Looking for a Luxury Mid Size SUV (~ $200K) – Advice Needed

Hey everyone, Missus is in the market for a luxury mid-size SUV with a budget of around $200K and would love some recommendations. We’re not very car-savvy, so any advice would be really helpful!

Here’s what she's looking for:

  • Daily driver (mostly city/highway use, no off-roading)
  • No kids, so I don’t need a ton of cargo space
  • Looking for a balance of sportiness and comfort – something fun to drive but also refined
  • Open to any brand – not tied to BMW, Mercedes, Porsche, etc.
  • Petrol, diesel, hybrid, or electric – open to all options
  • Brand new.

I’d appreciate any insights on what models to consider and any must-have features or options. What would you recommend?

Thanks in advance!

Comments

    • Nissy, you like?

  • +4

    This is like those letters to the editor of the wealth section where they have 4 investment properties and want to see how they can access the pension.

    Best one is 4 investment properties and cash poor.

    If you can afford a $200k vehicle maybe time to hire someone to do the research for you.

  • -2

    Recently purchased a Hennessey Jeep Trackhawk, 1200HP AWD is plenty of fun !!

    • +2

      a fool and his money is easily parted

      lol a jeep

      • -6

        Yep, cause your the expert!

        sub 10s quarter miles are fun :P

        • +3

          By "sub 10", do you mean that's how many metres it goes before it blows the head gasket?

          • -1

            @Charmoffensive: If you say so, you are clearly the armchair expert that's never seen one!

            • +2

              @7ekn00: I'm surprised you've seen one for any length of time; I assume your mechanic has held your keys longer than you have.

  • I passed a Lamborghini SUV at the shops the other day. First thought was … wife would like that 👌

  • New missus

  • Thread like this won’t be good for OP’s mental health!!!!

  • -1

    Toyota Landcruiser 300 GR Sports with all the trimmings :D

    • -1

      Haha this is an excellent and smart choice.

      • +3

        At least it will still be worth $100k the moment you drive out of the dealer yard…unlike other 'luxury' brands ;)

        • Haha sadly, they’re closer to 150+k now! That said, used low km is slightly higher than new. Total insanity…

  • +3

    Honestly there's only two options

    Porsche Macan GTS - the only Euro i'd recommend, BMW, Audi, Mercedes all seem to fall apart.
    or
    Genesis GV80/70 EV and invest the rest knowing you bought a reliable Korean SUV that isn't European crap.

  • Asking in the wrong place

  • -2

    From last year NZ road trip, I hired RAV4 hybrid and it was awesome. It save a lot of fuel.

  • +6

    Surely her friends would tell her what to buy since that's who she's trying to impress.

  • while its not midsize, would u consider the forthcoming Lexus LBX Morizo RR, that is if you can get one as they are in limited supply

    • A non car person and a LBX Mozio RR, what an insult to the 3 pot 1.6T.

  • Talk to your accountant

  • +1

    If I had the money I'd pick up a specced up BMW X5, or base level X7. X7 is a beautiful car but its huge

    • X7 is huge!

    • Makes it easy not to feel the bumps when you drive all over the median strips, curbs and small children and their bikes

  • Utterly sickening.

  • This is a silly forum to ask this question, so agree with others this is a troll post but here’s my 2c… first a qualifying question, how long do you plan to keep the car for and have you considered leasing?

    If you’re keeping the car, a mid spec Porsche Cayenne can be fun and arguably more reliable than BMW, Land Rover and Mercedes.

    If it’s short term (within the warranty period), cough up the cash for a Range Rover. Well worth it.

  • -1

    I've you've got that kind of candy to drop on a car, OzB would be the last place I'd be asking for advice as the vast majority of posters know naff all about cars - according to many on here, BYD, Chery and MG EVs are the best thing since stripy toothpaste and the beginning of a new golden era of motoring. FFS!. There's plenty of info available online from reliable sources. Personally, I'd get a Lexus LX600, which would be around the $200k mark with a bit of fruit.

    Enjoy whatever you get.

    • Agree on all fronts. Well beyond mid-sized though.

      • True

  • Get an Audi SQ or Merc GLC AMG and spec it up. Both great drives and under 200K on-road.

  • My immediate reaction; OP is just asking for it…

  • Landcruiser.

  • +2

    Hi guys, im looking for a house, around $5 million. Any ideas? Im a clueless attention seeking moron. Thanks.

