[Closed] 7 seater luxury 4 x 4s - anyone got an XC90, Q7 or X5?

They are huge - it's how they get 7 seats in them.

MIL has an X5, think its the 40d Msport.

She loves it, its her second one in a row. The engine on it is immense too, hugely powerful diesel so passes everything with ease.

If you are using it for 7 people regualrly though there might be better options. On the times there has been 7 of us in it there is basically no leg room in the back two seats (guess its ok if its just 2 little toddlers) but for more fully grown people its a bit of a squeeze.

Thats about all I can comment on it though.

They are quite repulsive, unnecessary and don't put a particularly favourable light on the people who drive them. I find it amusing that they are mostly made by German car makers, yet Germans hardly buy them compared with the fools in this country. The Germans seem to favour large estates, I guess they are more tasteful that Brits...

It is only for occasional 7 seat use. The kids are 6,4 and 5 months so three car seats is a real squeeze in a normal sized car, and when my mum comes to stay or the kids have friends over, we have to use 2 cars which is a pain.

I think it will only ever be kids in the rear seats.

Thanks Loddrik - where I live people seem to look at those who DON'T drive them in an unfavourable light, so it's all good!

If you get an X5, don't take it to France....

That was a 5 series estate...

The kids are 6,4 and 5 months so three car seats is a real squeeze in a normal sized car

Still think a Touran etc or even a Sharan/Galaxy is a much better option.

Why not go the whole hog and get a white Range Rover....

Still think a Touran etc or even a Sharan/Galaxy is a much better option.

It would, but what on earth would the neighbours think..

The XC90 is very popular over here, (as you'd expect), and certainly seems to be dwarfed by the Q7 or X5 when parked side by side.

I'd expect the two German cars to offer slightly better MPG, however that'll be off-set against a higher initial price.

Quality wise they are in the same ballpark, so I guess its whatever interior your wife like the best.

loddrik - Member

Why not go the whole hog and get a white Range Rover.

I sold my Rangey last year so don't fancy another one!!

If you are feeling flush though, how about a really nice van? VW Caravelle or Vito or something? Far more practical I reckon.

Mercedes R class is the low profile solution.

Oh and there's now a 7 seater Prius, so I can recommend it in even more situations 🙂

If you have money to burn and must have an SUV, the Merc G-Wagen is the only one with any class, a G55 would do. Failing that an Alpina estate. X5's may be technically excellent, but they are naff, driven by wag wannabees and wives of grafters, the Q7 is stomach churning.

Land Rover Discovery.

Biased because I work there, but I do love them.

If you are feeling flush though, how about a really nice van? VW Caravelle or Vito or something? Far more practical I reckon.

A nice van 😆

I reckon you've missed the OPs [and his wifes] requirements by a few miles there

X5's may be technically excellent, but they are naff, driven by wag wannabees and wives of grafters

My MIL is the managing director of quite a successful company so I guess there is always one that bucks the trend eh!? 🙄

I've had 530d Touring Sports and can't fault them in the slightest. If it's screwed together'ism and power then the BMW is the way to go.

I had (for 5weeks) an XC90 2.5d whilst I was choosing my next car, It was big, heavy, wallowed and was plastic inside. The engine was gutless and it was too large to park in spaces where I could get my 5's in. I hated it. I din't buy it despite the generous offer of PX'.
If you go for the toys then you can add another 8k to the price.

If it's any help.. (most) mates at my club have big cars, the car of choice is a Disco, the 7 seater. XC90's are so 1990's and X5's are so 2002 darhling.. The only thing that seems consistant is the Disco and most have the 3.0d version. Mind they do pull boats around the country and scuttle off to the Alps with the family so there you go.

It sounds like your partner likes to be seen, and be seen in something, the XC90 sounds like the perfect car.

