General Hospital (GH) spoilers hint that Drew Cain’s (Cameron Mathison) ice-cold Danny Morgan (Asher Antonyzyn) move will bring Jason Morgan’s (Steve Burton) wrath.
Another fierce brother faceoff could be brewing, so GH fans won’t want to miss all the action. Jason is used to Drew’s antics by now and tends to ignore him most of the time.
However, the one thing that really gets under Jason’s skin is Drew’s mistreatment of Danny.
That’s surely a big reason why Drew stood his ground on Danny’s restraining order.
During Drew’s recent negotiation with Alexis Davis (Nancy Lee Grahn), he refused to budge when it came to keeping Jason’s son away from Scout Quartermaine (Cosette Abinante).
Alexis obviously doesn’t like the idea of Scout and her big brother being kept apart, but she had to take what she could get.
In the end, Alexis struck the deal, so she can see Scout along with Molly Lansing-Davis (Kristen Vaganos), Kristina Corinthos-Davis (Kate Mansi) and Rocco Falconeri (Finn Carr).
Of course, that doesn’t make it any better for frustrated Danny, who’s going to be even angrier once he realizes he’s the only one being kept from Scout now.
Danny just wants to spend some time with his little sister, so the latest Scout news is going to hit hard.
Jason will no doubt be furious on Danny’s behalf and could end up confronting Drew at some point.
Seeing how hurt Danny is could motivate Jason to launch a showdown with Drew soon enough.
Jason may voice his outrage and remind Drew that he warned him not to use Danny to mess with him.
That’s clearly what Drew’s doing, so this whole restraining order situation is getting worse and is only going to add to Jason’s fury.
Jason seems poised to unleash his wrath on Drew sooner or later, so some heated scenes may be in the works.
Drew’s got a lot on his plate when it comes to trying to get Willow Tait (Katelyn MacMullen) out of prison, but he may make time for some Jason conflict in the coming episodes.
General Hospital spoilers say Danny might take drastic action to see Scout if he’s kept apart from her for too long.
Dominating the Drive: A 2025 Deep Dive into the Pinnacle of Luxury SUVs – Porsche, BMW, Mercedes, Audi, and Volkswagen Face-Off
In my decade navigating the ever-evolving landscape of premium automobiles, few segments have undergone as seismic a shift as the luxury SUV. What began as an aspirational niche has become a foundational pillar for nearly every high-end manufacturer. As we step into 2025, the demands from discerning buyers have never been more sophisticated: a harmonious blend of blistering performance, unparalleled comfort, cutting-edge technology, and a nascent but growing expectation for environmental stewardship, often manifested through advanced hybrid powertrains. The era of simply being “big and luxurious” is long gone; today’s premium SUV must be a statement of intent, a versatile companion, and a technological marvel.
This year, the German titans continue to define the segment, pushing boundaries and innovating with relentless zeal. These aren’t just vehicles; they’re mobile command centers, family chariots, and weekend warriors rolled into one exquisite package. We’ve meticulously gathered five of the most compelling contenders – the Porsche Cayenne, BMW X5, Mercedes-Benz GLE, Audi Q7, and Volkswagen Touareg – to dissect their merits, expose their subtle flaws, and ultimately, determine which truly stands as the benchmark for the modern luxury SUV in 2025.
The New Era of Luxury SUVs: What Defines 2025?
The automotive market in 2025 is a crucible of innovation, particularly within the premium SUV segment. We’re witnessing a pivotal transition where electrification isn’t just an option but a strategic imperative. Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) have matured, offering impressive all-electric ranges for daily commutes combined with the security of a gasoline engine for longer journeys, a critical factor for many luxury SUV buyers seeking both performance and fuel efficiency. This balance not only reduces running costs but also significantly lowers emissions, making these vehicles eligible for various tax incentives, a substantial benefit for those mindful of their luxury car ownership cost.
