I like to play a game when I drive; it’s called Name That Car. I try not to look at name badging first; instead, I’ll look for compelling details that help me identify the make and model. It makes me better at my job and keep my mind lively and present when I am out and about.
I always get a thrill when I see a sleek luxury SUV with dark windows coming up behind me on the highway. Not because it might be a rock star or billionaire, but because of the way the cars move. I love seeing the front end approaching and hopefully, catching a glimpse of the taillights as they pass me.
Frequently, many of these SUVs are European. Inspired by this, we’ve put together our list of our favorites, from carmakers like Mercedes, Volkswagen, BMW, Volvo and Land Rover to showcase best European luxury SUVs at a variety of sizes and prices—because the cost alone does not define luxury.
Related: Three Cheers for the Red, White, and Blue: The Best American Luxury SUVs
BMW X7 – This SUV Is Red Carpet Ready
The BMW X7 starts at $83,500; if you go for the M60i package, which is in between the base model and the Alpina, you will be behind the wheel of a 4.4L twin turbo V8 with 523 horsepower that also has mild hybrid technology. You will get dynamic stability and traction control wrapped in a package of leather and suede, an active protection system that constantly monitors for safety, and seating for 7.
You could potentially go off-roading in this luxury SUV, as it has AWD and adjustable air suspension. But for those of you who aren’t that outdoorsy, you can remain ensconced in comfort – the heated seats extend all the way to the back row, so the kids can chill out with their own USB ports and cupholders while the front row receives a massage in the uber-comfortable leather seats. And you can all gaze at the curved panel multimedia screen, marvel at the voice-activated BMW personal assistant, and catch the twinkles on the headliner and seats from the color-changing glass Panorama Sky Lounge LED roof and crystal gear shifter.
Lamborghini Urus: The Badass Luxury SUV
You’ll achieve street cred instantaneously with the Lamborghini Urus. This stunning luxury SUV starts at $229,000 and will make you feel like you’re on the track whenever you’re behind the wheel, with drive modes with Anima and Corso, tight bolstering in the leather seating, and a 4.0L twin turbo V8 that produces 666 horsepower in the S model.
You can give your friends and family a thrilling ride too; there’s plenty of room for adult passengers (and kids car seats) in back. Take them all for a great ride on paved roads, and then switch gears, literally: this SUV was built to handle sand, ice, gravel or rocks, and it has an off-road package to prove it. Enjoy dune racing or off-pavement exploration with stainless-steel skid plates for the underbody and additional steel reinforcements for the bumpers.
Related: Maserati Grecale Test Drive — Haute Couture on Wheels
Mercedes-Benz EQS: Electric Luxury and Extraordinary Tech
Who’s ready for the ultimate modern luxury SUV? The Mercedes-Benz EQS starts at $104,400. Taller and roomier, this electric offering is based on the same platform as the EQS sedan. The non-gas offering has a range of 339 miles and the whole car is about being electric. In fact, the navigation maps have Electric Intelligence – this means you can plan your route to optimize range and speed recharging.
You also get a lot of splendor for the money when choosing from the 9 trim packages available for the EQS SUV. Depending on your decision, they include the most lovely things: Air Balance fragrance choices in the cabin, pillows in the rear cabin, one touch carwash mode, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, customizable lighting, adaptive air suspension, heated and ventilated front seats with massage, a panoramic sunroof, a Burmester audio system, a head-up display, exotic wood trim, and 4 zones with automatic climate control. You can charge your car at home with the new Wallbox that can add up to 30 miles of range per hour and is integrated into your Mercedes me connect app.
Audi Q7 – A Rockstar Luxury SUV with Mom and Dad Convenience
The Audi Q7 is a 7-passenger luxury SUV that starts at $60,500. With 3 trim packages available, the 55 Premium Plus quattro 3.0-liter six-cylinder V6 engine option with 335 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque will provide solid handling and agility on the road in assorted conditions.
The Q7 is a great choice for families, with slide and tilt seating in the middle row and a large amount of cargo space, even with the 3rd row that has deep seats. The optional safety suite of features is cutting edge too; a pre-sense front detects potential collision risks, side assist with Rear cross traffic assist, a top-view 360-degree camera system, adaptive cruise control, and sensors that automatically adjust the wipers and headlights based on the weather conditions.
Range Rover: When the Destination ts as Luxe as the Journey
The Range Rover has a reputation for glorious excursions on and off-road, and it does these things quietly and elegantly. This clean-lined offering from Land Rover doesn’t slouch when it comes to power, capability, or discretion. It is a car good enough for the Queen of England, which means it is certainly good enough for us.
