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Understandably, expectations are elevated in this high-altitude corner of the market, the luxury large SUV category (starting under $220K) in the 2026 CarsGuide Car of the Year awards, with our 10 shortlisted models all suitably impressive vehicles.
Four contenders from BMW (iX, X5, X6 and X7), three from Mercedes-Benz (EQE SUV, G-Class and GLS) and a solo entry from Porsche (Cayenne) give this group a distinctly Germanic flavour, with singles from Genesis (GV80) and Range Rover (RR Sport) to leaven the mix.
In short, there are no bad options here. But, as with any new vehicle purchase, the fundamentals apply. Value, practicality, safety, cost of ownership and driving performance are all critical considerations for prospective buyers. But maybe, just maybe, the badge on the bonnet counts for a lot, too.
Voting calculations came down to an exceptionally fine point following robust and positive COTY ‘War Room’ discussion across the judging panel before three contenders rose to the top.
Runner up: BMW iX
Having landed here in 2021, the pure-electric iX was given a mid-life refresh in late 2025 and several judges highlighted the specific benefits it delivered.
Contributing Journalist Andrew Chesterton called out its “incredible road presence” and Senior Journalist Chris Thompson noted its bigger battery, increased range and faster charging capacity, introduced with a relatively modest price increase.
“After the update it picked up more range. It’s not that much more expensive, it looks cool and points go to BMW for saying, ‘let’s try something with this’,” he said.
It was a sentiment shared by Deputy News Editor Tom White who noted: “Every time I drive it I’m shocked with how it feels. It’s really special on the inside and it’s got this ethereal driving quality.
“It’s ambitious, and forced other manufacturers to respond. And think about the value play. At the entry point for a combustion X5, you can get an electric one for only a few grand more. That’s pretty impressive,” Tom added.
Runner up: BMW X5
BMW was one of the first premium car brands to jump into the global SUV pond, its X5 sending heads spinning on arrival in 1999. And through four generations it’s maintained status as the go-to five-seater for family car buyers wanting extra luxury, performance and safety to go with thoughtful day-to-day practicality.
In summing up its universal appeal, Senior Journalist Laura Berry had War Room heads nodding in agreement when she said: “It’s the 3 Series of SUVs. It does the job so well”.
A choice of inline six-cylinder plug-in hybrid, petrol and diesel powertrains as well as a twin-turbo petrol V8 in the powerhouse X5 M illustrates how much the X5 has evolved over time, with pricing and specification consistently fine-tuned to maintain a competitive value proposition.
The line-up also won plaudits from Deputy Editor James Cleary who noted the X5’s quality, safety, space efficiency, updated tech and generous standard spec.
Winner: Porsche Cayenne
And then there was one. A mid-life overhaul in late 2023 for Porsche’s ground-breaking large SUV brought a refined exterior treatment and comprehensive interior makeover which, among other things, added a ‘full-screen’ dash treatment.
The current 10-variant (!) line-up offers two body styles (SUV and Coupe) and four engine choices (turbo V6 petrol, V6 petrol-electric plug-in hybrid, twin-turbo V8 petrol and V8 PHEV), with prices ranging from under $150K for the entry-level SUV to around $380K for the stonking Turbo GT.
News Editor Dominic Tripolone summed up much of the judging group’s feeling for the car when he said: “It does everything a Porsche should but with a family inside”.
Chris Thompson chipped in: “Dynamically it’s so impressive. Driving it in anger it’s as if some wizardry has happened. It feels like a sports car.”
And Laura Berry also noted Porsche’s ability to make a high-riding SUV behave like a low-slung sports coupe.
“It doesn’t feel like it’s made out of separate parts. It feels like it’s one part, so well built it just moulds around you. I love it.”
CarsGuide Car of the Year 2026 award category announcements
| Category | Announcement #1 | Winner & finalists |
| Sub-$50K Small Car | Top 10 shortlist | Winner & finalists |
| Sub-$80K Small Car | Top 10 shortlist | Winner & finalists |
| Sub-$60K Medium SUV | Top 10 shortlist | Winner & finalists |
| Sub-$130K Medium SUV | Top 10 shortlist | Winner & finalists |
| Sub-$100K Large SUV | Top 10 shortlist | Winner & finalists |
| Sub-$220K Large SUV | Top 10 shortlist | Winner & finalists |
| Sub-$85K Ute | Top 10 shortlist | Winner & finalists |
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