Crossovers are becoming more and more popular in Russia. If in the 90s American premium SUVs of impressive size and tightly toned sedans from BMW and Mercedes-Benz were considered cool, now more and more successful people, well, or just those who want to look more expensive, change to luxury crossovers.

So, what properties does a car need to qualify for the hearts of such buyers? We believe the following:

• Reputable manufacturer. Yes, the stereotypes have not gone away, and few people will appreciate the premium Korean.
• Powerful engine and automatic transmission. Everything is clear here, buying a vegetable car for a tidy sum that an understated LADA Priora will travel around - do not respect yourself, as well as constantly pull the gear knob. Here is a robot with the ability manual switching gear is another matter, it is prestigious.
• A variety of options, or initially rich equipment. I want to ride comfortably inside a beautiful cabin stuffed with electronics.
• Good appearance. Of course, you can’t please everyone, but the car should have its own recognizable style, and not be another faceless car.

Having dealt with the requirements, we move on to the ranking of the best premium crossovers in 2019 and 2018.

Aggressive-looking mid-size crossover from a well-known automaker. It is located at the beginning of the line of luxury SUVs, so the price can be considered relatively affordable.

Equipped with a two-liter turbo engine that develops 238 horsepower. Together with a six-speed automatic, the engine goes out of 10 seconds when accelerating to a hundred. At the same time, fuel consumption is quite modest and is at the level of 8 liters in the combined cycle.

When creating a car, the manufacturer focused on a sporty appearance, combined with comfort inside, quality materials and safety.

German brands have always been appreciated by us. Interesting new generation of complete quattro drive ultra, which became pluggable. The moment is constantly transmitted to the front axle, if necessary, the electronics activates two clutches that connect the rear axle. Engineers are said to have been working on the transmission for 6 years.

The car is designed for driving pleasure, the interior was designed for maximum driver comfort, the system all-wheel drive adapts to any conditions, an optional air suspension with adjustable stiffness and ground clearance is installed.

Another luxury German. Unlike its fellow BMW X6, it looks more brutal. The manufacturer characterizes the model briefly: "Do not manage, but rule."

The most powerful engine develops 450 horsepower, accelerating the SUV to hundreds in 4.9 seconds. The eight-speed STEPTRONIC automatic transmission and the BMW xDrive all-wheel drive system help him in this.

The crossover feels like a fish in water on the track, delighting the driver with perfect handling and excellent dynamics. For an extra charge, you get an adaptive suspension that gives you more comfort or sport, depending on your desire.

Premium crossover that looks like a large sports coupe. The engine is shifted behind the front axle, due to which the front axle is unloaded, which affected handling, for example, cornering.

When creating, engineers paid most of their attention to comfort and safety, not trying to compete with competitors in dynamics. The car is equipped with a 2.5-liter V6 petrol engine that produces 222 horsepower. If for a sedan or hatchback this is very solid, then Infinity is not able to compete with its competitors equipped with multi-liter engines.

The most athletic participant in the ranking. A wide range of engines, ranging from a modest three-liter diesel engine to a turbocharged 4.8 petrol engine with a capacity of 570 horses. Suspension is tuned for aggressive driving, together with powerful engines highlighting german car among competitors with their aggressive behavior on the road.

Mercedes-Benz GL C

It looks like its close relative Mercedes-Benz C-Class interior, for which it is difficult to blame him, because the interior looks expensive and beautiful. The similarity does not end there - the cheap version has a suspension that is just as harsh and pleases with comfort only at low speeds. It is worth accelerating, as it ceases to have enough energy intensity, and on impassable roads you should not meddle at all.

Therefore, if you are determined to purchase a German crossover, do not be greedy and order an air suspension.

In any case, the car will please you with a chic interior with a bunch of features, from cool lighting to the projection of the logo from the side mirrors. The DYNAMIC SELECT system does a great job of changing how the car feels and how it reacts to your actions.

The first SUV from the manufacturer, with a sporty appearance and the same character. Engineers tried to combine practicality with drive, efficiency with dynamics, comfortable interior and big trunk with a striking appearance. The contour lighting of the interior in the dark looks just crazy.

The most powerful of the engines develops 380 horsepower, consuming just 9 liters in a combined cycle. This is a fashion car, if you want to stand out among a bunch of owners of crossovers familiar on our roads, take it without any doubt.

Why choose the best premium crossovers when you can choose a car from the big leagues? The W12 develops 608 horses, accelerating the chic crossover to 100 in 4 seconds, and the speedometer needle stops only after reaching 300 km / h.

The interior is trimmed with premium leather and veneer, mineral glass is used instead of plastic covering the instrument panel. Despite the luxury, the design remains restrained, there are no flashy outlines or elements in it. For those who prefer classic European style and have about $300,000 in their pocket, this is a great choice.

Crossovers are extremely popular in our country due to a combination of two characteristics: on the one hand, they have the features of an SUV (increased ground clearance, high driving position, all-wheel drive), and on the other hand, they are comfortable and relatively budgetary, since they are built mainly on passenger platform With load-bearing body. Crossovers are often chosen for their sporty character, emphasized by aggressive design, significant capacity and increased cross-country ability, which is important for driving on bad roads, especially in difficult weather conditions.

The great popularity in the market of this category of cars determines a wide selection of crossovers for every taste and budget: you can find quite high-quality cars with a decent price-quality ratio even up to 1,000,000 rubles. Certainly, the best specimens with a really large internal volume, a full-fledged 4x4 drive and modern electronics are in price category higher, but different buyers also have different priorities: for some, design and comfort are important, and for others, fuel economy and unpretentiousness in maintenance.

We offer you an overview of the top 18 best SUVs on the Russian market in four categories:

• best compact crossovers
• popular medium-capacity SUVs;
• comfort-class SUVs;
• best luxury crossovers

The best compact crossovers

Five SUVs worth up to 1,000,000 rubles fell into this category. All of them are quite compact, have engines from 1.6 l to 2.0 l even in the maximum configuration, but, at the same time, they are very economical due to their low weight and dimensions and offer the consumer enough comfortable driving. Disadvantages - often modest equipment, small trunk size and not too dynamic characteristics of power units are completely redeemed by a reasonable price.

5 Chery Tiggo 2

Best Salon Design
Country: China
Average price: 673,000 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.3

In the Russian market, Chery Tiggo 2 is offered with only one engine option - 1.5 liters with a power of 106 hp. , which is complemented by manual transmission or automatic transmission at the choice of the buyer. At the same time, the database already has side mirrors with electric drive, front and rear fog lights, air conditioning, front airbags and ISOFIX system. For such a budget car, the Tiggo 2 has a very comfortable driver's seat, which lacks only height adjustment.

The interior trim does not look spartan at all - bright orange seat inserts, the middle part of the dashboard “carbon-look”, original design dashboard. The owners of this car also unanimously praise the cross-country ability: ground clearance 186 mm, well-designed sloping overhangs allow you not to think about high curbs. Of the minuses, consumers note the lack of power, the lack of engine protection and the inability to get a system dynamic stabilization even in the more advanced version.

4 LADA X-RAY

The most practical crossover
Country Russia
Average price: 584,900 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.5

Clearance of 195 mm, good handling and "predatory" design favorably distinguish the domestic SUV from competitors. Two options for the power unit - 1.6 liters and 1.8 liters, in more powerful version automatic transmission available. The length of the body is 4,165 mm, while the trunk has an excellent capacity of 361 liters. By folding the rear and front passenger seats, you can get an impressive cargo volume for such compact machine: 1514 l.

