Best luxury SUVs 2026: The most comfortable and premium SUVs ranked
A stretched limo is no longer the choice for the world's well-heeled to get around. Today, the trip from the boardroom to the private jet is more likely to be taken in a luxury SUV.
It's not hard to see why. These titans of the road offer an abundance of space, the latest tech and the opportunity to look down on those in their small SUVs and family hatchbacks. The interiors are finished to the highest quality using the finest materials, while the suspension will be configured to iron out even the roughest road surfaces.
If this sounds like your thing – and you've got the funds to support the running costs – check out our list of the best luxury SUVs you can buy right now. And perhaps grab a lottery ticket on your way home from work...
Best luxury SUVs |
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1. Range Rover
- Genuine off-road ability, if you really need it
- Plug-in hybrid has impressive electric-only range
- Silky smooth ride
The Range Rover is the archetypal luxury 4x4. World-famous for its impeccable high standards, this sets the bar even higher than before. The iconic silhouette has a clean, modernist new look, while cutting-edge infotainment screens have been beautifully integrated into the open-plan, leather-lined cabin. It’s more of a boutique hotel than a luxury SUV. Diesel and petrol engines include a potent BMW V8 while the plug-in hybrid offers around 70 miles of silent, zero-emissions electric running.
One of the world’s most comfortable and refined vehicles to drive or be driven in, the Range Rover is the luxury SUV to beat. And it's set to get even better with the introduction of the long-awaited Range Rover Electric. Using an enormous 118kWh battery pack, the Rangie EV is expected to have a range of over 300 miles on a full charge, plus plenty of power to overcome its 2.8-tonne mass.
Despite being more luxurious than ever, the Range Rover hasn't forgotten how to do the mucky stuff away from the asphalt. All versions have a low-range gearbox and an electronically controlled locking differential, along with generous ground clearance and a whopping 900mm wading depth.
2. Bentley Bentayga
- Choice of twin-turbo V8 or plug-in hybrid petrol
- EWB version with very generous rear legroom
- Extension customisation available via Mulliner programme
British brand Bentley shocked the world when it launched its first luxury SUV, the Bentayga. It was facelifted in 2020, giving it a fresher and more cohesive look but it’s still a car that’s more about brawn than beauty. Inside, the famous Bentley hand-crafted luxury abounds, with more modern materials available alongside the traditional wood veneer.
The range has changed quite a lot over time, with the diesel engine not even lasting two years and the W12 dropped in 2024. Don't be too sad about the latter, though, as the current twin-turbo V8-powered Bentayga Speed is actually a bit punchier than the old 12-cylinder unit, putting out an enormous 650PS. There's also a less powerful version of the V8, if preferred, plus a V6-based plug-in hybrid offering up to 28 miles of pure electric driving
If you don't see anything you like in the configurator, Bentley's Mulliner programme allows for the creation of highly bespoke versions of the Bentayga. You'll need very deep pockets and a willingness to spend a lot of money on something that's getting quite old now. Regardless, it's not retiring any time soon, with Bentley electing to facelift the car a second time rather than bringing out an all-new version.
3. Rolls-Royce Cullinan
- Typical Rolls-Royce experience translated into an SUV setting
- Facelifted in 2024 with interior and exterior tweaks
- Smooth, powerful V12 engine
The Cullinan is another unmissable luxury SUV. With its massive upright grille, long bonnet and voluminous body, it couldn’t be anything other than a Rolls-Royce. The interior is similarly inspired by the Phantom luxury car, with gorgeous materials interspersed with jewel-like details. Fitting, given that the Cullinan gets its name from a diamond.
The seats are divine to sit in and there’s an abundance of space. Upper-class options are available too, from a champagne fridge to a couple of leather ‘Viewing Suite’ seats atop the drop-down tailgate. The creamy V12 engine delivers ample performance and is so smooth and quiet you will barely know it’s running.
The Cullinan Series II arrived in 2024. Despite what the name implies, this is a facelifted version of the existing car rather than an all-new effort, with the changes including a refreshed exterior and cabin improvements. The outside is set to remain as divisive as ever, but it's certainly a way to make a statement of wealth and status.
