Alpina has produced high-performance versions of BMW's range since the 1960s, and is now considered to be a manufacturer in its own right.

Whilst it cars are typically fast, and are often considered alternatives to BMW's M models, they are typically more comfortable with engines that provide a more relaxed power delivery.

Its models have similar naming conventions to the equivalent BMW: the B3 is based on the BMW 3 Series and the B4 Gran Coupé started life as a 4 Series Gran Coupé, for example.

BMW ALPINA

The list of standard equipment includes soft-close doors, ambient interior lighting, four-zone climate control, heated first and second-row seats, a driver’s head-up display, front and rear parking sensors, a plethora of all-round cameras and a panoramic glass sunroof. Plus, there’s huge scope to customise the interior of your XB7 if you’re prepared to pay extra.

SUV (2018 - 2022)

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;

The execs at Alpina must be a charming bunch. How else can you explain a gigantic manufacturer like BMW not only tolerating its cars being modified by this tiny independent tuning house, but positively encouraging it?

The two companies get on so well, in fact, that Alpina is granted access to new BMWs while they’re still being developed, although the relationship is probably helped by the fact that Alpinas rarely upstage BMW’s own M Performance models, and instead deliver a less extreme performance car experience.

This BMW Alpina XB7 is potentially an exception, though. Based on the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/x7/4x4/review/n19102">BMW X7</a>&nbsp;seven-seat <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/top-10-best-luxury-suvs-in-2021/n20441">luxury SUV</a>, it takes the twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre V8 engine from the flagship M50i version and ups the power from 523bhp to 613bhp.

The four-wheel drive system and air suspension have been re-engineered, and there’s now something called ‘active roll stabilisation functionality’ to improve cornering composure.

Finally, visual changes include a beefy bodykit, reshaped bumpers with larger air intakes,&nbsp;and Alpina’s trademark body graphics and multi-spoke alloy wheels.

So, how much of a difference do the technical upgrades make? Well, that’s what we’ll be looking at in this review, along with how the XB7 compares with other ultra-luxurious SUVs such as the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bentley/bentayga/4x4/review/n17228">Bentley Bentayga</a>, <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/gls/4x4/review/n139">Mercedes GLS</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/land-rover/range-rover/4x4/review/n17353">Range Rover</a>.

If at the end you decide any of them are right for you – or, indeed, you plan to buy any make and model of vehicle –&nbsp;check out the free What Car?&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/new-car-deals">New Car Buying section</a>&nbsp;where&nbsp;we could potentially save you thousands of pounds without the hassle of haggling.

Fast, luxurious and hugely practical, but so is the much cheaper BMW X7 M50i on which it’s based

BMW Alpina XB7

<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Logical and beautifully built interior, with great infotainment</li> <li>More than enough space for five passengers or, even better, seven</li> <li>Strong performance along with impressive efficiency</li> <li>Composed handling that limits any feeling of unwieldiness</li></ul>

We class a luxury SUV as being anything where our pick of the range costs more than £70,000 – and at this price point, buyers' expectations are high. So, as well as all of the qualities that make regular SUVs such well-rounded choices –&nbsp;such as decent space for passengers and luggage, a classy interior and robust materials – we also want a cosseting ride, the latest driver assistance technology and enough space to really stretch out.

The Land Rover Discovery proves that you don't need to spend a lot of money to get a luxurious SUV, but if you've got a bit more to spend, the Audi Q7 is perennially popular among buyers, and with good reason. Or, at the very top of this market, there are newer additions such as the BMW X7 to consider.

Luxury SUV

SUV (2023 - )

Talk about a trailblazer. It was the&nbsp;BMW X5 that&nbsp;kicked off the craze for sportier SUVs&nbsp;that&nbsp;felt more like cars to drive – sacrificing&nbsp;a bit of ruggedness and rock-climbing ability in favour of better handling,&nbsp;improved ride comfort and a smarter&nbsp;interior.

Several challengers have since staked a claim on X5's niche.&nbsp;Firstly, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volvo/xc90/4x4/review/n99">Volvo XC90</a>&nbsp;brought seven seats as standard, while&nbsp;the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/land-rover/range-rover-sport/4x4/review/n74">Range Rover Sport</a>&nbsp;came along&nbsp;offering a&nbsp;halfway house&nbsp;between sportiness and&nbsp;proper off-roading abilities. And then&nbsp;the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/q7/4x4/review/n87">Audi Q7</a>&nbsp;arrived, impressing&nbsp;with its blend of seven-seat versatility, remarkable comfort and&nbsp;classy interior.