Failing that a 5 Touring is the deal, of an Audi A6 Avant, or a Volvo V70 or S60.

loddrik - Member

If you have money to burn and must have an SUV, the Merc G-Wagen is the only one with any class, a G55 would do. Failing that an Alpina estate. X5's may be technically excellent, but they are naff, driven by wag wannabees and wives of grafters, the Q7 is stomach churning.

I didn't say it needed to have any class. It just needs to be higher up than a Galaxy etc, seat 7 safely and not look out of place amongst the other cars on the school run and at the tennis club.....

[i]it's for the wife and she likes being high up and hates MPVs[/i]
[img] [/img]

...makes about as much sense........
Can't believe anyone would start this sort of thread on STW. Must have huge balls or be mahoosively stupid. 🙄

Still think a Touran etc or even a Sharan/Galaxy is a much better option.

Rather depends on where you live though. My MPV has been destroyed by a continual need to get up verges to avoid farm vehicles / satnav obsessed HGVs, and when they release the pheasants it's guaranteed carnage. I've been pondering a similar question, though more S Max v XC90 than the others mentioned.

How about the Touareg?

and not look out of place amongst the other cars on the school run and at the tennis club....

hang on, I've been fished in haven't I?

Disco 4 HSE. 7 full size seats. Not kiddy seats in the back.

I didn't say it needed to have any class. It just needs to be higher up than a Galaxy etc, seat 7 safely and not look out of place amongst the other cars on the school run and at the tennis club.....

This has to be a troll surely.

I have a Q7, just did home to Morzine with 4 bikes on the tow bar.
It was extremely quiet, very easy and it performed flawlessly. Had it for about 6months. Before that I had a 5 series estate. The Q7 is about same length, is wider and does fit in spaces less (easily? or just less...)

It is a ridiculous car, it is a crazy size. But it works and fits what I need it for. It does not get used around town. Fuel consumption - have seen it show an average of 40+mpg for a journey, but that is very much the exception. Did average something like 34mpg with bikes through france @ 82mph. Long term is currently 31mpg (I am not very patient).

Haven't used the 7 seats much. But would not consider buying the Q5 (that seems too compromised in my mind).

Was ironic in the winter - take a 4wd to work in the snow (on pirelli Pzero) or 2wd with winter tyres. I did both and the 2wd was almost certainly safer.

Apparently you can't get anybody who wants the 4.2tdi (a friend of a friend was looking to get do a trade-in and nobody would bid for the car).

she likes being high up

It does give a much better view of the proles

The kids are 6,4 and 5 months so three car seats is a real squeeze in a normal sized car

Makes you wonder how everyone else copes with 3 children.
If you want a large car, that's fine, but having 3 children is a rather weak reason.

Really, really the wrong place to ask this advice!
However, xc90 is the most practical, really meant for school run mums, terrible gear boxes though. Q7 was small er inside than I thought, it's got the thickest bodywork this side of a chieftain tank. Went ok with the 3.0 but if I'm having all those issues parking, I'd want something in return! X5 I don't know about other than watch out for replacement tyre costs, £500 a corner seems quite steep to me!!

If I had the money to burn, I'd burn it.

Then I'd live a much more modest life.

and not look out of place amongst the other cars on the school run and at the tennis club.....

REALLY? 😕

I was all for offering some useful advice (despite my complete disdain for faux by fours) based on your needs and requirements, then you wrote that!

I'm no communist saying we should all drive around in the same vehicle as each other, far from it, I appreciate nice cars and being allowed to spend money on them if you've earnt it (legitimately) is your right. But this is 2012, not the 1980's! You may well live in Chelsea or Richmond, but last time I was down there the Chelsea tractor was a whole lot less popular than it used to be, so might be time to move with the times!

Gotta be a Disco like bikbouy said, if you REALLY must have a 4x4 with 7 seats. Only car in the class that can contain a modicum of respect amongst us revolting peasants and yet still fit in down the tennis club, and do the job admirably too. The Q7 is without doubt the most ridiculous car of the lot seeing as they pretty much all come on 20"+ wheels with ultra low profile tyres, and are as long as a London Bus. The X5 is pretty ghastly (from a BMW fan, but then this is a BMW made in America for Americans) but is at least smaller and less imposing than the Hideous Audi. XC90 is the least Chelsea of the Tractors, but limited (though good) engine range now, and it's an old car now having been introduced in 2003 and not updated since.

