This trio of seven-seater SUVs are powerful, practical and packed with smart features, too.
A seven-seater SUV is an exciting alternative to a humdrum seven-seater MPV. Although they are less spacious for passengers, SUVs off er 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 thirdgeneration 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 off ers 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.
ENGINE
Volvo’s turbocharged 2-litre with 320bhp and 400Nm is the only 4-cylinder motor of this test.
Audi’s supercharged 3-litre V6 with 333bhp and 440Nm is the most powerful of the trio, and yet the most economical.
BMW’s turbocharged 3-litre inline-6 with 306bhp and 400Nm has the fewest ponies but the nicest soundtrack.
COCKPIT
Swankiest and neatest cockpit has the fewest physical buttons. Infotainment system has a smartphonelike menu and is the smartest, too, as it can even raise/lower temperature settings via voice commands.
Most spacious cockpit also off ers the most colour options for mood lighting, but the virtual instrument panel and infotainment functions could be more intuitive. Lacks electrically adjustable steering, but the helm is the most responsive.
Sportiest cockpit features analogue gauges and paddleshifters that are more solid than the Q7’s. The large doorbins also make this space the most practical of the trio, but the air conditioning could be stronger.
BACKSEAT
Most comfortable backseat of the bunch, but headroom is compromised by the panoramic sunroof. The touchscreen interface for the rear climate zones is unique and cool.
Great for occupants with big feet, as footwell space here is the most generous. Access to the third row is the easiest, as the space between the second- and third-row seats is the widest of the three.
Best suited to accommodating three occupants, as its floorboard is the group’s only one that’s flat, but its seatbacks are the least cushy. Third-row access is as tricky as in the XC90.
BOOT
XC90’s 480-litre boot is the most ideal for active families, as it offers the most underfloor storage, which is useful for soiled articles.
Q7’s 770-litre boot is the most convenient here, as the air suspension allows the loading height to be lowered at the press of a button.
X5’s 650-litre cargo capacity is ideal for heavy items, thanks to the twosection tailgate, whose bottom half lets users slide in weightier objects.
LAST WORD
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 ultracushy 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.
