2018 BMW X5 vs Volvo XC90

What's the difference?

Favoured by everyone from governments requiring bullet-proof security vehicles to parents doing the school drop-off run, BMW's X5 is the limo of the German maker's now extensive SUV range, and the xDrive40d sits close to the top of the line-up.

As if that's not enough pressure, the X5 is up against fierce rivals in the form of the Mercedes-Benz GLE, the Porsche Cayenne and Range Rover Sport.

You'd expect an X5 to be luxurious, come loaded with advanced technology, and be dynamic, because it's a BMW, and that's the brand's shtick. But it's an SUV, so it should also be practical.

That's a lot to ask, but after living with the X5 xDrive40d for two weeks, it gave me the answers.

Does the Volvo XC90 R-Design T6 have what it takes to match other large seven-seat prestige SUVs... or is it even better?

This Volvo XC90 is where it all began for Volvo way back in 2014. Okay, let me rephrase that, it wasn't the beginning of Volvo – that was in 1927. This second-generation XC90 was a kind of new beginning for Volvo because it brought with it the styling and technology rules for the brand's future models. But how does it hold up now?

See, when the new XC90 arrived in Australia in 2015 it wowed us with its large portrait display, advanced safety equipment and 'Hammer of Thor' headlights. Since then, safety and tech has come along way - has the XC90 been left behind?

And while on the topic of reality checks: what's this large seven-seat SUV like to live with  – how did it cope with our nightmare car park test?

We tested the XC90 R-Design T6. What the heck does that mean? Well the T6 refers to the engine – it's a four-cylinder petrol – and R-Design is the highest trim level.

A four cylinder… in a giant SUV? Yep, we'll get to that.