4. Aston Martin DBX
- Aston Martin class and performance with added practicality
- One of the most powerful SUVs you can buy
- DBX S adds focus and even more grunt
The Aston Martin DBX is a head-turning luxury SUV from the sporting British brand. Aston’s first SUV, it is a striking and successful design, blending coupe curves and elegance with imposing height and presence. Because it is so large, it offers ample space inside, while the dashboard is inspired by a GT car, with exciting sweeps and a driver-focused feel.
The original 550PS V8 version was joined in 2022 by the mighty 707PS DBX707 flagship, which was the most powerful SUV in the world for a little while. The 707 proved hugely popular, at the expense of the 550PS model's sales, prompting Aston to drop the latter from the line-up.
You can still choose between two different DBX derivatives, though, because Aston Martin has subsequently launched an even fruitier version called the DBX S. It's slightly more powerful at 717PS, is 47kg lighter, and features a more focused suspension setup. Oh, and a big price tag – £210,000, which you can inflate drastically with options.
5. Mercedes-Maybach GLS
- Best thought of as a Mercedes S-Class on stilts
- Distinctive two-tone paint finishes available
- Fully reclining rear seats
If the Mercedes GLS is the S-Class of SUVs, the Maybach GLS is its glamorous, ultra-exclusive luxury sibling: a car for when money is no object. The striking Maybach grille will turn heads, as will the polished metal exterior detailing, while everything inside has also been taken from the top drawer. You don’t have to suffer a three-person bench seat in the rear, either: choose two fully reclining captain’s chairs instead, complete with your own screens, tablet device and climate controls.
For maximum impact, go for the two-tone paint finish to really let the world know you’ve arrived. You'll pay a high price for this less-than-subtle look, though – the two-tone finishes are all £18k+. Bearing in mind the car costs the best part of £200k before you've added a single option, you can probably gather how expensive it can get.
There's only one version available, the Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600, which uses the company's tried and tested 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8, here producing 557PS. It's a heavy thing, making it one of the slower options here with its 4.9-second 0-62mph time, but this car's all about making swift and relaxing progress, not trying to beat a VW Golf R off the line during the traffic light grand prix.
6. Porsche Cayenne
- Porsche's best all-rounder, although brand aficionados might struggle to admit
- Enormously powerful Turbo E-Hybrid model
- One of the best-handling SUVs of this size
Sports car fans may not celebrate it, but the Cayenne has long been one of Porsche’s best-selling vehicles, delivering huge profits along the way. Now into its third generation, the standout draw for this luxury SUV has always been how it drives. It defies its tall stance and rugged SUV underpinnings with the sort of steering feel and handling balance car enthusiasts relish.
The engine line-up has incredible breadth, starting with a 353PS V6 and ending with the maddeningly fast Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid. Combining a twin-turbo V8 with a large battery and a powerful electric motor, it produces 739PS, enabling 0-62mph in just 3.7 seconds. On the flipside, it will cover 45 miles in pure EV mode, potentially saving its owners a lot of money. Providing they have sufficient self-control.
The hybrid gubbins can also be combined with the V6 and somewhere in the middle is perhaps the pick of the bunch, the V8-powered GTS, which puts even more emphasis on driving pleasure than the others. There is also the option of the new Cayenne Electric, but it shares little with the Cayenne other than the name.
7. BMW X7
- Seven and six-seater configurations
- Wide choice of engines, including a diesel
- Imposing looks
Yes, the BMW X7 is another controversially styled BMW. With its enormous grille, there’s no missing it on the road and that’s before you consider just how large this bigger brother to the BMW X5 actually is. It can keep all its occupants entertained with bucketloads of technology, including the firm’s class-leading infotainment systems.
In 2022, BMW facelifted the car, but it didn't get any more subtle. If anything, it's even more divisive than before, with those big 'nostrils' now joined by a split headlight design also seen on the current BMW 7 Series. At the same time, the xDrive40i saw its power output increase from 340PS to 375PS. Not enough for you? The M60i punts out 530PS, which is enough for a 0-62mph time of just 4.7 seconds. Or if you'd rather save on fuel bills, there is still a diesel option in the form of the X7 40d.
So, it's luxurious, packed full of technology, potentially very fast and with a starting price close to £100,000, is reasuringly expensive. Much like a lot of the cars here. The X7 does have an ace up its sleeve, however, coming with seven seats as standard, or in a six-seater layout with two swanky 'captain's chairs' in the middle row.
