The Best SUV’s This Autumn: Electric vs Hybrid vs Combustion

The impending combustion engine ban coming in 2030 may bring about the biggest change to the motoring landscape in over 100 years, but it also means if you are looking to purchase a new car right now there is more variety and choice than ever before. Switching to electric only cars may mean that we may have to change the way we drive, the approach to certain journeys we take and the way we ensure our cars continue to be refuelled, however, right now it allows those looking to purchase a new car a chance to weigh up the benefits of more models, manufacturers and type of power that suits them the best.

With the Autumnal weather settling in, the demand for SUV’s increases greatly at this time of year and the variety of SUV options on offer in today’s market is greater than ever. But if you’re looking for an SUV this autumn, which are the best for sale in each category and how do the combustion engine versions compare to the electric powered comparison, as well as those hybrid powered if you’re not ready to commit either way just yet. Here is our list of the best SUV’s for sale this Autumn:

Luxury

Electric: Mercedes-Maybach EQS

Mercedes’ Maybach division create some of the finest luxury vehicles money can buy. The mix of abundant technology, sumptuous luxury and the upmost in comfort mean that the Maybach EQS rivals the very best of the prestige SUV’s. The vey latest EQS goes further than ever before with its blend of high-end entertainment systems, pioneering technologies, and even eco-credentials such as the sustainably produced leather. All of this mean that it pushes the luxury boundaries even further than ever before, and when combined with quiet electric only motoring, it merely elevates the experience even more.

Hybrid: BMW XM

Continuing the challenging looks of the latest BMW’s is the XM. Appearing more aggressive than the iX, the XM has the performance to back it up, with the twin-turbocharged V8 petrol engine combining with an electric motor to produce a combined 750bhp. Designed to be a blend of SUV abilities, sports car handling capabilities and the upmost in luxury and comfort, the XM is the flagship of the BMW range and the most powerful vehicle the brand has ever produced.

They say the exterior styling takes a lot of its inspiration from the legendary M1 supercar, though you might have to look very hard indeed to find out exactly what parts of it actually are. But it is the inside that you will care most about when you are wafting along a B-road letting the technology and driver assistance systems take care of the road ahead while you relax and enjoy the serenity.

Combustion: Range Rover

Ever since its inception over 5 decades ago, the Range Rover has long been considered as the yardstick for which luxury SUV’s are compared to. The latest version focused even more on luxury and refinement and the feeling you get from driving a Range Rover product. Not only does it provide comfort levels, attention to detail and the finest materials and finishes to rival any luxury product, it also incorporates the legendary go-anywhere ability that only a Range Rover can imply for this type of vehicle. The fact that it can handle any terrain, any driving conditions and adapt between town driving or motorway cruising so effortlessly and seamlessly only adds to the impressiveness of the vehicle even further.

Not only can it perform and excel off the road, but it can also keep up with the best on the road thanks to a 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged engine offering over 600bhp. Not only does that offer all the power you’d ever need, but it also means that you can certainly still enjoy combustion engine thrills and the roar of a V8, for the time being at least.

Performance

Electric: Lotus Eletre

The Lotus Eletre is a world away from Lotus’ of old. With a historic ethos of lightness and simplicity to create pin-sharp handling, the latest Lotus range is an entirely new offering, yet is looking to achieve the same goal when it comes to driving enjoyment. The Eletre, Emeya and Evija are shaking up the super-SUV, super saloon and hypercar market as all-electric technological pioneers that include a strong focus on handling and performance like a Lotus should. The Eletre uses a blend of ultimate luxury, advanced technology, and exhilarating performance to create an SUV that utilises phrases such as airflow management, porous design and adaptive aerodynamics to ensure it can perform with the very best. The fact that the electric motors produce in excess of 900bhp should help matters too.

Hybrid: Lamborghini Urus

The Lamborghini Urus redefined what was possible with an SUV and created a new sector of super-SUV’s that can seemingly defy physics with its performance and capability. With supercar rivalling acceleration, sports car matching handling and looks that were instantly recognisable as a Lamborghini, the Urus proved that the exotic car maker hadn’t sold its soul and was on to a winner. Something that the record sales figures proved becoming the best-selling Lamborghini of all time and in record time too.

