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Oct 25, 2023

10 SUVs That Merged Luxury And Off

These SUVs provide the ultimate combination when it comes to opulence and 4x4

These SUVs provide the ultimate combination when it comes to opulence and 4x4 capabilities, making them excel on and off the road.

SUVs have undeniably experienced a meteoric rise in popularity and revolutionized the automotive landscape as we know it. Their appeal lies in their multifaceted nature, and they have captured the hearts of many drivers worldwide with their commanding presence on the roads, practicality and go-anywhere capabilities. SUVs feature an elevated ride height, spacious interiors, and robust performance and have become the go-to choice for those seeking versatility and comfort in their everyday journeys. But what sets apart the crème de la crème of these vehicles? Enter luxury SUVs, a rare breed that effortlessly marries lavishness with off-road prowess, offering the ultimate fusion of comfort and adventure.

Luxury SUVs represent a pinnacle of automotive craftsmanship, catering to discerning individuals who refuse to compromise on either comfort or exploration. These exceptional vehicles effortlessly combine sumptuous interiors, cutting-edge technology, and refined aesthetics with the ability to conquer challenging terrains that other luxury cars can't. By integrating advanced four-wheel-drive systems, adaptive suspension, and terrain response modes, these luxury SUVs excel not only on city streets but also when the road takes a daring turn off the beaten path. Here are 10 SUVs that best merge a luxurious allure with the untamed spirit of adventure.

The Jaguar F-Pace borrows the styling and athletic road manners of the Jaguar F-Type sports car, making it one of the few fun-to-drive SUVs on the market. The practical, spacious, upscale two-row mid-size SUV will excite driving enthusiasts, especially in the high-performance SVR trim, which boasts a supercharged 550-hp V8 engine. Besides this unwavering performance, the Jaguar F-Pace also possesses respectable off-road capabilities, making it one of the better all-rounder SUVs on the market.

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It isn't a hardcore off-roader but boasts an advanced all-wheel-drive and adaptive suspension system delivering exceptional handling and control. The Intelligent Driveline Dynamics (IDD) system continually monitors driving conditions and intelligently distributes torque between the front and rear wheels, maximizing traction and stability on uneven or slippery surfaces.

The big and boxy Grand Wagoneer is the most expensive and luxurious model from the 2023 Jeep line-up. Its richly appointed cabin offers three rows and seating for eight, and before it arrived, Jeep had never built anything as big and luxurious. Under the hood, the 2023 Grand Wagoneer packs the new Hurricane engine, pushing 510 hp from a twin-turbocharged 3-liter inline-six configuration.

Despite its massive proportions, you can comfortably take the Jeep Wagoneer off-roading since it comes equipped with Jeep's legendary 4x4 system, which provides exceptional traction and control on various off-road terrains.

While the Discovery isn't Land Rover's range-topper, it has all the qualities of a luxury SUV, including a sleek design and high-end cabin materials. The seven-seater mid-size SUV is a modern interpretation of the British brand's legacy. It exudes brilliance with high levels of comfort, a smooth ride on the paved road and excellent all-terrain capabilities.

Now in its fifth generation, the Land Rover Discovery is far from cheap, but its combination of luxury and off-road capability sets it apart as one of the best all-rounder SUVs on the market. It incorporates an advanced four-wheel-drive system, adjustable ride height, and various off-road driving modes to tackle challenging terrain confidently.

The Bentley Bentayga officially debuted in 2015 as Bentley's first production SUV, representing Bentley's entry into the luxury SUV market. It has since become one of the brand's flagship models, combining craftsmanship and opulence with the versatility and high performance expected from an SUV. It can also venture off-road, despite its primary focus on luxury and performance.

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The Bentayga has an advanced all-wheel-drive system that continuously monitors driving conditions and adjusts torque distribution to each wheel, optimizing grip and control. Its air suspension allows drivers to adjust ride height to provide better ground clearance when navigating uneven terrain. Furthermore, the Bentayga offers various driving modes, including dedicated off-road modes, that adapt the vehicle's settings to different surfaces and conditions.

Lamborghini is renowned for producing exhilarating sports cars synonymous with speed, power, and excitement. Their cars often incorporate advanced aerodynamics, lightweight materials, and innovative technologies to optimize performance and enhance overall driving pleasure. In 2019, the Italian brand brought its exotic pedigree into the SUV segment by introducing the Urus, a luxury SUV combining wild styling and ferocious performance with the practicality of a family vehicle.