Anyway, if I ever happen to suffer from an over active libido and not learn about effective birth control, so require 7 seats, a proper People Carrier makes so much more sense than a faux by four!

The kids are 6,4 and 5 months so three car seats is a real squeeze in a normal sized car

Makes you wonder how everyone else copes with 3 children.
If you want a large car, that's fine, but having 3 children is a rather weak reason.

I just sold an 11 year old Renault Scenic to a guy off this forum for this very reason... PLENTY, and I mean PLENTY of room in the back for 3 kids, with a decent sized boot behind also, and a reasonably high up driving position. He gave me £500 for it and was happy with it! Make of that what you will... 😕

Only in the home counties! Is that Nicolai just the job for the trundle along the tow path too?

Can only be a troll!

Touareg is only 5 seater sadly.

Yes some of my comments were a little tongue in cheek, but I thought my original post stated that I wasn't interested in discussing why she wanted a 4 x 4 as I knew what sort of reactions I'd get!

Horses for courses - why on earth wouldn't I rather my wife was driving something she wanted to drive and suited the family well.

She has been driving an 06 model Honda CR-V for the last 6 years so clearly isn't a badge snob, it is just a pain in the arse getting 3 seats in the back and if the worst happened and she was involved in an accident, the kids can't undo their own seatbelts as they are so squashed together.

Therefore a wider rear seat is a must, 7 seats will be handy as my mum stops with us one week in six, and my wife shares after school activity taxi services with other mums. We also live in a semi rural area so the raised driving position makes lanes easier and the 4 x 4 comes in handy when driving up verges to let tractors past and when it snows as our village is in a fairly steep dip.

Mate had a Q7 and he quickly got fed up with feeding it tyres and fuel.
Toureg also eats tyres I've been told
BIL has an X5 and the extra 2 seats are odd in that they are lower than the normal back seats - this makes for a queasy ride as little kids can't see much outside
XC90 has been around quite a while and I'd agree that the engine isn't the best although it got better when Volvo upped the output to 180bhp.
We've had one for 10 years and although we only do about 7k/year it's served us very well for hauling a family of 5 plus two boats, 2 dogs and plenty of luggage. Although the Q7 looks nice it really is massive and not that big inside, I wouldn't buy a BMW of any kind - not sure why.

Transporter 4 motion, drive like a car and high up seating position

Discovery 4 would have been on the list, but a neighbour has an 09 D3 and he's had loads of issues with air suspension sagging and the transfer box has just gone. Mostly fixed under warranty but it's been in the garage for 4 weeks this year so far. Is the D4 going to be any better?

I sold a Range Rover Vogue last year as that had endless faults and niggles, again, all initially sorted under warranty but a bill for £2k followed by another for £1k 3 months later was the final straw for a 4 1/2 year old car.

Sadly the chaps at Solihull don't seem to have got their act together yet.

If you have money to burn and must have an SUV, the Merc G-Wagen is the only one with any class, a G55 would do. Failing that an Alpina estate. X5's may be technically excellent, but they are naff, driven by wag wannabees and wives of grafters, the Q7 is stomach churning.

You're poor aren't you and have clearly NEVER driven any of these cars. For a start, the G wagon is an ancient design that doesn't handle, isn't very comfy and a G55 would bankrupt you at the pumps. They're like a German version of a Defender and I'm pretty sure thats not what the OP is after here.

I've got a Q7 and its brilliant at some things, not so good at others and truly rubbish for a few things.