Whilst the combustion engine Urus has always combined power and noise in abundance, the recently announced hybrid version adds even more power to the mix. With a combined power output of almost 800bhp, the Urus SE can accelerate from 0-62mph in just 3.4 seconds and keeps going till just under 200mph. Not that Urus owners will probably care, but it also means an 80% reduction in emissions at the same time.

Combustion: Aston Martin DBX 707

The Aston Martin DBX was the brand’s attempt to take a piece of the ever expanding luxury performance SUV market for themselves, yet with more of a focus on luxury. That was until the DBX 707 arrived and put the DBX right back at the top of performance stakes too. The DBX 707 utilises a twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 to produce just under 700bhp (707PS) enabling this luxurious, high riding, comfortable SUV to also be able to accelerate from 0-62mph in just 3.3 seconds and not stop accelerating until it reaches 193mph.

Thanks to a recent facelift, the interior is now an even more special place to sit incorporating the latest Aston Martin technology and software to ensure the DBX remains one of the most accomplished performance SUV’s money can buy. In fact, it is that impressive that the 707 is the only model of DBX your hard earned money can buy these days.

Family

Electric: Tesla Model X

The fact that Tesla are a relatively new car company is believable yet unbelievable at the same time. Their sales figures and production numbers, as well as market share, would not be believed just a few short years ago and their achievements are incredible for a company that hadn’t made a car before 2008. Yet their outside the box thinking and fresh approach to what a car means or should be able to do are a welcome surprise to an often sedate industry. The Model X with its ultra-minimalistic interior, ludicrous performance capability (pun intended) and access to the rear via gullwing doors show that they aren’t afraid to do thigs their own way.

The Model X may well be the perfect family car, from its ingenious space solutions, ease of access thanks to those doors right down to the entertainment functions and the fact you can turn your seat into a whoopee cushion. What more could you want, it even has a ‘Plaid’ specification with over 1,000bhp that can accelerate from 0-62mph in just 2.5 seconds for those looking to take their family to places very fast indeed.

Hybrid: Volvo XC90

The Volvo XC90 was designed from the ground up to be the ultimate family car. Not only is it one of the safest cars on the road to protect your family wherever you go, but the advanced technology, space saving solutions and clever packaging means most cars do not even come close to what the Volvo can offer. Generous equipment levels and extensive specifications mean that there is something for the whole family to be satisfied, whilst the build quality, refinement and faultless reliability ensures that no one is left disappointed.

Volvos used to be synonymous with an older generation and boxy unstylish design, yet these days the brand is going from strength to strength and has become a cool environmentally conscious company. The recently announced updated model has ensured that the XC90 has pushed the yardstick for the complete package family SUV even further away that its rivals can get anywhere near.

Combustion: BMW X3

The BMW X3 has everything the modern family car needs, and in abundance too. The latest iteration is their best yet and it combines up to date technology, luxury and refinement, an extensive range of options to suit your budget, and more importantly for a family SUV, clever packaging and useful functions to ensure it can take everything your family needs and more. The latest curved screen display and ability to play in-car games will keep the kids entertained, while the improved dynamics will ensure those up front are also enjoying the experience.

It is not only more spacious and accommodating than ever before, but their current line up still includes pure combustion engine options covering both petrol and diesel power. For those looking to not give up on a performance petrol just yet, they also have a X3 M50 xDrive, with almost 400bhp on offer and a 0-62mph time of just 4.6 seconds from a 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged straight-six.

Compact SUV

Electric: Porsche Macan

Porsche have made a few bold decisions when it comes to the way they are evolving for electric only motoring. When they launched the Taycan way back in 2019 many people thought they had gone far too early with a fully electric mainstream model, yet the way it drove and performed exactly as a Porsche should meant that it still remains one of the best dynamic electric cars money can buy over 5 years later.

When the new Macan was launched earlier this year, they also made a bold decision in that it would be available with only an electric powertrain, with no hybrid or petrol variant in sight. A huge step for what has been one of their biggest selling model over the past few years. Yet one of the biggest things that has always set the Macan apart from most of its rivals is the way it drives, and you can be sure that this was one of the main focuses for the new model too. The latest electric and battery technology as well as an ensured capable drive means the Macan will always take some beating, no matter how it is being powered.

