SUVs - Why?
The Audi Q7 has been selected as one of only two etron models initially introduced - the popular A3 being the other. So why are SUVs so popular?
When a major manufacturer selects their high end SUV as one of the two models to be given their first hybrid technology you have to ask yourself; WHY? What do SUVs really bring to the table that other models do not provide?
SUVs are heavier, slower, worse handling and more expensive than the equivalent saloon, estate or hatchback. They are also taller - is this why manufacturers are selling more and more of this non-sense?
Elevated Driving Position?
One of the first and classic SUVs is the Range Rover. The archetypal luxury off-roader has been around for decades, together with the Land Rover Defender, but only now is there a plethora of models to choose from: Evoque, Sport, Discovery, Velar, SVR and the list goes on. If you want to look down and scoff at your neighbouring 3 Series then this is surely the marque to peer from. If you squint at the front, it looks a little Siamese cat(ish), aloof perhaps.
The New Range Rover Velar - Starting at 45k GBP
If elevation is what you seek... These come with a huge range of options!
These are perfect for looking down onto common folk. Yes, they are not as luxurious as your Q7s and Cayennes, but great for peering down on other drivers!
The Ford Transit - lots of elevation for a fraction of the price - and lots of space too for stuff or seats
Ok of it is not elevation, then what is it?
None of the SUV equivalents offer additional cabin space and some offer less. They cost more to buy and more to keep - wheels are oversized and over priced.. Most have 5 seats, some with options for more but so do people carriers and they are purpose built and much cheaper!
BMW and Audi offer various Chelsea Tractors in their ranges X1, X3, X5, X6, Q2, Q3, Q5 and Q7 - Interestingly, the higher the number, the more obnoxious the driver appears to be. It has to be STATUS - they offer nothing else?
THE HIGHER THE X or Q NUMBER, THE MORE OBNOXIOUS THE DRIVER!
The new BMW X7 - Absolute Peak of Obnoxiousness starting at around £75k.
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Comments (21)
How old are you Steve? 85? Sonds like something Grandpa would say... (Old man voice). Those damn teenagers are sitting too high and driving too fast... Cheers
Lol... no prob with sitting high... they have no purpose - anyway what is wrong with being 85? 😉
To be fair I sat higher in my old Ford Transit dropside pickup!
Great article!! I have to admit, I've never owned an SUV but I have always thought about it...
Thanks James, glad you liked it. 👍
I think I nailed this in my Land Rover video :- drivetribe.com/p/the-land-rover-lineup-explained-DA3hQvW8STaJnGt3sBV-bg?iid=d6Hg_FR6RDOmPN_jfK9SgQ
Good video Martyn ✅
Thanks Steve! Glad you liked it! 😊
Clarkson said it well. People think they’re safer in a collision and so everyone is rushing to get them dispite them being slower, less efficient and more dangerous at speed.
Agreed 👍
Makers start with high value models for new tech. Always the flagship that gets the lipstick.
Agreed, although my point was “why the Q7 and not the A8”. Thanks for reading too 👍
No idea. Perhaps they had filled the A8 with so much stuff they thought that the price might get out of control if they loaded it with even more toys. Perhaps the Q7 needed it. Ha-ha. Cheers.