Conclusion
If this comparison were a team sport, we’d be awarding this victory to the diesel team. The strong power delivery and smooth running delivered by a torque-heavy diesel gives rise to a thoroughly luxurious driving experience. The petrol engines punched hard, but fell short in the end, while the hybrids showed promise but lacked execution.
Each group had their MVP and this bracketed competition came down to a one-on-one shootout between the two German heavyweights. The seminal luxury SUVs are still the ones to beat, but don’t let the scoresheet fool you – this was no easy victory. The final spread of scores between the seven was less than seven percent.
But in all Autos.ca comparison tests, a winner must be crowned and in this one it was the Mercedes-Benz ML 350 Bluetec.
  2014 Luxury SUV Comparison. Click image to enlarge |
Overall Rankings:
1st: Mercedes-Benz ML 350 Bluetec
2nd: BMW X5 335i
3rd: Acura MDX
4th: Porsche Cayenne Diesel
5th: Lexus RX450h
6th: Land Rover Range Rover Sport
7th: Infiniti QX60h
Pricing:
2014 Acura MDX Elite
Base Price (base trim): $49,990
Base Price (Elite): $65,990
Options: N/A
A/C Tax: $100
Freight and PDI: $1,995
Price as Tested: $68,085
2014 BMW X5 xDrive35i
Base Price (xDrive35i): $62,990
Options: Premium Package (universal remote control, comfort access, heated rear seats, auto four-zone climate control, lights package, surround view, navigation, head-up display, SiriusXM) – $5,500, Technology Package (Active LED headlights and fog lights, high-beam assistant, blind-spot detection, active protection, lane departure and collision warning ($3,800), ConnectDrive – $850, Bang and Olufsen Sound – $4,900, Extended Nappa Leather – $1,900, 20-inch alloys – $995, aluminum running boards – $800
A/C Tax: $100
Freight and PDI: $2,095
Price as Tested: $83,840
2014 Infiniti QX60 Hybrid
Base Price (base trim): $43,000
Base Price (AWD): $48,950
Options: Premium Package (navigation, telematics, BOSE premium audio 13 speakers, two-position driver’s memory seat, around view monitor, moving object detection, front and rear sonar) – $5,000, Technology package (back-up collision intervention, intelligent brake assist with forward collision warning, blind-spot warning and protection, lane departure prevention, remote engine start) – $3,500, Deluxe Touring (20-inch aluminum wheels, BOSE cabin surround 15 speakers, panoramic moonroof – $3,200, Theatre (dual seven-inch monitors, two headphones) $2,300, Three-coat paint – $300).
A/C Tax: $100
Freight and PDI: $1,995
Price as Tested: $65,345
2014 Land Rover Range Rover Sport V6
Base Price (base trim): $73,990
Base Price (trim tested): $78,990
Options: Sirius Satellite Radio – $450, Grand Black Veneer – $350, 21-inch wheels – $1,800, Vision and Convenience Package (Blind Spot Monitor with Closing Vehicle Sensing and Reverse Traffic Detection, Surround Camera System, Park Assist, Soft Door Close) – $2,250, Climate Comfort & Visibility Pack (Climate Front Seats and Heated Rear Seats, Front Centre Console Cooler Compartment, 16 way Front Seats, Automatic Headlights with High Beam Assist (AHBA), Auto Dimming, Heated, Adjustable, powerfold Mirrors with approach lamps and memory, Adaptive Xenon Headlights with LED Signature) – $1,300.
A/C Tax: $100
Freight and PDI: $1,470
Price as Tested: $86,710
2014 Lexus RX450h
Base Price (base trim): $50,600
Base Price (trim tested): $62,300
Options: Executive Package (Heated Wood Steering Wheel, P235/55R19 Tires, 19″ Aluminum Alloy Wheels, 15 Speaker Mark Levinson Surround Sound Audio System, 2 sets of Wireless Headphones, Dual Screen Rear Seat DVD Entertainment System, Audio & DVD Remote Control, 7.1 Channel Surround Sound Speaker Architecture, Pre Collision System, Blind Spot Monitor, Front Seat Power Thigh Support, Premium Leather Seat Surfaces, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Intuitive Parking Assist, 120V/400-watt Power Outlet, Voice-activated HDD Navigation System with Remote Touch, XM Real-time Traffic Capability, Head-Up Display, Roof Rail Crossbars, Woodgrain Trim, Leather and Wood Shift Knob, Leather and Wood Steering Wheel, Front Illuminated Doorsill Trim, LED Headlamps, Delete Digital Compass in Electrochromic Rear View Mirror) – $14,675>
A/C Tax: $100
Freight and PDI: $1,995
Price as Tested: $79,070
2014 Mercedes-Benz ML 350 BlueTEC
Base Price (base trim): $59,900
Base Price (trim tested): $61,400
Options: Driving Assistance Package – $800, Premium Package – $5,900, Sport Package – $2,600, Bi-Xenon Headlamp Package – $1,000, Aluminum Running Boards – $750
A/C Tax: $100
Freight and PDI: $2,075
Price as Tested: $74,625
2014 Porsche Cayenne Diesel
Base Price (base trim): $49,990
Base Price (trim tested): $65,500
Options: 18” Cayenne S III Wheel, $450; High Gloss Black Exterior Trim, $180; Premium Package, $8,170.
A/C Tax: $100
Freight and PDI: $1,115
Price as tested: $75,515
Crash Test Results:
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)
