Audi Q7 vs. BMW X5 vs. Lexus GX460 vs. Acura MDX vs. Land Rover LR4 - Car and Driver's Luxury SUV Showdown!

GermanNut submitted on 2/12/2011 Official Bell & Ross Timestamp: 3:45:55 PM

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Will Audi's new three liter supercharged V6 engine and eight-speed Tiptronic transmission be enough to topple BMW's athletically-gifted X5, or will Lexus come up with the win?

Hint: The Germans take the top two spots, but it was SUV with the best combination of luxury, driving dynamics, comfort, refinement, and poise that won first place.



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GermanNut

— GermanNut (View Profile)


User Comments

lexusrox123

Best looking? Really?

— lexusrox123 (View Profile)

Posted on 2/14/2011 9:28:46 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4   

theoptimisticpessimist

Audi 1st
BMW 2nd
Acura 3rd
Land Rover 4th
Lexus 5th

— theoptimisticpessimist (View Profile)

Posted on 2/12/2011 8:51:17 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

theoptimisticpessimist

I get deboosted for giving the C&D results, I love this sight.

— theoptimisticpessimist (View Profile)

Posted on 2/12/2011 9:25:43 PM | | Votes: 0   

Joe_Limon

site*

— Joe_Limon (View Profile)

Posted on 2/12/2011 9:47:52 PM | | Votes: 2   

LexSucks

You got deboosted because you posted a list that had the Lexus last. We all know that its impossible for any lexus to come in last at anything.

— LexSucks (View Profile)

Posted on 2/14/2011 1:09:32 PM | | Votes: 3   

1dott8

Audi Q7 1st
BMW X5 2nd
Land Rover 3rd

— 1dott8 (View Profile)

Posted on 2/12/2011 10:34:50 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -6   

BondMI6

Having driven all three I would say..........

1.X5
2.LR4
3.MDX
4.Q7
5.Lex

— BondMI6 (View Profile)

Posted on 2/13/2011 12:29:55 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

david999


Would have X5 first and the LR4 last

— david999 (View Profile)

Posted on 2/13/2011 12:44:31 AM | | Votes: 2   

IamEvilHomer

you have driven the 2011 Q7 3.0t Sline? Not the same car as the old 6 speed 3.6

— IamEvilHomer (View Profile)

Posted on 2/14/2011 6:20:09 PM | | Votes: -2   

85bmw745i

If I needed a capable Off roader, the LR4 is a no brainer plus I like the style. If I wanted a great performing SUV that feels well balanced and connected to the road I would get the X5. For the room and beautiful interior I would choose the Q7. For bullet proof reliability I'd go for the MDX. As for the Lexus, it would compete with the LR4 and for the money and capability I'd choose it over the Lexus. I actually take my Discovery II offroad, and my Next Land Rover will see its fair share, although not to the extreme of my Discovery II because I will keep it just for 4 wheeling.

— 85bmw745i (View Profile)

Posted on 2/13/2011 3:15:49 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 5   

JUGNU

Lexus GX is made from scratch as an offroader first wrapped in luxury. It is a close relative of Legendary Offroader Land Cruiser. It is different from cars like X5, MDX and Q7. Cayenne and ML...etc.

It is first an offroader that is why body on frame structure and than a Luxury Family SUV. It is like 40/60 Road/Offroad. Whereas other cars of the group except LR4 are geared towards on road performance like 90/10 Road/Offroad.

"We didn’t tackle any really tough terrain—three of our players have zero off-road ambitions"

So make that 10% geared towards off road 0%.

Conclusion: If the test includes offroading then the 5th and 4th placed SUVs in this test would move up places and the top 3 would drop places.

It really depends on your driving style. I would take GX because i take my SUVs offroad and on road want them to be average performance wise but comfortable.

If i want great 0-60, handling, cornering and don't intend to take my SUV offroad then why get a SUV in the first place.

JUGNU

— JUGNU (View Profile)

Posted on 2/13/2011 8:31:55 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 5   

85bmw745i

+1. I think the GX is a good offroader too, I just like the LR4 better, but I don't think you could go wrong with either. I give the LR$ a slight nod at offroad capability in stock form. Not that the Lex isn't capable, I just think the LR$ may be just a tad more. I know the Lex is based off of the Toyota Prada and it is a good off roader.

— 85bmw745i (View Profile)

Posted on 2/15/2011 3:56:24 AM | | Votes: 1   

85bmw745i

Wow, a deboost for stating pure facts. Children.....

— 85bmw745i (View Profile)

Posted on 2/15/2011 9:04:59 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

85bmw745i

Oops wrong reply

— 85bmw745i (View Profile)

Posted on 2/15/2011 9:06:36 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

MeanVulcan

Having driven all of these ...

The Lexus has no place in this group other than being called a Luxury SUV, its too slow, bulky, ugly and underwhelming in every performance category. It deserves to be last.

The MDX for its ~300hp makes me yawn, I could even manage a faster start of the line with a XC90 than this badly tuned minivan-based Acura. I would tie it for last.

The X5 drives fine, but it ends there, fit and finish quality is average, its AWD also average, its practicality is limited in this group. An SUV for me has to have the complete package. This one lacks on too many categories, and only excels at one.. and it looks like an old boot. BMW really needs a new styling direction. This look has been old since 10 years ago.

