Just like SUVs themselves, the interiors found in the latest generation cars have really made great leaps in recent years. Buyers are no longer faced with the drab utilitarian interiors found in many SUVs of the '90s and 2000s. Manufacturers are aware more than ever that the technology and infotainment systems within their cars are more important to buyers now than it ever has been. To some people, it may even be the most important consideration. Of course, smartphone integration in the form of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is now seen as an essential feature by the majority of potential new owners.
Technology is not the only thing to consider when looking for an excellent SUV; comfort, luxury, and practicality are also vitally important. In this list, we sought to compare as many features and unique aspects as possible and feel the options below are amongst the best European SUV interiors available.
10 Land Rover Defender
The interior of the Land Rover Defender strikes a good balance between practicality, usability, and luxury. The Defender of old nailed the practicality aspect but fell woefully short on the luxury side. One particularly practical feature is the optional front jump seat, this enables up to three adults, or more likely two adults and a child or even a dog to sit up front. When folded, two cup holders become usable.
The interior is not just for looks, a central, structural die-cast magnesium alloy beam traverses the dashboard and while adding structural strength also provides a strong grab handle for entering and exiting the vehicle.
Providing the luxury is a 10" inch touchscreen Pivi Pro touch-screen infotainment system that comes with satellite navigation and a 360-degree camera as standard. Smartphones are easily integrated, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Another great option is the Clear Sight interior rearview mirror, this enables a rear video feed to be displayed within the mirror assembly so even if the Defender is laden with cargo or the jump seat is occupied, a good rearview can still be obtained.
9 Porsche Macan GTS
The Macan GTS interior is instantly recognizable as a Porsche-designed interior. The GTS comes with 8-way adjustable sports seats in the front with GTS logos on the headrests. The steering wheel is the GT Sport version from the latest 911, helping bring the interior up to date.
Alcantara can be found throughout the cabin, helping to provide a sporty and luxurious environment. The infotainment system is centered around a 10.9" touchscreen and provides the interface for wireless Apple CarPlay to be controlled from. Buyers can choose between either Bose or Burmeister sound systems.
8 Bentley Bentayga
For those buyers seeking the most luxurious interior available, the Bentley Bentayga ticks a lot of boxes. The outside world is nullified through the inclusion of double-glazed windows.
The quality of the diamond-quilted leather is superb, Bentley manufactures this in-house, and let's face it, they have a history of crafting luxurious interiors. As standard, an 8.0" touchscreen infotainment screen complete with a 60GB hard drive provides navigation and entertainment. Audiophiles will have their needs met, an optional Naim for Bentley audio system provides a truly immersive audio experience.
7 Aston Martin DBX
As Aston Martin's first foray into the SUV market, the DBX provides a suitably luxurious cabin. A light and airy feel are achieved due to a full-length panoramic sunroof. The engine start/stop button is located at the top of the dashboard center stack, either side is the gearbox selector buttons, allowing for a clean look. The materials used, such as the leathers are all of very high quality and help enhance the interior fit, finish and feel.
6
The infotainment system does let the cabin down slightly, instead of developing their own system, Aston Martin has opted to use a previous generation Mercedes-Benz system. The 12.3" screen is regrettably not controllable via touchscreen, relying on a touchpad and control wheel instead.
5 Jaguar F-Pace SVR
Being another Jaguar Land Rover vehicle, the F-Pace's infotainment system is the familiar Pivo PRO. The SVR's interior successfully blends classic British luxury with a sporty feel.
One of the most obvious features upon opening the doors is the inclusion of quilted leather bucket seats, these have a sporting look but are crafted from luxurious materials making them a great place to sit for a road trip.
4 Range Rover
The new version of the Range Rover makes a renewed commitment to luxury and customization within the interior. Regarding infotainment, a curved floating glass 13.1" touchscreen allows for intuitive control of all the car's features and functions. Smartphone integration of both Apple and Android devices is possible wirelessly and those familiar with Amazon's Alexa will appreciate Alexa built-in.
Optional PM2.5 filtration and nano X technology filter the cabin air ridding it of nasties including the Coronavirus. Keeping occupants comfortable, there is four-zone climate control enabling excellent temperature control around the cabin. To reduce noise and insulate the interior from the outside world, there is laminated glass and an active noise cancellation system delivered by headrest speakers. Improving the travel experience, there are power-fold doors and 'hot stone' massage seats.
3 Volvo XC40
The Volvo XC40 may be the smallest SUV in Volvo's lineup, but that doesn't mean it's not a practical vehicle. The rear seat is relatively wide, so three adults can actually sit back there. Similarly, head and legroom are generous enough for adults. What really maximizes interior space is the clever use of storage space, the door pockets are large, and carpeted, there is even a removable rubbish bin between the front seats to help keep the interior tidy.
Comfort-wise, the seats are excellent ergonomically and as many will testify, Volvo's seats are some of the best in the business. The infotainment system centers around a large 9.0" "iPad" style touchscreen display, allowing for a clean and minimalist interior setup. The driving instruments are also digital and provide a degree of customization depending on driver preference.
2 Mercedes-Benz GLC 63 AMG
Compared to the standard GLC, the GLC 63 AMG comes with a custom interior. Features include, an AMG steering wheel clad in black Nappa leather and a drive selector allowing a range of AMG-tuned driving modes to be selected.
As well as looking great, the car is a practical proposition with a 500-liter boot. Arguably, some aspects of the interior feel lacking considering the car's price tag, the infotainment screen for example appears dated when compared to some of Mercedes's newer models.
1 Jaguar I-Pace
The Jaguar I-Pace offers a truly luxurious interior to both drivers and passengers alike. Helping to improve the refinement is the inclusion of acoustic laminated glass on the windshield and front windows, this reduces wind and road noise substantially when compared to standard glass. To maximize storage, the I-Pace utilizes a dramatic floating center console. While still providing essential function control, a handy storage cubby can be found below.
Cabin air quality is reassuringly good, an air ionizer with a PM2.5 filter ensures that occupants are protected from the worst of urban pollution as well as pollens and dust from the countryside. Another feature great for cold mornings is the ability to pre-heat the cabin controlled by an app on your phone. This not only ensures the cabin is nice and warm but reduces the burden on the battery as the pre-heating can be done via the mains.
Lamborghini Urus
Despite sharing the same MLB Evo platform as the Audi Q8, Bentley Bentayga, and Porsche Cayenne, the interior of the Urus is distinctly Lamborghini styled. Perhaps the most interesting feature is the start button, this has a red lift cover shielding in, and the gear and drive mode selectors are chunky, rugged, and unique.
While there are hints of Audi throughout the cabin, the overall look and feel are that of a Lamborghini cabin. Heavy use of Alcantara provides a sumptuous and luxurious quality. The Lamborghini Infotainment System III, based around Audi's MMI system comprises a two-screen setup in the center console. The top screen controls the majority of the features, such as sat-nav and audio whilst the lower screen is used for interior comfort control such as heating and cooling. The flat-bottomed steering wheel reaffirms the Urus is basically a jacked-up sports car.