luxury suv australia 2023 Page 8

Shopping for a luxury SUV in Australia in 2023 is like choosing a fancy toaster: they all brown bread, but some do it with heated massage seats. Focus on how you’ll use it—family hauling, long‑distance touring, or school run peacocking—and the budget for tyres and servicing. Here’s a quick, brutally honest snapshot of the usual suspects; no champions crowned, just pros and cons. Test drive back‑to‑back on the same route and compare finance, warranty, and service packages in AUD—then buy the one that makes your commute feel shorter.

• BMW X5 — Pros: sharp handling, strong straight‑six diesels, intuitive tech; Cons: firm ride on big wheels, options pricing gets silly
• Mercedes‑Benz GLE — Pros: cushy ride, quiet cabin, clever suspension on higher trims; Cons: pricey servicing, occasional software gremlins
• Audi Q7 — Pros: spacious 7‑seater, polished V6 diesel, excellent highway manners; Cons: conservative cabin flair, big‑wheel ride can thump
• Lexus RX — Pros: reliability record, hybrid frugality, serene NVH; Cons: small third row (if fitted), infotainment still a step behind Germans