Fun to Drive, Family SUV for up to £60k New?

[guy_in_the_i30n]

Long story short, my commute is changing soon so I won't be able to justify keeping my i30N and we'll be going down to one car.

Therefore, looking to replace the family Qashqai with something that can basically do it all. Carry the family, do all the boring daily driving, but also be a bit of fun to drive when there's the opportunity. My wife wants us to stick with an SUV, which is making this a bit harder as plenty of estates that could have fit the bill... Never mind.

So needs to SUV, 500l of boot space at least, plenty of tech (Qashqai spec ironically pretty comprehensive so reluctant to go without), fun to drive and a little bit of power, 300hp+ is fine. Looking at new (personal preference, not intending this to be a new versus used thread) and up to £60k.

Feels like a tall order because of the SUV piece, currently being drawn to the new BMW X1 M35i, but open to suggestions!

(Yes I know an SUV is not going to perform like a hot hatch / sports car etc but hoping to find something that can at least keep the petrol head in me somewhat happy.)

Thanks.

[BlueJ]

I've not driven one, but everything I read suggests the Macan is the most engaging / fun SUV to drive.

[nikaiyo2]

BMW X3M fits the bill perfectly. You would have to go used to stay under 50k but will be much better than a 1X.

[RedWhiteMonkey]

Are you feeling brave, I suspect the servicing costs are scary:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202401085...

[fflump]

guy_in_the_i30n said:

So needs to SUV, 500l of boot space at least, plenty of tech (Qashqai spec ironically pretty comprehensive so reluctant to go without), fun to drive and a little bit of power, 300hp+ is fine. Looking at new (personal preference, not intending this to be a new versus used thread) and up to £60k.

Cue suggestions to get a used car!

For that sort of money it would seem to be insane to go for an X1.
Would as PHEV be of interest?
An Evoque, Disco Sport or E-Pace can be bought new with the JLR 310 bhp Petrol PHEV powertrain.

The Mercedes GLC and the X3 M40d Diesel hybrid are maybe a haggle away from being in budget?

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202402126...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202401225...