The car has a reputation as the safest among domestic cars: two airbags in basic configuration, reinforced body elements and advanced belt attachment design. Chassis and engine are best matched to domestic conditions operation. Although users note rather modest equipment and poor interior trim, for most, the advantages outweigh the disadvantages: the car has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 according to real owners.

3 Nissan Qashqai

Best capacity and comfort
Country: Japan
Average price: 973,000 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.7

Nissan's updated compact crossover certainly has the highest price in the rankings even in the initial configuration, but it is also the most spacious in the class, the safest and best equipped. It has a spacious interior, trunk - 430 liters, ground clearance from 185 to 200 mm.

According to EuroNCAP, the car has 5 stars for active and passive safety, which is not surprising: the base model already has front and side airbags, an assistance system for emergency braking and EPS vehicle stabilization system.

Comfort at the level - adjustment of the driver's seat in six directions, heated seats, heated mirrors, power lifts for all doors and a five-inch multifunction display on the instrument panel. The main disadvantage is the price. The basic equipment is on the border of 1,000,000 rubles, and the top models of the line clearly go beyond it.

2 Renault SANDERO Stepway

The most compact crossover
Country: France
Average price: 599,990 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.8

Despite the modest power characteristics (the maximum engine power in the lineup is 113 hp), this SUV demonstrates excellent dynamics and controllability. With a turning radius of only 4.85 m and a length of 4.08 m, you can confidently maneuver even in the densest city traffic. Already in the basic configuration, front power windows, two airbags and heated seats are offered.

An important plus is the ability to choose a robotic box or AKKP. An impressive advantage of this car in its class is four stars in the EuroNCAP safety rating. Owners also note the softness and energy intensity of the suspension, high ground clearance, which allows you to feel confident outside the city, and scratch-resistant wheel arches and a bumper.

1 KIA Soul

Optimal price-quality ratio
Country: South Korea
Average price: 850,900 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.9

This super-compact SUV with short overhangs has a surprisingly roomy interior and a memorable appearance. Good equipment with power units ranging from 124 to 204 hp and the ability to choose a mechanical, robotic or automatic transmission determine its popularity among consumers.

TO technical excellence you can add four stars in the EuroNCAP safety rating and a fairly rich initial equipment: air conditioning, electric power steering, a six-speaker audio system and Bluetooth. As disadvantages, consumers mention a stiff suspension, thin metal and insufficiently resistant paintwork, as well as low ground clearance - only 153 mm.

The best mid-capacity crossovers

If the budget for the purchase of a crossover is more than a million rubles, cars become much more spacious and comfortable. As a rule, all cars in this class have five stars for safety, a fairly wide choice of powertrains, gearbox options and additional options. Along with the dimensions, the engine power increases, and hence the fuel consumption.

5 Honda CR-V

The softest crossover
Country: Japan
Average price: 1,699,900 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.5

Signature smoothness that provides excellent comfort to drivers and passengers characterizes the updated crossover Japanese CR-V Honda. This is facilitated by a fully independent suspension. The basic equipment has a 2-liter gasoline engine with a manual transmission or a CVT to choose from. All-wheel drive is possible only in the older models of the line.

Users note a spacious interior, a large trunk volume (589 l) and excellent sound insulation SUV. The disadvantages include a clearance of only 180 mm and some lack of dynamics in extreme conditions. But you can praise the climate control already in the initial configuration, eight airbags and wide comfortable seats in both the first and second rows.

4 KIA Sportage

Most Economical
Country: South Korea
Average price: 1,226,900 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.6

Updated KIA crossover has better handling, noise isolation and reduced vibration compared to its predecessor due to the modernization of the chassis and suspension. In the base, the car is equipped with a gasoline 2-liter 150-horsepower engine with a manual transmission, more powerful gasoline or diesel unit, as well as automatic transmission.

Comfortable and functional interior, good stability in corners, the active safety system is noted by the owners of this SUV as the main advantages of the model. Fuel consumption is one of the lowest in the class - 7.9 liters in the combined cycle for a gasoline engine and 6.3 liters for a diesel engine. Disadvantages - low ground clearance (183 mm) and the lack of all-wheel drive in the basic configuration.

3 Toyota RAV4

most popular crossover
Country: Japan
Average price: 1,449,000 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.8

Updated in 2015, the SUV of the Toyota concern confidently holds the bestseller bar: in different years it used to be slightly inferior to its closest competitors, but then again returned to first place in sales. The latest model of the crossover has a remarkable quality of soundproofing, a new instrument panel, progressive body design and rims and a wide range of options.

In the base of the car - full power accessories, LED daytime running lights and rear lights, heated mirrors, air conditioning and an audio system with 4 speakers. The initial power unit is a two-liter, with a capacity of 146 hp, a choice of manual transmission or CVT. All-wheel drive is only available on upgraded trims. In terms of safety, the crossover is traditionally good: by default, there are front, side airbags, a knee airbag for the driver and an advanced active safety system.

2 Renault KOLEOS

The best equipment
Country: France
Average price: 1,749,000 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.8

The courageous impetuous design of this crossover is favorably emphasized by LED optics and light-alloy 18 inch wheels already available in the database. The car is equipped with three engine options to choose from: petrol with a capacity of 144 hp and 171 hp or a 2-liter diesel engine with 177 hp. Ground clearance of 210 mm, energy-intensive suspension and all-wheel drive allow this SUV to easily cope with difficult road conditions.

Car owners also note disadvantages: great noise, stiffness of the steering wheel and pedals. In terms of equipment, Koleos is a champion among cars in this price category: the base already has heated and ventilated front seats, dual zone climate control And remote start, as well as a multimedia 7-inch screen, front and rear sensors parking and reversing camera.

1 Volkswagen Tiguan

Best Design
Country: Germany
Average price: 1,349,000 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.9

Business card Volkswagen group- a design verified to the smallest detail, strict classic lines and well-thought-out ergonomics of the cabin. In the base, the car is equipped with a 125 hp gasoline engine with a manual gearbox, more powerful ones are optionally available. petrol units 150, 180 and 220 hp or 150 hp diesel and automatic gearbox.

The initial equipment is front-wheel drive, the ground clearance is 200 mm, but in more advanced versions you can get all-wheel drive system 4Motion Active Control, which allows you to switch driving modes depending on the type of road. disadvantage basic version you can call the small screen of the media system (5 inches) and the lack of a navigator and a rear view camera. But this small flaw is more than compensated by advanced active and passive safety systems and five stars in EuroNCAP crash tests.

The best comfort-class crossovers

In cars, the cost of which exceeds 2,000,000 rubles, it is difficult to surprise the consumer with safety, capacity and good driving characteristics. Manufacturers of such machines compete rather in the degree of comfort, ergonomics and ingenious technical solutions.

4 Hyundai Grand Santa Fe

Minimum fuel consumption
Country: South Korea
Average price: 2,324,000 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.5

The full-size seven-seater SUV in the basic version has a 2.2-liter diesel engine with a six-speed automatic and all-wheel drive - a rarity in this class. Therefore, quite dynamic characteristics are combined in this car with low fuel consumption - only 10.1 liters in urban mode.

