Land Rover Range Rover Sport

Autocar India

•5w

The Land Rover Range Rover Sport would be a good switch from the Defender. Where the Defender has rugged appeal, the Range Rover Sport is properly posh. The classy design stands out, and the minimalist interior has a very different vibe from the Defender.Other alternatives include the BMW X7 and Mercedes-Benz GLS. Further up the price ladder, there's the Mercedes-Maybach GLS and Range Rover.The Mercedes-Benz G-Class and Lexus LX are also big on price and presence, but are not as comfortable as the options listed above.

Land Rover Range Rover Sport

Autocar India

•10w

While the Mercedes-Benz GLS and BMW X7 are spacious, practical and big on road presence, since you will just be driving yourself on weekends, their added size holds no value and simply makes them more cumbersome. As such, we'd recommend the Range Rover Sport, which has the added benefit of greater snob value than the Merc or BMW. Both its straight-six engines - petrol and diesel - are powerful and refined; in fact, they sound really nice.And though this is a big car for a five-seater, it's reasonably fun to drive. Additionally, consider the Porsche Cayenne, which, though not quite as big and imposing as the Range Rover, is even more fun to drive.

Land Rover Range Rover Sport

BMW X7

Mercedes-Benz GLS

Porsche Cayenne

Autocar India

•20w

The Range Rover Sport is the one I’d steer you towards. While all three SUVs are highly capable and deliver the luxury and performance you’d expect at this price point, the Range Rover Sport stands apart in a few key areas. Its design has an undeniable sense of occasion - understated yet distinctive - and it carries a level of road presence the German SUVs can’t quite match. The cabin feels properly special too, with exquisite materials, a minimalist layout and a plushness that immediately sets it apart.Out on the road, the Range Rover Sport blends performance and comfort exceptionally well. The ride quality is superb, gliding over bad patches with an effortlessness that makes long journeys genuinely relaxing.Yes, the Mercedes-Benz GLS and BMW X7 are both extremely competent and offer more seats and practicality, but they lack the sense of class and emotional appeal that the Range Rover delivers so naturally.If your priority is an SUV that not only performs but also feels luxurious, distinctive and a cut above in terms of desirability, the Range Rover Sport is the clear choice.

Land Rover Range Rover Sport

Mercedes-Benz GLS

BMW X7

Autocar India

•19w

The Land Rover Defender hasn't undergone any mechanical changes since its launch, so it is unlikely its ride comfort will be any different from what you experienced. With large SUVs like these, as I'm sure you know from your X5, wheel size and suspension choice also have a huge bearing. Air-suspended Defenders ride significantly better than steel-sprung ones in our experience, so make sure you have tried both before making your decision. It isn't particularly sporty, though, and if that is what you're after, you might want to consider moving a bit higher up and checking out the Audi Q8, Porsche Cayenne or Range Rover Sport.

Audi Q8

Land Rover Defender

Porsche Cayenne

Land Rover Range Rover Sport

Autocar India

•5w

There are plenty of options to choose from - including your Range Rover Sport - which is good to drive and be driven in. However, since you already have one of those in the household, why not consider something different? Cars like the Mercedes GLE and BMW X5 are good options, but since her travel is primarily in the city, an interesting and often overlooked option is the Lexus RX. Unlike her Volvo, this is a strong hybrid, not a PHEV, so there's no need to plug it in to keep the battery topped up. It's also quite enjoyable to drive, offering a serene rear-seat experience when she is chauffeur-driven. Plus, Lexus's uniquely Japanese take on luxury is unlike any other in the segment and would feel like a meaningful change from the Volvo. As a strong hybrid, running costs will be very low, which is a bonus.

Land Rover Range Rover Sport

Mercedes-Benz GLE

BMW X5