Under pressure from such talented rivals, this fourth-generation of the X5 has its work cut out.&nbsp;But rather than standing still, the X5 has moved with the times, featuring evermore efficient engines, which includes&nbsp;a plug-in hybrid model with a&nbsp;great electric-only range.

<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, xDrive50e, M60i. 
April 2020: 591bhp X5 M and 616bhp X5 M Competition have twin-turbo 4.4-litre petrol V8. xDrive40d also added to the range, with a 335bhp twin-turbo 3.0-litre diesel engine. 
November 2019: xDrive45e plug-in hybrid features 282bhp 3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol engine,&nbsp; 
May 2019: M50i has turbocharged 4.4-litre V8 petrol engine.&nbsp; 
June 2018: X5 Mk4 on sale. Choice of 261bhp xDrive30d xLine or 395bhp M50d, both with 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbodiesel. 335bhp xDrive40i petrol is also available, with a turbocharged 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine.&nbsp;

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.

The X5 has a great interior and is good to drive but some rival SUVs are more practical

BMW X5

SUV (2020 - )

In many ways, modern Bentleys offer the best of both worlds, blending traditional British craftsmanship with modern mechanicals developed with the help of the company’s owner, Volkswagen.

The Bentayga SUV, for example, is closely related to Audi’s brilliantly engineered Q7 (another VW Group car). Yet the Bentayga still feels every inch a Bentley, thanks to its hand-finished interior and sonorous V8 engine.

Other Bentleys you can buy today include the Flying Spur&nbsp;saloon&nbsp;and the Continental GT coupé and convertible.

Bentley

Bentayga

The arrival of the&nbsp;Bentley Bentayga marked a new direction for the British brand: after decades of renown as a sports and luxury car maker, Bentley had launched its first&nbsp;SUV.

At first, the Bentayga&nbsp;went virtually unchallenged. While there were plenty of modestly priced <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/family-suvs/n17116">family SUVs</a> around, it&nbsp;had few rivals in its super-luxurious and super-expensive corner of the car market (where a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/4x4s-for-off-roading/n26188">4x4</a> with a few choice options can cost as much as a&nbsp;four-bedroom house).

Now, though, if you're considering a Bentayga&nbsp;you'll probably be looking at&nbsp;the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/aston-martin/dbx/estate/review/n21787">Aston Martin DBX</a> and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/rolls-royce/cullinan/4x4/review/n18282">Roll-Royce Cullinan</a> too, as well as maybe the smaller and sportier <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/2023-ferrari-purosangue-review/n25564">Ferrari Purosangue</a>.

<iframe height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/u5Gv2R1rl_A?si=PUo5XcPQ4gBqKlzK" width="560"></iframe>

There are also a few supremely good rivals that cost tens of thousands of pounds less but still very much count as luxury SUVs – most obviously the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/land-rover/range-rover/4x4/review/n17353">Range Rover</a> but also including the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/q7/4x4/review/n87">Audi Q7</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/x7/4x4/review/n19102">BMW X7</a>.

So&nbsp;does the Bentley Bentayga still have what it takes to compete with the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/luxury-suvs/n17036">best luxury SUVs</a>&nbsp;out there? Read on to find out...

<hr />
What’s new

- June 2025: Bentayga Speed now has 641bhp

- May 2022: Bentayga Extended Wheelbase is 180mm longer than regular model

- June 2021: Bentayga Hybrid debuts, with 443bhp V6 engine

- May 2021: Bentayga S has 542bhp, sport suspension, more aggressive styling, 4/5/7 seats

- October 2020: Speed is fastest Bentayga yet, with 626bhp 6.0-litre W12 engine

- June 2020: Facelift brings refreshed design front and rear, new seats and trim, new infotainment

- October 2019: Bentley’s first hybrid is a plug-in model with turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine&nbsp;

- January 2018: 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 petrol engine debuts with 542bhp

- September 2016: Triple-turbo 429bhp 4.0-litre V8 diesel engine available (Bentley's first diesel)

- November 2015: Bentayga arrives with 600bhp 6.0-litre W12 petrol engine. First 608 examples are First Editions each supplied with a Breitling watch, bespoke ambient lighting, diamond-stitched quilted trim, illuminated treadplates

BENTLEY

BENTAYGA

The Bentayga is one of the most complete and compelling luxury SUVs on sale today

Bentley Bentayga

SUV (2021 - )

Genesis is the upmarket sister brand to Hyundai and Kia, and while it shares much of its technology with those brands, you’d be hard-pressed to notice. That’s because its cars have a look and feel all of its own.

