Premium 4x4 comparison: what makes each one stand out?

After almost two years of testing several premium 4×4 models, we can finally look back, gather the information and draw a joint assessment of what each of the models we have tested so far at Highmotor has to offer.

Specifically, we are talking about the Audi Q7 4.2 V8 TDI (340 CV), BMW X5 4.0d xDrive (306 CV), Land Rover Range Rover (340 CV) and Mercedes ML 350 Bluetec (258 CV). Taking advantage of these tests, we are going to tell you in a single article the most noteworthy points of each model according to our criteria, based on the tests we have carried out on each of them.

Audi Q7

One of the most iconic models of Audi passed through our hands more than a year ago, and chance had it that we could test the most powerful diesel engine in the range, the 4.2 V8 TDI with 340 CV. If I had to think about what best defines the Audi Q7, without a doubt it is space.

If you need a luxury 4×4 with room for seven occupants, it is the one that offers the most space and in which all seven occupants will travel most comfortably. Of those mentioned above, only the BMW X5 has seven seats, and the second-row seats do not offer much legroom.

It is also worth noting that it has V6 and V8 diesel engines with power of up to 340 CV, while in petrol it only has V6s with 272 and 333 CV, falling behind all its rivals.

Starting price: 59,900 euros. Diesel engines: V6 of 204 or 245 CV and V8 of 340 CV. Petrol engines: V6 of 272 and 333 CV.

BMW X5

The unit we tested was a 4.0d xDrive, but don’t be fooled by the figures in its name, since we are really talking about a three-litre, six-cylinder engine with 306 CV of power. BMW has made very good use of its inline six-cylinder engine, offering the most powerful variants with just six cylinders, whether this 306 CV or the powerful X5 M50d of 385 CV.

And precisely related to the engine is its greatest virtue or characteristic, the X5 seems designed to enjoy the road, following the brand’s typical slogan. After the test, it became clear to us that in terms of dynamic behaviour, few luxury 4x4s can surpass this German.

As a distinguishing feature, it has seven seats, although the second-row seats have independent air vents and are easy to fold away, they do not offer much space to the occupants.

Starting price: 63,100 euros. Diesel engines: 245, 306 and 385 CV. Petrol engines: 306, 408 and 555 CV.

Land Rover Range Rover

In addition to its traditional contribution, the Range Rover is a vehicle with a weight among luxury 4x4s, it also stands out for having V8 engines, both diesel and petrol, and for reaching 510 CV in its 5.0 V8 Supercharged petrol version.

Besides the engines, the Range Rover is synonymous with efficiency off the tarmac, which is one of the features that set it apart from the rest of the 4x4s we are analysing today. Of all of them, I can state almost with total certainty that it is the king as soon as we leave the asphalt.

Another strong point is the space it offers its occupants, it does not have seven seats like the Audi Q7 or the BMW X5, but in exchange the five occupants will travel very comfortably in its spacious and comfortable seats. (Test drive of the Land Rover SDV8)

Starting price: 98,500 euros. Diesel engines: V6 of 258 CV and V8 of 340 CV. Petrol engine: V8 of 510 CV


Mercedes ML

The Mercedes 4×4 has recently been renewed, in the new generation the design has changed (now sportier) and so have the engines and the dynamics. In diesel it is interesting how it has an four-cylinder engine that delivers 204 CV, it is the only one of the protagonists of this comparison that offers a four-cylinder engine, although without doubt the most performance-oriented is the V6 of 258 CV that we tested.

In terms of capabilities, it stands out for its off-road abilities (only behind the Range Rover) and for the dynamism it offers on the road (if we opt for the Active Curve System). Being one of the most balanced, as it allows us to take it off the asphalt with confidence and at the same time drive on the road with fairly high stability and dynamism.

The most powerful version comes from AMG, with the 63 AMG of 525 CV, being one of the most powerful luxury 4x4s, only behind the BMW X5 M. (Test drive of the ML 350 Bluetec)

Starting price: 61,149 euros. Diesel engines: 204 CV and V6 of 258 CV. Petrol engines: 306, 408 and 525 CV.

Technical specifications of the cars in this article

Off-RoadLand Rover Range Rover25 versions · from 149,250 €

CrossoverAudi Q713 versions · from 86,940 €

Off-RoadBMW X55 versions · from 96,150 €