Best in class
Volvo XC90
A dozen years ago, with the launch of the first XC90, Volvo proved to us that it could make a serious contender in the SUV market. Now, with the launch of this all-new XC90, Volvo has shown it can create a car that can compete for the Range Rover's luxury crown. This is a Volvo unlike any other which precedes it – sure, it's still big, comfy and safe but it celebrates its Swedish heritage more overtly than before, it has an interior that stands comparison with Bentley and its technology levels (including a 49g/km 400hp plugin hybrid T8 model) are as close to the cutting edge as you can get without nicking yourself. Quite simply, it's the most impressive Volvo we've ever driven. Best one: XC90 2.0 T8 Geartronic Momentum for €73,450.
Also consider
BMW X5
While the last-generation X5 was always a bit too clunky for its own good, this version has proved a massive improvement. Still big and bulky, but surprisingly light on its feet, the X5 is a delight to drive and has a truly gorgeous cabin. Optionally equipped with seven seats, it can even be practical and few cars are as comfy over a long distance. 3.0-litre diesel model makes even the mighty M50d look a bit pointless, so smooth, powerful and flexible is it.
Range Rover Sport
Another big SUV that made a quantum leap between generations. The first RR Sport was a hodgepodge of Range Rover styling, Discovery chassis and surprisingly tiny back seats. This model is something else again – taking the aluminium platform of the bigger Range Rover and actually making it better; lighter, more agile, more out and out fun to drive. Seven seats are an option, and the 3.0-litre V6 diesel is strong enough that you really don’t need to upgrade to the V8. Interior styling and quality a touch underwhelming compared to the BMW or Volvo though.
Worth waiting for
Mercedes-Benz GLE
The existing M-Class gets a facelift and a new badge, to bring it into line with Merc's new model name policy. It's a bit more of an update than just the badge and grille though – Mercedes says the GLE has been revised from stem to stern, and the GLE 250d (using the 2.1-litre four-cylinder diesel) should just scrape a Band B2 tax rating, giving it massive appeal to business user-choosers. There will also be a hybrid GLE 500e, which can go for almost 30km on just the batteries and records a 78g/km Co2 rating. Or about as much as a Toyota Yaris hybrid. Or, if you don't care for polar bears, you could just go for the 577hp GLE63 AMG but don't even ask about the fuel consumption on that one… Launches: September 2015
Underrated
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Another SUV category, another underrated Jeep. The Grand Cherokee though is a little more than an interesting curio – it’s actually properly unsung, one of the best-to-drive large SUVs around and a car with exceptionally sharp styling too. Somehow, while a Range Rover is patrician and a BMW X5 almost thuggish, the GC just radiates a particularly American kind of cool. The recent facelift really tidied up the cabin, and now there’s a BUV version that uses a tax loophole to cut its purchase price to just €46k. An utter bargain…