Soaring SUV sales keep carmakers on collision course with climate policy

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This is anecdotal of course, but I don't think it's just boomers who are buying SUVs. I'm 30, I see a lot of people my age and older who are buying SUVs. Unfortunately, I don't think concern for the environment rates high among other generations when push comes to shove. They buy Mercedes SUVs without a second thought when the economy is doing well for them.

Why are you assuming it's boomers? SUVs and pickup trucks are popular across the entire age spectrum for a variety of reasons (perceived safety, cargo capacity, space and features to haul kids and their stuff around, better road visibility, etc.).

I don't think there's a very complicated question to answer - SUVs are sooo much more comfortable to get into and drive than regular cars that it's not a surprise they have become the default vehicle type for many people. I'm only 29 and having developed some joint problems I'm now buying an SUV for myself, purely because getting into a regular sedan/estate is a bit of a struggle, but getting into an SUV isn't. The same applies to the driving position - even in the uber-luxury saloon like the Mercedes E class the fact that you're sitting much lower puts a lot of strain on my legs, but sitting with my back higher up in something like the LR Discovery makes driving much easier.

I'm trying to offset the emissions aspect by buying a plug-in hybrid SUV - so at least my plan is to do 100% work commute on electric power alone.

No one will care when an Explorer gets 20-25 mpg and gas is still under $2.50/gallon. The comfort and utility advantages more than outweigh any possible long-term externalities in the ordinary calculus.