Its range encompasses the GV60, an electric model which is part-family car and part-family SUV, through to the GV70 and GV80 SUVs, plus the G70 and G80 luxury cars.

However, while the GV60 and GV70 are very good cars, the rest of its range is fairly average.

Genesis

GV80

You might think you’ve never heard of the Genesis GV80 but it is, indirectly, quite famous. That’s because it’s the car Tiger Woods was driving when he had that rather nasty accident.

If your reaction to that is, ‘Oh dear, I won't buy one of those then’, consider this: LA police estimate that Woods left the road at between 84 and 87mph, hit a tree and flipped several times. The fact that he survived is not a miracle – it’s largely down to how safe the GV80 is.

Indeed, in its subsequent <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/the-safest-cars-on-sale-today/n19724">Euro NCAP</a> safety appraisal, it secured a five-star overall rating with excellent marks for both adult and child occupant protection, plus there are loads of standard driving aids to help (if not completely guarantee) you avoid accidents in the first place.

<iframe height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/05FqddwdA4Q" width="560"></iframe>

All very impressive, but <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/luxury-suvs/n17036">luxury SUV</a> buyers are spoilt for choice, with outstanding cars including the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/q7/4x4/review/n87">Audi Q7</a> and the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/x5/4x4/review/n38">BMW X5</a> available for similar money. In short, the Genesis GV80 needs to be more than just a one-trick pony if it’s going to compete seriously in such esteemed company.

<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/new-car-deals/make/genesis">Genesis</a> is, as it stands, the only premium brand hailing from South Korea, and the GV80 is its flagship model, sitting above the smaller (but still not small)&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/genesis/gv70/estate/review/n23431">Genesis GV70</a>&nbsp;SUV.&nbsp;So, let's see how the GV80 compares with key rivals in all the important areas – everything from&nbsp;performance to pricing.

Estate

GENESIS

Luxury SUV is safe and well equipped, but its firm ride and inefficient petrol engine prevent it from threatening the class leaders

Genesis GV80

SUV (2022 - )

Ineos is the purveyor of uncompromising SUVs very much in the vein of the original Land Rover Defender. Famously, the idea for its first model, the Grenadier, was conceived in the pub of the same name, owned by Ineos founder, Jim Ratcliffe.

Its boxy models bear more than a passing resemblance to the original Defender, and like that model, both the Grenadier SUV and Quartermaster pick-up feel more at home off the beaten track.

INEOS

Grenadier

For music fans, tribute bands can be a great way to experience their favourite artist's music live, long after the original act has retired. At first glance, you might think the Ineos Grenadier is playing that role with the original Land Rover Defender in mind – and we don't blame you.

After all, the very existence of this SUV – which was originally conceived in a pub called The Grenadier – pays homage to that legendary off-roader. In fact, for a fair few people, it’s what the latest <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/land-rover/defender/4x4/review/n21198">Land Rover Defender 110</a> should be – rugged and utilitarian.

That’s an ambitious goal for a new car company to start out with, but Ineos is very aware of that fact. As such, the team formed to work on the Grenadier included designers and engineers with the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/g-class/4x4/review/n180">Mercedes G-Class</a> at the top of their CVs.

It won’t be plain sailing, though, because it needs to keep up with the Defender and G-Class while proving more accomplished than the likes of the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/jeep/wrangler/4x4/review/n196">Jeep Wrangler</a>, <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/land-rover/discovery/4x4/review/n17342">Land Rover Discovery</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/toyota/land-cruiser/4x4/review/n17251">Toyota Land Cruiser</a>.

