GLB/XC40/X3/Q5 which one is best?

[Onlyrainbows]

Finally convinced my DH that having the SUV I'd like/want is more important than having a 7 seater. In your experience which one of those is best? Mostly for carrying a load of 5 plus a dog. For reference I've owned a countryman and a discovery sport and I prefer the countryman's "fun ride".

I don't think many MNetters will have driven all of the cars you mention so they won't be in a position to comment. It may be more sensible to look at the reviews - there are plenty on line.

Pragmatically you will need to test drive them and it will come down to which garage provides the best service and can provide a car to the spec you like in the shortest time frame and for the best price.

Of your preferences I might have liked the XC40 but the volvo dealer was a schlep so I bought a CRV from a very local dealer and it ticks all my boxes and the staff were really helpful.

To be fair previously I had a 7 seater whilst the DC were at school and don't think I'd have managed with less than that when doing sports pick-ups, etc., there was enough space for the lads to get their cleans on in the car after training etc.

I’ve got an x3

If you’ve got tall children (one of mine is 6’)
the space in the back is incredible - I actually prefer sitting in the back on the longer journeys because it’s just so roomy

For reference the DC are 16, 12, 9, and 2. the eldest two are starting to live their lives fairly independently from ours, and don't do any after school clubs. I might consider getting a second dog. We don't drive that many miles and on most days only drive around 10mi.

Well they're slightly different things. The Q5 and X3 are larger cars. The XC40 is a class down in size (Audi/BMW equivalents would be the Q3 and X1).

The GLB is an odd thing; a compact seven seater. Not dissimilar to the Disco Sport in concept.

So if seven seats is handy, even occasionally, the GLB might give you that extra flexibility. 'Tis a funny looking thing though (someone on our street has one).

I like the XC40 a lot but I wouldn't have one for a family of five -- too small. Better of with an XC60 or a V60 if you're looking at Volvo.

To be honest, there's no better or worse with these cars. They're all designed and executed to do pretty much the same thing, and appeal to the same sorts of people. They will all be premium feeling, reasonably refined to be in, and expensive to service and fix if anything goes wrong. You can't really make a genuinely bad choice here so it comes down to personal opinion, and for that you really need to go and look at them and test-drive.

As Roses says convenience to the dealership for servicing might actually be a useful factor to consider.

We don't drive that many miles and on most days only drive around 10mi.

Can you consider electric? An ICE car will barely get warmed up only doing 10 miles a day, which isn't good for the engine.

I've considered an electric, but I don't think there are that many premium SUVs? I know there are PHEVs or the electric countryman which I would consider again, but I'd like to have a different car from what I've owned before.

Taking into account the ages of your DC in a year or three you are likely to be doing uni runs and unless only you and the uni child go, you are likely to be accompanied by younger DC and there may not be space in these cars for passengers and stuff.

Are you talking purchase or contract? I am assuming contract as your mileage is so low?

You have 4 children. How will you fit 4 DC and your DH into an SUV? I'm assuming there is also a bigger family car? I probably can't add much as I think of cars as practical necessities that are depreciating assets.

If you want to test drive electric I’d recommend trying the BMW iX. It’s a bit bigger than an X3 (it’s X5 sized) but fun to drive & certainly luxurious.

Lead times were a bit crazy but are coming down.

We test drove the xc40, x3 and q5, for a variety of reasons preferred the xc40 but we actually bought the xc60 as we found the xc40 too small in the boot and back seats.
Very pleased with it.

We rarely drive all together. In the past 6 months it's only been 4 times. Which is why we're not considering a 7 seater anymore. Leasing is the most likely option.

Thanks happy that's really helpful