The best luxury SUV options for 2024
Want to stand out from the crowd? Here are some of the most luxurious SUVs money can buy
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Best luxury SUV
Not that long ago, the true sign of wealth and luxury was buying a German estate or saloon because this showed you appreciate comfort and effortless style.
Nowadays, however, luxury SUVs have increased in popularity, with almost every car brand making one.
This means it’s a very competitive market – but that’s good news for buyers, who have a wide range of options.
Here are 10 of the best luxury SUVs money can buy.
Volvo XC90
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Volvo’s flagship SUV is the XC90, which also happens to be one of the most advanced and luxurious SUVs money can buy.
From the outside, it doesn’t look anywhere near as imposing as some of its rivals, yet it’s the largest car the Scandinavian car brand makes.
Inside, you’re greeted with plush leather seats, a high-quality infotainment system, up to seven seats, and a massive 1,856-litre boot.
All versions of the XC90 use four-cylinder engines, but if you want the best of the best then the top-spec T8 model with a plug-in hybrid setup is the one to have.
Range Rover
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The latest iteration of Range Rover sits at the top of Land Rover’s model range, offering the utmost levels of comfort, interior luxury and class.
Most of this is down to the car’s soft suspension, which feels as though you’re driving on a cloud.
This, partnered with its quiet selection of hybrid petrol and diesel engines, is a dream.
If you live in or around a city, then the plug-in hybrid variant will be of most use. Apart from being silent, it also offers up to 70 miles on electric power alone.
What’s more, you can drive the Range Rover over any terrain, so come rain or shine, you’ll be able to get where you need to be.
Choosing a used Land Rover model can help you save money compared to the cost of purchasing brand-new.
Audi Q7
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One of the best ways to enjoy the SUV trend is with a used Audi - it was among the first to make them a priority. The Q7 – Audi's largest passenger car – is packed full of great tech, can seat up to seven people, and has two large touchscreen displays that show you all the car’s information.
Other added features to improve your overall experience include a panoramic sunroof, heated seats and an uprated Bang & Olufsen sound system that has punchy bass and incredible volume.
Engines are great too, with the Q7 offering a 3.0-litre V6 petrol or diesel.
These have plenty of pulling power so you can take your luxury German SUV on a caravanning holiday or use it to tow a trailer.
BMW iX
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One thing that always crops up when discussing luxury cars is silence.
Car manufacturers have been padding interiors for decades, but now you simply whack in an electric motor and can enjoy the most silent drive of your life, just like what BMW has done here.
There are a range of trim levels on offer, with the xDrive40, xDrive50 and M60 variants being the most popular, offering up to 380 miles of range.
Inside, the iX has a very futuristic design, with an almost square steering wheel, a large 14.9-inch touchscreen and comfortable seats that complement the vast amount of space.
Porsche Cayenne
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If you’re after hatchback-like practicality but with a sporty driving feel and high levels of comfort, the Porsche Cayenne is a superb option.
This sports SUV has been around since 2002 and yet is still desirable today, having received many updates and refreshes over the years.
The clever feature that makes your used Porsche Cayenne corner like a sports car is its 4D chassis control and active air suspension that removes any body roll, keeping it stable on the road.
You’d want to keep it stable too, especially with the 4.8-litre twin-turbo V8 that sits up front, producing 550hp in certain models.
Mercedes-Benz GLS
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The main saloon car we were alluding to in the intro was the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, because it is without a doubt the best luxury car money can buy – it does it all while still being understated.
Well, if you like all of the Mercedes S-Class's qualities but want a higher driving position and more interior space, then the GLS is the car to have.
This SUV is simply enormous, with an 890-litre boot and up to seven seats that are large enough for adults – not just children like so many other seven-seater cars.
Plus, choosing a used Mercedes model is likely to be much more affordable than brand-new.
BMW X7
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If the full-sized Range Rover interests you, a great alternative from Bavaria is the BMW X7 – a handsome, well-engineered luxury SUV.
This has always been a high-end luxury vehicle, but its recent refresh introduced lots of swanky features such as BMW’s ‘Curved Display’ infotainment system that includes a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and a 14.9-inch central touchscreen.
It also offers a soft ride, so if something sporty like the Cayenne or BMW X5 isn't for you, then the X7 is right up your alley.
Rolls-Royce Cullinan
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If you’re a part of the top 1%, there’s not much else you should consider other than a Rolls-Royce Cullinan.
Being the world’s most exclusive luxury SUV means you need a USP, and the Cullinan’s 6.75-litre twin-turbocharged V12 is just that.
Despite producing 570hp, it drives as smoothly and as quiet as an EV. Try balancing a coin on the engine when it’s on – it won’t fall over.
But inside is where you’ll be spending most of your time. Ever flown Emirates First Class?
Times that by 10 and then you’re in the rear cocoon of the Cullinan, which is festooned with eight bulls' worth of leather. No, seriously.
Bentley Bentayga
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Want to combine the luxury of a Rolls-Royce with the performance of a sports car? Look no further than the Bentley Bentayga.
If you’ve spent any time around a Continental GT or Flying Spur, then the Bentayga’s interior will feel familiar. And if not, you’re in for a surprise.
If you thought eight bulls was a lot in the Cullinan, then the 15 cows it takes to make the Bentayga’s interior may shock you.
There are levels of craftsmanship you don’t even think about, such as the wooden finishes, plush floor mats and analogue clock on the dashboard that swivels to reveal a screen underneath.
Audi Q8 e-tron
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The Audi Q8 e-tron is one of the best large luxury electric SUVs, starting life as the standard e-tron SUV.
Audi models are known for being luxurious inside, so we don’t need to tell you twice about that – but as an electric car, it’s fantastic.
It has a range of 343 miles and plenty of power from its three electric motors (with the top-spec SQ8 model), and because there are fewer engine parts, you benefit from a large 569-litre boot.
What makes a good luxury SUV?
Luxury has different definitions to different people, so it's important to consider just what you want from a luxury SUV.
Most of the time, a premium badge is what many motorists look for when purchasing a luxury car. These have the gorgeous styling, impressive interiors, tech and features that you'd expect from a luxury model. You can also find models at a lower price point that still offer a premium feel.
In general, a luxury car will offer above-average levels of comfort and styling that is not often found in anything but the most high-end vehicles.
You can expect the latest comfort features and infotainment technology. In a luxury SUV, this might include impressive off-roading technology and 4x4 capabilities.
Best seven-seat luxury SUV picks
Plenty of models in this list are available as luxury seven-seater SUVs, including the Volvo XC90, Audi Q7, and Mercedes GLS.
You might also want to consider the Land Rover Discovery as an alternative to the Range Rover - especially if you want genuine off-road abilities.
We particularly like the Volvo XC90 for its great value for money. It might be overlooked when the BMW, Audi and Merc models are thrown into the mix, but this Volvo is luxurious, reliable and packed with features.