To be fair, the Grenadier has upped its game for 2026, promising that its new steering system is much easier to get on with compared with the slow, vague setup it had before. Still, does the Ineos Grenadier really have what it takes to be the pick of the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/4x4s-for-off-roading/n26188">off-road-focused SUVs</a>?

<hr />
What’s new 
- January 2025: Production resumes 
- September 2024: Production halted because of parts supply issues 
- July 2024: Luxurious Grenadier Detour limited to 200 examples; cosmetic changes only 
- December 2022: First UK deliveries 
- October 2022: Production starts 
- May 2022: Orders open. Choice of two-seat Utility Wagon or five-seat Station Wagon. BMW 3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol (282bhp) or diesel (245bhp) engines. Standard four-wheel drive, eight-speed automatic gearbox, five-year/unlimited-mileage warranty 
- July 2020: First pictures of Grenadier shown

GRENADIER

The Grenadier picks up where the previous-generation Land Rover Defender left off, prioritising off-road capability

Ineos Grenadier

Jeep only makes SUVs, but it has plenty of them for you to choose from. So, whether you want something rugged enough to ford streams and climb mountains, or a more luxurious and family-friendly car, it has something to suit you.

Despite its all-American image, Jeep is actually owned by manufacturing giant Stellantis, meaning Jeeps often share parts with cars from other models; the entry-level Avenger, for example, has plenty in common with the Peugeot 2008 and Vauxhall Mokka.

However, perhaps the most widely recognised Jeep is the Wrangler, a model that has a dedicated fan base and which closely resembles the original Jeep which saw service in World War 2.

Despite that rugged heritage, it is embracing its all-electric future with battery-powered versions of the Avenger and the Compass family SUV.

Jeep

Grand Cherokee

Who invented the luxury SUV? You’ll get a different answer depending on who you ask, but Jeep certainly believes it was first to market. Not with the Jeep Grand Cherokee we’re reviewing here, but with the Wagoneer back in the early 1960s.

The Grand Cherokee is, though, the natural successor to the Wagoneer, which was on sale in the US more than five years before the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/land-rover/range-rover/4x4/review/n17353">Range Rover</a> was launched in Britain. It’s a near five-metre-long SUV designed to cosset you when driving on the road, but also get you to places a mountain goat might think twice about venturing. In essence, it's America’s answer to the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/land-rover/range-rover-sport/4x4/review/n74">Range Rover Sport</a>.

In some countries, the Jeep Grand Cherokee is available with V6 and V8 petrol engines, but in the UK it’s sold exclusively as a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/news/plug-in-hybrid-cars/n22743">plug-in hybrid</a> (PHEV) called the 4xe, which&nbsp;pairs a 2.0-litre petrol engine with an electric motor. Assuming you’ve fully charged the battery, you’ll officially be able to do 30&nbsp;miles without burning a drop of petrol. And&nbsp;when you’re less bothered about efficiency, it's pretty quick.

<h3>Jeep Grand Cherokee video review</h3>

<iframe height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/OeVrHpyMI7M" width="560"></iframe>

At present, you can only buy the Grand Cherokee in lavish Summit Reserve guise, but cheaper versions will be offered in the near future.

Assuming you plan to drive your SUV primarily on the road (which, let’s face it, the majority of us do), the Jeep Grand Cherokee's rivals also include the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/q7/4x4/review/n87">Audi Q7</a>, the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/x5/4x4/review/n38">BMW X5</a> and the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/lexus/rx/4x4/review/n137">Lexus RX</a>. In this review, we’ll be finding out how the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/new-car-deals/make/jeep">Jeep</a>&nbsp;flagship squares up against those peers in all the areas that matter most to buyers – from performance and handling to boot space and running costs.

Once&nbsp;you’ve decided on your next new car, find out how much you could save off the brochure price by searching our free What Car? <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/new-car-deals">New Car Deals pages</a>. They list lots of the best <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/new-car-deals/category/luxury-suv">new luxury SUV deals</a>.

<hr />
What’s new 
- September 2023: First UK deliveries take place 
- August 2022: UK orders open. Choice of Limited, Trailhawk, Overland and Summit trims 
- September 2021: Fifth-generation Grand Cherokee announced in 4xe form with 370bhp plug-in hybrid engine. Features turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, 17kWh battery, four-wheel drive 
&nbsp;

Jeep only makes SUVs, but it has plenty of them for you to choose from. So, whether you want something rugged enough to ford streams and climb mountains, or a more luxurious and family-friendly car, it has something to suit you.

