WHY Can't The Germans Design SUVs That Are BETTER Looking Than Land Rovers?

Perhaps it is dawning on us now after Agent 001's recent trip to the Big Apple to spend some time with Jaguar Land Rover, but something has become readily apparent to the Agents. The British really know how to design a sport-utility vehicle.

Take, for example, the Defender, the Evoque, the Range Rover Sport and the big daddy Range Rover. While you may not think all of the aforementioned are style icons, there's one thing that's certain. All of them are impressive, they make a statement and there is a significant demand among consumers. These vehicles are not lingering on dealer lots.

**Learn MORE about the all-new Land Rover Range Rover Sport SVR HERE!

**Check out ALL the detailed pics of the Range Rover Sport SVR HERE!

In contrast, the German contingent consisting of Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Porsche don't exactly square up from a design perspective. Sure, there's OK looking SUVs in the German product portfolio, but I doubt you can really name one that's stunning and is a solid design that will last over time. It's not that they've been beaten with ugly sticks, they're just not at the same level as a Range Rover.

So, we have to ask: WHY can't the Germans design SUVs that are better looking than Land Rovers?

TheSteve - 5/14/2015 10:39:41 AM

+2 Boost

"Better looking' is very much a subjective call. To *MY* eyes, the Porsche Mecan and the current Audi Q5 are better looking than the Rover, which to *me*, looks truckish externally, and blocky internally.

Those are *my* opinions, based on my likes and dislikes. Someone else might view the Land Rover as the most beautiful SUV around. Another might think that all SUVs look terrible.

randy3023 - 5/14/2015 11:18:58 AM

0 Boost

Porsche SUVs are as good looking as Land Rovers. I wouldn't include them.

The problem with German SUVs is that they are overpriced, not that they are bad looking.

quizz - 5/14/2015 1:46:24 PM

+3 Boost

Not only good looking, but competent enough for 99% of the consumer needs that require casual "offroading" on rough trails to campgrounds and even in base model, both Cayman and Cayenne handles better than ANY competing SUV for the same price.

leej - 5/14/2015 12:08:21 PM

+4 Boost

The bigger question is, with all that 'design', why can't Jaguar Land Rover build reliable vehicles that are over-priced, and have such a high depreciation rate that it makes an audible sound when one is driven off a dealership lot.

JRobUSC - 5/14/2015 1:01:37 PM

+2 Boost

I like Land Rover but the new ones look so much like a Ford Explorer that I literally don't even notice them anymore, when I see one my brain just assumes it's an Explorer and ignores it. That doesn't make it bad looking, but it's certainly not a positive (though it's probably a big plus for Ford).

CarCrazedinCali - 5/14/2015 1:44:21 PM

+3 Boost

The new Rover design is nice but not better looking that the Benzes or BMWs imo. The LRs look like Explorers and the interior doesn't blow me away either on the LRs.

jeffgall - 5/14/2015 2:29:57 PM

+1 Boost

Why can't the Japaneese and Koreans design SUVs that are better looking than the Germans?

valhallakey - 5/14/2015 3:20:23 PM

+1 Boost

I really liked the previous generation X5 design wise, unfortunately it had no off road capabilities. The Macan is kind of good looking but hardly looks like an SUV. It looks more like a mush of sport car and jacked up hot hatch. An SUV should at least look remotely rugged and utilitarian.

TheSteve - 5/14/2015 3:39:30 PM

+2 Boost

valhallakey: Most SUV owners NEVER take their vehicle off road, so for them, their SUV is a street vehicle that offers the utility and handling they desire. I'm one of those people. I ordered an Audi Q5 diesel without ever intending to do any off-roading. I like that it drives like a competent luxury car, and has the extra cargo space for hauling my drums to a gig. I also love the non-truck, non-stationwagon look. Quattro AWD is just an added bonus for the snow, and should I have to do an emergency maneuver to avoid trouble. The Q5 suits me perfectly, especially because it doesn't look like a truck, or rugged, or utilitarian. In my eyes, it looks beautiful.

Am I unique? Nope. I think I am more in line with most SUV buyers than those who are serious about off-roading, where a Jeep excels with its rock-climbing capability. This could explain why the Q5 is so wildly popular, as are other SUVs with an emphasis on street and beauty, than those who focus more on true off-road capabilities and truck-like ruggedness.

Just my two cents.

jtz7 - 5/15/2015 8:58:59 AM

+2 Boost

Exactly. Glad I'm not the only one that perfers SUVs looking like trucks even if they are't as many BOF like years ago. Like the Tahoe, Durango, Grand Cherokee, Explorer, Sorento, 2015 Soul, Range Rover, Evoque, 4Runner, Sequoia, I also like the redesigned RX (but the front which looks too much like a car the body screams (truck))because it looks like a truck.

supermoto - 5/14/2015 10:43:52 PM

+2 Boost

Macan and SQ5 both look pretty great.

The Ford / Land Rover similarities are pretty unfortunate.

MDarringer - 5/14/2015 10:46:34 PM

+1 Boost

both look 2000 pounds overweight and in reality they are 1000 pounds overweight. German engineering is an oxymoron and it always has been.

valhallakey - 5/16/2015 5:14:22 AM

+1 Boost

I remember reading about the split when Ford sold JLR and Land Rover was upset that they were copying their new design for the Ford Exploder. In reality a lot of the current SUVs look similar in various ways, but Ford really did pip Land Rover good!

MDarringer - 5/14/2015 10:45:30 PM

-1 Boost

Because Germans are arrogant, fat-butted idiots

jtz7 - 5/15/2015 8:50:25 AM

+1 Boost

Even though most don't take their SUVs off road these days doesn't mean an SUV has to look like a higher hatch. I like SUVs that still have the truck image such as Range Rover, Explorer, Durango, Sorento, 4runner and they are getting more and more rare each generation. I like SUVS that look like actual trucks even if they no longer have BOF.