Users praise the spacious interior (enough space for adults even in the third row), seat ergonomics, and high-quality finishes. The dashboard is informative and intuitive, a fairly large number of active safety systems are already present in the base model. The disadvantage is a small clearance - only 180 mm.

3 Mazda CX-9

Best dynamics
Country: Japan
Average price: 2,890,000 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.8

Updated flagship Mazda - seven-seater crossover The CX-9 is presented on the Russian market in only two trim levels, which do not differ too much from each other. The base version is all-wheel drive, with a 2.5-liter turbo engine and a proprietary six-speed automatic Skyactive-drive. Accelerates enough heavy car up to 100 km/h in 8 seconds.

The increased ground clearance of 220 mm, atypical for Japanese crossovers, allows the car to feel confident in the countryside, which is facilitated by the adaptive torque distribution system. The owners of the SUV speak approvingly of the excellent cornering stability and the high level of comfort when driving over bumps.

2 Ford Explorer

The most spacious
Country: USA
Average price: 2,354,000 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.9

Traditionally for Ford cars, this premium crossover is the most spacious in its class. It is seven-seater and has a trunk of 595 liters, which turns into 2285 liters with the second and third row seats folded down. Four-wheel drive, a 3.5-liter engine and an automatic transmission already in the basic version complete the picture.

The concern's engineers also took care of the comfort when driving over rough terrain - an independent suspension and a system for adapting the drive to road conditions are available in all versions of the car. A ground clearance of 211 mm and an active safety system complete the list of benefits.

1 Nissan Murano

Best Exterior
Country: Japan
Average price: 2,460,000 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.9

This SUV is the flagship of the Nissan lineup. Its flowing, elongated, impetuous profile has won the admiration of buyers. The interior is not far behind - both the first and second row are equipped with Zero Gravity seats, developed in collaboration with NASA.

The base 3.5-liter unit is offered with a CVT and front-wheel drive.

An interesting detail is that a hybrid engine is available in more advanced trim levels. For better adaptation to Russian conditions the chassis has been improved, the ground clearance has been increased and the track has been widened. The owners also note the impeccable sound insulation of the body and the excellent ergonomics of the cabin.

The best luxury crossovers

In the luxury category, buyers are primarily interested in the prestige of the brand, excellent dynamics and comfort level. All the models presented in the rating have excellent safety, a high saturation of driver assistance electronics, a well-thought-out interior and powerful engines. At the same time, each crossover has its own distinctive features both in design and in the nature of the ride, which distinguishes them from the group of classmates.

4 INFINITY QX80

The largest SUV
Country: Japan
Average price: 3,950,000 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.5

The flagship of the lineup from Infinity is really larger than its competitors: it can be seven or even eight-seat and weighs 2.8 tons. Therefore, it has a super-spacious interior, it is convenient for passengers to be even in the third row. All crossover owners like leather and wood trim, an impeccable control panel, as well as comfortable seats.

A 5.6 liter gasoline engine with 405 hp is needed to accelerate the giant to 100 km / h in 6.5 seconds. Four-wheel drive and a seven-speed automatic transmission are available as standard. With an impressive ground clearance of 257 mm, you can go on a picnic without fear, especially since the car has numerous off-road driver assistance systems.

3 Toyota Highlander

Best in class comfort
Country: Japan
Average price: 3,226,000 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.7

The luxury crossover manufactured by Toyota has impressive dimensions and power - already in the base it has seven seats and a 3.5-liter power unit. The eight-speed automatic transmission is designed to provide smooth acceleration.

The saturation of the car with a variety of electronics designed to ensure the convenience of the driver and passengers is impressive: in the initial configuration, the Highlander has three-zone climate control, a rear-view camera with dynamic marking lines, a blind spot monitoring system, assistance when climbing and descending a slope, as well as an integrated system of active management.

2 BMW X3

Optimal price-quality ratio. Better Handling and dynamics
Country: Germany
Average price: 3,030,000 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.8

The new body of the BMW X3 has grown in size, but has become lighter thanks to the use of aluminum-based light alloys. Strict, discreet design, luxury interior trim, ergonomics thought out to the smallest detail inspire calmness and confidence.

Acoustic comfort in the new model is even better than in the previous one. A wide range of options is already available in the base model: owners of the brake energy recovery system, LED headlights, a six-speaker audio system and climate control are especially pleased.

A large selection of gasoline and diesel powertrains and the proprietary 8-speed Steptronic automatic transmission are another advantage of the model. 3 liter diesel version accelerates to "weave" in just 5.8 seconds. - This is the best indicator in the class! According to the owners, the crossover has excellent dynamics, directional stability, and the full xDrive allows you to feel confident on the road.

1 Volkswagen Touareg

Top seller in the class
Country: Germany
Average price: 3,029,000 rubles.
Rating (2019): 4.9

This verified, balanced crossover has long been deservedly considered the best option in its class - it is dynamic, comfortable, stable on the course and in corners. The ergonomics of the cabin and the controls in it are almost perfect, the owners especially note that you don’t need to adapt to anything: you sit down and go.

In Russia, the model is available with V6 and V8 FSI petrol engines with power from 249 to 360 hp, as well as with diesel engines from 204 to 340 hp. The box is an eight-speed automatic, all-wheel drive in all versions. This SUV has very interesting options: adaptive high beam, air suspension that increases ground clearance on off-road, panoramic all-round visibility system. It is not surprising that at a reasonable price for its class, the car is a sales leader in the luxury segment.

Russian conditions for a car are truly unique. The harsh northern climate here is combined with not the best quality roads and an abundance of rough terrain. In winter, asphalt is actively sprinkled with caustic reagents that can destroy even a good paintwork in a matter of years.

That is why SUVs or jeeps are traditionally in great demand in Russia. They are passable, roomy and have high ground clearance for overcoming pits. Large manufacturers are also trying to adapt models for consumers from of Eastern Europe, introducing "warm" features and special packages.

IN modern conditions the reliability of the machine is of great importance. Some companies pay too much attention to efficiency and manufacturability, which is why power plants have a short life.

At the same time, hardly anyone is ready to easily part with the car for a few weeks of repair. Our rating of the most reliable SUVs for Russian roads is compiled taking into account the unique conditions for using the car and makes it easier to choose best option on every day.

It is worth noting that now the concept of "SUV" is very blurry. Some mean by it only large frame machines with huge mud wheels and a snorkel. Others think more globally and put jeeps and crossovers in this category.

Cadillac Escalade

The legendary "Escalade" cannot be called a standard of reliability, but in many respects it surpasses its competitors precisely in this indicator. The model first appeared at the end of the last century, and in 2015 its fourth generation was born.

Of course, modern fashion has seriously affected design features cars. Now it cannot be considered a "real" SUV, ready to overcome any obstacle. became a full-fledged city dweller, but still performs well on rough terrain and light off-road.

The basis of the reliability of the model is the lack of modern technical solutions. The car is still equipped with a huge 6.2-liter V8 engine that produces a relatively small 409 horsepower. Paired with the power unit is a six-speed automatic transmission.

The Escalade's suspension is also quite simple. An independent “multi-link” is installed at the front, and a continuous bridge at the rear. Owners speak positively about the operation of the all-wheel drive system, which lasts a long time without serious loads.