Despite its all-American image, Jeep is actually owned by Fiat, meaning Jeeps often share parts with cars from the Italian giant; the entry-level Renegade, for example, has plenty in common with Fiat’s 500X.

However, perhaps the most widely recognised Jeep is the Wrangler, a model that has a dedicated fan base and which closely resembles the original Jeep which saw service in World War 2.

The brand’s future plans include new small and large SUVs, plus the introduction of fully electric models.

JEEP

GRAND CHEROKEE

Luxury SUV is very good&nbsp;off road, but is pricey and can't compete with the best European rivals

Jeep Grand Cherokee

Do you look at the models of Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz and find them all a bit too… common? Well then, Maserati might be up your street.

This Italian car maker has one SUV in its line-up, the Grecale, which is available with a petrol engine or as an electric SUV. It rivals the Porsche Macan – and the Porsche Macan Electric.

More traditional Maseratis include the GranTurismo coupé and GranCabrio drop-top, and there’s the MCPura supercar, which used to be called the MC20.

Maserati

Levante

What do Maserati, Porsche and&nbsp;Bentley all have in common? No, it’s nothing to do with race victories or rakish sports cars, and everything to do with SUVs – each of these manufacturers now has at least one in its range.

The Maserati Levante is the Italian <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/luxury-cars/n17020">luxury car</a> maker's offering, and&nbsp;sticks to a familiar formula. You can choose from petrol or diesel engines, all 3.0-litre V6s. There’s also <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/4x4s-for-off-roading/n26188">four-wheel drive</a> and space for five people on board.

As you’d expect, even the entry-level version of the Levante carries a high price tag, although you do get a reasonable amount of kit for your cash. Even so, it’s possible to push the price up even higher with the dizzying array of options available.

Read on to see how good the Maserati Levante is to drive, what it’s like inside, how much it will cost to run and how we rate it against the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/luxury-suvs/n17036">best luxury SUVs</a>.

<hr />
What’s new?

- April 2021: Levante hybrid launched, and features 2.0-litre petrol engine and 48-volt hybrid system 
- June 2019: limited-run high-performance Trofeo and GTS models unveiled 
- March 2018: 590bhp Levante V8 launched, offering 0-62mph in 3.7 seconds 
- October 2017: Maserati S arrives in UK, with 424bhp 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine made by Ferrari 
- May 2016: Maserati’s first-ever SUV makes UK debut, with 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine 
&nbsp;

Do you look at the models of Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz and find them all a bit too… common? Well then, Maserati might be up your street.

This Italian car maker has one SUV in its line-up – the Porsche Cayenne-rivalling Levante – but also the Ghibli and Quattroporte saloons, GranTurismo coupé and GranCabrio drop-top.

Despite its long history, Maserati has been through several periods of inactivity but is now in better health thanks to being part of the large Fiat Chrysler Automobiles group.

In the future, we’re expecting to see Maserati grow its SUV range with new models to sit above and below the Levante, as well as a new range-topping sports car.

MASERATI

LEVANTE

The Levante is a luxurious SUV&nbsp;but it's not as good to drive as the Maserati badge suggests

Maserati Levante

SUV (2024 - )

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

G Class

If you’ve ever flicked through a celebrity magazine or visited Harrods, the Mercedes G-Class will almost certainly be on your radar. This enormous square-sided SUV&nbsp;– nicknamed the G-Wagon&nbsp;– is a big hit with the rich and famous.

Mercedes first launched the G-Class back in the late Seventies, and its go-anywhere ability meant it was chosen as a&nbsp;military vehicle by some countries. The basic look hasn't changed much over the years but the current version&nbsp;is a vastly more luxurious (and expensive) 4x4 than the original.

And now, as well as a petrol or diesel engine, you can have a&nbsp;G-Class powered by a motor and battery. The <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/electric-suvs/n23038">electric SUV</a> version is called the Mercedes G580, and in place of a spare wheel holder on the back, it has a squarer box for the charging cables.

