Fueling the fire for crossovers: these luxe drives couple sedan amenities with SUV capacity

Chief Executive, The, Jan-Feb, 2008 by Dale Buss

luxury consumers and carmakers alike are converging on the sweet spot of the upscale automotive market: crossovers that combine the drivability of a sedan with the roominess of a utility vehicle and are packed with the amenities that big-ticket buyers demand.

Testifying to their growing appeal, sales of crossovers--also known as "crossover utility vehicles"--were up about 20 percent in 2007 while the rest of the U.S. luxury market was flat. So now, just a few years after crossovers emerged as a distinct segment, you can choose from among a herd of strong new entries with European, Japanese or domestic origins and for prices ranging from the mid-$30,000s to $70,000 and up.

A handful of other luxury crossovers are worth considering as well. Given demand that is only expected to rise, every player will have a shot at carving out a long-term share in the segment.

Here are five of the most interesting luxury crossovers, each of them brand new or relaunched in the last few years.

Audi Q7: A new species in 2007, Q7 combines the classic power and responsiveness evident in Audi's fine German-made sedans with the ample capacity and luxury touches that American crossover buyers require-including an exceptionally quiet ride. The available 4.2-liter V8 pumps out 350 hp., which makes Q7 hoggish on fuel. Among Q7's many advanced technologies is a feature that lowers the chassis at highway speeds by up to 1.3 in. to reduce drag.

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"Adaptive" cruise control allows aggressive drivers to keep up with traffic without tailgating, because Q7's computer will autopilot you to a safe distance from vehicles ahead or, if necessary, bring you to an abrupt stop. Front-seat adjustable lumbar supports are primo, and nightlights in and out are helpful. But controlling the defroster is an arcane process, to be kind, using Q7's mid-console "joy button."

BMW X5: The company redesigned X5 for the last model year to add an optional third-row seat and room for seven, making it 7 in. longer. Still, BMW likes to call X5 a "Sport Activity Vehicle" to emphasize its athletic driving lineage. A new double-wishbone front suspension helps deliver great handling even in a big vehicle that weighs in at nearly 5,000 lb. (though X5 is choppier than expected in low gears).

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BMW engineering shines through in the two-piece hatch, which makes for easy loading and unloading; a rear-DVD screen that folds neatly into the front-row armrest; and high placement of rear speakers for optimum sound. BMW still hasn't made its iDrive uber-control knob user-friendly enough, and the confusing shifter layout could use a redesign.

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Infiniti FX45: Its schizophrenic design is the segment's clearest statement about the dual intentions behind crossovers. The extremely sleek styling, which company executives said is supposed to resemble a "bionic cheetah," is plopped on top of huge, optional 20-in. wheels to emphasize driving aplomb over carrying capacity.

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Indeed, especially in the all-wheel-drive version with a 4.5-liter V8 engine, FX45 is segment-quick with very tight handling and a stiff, sporty ride--but probably too much so. Niftily, the instrument panel adjusts up and down as a unit with the steering wheel. The leather seats are reminiscent of a fine old chair in the drawing room--although they're a bit too firm. In the end, FX45 pays a price for its airfoil design by being left without a third row of seats and with relatively little cargo room.

Lincoln MKX: Dumping its slow-selling Aviator SUV, Lincoln debuted this new crossover as a 2007 model along with the Ford Edge, whose outside appearance is too similar to suit Lincoln's aspirations. In any event, the MKX's clean design, high window lines and waffle-pattern grille make it stand out visually, especially in the striking white chocolate color. MKX's ride and handling, while not special for the segment, at least make it a worthy entry.

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MKX also deserves kudos for a pleasing interior that features blond wood and satin nickel, as well as a Vista Roof over both rows of seating. Other state-of-the art touches include bright-white LED reverse lights and Sync, the voice-activated communications and entertainment system co-developed with Microsoft. MKX's rear hatch, however, is very difficult to open and close manually.

Buick Enclave: General Motors' latest entry barely slips into the luxury-crossover category, encumbered in qualification by its reasonable pricing and its relatively behemoth size for this segment. Still, Enclave's stylish looks and representative ride and handling enable this all-new entrant for the 2008 model year to hold its own against true luxury brands.

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Enclave's design is deliberately overdone, including bulbous headlights, nonfunctional "portholes" that nod to a classic Buick marking, numerous chrome accents on the outside, and the oval-on-oval theme of the interior. Enclave also makes the most of its volume, including sliding second-row bucket seats, separate climate controls for the third row, and a rear storage area rife with securing hooks and a power outlet. Yet, Buick designers should revisit things like a too-small analog clock in front and a sliding center armrest that is too far from the driver or front passenger.