Driving an SUV, or sports utility vehicle, used to be the sole domain of people who needed a four-wheel drive for work or off-roading. Both rugged and reliable, SUVs were also known to be a bit utilitarian when it came to their design. But all of that changed with the arrival of luxury SUVs. These high-end versions of the traditional SUV combine all of the convenience and capability of a four-wheel drive, with the highest quality materials and design. Here are 7 of the best luxury SUVs you can buy today.

Audi E-Tron S takes the performance stakes for electric vehicles to new levels. Its powerful electric motor outputs an incredible 808Nm of torque, and beyond this, it also has a range of almost 400km. The E-Tron's 21-inch alloy wheels provide superior road grip while the leather-appointed dashboard and heated seats give it the feel of luxurious refinement. Audi has also put a lot of thought into the safety and entertainment of the vehicle's occupants, with advanced driver assistance systems like adaptive cruise control to keep you safe and an impressive Bang & Olufsen sound system to provide your soundtrack. Oh, and let's not forget the eye-catching design of the E-Tron S, with its sleek lines and bold curves.

The Land Rover Discovery D300 R-Dynamic is a luxurious SUV with excellent performance features and an interior that is both spacious and luxurious. The D300 R-Dynamic is powered by a twin-turbo 6, 3.0L engine mated with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Able to take on everything from city streets to back country roads with ease thanks to its excellent 'Terrain Response' off-roading system, the Land Rover Discovery proves that exploration can also be luxurious.

Offering an astonishing fuel efficiency of 7.5L/100km combined, an impressive range of all the latest safety tech, plenty of rear passenger space, and an interior that is packed with luxury touches, the Land Rover Discovery D300 R-Dynamic is one of the best luxurious SUVs on the market.

The BMW X7 is the flagship luxury SUV from the German carmaker. It's a full-sized, seven-seater luxury hybrid SUV that's designed to be comfortable and spacious for all passengers, even when your third-row passengers are tall adults.

It's also packed with powerful performance features like its TwinPower Turbo engine, Dynamic Stability Control and MHEV hybrid system. Capable of outputting 390kW of power and 750Nm of torque, the X7 Xdrive is one of the most powerful luxury SUVs available today. On top of that, it also comes with a wide range of safety features and luxury touches like its 16-speaker surround sound system, panoramic sunroof, and heated front seats. And when it comes to safety, the X7 has you covered with its advanced airbags, driver attention assistance systems and front cross-traffic alert.

Tesla's Model Y Performance offers a glimpse into the future of travel. With its 19-inch alloy wheels and long-range fast charging capabilities, this fully-electric, fully-equipped SUV delivers a luxurious driving experience that combines unrivalled safety features and technology with a bold design. The Model Y Performance's Dual Motor All-Wheel Drive system and its 0-100km/h time of just 3.5 seconds have revolutionized the way we view luxury midsize SUVs. And when you add in the semi-autonomous Autopilot system, a range of 600km, and the extra cargo space provided by its adjustable rear seats, it's easy to see why the Tesla Model Y Performance is one of the top luxury SUVs on the market.

The all-wheel drive Aston Martin DBX is the epitome of luxury SUVs. This powerful 4-door, 5-seat SUV features a twin-turbocharged V8 engine that produces a staggering 405KW and 700NM of torque. Aston Martin has also incorporated some unique design elements, such as the lightweight aluminium architecture which provides superior stability, agility, and above all else a smooth ride.

In the spacious cabin, you will find an incredibly comfortable interior featuring soft-touch leather upholstery, a 10.25" touch-screen infotainment system, and a host of advanced driver assistance systems for peace of mind. With such exceptional performance and luxurious touches, it's no wonder the Aston Martin DBX is one of the most sought-after SUVs on the market.

Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT takes Porsche's classic pedigree and redefines it for the modern era. The 4.0-litre V8 bi-turbo petrol engine in this luxury SUV produces an incredible 471kW of maximum power, with a staggering 850Nm of torque, ensuring excellent performance. All this is mounted on Porsche's trademark 22-inch 'Satin Neodyme' alloy wheels, resulting in a car that exemplifies hyper-performance yet one that also comes at hyper-expense - $352,700 plus on-road costs.

To add to your Porsche SUV driving experience, you can add an Alcantara leather interior. Now, the question must be asked, "when does this stop being a family car and start being an out-and-out race car?"

In their wisdom, Porsche has decided to install some of the latest safety technologies to bring this car back down to earth, such as automatic emergency braking and lane-keep assist. Couple this with an innovative suspension system that works to provide a smooth ride, and the Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT is a powerhouse of luxury, reliability, and performance.

The Bentley Bentayga S is the ultimate luxury SUV. The snarling performance of its 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 petrol engine is matched only by the exquisite interior, which features soft-touch leather upholstery and a bespoke infotainment system.

In the performance stakes, the Bentayga S is the king of the pack, with a 0-100km/h time of just 4.5 seconds. Comfort and style are ensured with 22-inch wheels, quad tailpipes, and Bentley’s signature craftsmanship. To ensure that you stay firmly planted on the road, the Bentayga S benefits from a range of advanced driver assistance systems and active all-wheel drive.

The combination of power, luxury and technology in the Bentayga S makes it one of the most desirable SUVs on the market. However, you will need to have deep pockets, as the price tag of $484,110 plus on-road costs reveals.

The Bentley Bentayga S is an amazing performance model that incorporates the perfect blend of power and sophistication. The characterful V8 engine sounds great with a sports exhaust, making it astoundingly fun to put your foot down. No matter if you want to cruise down the highway, roar on a winding country road, or race around the track; Bentley Bentayga S is created to satisfy all needs. The Bentley Bentayga S stands out among the luxury sports vehicle set simply because its level of craftsmanship and performance matches its appearance.

Australians have great adoration of and for a valid reason. The best SUVs on the market provide the perfect blend of performance, luxury, comfort and convenience. Whether you're looking for a new or used SUV, one for everyday driving or to rev the V8 engine, there will be something to fit your needs among our top picks from the luxury SUV market. All of these cars are luxurious and powerful, with the latest tech and safety features to ensure they live up to the mantle of a 'family car' while also delivering a thrilling ride. Many luxury SUVs on the market offer a great combination of luxury features and performance, so it's important to test-drive each model before you make your final decision.

At Driva, we make car shopping more affordable, so you can drive away in the car you want today. Driva elevates the car buying process, taking it from a tedious experience to a thrilling ride. By providing the details of the vehicle you’re looking as well as your unique circumstances, Driva will scour thousands of lenders to find the best match for you. There’s no impact on your credit score and approval can be as quick as two hours. So, don’t wait any longer – start your search for the perfect luxury SUV today.

Happy Driving!

Which is the No 1 SUV in the world?

Based on consumer sales, the Toyota RAV4 is currently the world's most popular SUV.

Which is the best luxury large SUV?

The Bentley Bentayga S is the ultimate luxury large SUV. Not only does it offer an impressive 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 petrol engine and lavish interior, it also comes with a host of driver assistance systems and active all-wheel drive.

Which is the best luxury SUV under $100k in Australia?

The Volvo XC90 is a great choice for luxury SUVs under $100k. It offers an impressive range of features, including a 9-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a range of driver assistance features.