<h2 dir="ltr">Mercedes G-Class video review</h2>

<iframe height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ID_e1bgpxLc?si=PvL5G_B6Z4NLEkj_" width="560"></iframe>

Whichever version you choose, the&nbsp;Mercedes G-Class remains true to its roots, with rugged suspension, a separate <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/advice/buying/what-is-a-car-platform-and-chassis/n27195">chassis</a>&nbsp;and a some serious&nbsp;off-road tech to take you places a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bentley/bentayga/4x4/review/n17228">Bentley Bentayga</a> could only dream of going. Read on to find out how we rate it against that and other rivals, including the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/x7/4x4/review/n19102">BMW X7</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/land-rover/range-rover/4x4/review/n17353">Range Rover</a>...

<hr />
What’s new? 
- April 2025: Stronger Than The 1980s special edition launched, with only 460 cars available worldwide 
- April 2024: new fully-electric G 580 model revealed, with four electric motors 
- March 2024: Mercedes reveals new G-Class, which has same-again looks, but crammed with technology inside, including Mercedes’ MBUX infotainment and a ‘transparent bonnet’ view to aid off-roading 
&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

G CLASS

There’s no sensible reason to buy a G-Class&nbsp;but some buyers will be drawn in by its old-school charms

New Mercedes G-Class

To many, the Mercedes GLE is all the car they could ever need. Mercedes has taken a tall, generously proportioned SUV body (for a family and all its clutter), added a wide range of petrol and diesel engines, then seasoned it with a generous sprinkling of luxuries.

Most versions come with seven seats as standard to boost practicality and there’s a plug-in hybrid option to cut your company car tax bill (although that's limited to five seats). There are also a couple of hot AMG performance versions to spice things up.

You might remember previous versions of the GLE as the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/m-class/4x4/used-review/n17880">M-Class</a>, which lagged behind its rivals for build quality and refinement. Thankfully, the GLE is more than just a renaming exercise and what you’re reading about is the best iteration of this <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/luxury-suvs/n17036">luxury SUV</a>&nbsp;yet.

That said, there are lots stylish and practical luxury <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/7-seat-cars/n2344">seven-seat SUVs</a> now, including the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/q7/4x4/review/n87">Audi Q7</a>,&nbsp;BMW X5, <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/land-rover/discovery/4x4/review/n17342">Land Rover Discovery</a> and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/volvo/xc90/4x4/review/n99">Volvo XC90</a>&nbsp;–&nbsp;not to mention the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/porsche/cayenne/estate/review/n17375">Porsche Cayenne</a> as a sportier alternative. Does the Mercedes GLE have what it takes to mount a serious challenge to the class leaders? Read on to find out...

<hr />
What’s new? 
- January 2023: Mercedes facelifts GLE with new exterior styling, LED headlights and the latest generation of MBUX infotainment with ‘Hey Mercedes’ voice control 
- September 2019: Mercedes expands GLE range with new plug-in hybrid models 
- December 2018: new diesel engines added to GLE range 
&nbsp;

The 2024 GLE is a comfy cruiser and is available as a plug-in hybrid&nbsp;but there are stronger rivals out there

New Mercedes GLE

Land Rover is synonymous with SUVs, and especially with the Defender – the rugged runabout which saw service in war zones across the world, and was also famously part of the late Queen Elizabeth II’s personal garage.

Today, that Defender has evolved into a far more comfortable and upmarket model. Indeed, like the Range Rover, Range Rover Sport and Range Rover Velar, the Defender perfectly demonstrates Land Rover’s core values of luxury and off-road prowess.

The Discovery, meanwhile, is a practical rival for the Audi Q7 and BMW X5, while the stylish Evoque goes head to head with Audi’s Q3 and BMW’s X1.

Land Rover

Range Rover

The Range Rover started out as a fairly functional vehicle, but it's now the epitome of a luxury SUV. While the original was designed so you could hose mud out of it, more recent Range Rovers have been more likely to steal sales from luxury limos than farm vehicles.

There was no need to rip up the rulebook for this new sixth-generation Range Rover, then. Land Rover simply set out to build an SUV that does what the previous version did – only better. Of course, the latest model (which is codenamed L460) is&nbsp;bigger and more expensive too – but then&nbsp;all the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/luxury-suvs/n17036">best luxury SUVs</a> are big and expensive.