They are massive inside, however because of the seven seats its not that easy to get more than one bike in the back. The load bed isn't very deep because the seats fold flat so if you want to carry bikes, a tow bar rack is a must. They EAT tyres like they're going out of fashion. The 21's on mine are 295's and they cost a small fortune to replace - I'm lucky to see 10k out of a set. If you buy one, get the 20 inch wheels, replacement tyres are much cheaper. Also heavy on brakes which again are expensive. Fuel wise I see between 27 and 30mpg, although I've got a bit of a heavy foot. Set the cruise on 70/75 and you'll see 32 easy enough.

Comfort wise they're brilliant. You can happily drive for 3 or 4 hours and arrive feeling fine. I did the same trip in the Cayman and the RS4 I had before this and you'd get out feeling like you'd been run over. Long distance motorway work its their forté and bar the thirst for fuel they're nigh on perfect. I've stuck 35k on mine since December and its been pretty faultless, bar the electric tailgate pakcing up this weekend, which is apparently a common fault.

If you do a lot of town driving I'd not bother though. I live in Kingston and its a nightmare to park and just generally drive about. I'm pretty careful and so far haven't hit anything but there's been a few close calls, just because its so wide. To the point where the A3 near Hook junction is a very scary experience.

Its also lost a massive amount of money. I paid 28k for mine in December. Having looked at trading it in, I've had a few places offer me as low as 13k, none above 15k. That's a massive amount of depreciation and worth considering if you change your car often.

I don't think I'd have another if I'm honest, they're too big and not that good at carrying bikes. I don't have kids so I've no real use for 7 seats either. Next car will either be a nice van, or something quick with a roof rack. If I was to have another SUV, I'd look at a Disco 4 but make sure I've got a good warranty on it. Or get a post 07 Cayenne for not much money and run it into the ground.

This is mine on the day I picked it up

[IMG] [/IMG]

And to give an idea of size - thats a mid wheelbase high roof T5 behind it

[IMG] [/IMG]

Get her on here, we'll tell her why her choice of car is daft.

I grew up in the country (the actual country not the home counties) and the only people driving 4x4s were farmers who used them in actual fields. You SO don't need one for snow or road verges!

I wish people would just fess up and say they like big flashy motors, not making up silly justifications.

Semi rural? Do you mean there are a few trees in the vicinity? Farm vehicles go around you. All you have to do is stop. Generally they will know how to drive off road and not care a jot about the vehicle they driving.
I think she protesteth too much.
If you want a WAG wagon just get one. No need to justify it. One of those will actually manage snow/ice/mud and it is the Swedish veteran. If you were in a rural location you would know this already.

No mention of a land cruiser? Father in law has a 2005 and loves it had seven people no bother plus seats are removable (not sure if this can be done in the others). Toyota is thirsty though and I wouldn't know about tyres. Nissan Patrol?

the kids can't undo their own seatbelts as they are so squashed together.

Do you have some freakishly large kids? 3 normal size adults could fit in the back of a saloon type car and unfasten their seatbelts

[i]Rather depends on where you live though. My MPV has been destroyed by a continual need to get up verges to avoid farm vehicles / satnav obsessed HGVs, and when they release the pheasants it's guaranteed carnage.[/i]

Surrey?

And flange, why would anyone get a Q7 if they didn't have kids?

As we've 2 British cars already, it'd be a Disco if I needed a 4x4 7-seater.

BoardinBob - Member

the kids can't undo their own seatbelts as they are so squashed together.

Do you have some freakishly large kids? 3 normal size adults could fit in the back of a saloon type car and unfasten their seatbelts

Their car seats are all touching and have to be pulled apart with a door open to get to the seatbelt catches.

This place does make me smile sometimes!

Than you all for the valuable and not-so-valuable input. Some useful comments and food for thought!!

Now time to go and pick Tarquin up from Eton for a weekend in Rock..

And flange, why would anyone get a Q7 if they didn't have kids?

I do a lot of miles, live in the sticks at the weekend and I was concerned about a Range Rover Sports reliability...