    • Start with strathfield and move north/east direction until you find it. Won't need to look very far before it goes over $5M.

  • Porsche Macan.

    I was going to say a Porsche Cayenne as it's closer to your price range (the Macan is cheaper), but as you don't have kids and don't need the cargo space, go with the Macan as it's a sportier car and more fun to drive.

    You could easily option the Macan to get it to $200k if you wanted.

    Note that the Macan is now electric only. So if you didn't want electric, you would need to go with the Cayenne.

    And from an ozbargainer perspective: The Porsche Macan/Cayenne generally has a better resale value than most other luxury cars.

    • -1

      Note that the Macan is now electric only.

      That's not true.

      • +1

        The just released current generation is EV only.

        • That is true. The previous gen petrol models remain in full production. Porsche have realised that their target audience is just not that into EVs.

    • If reports are correct, Porsche are looking to retrofit a petrol engine into the Macan II.

      Sales of EVs are dying/slowing down in the premium car space.

      People got burned badly with depreciation on them such as the Porsche Taycan.

  • Get a top of the range genesis gv80. Solid reliable luxury without the euro badge but for a lot less money in comparison.

    You'll have enough money left out of your 200K aud budget, which you could put into a decent vanguard etf.

    If you want do want the euro badge, get a Macan or Cayenne.

  • Audi SQ8 E-Tron

    Same underpinnings as Lamborghini Urus. Just smaller engine (but similiar performance because 3 electric motors) and half the price.

    • A new Urus is outside OPs budget too.

    • Audi SQ8 E-Tron

      And then sell it to me for half the price after 3 months plz

  • @Drakesy nailed it. There's really only 2 genuinely good options (bizarre that that's the case even at $200k, but welcome to the modern car market).

    Macan GTS if you want the badge/performance/better drive - though not a lot of space in the back. Very last of the Macan GTS is a decent buy, but you'd better be quick.

    Genesis GV70 (honestly any of the drivetrains other than diesel) is both better luxury than anything else under $200k, and will be more reliable (and a fair bit cheaper than your top price while doing it). Doesn't have the badge cachet if that's what you're wanting to pay for, but genuinely a much better/nicer car than equivalents from BMW/Merc/Audi.

    Absolutely do NOT buy a GLC or Land Rover.

  • ask google or reddit. always have confirmation bias in mind

  • Range Rover?

  • If you have $200K to spend, buy a Mazda CX5 with Leather seats. Give the loose change to the Salvos who will probably have enough cash to feed 100 homeless people 3 meals a day for a year. And will you notice any different in luxury? Probably not, but at least you would have much sounder sleeping patterns knowing that you've helped out so many people who are less fortunate than yourselves.

  • -4

    Mmmm.. imagine that thought. Hey I have $200K, I can make a world of difference to so many peoples lives, or do I just spend it entirely on my own instant gratification, so I can drive around the street in the hope that other like minded nobs will glare at me with envy…. a bit like one of those "Hey Charger" adverts from the 70's

    Nah, stuff them, let them go for the dumpster cuisine, I need this much more so I've got a neat plonk to shove my pink tootsie butt.

    • +1

      Your words echo that of someone that instantly hates anyone with surplus money to enjoy their life. Consider that most of them have worked very hard to get to that position and many may have philanthropic involvement too. Don't be jealous - work harder.

      • -1

        I'm not jealous of people who screw other people through excessive wealth. I don't need to work more, I have a roof over my head,a successful career, enough for my retirement. What else does any one really need? I'm not sure that adding real gold plated handles to my bathroom taps really adds much to advancing the progress of society. Do you think that many people at the top of these corporate chains actually do things for the betterment of the community? You think that the quality of air services is any better because of Alan Joyce? Do you think that all the workers that he laid off unlawfully justifies the wage that he was given? Change to a different industry - Banking, Insurance, Energy. You think these are different? Name one business with an overpaid EO where customers aren't suffering through over price, under service or where people are loosing their jobs. The Leaders of our Society (Government, Commercial) lost their humanity years ago.

        • -5

          You've stated a clear difference between yourself and those that lead and innovate. You've got "enough" so you've settled. Great, you'll survive 70 or 80 years but haven't really done much for society. Yes there are greedy business/govt leaders out there, but there's also hardworking and innovative people that have been rewarded financially for their contributions. Often these contributions make life better for thousands of people in some shape or form. You've painted OP as a greedy knob, when maybe they've just worked hard and want to reward themselves with something they like and will enjoy.