With a starting price hovering around six figures, the Range Rover competes with top-end versions of the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/q7/4x4/review/n87">Audi Q7</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/x7/4x4/review/n19102">BMW X7</a> plus the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bentley/bentayga/4x4/review/n17228">Bentley Bentayga</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/porsche/cayenne/estate/review/n17375">Porsche Cayenne</a>. There’s also the more traditional <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/g-class/4x4/review/n180">Mercedes G-Class</a>.

<h2>Range Rover video review</h2>

<iframe height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/y2oEU5EPzAE?si=j8B2xuIP_Zo6wYb_" width="560"></iframe>

You can buy the Range Rover in two different sizes – standard-wheelbase (SWB) and long-wheelbase (LWB). The SWB version&nbsp;is just over five metres long (a touch shorter than a standard-wheelbase Bentayga), while the LWB&nbsp;has an extra 200mm between the front and rear axles, and is available as a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/7-seat-cars/n2344">seven-seat SUV</a> or a "super-luxe"&nbsp;four-seater.

There’s decent choice of&nbsp;engines too. You can have a traditional petrol or&nbsp;diesel, or a company car tax-efficient petrol <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/plug-in-hybrid-cars/n22743">plug-in hybrid</a>&nbsp;(PHEV).

With all that variety,&nbsp;which version of the Range Rover should you go for? And how does it stack up against its rivals?&nbsp;

<hr />
What’s new?

- July 2025 - High-performance Range Rover SV Black announced with seats and floor that vibrates to enhance the audio system 
- May 2025 - Land Rover contributes £150 per month towards Range Rover insurance cover

Land Rover is synonymous with SUVs, and especially with the Defender – the rugged runabout that has seen service in war zones across the world, but also as part of the Queen’s personal garage.

If off-road prowess is one of Land Rover’s core values, though, the other is luxury. Indeed, the Range Rover, Range Rover Sport and Range Rover Velar are among the best luxury SUVs you can buy.

The Discovery, meanwhile, is a practical rival for the Audi Q7 and BMW X5, while the stylish Evoque (which is available as a three-door convertible as well as a traditional SUV) goes head to head with Audi’s Q3 and BMW’s X1.

In the coming years, we’ll see a new road-biased ‘Road Rover’ as well as an all-new Defender.

LAND ROVER

RANGE ROVER

The Range Rover is comfortable, capable on and off road, very practical and available with seven seats

Range Rover Sport

The clue is in the name with the Range Rover Sport. If you like the idea of a Range Rover but want a bit more dynamism, Land Rover reckons this is the car for you.

It’s an alluring recipe – and a clever one, too. You see, the Range Rover Sport is based on the same platform as the full-size <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/land-rover/range-rover/4x4/review/n17353">Range Rover</a>, so it benefits from a very similar and luxurious interior, great <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/4x4s-for-off-roading/n26188">off-roading ability</a>, and an impressive engine line-up that includes a fire-breathing 626bhp twin-turbocharged V8 petrol, two diesels, and a couple of tax-efficient plug-in hybrids (<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/plug-in-hybrid-cars/n22743">PHEVs</a>).

The Range Rover Sport has all that in a package that's more compact, nimbler and, arguably, more usable than its longer, taller and less-wieldy stablemate.

<h2 dir="ltr">New Range Rover Sport video review</h2>

<iframe height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vyk4dLIQJGw" width="560"></iframe>

So what’s the catch? Well, the biggest drawback is that the Sport is only available with five seats. Then again, has the lack of seven seats hurt the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/porsche/cayenne/estate/review/n17375">Porsche Cayenne</a>’s sales? We think not.

The Range Rover Sport is quite a bit cheaper than the Range Rover, too, but how does it compare on price, and in other ways, to rivals such as <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/q7/4x4/review/n87">Audi Q7</a>,<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/x5/4x4/review/n38"> BMW X5</a>,<a href="https://www.whatcar.com/lexus/rx/4x4/review/n137"> Lexus RX</a> and Cayenne?

<hr />
What’s new?

