Seven-seat wonders of the world
Looking for a used premium SUV that can accommodate all the family? We check out three options
Audi Q7
Q7 3.0 TDI quattro S line Years: 2015 to date Engine: 3.0-litre V6, 268bhp Ins. group: 41 Official econ./CO2: 45.6mpg/153g/km Why? Impressive handling and sophisticated tech Prices from: £24,000 THE second-generation Audi Q7 is much improved over its predecessor. It’s 325kg lighter than the old model, which makes the Mk2 better to drive and cheaper to run.
It handles the best here thanks to its taut suspension and optional rear-wheel steering. The Q7 is also the fastest of this trio, with a 0-60mph time of 6.3 seconds, while the cabin is built from beautiful and solid materials.
Like the Volvo, the Q7 can’t match the Discovery for off-road performance, though. Both cars’ lack of a low-range transfer case means they’re limited to on-road use.
Land Rover Discovery
Discovery HSE Years: 2009 to 2016 Engine: 3.0-litre V6, 252bhp Ins. group: 42 Official econ./CO2: 36.7mpg/213g/km Why? Off-road capabilities, seven spacious seats Prices from: £20,000 THE Land Rover Discovery 4 blends the Defender’s off-road ability with the Range Rover’s upmarket image and refinement. It’s comfortable enough for a large SUV, but the ladder-frame underpinnings mean it isn’t as civilised on the road as its rivals here.
But it more than redeems itself off road, with the V6 diesel offering lots of torque, and the diff-locks and low-range gears meaning you’re more likely to lose your nerve before the Disco gets stuck. Its cabin, although not as laden with technology as the Audi’s or the Volvo’s, has a chunky, robust appeal.
Volvo XC90
XC90 D5 AWD Inscription Years: 2014 to date Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl, 221bhp Ins. group: 34 Official econ./CO2: 49.6mpg/152g/km Why? Simple yet stylish cabin, relaxed nature Prices from: £25,000 THE Volvo XC90 is a premium, practical, seven-seat SUV with a deserved reputation for safety, which makes it a strong candidate for family car buyers. Whereas the Q7 is plush and hi-tech, the Volvo is calmer and more relaxed thanks to its minimalist cabin, yet build quality trails the Q7’s slightly.
With all three rows of seats in place, the 451-litre boot makes it the most practical option for those who will regularly fill all seven seats. While the engine is the least powerful, giving the Volvo a 0-60mph time of eight seconds flat, it’s the most economical car.