sports cars. Coupés and convertibles are thrown into the mix as well.

As one of the ‘big three’ German brands, Mercedes most often finds itself competing with Audi and BMW but more recently has found itself fending off Jaguar and Volvo, too.

Mercedes models are known for comfort. One example of this is the E-Class, because while the Audi A6 has a plusher interior and the BMW 5 Series handles better, the E-Class is probably the most comfortable for a long motorway journey.

MERCEDES-BENZ

GLE COUPE

The GLE Coupé has a great interior with lots of standard kit but rival SUVs are better to drive

Mercedes GLE Coupé

SUV (2024 - )

Audi is a brand that sets the standard for interior quality, and this, combined with its vast and ever-growing model line-up, has helped it become one of the ‘big three’ German prestige car makers, along with BMW and Mercedes-Benz.

The A3 hatchback, A4 executive saloon and Q7 SUV are all common - yet upmarket - sights on UK roads.

At least some of Audi's success over the past 30 years can be attributed to the growth in sales of vehicles with four-wheel drive; the company arguably led the way in bringing 4x4 technology into the mainstream, with its Quattro coupé in the early 1980s.

Today, most Audis are available with at least the option of four-wheel drive, while the list of SUVs from the brand includes the Q2, Q3, Q5 and Q7.

Audi

The most hardcore SUVs are a bit like hiking boots: tough and comfy, but also bulky and noticeably heavier than a regular car. The&nbsp;Audi Q5 Sportback, though,&nbsp;is more of a&nbsp;hiking shoe –&nbsp;trading some ruggedness for a low-cut look and a bit more mobility.

The latest Q5 Sportback <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/coupe-suvs/n23014">coupé SUV</a>&nbsp;– which is based on the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/q5/4x4/review/n41">new Q5 SUV</a> – promises to carry over the previous version's&nbsp;tidy driving manners and relatively spacious interior while gaining a host of upgrades.

It gets Audi's latest generation of fuel-saving <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/buying/what-is-a-mild-hybrid-and-should-you-buy-one/n22776">mild-hybrid engines</a>&nbsp;and a redesigned interior, for example. On the outside, you can still tell the Sportback apart from a regular Q5 by the lack of roof rails and its sloping rear roof.

The Audi Q5 Sportback's&nbsp;main rivals&nbsp;are&nbsp;the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/x4/estate/review/n134">BMW X4</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/glc-coupe/4x4/review/n17201">Mercedes GLC Coupé</a>, so&nbsp;how does it compare with them for driving manners, practicality, interior quality and more? Let's find out…

<hr />
What’s new 
- November 2024: Q5 Sportback debuts and on sale with 201bhp 2.0 TFSI or 201bhp 2.0 TDI 
engines, both with mild hybrid tech. Sport, S line, Edition 1 trims 
- September 2024: Third-generation Q5 SUV unveiled

Hatchback

AUDI

Q5 Sportback

The latest Q5 Sportback drives well and&nbsp;is a bit more versatile than its coupé SUV rivals

New Audi Q5 Sportback

When it comes to car names, it's usually safe to assume that the bigger the number, the bigger the car. There are always exceptions to any rule, though, and the Audi Q8 coupé SUV is one of them.

You see, eight might be the highest number in Audi’s model names, but the Q8 is actually a little smaller than the closely related&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/q7/4x4/review/n87">Audi Q7</a>.

The Q8's sloping roofline gives it a less boxy silhouette, and that means you get less interior space. In other words,&nbsp;a slight practicality penalty applies if you pick the sleekest of the two big <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/new-car-deals/make/audi">Audis</a>.

<iframe height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WYXEPVZ1EL0?si=VQKOUcQ6F7ImM6Kn" width="560"></iframe>

It still has plenty to offer, though. For example, there's&nbsp;a choice of two very impressive engines, as well as a couple of sports version with turbocharged V8-petrol power. (If you're looking for an all-electric car, you'll need our <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/q8/4x4/review/n18397">Audi Q8 e-tron review</a>.)