Beyond powertrains, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) have become more intelligent and seamlessly integrated, inching closer to fully autonomous capabilities. Connectivity is no longer limited to basic smartphone mirroring; expect deep integration with smart home systems, predictive navigation, and over-the-air updates that keep your vehicle feeling fresh. Interior luxury, too, has evolved. Sustainable materials, sophisticated ambient lighting systems, and hyper-personalized digital interfaces are standard fare, transforming the cabin into a sanctuary. The 2025 luxury SUV isn’t just about getting from A to B; it’s about the entire journey, an immersive experience crafted for the modern driver.
Porsche Cayenne (2025 Model): The Performance Icon Refined
From its inception, the Porsche Cayenne redefined what an SUV could be, injecting genuine sports car DNA into a utilitarian body. In 2025, the Cayenne’s legacy as the best-driving luxury SUV remains firmly intact, but it’s been refined and technologically enhanced to meet contemporary demands.
The moment you settle into the Cayenne’s driver-focused cockpit, there’s an immediate sense of purpose. Its steering, often the benchmark for the segment, offers a tactile feedback that belies the vehicle’s considerable size. The advanced chassis, featuring adaptive air suspension and Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC), works in concert to virtually eliminate body roll, carving through corners with an agility that embarrasses many lower-slung sedans. This isn’t merely comfort; it’s controlled athleticism, making every drive an engaging event, whether you’re navigating tight city streets or sweeping mountain passes. The ride quality is firm but never harsh, expertly blending sportiness with surprising long-distance cruising comfort. For those seeking a high-performance SUV that can genuinely thrill, the Cayenne still sets the gold standard.
Inside, the 2025 Cayenne continues Porsche’s tradition of understated luxury and impeccable ergonomics. High-quality materials, from supple leather to brushed aluminum and carbon fiber accents, adorn every surface. The latest Porsche Communication Management (PCM) system is housed in a beautifully integrated widescreen display, offering intuitive control over navigation, media, and vehicle settings. A fully digital instrument cluster, configurable to the driver’s preferences, provides all critical information at a glance. The front seats are supportive and endlessly adjustable, perfect for spirited driving or extended journeys. While the rear passenger space is generous, and the cargo area competitive, the Cayenne’s focus is unmistakably on the driver.
For 2025, the intelligent choice in the Cayenne lineup is undoubtedly the E-Hybrid variant. Porsche has significantly advanced its PHEV technology, offering an extended all-electric range that comfortably covers most daily commutes, often up to 40-50 miles on a single charge. This not only dramatically lowers your luxury SUV operating costs but also unlocks impressive combined power output, delivering instant torque and exhilarating acceleration. The seamless transition between electric and combustion power is a testament to Porsche’s engineering prowess. While other high-output V8 options exist, the E-Hybrid strikes a masterful balance between performance, efficiency, and environmental responsibility, positioning it as a truly forward-thinking premium SUV. It’s powerful enough for virtually any scenario, offers significant tax advantages, and retains that quintessential Porsche driving verve.
Pros: Unrivaled driving dynamics, exceptional build quality, potent and efficient E-Hybrid powertrain, iconic brand prestige, highly customizable.
Cons: Options can quickly escalate the price, rear seating is less capacious than some rivals, no diesel option for some markets.
BMW X5 (2025 Model): The Maestro of Balance
For years, the BMW X5 has been lauded as the quintessential luxury SUV all-rounder, and the 2025 model further solidifies this reputation. It’s a vehicle that effortlessly blends dynamic driving characteristics with supreme comfort, advanced technology, and genuine practicality, making it a compelling choice for a wide spectrum of discerning luxury buyers.
On the road, the 2025 BMW X5 manages to feel remarkably nimble for its size, thanks to BMW’s renowned chassis tuning and the standard xDrive all-wheel-drive system. While perhaps not as overtly sporty as the Cayenne, it offers a more compliant and serene ride, especially with the optional adaptive air suspension, which glides over imperfections with impressive composure. Yet, when called upon, it can hustle through corners with confidence, exhibiting excellent body control and precise steering. The optional M Sport package not only sharpens its exterior aesthetics with more aggressive styling but also enhances its handling capabilities with sport-tuned suspension and larger wheels, appealing to those who desire a touch more dynamism in their daily drive. It truly is a masterclass in achieving a dual personality.
