Challenge Accepted

With new technology and better engineering, the X5 wants to be the most complete SUV you can buy. But, is it though?

- Jared Solomon

With the X5, BMW’s goal, it seems, is to make the most complete luxury SUV that you can buy. In fact, the German luxury carmaker doesn’t even want to call it an SUV. Since its creation, the X5 has been called an SAV, or Sport Activity Vehicle.

For now, let’s put the marketing jargon aside and stick to the facts, and the fact is that the X5 is a seriously good car. Nearly twenty years ago, the X5 brought sportiness and performance into the world of luxury SUVs, and since then every manufacturer has tried to replicate its driving dynamics.

Now, with the new fourth-generation model, BMW hopes to regain that title. But, before it can do that, it must take on the Audi Q7.

Why the Q7?

The Audi Q7 is arguably one of the best luxury SUVs on the market. However, it feels a little dated now. In fact, the facelifted Q7 has already been revealed. But it’ll be at least another year before it hits our roads. The one that we have here is the second generation Q7.

Customers of luxury SUVs have very high expectations, regarding features, engineering and technology, and the Q7 comes stacked with plenty of modern technology and gadgetry. It gets LED lights, climate control, cruise control, electrically adjustable everything, air suspension, different driving modes and, of course, a great infotainment system with mind-blowing speakers. But what is it that makes the Q7 so good?