What are our options for luxury petrol SUVs?

My wife and I (76 years and 78 years old respectively) have bought new or nearly new demonstrators for the past 20 years, selling them when they reach 8 - 10 years old. As we live in a rather remote area, one of our cars has always been an SUV. Currently we have a 6 year old Audi Q5 and a 9 year old Mercedes-Benz E320 that we plan to replace with a top of the range Mercedes-Benz GLC. That is until the controversy about diesel versus petrol reared its ugly head. If we don't buy diesel, the only up market SUV is a Volvo XC60. Given the controversy and the fact that this may well be our last car, should we buy diesel or petrol? Also, would an Audi Allroad meet our needs? We never go off-road. We need a car that can safely negotiate steep hills and curves on icy or snowy roads. We both place great emphasis on comfort and the ability to cover long distance without fatigue.

Asked on 21 March 2017 by John Michael Logan

Answered by Honest John

The other problem with RHD GLC is tyre scrub on lock. There is now a new XC60 available with Volvo's own petrol or diesel engines. You can get a Porsche Macan with 2.0 or 3.6 petrol engines. An Audi Q5 with a 2.0 TFSI petrol engine. A Jaguar F-Pace with 3.0 petrol engine. You will be able to get the forthcoming Jaguar E-Pace with 2.0 litre 200PS or 250PS Ingenium petrol engines. The problem with buying used is that the car will come from a period before the demonisation of diesel so less choice of petrols than there will be later this year.

Tags: rural driving older drivers comfortable cars ride comfort ex-demo petrol or diesel? buying and selling suvs buying an suv safety consumer advice diesel backlash alternatives to diesel petrol suvs

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Audi Q5 (2008 - 2017)

Refined and practical. Impressive rear passenger space and decent boot. Good economy from 2.0 TDI. Long-distance comfort.

Mercedes-Benz E-Class (2002 - 2009)

Excellent range of refined engines. Comfortable long distance car. Superb ride quality. Models from 2006 are much improved and more reliable.

Volvo XC60 (2008 - 2017)

Very comfortable and refined. Makes a good long distance car. Stylish cabin. R Design models look sporty. Low emissions DRIVe versions available.

Porsche Macan (2014 on)

The best car of its type to drive hands down, plush-feeling interior, great engines and a fabulous automatic gearbox.

Audi A6 Allroad (2012 - 2018)

Lighter and more economical than before. Available with immense 3.0 BiTDI engine. Superb quality interior. Refined and smooth ride.

Mercedes-Benz GLC (2015 - 2021)

Excellent refinement and very composed ride quality. Quiet diesel engine. Superb cabin quality. Spacious for rear seat passengers. Capable off-road if need be.

Jaguar F-Pace (2016 on)

Handles incredibly well for an SUV. Very quiet and refined at speed. Huge boot space. Wide range of engines, including plug-in hybrid and monstrous V8 SVR.