A seven-seater SUV is an exciting alternative to a humdrum seven-seater MPV. Although they are less spacious for passengers, SUVs offer better driveability and, when equipped with four-wheel-drive systems, some off-roading ability, too.
The three premium SUVs we’ve gathered here deliver more than just strong performance – they’re also packed with standard equipment that makes them intelligent.
The BMW X5, for instance, has ConnectedDrive, a suite of features that include a concierge service for owners. The third-generation X5 also promises keen handling, a trait expected of the Bavarian marque.
Throwing its hat into this contest is the all-new Volvo XC90. Apart from its bolder design, the car’s interior offers greater space and a more advanced dashboard compared to the previous model.
Looking to make a big impact in this shootout is the all-new Audi Q7, the largest SUV here. Compared to the old model, the latest vehicle is roomier, lighter and more athletic, too.
Which of these contenders would appeal the most to buyers looking for a premium seven-seater? Keep reading to discover what we think.
It may pack the fewest horses under the bonnet, but with its sporty handling and rorty-sounding motor, the BMW X5 still delivers the sweetest drive. Access to its rearmost seats could be better, but a bigger hurdle is the car’s asking price at press time – over $13k and almost $25k more than the Q7 and XC90 respectively.
The Volvo XC90 is hugely impressive, placing the Swedish carmaker firmly in the premium SUV segment. Its snazzy infotainment system and ultra-cushy seats are its strongest attributes. This Volvo would have been even more attractive had it been roomier relative to its two rivals here.
The Audi Q7 is even more impressive than the XC90 in this story. It boasts the best powertrain, nicest ride (thanks to the standard air suspension) and most user-friendly boot. And its competitive pricing should make potential buyers feel brawny behind the wheel, and brainy for having chosen the Audi SUV.
Volvo XC90 T6 2.0 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
Type Inline-4, 16-valves, turbocharged
Capacity 1969cc
Bore x stroke 82mm x 93.2mm
Compression ratio 10.3:1
Max power 320bhp at 5700rpm
Max torque 400Nm at 2200-5400rpm
Power to weight 152.5bhp per tonne
Gearbox 8-speed automatic with manual select
Driven wheels All
PERFORMANCE
0-100km/h 6.5 seconds
Top speed 230km/h
Consumption 12.5km/L (combined)
CO2 emission 186g/km
SUSPENSION
Front Double wishbones, coil springs, anti-roll bar
Rear Double wishbones, coil springs, anti-roll bar
BRAKES
Front / Rear Ventilated discs / Discs
TYRES
Type Michelin Latitude Sport 3
Size 275/55 R20
SAFETY
Airbags 7
Traction aids ABS, DSTC
MEASUREMENTS
Length 4950mm
Width 1923mm
Height 1776mm
Wheelbase 2984mm
Kerb weight 2099kg
Turning circle 12.1m
BUYING IT
Price incl. COE $350,000 (after $5k CEVS surcharge)
Warranty 3 years/100,000km
+ Snazziest displays, smartest infotainment, lowest asking price
– Narrow second row, tricky third-row access, smallest boot
BEST IN SECURITY
Audi Q7 3.0 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
Type V6, 24-valves, supercharged
Capacity 2995cc
Bore x stroke 89mm x 84.5mm
Compression ratio 10.8:1
Max power 333bhp at 5500-6500rpm
Max torque 440Nm at 2900-5300rpm
Power to weight 164bhp per tonne
Gearbox 8-speed automatic with manual select
Driven wheels All
PERFORMANCE
0-100km/h 6.3 seconds
Top speed 250km/h
Consumption 12.7km/L (combined)
CO2 emission 183g/km
SUSPENSION
Front Five-link, air springs, anti-roll bar
Rear Five-link, air springs, anti-roll bar
BRAKES
Front / Rear Ventilated discs
TYRES
Type Pirelli Scorpion Verde
Size 285/45 R20
SAFETY
Airbags 6
Traction aids ABS, ESC
MEASUREMENTS
Length 5052mm
Width 1968mm
Height 1741mm
Wheelbase 2994mm
Kerb weight 2030kg
Turning circle 12.4m
BUYING IT
Price incl. COE $361,600 (no CEVS rebate/surcharge)
Warranty 3 years/100,000km
+ Most potent power train, cushiest ride quality, roomiest cabin
– Unintuitive infotainment, least practical second-row, unwieldy size
BEST IN LUXURY
BMW X5 xDrive35i 3.0 (A)
DRIVETRAIN
Type Inline-6, 24-valves, turbocharged
Capacity 2979cc
Bore x stroke 84mm x 89.6mm
Compression ratio 10.2:1
Max power 306bhp at 5800-6000rpm
Max torque 400Nm at 1200-5000rpm
Power to weight 150.7bhp per tonne
Gearbox 8-speed automatic with manual select
Driven wheels All
PERFORMANCE
0-100km/h 6.5 seconds
Top speed 235km/h
Consumption 11.8km/L (combined)
CO2 emission 197g/km
SUSPENSION
Front Double-track control arms, coil springs anti-roll bar
Rear Multi-link, coil springs, anti-roll bar
BRAKES
Front / Rear Ventilated discs
TYRES
Type Continental ContiSportContact 5
Size 235/50 R19
SAFETY
Airbags 6
Traction aids ABS, DSC
MEASUREMENTS
Length 4886mm
Width 1938mm
Height 1762mm
Wheelbase 2933mm
Kerb weight 2030kg
Turning circle 12.7m
BUYING IT
Price incl. COE $374,800 (after $5k CEVS surcharge)
Warranty 3 years/100,000km
+ Nicest engine note, most agile handling, most spacious second row
– Highest asking price, least powerful engine, thirstier than rivals
BEST IN DRIVEABILITY
