Here at CarBuzz, we have two family-related categories. There's Family Fun, which is a relatively affordable vehicle that needs to fit and be fun for an entire family. And then, we have this category, which is more of a price-is-no-object take on the same.
As with Family Fun, these cars need to be able to carry a family of four. But Family Luxury should also provide occupants with entertainment and pamper them in comfortable, luxurious, and spacious cabins. A long road trip should feel no more stressful than lying on a five-star hotel's supersized bed.
The entertainment is not limited to rear-seat screens or pop-up tables covered in wood veneer. It could be as simple as a fun driving experience and a few USB chargers to keep the kids or adults in the rear seats happy.
2022 turned out to be a good year for this category. Models that made our list but not the final three include the Cadillac Escalade-V, Acura MDX Type S, Aston Martin DBX 707, and the Lexus RX and LX. All good cars, but not as sublime as our three finalists.
2022 Land Rover New Range Rover
A new Range Rover doesn't come along often, even though it essentially defines this segment. Two decades ago, the Range Rover competed with luxury vehicles like the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and BMW 7 Series, but thanks to a host of new luxury off-roaders, it finally has some real competition.
For the first time, the Range Rover can be ordered with seven seats, but it's at its absolute best with the Executive Class Comfort Plus rear-seat package, which is only available for the extended wheelbase model. It's a must-have accessory for those who like to be driven. It's just one of several personalization options available to customers.
Driving yourself isn't half bad, either. The interior quality is right up there with rivals from Mercedes-Benz and Bentley. The stately off-roader comes standard with all the latest technology, but the interior is not intimidating. And there are loads of options to keep the kids entertained in the rear seats.
Best of all is the ride quality. The Range Rover scans the road ahead and uses its electronically controlled air suspension to prime for imperfections. As a result, it feels like you're traveling on Aladdin's magic carpet.
2023 BMW X7
The X7 launched a few years ago, but it's here because it received a Life Cycle Impulse, which is BMW marketing speak for a facelift. Now with split headlights, its exterior divides opinion, but the rest of the package remains outstanding.
In M60i form, It's equipped with the same 4.4-liter twin-turbo mild-hybrid V8 used in the Range Rover above, and the 523 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque do the same job, taking it to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. We much prefer the effortless feeling of endless grunt, which does a marvelous job of pushing this 5,800-pound SUV along.
The new iDrive 8 can sometimes be finicky, but you quickly learn the shortcuts, and it doesn't dominate the interior. All three rows are treated to loads of space, comfortable individual seats (in six-seat format), and loads of light and air thanks to a massive panoramic sunroof and large windows.
Other luxuries include a high-end sound system, seat massaging, and rear-seat entertainment.
2022 Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT
The Cayenne Turbo GT is here because, first and foremost, it's a brilliant one-car garage proposition.
Porsche has managed to package several cars into one handsome "coupe" body. As a luxury car, it's right up there with the best, thanks to a three-chamber air suspension that irons out the road despite the 22-inch standard wheels. It works beautifully as a grand tourer, even though some of the racier interior elements, like the Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel and seats, mean you have to forego certain features. Because of the seat material, Porsche can't add features like ventilation or massaging.
The payoff is a blistering supercar, which an entire family of gearheads can enjoy. It's equipped with a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine that produces 631 hp and 626 lb-ft. It gets to 60 mph in 3.1 seconds and runs an 11.6 quarter-mile. The way this car tackles a mountain pass or a track is mind-boggling.
Many might question its family credentials since it only seats four people, but for the gearhead who has to trade in their 911 when kids come along, this lets them enjoy driving without feeling guilty.