It is worth considering the cost of the car, which is 4,990,000 rubles. Relatively little for a premium SUV.

Volvo XC60

This crossover has been featured on the markets of many countries for a long time, and in March 2018 we saw its new generation.

At the same time, the first generation was sold for almost 10 years, which indicates a positive attitude of the audience towards this model - they did not stop buying it even with an outdated design.

As always, Volvo focuses on safety and reliability. The second generation of the car received more spacious sides and new turbocharged engines (gasoline and diesel).

In Europe, a “charged” version is also offered with a hybrid power plant that produces 407 horsepower. Such power allows the car to accelerate from standstill to the first “hundred” in just 5.3 seconds, but the hybrid is not officially sold in Russia.

"" copes well with tasks on rough terrain. Ground clearance of 216 mm allows you to easily drive on country road or to the country, and in the city there will definitely not be serious problems. It should be noted that the clearance varies with various modes driving to reduce fuel consumption and noise in the cabin.

Paired with a wide range of engines, the Swedes so far only offer all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission. It is possible that soon we will see configurations with front-wheel drive and even "mechanics" - such a composition will definitely be very reliable and inexpensive to maintain.

Chevrolet Tahoe

This huge "wardrobe" has long been the dream of many young guys and men. In fact, Tahoe is a complete analogue of the Yukon model from General Motors Company. The fourth generation of the SUV came to dealers back in 2014 and still does not lose its relevance.

That is why the Chevrolet concern did not withdraw this model from the Russian market, when most of the others abruptly disappeared from the stands in the showrooms.

Under the hood, we see the same 409 horsepower V8 that is used by the Escalade. The appetite for such a unit is rather big, even according to official documents, gasoline consumption in the city is 18 liters, but in reality even more.

Of course, there is no “mechanics” on an American SUV, but a proven hydromechanical one is offered. It easily withstands high off-road loads and easily pulls a massive trailer.

Already in the basic configuration of the car, the owner receives the following options:

• Leather trim;
• Adaptive cruise control;
• Advanced multimedia system;
• Three-zone climate control;
• LED headlights and more.

Here everything is done to ensure that the driver and passengers feel as comfortable as possible.

Toyota RAV4

Back again in more budget segment and then we have the first Toyota (but not the last). It is this Japanese company that has long established itself as a manufacturer of incredibly reliable and hardy cars.

RAV4 is one of the bestsellers of the brand, which no one can compete with. Of course, call now a full-fledged SUV this model is impossible, but it still feels fine on the “crossroads”.

As always, the basis of the reliability of the machine is proven and successful units. For several years, the Japanese have been installing old engines and gearboxes. Russia is an important market for Toyota, so the company is thoroughly preparing for the release of new generations and models. In addition, all cars undergo special training for the conditions of the country.

Not so long ago, the manufacturer showed a new generation of "", which will become available with us around the middle of 2019.

But the current generation still has good sales (sixth place among jeeps and SUVs in the first quarter of 2018), and on the road it will not be difficult to find the owners of such a car.

Nissan Pathfinder 3

Perhaps every off-road lover considers this model an excellent off-road vehicle. But keep in mind that we are talking about the third generation. For some reason, Nissan decided to make not the most popular changes to the car, depriving it of a frame structure and good motors.

The third generation was excellent in everything - the five-speed automatic transmission performed its functions flawlessly and had a long resource, and a wide selection of engines (especially diesel ones) allowed everyone to find the right option for themselves. The turbine is also made correctly with competent and timely maintenance.

Despite big sizes and "off-road" status, the car was equipped with a fully independent suspension. This allowed her to be comfortable even at high speed and not catch "rolls" during sharp turns.

Shock absorbers, ball bearings and struts served for a long time, and their replacement is not so expensive pleasure. We hope that someday Nissan will release the very successor to the Pathfinder 3, which will delight the owner with its unsurpassed qualities.

Toyota LC Prado

Prado is Toyota's mid-range SUV. It has all the advantages of its "older" brother, but is less richly equipped and differs in the line of power units.

Under the hood of the modern we see the following motors:

• 2.7 gasoline (163 horsepower);
• 2.8 diesel (177 horsepower);
• V6 gasoline (249 horsepower).

Paired with engines are relatively simple gearboxes. The most popular is the six-speed, which has not been seriously changed for several years. The Japanese position Prado not only as a premium SUV, but also as a roomy "workhorse".

That is why in the basic configuration for 2,289,000 rubles we see fabric trim, stamped rims and mechanical box gears. But in more expensive modifications, the owner can get all the modern options and a seven-seat layout for the comfort of the family. Recently, the model has undergone a light restyling that touched on the appearance.

In technical terms, engineers do not change anything, because for their money, the Prado is perhaps the most reliable SUV.

Toyota Land Cruiser 200

The entire Kruzak family has long been famous for its reliability and maintainability. Up to 200,000 kilometers on the odometer in a car, only consumables need to be changed, and the rest of the nodes serve with dignity even after this mark. The 200th version of the car appeared back in 2007, and during this time it managed to survive two restylings.

For the company offers two engines - gasoline and diesel. The first has a V-shaped configuration for eight cylinders and 309 horsepower with 4.6 liters of volume. diesel engine by 4.5 liters after restyling, it has grown from 265 to 272 “horses”, but in Russia this power unit still produces 249 forces for the sake of taxes.

Simple technical solutions allow you to achieve good success on the road. The front of the car has an independent suspension on a pair of levers on both sides, and a continuous axle with rods at the rear. To eliminate rolls, special anti-roll bars were used.

The popularity of Kruzak speaks for itself - for several years now it has been holding the lead in sales among the mass of competitors. This car is used by businessmen, politicians and many other categories of the population.

Lexus LX570

This premium SUV created for those who Land cruiser seems not rich enough. Many consider it a complete copy of the "two hundred", but this is not so. Under the hood it has a 5.7-liter engine with 367 horsepower.

Paired with the power unit is an eight-speed "automatic" with the ability to shift gears in manual mode. From standstill to 100 km / h, the car accelerates in 7.7 seconds, and the maximum speed is limited at around 220 km / h.

The developers of the motor claim that they were able to find the optimal combination of alloys. The motor housing is made of lightweight and durable aluminum, ensuring the durability of the assembly. Of course, few will be able to afford the new LX570, but one cannot fail to mention it in the ranking of the most reliable SUVs for Russian roads.

The car performs well in the city, and does not remain lagging behind on the roads. On the other hand, it’s better not to go off-road without modifications - the air intake is not in the best place. Otherwise, the Lexus is able to compete in cross-country ability with many other well-known models.

Most people in the world know that some kind of luxury can be not only “wrapped in a big package”, but it can also be outwardly small, but, nevertheless, represent a luxury segment product. Also with cars. In recent years, the world car market has been developing a flowering of entry-level demand. At the moment, in the car market there is a race of manufacturers for buyers, who began to save more due to the global economic situation. To prevent many buyers from shifting their attention to the brands of competitors, many premium brands have begun to produce more compact luxury SUVs as an alternative to more expensive large luxury crossovers.

Surprisingly, contrary to forecasts, these began to be in good demand. The thing is that automakers calculated in time that many people, due to financial problems, would not be able to afford full-size luxury cars, due to their high cost. But many of us dream of premium brands, and that is why there is a big demand for small luxury cars.