It’s loaded with opulent features and options like heated, ventilated, and massaging seats, traction, hill and stability control, customizable lighting, Meridian sound system, and even an optional Tailgate Event Suite that adds foldable seatbacks, drop-down speakers, and lights to the clamshell door in back, the Range Rover starts at $107,900 and will not ever disappoint at an off-road event either.
Volvo XC90: The Super Safe 3-Row Luxury SUV
The Volvo XC90 is a legendary luxury SUV; the hardest part of driving it is making sure you are educated in all its technologies. The amount of tech in this car is impressive, and it all comes to life in a serene cabin with lush materials like leather and wood.
Volvo is offering 2 engines; a mild hybrid (no charging necessary) or plug-in hybrid. There are 3 trim packages available: Core, Plus and Ultimate. The Core is the base model and starts at $57,895; the Plus begins at $61,795, and Ultimate has a starting price of $71,395. From there, depending on which package you like, you will get features like ventilated and massaging seats, an Orrefors crystal gear shifter, a panoramic glass roof, Harman Kardon audio, and head-up display.
Volvo rounds out its packages with safety and tech that includes Google built-in, an advanced air purifier, 360 view camera, cross-traffic and lane departure alerts, and more. Video: See what the Volvo XC90 is all about
Maserati Grecale: Performance Disguised as Luxury
“My Maserati does 185…” sang Joe Walsh. We didn’t try to hit that in our test drive of the Maserati Grecale, but we wouldn’t be surprised. This luxury SUV is frisky and fabulous. Beautifully appointed, the interior will rock your world as much as the sunny yellow brake calipers will.
There 4 trim options here: GT starts at $69,900 with 296 horsepower in the 2.0L engine; Modena has a starting price of $78,500, with 325 horsepower; the Trofeo package starts at $110,200 and has a 3.0L V6 engine that produces 523 hp, and the Folgore is the electric offering, which begins at $109,000 and offers 550 horses.
Inside, the interior options include wood and carbon fiber trim, a digital driver display, multiple multimedia screens and a digital dashboard clock that serves as a microphone to make requests of the car, as well as a compass and g-meter. Let’s not forget the 21 speaker Sonus Faber audio system or the dedicated emergency support system, Maserati Connect. And if you’re tempted to see if your Maserati will do 185, consider Mr. Walsh’s next line: “I lost my license, now I don’t drive.”
Volkswagen Atlas – A Reasonable Price Tag, A Luxury of Calm
With a starting price of $37,995, you might not think the Volkswagen Atlas will deliver as many niceties as other luxury SUVs, but upgrade to the SEL Premium R-Line model for about $54,000 and you get all the goodies. The ultimate luxury of space, thanks to serene and clean interior palettes, leather upholstery and a roomy feel that expands to 96.6 cubic feet of storage space with the 2nd and 3rd rows folded.
This model features every option, from ambient lighting to a panoramic glass roof, wireless charging, keyless access, high-resolution driver display panel, Harman Kardon audio, and the security of knowing you are keeping your family safe with the IQ.DRIVE assistance system. I don’t have to tell you, less stress while driving is a luxury. Video: Take a tour of the VW Atlas with us
The Mini JCW Countryman: When Personality Matters Most
We have to give props to the Mini JCW Countryman for the cuteness and fun factor in a now larger, roomier more family-friendly version of the Mini. This might be the cutest SUV on the market right now, a high-performance compact SUV power-packed with precision. if you wish to be surrounded by all the kawaii you can pack into a high-performance compact SUV, this is the one.
Starting at $46,900, the John Cooper Works will provide a twin turbo 2.0L engine with 312 horsepower, touch and voice controls, quad exhaust, wireless charging, safety features such as collision warning and lane departure, knitted upholstery details, a center console jewelry box, and go-kart mode. If you didn’t smile after I said jewelry box or go-kart, you don’t need this car. Video: Mini’s Designer gives us a tour!
Porsche Macan: A “Just Me” SUV
Porsche spent a dedicated amount of time perfecting the Cayenne to be a performance SUV; they went one step deeper into the market with the Porsche Macan and made it the top selling model in their lineup.
Athletic, luxurious and ready at the jump, you will feel the performance ability every time you get behind the wheel. With 3 engine choices plus an electric option, the Cheshire Cat-looking small luxury SUV has a starting price range of $62,900-$78,800, and delivers anywhere from 261-434 horsepower, plus everything else you want in a luxury performance SUV. You will be able to select all the creature comforts we crave, like wireless charging, sumptuous leather seating, optional Burmester Audio system and even key fobs painted in the same shade as your fantasy SUV.
Video: See how the Macan compares to the Cayenne
If the higher driver position, upscale interiors, cargo room, towing capacity, or number of seats you need are influencing your car decision, a luxury SUV is a great choice for you. Maybe I’ll see you out on the road, whizzing by me in the left lane. I’ll be the one staring intently to see which model you’ve bought.
