BUYING GUIDE to New Luxury SUVs

Overview

The luxury SUV class encompasses a large range of SUV vehicles. Some are smaller 5 passenger SUVs and others are larger 7 passenger SUVs. They all provide luxurious amenities and cutting edge technology both inside and outside the cabin. If you are in the market for a luxury vehicle with more cargo capacity than a sedan; or you just want your SUV to have a little more bling, the luxury SUV class is for you.

Price Range: $29,405-$76,535

Models

Fully redesigned for 2007 is the Acura MDX. Already a good performer in previous incarnations, Acura has refined the MDX even further to keep up with the likes of BMW’s X5 and Porsche’s Cayenne. A new chassis and improved suspension give the MDX better handling. Its horsepower is up to 300 from an all-aluminum 3.7-liter V6, however the gas mileage suffers little from the increase in power. The only contentious aspect of the new MDX has been the acceptance of its new grill that is a love-hate relationship for most.

This year Audi has decided that they are finally going to release an SUV. The Audi Q7 is heavy but has a 414hp 4.2-liter V8 engine and quattro all-wheel-drive system to push it along. It has an available third row of seats to allow for up to 7 passengers and ample cargo room for any load.

The Cadillac Escalade also sees great change this year. It is built on GM’s new full size SUV platform and receives rack-and-pinion steering improving its handing. It is powered by a 403hp 6.2-liter V8 engine and controlled by a new six-speed transmission. The exterior has been freshened a little to make it look more like the rest of the Cadillac lineup, and the interior remains top of the line. The Lincoln MKX is all new for 2007. Almost identical to the Ford Edge, they both run off a 3.5-liter V6 and have the same unibody platform. In comparison to its competition the Lexus RX 350, the MKX is quieter, although Lexus remains king of quality.

BMW offers both the X3 and X5 in the luxury SUV class. The X3 gets mild changes internally such as a six-speed automatic transmission replacing the five-speed and a new lighter magnesium-aluminum 3.0-liter engine that increases the output to 260hp. These refinements make the X3 more enjoyable to drive around town and a better performer. The X5 continues to provide excellent handling that defies its “SUV” status. It comes standard with a 260hp 3.0L I-6 engine and there is an optional 350hp 4.8L V-8 engine. The X5 also comes with a front double-wishbone suspension that makes the stability of the X5 at high speeds more settled. Hummer’s H2 SUT is a carry over from last year. Edmunds says the H2 SUT has "off-road prowess that is easily the best in its class, with steep approach and departure angles, plenty of ground clearance and ample wheel travel." It also has Hummer’s unique two-level traction control system that allows the Hummers to continue even if only a single wheel has traction. The Volvo XC90 gets a more performance oriented trim called the "sport." It has improved suspension and handling characteristics. In addition, the XC90 will also be available in both 235hp 3.2L I-6 and 311hp 4.4L V-8 engines.

2007 will be the last year of the Lexus LX 470. It is unchanged this year as Lexus’ largest SUV and provides a luxurious vehicle with the rugged abilities it inherits from the Toyota Land Cruiser. The Lexus RX 350 gets an internal re-design. A new 3.5-liter V-6 now powers the RX 350 and a hybrid version called the RX 400h is also available. The RX 350 comes in front-or all-wheel drive and improves in gas mileage this year. The Land Rover Range Rover is largely redesigned for 2007. Its interior becomes even more luxurious and safety features like knee airbags for the driver are now standard. The Range Rover also is equipped with the new Terrain Response system that allows adjustment for general driving on pavement, grass/gravel/snow, sand, mud and ruts, or rock crawling.

Mercedes-Benz adds a new model, the GL450, to their ML-series and R-series in the luxury SUV class. The GL450 is a seven-seat, all-wheel-drive SUV powered by a 335-horsepower V-8 engine. Mercedes hopes to capture back some of the family SUV consumers with this large SUV in the new year. The R-series is a cross between an SUV and a van. It comes standard with a 268 HP 3.5L V-6 or 302 HP 5.0L V-8 and this year the option of a diesel-powered R320 CDI and a high-performance R63 AMG is available. The ML-series is Mercedes’ mid-size luxury SUV. It was drastically changed in 2006 and carries over from last year.

Luxury SUV Safety Guide

Top-of-the-line SUVs offer most of the safety features you'd expect to find in a luxury passenger car. In addition to side airbags, ABS and traction control, many luxury SUVs come with electronic stability control, which senses the "yaw" (side-to-side motion) of your vehicle and automatically applies braking pressure to the appropriate wheels to prevent skidding and loss of traction. Some luxury SUVs also come with crash resistant door pillars, which direct the force of an impact away from occupants. Others offer dynamic head restraints, which automatically move the seatback and headrest down during a rear collision to minimize head and neck injuries. Back-up sensing systems are also often available on most luxury sport utilities.