Audi Q7 vs BMW X5 vs Lexus RX400h vs Mercedes M-Class vs Range Rover Sport vs Volkswagen Touareg, Volvo XC90

None of the cars in this group deserves to finish last in a comparison test. But it doesn't take long for a front-runner to fall back to the pack.

That's what has happened with the XC90. In isolation, the Volvo is impressive, with a clever interior design and a good compromise between road handling and comfort. But it is let down by its underpowered and noisy diesel. It was first off our list.

The Range Rover is the most competent package off the beaten track and is not unwieldy on the bitumen. For some buyers it will best suit their needs. However, in our opinion, the second most expensive vehicle we tested is underpowered for the money. And it misses out on some important features, most notably a reversing camera.

The Mercedes has the most refined of the diesel engines here and is a comfortable highway cruiser. At first glance, it looks good value, too, with a starting price of $77,900. But leather seats, satellite navigation and a reversing camera take the price close to $90,000. It lacks the interior space of the X5 and the full-sized spare of the Q7.

With its new 3.0-litre diesel engine, the Touareg is keenly priced at $74,900. But the interior finish doesn't stack up against the Audi or BMW and it doesn't have a reversing camera or a full-sized spare.

Sorting out the last three comes down to personal preference.

The hybrid Lexus is the quickest by a wide margin, it has the quietest and most fuel-efficient engine and is the best equipped. It's also the most pampering to drive. But it is a little cramped inside, has limited off-road ability (even by luxury 4WD standards) and is let down by noisy tyres on coarse bitumen.

If you want a big 4WD that handles well, take the BMW. Most judges loved driving it on a winding road but said they'd struggle to live with the bumpy ride day to day. In the end, it was too big a compromise.

This leaves the Audi Q7. It has more than adequate handling and good ride comfort - and is no slouch off the beaten track. It also has a full-sized alloy spare, more intuitive instrument controls and better storage.

In short, it has more of what a family wants - and, after all, these are family cars.

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Why dont they test the new X5 with driving dynamic, it cost a little extra but give the car much more comfortable ride than without driving dynamic option. then we wouldnt read the sentence "bumby ride".

When BMW looses in a comparison Andreas you always say "BMW didn't had the sport package" , or "it didn't had the new engine" ect.

Thats rubbish.... just drove a bare minimum BMW x5 3.0i and the ride is on par if not better then the Q7 i drove days earlier, not to mention it doesnt roll like a boat. Drive.com.au is very anti bmw. any site that is disappointed with the 335i because it isnt M3 enough clearly has no idea how to review cars.

My 2 cents worth and yes im australia

well for me it's the ML that takes the crown,looks gorgeous and best desiel and comfort!

but its true and not lies. Im just stating some facts and just becuase I say so has nothing to do with winnings and losses, again Im just stating some facts how to improve the ride quality for X5.. Im sorry if I add some enlightnings to this board that you dont like to hear.

The Drive team take a more practical approach to the verdict that is why the Audi wins. I still struggle to think why the Q7 is the best of the bunch. I will definitely go for the X5, or the ML but only the ML63 AMG version.

No need to get mad , i just joking. I 'm not better than you, you know.

I say that the testers were payed, that they were blind, that they don't know their job and other things.

Hahaha, so that is how you look upon yourself Give yourself some credit, youre not that irrelevant in your posting!

Just joking Doctor. All of us hide a fanboy deep inside.