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

Lfakeshan on 16/03/2025 - 20:53
Last edited 16/03/2025 - 22:24 by 1 other user

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!

Automotive Car SUV

Comments

  • peterw1 on 17/03/2025 - 13:58

    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

    • Flutterby on 17/03/2025 - 20:25

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

  • prisonmike on 17/03/2025 - 14:10

    Talk to your accountant

  • mungas on 17/03/2025 - 14:29

    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

  • monky on 17/03/2025 - 15:16

    Utterly sickening.

  • pulpfiction on 17/03/2025 - 15:24

    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.

  • R4 on 17/03/2025 - 16:01

    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.

    • pulpfiction on 17/03/2025 - 20:48

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

      • R4 on 17/03/2025 - 21:25

        True

  • stingy-oz on 17/03/2025 - 16:26

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

  • gezza90 on 17/03/2025 - 17:42

    My immediate reaction; OP is just asking for it…

  • Spookware on 17/03/2025 - 17:56

    Landcruiser.

  • SuperMid on 17/03/2025 - 18:08

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

    • Flutterby on 17/03/2025 - 20:35

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

  • onceupon8 on 17/03/2025 - 18:17

    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.

    • MS Paint on 17/03/2025 - 20:59
      -1

      Note that the Macan is now electric only.

      That's not true.

      • Browsers on 17/03/2025 - 22:19
        +1

        The just released current generation is EV only.

        • MS Paint on 18/03/2025 - 08:08

          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.

  • CocaKoala on 17/03/2025 - 18:36

    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.

  • justgooddeals on 17/03/2025 - 19:37

    Audi SQ8 E-Tron

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

    • UNO on 17/03/2025 - 21:00

      A new Urus is outside OPs budget too.

    • coffeeinmyveins on 18/03/2025 - 10:41

      Audi SQ8 E-Tron

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

  • SanguinarySeraph on 17/03/2025 - 22:15

    @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.

  • PerthMan96 on 17/03/2025 - 22:30

    ask google or reddit. always have confirmation bias in mind

  • ihbh on 17/03/2025 - 22:34

    Range Rover?

  • southskies on 17/03/2025 - 23:30

    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.

  • southskies on 17/03/2025 - 23:44
    -3

    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.

    • niknikniknik on 18/03/2025 - 10:34
      +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.

  • Gorodemon on 17/03/2025 - 23:46

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

  • Luke88 on 18/03/2025 - 00:11

    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.

  • niknikniknik on 18/03/2025 - 00:57

    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)

  • grr1701 on 18/03/2025 - 08:35

    Polestar 4

  • beltdrive on 18/03/2025 - 10:10

    RAV4

  • pegaxs on 18/03/2025 - 11:17
    +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…

  • Food on 18/03/2025 - 17:22

    MG3

  • Muppet Detector on 18/03/2025 - 17:25

    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?

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