If you remember the "Mary Tyler Moore Show" from back in the 1970s, the last line of the opening theme song is "You're gonna make it after all". The idea behind premium-brand automakers is that they make products for those who have indeed "made it." That philosophy is something automakers carry into making a large SUV.

Consumer Guide(r) classifies 9 different vehicles as premium large SUVs. American, European, and Japanese brands all vie for a piece of this very profitable pie. Selling one premium large SUV can add more than $10,000 to the net income column on an automaker's balance sheet.

As such, manufacturers are constantly engaging in a war of one-upsmanship to woo demanding buyers with combinations of powerful engines, sophisticated driving dynamics, on- or off-road, and refined interiors brimming with luxury touches.

A pair of new entries arrived for the 2007 model year, and they are the Audi Q7 and Mercedes-Benz GL-Class. The Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator were redesigned for '07. Lincoln added a long-wheelbase Navigator L designed to compete with the extended Cadillac Escalade ESV. Land Rover's Range Rover received an interior freshening and a new all-wheel drive system. The Hummer H2, Infiniti QX56, Lexus LX 470, and Toyota Land Cruiser soldier on unchanged.

Consumer Guide® classifies 11 different vehicles as premium large SUVs. American, European, and Japanese brands all vie for a piece of this very profitable pie. Selling one premium large SUV can add over $10,000 to the net income column on an automaker's balance sheet.

As such, manufacturers are constantly engaging in a war of one-upsmanship to woo demanding buyers with combinations of powerful engines, sophisticated driving dynamics, on- or off-road, and refined interiors brimming with luxury touches.

A League of Their Own
Many vehicles in the premium large SUV segment enjoy almost cult-like followings. The Land Rover Range Rover and Hummer H2 are known for their off-road prowess. Cadillac's Escalade and Lincoln's Navigator enjoy fame among Hollywood celebrities and professional athletes.

Regardless of brand, all players in this category have their own appeal for well-heeled shoppers who want and need more than what coupes, sedans, or midsize SUVs offer. Whether it's carrying friends and equipment to the country club, towing a horse trailer to the equestrian center, or tackling rough terrain to get to a vacation home in the mountains, a premium large SUV is certainly the way to go if you want to get noticed.

The muscular profiles cut by these vehicles tell anyone that you've arrived and will settle for nothing less than doing it with size and style.

Premium Form and Function
Premium large SUVs often borrow chassis and powertrains from their more mainstream cousins. The recently redesigned 2007 Cadillac Escalade shares General Motors' "900" platform with the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon. The Lincoln Navigator is based on parent-company Ford's Expedition.

Even import nameplates share. Audi's Q7 is a stretched version of the Touareg from Audi-parent Volkswagen. The Infiniti QX56 is built on the same assembly line as parent company Nissan's Armada. The Toyota Land Cruiser and Lexus LX 470 are corporate cousins, as are the Mercedes-Benz GL-Class and midsize ML-Class. The only premium large SUV with a unique platform is the Range Rover, even though Land Rover is owned by Ford.

Regardless of its roots, most premium large SUVs use a truck-type body-on-frame construction. This contributes to these vehicles' robust capabilities for carrying people, hauling cargo, or towing a boat. Thanks to sophisticated all-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive systems, many can also traverse terrain that doesn't include asphalt or concrete.

Q7 and GL-Class divert from the crowd with car-type unibody construction. That means these vehicles tend to ride better than their truck-type rivals, though at a price of off-road capability. Since most buyers likely will never take their premium large SUVs off-road, this is not a big deal. The GL-Class does offer an optional off-road package that includes low-range gearing, locking center and rear differentials, and a driver-adjustable suspension.

No premium large SUV has an engine with less than eight cylinders and 265 horsepower. All use automatic transmissions with four, five, or six speeds. Minimum 5,000 lb curb weights mean these vehicles are far from speed demons, but they still have the ability to tow 6,500 lb or more.

Some premium large SUVs don't follow conventional styles. The Cadillac Escalade EXT, for example, is a premium large SUV that looks like an oversized 4-door crew cab pickup truck. Its 5.3-ft cargo box expands to 8.2 ft via a "midgate." Escalade is also available as an ESV model that has a 14-inch longer wheelbase than the standard length model. Hummer H2 is available as the SUT, which is also a four-door crew cab, but lacks an adjustable midgate.

For heavy cargo loaded into the vehicle itself, most premium large SUVs are available with a load-leveling suspension. As weight in the rear increases, the suspension automatically raises to level the vehicle. As a further convenience, most are available with a power liftgate.

Most premium large SUVs have standard all-wheel drive with low-range gearing. That makes these vehicles very capable off-road, even though many will never leave paved surfaces. A few, such as the Cadillac Escalade, don't include a low-range gear.

Think Safety
Premium price tags mean advanced safety features come standard. Stability control, also known as an antiskid system, is a common feature. Antiskid systems are designed to keep a vehicle on the intended path on slippery roads. Some antiskid systems also incorporate sensors that can detect and try to prevent a rollover.

Airbags abound in most premium large SUVs. Front side and curtain side airbags are available, depending on model. Some side airbags also are designed to deploy in rollovers.

Safety features don't end there. There are features on premium large SUVs that can help if owners are feeling adventurous. Available on vehicles like the Range Rover is a hill descent control feature. When engaged, the system limits the vehicle's speed when going down a steep incline.

Pedestrians also benefit from safeguards like video screens that incorporate rearview cameras. They show images of what's behind the vehicle while backing up and can be helpful for seeing objects that might be obscured.

Rugged Outside, Opulent Inside
A premium large SUV conveys a rugged image with its exterior styling. But inside, they're designed to pamper drivers and passengers alike with luxury and convenience features.

In addition to navigation systems with touch screens, drivers and front passengers are often treated to heated seats. Some, like the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator, have cooled front seats, a nice feature to have on hot summer days. Ears can be appeased by name brand, high-end audio systems. Most premium large SUVs offer a built-in wireless link for cell phones.

Those traveling in back can be treated to DVD entertainment systems with wireless headphones, and can get comfortable with separate climate controls. A few vehicles have heated 2nd-row bucket seats or power-folding seats.

A Pretty Penny
Premium large SUVs aren't cheap. Sticker prices start at or above $50,000 and can climb higher than $80,000 depending on model and option selection. Then there are expenses related to fuel. These vehicles are not known for their fuel frugality, the cost of which is compounded by their need for premium-grade fuel.

But for these buyers, such things are of little consequence. They demand quality, attention to detail, rugged styling, and versatility. Some are better executed than others in this area, so thoroughly drive before you buy. In the premium large SUV arena, the Consumer Guide(r) Best Buy pick is the Cadillac Escalade. The Audi Q7 and Mercedes-Benz GL-Class are Recommended choices.