At first glance, the Urus captivates with its bold and aggressive design. Beneath is a monstrous V8 engine unleashing 657 hp and underpinnings that provide off-road capabilities without compromising luxury. It features a Rally drive mode for fun rides on unpaved surfaces, although few will risk thrashing the quarter-million-dollar SUV on off-road courses.

Besides being one of the safest SUVs on the market, the Volvo XC90 embodies the perfect fusion of luxury and versatility. The interior showcases premium materials, meticulous attention to detail, and a minimalist Scandinavian design aesthetic that exudes sophistication.

Although the Volvo XC90 is more suited for paved roads, it is surprisingly capable of off-roading for a luxury SUV. It has a remarkable ground clearance of 9.4 inches, and all versions of the XC90 come with permanent four-wheel drive. Opting for the R-Design or Inscription trim gets you air suspension and larger wheels, raising the chassis off the ground to 10.5 inches. It also has an adaptive low-speed mode that enhances traction when driving in challenging road conditions, on steep hills and poor surfaces.

The redesigned-for-2023 Lexus LX adds toughness and brute capability in a segment that values outright luxury above all. The three-row luxury SUV is big, modern, and comfy while providing good fuel economy thanks to the 409 hp V6 engine launched with the new Toyota Land Cruiser. It retains a soft side, and in its six-figure Ultra Luxury trim, the Lexus LX rivals the Range Rover and top spec models from Mercedes-Benz and BMW in terms of luxury offerings.

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The LX boasts its Land Cruiser J200 twin's off-road genes thanks to shared mechanical underpinnings. It comes with 8.9 inches of ground clearance, full-time four-wheel drive with low range, a low-speed cruise control system, several off-road driving modes, and an available Torsen limited-slip rear differential which should make easy work of rugged terrain.

Land Rover has always held an unwavering commitment to off-road capability and spares no expense in ensuring their vehicles can confidently tackle the most challenging terrains. Their flagship offering, the Range Rover, seamlessly merges rugged capability with refined luxury, showcasing the finest materials, exquisite craftsmanship, and cutting-edge technologies.

The Range Rover has earned its reputation as an automotive icon and one of the most off-road capable luxury SUVs with its robust construction, advanced four-wheel-drive systems, and sophisticated terrain response technology. It features adjustable ride height and terrain-specific driving modes that optimize traction, stability, and control in various conditions, whether mud, sand, snow, or rocky surfaces.

For over a century, Rolls-Royce has set the standard for craftsmanship, elegance, and attention to detail in the automotive industry, and its cars are the epitome of opulence and luxury. In 2019, the Cullinan debuted as the latest of Rolls-Royce's meticulously handcrafted creations. With exclusive features like lambs-wool floor mats, the Cullinan embodies the imposing presence and majesty many luxury SUVs can only dream of achieving.

Despite its awkward proportions, Cullinan poses as an all-terrain, all-season SUV with limitless performance capabilities that effortlessly transports its occupants everywhere in supreme comfort and safety. It may not possess the extreme off-road capabilities of some dedicated off-road SUVs, but it offers a superior blend of versatility and unrivalled luxury.

The Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon enjoys an enduring popularity that stems from its ability to conquer the most challenging terrains in absolute luxury. Whether navigating city streets in style or venturing into the wilderness, it offers a level of performance, comfort, and ruggedness that few vehicles can match.

Developed initially as a military vehicle, the G-Wagon has become a symbol of off-road excellence, with the design remaining largely unchanged for four decades. Its body-on-frame construction and three locking differentials result in equal distribution of the same engine speed to provide exceptional off-road capabilities, allowing it to conquer the most challenging terrains easily. And when you hop inside, you are greeted by an exquisite cabin offering a level of luxury and craftsmanship you'd expect from Mercedes-Benz.

Sources: Car and Driver, Rolls-Royce, Mercedes-Benz USA

Bryan is a content marketer who works as a staff writer for HotCars.com where he covers a variety of topics, from the first Motorwagen to the latest Electric vehicles. A writer by day and a programmer by night. When he is not writing about cars, catch him tinkering with his old motorcycle.