The interior of the 2025 X5 is a sanctuary of modern luxury. BMW’s latest iDrive 9 infotainment system, housed within the expansive curved display, is a technological masterpiece. Its intuitive interface, augmented by gesture control and natural voice commands, makes interacting with vehicle functions effortless. Material quality is top-tier, with rich leather, open-pore wood, and metallic accents creating an ambiance of sophisticated elegance. The attention to detail is evident in the finely stitched dashboard and the satisfying tactile feel of every control. Crucially, the X5 offers generous interior space for five adults, with an optional third row that, while compact, can be useful in a pinch. Its massive boot capacity makes it an ideal family premium SUV, capable of swallowing luggage for long road trips or a week’s worth of groceries without breaking a sweat.
Powering the X5, the updated 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine (often found in the xDrive40i or a new mild-hybrid variant for 2025) remains a standout. This engine delivers a sublime blend of smooth, potent acceleration and surprisingly reasonable fuel economy for a luxury SUV. It’s a powertrain that never feels strained, offering ample power for highway passing and refined cruising. For those prioritizing efficiency without compromising performance, BMW’s latest PHEV offerings, such as the xDrive50e for 2025, are exceptional. They offer a substantial all-electric range and combined horsepower that rivals many V8s, positioning the X5 as a hybrid luxury SUV that truly performs.
Pros: Outstanding balance of comfort and handling, high-tech and luxurious interior, generous passenger and cargo space, potent and efficient engine options, robust resale value.
Cons: Option packages can add up quickly, standard features might not feel as “premium” as some rivals without upgrades, iDrive can have a slight learning curve for new users.
Mercedes-Benz GLE (2025 Model): Elegance Meets Innovation
The Mercedes-Benz GLE in 2025 is a definitive statement of luxury SUV comfort and sophisticated design. Bearing the iconic three-pointed star, it exudes an undeniable presence, captivating onlookers with its elegant lines and commanding stance. This vehicle is designed for those who appreciate opulent interiors, a supremely comfortable ride, and technology that anticipates their every need.
From an aesthetic standpoint, the GLE is a masterclass in modern luxury. Its exterior design is fluid yet muscular, perfectly balancing form and function. Step inside, and you’re immediately enveloped in an atmosphere of serene indulgence. The cabin is an exquisite blend of high-quality materials – supple Nappa leather, intricate wood veneers, and brushed metal – all meticulously crafted and assembled. Mercedes-Benz’s signature MBUX infotainment system, potentially featuring an even more advanced Hyperscreen variant for 2025 in higher trims, dominates the dashboard with its dual-screen setup. While previous iterations had some touch-sensitive controls that could be polarizing, the 2025 model has seen ergonomic refinements, making interactions more intuitive and less distracting. The ambient lighting system, with its myriad color options, transforms the cabin into a personalized lounge, enhancing the overall sensory experience.
The ride quality of the 2025 GLE is simply sublime. Equipped with the available Airmatic air suspension and the groundbreaking E-Active Body Control system (which can scan the road ahead and adjust individual wheel damping), the GLE floats over road imperfections with an almost magic carpet-like smoothness. This advanced system also offers a “Curve” mode that leans into bends, significantly reducing lateral forces on occupants and enhancing comfort during spirited driving. For families and those who prioritize passenger serenity, the GLE is a clear leader, providing an incredibly refined and quiet environment even at highway speeds.