The most surprising thing is that literally, in just a few years, the segment of this type has been replenished with many new models. These are amazing subcompact turbocharged premium crossovers. As well as in "big brothers" in these machines, luxurious trim is available, various active safety systems are available and of course the cost of ownership of such machines is also increased.

As a rule, in many test drives, European expensive crossovers are distinguished by their brilliance and charm. Traditionally, for a long time it was believed that among all compact premium crossovers,. But according to the results of long test drives of premium crossovers by the world-famous magazine " consumer reports"It turned out that the x3 lost its palm in this class of cars, leaving behind the new Porsche Macan and Lincoln MKC models.

We offer you detailed comparison results of such expensive compact crossovers:, BMW X3 and MKC, as well as a theoretical comparison of these cars with such models, and which will also soon undergo a long test drive by the magazine's specialists.

Porsche Macan S: The most unusual crossover in recent years

Many consider this model as an off-road version of the 911 model. So Makan offers increased ground clearance and a large trunk volume. In the basic configuration, the car has 340 hp, which are achieved thanks to a turbocharged six-cylinder engine. Acceleration from 0-100 km / h is 6.4 seconds.

As a rule, in this class of cars, manufacturers try not to equip cars with a large number of "sport gadgets". But sitting behind the wheel, it will give even the most experienced driver a true sense of sports drive. The all-wheel drive system in its behavior hints at the possibility of taking part in sports races. But when testing for maneuverability, experts noted that the car in this regard lacks responsiveness. So, what dreams are dreams, but the car, of course, is not suitable for performing in sports competitions.

The interior of the SUV, of course, is not the same as that of the "big brother" (), but, nevertheless, it has elements of luxury. The interior of the car is very comfortable and favorable. If you travel alone or a maximum of two, then the car is perfect for everyday trips. But if you want to comfortably carry more than three or four people in a car, then it is better to buy a Cayenne.

BMW X3: German expressionism

In the basic version, the car is equipped with a turbocharged frisky four-cylinder engine, which surprisingly consumes not so much fuel (10.2l / 100km - in the combined cycle). But unlike Macan new model x3 on Idling has a not very pleasant sound of the motor, which somehow strangely "rings".

The suspension in the X3 also gave experts mixed feelings, especially on rough roads. But, despite this, the car meets many parameters of the luxury class. So the door openings are wide enough, which allows you to get into the car with comfort. Salon and interior has a high-quality finish and generally meets all. But even here it was not without criticism. The experts noted that the driver's landing in any position of the seat is somewhat uncomfortable (the driver hunches over).

Also, many of the controls are awkward and confusing to use. But this is not surprising, since German engineers have long had a peculiar view of ergonomics. But, in general, we believe that, of course, it’s not worth nitpicking this model, since this crossover looks much more advantageous against the background of many competitors, but of course the Porsche Macan still loses in many ways.

Lincoln ISS: Simple adequacy

Thankfully, Lincoln has moved on from the obscure styling of the first generation MKC. The new generation turned out to be much more interesting and stylish. The company's goal was to create a more luxurious model in order to be as competitive as possible in this segment. The power of the car turned out to be impressive - 285 hp. And this is on a four-cylinder engine.

Acceleration to hundreds turned out at the same level as that of competitors. Average fuel consumption is 12.8l/100km. The car is equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission. True, the car does not give 100 percent comfort while driving.

Contrary to expectations, fashionable adaptive hard suspension and unstable. But, nevertheless, it is still a luxury SUV that has expensive sound insulation and luxurious interior trim.

True, like that, the driver's seat is not very convenient and comfortable, due to the special fit. In the segment of luxury small crossovers, this car does not particularly outperform many competitors, but, nevertheless, can compete freely and adequately with other similar models.

Best Small Luxury Crossover

Porsche Macan is of course the best in this comparison. But due to the increase in car prices that has been observed in recent months, the Macan may soon leave this segment of luxurious, not very expensive premium crossovers. Yes, of course, the X3 loses to Porsche, but, nevertheless, this model is ready to offer luxury, dynamics, control and a more affordable price, unlike Porsche.

It is a pity, of course, that the company, even as an additional option, does not offer the buyer the opportunity to equip the car with a rear-view camera, which is now being robbed of economy class cars.

The X3 competes directly with the Q5, which has a luxurious interior, good engines and optimally tuned suspension, which makes it comfortable and convenient.

Another competitor is the GLK, which can make your driving experience an adrenaline-pumping adventure (model with 3.5 liter V6 engine).

But in this model there is a minus - it's not a big trunk (even with the rear seats folded down).

If there are practically no complaints about the interior trim, then there are many questions about the suspension (tough and unpredictable). theoretically it is a competitor to the BMW X3, Porsche Macan and ISS, but it was not directly compared in the test, due to the too low body height.

Alternative

For those who do not have enough money for a BMW, Lincoln or Porsche, but still want to buy a luxury crossover, you can consider (worth 1.9 million rubles), which for this money has no poor finish interior and low fuel consumption (10.8 l / 100 km). And this is taking into account the fact that the car is based on the Honda CR-V. The RDX is available with a 273 hp six-cylinder engine.

This luxury car is a great alternative to more expensive competitors. Although it is worth recognizing that, nevertheless, many of the "gadgets" that the above-described premium brands have will be absent in this car.

There are also cheaper options to purchase crossovers from premium segment. This and . True, Infiniti is based on an old small platform, which is why the inside of the car is very crowded. And although its power is 325 hp, fuel consumption is very high today.

More useful is the Tiguan with its responsive steering, which gives confidence while driving. Moreover, its performance surpasses many more expensive luxury SUVs. Plus, the interior trim resembles the style of Audi (very similar). So, why not save money and buy a Tiguan?

The most luxurious crossovers since Porsche

Considering such qualitative characteristics as the quality of management, ride and level (style) of trim, we can say that the Audi Q5, BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLK occupy the highest places in this segment. All three cars are ready to isolate the driver from road imperfections and bumps, thanks to good suspensions that are tuned almost exactly the same as in large SUVs these brands.

The luxurious minimalism of German interior design makes you feel confident and comfortable. In all models, the quality of materials is not satisfactory. All finishing materials are pleasant to the touch. True, in all three cars there are not very convenient controls.

It is also worth noting that in all three German, the level of sound insulation corresponds to large luxury SUVs.

Road noise and wind are successfully absorbed soundproofing materials, which is very surprising in view of the fact that small body machine was not very easy to install a large number of insulating materials.

According to the number of possible variations and additional options German cars always had a variety of choices. Any of these crossovers can be custom made with royal luxury finishes. The clear champion in this is of course Audi with the Q5 model, which offers the buyer a modernist aesthetic design.

Soon

Very soon, the market will become very crowded (already becoming after the official start of sales), when a new luxurious one, which is based on, but radically considered a completely different car, will be sold massively around the world. In the basic configuration, the car is equipped with a 2.0 liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine with a capacity of 235 hp.

This car is for those who are looking for Not big crossover as an alternative to the Lexus RX. It should be noted that the NX model is more sporty and more stylish. In this model, everything is inspired fashion trends in automotive design. But because of this, the volume of the luggage compartment is reduced in the car, since in a luxury car there should be much more space than in a cheaper segment.

Also, literally on the heels. Despite the fact that this is still a slightly different category, they will still be able to compete indirectly. After all, for sure, many buyers will pay attention to these small cars.

