

It’s not a slippery slope. SUVs and pickups are a problem in European inner cities, which is why some cities put restrictions on them such as Paris. Also you don’t need a SUV for free time. If you need the space, buy a stationwagon. If you want to go offroading, buy a MTB or MTX instead. Also most SUVs are pretty crappy offroad vehicles.
But 7 Seaters have a clear purpose and are mostly used for transporting multiple people. SUVs usually only have five seats, have crappy emissions and mostly seniors drive them in Germany. Why the hell do senior citizens need SUVs?
The difference between a stationwagon and an SUV is that a stationwagon is usually narrower and uses space efficiently. SUVs on the other hand don’t use space efficiently and the bonnets are a lot higher than with stationwagons. https://www.fleetnews.co.uk/news/road-safety-fears-from-increasing-car-bonnet-height
https://suv-alliance.org.uk/blog/suv-tall-bonnets-clear-risk-children
Again, you don’t need an SUV for equipment unless it is professionally. If you need the space, fold over seats or buy a stationwagon.