What Large SUV has the Best Handling?

When you’re looking at a beast as big as a large SUV, even the most daring drivers will want to know that they are in control. Let’s take a look at the proportions and equipment that might make controlling these these handy hulks a joy rather than a challenge:

Audi Q7 - The Audi Q7 measures 5.05m in length, 2.21m in width and 1.74m high, shorter and narrower than its predecessor. The turning circle is 12.4m, but 11.4m with all-wheel steering (a payable extra). Every Q7 is available with quattro all-wheel-drive for extra grip, and a minimum of 21.0mm ground clearance so off-roading is no issue. Standard features include front and rear Parking System Plus sensors, rear view camera, hill hold and cruise control with speed limiter. The additional Parking Assistance Pack allows even more perfect parking while further driver assistance features can all be monitored via the optional Head-up windscreen display.

BMW X5 - 4.92m in length, 2.0m wide and 1.75m high, the BMW X5 is smaller than the Q7 but still has a 12.1m turning circle. Options include Four wheel steering and xOffroad pack with xSand, xRocks, xGravel and xSnow modes, enabling optimal grip in all conditions - ideal for those who never let the weather stop them. Expeditions will be ably assisted by the 20.9cm ground clearance while out in the wilds and by the Parking Assistant with rear camera when it’s time to venture into town. Whatever your destination, the Technology Package offers surround view via four cameras so you can react swiftly to oncoming hazards.

Jaguar F-Pace - The dimensions of the Jaguar F-Pace make it the smallest of our large SUVs at 4.74m long and 2.17m wide. It’s also got the tidiest turning circle of 11.59m but like the prowling cat that it is, stays much nearer to the ground at 1.61m tall and 16.1cm clearance (max). This lower position gives it an advantage over other large SUVs when it comes to aerodynamics and handling. There’s a choice of 6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic, along with all-wheel-drive or rear-wheel-drive. The SVR is a special 550 PS supercharged V8 beast which approaches twists and turns or long straight roads with equal energy.

Range Rover - Truly gargantuan dimensions of 5.0m in length (5.2m in long wheel base), 2.22m in width and 1.86m in height make the Range Rover the biggest of our large SUVs and, with a turning circle of 12.33m, the least practical in urban driving. Time to head off road! This is where the Range Rover excels with a wading depth of 90cm, and a ground clearance of 22cm. Terrain Response 2 allows the vehicle to react to conditions by changing suspension, powertrain and slip control settings, whatever situation you find yourself in.

The Large SUV with the Easiest Handling is...

BMW X5 - While the Range Rover could probably get you anywhere without breaking into too much of a sweat, its size puts it at a disadvantage in built-up areas. We’re going to go for the BMW X5 for just the right mix of city skills and off-road capability.

Swansway Blog - Bmw X5

Swansway Blog

Which is the Best Large SUV? Audi Q7, BMW X5, Jaguar F-Pace or Range Rover