8. Audi Q8
- Shares much in common with the Lamborghini Urus
- Reasonable value for money (compared to an Urus, anyway)
- Exceptional build quality
The Audi Q8 is the coupe-styled sibling to the plush Audi Q7. We like it because it’s so outlandish. It never fails to turn heads, despite costing a healthy amount less than the car it’s related to beneath the surface: the Lamborghini Urus. It’s the closest to a sports GT you’ll get from a luxury SUV, but the top model of the Q range still seats four or even five in comfort, with the large boot you’d expect.
Audi build quality is second to none, it’s packed with technology, and the Q8 also offers quite a turn of speed, particularly in 600PS RS Q8 guise, later joined by a 640PS RS Q8 Performance. How does 0-62mph in just 3.6 seconds sound?
Away from the mighty RS models, there are two far less spicy engine options, but each will get the job done just fine. There's a 3.0-litre turbocharged petrol and a 3.0-litre diesel. The former is still usefully quick, completing 0-62mph in 5.6 seconds while the diesel isn't too far behind.
9. BMW iX
- Up to 426 miles on a full charge
- One of the best infotainment systems currently around
- M70 model packs a 659PS punch
Even the most high-end cars are going electric and the iX is BMW’s top-level luxury SUV powered by a choice of large batteries. Several models are available with up to 659PS and over 400 miles of range. The looks are certainly stand-out, even if not to everyone’s taste, but there’s no arguing with the capacious and beautifully made interior, replete with sustainable materials.
It’s luxurious and resolutely modern in styling with one of the best infotainment systems on the market. Riding in it is a purely premium experience, with exceptional ride comfort and superb sound insulation. Oh, and it can tow up to 2500kg.
Much like the BMW X7, the iX's mid-life facelift hasn't addressed the controversial looks. Truth be told, you'll struggle to tell the new and old versions apart without someone pointing out the few tweaks that have been made. Of more importance are the improvements under the metal, with the iX gaining additional performance and more range.
10. Ferrari Purosangue
- Powerful and high-revving V12 engine
- Clever motor-controlled suspension
- Apparently not an SUV
For years, Ferrari was adamant that it would never make a luxury SUV. "It’s not in our DNA," said the then-boss back in 2016. But times and management change and now Ferrari’s first SUV is out in the world, even if the company doesn’t like to use the word ‘SUV’. As far as it's considered, what you're looking at here is a 'Ferrari Utility Vehicle'. Right.
The Ferrari Purosangue is a four-door, four-wheel-drive sports car with a high ride height – rather like an SUV, in other words. It has a very un-SUV-like engine, though, in the form of a 6.5-litre, naturally aspirated V12 that produces 725PS and revs beyond 8000rpm.
It's manically fast, covering the 0-62mph sprint in 3.3 seconds, but the performance stats only tell half the story. Under the skin, there's a series of motors linked to the dampers that can apply up to 6000Nm of force at each corner, all in the name of keeping the Purosangue level in the corners without having to make it uncomfortably firm. Quite the trick.
Will it go off-road? Ferrari says yes, but it’s not really designed for that. It’s a Ferrari, after all.
Are luxury SUVs good for off-roading?
The original luxury SUV, the Range Rover, was created firstly as a working vehicle – just one that was a bit less basic than the classic Land Rover. Over the years, it has progressively become ever more luxurious but its core abilities have always remained: there are few more able 4x4s. While other luxury SUVs, in general, are not quite as capable, they are all good for a spot of mild off-roading. A muddy field should hold no fears.
Can you get an electric luxury SUV?
Luxury SUVs are generally large and imposing machines that historically weren’t available in fully electric guise. But things are changing fast. You can now choose a plug-in hybrid version of the latest Range Rover, for example and a pure electric model is nearly here. The BMW iX is purely electric and there's an EV version of the Porsche Cayenne. Rolls-Royce has already committed to a pure electric future.
Which SUV has the most luxurious interior?
At this level, any luxury SUV has an interior that will make you feel pampered. But it’s at the really high end that things get extra-special. The Rolls-Royce Cullinan, for example, offers a tailor-made interior customised to your exact specification, while the choice of hand-crafted materials you can choose from when configuring a Bentley Bentayga is incredible. The Mercedes-Maybach GLS offers features you’d normally associate with a private jet.