Engine choices for the 2025 GLE are varied and impressive, but the standout for discerning buyers is the enhanced plug-in hybrid, such as the GLE 400e (or an even more potent 2025 equivalent). This PHEV luxury SUV offers a substantial all-electric driving range, often exceeding 60 miles, making it incredibly economical for daily errands. When the gasoline engine kicks in, it delivers a robust surge of power, ensuring that acceleration is brisk and confident. Opting for the AMG Line package further enhances the GLE’s visual appeal with sportier exterior styling cues and larger wheels, without compromising its inherent comfort. It’s an elegant SUV design paired with cutting-edge hybrid powertrain efficiency, making it an incredibly attractive package for the future-focused luxury buyer.
Pros: Exquisite interior design and material quality, supremely comfortable ride (especially with E-Active Body Control), advanced MBUX infotainment, strong PHEV option with significant electric range, prestigious brand image.
Cons: Can be very expensive when heavily optioned, some still find the array of digital controls overwhelming, third-row seating is not as spacious as some rivals.
Audi Q7 (2025 Model): The Unassuming Powerhouse of Practicality
The Audi Q7 has consistently been the practical luxury SUV in this elite group, and for 2025, it continues to excel by offering a masterclass in understated elegance, robust build quality, and unparalleled versatility. While it might not shout for attention like some of its rivals, its enduring appeal lies in its intelligent design and exceptional user experience.
On the road, the 2025 Q7 delivers a driving experience characterized by unwavering stability and composure. The ride is remarkably smooth and well-damped, absorbing bumps with a refined proficiency that makes long journeys feel effortless. Its precise steering and confident handling, aided by Audi’s legendary quattro all-wheel-drive system, inspire confidence in all conditions. While it’s not designed to be a corner-carving specialist, it performs admirably when pressed, maintaining a dignified demeanor. This is a vehicle that prioritizes passenger comfort and driver relaxation, making it an ideal premium family hauler for daily commutes and extended road trips alike.
The interior of the 2025 Audi Q7 is a testament to meticulous craftsmanship and intelligent design. Audi’s Virtual Cockpit remains one of the best digital instrument clusters in the business, offering crystal-clear graphics and extensive configurability. The dual MMI Touch Response screens, seamlessly integrated into the dashboard, provide haptic feedback, giving a satisfying tactile response to inputs. Material quality is, as expected from Audi, exceptional across the board, featuring premium leather, genuine wood inlays, and precise metallic trim. Where the Q7 truly shines is its practicality: it offers a genuinely usable third row that can comfortably accommodate children and smaller adults, making it one of the most versatile seven-seater luxury SUVs. Cargo space is cavernous, and the ease with which the rear seats fold flat creates an expansive, flat load floor.
For propulsion in 2025, the Audi Q7 continues to offer compelling powertrain options. The updated 3.0-liter TDI diesel engine, if available in your market, provides prodigious torque, effortless highway cruising, and impressive luxury SUV fuel economy. However, the increasingly popular choice for 2025 is the 55 TFSI e plug-in hybrid. This Audi Q7 PHEV delivers a powerful combination of a V6 gasoline engine and an electric motor, offering strong acceleration and a respectable all-electric range, often exceeding 30 miles. This blend makes it a compelling choice for those seeking performance, efficiency, and lower emissions. The S Line trim is highly recommended as it enhances the Q7’s exterior with larger alloy wheels, more aggressive bumpers, and sportier accents, giving it a more dynamic presence without compromising its inherent comfort and practicality.
Pros: Exceptional interior quality and practicality, comfortable and composed ride, intuitive MMI Touch Response system, genuinely usable third row, strong engine options including a capable PHEV.
Cons: Understated styling might lack the “wow” factor for some, not as sporty to drive as the Cayenne, options can quickly increase the final price.
Volkswagen Touareg (2025 Model): The Smart Contender in Premium Value
The Volkswagen Touareg occupies a unique space within this premium German SUV lineup. While it shares its sophisticated platform with the Porsche Cayenne and Audi Q7, the 2025 Touareg positions itself as the value luxury SUV, offering a remarkably high level of capability, refinement, and technology at a more accessible price point. It’s a compelling choice for buyers who appreciate understated quality and robust engineering without needing the explicit badge prestige of its more expensive siblings.
