Luxury SUVs: Audi Q7 v Lexus RX

Here, we’re pitching together two luxury SUVs that, in years gone by, would have deserved any gas-guzzler insults thrown their way. But not any more: both can average more than 40mpg, even in True MPG real-world testing, and one of them combines this with claimed CO2 emissions of just 127g/km. That’s less than a Honda Civic.

Both cost around £50,000, but which is the best solution – the diesel engine of the Audi Q7, or the petrol-electric hybrid of the Lexus RX 450h? In terms of bald power, the Lexus has it in the bag: a combined 308bhp compares with the Audi’s 215bhp. But surprisingly, the 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel Q7 is actually faster than the 3.5-litre V6 petrol-electric RX – by almost a second in the 0-62mph run alone.

It’s also much more refined. Acceleration is near-silent; in the Lexus, pressing the accelerator elicits a sudden roar from the engine right until you reach your intended speed. It’s not an unpleasant noise, but it is a contrast to the silence of the Audi. Our test Q7 was fitted with optional air suspension, which delivered a smoother ride than the RX, and its handling was also calmer and more direct – although neither is particularly exciting here.

You’ll be pleased to have the engine’s greater pulling power of the Audi considering its interior practicality: it has seven seats, instead of the Lexus’ five. They’re surprisingly accommodating as well, making it the obvious choice for families – particularly as the Q7 is the larger car overall, with by far the largest boot (when those third-row seats are folded, that is).

Both models are well finished inside, with the Q7 again having the edge over the Lexus. It’s more like a luxury car in there. While both have sat nav, DAB, Bluetooth and a powerful sound system, the Audi’s system is much easier to use than the Lexus’ fiddly setup: instead of a rotary master controller, it has a sort of joystick you use to control a mouse pointer around a large colour screen. It’s extremely hard to use on the move.

The Audi’s advantage is less all-encompassing when it comes to costs. Sure, in terms of list price, it beats the Lexus: it costs less than £49,500, whereas the RX is priced at over £51,500. Retained values are better and both servicing and insurance are cheaper. There’s an enormous difference in PCP costs as well: if you deal-match, you’ll pay £608 for the Audi and £782 for the Lexus per month.

However, while private buyers will prefer the Q7, company car drivers will find the Lexus more beneficial. Its lower-CO2, petrol-powered engine will cost a 40% taxpayer a whopping £111 a month less in benefit-in-kind payments. The Audi’s contract hire rate is only £27 a month less than the Lexus too – for fleet drivers, it’s an obvious choice.

Both cars are extremely well equipped with lavish kit levels such as heated seats, climate control and comprehensive safety systems. The Lexus adds things such as LED headlights, adaptive cruise control and ventilated front seats – and it’s a pity the Q7 doesn’t have a reversing camera as standard.