- June 2024: Sport SV Celestial Collection special edition models revealed, with bespoke exterior colours and unique interior treatments 
- May 2023: Performance flagship Range Rover Sport SV launched, with sophisticated air suspension, a 626bhp mild-hybrid 5.0-litre V8, and option of 23-inch carbonfibre wheels 
- May 2022: New Range Rover Sport model launched with Dynamic Air Suspension, new ‘Pivi Pro’ infotainment and Amazon Alexa voice control 
&nbsp;

RANGE ROVER SPORT

The Range Rover Sport offers an excellent combination of luxury and off-road&nbsp;ability

Range Rover Sport 

SUV (2018 - 2024)

When it comes to making a statement about how successful you are, there is no brand that shouts “I’ve made it!” more emphatically than Rolls-Royce.

If that’s all you want from your car, look no further. The firm has expanded its range in recent years, with the top-of-the-range Phantom saloon being joined by the Cullinan SUV, and other models including the Ghost and its first electric car, the Spectre.

Whichever way you go, if you have to ask how much it costs, the chances are you can’t afford it. And, even then, the base price is unlikely to be what you end up spending, such is the list of alluring options on offer.

It’s also a moot point whether the cars themselves – rather than the image they portray – represents the very best way to spend your money. What Car?’s testers rate all of them positively but reckon that – if you’re buying with your head rather than your heart – there are other cars that you should also consider.

Rolls-Royce

Cullinan

The Rolls-Royce Cullinan is aimed at anyone who finds the go-to posh <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/best/luxury-suvs/n17036">luxury SUVs</a> a little too commonplace. Taking its name from the largest diamond ever discovered – one that graces the Crown Jewels – the Cullinan sits on 22in alloy wheels and presents a dominating silhouette.

Indeed, it's 200mm longer than the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bentley/bentayga/4x4/review/n17228">Bentley Bentayga</a>&nbsp;and 90mm taller and 350mm longer than the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/land-rover/range-rover/4x4/review/n17353">Range Rover</a>.

There’s only one engine option, but it’s arguably all you’ll ever need: the same 6.75-litre petrol V12 that’s found in the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/rolls-royce/phantom/saloon/review/n131">Rolls-Royce&nbsp;Phantom</a>.

Plus, there is, of course, a brochure full of colours, upholsteries and options to choose from, and if you have enough money in your bank account, <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/new-car-deals/make/rolls-royce">Rolls-Royce</a> will fit pretty much anything else that takes your fancy.

Read on to see if this helps the Rolls-Royce Cullinan justify its huge price premium over every other SUV on sale. We'll cover performance and handling, running costs (possibly not a big deal if you're thinking of getting a Roller),&nbsp;practicality and more.

As well as the Bentayga and Range Rover, luxury SUV options include&nbsp;the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/aston-martin/dbx/estate/review/n21787">Aston Martin DBX</a>, the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/q7/4x4/review/n87">Audi Q7</a> and the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/porsche/cayenne/estate/review/n17375">Porsche Cayenne</a>.

Remember, once you've chosen your next new car, it's worth checking for the best prices available by searching our free What Car? <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/new-car-deals">New Car Deals pages</a>. They have plenty of great <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/new-car-deals/category/luxury-suv">new luxury SUV deals</a>.

<hr />
What’s new? 
May 2024: facelifted and upgraded Cullinan revealed, with upgraded tech and even a private members app, called Whispers, which allows owners to send a navigation destination, lock or unlock the car or view the car’s location 
May 2024: Cullinan Black Badge released, with unique exterior coachwork, hand-polished carbon fibre trims and 22in alloy wheels 
May 2018: Rolls-Royce enters the luxury-SUV arena with its new Cullinan, which it describes as its most practical car ever, as well as being ‘an incredibly capable off-roader’ 
&nbsp;

When it comes to making a statement about how successful you are, there is no brand that shouts “I’ve made it!” more emphatically than Rolls-Royce.

If that’s all you want from your car, look no further. The firm has expanded its range in recent years, with the top-of-the-range Phantom saloon being joined by the Cullinan SUV, and other models including the Wraith and Ghost.

Whichever way you go, if you have to ask how much it costs, the chances are you can’t afford it. And, even then, the base price is unlikely to be what you end up spending, such is the list of alluring options on offer.

It’s also a moot point whether the cars themselves – rather than the image they portray – represents the very best way to spend your money. What Car?’s testers rate all of them positively but reckon that – if you’re buying with your head rather than your heart – there are other cars that you should also consider.

ROLLS-ROYCE

CULLINAN

The ride isn't perfect, but in most respects this the ultimate luxury SUV

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