Hybrid: Volvo XC60

Volvo had been early adopters of the hybrid lifestyle and have managed to blend the technology across their range seamlessly and without fuss or disruption, as you would expect from the stylish Swedes. Their XC60 manages to bridge the gap well between small XC40 and the large XC90 to ensure that the improvement in exterior space does not mean that the exterior dimensions have grown too much as a result.

Volvo have also managed to borrow some of the best bits of the XC90 for its younger sibling to make sure that the XC60 remains one of the best SUV options for everything your family needs. For those that remember electric sister company Polestar used to be the performance arm of Volvo, you can even get the XC60 hybrid in ‘Polestar Engineered’ trim to offer almost 400bhp, adjustable Ohlin dampers and the trademark gold calipers, seatbelts and badging to distinguish from the rest.

Combustion: Audi RS Q3

Having Porsche and Volkswagen as a sister company means that Audi have already managed to integrate a large portion of their line up with electric powertrains. Yet their legendary performance line up means they are very reluctant to make a full switch away from combustion engines just yet. They may have announced that the TT and R8 models are not going to receive a successor, yet the rest of their Audi Sport range of RS models are still very much still alive and well.

The smallest of these is the RS Q3, equipped with a slightly less ferocious version of the 2.5-litre 5-cylinder engine found in the RS3 pocket rocket. No matter which of the Q3 range you choose however you are sure to find the same blend of technology, luxury and refinement as the rest of the Audi range, as well as the ability to pleasantly surprise with the quality of the ride and handling when you push on a bit.

Off-Road Ability

Electric: Mercedes Benz G580 with EQ Technology

The all-electric G-Class had been rumoured for quite some time before Mercedes Benz announced the not so catchily named ‘G580 with EQ Technology’. Despite the strange name, the G580 looks every bit a ‘G-Wagon’ inside and out. With its retro boxy design, exposed door hinges and pseudo-military styling, nothing from the exterior suggests that this is anything other than a pure G-Class, apart from the lack of side mounted exhaust pipes of course. Inside the sumptuous combination of quilted leather, expensive trim materials and abundance of technology is better than ever before and only the lack of a background AMG rumble is the only thing missing.

The G-Wagon’s secret party piece was its ability to not only look like a rough and rugged off road machine, but also be very capable when the going gets tough. For those who have seen online videos of this new version’s party piece, its ability to ‘tank turn’, combined with its relentless torque and instant power from its electric motors, this version may be even better than the original at conquering all the terrain you can throw at it.

Hybrid: Range Rover Sport

If you are actually wanting to take your SUV off roading, even though the majority of them never do anything more challenging than a leafy covered road during Autumn, you can usually count on one brand to make sure it still performs when it matters, Land Rover. Ever since the initial Land Rover Series I was built to conquer all the terrains you could imagine, a Land Rover model has had the same ethos built into it from the very beginning. Even in today’s super luxurious Range Rover models, their ability to negotiate rough ground and adverse weather conditions better than almost every other SUV is a definite reassurance rather than strictly a necessity.

The latest Range Rover Sport is the most luxurious and dynamic on the road yet, but it still manages to contain the Land Rover capability off the road too. It also offers some of the finest hybrid powerplants on the market too, with a choice of a 460bhp or 550bhp petrol plug in hybrid engine and claimed maximum range for both in excess of 360mpg, as well as being capable of accelerating from 0-62mph in 5.3 and 4.7 seconds respectively.

Combustion: Land Rover Defender 110 Octa

Much like the electric G-Class, there were rumours that Land Rover was working on a more extreme yet luxurious variant of its ever popular Defender, and they didn’t disappoint. Their recently announced Defender 110 ‘Octa’ takes the knowhow of their legendary SV department and their ability to conjure up bespoke creations and extra special finishes for their customers, and combines it with a 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine that generates 635bhp . Not only does that meant that on the road it can accelerate from 0-62mph in a supercar rivalling 3.8 seconds, but the 750Nm of torque means that it should have no problem in any terrain or situation.