EDIT: actually, there's a bit more to it than that. I always had a nice car for track days and trundling about, and a van for carrying my bikes. It got to the point where working away all week meant I took the van with me and the car never got driven. To the point where my RS4 was stolen from my driveway having not moved for a month. I wanted something that combined having a nice car to drive while still being able to carry bikes. Sadly, I'm not very good at making careful considered purchases and bought the first car I saw. Which was this

No mention of a land cruiser? Father in law has a 2005 and loves it had seven people no bother plus seats are removable (not sure if this can be done in the others). Toyota is thirsty though and I wouldn't know about tyres.

Land Cruiser (Prado) is a good call. They're bombproof and the engines are meant to be awesome.

I grew up in the country (the actual country not the home counties) and the only people driving 4x4s were farmers who used them in actual fields. You SO don't need one for snow or road verges!

[b]I wish people would just fess up and say they like big flashy motors, not making up silly justifications.[/b]

Massive +1

There's some utter garbage coming up in this thread - really quite mind-boggling. I'm still suspicious the whole thing is a massive troll TBH.

This is good:

You're poor aren't you

I've got a Q7

Long distance motorway work its their forté

I was concerned about a Range Rover Sports reliability...

Plus looking like a drug dealer

Porsche Cayenne? Surprisingly good offroad, but still looks like it's lost a fight with the ugly rottweiler.

Or the new Range Rover Evoque (Beckham edition) could fit the bill (and wow the neighbours).

[img] http://l.yimg.com/os/290/2012/04/23/Range-Rover-Evoque-Beckham-Edition-00-jpg_193301.jp g" target="_blank">http://l.yimg.com/os/290/2012/04/23/Range-Rover-Evoque-Beckham-Edition-00-jpg_193301.jp g"/> [/img]

The xc90 has some great deals on. Drive the Deal were offering huge savings on top spec models. However, if speed is desired, look elsewhere.

Plus looking like a drug dealer

To be fair, I took out a TDV8 one on demo with the tinted windows and large wheels. Yes, I looked a proper helmet driving it BUT it was a lovely thing to drive. Sounded nice too for a diesel.

If what other people think of you colours your car choice, then an SUV with big wheels probably isn't the car for you. But everyone of my mates who has driven mine, or travelled some distance in it has been impressed and liked it. Ignore the haters and get what you (or your Mrs) want.

You can get the Lexus RX 350 for buttons 2nd hand. Doesn't quite scream drug dealer/ wag/ east end gangster as much as a Q7/ X5/ Cayenne/ RR Sport

Sounded nice too for a diesel.

That'd be the lovely sound of a V8 diesel. For motorway munching, I would love a 3.0 V6 TDI Audi A6 with the variomatic auto.

If you want a large car, that's fine, but having 3 children is a rather weak reason.

BoardinBob - Member

You can get the Lexus RX 350 for buttons 2nd hand. Doesn't quite scream drug dealer/ wag/ east end gangster as much as a Q7/ X5/ Cayman/ RR Sport

Again 5 seater only sadly. Land Cruiser is on the list thought - the 3.0 D4D is an 8 seater so could be handy if we ever go for our own 5 a side team...

If what other people think of you colours your car choice, then an SUV with big wheels probably isn't the car for you.

Um......

Um......

Bless

Again 5 seater only sadly.

I thought the 350 & 450 were 7 seaters or is that model not available in the UK?

has an 09 D3 and he's had loads of issues

Bless

If you need me to spell it out for you....

I know an estate car makes more sense but it's for the wife............
and not look out of place amongst the other cars on the school run and at the tennis club.....

If what other people think of you colours your car choice, then an SUV with big wheels probably isn't the car for you.

Does not quite compute does it?

If you need me to spell it out for you....

I don't need you to do anything for me thanks, pauper.....

Wasn't going to comment on this but.....

We love our Discovery, really, really love it.

It is just awesome. Roomy inside, seven proper seats, comfy. Just did south of France to Calais (860miles) in one hit and it romped it.

Swallows all our gear, kiddie gumpft, Labrador.

