CAR WARS! Battle Of The BIG, Bad SUVs: Audi Q7 vs. BMW X5 vs. Range Rover Sport vs. Volvo XC90

While we do not always agree with the buff books, we do have to say that once and a while the glossies do turn out interesting content. While we used to enjoy reading the mags back in the day, it's become a rather stale form of getting information for the most part.

But when it comes to comparison tests, rarely do others get it as right.

We may not agree with the justification for certain end results or how some magazines conduct their scoring system, but not everything can be perfect. This is life.

In the latest round up, Car and Driver rounded up the biggest and baddest sport-utility heavyweights. To us this is a BIG deal as SUVs are selling like hot cakes and, frankly, if you're in the market for an Audi Q7, BMW X5, Land Rover Range Rover Sport and Volvo XC90, you may require some guidance.

Realistically, we know most folks will test drive the autos and reach their own conclusion but for those looking for some direction, this is a good start.

Having said that, this is the test's verdict:

4th place: BMW X5
3rd place: Land Rover Range Rover Sport
2nd place: Volvo XC90
1st place: Audi Q7

Do YOU agree with results? What say you, Spies?

Read the FULL test and the comments from the reviewers by clicking "Read Article," below!

**Special thanks to 610looper who originally submitted this story!

Read Article

cidflekken - 3/6/2016 10:21:20 PM

0 Boost

It's C&D where Audi always wins these days and BMWs comes in last. No need to read the articles. They will always find a way to justify the Audi win.

Agent00R - 3/6/2016 10:25:44 PM

-1 Boost

According to Agent 001 the all-new Audi Q7 really is that killer.

And, frankly, the current-gen X5 isn't particularly groundbreaking. The tech is great and the motors are OK but it's nothing to write home about. Very middle of the road but they're selling like crazy as did its previous-gen X5 — why fix something that ain't broke?

The X5M is a complete animal and adored by me, however.

TheSteve - 3/7/2016 2:04:10 PM

+1 Boost

Agent00R: In my anything-but-humble opinion, a car doesn't need to be ground-breaking in any way to be noteworthy. It just needs to be really good! Saddling up a new car with the latest techie buzzwords and whizz-bangs doesn't necessarily make it great, though it does endear it to those who love tech.

cidflekken - 3/8/2016 3:57:10 PM

+1 Boost

Don't get me wrong, 00R, I'm sure 001 is right, the Q7 is probably good. BUT, until C&D stops contradicting itself just to justify rankings, I will not trust their comparison results. I'm not saying that anything in this particular comparison was contradictory but I've seen it time and again.

TheSteve - 3/7/2016 12:36:59 AM

+1 Boost

I currently have a 2015 Q5. If I had to pick one out of this batch, it would be the BMW X5. There are so many design elements of the new Q7 that rub me the wrong way. I've had a number of BMWs before and liked them a lot. I have an Audi Q5 now, and I like it a lot (except for the MMI), so I am neither an BMW Fanboy nor Audi hater.

rockreid - 3/7/2016 10:08:23 AM

+2 Boost

I looked and sat in loll of these vehicles at last year's NY Auto Show and their list is exactly right. The Audi Q7 was far and away the best SUV at the show. Once you sit in one you get it. The new Q7 interior was the best and highest quality at the show, a whole level above BMW. The q7's new lower stance does get accurate comparisons to being a wagon instead of a proper SUV but really in practical terms it is fantastic. I came away from the show with the Q7 as the best car there for the price, followed by the Volvo XC90.

BMW left me cold, and I was a big bummer fanboy years ago. Their interiors at the show were dull, and a whole level of quality below Q7 and the A6 for that matter. FYI, For my money, the A6 was the best sedan for the money at the show.

GermanNut - 3/7/2016 3:54:20 PM

+1 Boost

The sales of the Audi Q7 have been very strong thus far. The Q7 has also received very positive reviews from major publications like Car and Driver, MotorTrend, Road and Track etc.

Audi went to great lengths to create a better-driving SUV with cutting edge technology and a high quality interior in the Q7 and by early accounts it has absolutely succeeded in achieving its objectives.

The sales success is therefore unsurprising.