Volvo XC90 D5 AWD Inscription

Power 225 hp, Acceleration 0-100 km / h 7.8 s, Price from 4,907,700 rubles.

Audi Q7 3.0TFSI quattro

Power 333 hp, Acceleration 0-100 km / h in 6.1 s, Price from 5,121,275 rubles.

Power 249 hp, Acceleration 0-100 km / h in 7.1 s, Price from 5,320,258 rubles.

Range Rover Sport SDV8

Power 339 hp, Acceleration 0-100 km / h in 6.9 s, Price from 5,896,005 rubles.

BMW X5 xDrive 40d

Power 313 hp, Acceleration 0-100 km / h 5.9 s, Price from 6,495,350 rubles.

Volvo XC90 D5 AWD Inscription

Audi Q7 3.0TFSI quattro

Mercedes-Benz GLE 350 D 4MATIC

range rover Sport SDV8

BMW X5 xDrive 40d

Audi Q7, BMW X5, MB GLE 350 D, Volvo XC90 D5, RR Sport SDV8

Full size SUV premium brand for many, it is a cherished consumer dream. And for many, this dream, alas, remains unrealizable. We believe that dreams should come true, and we collected five cars at one time and in one place at once - one is better than the other. Or not better? Now let's figure it out!

Text by Vasily Ostrovsky, photo by Artem Popovich

All cars are up-to-date. The “oldest” is the Range Rover Sport: its sales began in the summer of 2013. BMW X5 appeared at the end of the same year, while Volvo XC90, Audi Q7 and Mercedes-Benz GLE came to Russia quite recently.

Frankly, comparing similar cars is more of an academic interest than a practical one. Speaking about such a format as an expensive SUV of noble origin, one has to take into account not only the "physical" parameters of the car, but its "spiritual" qualities. It is hard to imagine that a person who was thinking of getting behind the wheel of a Mercedes would be able to prefer the blue-and-white propeller of a car with a different ideology to his starry dream. And the Angloman is unlikely to covet the Teutonic technology: in his view, the only better "Range" can be an even more expensive "Range".

But "Audi" and "Volvo" stand somewhat apart. However, the Q7 was a status thing before, while the XC90 has only now risen to the level of other cars, having risen significantly in price compared to its predecessor. Well, the more interesting will be our observations.

Audi Q7 3.0TFSI quattro

Nearly ten years have passed between the premieres of two generations of Q7 - a period by today's standards is almost prohibitive. The new “Ku” differs strikingly from the old one: if the previous car seemed to be a rounded heffalump, now the “Audi” has sharpened its edges and ... ceased to look like an SUV. But a large crossover simply has to be impressive!

Impressions from the salon are also ambiguous. The first rating is cool. The climate control knobs are interestingly executed, on which the temperature and operating mode are displayed. Nicely done black wood inserts with a matte texture and subtle stripes.

Fully digital devices are also impressive: the graphics are perfectly worked out, and the functionality is the highest. However, the last feature is a double-edged sword: an excess of readings on the display significantly complicates perception. And I was also very surprised by the orientation of the dashboard: it does not face the driver’s organs of vision, but seems to be tilted down. You get used to it over time, but the question “why?” still remains.

SUV? More like a big station wagon. Very big! And yet - solid, strict, comfortable. Behind the wheel of this car you experience a feeling of confidence and invulnerability. The perfect finish, the right handling and the powerful acceleration of the petrol V6. There is almost more space on the back sofa than you need! And everything is fine in front: comfortable seats, a beautiful and, in principle, understandable interface. What is there to complain about at all? But I would prefer the diesel version, even at the expense of dynamics. Then for me Q7 would definitely be a good option.

When the car is unlocked, bright white stripes flash on the front panel and doors, which change to red after a while. Effectively! I liked this performance, but not all experts appreciated such beauty, finding it annoyingly intrusive.

However, when it came to the convenience of managing the multimedia interface, there were no disagreements: the Germans did something crazy. The touchpad burdened with buttons, combined with a round controller and selection keys for various menu sections, blow your mind. In addition, the volume knob is located away from the useless touchpad and also made swinging. As a result, adjusting the volume is more convenient for the passenger than for the driver. Woe from the mind!

Audi like it soft suspension: the car in some incomprehensible way passes even large irregularities without shaking the wheels and without rocking the body. Yes, and the trunk is large, besides, its volume can be adjusted not only by unfolding the back row, but simply by moving its individual parts back and forth. However, no matter how hard I tried, I could not find a common language with the ingenious on-board system: the heap of controls on the central tunnel horrified me. This is some kind of ergonomic bacchanalia, by golly! I didn’t like the screen instead of the dashboard: it’s not easy to figure out the numerous numbers, and besides, it remained an unsolvable mystery for me why it was installed with a downward slope.

Our copy was in a strange configuration: with rather expensive options like a Bang & Olufsen audio system, the car was deprived of memory for the front seats and climate control for sofa passengers. Steering column was not electrified at all - as, indeed, on the Volvo. Nevertheless, there are no complaints about the chairs - the adjustment ranges are more than sufficient. The rear seats are also adjustable: individual parts of the sofa can be moved longitudinally and the back can be tilted over a very wide range. In terms of space and ease of entry / exit, Audi is unrivaled.

The armrest is divided into two equal parts,

each of which is adjustable in length. At the same time, the “warehouse” itself in its bowels is extremely modest in volume.

The touchpad does not live up to expectations:

the driver wants to use it as a means of navigating through the menu, but it is only suitable for “fingerprint” input, which is rarely used

Very comfortable steering wheel

in places of grip trimmed with delicate perforated leather. A separate joy is a special button for adjusting the volume of the navigation system

Of the five cars, only the Q7 was equipped with 333 hp. gasoline engine and was inferior in power exclusively to the Range. With dynamics, of course, the crossover has everything in perfect order. And the most vivid impression was left by the smoothness of the “Ku-seventh”. More comfortable suspension, I do not remember! The crossover destroys small irregularities completely, and reduces large ones to frivolous sizes. It can drive on speed bumps without slowing down at all. Great!

But the handling of the car alerted. On the one hand, the "German" demonstrates an excellent grip in corners - on the other hand, it does not at all seek to put reliable information into the hands of the driver regarding the angle of rotation of the wheels: a light steering wheel does not have sufficient information content, and you have to get into a turn almost at random.

As for cross-country ability, Audi is not strong in this discipline, even despite the presence of an air suspension with the possibility of changing the clearance: long wheelbase and large overhangs are not the best help on the road.

BMW X5 xDrive 40D

At the end of the last century in Munich, they proved to the whole world that an SUV can have the habits of a sports car: having appeared in 1999, the X5 became the most driver-driven crossover (three more years remained before the Cayenne appeared). And now "X-fifth" still provokes to ride "with a stick held high." Another thing is that, compared with its predecessor, the E70, the current car of the F15 series has become much more comfortable: excellent ride is the main acquisition of the X5.

Like Mercedes, the Bavarian crossover professes loyalty to tradition: from the point of view of the Boomer driver, everything in the cabin is in its place. However, the key difference between Munich traditionalism and Stuttgart traditionalism is that from the point of view of a normal person in BMW there are no problems with ergonomics. With each new generation of "X-fifth" is becoming more and more saturated with electronics, but its high density per square meter of the car does not conflict with ease of use - with the exception of navigation, which is categorically inconvenient to control through a round controller. Eh, here would be a normal human touchscreen ...

