New Land Rover Discovery vs Audi Q7 vs BMW X7: verdict

Our verdict

If you’re after a truly luxurious SUV, the X7 is hands down the winner. Not only does it have the plushest interior, but it’s also the biggest inside. Adults will be happy in all three rows and its boot is vast. And you can hardly fail to be impressed by the performance and the high level of comfort on offer, especially if you stick with the standard 21in wheels.

The Q7 comes an honourable second. Although it’s upstaged slightly inside by the X7, it’s still a class act and wonderfully smooth and comfortable. However, this lofty trim level doesn’t show it in its best light, mainly due to its steep buying and running costs, and its third-row space isn’t great in this company.

Although the Discovery brings up the rear, it’s still an impressive SUV that’s been improved by its recent update and smooth new engine. It can’t match the space of the X7 or agile handling of the Q7, but if you need genuine off-road ability, it’s well worth a look – and is even better value in its cheaper trims.

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1st – BMW X7

For Strong yet frugal engine; huge boot; quietest cruiser; roomiest for passengers; opulent interior
Against Fairly pricey; not as well equipped as the Q7
Recommended options Integral Active Steering (£1195), metallic paint (no cost)

What Car? rating 5 stars out of 5

Read our full BMW X7 review >>

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2nd – Audi Q7

For The most comfortable; surprisingly agile; very well equipped
Against Hesitant gearbox; relatively cramped third row; priciest to buy and run
Recommended options Metallic paint (£750)

What Car? rating 4 stars out of 5

Read our full Audi Q7 review >>

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3rd – Land Rover Discovery

For Smooth engine; best third-row head room; best driving position; cheapest to buy and run
Against Least composed ride and handling; some cheap-feeling interior materials; poor reliability record
Recommended options Metallic paint (£895)

What Car? rating 4 stars out of 5

Read our full Land Rover Discovery review >>

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Specifications: Land Rover Discovery

Engine 6cyl, 2996cc, diesel
Peak power 296bhp @ 4000rpm
Peak torque 479lb ft @ 1500-2500rpm
Gearbox 8-spd automatic
0-60mph 6.6sec
30-70mph 6.2sec
Top speed 130mph
30-0mph 9.5m
70-0mph 51.4m
Noise @ 30mph 55.7dB
Noise @ 70mph 64.6dB
Kerb weight 2437kg
Wheels/tyres (std) 285/40 R22
Test economy 30.5mpg
Official economy 33.0mpg
Fuel tank 89 litres
CO2 emissions 224g/km

Specifications: Audi Q7

Engine 6cyl, 2967cc, diesel
Peak power 282bhp @ 3500-4000rpm
Peak torque 443lb ft @ 2250-3250rpm
Gearbox 8-spd automatic
0-60mph 6.2sec
30-70mph 6.0sec
Top speed 150mph
30-0mph 8.7m
70-0mph 46.3m
Noise @ 30mph 54dB
Noise @ 70mph 64.1dB
Kerb weight 2275kg
Wheels/tyres (std) 285/35 R22
Test economy 31.3mpg
Official economy 33.6mpg
Fuel tank 75 litres
CO2 emissions 220g/km

Specifications: BMW X7

Engine 6cyl, 2993cc, diesel
Peak power 335bhp @ 4400rpm
Peak torque 516lb ft @ 1750-2250rpm
Gearbox 8-spd automatic
0-60mph 5.7sec
30-70mph 5.6sec
Top speed 152mph
30-0mph 8.1m
70-0mph 42.2m
Noise @ 30mph 55.9dB
Noise @ 70mph 63.9dB
Kerb weight 2445kg
Wheels/tyres (std) 285/45 R21
Test economy 33.3mpg
Official economy 36.2mpg
Fuel tank 80 litres
CO2 emissions 204g/km

Test weather conditions Dry

Cars pictured

Land Rover Discovery D250 R-Dynamic SE with Lantau Bronze metallic paint (£895), active rear locking diff (£1080), advanced off-road capability pack (£500), Titanium Mesh interior trim (£350) and Matrix LED headlights (£300)

Audi Q7 50 TDI Vorsprung with Navarra Blue metallic paint (£750) and Virtual Cockpit Plus (£175)

BMW X7 xDrive40d M Sport with Tanzanite Blue metallic paint (£1095), M Sport Pro Pack (£2395), Integral Active Steering (£1195), Sky Lounge panoramic roof (£760) and piano black trim (£560)

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