Luxury car buyers are shifting to SUVs in a big way – like these sporty 4x4s and crossovers
US new car buyers are shifting to SUVs in a big way – and these 4x4s and crossovers are leading the charge
BMW X4 Starting at $47,600
BMW is embracing the crossover and 4×4 boom and launching seven models by the e end of 2018. It’s hard to argue e with the first-generation X4’s 200,000-odd global sales since e 2014, and the larger X6 has been nearly as popular too. This second-generation X4 is the latest lates progeny resulting from a 4×4 and sports coupe spending too long in a cupboard ard at a drunken drunk party. This X4 is longer, wider and lower than its ts predecessor, predecesso and will offer twoo M performance performan models as well as, eventually, eventually two- and four-wheel drive and s smaller gas engines – the latter l likely to prosper with the downturn of diesel sales across Europe.Eur With more niches being carved out in the crossover class, the m market may well be ready to ad adopt this new X4. bmwusa.com
LEXUS RX 450H L Starting at $50,620
With hybrids and 4x4s currently the hot automotive property on the American road, the gashybrid Lexus RX450h should have been flying off showroom floors faster than a selection of ping hot cakes. Yet despite all of the original RX450h’s talents, it was lacking the seven-seaters family practicality offered by some of its rivals. Until now that is. As the L in this 4x4’s naname suggests, this is a 4-inch longer version of the Lexus off-roader, boasting a power-folding third row of seats. Sitting slightly higher than the middle row, they’re not really sensible for anyone beyond teenage years, but the extra practicality, added to its legendary build quality and ease of handling, should boost the appeal of the RX considerably. lexus.com
MERCEDES-BENZ G-CLASS Starting at $123,600
Like the Land Rover Defender, few cars attract such adoration amongg 4×4 enthusiasts as the Mercedes G-Wagen. This all-new G-Class brings it into the 21st century with subtly revised looks and a host of new features. Longer and wider than its predecessor, the new G-Class is, crucially, also 375 lbs. lighter and boasts far more interior space than before, thanks to improved packaging. The G-Class spans four models from the peppy 550 SUV and its beefier 4X4 sibling to the sporty Mercedes AMG G63 with its 5.5 liter turbo V8 and its big brother G65 powered by a 6.0 liter V12. Expect high equipment levels to go with its high price, and excellent offroading abilities too due to three sequentially lockable differentials via a set of dash buttons. mercedes-benz.com
RANGE ROVER P400E PHEV Starting at $95,150
Electricity is coming to Jaguar Land Rover with the introduction of this new and exciting Range Rover P400e Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle. This is JLR’s first plug-in, as the previous Range Rover hybrid was just a standard gas-and-battery hybrid. The P400e combines a 2.0-liter turbo-gas engine with an 85kW electric motor to produce 404bhp and a 0-60mph time of 6.4 seconds making it the second-fastest Range Rover on sale. There’s a 31-mile all-electric range, and drivers are sure to like the overall green advantages of the PHEV system. A host of updates to the entire Range Rover line-up means that it’s even more luxurious inside with airline-style seating options, a new massage system, wider seats and 17 connectivity points. landrover.com
JAGUAR I- PACE Available fall 2018 Starting at $69,500
Whether traditional car enthusiast like it or not, Jaguar is changing. The iconic British brand’s “Pace” family f is already starting to dominate. In retail terms, the F-Pa Pace is selling almost as many vehicles as the rest of the line-up combined, combined while there’s the new E-Pace and now this latest all-electric I-Pa Pace. With 400bhp from its 90kWh battery and four-wheel drive, the I I-Pace can race from 0-60 mph in just 4.5 seconds, while boasting a 300-mile range. Realistically speaking that will be enough for m many drivers, although a 15-minute rapid charge gives around 60 miles mile of range. Jaguar is currently only talking about the I-Pace as a single five-door hatchback, although it’s not hard to imagine a family of di different body styles and power units in the future. jaguarusa.com
Infiniti QX50 Available December 2018 Starting at $36,550
As the field of new crossovers seems too be trending hybrid, introducing a ingenious new powertrain may seem counterintuitive. But the automotive market could be ready for this new Infiniti QX50. Boasting a new technology 2.0-0-liter turbo gas engine that uses variable compression ratio to be more economical than a standard gas motor, this QX50 also boasts good looks, excellent build quality and plenty of space inside its luxury interior with standard features like contrast stitching, semi-analine leather and Japanese-inspired Kacchu Aluminum trim, as well as refined on--road manners. This is the best car we’ve seen yet from Infiniti, and thishis QX50 deserves a good look alongside its premium establishment rivals. A great alternative choice. infinitiusa.com
VOLVO XC40 Starting at $33,200
Volvo’s history in station wagons is wellell known and continues with the V90 and the latest V60, while its XC60 and XC90 4x4s are arguably some of the best in their classes.ses. The Swedish firm will be hoping that its reputation continues with this baby XC40. With obviously similar styling to its larger stablemates, the XC40 certainly has the looks to stand out in the premium sector. Its interior cabin features impress as well with amenities like a 9” Sensus Touchscreen, an intuitive tablet-like touchscreen that serves as an infotainment hub for entertainment, navigation and connectivity apps, along with voice and steering wheel controls. Plus the system allows Apple CarPlay and Android Auto use at the same time. Another 12.3” Digital Driver Display helps staying focused on the road ahead by displaying information directly in sight – like phone calls, temperature and drive modes. A Harman Kardon Premium Sound audio system with 13 speakers fofor balanced acoustics and air-ventilated subwoofer is available as an option. Better yet, its on-road manners are equally impressive. volvocars.com/us