On the road, the 2025 Touareg delivers a surprisingly plush and refined driving experience. Its ride comfort is excellent, especially with the optional air suspension, which glides over most road surfaces with quiet composure. While it may not possess the pinpoint sharpness of a Cayenne, it offers confident and secure handling, with a reassuring sense of stability. The steering is well-weighted and precise, making it easy to maneuver despite its size. This is a highly capable premium SUV with advanced features that excels at long-distance cruising, effortlessly swallowing miles with minimal fuss.
Inside, the 2025 Touareg surprises with its well-appointed cabin. The Innovision Cockpit, with its seamless integration of the digital instrument cluster and large central infotainment screen, creates a thoroughly modern and high-tech environment. While the material palette might not reach the bespoke level of a Mercedes or Porsche, the quality is undeniably premium, featuring soft-touch surfaces, well-damped controls, and impressive fit and finish throughout. Passenger space is generous in both rows, offering ample head and legroom for adults, and the cargo area is cavernous, making it an incredibly practical choice for families. It’s a testament to Volkswagen’s ability to deliver genuine luxury without the exorbitant price tag.
For 2025, the Touareg’s powertrain strategy focuses on robust and efficient options. The 3.0-liter V6 TDI diesel engine (where available) remains an excellent choice, offering immense torque for towing and strong luxury SUV economy, making it an ideal economical motorway cruiser. For those seeking a blend of performance and efficiency, Volkswagen also offers compelling petrol and potentially new PHEV options for 2025 that leverage its shared platform technology. To truly elevate its presence, the Black Edition trim is the smart pick. It adds darkened exterior styling elements, exclusive wheel designs, and enhanced interior accents, giving the Touareg a sportier and more distinctive look that helps it stand out from the crowd. Unless substantial performance upgrades arrive for 2025, the ‘R’ model often struggles to justify its significantly higher cost compared to its truly premium siblings.
Pros: Excellent value proposition for a premium SUV, refined ride comfort, high-tech Innovision Cockpit, extremely practical interior and cargo space, strong and efficient engine options.
Cons: Lacks the ultimate badge prestige of its German cousins, interior materials are premium but not as bespoke as some rivals, not as engaging to drive as the Cayenne.
The Verdict: My Expert Pick for 2025
After meticulously analyzing these five incredible machines, it’s clear that the luxury SUV market in 2025 is teeming with exceptional choices. Each contender offers a distinct personality and caters to slightly different priorities, making the concept of a single “best” highly subjective.
However, based on a decade of experience and understanding the evolving demands of the modern premium buyer, my top contender for the ultimate all-rounder in 2025 would be the BMW X5. Its masterful blend of refined driving dynamics, genuinely luxurious and technologically advanced interior, generous practicality, and powerful yet efficient PHEV options (like the xDrive50e) creates a package that is incredibly difficult to fault. It excels in almost every metric, offering a harmonious balance that few can match, making it an ideal premium family vehicle that can also thrill the driver.
For those who prioritize pure, unadulterated driving exhilaration and are willing to pay the premium, the Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid remains the undisputed king of performance SUVs. If opulent comfort and cutting-edge design are your non-negotiables, the Mercedes-Benz GLE shines brightest, especially with its advanced suspension and serene cabin. The Audi Q7 continues to be the sensible, highly practical choice for those needing genuine seven-seater capability and understated quality, while the Volkswagen Touareg offers exceptional luxury SUV features at a truly compelling value, punching well above its price point.
Ultimately, the best 2025 luxury SUV for you will depend on your specific needs, priorities, and driving style. Each of these German powerhouses represents the pinnacle of automotive engineering and design, offering a driving experience that is nothing short of extraordinary.
Ready to experience the future of luxury driving? Don’t just read about these incredible machines—discover them firsthand. Visit our curated selection of premium SUVs for sale, delve into comprehensive 2025 model reviews, and seamlessly connect with certified dealerships to arrange your personalized test drive. Your ultimate journey into high-end automotive excellence begins here.