          • -1

            @niknikniknik: I'm not sure how you can jump to the conclusion that this is a debate about whether people innovate/lead in life or not. You know nothing about the job I do, the hours I work, nor the contributions I have made to my organisation and society.
            My comment is about the highly excessive accumulation and display of wealth by people (whether they have a job involving innovation / leading or not) and how the many (and I would suggest most) have selfishly gained this wealth at the expense of ordinary and disadvantaged people in our society.

            • +1

              @southskies: My point is that your automatic hatred (or at least negative view) on people with wealth and their enjoyment of that wealth is not justified. I know many people who can afford a 200k car through well paid 9-5 jobs, hardly a selfish act compared to someone working a lesser paid 9-5 job. I also know many who can afford the same through honest business practice and some through slightly dishonest business. Having wealth and enjoying it does not make you a bad person. Many Australians can afford to give some of their earnings to a good cause, but most don't. On a global scale, most Australians could afford to skip on luxuries like iPhones and give the difference to hungry Africans - but we don't. That doesn't make everyone a bad person because we didn't choose the cheapest option and save the world with the rest. One man's iPhone is another's 200k car, is anothers yacht. It's all relative. Dont use a holier than thou approach because you don't want to or can't spend on the same luxuries as the next person - and in addition to this, some people earn more than others because their work is more valued. It doesn't mean they're greedy or dishonest. Don't assume all or most wealthy people are greedy or dishonest.

              • +1

                @niknikniknik: Well op intention behind this post is misguided. We are here to look for deals. Most of us will be happy to get a 300$ cash back or deal on groceries êtc.

                This op illustrates the height of hubris to ask this same community of deal seekers to advise him on the next big flashy car purchase.

                If you have 200k to burn why ask? Burn it. Get an SUV with gold chrome

                • @Raj09: The point of OzB is that everyone enjoys the thrill of a good deal. People on here hunt for $300 cashback whether they have a 200k car or an 06 Camry. The forums section is open for people to seek advice or opinions from the collective group. Why can't someone get others' advice for a 200k car? There's many posts and questions about Tesla's - which are hardly affordable for many Australians, doesn't make them an unspeakable topic. The post is not misguided, it's just some readers taking unjustified offence due to their envy or inability to relate to the topic.

                  • @niknikniknik: Whilst I agree this is a forum for good deals, there is no such a thing as a deal for 200k cars. They don't go on sale just coz its end of year or if sales are bad.

                    This is purely a flex, why would anyone spending that much money on a car ask for advise on a forum where less than 1% of the people would ever have sat in a 200k car.

                    Teslas, on the other hand are the commodores of ICE, nearly everyone (I use the term loosely but easily a large fraction of the community) has sat in one and has an informed opinion of one.

                    • @cloudy: People seek endless YouTube/written reviews for major purchases, and OzB is another source for that. There's enough people that commented useful insights to make his post worthwhile - so just because you or some see it as a flex, doesn't mean others don't have something valuable to add. If someone thinks buying a 200k car is a bad idea and a model y or RAV4 is a better choice, then this is the forum to post that. But bashing the respectfully asked question and spewing hatred for the wealthy is unjustified.

  • -1

    $ 200k? That's gonna buy quite a few Camry 2006 :D

  • If you want to buy new, then I don't think you and your wife care about depreciation so my choice would be the Merc EQE53 AMG. 0-100km/h in 3.7s and the luxurious interior with the hyperscreen. If you want petrol, then the usual Posche Macan Turbo or Merc GLC63 AMG S.

  • Definitely go for the Cayenne. If you can stretch go for the Cayenne S with the V8. Whilst I'm sure it's not the mark of absolute reliability, amongst the company of GLEs, X5s and Q7s, it's certainly more reliable than that bunch. Cayenne drives like a dream compared to the other German counterparts dynamically, and still cope well with ironing out bumps. Be conservative with options as most aren't necessary. Would be happy to give more info on good options choices for the Cayenne (in my opinion) if of interest. PDK in the Macan is nice, but 8 SPD ZF in the Cayenne is smooth and adds towing flexibility. Cayenne is also alot newer inside (assuming you're not interested in the EV Macan)

  • +1

    Polestar 4

  • -1

    RAV4

  • +1

    Porsche Taycan Tourismo Cross.