As well as more power and an abundance of luxury, the Octa also comes with upgraded suspension, a wider stance, increased ride height, tougher underbody protection and more rugged components which should also more than help. Much like the G-Class though it is more likely to spend its life in the urban jungle rather than the actual jungle.

Technology

Electric: BMW iX M60

Technologically advanced electric cars are one of the main selling points right now. An electric model launch seems to coincide with seeing how much advanced technology a manufacturer can cram into their latest vehicle, with everyone from Tesla to Volvo, Mercedes to Polestar offering more features than you could ever need. But it is where the technology is actually useful that makes all the difference. The BMW iX M60 is the flagship of the BMW electric range and an all-new model designed to blend their largest electric SUV with their renowned M Performance lineage. As well as offering almost 620bhp from its twin electric motors and a 0-62mph time of just 3.8 seconds, the iX range is abundant with the very latest technology to assist, comfort and protect you as you drive along.

From the 5th generation eDrive technology, the latest iDrive control system and curved wraparound dashboard display, to the smartphone unlocking, intelligent personal assistant, multiple advanced driving assists including the excellent intuitive surround parking cameras, even a state-of-the-art sound system with diamonds integrated into the speakers. It was also the first car to come with 5G connectivity as standard to keep the whole family happy. The iX is a showcase of technology assisting and working for you that you didn’t even know you needed. That is, if potential purchasers can get past the looks, which for many is something many modern BMW’s struggle with at the moment.

Hybrid: Audi Q8

In terms of advanced technology being seamlessly integrated into an SUV yet not appearing too intrusive or taking your attention away from enjoying driving, you’d be hard pressed to find something as effective as an Audi. From the plethora of driver assistance systems, the intuitiveness of the dual touch screen controls and the simplicity of the way everything is controlled, the latest Audi software is the perfect example of the brand’s legendary reputation for refinement. Audi have become synonymous with introducing the latest technology that quickly becomes the benchmark to which many other manufacturers aim to replicate as best they can.

From the pioneering ‘virtual cockpit’ to the effectiveness of their auto-dimming matrix LED headlights, anyone who has driven an Audi in recent years cannot argue with how their systems quickly become something you don’t know how you did without previously. This together with the effortless ability to drive under combustion or hybrid power depending on your circumstances, with an all-electric range of over 50 miles as well as almost 2oompg combined possibility, the Q8 Hybrid could be all the car you’d ever need.

Combustion: Mercedes Maybach GLS 600

As previously mentioned, the Maybach division of Mercedes Benz create some of the finest and most luxurious vehicles money can buy. But as well as making sure they are more comforting and relaxing than almost anything else on the road, they also have more technology and features to help makes sure that experience is as good as it can be. Everything about the interior of the GLS 600 is above and beyond what you get in most other cars.

From the abundance of ambient lighting extending to the panoramic roof surround to the 3D surround sound system also with speakers in the headliner for true ‘surround sound’ effect, the noise cancelling technology to the cabin to the sophisticated Active Body Control suspension, everything about the car is designed to transport you to the most serene environment possible. Of course there are a lengthy list of assistance systems, automatic avoidance controls and hidden radar detectors to help the driver also remain calm, but it is the level of technology aimed at everyone aboard that makes the Maybach GLS 600 one of the most technologically advanced SUV’s around.

Oracle Finance SUV Funding

Whatever powers your next car you can rest assured that Oracle Finance have your funding covered. SUV’s are the most popular cars we fund, almost 40% of the cars we funded last year were SUV’s of all shapes and sizes, meaning our expert Account Managers are well equipped to help you find that perfect finance package bespoke to you and your circumstances.

If you are looking at purchasing any of the above vehicles, our expert team have over 19 years’ experience in sourcing tailored car finance products, including these models mentioned above. Whatever type of car you’re looking for, you can get in touch with us either by calling 0800 012 6666 or clicking here.

With over 2,500 Trustpilot reviews and as four-time consecutive award winners of the Best Specialist Car Finance Provider award from 2020 onwards, as well as providing over £2billion of funding for our customers and counting, you too can find out why thousands of people trust us time and time again to find a smarter, tailored funding solution when looking for your next dream car.

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