The LR4 has come a long way from the LR3 which I dismissed back then in 2000 due to the underperforming cave-man technology GM sourced engine. Styling is now closer to the Range Rover which is nice and unique. Front seats are somewhat cramped although the sightline is best among this group. It underperforms compared to several others here. I could consider this vehicle.

The Q7 looks like one of the largest but drives as one of the smallest. I did not feel the weight of the car when I test drove it. It handled much like the FX I had a few years back.. and that SUV rocked. The Q7 manages similar performance with 3 rows, powerful, handles very well, it never made me feel like I was going to roll over on hard turns, excellent fit and finish, modern styling, awesome panoramic sunroof, awesome stereo though expensive, best styling-best exterior lighting, and best of all, the best AWD system money can buy without the fancy name. #1.

— MeanVulcan (View Profile)

Posted on 2/13/2011 10:13:33 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -15   

JRobUSC

As an Audi employee it's not a surprise that Mean Vulcan prefers the Q7, but let's not act like it ran away with the win here. The difference between the Q7 and the X5 was a single point, and the MDX was only two points back from there. In fact, before price was factored in the X5 was in first place, not the Q7. Price absolutely does matter, and that's 100% BMW's fault for providing such a ridiculously expensive X5, but with almost unbelievable $20k in options there undoubtedly were a couple of option boxes ticked on that vehicle that didn't help it in any of the measured tests and ended up serving only to cost it points once price was factored in.

When the difference between first and third come down to a superfluous option here or there, that tells me the top three choices are all very solid and it would come down to personal preference when choosing between them.

— JRobUSC (View Profile)

Posted on 2/14/2011 4:26:35 PM | | Votes: 5   

85bmw745i

The LR3 didn't come out until 2005, and it came with a BMW 4.4 V8. It was called the Discovery Series III everywhere else, but was named the LR3 in the U.S. so people wouldn't associate it with the Discovery II. The LR4 (Discovery Series IV), is a refresh of the LR3. The Discovery Series II had the old Buick engine, a 4.0 liter which was later increased to 4.6 liters for 03 and 04 and despite it being a GM design, it is a very durable engine, though it could use more power. I have a 2002 Discovery II and absolutely love it when it comes to offroading.

— 85bmw745i (View Profile)

Posted on 2/15/2011 4:01:37 AM | | Votes: 1   

85bmw745i

Wow, a deboost for stating pure facts. Children...

— 85bmw745i (View Profile)

Posted on 2/15/2011 9:05:36 PM | | Votes: 2   

vinman1013

You have to throw the New Grand Cherokee in the mix with these SUV's! Its a top 3 SUV and for the $$$, should be on everyones list!!

And its amazing in the snow!!

— vinman1013 (View Profile)

Posted on 2/14/2011 10:37:38 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

LexSucks

Lexus GX460 wins in every measureable category, and is the class of the field. Best looks, Best performance, most dynamic, best effiency.

— LexSucks (View Profile)

Posted on 2/14/2011 11:33:54 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -2   

knowitall1985

They should have used a Lexus RX450h not the GX. The GX is in a class above these cars.....

— knowitall1985 (View Profile)

Posted on 2/14/2011 11:58:14 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

knowitall1985

The germans are just overpriced. The RX is as big as the X5 Q7 and acura just doesn't squeeze in a 3rd seat that very few buyers use. It's 55grand in AWD...

— knowitall1985 (View Profile)

Posted on 2/14/2011 4:28:42 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

LexSucks

The RX is nowhere near the same size as the Q7. Q5? Yes Q7? No. I'm looking at both in my job parking lot right now. Being a Lexus fan seems to now effect vision.

— LexSucks (View Profile)

Posted on 2/14/2011 5:56:37 PM | | Votes: 1   

LexSucks

knowitall1985,

One thing you don't know is vehicle size in comparison to each other.

And just to prove how dillusional Lexus fans are, here are the dimensions of the Q7 and lexus RX450h.

Vehicles:
Lexus RX450h Audi Q7

Width:
RX= 74.2" Q7=78.1" (the Q7 is 3.9 inches wider than the RX. Big difference)

Length:
RX=187.8" Q7=200.2" (the Q7 is over 1 foot longer than the RX)

Height:
RX=66.3 Q7=68.4" (the Q7 is over 2 inches Taller than the RX)

And this is what you call "as big" as the Q7? Lexus fans make up their own facts. Either that or they have bad eyes. Whatever the deal is, its just plain sad. Guess they dont think that anyone has google.

— LexSucks (View Profile)

Posted on 2/14/2011 6:17:05 PM | | Votes: 0   

LexSucks

You must have meant "GX" and not "RX". Nevermind.

Still.... Lexus Fans don't even know the difference in Model names of thier favorite brand.

— LexSucks (View Profile)

Posted on 2/14/2011 6:19:46 PM | | Votes: 0   

lexusrox123

3rd row seats have always looked so odd...

— lexusrox123 (View Profile)

Posted on 2/14/2011 9:34:02 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

knowitall1985

german sux

Audi Q7 104 cu.ft. interior volume Lexus RX450h 100 cu.ft. you see it's about interior space not how big it is on the outside that counts. That's called engineering. You are a novice at best...keep learning though one day you may know as much as me.......

— knowitall1985 (View Profile)

Posted on 2/15/2011 11:03:41 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

knowitall1985

bmw x5 passanger volume 102 cu.ft.

— knowitall1985 (View Profile)

Posted on 2/15/2011 11:10:01 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

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