    Daily driver (mostly city/highway use, no off-roading) & No kids, so I don’t need a ton of cargo space

    Oh, she needs a Dodge RAM then…

  • -1

    MG3

  • Are you wanting such a roomy car because you anticipate needing to frequently accomodate other passengers?

    You want the extra room to transport a bunch of luggage/equipment for getaways and holidays?

    Transport lots of shopping?

    Some sort of paranoia about bigger means safer?

    You're short, do want a tall vehicle so you can see over the traffic?

    Each to their own, but some of the recommended vehicles could be tricky to manoeuvre, drive and park during city outings and activities.

    It is unlikely that you will benefit from anything super powered for city driving as I assume maximum speeds would be limited as would opportunities to truly accelerate in stop start traffic or in areas with frequent traffic lights etc.

    Also, some of those cars are quite high for driver and passenger(s) to comfortably or modestly get in and out of, depending on how old or disabled you or any passengers are I suppose?

    My dad had to sell his Landcruiser cos mum struggled to get in and out of it as she got older.

    Finally, for $200,000, I'd want a vehicle that could tow a decent weight, just in case I ever got the urge. Whether it be a 28ft boat or caravan, jet skis or a typical trailer to take a bunch of stuff to the dump.

    For me, I'd also need roof racks for the surf skis in summer and snow skis in winter.

    Last thing I'd consider as I know nothing about electric vehicles, is considering a lot of people were without power during cyclone Alfred (some for over a week), how do electric vehicles cope with that?

  • "hey everyone, we're really rich and want to show off and brag about it on a public forum but not seem like we are so we'll ask a bargain hunters forum about a really expensive car"

  • I suggest stretch the budget a bit to say $500k and get a Bentley. It's all just fantasy anyway.

    • Na, a chauffeur is needed when you have Rolls-Royce Cullinan/Bentley Bentayga or both. Otherwise, you're the chauffeur.

      • +1

        The old saying was
        The Rolls is for the chauffeur
        The Bentley is for driving

  • +1

    AU Falcon on gas

    • My aunty did the falcon gas conversion. The only car I've ever seen on gas

  • Why do you want an SUV over a sedan/hatchback/wagon?

  • +1

    5x Rav4. One for everyday

  • +1

    Buy a hybrid Toyota Rav 4 and pocket the other $150k.

  • -1

    Man. The ozbargain ppl look for deals on rice and pasta and you come here for deals on luxury Suvs? How about running over puppies as well?

    Why look for deals? Get a Gold plated rolls? Go for a bentley? Why even ask for a deal?

  • +1

    Polestar 3's are lovely for about 160 fully specc'd?

  • For a daily drive under 200k, you'll want something robust, reliable, and easy to maintain. If you're looking at German cars, the Porsche Cayenne and Audi Q8 are great options, offering reasonable fuel economy and being easy to navigate in the city. If you prefer a larger vehicle, the Lexus LX is definitely worth considering.

  • It looks like this dude dropped a post here to wrap things up and stir the pot for some LOL comments!
    And who’s brave enough to ask if someone’s casually carrying 200k in their pocket… y’know, just to grab a car real quick?

  • LC300 Landcruiser Sahara ZX. Tell yourself it's luxurious. Run up all the traffic Islands / gutters you want.

    Source: Had a Sahara, but not a ZX.

  • Look for advice on how to break into the property market on an average wage and two kids. Looking to avoid being fully employed and homeless.

    200K on a car boy oh boy, what a flex 💪

  • How about this one??

    https://ibb.co/Xrw0KPpK

  • op need luxury car to put his $300 luxury sonicq tv at the back of his car to make it more luxurious.

  • Geez, you must be an OG Whirlpool forum member.

  • Lexus RX? Lexus NX? Macan GTS?

  • Just get her $20k in uber vouchers. Be cheaper

  • No kids, no need for cargo, no off road… why are you after an SUV at all? Sounds like a nice sedan is the go, especially when you add in the "fun to drive but also refined" requirement. I'd suggest an Alpina B3 - basically a BMW M340i, with the S58 engine from the M3 instead of the B58, plus a more plush interior. That will tick the boxes better than an SUV.

  • 200 grand will get you 200 AU Falcons.

  • bro this ozbargain. SUV ~ $200K, just go and buy anything you like

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