“Ha-fifth” is a certain history and image. He is like a noble horse who dreams of breaking into a gallop. But what is the boredom in the cabin? This is a crossover from the premium segment! Where is the deliberate luxury, which is generously endowed by the closest competitors? It seems that everything is with him - "both skin and mug." And yet, as if something is missing - some kind of deliberate gloss, or something ... But the trunk with a separate door is a convenient thing. If we ignore the specific image of the "boomer", then the bottom line will be universal, but devilishly fast car, well suited to the needs of an adult couple with a couple of small children, who will be comfortable on the not too spacious rear sofa.

Against the background of competitors, the interior of the X-Fifth may even seem slightly conservative: despite the fact that the multimedia interface is endowed with fairly extensive powers, the main functions are still hung on familiar buttons. Of the inconveniences, it is worth noting the non-fixed paddle switches (only a person with well-developed intuition is able to determine in which mode the wipers work) and the same joystick of the machine.

The front seats at BMW masterpiece - without exaggeration. In addition to a million different customary adjustments, the front seats also “break” in half, the backrest: the angle of inclination of its upper part can be set separately. In general, the chair can be easily adjusted to any, even the most non-standard figure. Bravo!

BMW seemed to me too twitchy: it accelerates in jumps and slows down too sharply - the brake pedal turned out to be too sensitive. I also didn’t like the fact that the thresholds are not protected from dirt in any way - in this sense, Audi and Range Rover are preferable. But there are no problems with smooth running. And I was also surprised by the lack of air suspension with clearance adjustment: it seems to me that in this class and for this money it should be mandatory equipment.

The Bavarians have been equipping their expensive cars with head-up displays for a long time, and the X5 is no exception. It is impeccable in terms of the quality of information presentation: a clear color image seems to hover above the road. Volvo also has a HUD, but the Swedes have a simpler implementation.

Ambient interior lighting

allows you to select the color of the illumination at the discretion of the driver - this function is dedicated to the corresponding item in the on-board system menu

Double armrest

opens access to the box on the central tunnel, in which a significant part of the volume was pulled over by a shelf under mobile phone. By the way, BMW supports simultaneous connection of two phones.

The most concise dashboard

provides clear perception of the most important information. In addition, some data is displayed on projection display

X5 is not shy about flaunting his athletic skills

Despite the fact that the current "X-fifth" has slightly settled down, changing the rigidity of the ride to smoothness, he still does not hesitate to flaunt his sports skills - especially the modification with a 313-horsepower diesel engine, revitalized by a pair of hefty turbines. The motor is crazy! And the box suits him very well: the gears change each other quickly, but smoothly.

The steering wheel is clear, sharp - and at the same time not annoying with excessive nervousness. Sports mode seemed like a thing narrow application: light, unobtrusive imposingness goes away, leaving a bunch of nerves exposed - for each press of the gas, the car jerks too actively forward, sometimes forcing to slow down. The brakes of the X5, by the way, are also very sensitive - you have to get used to this feature of them.

From the point of view of cross-country ability, BMW is definitely inferior to the leaders: despite a decent ground clearance and a well-functioning imitation of differential locks, the X5 lacks both a lowering row and air suspension with variable clearance.

Mercedes-Benz GLE 350d 4MATIC

Normally, the GLE is considered a new model, but in fact, the Mercedes became the oldest participant in our test: in fact, this is the third generation ML, restyled.

The interior during the modernization did not change too much: instead of the display built into the front panel, a “tablet” grew up on it, a new steering wheel appeared, and a small wheel for browsing the on-board system menu gave way to a massive controller with a touch panel hanging over it.

Mercedes Seems like a perfectly balanced car

The Swabians by inertia exploit the left steering column switch, tortured by many functions, to which it takes a long time to adapt if this is your first Mercedes. It is impossible to quickly get used to the fact that the wipers turn on to the left of the steering wheel, and not to the right. But to the selector "machine", which sticks out of the steering column in place of the lever for the wipers, you adapt instantly. When I switched to a BMW after the Mercedes, instead of driving off, I cleaned the windshield.

Mercedes is a special brand for me: since childhood, I have had a weakness for cars with a three-pointed star. Salon GLE like a cozy office, from which you do not want to leave. Everything here is solid, almost conservative - and at the same time modern, respectable and aristocratic. There are no comments on driving performance either - they are polished to a shine. And the brand speaks for itself: the word "Mercedes" does not need to be explained to anyone. True, I don't like new system designations - it is now almost impossible to distinguish one SUV from another by ear.

The front seats of our GLE were electrified to the max. Their management is traditionally placed on the door, however, there are buttons in the bases of the seats - in particular, they regulate the lumbar support. By the way, a curious feature: as the seats move back, their head restraints automatically rise - in my opinion, this is absolutely logical.

It's amazing that other manufacturers haven't thought of doing this yet. No less strange is the fact that for some reason the Mercedes did not use the seat to facilitate the driver's landing: when the ignition is turned off, only the steering wheel moves off.

In terms of space on the couch, Mercedes is inferior to Audi and Volvo, but outperforms BMW and Range. There are no inconveniences with entry and exit, although there is still a chance to get your trousers dirty - the doors do not protect the thresholds from dirt.

Of all the five cars, it is Mercedes that gives the impression of the most solid car. Everything is emphasized well in it: noble appearance, comfortable interior, and roomy trunk. True, with multimedia, it seems to me, the Germans themselves were too clever: the touch panel on the central tunnel is clearly superfluous here. But the picture on the screen is good: the image quality is extremely clear, and the font is large enough - no problems with the perception of information. And the work of the all-round visibility system is completely beyond praise! I also liked the fact that for the GLE you can order a transfer case with a reduction gear: with its help, pulling a trailer with a boat out of the water is a couple of trifles. Still, other things being equal, I would have preferred the larger GL - purely because of its size.

In terms of cargo transportation, the GLE's interior is well-cut. And although the pillows and the back row of the back row have to be folded separately, lowering the head restraints to the lower position, but such an operation leads to the formation of an absolutely flat floor.

Easiest audio control

due to the fact that the driver has the opportunity to choose the way to interact with it - through the menu of the multimedia interface, the keys on the steering wheel or the buttons on the center console

Cool all-round visibility with a clear picture,

which forms a quartet of cameras, is a great working tool: driving in reverse, guided solely by the display, is a breeze in a Mercedes

The light skin of the interior turned out to be too brand:

quite still new car with less than a thousand kilometers, it has already acquired a distinct blue tint

The steering column bristles with many levers -

three on the left and one on the right. However, if you get used to the “automatic” selector rather quickly, then the branded multifunctional lever with turn signals and wipers is not so easy to master.

The three-liter diesel that animated the GLE 350 d is neatly inscribed in the “tax” 249 forces (in Europe, the same engine produces 258 hp) and is equipped with a 9-speed “automatic”. Such a tandem works great: speeding up is fast, but Mercedes-like smoothly. Noise isolation is worked out in the most thorough way, the suspension is excellently trained - the ride is good even in sport mode. Mercedes generally left the impression of a perfectly balanced car.

