Research Best Luxury SUVs for Chicago Winters

AWD vs. 4WD

• BMW xDrive uses intelligent AWD that adapts to changing road conditions. The system varies the torque distribution between the front and rear axles. Models such as the BMW X5 xDrive40i, BMW X7 xDrive40i, and all-electric BMW iX xDrive60 pair winter traction with the responsive handling BMW SUVs are known for. The BMW X7 xDrive40i, for example, has standard BMW xDrive and adaptive suspension.
• The Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 4MATIC SUV uses fully variable 4MATIC AWD, and the Mercedes-Benz GLE lineup includes several 4MATIC configurations. This versatile hardware suits commuting, highway travel, school runs, and winter trips where paved-road comfort remains a priority.
• The INEOS Grenadier Station Wagon belongs to another category. Its permanent four-wheel-drive (4WD) system features a two-speed transfer case and a center differential lock. Heavy-duty coil suspension, beam axles, skid plates, and off-road and wading modes support travel over terrain that would fall outside the normal operating environment of a road-oriented luxury crossover.

Winter Features That Matter

Cold-weather equipment deserves more scrutiny than it usually receives on a summer test drive. Heated front seats are common among premium SUVs, and many higher-end configurations offer heated rear seats. A heated steering wheel is particularly useful after an SUV has spent eight hours in an outdoor lot during a cold snap around Vernon Hills.

Remote-start on gas models and remote climate preconditioning on compatible EVs can warm the cabin before you leave. EV preconditioning has an added advantage: warming the cabin from grid power while plugged in can reduce the battery energy needed immediately after departure. BMW specifically recommends preconditioning an electric vehicle while plugged in as one way to optimize driving range.

Comfort and technology amenities also matter. Heated exterior mirrors, heated washer jets, effective front- and rear-defrost systems, heated windshield equipment where available, and a surround-view camera can earn their keep throughout a Chicago winter.

Best Large Luxury SUVs for Heavy Snow and Long Trips

Three-row SUV shoppers around Gurnee, IL, should check out the BMW X7 xDrive40i and Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 4MATIC SUV.

The BMW X7 xDrive40i seats up to seven, generates 375 horsepower, and includes standard BMW xDrive. Its adaptive suspension and performance-oriented chassis make it an interesting choice for someone who wants a large family SUV without abandoning BMW steering and handling characteristics.

The Mercedes-Benz GLS 450 4MATIC SUV seats seven, or six with an optional seating configuration, and provides up to 84.7 cubic feet of cargo capacity. Its 375-horsepower inline-six mild-hybrid powertrain, fully variable 4MATIC AWD, self-leveling AIRMATIC suspension, and 7,700-pound maximum towing capacity expand its usefulness for family travel.

Best Luxury SUV for Serious Winter Weather

The INEOS Grenadier Station Wagon deserves separate consideration because its engineering priorities differ significantly from those of conventional luxury SUVs.

Permanent 4WD, a two-speed transfer case, a locking center differential, Carraro beam axles, heavy-duty coil suspension, skid plates, and off-road and wading modes form the vehicle's core. Approximately 10.4 inches of ground clearance gives it considerably more room for deep or rutted snow.

The hardware is relevant for owners who regularly encounter unplowed private roads, rural property, deep snow, trail access, or outdoor recreation. An owner near Lake Bluff, IL, who spends winter weekends farther north may have different needs than a driver whose SUV rarely leaves plowed roads.

The INEOS Grenadier Station Wagon is the specialist in this group: its design brief includes genuine off-road travel and severe terrain rather than treating those situations as occasional secondary duties.