Really relaxed to drive, don't get stressed in traffic jams.

Works off road when it's been needed.

After 6 years of owning and 80,000 miles (this is the longest we've ever kept a car) it still impresses and although I'm tempted by a new car I would only look at a Disco 4 and can't bring my self to spend money when the one we have is so good at everything.

Apart from reg services it's had it's share of issues:
New rear suspension bags - Warranty
Height sensors - Warranty
New fuel line - Cost
New EGR valve - Cost
4 sets of tyres - Cost
3 sets of brakes & 1 set of discs - Cost
Rear door lock failed - Cost

but saying that we had a Golf and that was never out of the dealers in the first 10,000 miles and we hated it.

Does about 25mpg average.

It's just very very good.

Does about 25mpg average.

It's just very very good

😯

I don't need you to do anything for me thanks, pauper.....

Wow. Either you're trolling or this is a picture of you and your wife.

[img] [/img]

EIther way it's not a good look.

12k miles per year
25 mpg
1.40 a litre

£3k per year on fuel, £250 a month

if we got something that did 50 mpg average we'd half our fuel bill to £125.

So save £125 a month... yippee, I think life's a bit short to worry about £125

You're a socialist aren't you

[img] [/img]

Either you're trolling or this is a picture of you and your wife.

I'm not married.....

if we got something that did 50 mpg average we'd half our fuel bill to £125.

Does no-one even give the slightest shit about the environmental impact? Not even a teensy bit?

No 🙂

Does no-one even give the slightest shit about the environmental impact? Not even a teensy bit?

Apprantly not, which I find strange especially if you have children.

Think they do it a bit of a wind up too though

Some the most well off (read seriously minted) drive round in battered old economical things as they don't feel the need for a brand new 'status' vehicle.
Don't get me wrong I'd love an Aston V12 or something like that but know I'd end up selling it after a month or so as I'd feel guilty for driving something so polluting.

My sister runs a Lexus RX and she's had them now for about 6 years, starting off with the 1st generation 5 seater to the current (just changed) 7 seater hybrid.
Now then, I used to hate it, now I kinda like the new one, not that I'd buy one mind but it's a hybrid so it's at least 40k's of the 46k's it cost going in the right direction.
Thing is mind.. it's Blue. It has the FR package on it too so it has black wheels and funny light blue interior lights..
She does however own a caravan and I'm happier that she chose this rather garish looking vehicle as opposed to an XC90. The RX hasn't had any issues towing yet (they've only had it 2months) and they have a huge caravan. Their plan to travel all around Europe for the next 3 years makes me warm inside. This in the main is due to the fact that it would have cost a blinkin fortune had she chosen the petrol version but luckily this hybrid came out at the same price.

Glamavaning I think they call it.

Yes, yes she had bright Ginger hair too. Make of that what you will.

Does no-one even give the slightest shit about the environmental impact? Not even a teensy bit?

I do. The planet's resources are finite so I need to get my share before all those tossers use them up!

Of course, perfectly possible to tow a normal sized van with a normal car...

Oi! less of the ginger slurs bikebouy 😉

I'm not married.....

That's a surprise, you seem like a real catch, what with having lots of money and everything.

If I had the money to burn, I'd burn it.

Then I'd live a much more modest life.

Didn't the klf try that?

molgrips - Member

Does no-one even give the slightest shit about the environmental impact? Not even a teensy bit?

Suspect that all of the cars I suggested have far less impact on the environment that a Defender, yet if I had suggested getting one of those I'd probably have been applauded by most!

We had an xc90 (and still would if circumstances were different) and as a family car they are great. They are big but no longer than the s80/v70 as they share the wheel plan. they are not fast cars but the engine was easily up to the task of carting the car around. Ours was an 04 model so it had the 163bhp engine with the 5 speed auto. the newer ones have 185bhp, but also have a particult filter and a 6 speed auto box. The latest ones now have 200bhp.

People are weird, that's for sure.