Yes, he is almost sterile in sensations - there is not a single comment on his behavior! At the same time, the language does not turn boring to call the crossover from Stuttgart - GLE seems to be a very lively and mobile organism. His character is deliberately even, but this is precisely the charm of this car: it is felt to everything that behind such a restrained behavior is a grandiose engineering work.

As for the off-road qualities of the Mercedes, off-road it will yield only to the Range, and even then only a little: in the arsenal of the GLE 350 d, supplemented by the Offroad package, coupled with air suspension, there is a reduction gear, a forced locking of the central differential and an adjustable ground clearance, the maximum value of which reaches 285 mm.

Range Rover Sport SDV8

Generations was made from Discovery, then its successor is built on common platform with a big Range. During the reincarnation, the RRS became four hundred kg lighter and acquired new engines - in particular, a 4.4-liter turbodiesel, which was just under the hood of our car. Such a powerful "dviglo" and the tank will drag away effortlessly - not like an SUV! In response to pressing the accelerator pedal, Sport, slightly squatting on the rear axle, goes on the offensive on the space under the guttural rumble of the diesel G8. And although the Range will yield to both BMW and Audi in drag, the acceleration impressions are still very strong: you immediately feel like you are in a big and heavy, but at the same time incredibly fast car that generates a feeling of total superiority over other road users.

This illusion is also fed by a high seating position - you look at your neighbors in the stream from above. It provides good visibility, but complicates access to the car: you don’t sit down in the Range and don’t even enter, but go up. It will be more difficult for short people to jump into the salon than for taller than average people. And the process of landing on the front passenger seat of a girl in a tight skirt turns into a strip show!

I didn't really like the former "Sport" - for all the pathos, it seemed rustic. Here is the new "Range" - another matter! He is handsome and elegant, although he looks impressive and menacing. By organization inner space The “British” is somewhat similar to a BMW - for example, in the back row I don’t have enough space with my height, and it’s inconvenient to sit there - the beveled body pillar interferes. In terms of handling, it is inferior to the Bavarian crossover - but it is clearly capable of off-road feats, which I personally will hardly ever be able to do.

The British SUV compensates for the inconvenience of landing with a full-fledged comfort access system and thresholds that always remain clean - they are completely closed by doors with seals.

It’s also not easy for the rear passengers of the Range: in addition to being high above the ground, entry-exit is complicated by a protruding wheel arch and a strongly inclined body pillar. Yes, and there is less legroom than in other cars, although more than in BMW. And here is the largest armrest, which also contains the entertainment system control panel - each passenger is supposed to have a monitor and a set of headphones.

I liked the English car more than the others. If you do not pay attention to some inconveniences like difficulties with turning on the heated seats, then the Range captivates with the convenience of landing. The steering wheel and seat move off, making it easier to get out, and the thresholds are protected from dirt by doors. And what a motor! It not only makes a large car quickly pick up speed, but also has an exorbitantly low fuel consumption. I'm only concerned about reliability issues.

Life is easier in the front row. However, there are specifics here as well. So, for example, seat heating and ventilation can only be activated using the touch screen. multimedia system, although you immediately get to the desired menu item - by pressing a special button on the center console. By the way, only in the "Range" can you separately heat or cool the back or seat cushion by pressing the desired zone on the seat diagram on the display with your finger.

Unfortunately, the RRS was released without waiting for the new multimedia system that debuted on the Jaguar XE: the old one is characterized by primitive graphics that clearly do not correspond to the status of the car. I also didn't like working with USB drives: the system does not recognize all flash drives and refuses to play individual tracks for unknown reasons.

In general, the interior of the "British" makes an exceptionally pleasant impression - first-class leather is adjacent to polished aluminum and plastic that is pleasant to the touch.

Split Image Display

is considered a signature feature of British cars: the driver and front passenger see a different picture at the same time

Non-fixed gear selector

quite understandable to use, however a brilliant washer. which controls the machine on other "Ranges", looks more stylish, and in terms of ease of use, it is even preferable to the joystick

Displays with legacy graphics –

this is the main problem with Range Rover multimedia devices. However, the virtual dashboard can be abandoned in favor of conventional analog instruments.

Comfort Access

on british car greatly facilitates the process of placing behind the wheel: the steering wheel rises and is pressed against the front panel, and the seat moves back

The trunk of this "Range" - apparently because it is "Sport" - is not made perfectly. Firstly, a significant loading height complicates the placement of heavy luggage. Secondly, if you fold the rear sofa, you won’t get a flat floor. Thirdly, remove the heavy full size spare tire only a person with good physical training can.

Despite the powerful engine, Sport does not have to drive on race tracks, although it is able to go fast: cruising speed far beyond the "hundred" for him - in the order of things. The ride is not bad, but when driving through more or less large irregularities, an understanding comes of how massive the wheels of an SUV are: vibrations unsprung masses feel better than you would like.

But in terms of cross-country ability, the Range has no equal! The suspension is impressively articulated, and air bellows allow the body to be raised above the ground up to a record 335 mm. Also in the list of off-road virtues, the “British” has a razdatka with a lowering, as well as a forced locking of the central and rear differentials.

Volvo XC90 D5 AWD Inscription

Like the Audi Q7 flagship crossover Volvo was delayed at the start: the first generation XC90 gave way to its successor only in the twelfth year of life. However, the expectation of a new car was worth it - the "ninetieth" was a success!

Both gasoline and diesel engines, which are equipped with the XC90, have the same configuration: two liters, four cylinders plus supercharging varying degrees impudence.

Volvo looks discreetly in Scandinavian style, but at the same time it is modern and absolutely recognizable. Solid symbolism: the sign of Mars flaunts on the grille, and the headlights are decorated with Thor's hammer - a T-shaped LED running lights should be interpreted in this way. The only pity is that the Swedes, for some reason, did not cover the thresholds with doors: when landing, it is easy to get your pants dirty due to inattention.

The appearance of the Swedish car seems boring to me. But inside, the second-generation crossover surprised not only with highly artistic interior design, but also with its convenience: everything is here for a person. Yes, and the “tablet” on the center console is quite appropriate here, especially since it is controlled by touch, and not by abstruse twists and turns. What a great audio system! It’s a pity that Volvo has risen in price so much: if the new XC90 cost the same as the old one, it would definitely become a hit!

Once inside the Volvo, you immediately relax, feeling the very “atmosphere of well-being” that the designers have so carefully saturated the interior with. The inner world of the XC90 is made with great taste and is full of grace. What is it worth interior decoration doors: sculptural surface, combination of textures, colors, smooth lines of joining materials make it a work of art. Separate elements that are presented as branded chips do not look far-fetched: faceted “jewelry” for starting the engine and selecting driving modes is not only functional, but also convenient to use. In any case, the quality of the XC90 finish is in no way inferior to German and British cars. The only concern is lacquered black plastic, from which the buttons on the spokes of the steering wheel and door panel are made, framing the climate control vents and the display on the center console. All this looks fashionable, but in fact it turns out to be easily soiled.

By the way, about the display: a vertically oriented touch pad with Sensus interface, which Mitsubishi Electric specialists pored over, has good graphics and sufficient speed. Understanding the menu turned out to be easier than it seemed, since the on-board system does not suffer from the lack of logic. But the virtual instruments did not impress - after talking with Audi, the feeling that the Swedes have mastered only a small part of the potential of such a dashboard does not leave.