We need a comfortable 4x4 for long distances and room for two dogs - any suggestions?

We're a retired couple who enjoy long road trips to Europe (Brexit permitting). We take our two springer spaniels with us and plenty of wine on the return journey. What car would you recommend? Wild weather doesn't stop us so a 4x4 that's high riding and an auto for disability reasons plus the lowest flat boot floor with safety paramount. We have come up with Volvo XC60, BMW X3, or Audi and Land Rover equivalents.

Asked on 21 January 2017 by Liam Doyle

Answered by Honest John
A 'hard' Brexit will inevitably put paid to bringing cases of wine back duty free. Just a couple of bottles like it was in pre-UK/EC days. (A lot of people didn't think of that.) An XC60 on 60 profile squishy tyres will be the most comfortable but they are far from great handlers. If thinking Range Rover Evoque or Land Rover Discovery Sport then 235/60 R18s are the most comfortable wheel and tyre size. You can get a BMW X3 on 17-inch wheels with 55 profile tyres. New Q5 is just arriving. Will be a new XC60 this year. New X3 not far off.
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