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Large, luxurious SUVs with copious amounts of power and performance as well as the standard features commensurate with a healthy six-figure price tag.
They may account for a relatively modest percentage of new vehicle sales but the technology they contain and the standard they set establishes a benchmark for others to chase.
Yet the family transport fundamentals still apply. Practicality, space-efficiency, cost of ownership and safety remain critical factors for buyers in this part of the market and competition is fierce.
In this top-shelf category from the 2026 CarsGuide Car of the Year awards, here are our top 10 large SUVs with an entry-price under $220K (listed in alphabetical order) with a summary detailing why they’re on the shortlist.
Our top three, including the category winner, will be announced on February 6.
BMW iX (from $142,900)
Dramatic design and an ultra-smooth ride as well as rapid acceleration, impressive dynamics and strong value for money set the pure-electric BMW iX apart from other large SUVs in this segment.
Updated in September last year (after four years in the local market), the iX now boasts even more power, a bigger battery for increased range and faster charging capacity.
There are still some niggles around ergonomics (a lack of physical controls) and energy consumption is relatively high for a car of this size, which despite an improvement, limits range.
Offered in three dual-motor, AWD grades - xDrive45, xDrive50 and the powerhouse M60 - the BMW iX is a sleek and sophisticated machine.
BMW X5 (from $138,600)
Through 25 years and four generations the ground-breaking BMW X5 has been a family favourite at the top end of the large SUV market.
Boasting a spacious interior, leading-edge tech and top-shelf safety, the X5 also presents a compelling value proposition on top of the German brand’s well-deserved reputation for dynamic performance.
Thoughtful design touches across the cabin and load space make the X5 a supremely comfortable, low-stress proposition for day-to-day work around town as well as effortless freeway cruising.
Available in plug-in hybrid (xDrive50e), pure-petrol (xDrive40i / M60i xDrive) and turbo-diesel (xDrive30d) form the BMW X5 is a consistent, high-quality, luxury all-rounder.
BMW X6 (from $144,600)
The X6 brings swoopy coupe styling to BMW’s luxury SUV formula, aiming to capture buyers with a head that says family practicality and a heart that longs for a sporty design personality.
Facelifted in 2024, the X6 is currently offered in three flavours for Australia, two petrol (xDrive40i / M60 xDrive) and one diesel (xDrive30d). As their model designations imply, all are all-wheel drive.
The relatively recent update delivered new adaptive LED headlights and an even more highly polished interior treatment including a sleek curved display housing a 12.3-inch digital instrument screen and 14.8-inch touchscreen multimedia system.
Despite the sloping roofline, interior space is generous, as is boot volume. And despite big rims and a solid kerb weight, the X6 manages to combine superior dynamics with supreme comfort.
BMW X7 (from $172,500)
BMW has multiple options at the smaller end of the large luxury SUV market, but for the time being (until the rumoured X9 arrives) the three-row X7 is the German maker’s SUV flagship.
Measuring close to 5.2 metres end-to-end, the X7 is offered in a seven- or (optional) six-seat configuration, with powertrain choices including two petrol (xDrive40i / M60 xDrive) and one mild-hybrid diesel (xDrive40d) engine, each driving all four wheels.
Launched here in 2019, the X7 was given a substantial facelift in mid-2023 which brought an aggressive two-tier headlight treatment that hasn’t met with universal approval.
But the car continues to be a consistent performer for BMW accounting for around 20 per cent of Upper Large SUV segment sales.
Genesis GV80 (from $129,114)
Despite a gradual expansion of the brand’s model range and retail footprint, Australian Genesis sales have remained at a steady but relatively modest level in recent years.
That said, the GV80, in coupe and more conventional wagon form, consistently stands as the Korean luxury brand’s second-best seller, combining comfort and overall refinement with sleek looks and impressive value.
Powered by a 3.5-litre, twin-turbo V6 petrol engine sending drive to all four wheels via an eight-speed auto transmission, the GV80 is available as a six- or seven-seater.
