If I lived in London, especially the Chelsea/Battersea end, I wouldn't have a car at all. I'd be that well off if I lived there, I'd be able to rent one when I needed to and IMO owning one would be more trouble than pleasure. The largest number of those large SUV's may well be in London but that article says nothing about what percentage of all car ownership that is. I drive a mid size SUV and love it. I don't need its underbody clearance and 4wd as much as I used to, but when I do need it I blooming do and as others have said the view with a higher car is better and its easier to get into and out of.
I do think about emissions and so on when I choose but its ONLY when I choose and I wouldn't change my car just for environmental reasons....sorry, I can't afford to. I did laugh about the RAC man saying "the right car for the right journey" as though we all have several to choose from.