So,&nbsp;how well does&nbsp;the Audi Q8 do against the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/coupe-suvs/n23014">best coupé SUVs</a>? Is it as luxurious as a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/x6/4x4/review/n17306">BMW X6</a> or <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/gle-coupe/4x4/review/n17279">Mercedes GLE Coupé</a>? And can it get close to the driver appeal of the&nbsp;Porsche Cayenne Coupé? Read on to find out. And when you've decided what model to get,&nbsp;remember we&nbsp;can help you buy it for the best price at a trusted dealer&nbsp;if you search our&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/new-car-deals">New Car Deals pages</a>.

<hr />
What’s new 
- December 2023: Facelift brings refreshed exterior design with matrix LED headlights, extra colour 
options 
- September 2020: 375bhp 55 TFSI e quattro and 455bhp Competition 60 TFSI e quattro plug-in 
hybrids launched; latter axed at end of 2021 
- February 2019: 55 TFSI has 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine 
- July 2018: Q8 arrives with 282bhp 3.0 TDI diesel engine featuring mild hybrid technology

High-end coupé SUV is classy, spacious and refined

New Audi Q8

Peugeot has a large line-up, with some of its cars now rated by our testers as being among the very best available.

Models range from the 208 small family car, through the 2008 small SUV to the 308 and 3008 — a&nbsp;family car and family SUV respectively. There’s also the sleek 408 fastback and 5008 seven-seat SUV, plus the van-derived Rifter and Traveller MPVs.

Peugeot even offers an electric version of each of these, denoted by an ‘E’ ahead of the model number. Other highlights include a warranty that extends by 12 months/15,000 each time the car is serviced by Peugeot, up to eight years/100,000 miles.

Peugeot

3008

The mimic octopus is one of few animals known to morph into different shapes, either to survive or make itself more attractive. We see similar things in the automotive world too, and the Peugeot 3008 is a prime example.&nbsp;

You see, the first-gen model looked like a swollen hatchback or mini MPV, then for the second generation, it morphed into a more familiar SUV shape. And for this current, third-gen 3008, the French brand implemented a coupé-inspired roofline. It’s all been done to keep up with trends.&nbsp;

<iframe height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kDzXiW9Dp8s?si=BUgr7VL4UP6SK--r" width="560"></iframe>

Speaking of trends, every new 3008 is electrified in some way: it’s available as a mild hybrid (<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/buying/what-is-a-mild-hybrid-and-should-you-buy-one/n22776">MHEV</a>) and plug-in hybrid (<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/buying/what-is-a-plug-in-hybrid-and-should-you-buy-one/n1141">PHEV</a>), plus there’s the fully electric <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/peugeot/3008/estate/review/n26800">Peugeot e-3008</a> we’ve reviewed separately.&nbsp;

Rivals include the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/kia/sportage/4x4/review/n17352">Kia Sportage</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volvo/xc40/estate/review/n119">Volvo XC40</a>, but if you’re deadset on a coupé roofline, you’ll likely be considering the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/cupra/formentor/4x4/review/n22100">Cupra Formentor</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/toyota/c-hr/hatchback/review/n112">Toyota C-HR</a>.

<h3>&nbsp;</h3>

<hr />
<h3 dir="ltr">What’s new?</h3>

-&nbsp;April 2026 - We reassess the 3008 and see how competitive it is in 2026

- September 2024 - New plug-in hybrid introduced with an official range of up to 54 miles

Peugeot has its strongest model line-up for some years, with some of its cars now rated by our testers as being among the very best available.

Highlights focus around the firm’s newest SUVs, the 3008 and 5008. The 5008 was named Large SUV of the Year at the 2018 What Car? Awards, thanks to its appealing blend of space, interior quality and low running costs.

That bodes well for future launches, too, because many of the learnings from these cars will be passed on as new versions of existing cars are launched – something that could take many years, because the Peugeot range is so big, ranging from an entry-level supermini with the 108 to an executive saloon with the 508, up into the SUV range and also vans.

Buyers should evaluate some of the lower-rated cars in the range more carefully, though. Some are now quite old, and are subsequently left behind in terms of quality when compared with the opposition, making them below-average buys, in our estimation.

PEUGEOT

The 3008 is a sharply styled SUV available with hybridised petrol engines

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