The flip-side of its strong performance, however, is a relatively substantial thirst for premium unleaded fuel. But in terms of included features, quality and ownership costs (complimentary servicing for the first five years) this is a compelling luxury package.
Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV (from $134,900)
The Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV (as opposed to the similarly named EQE sedan) is a popular pure-electric choice for families chasing a luxurious, tech-laden mid-sizer with comfort, quality and performance to burn.
Available in three grades across the single-motor, rear-wheel-drive 300, dual-motor all-wheel-drive 350 4Matic and high-performance AMG 53 4Matic, the EQE is offered alongside the internal-combustion GLE line-up.
We like its useful size and clever packaging, high level of standard equipment for the price and top-tier safety as well as the car’s refined, luxurious feel and impressive technology.
Gripes are confined to the EQE’s substantial weight for its size and relatively high maintenance costs. But overall it’s a high-quality option at the top end of the segment.
Mercedes-Benz G-Class (from $214,900)
The long-serving five-door, five-seat Mercedes-Benz G-Class 4WD has come a long way from its utilitarian, military-focused ‘Galendawagen’ roots of the late 1970s to now be offered in multiple forms.
The local line-up includes the hard working G450d Professional models, powered by a 3.0L inline six-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, as well as the brutal twin-turbo, V8 petrol Mercedes-AMG G63.
Plus the recently introduced G580, a wild, pure-electric beast boasting a powerful motor on each wheel for fine off-road control and spectacular on-the-spot ‘G-Turns’.
While this machine’s ultra-tough character remains intact, successive upgrades to safety, tech and comfort features have allowed it to thrive in the 21st century. A unique luxury SUV.
Mercedes-Benz GLS (from $189,100)
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The S-Class limousine has long been a luxury figurehead for the three-pointed star and the three-row Mercedes-Benz GLS channels that premium positioning into the high-end SUV space.
Entry-point to the local line-up is the GLS 450d 4Matic AMG Line, powered by a 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder turbo-diesel engine and featuring racy 22-inch AMG rims and AMG body elements.
The full-fat Mercedes-AMG GLS63 4Matic brings twin-turbo V8 propulsion and an even more impressive specification, while the Mercedes-Maybach GLS600 4Matic pushes the luxury quotient through the roof.
If your family demands even a base model featuring genuine leather upholstery, multi-zone climate control and screens galore in a package providing heaps of space and smart, comfort-focused features, this is the large SUV for you.
Porsche Cayenne (from $144,900)
The model that turned the car enthusiast world upside down on arrival more than two decades ago is now a mainstay of the German brand’s global line-up.
No less than 10 Porsche Cayenne variants are on offer in Australia across pure-combustion, plug-in hybrid, and more recently, pure-electric form.
All are all-wheel drive, with Porsche refining the Cayenne SUV formula over three generations to deliver the brand’s characteristically brilliant dynamic performance in combination with effective day-to-day family practicality.
Even the entry-grade 3.0-litre turbo-petrol V6 delivers a stonking 260kW/500Nm, while the Turbo E-Hybrid flagship pumps out a staggering 544kW(730hp)/950Nm. Quite the large luxury SUV.
Range Rover Sport (from $146,799)
As the name implies, this large five-seater puts a performance spin on the Range Rover luxury SUV formula. Slightly smaller and lighter but packing the performance required to add a satisfying dynamic edge.
A more overtly muscular stance is another sign of this SUV’s intent, with powertrain options including a 3.0-litre turbo-diesel, 3.0-litre petrol-electric plug-in hybrid and a fearsome 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 in SV models packing 467kW/750Nm for a claimed 0-100km/h sprint time of 3.9 seconds.
We’ve been impressed by the Sport’s sharp handling, especially for a car of this size and weight as well as its deluxe interior, subtly muscular good looks and the PHEV’s useful EV-only driving range.
At the same time, we’ve been wary of Range Rover’s pricey options list prices, but the overall value equation across the Range Rover Sport range remains strong. Not just a pretty SUV face, then.
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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