Top 10 best premium SUVs in the world

It might come as a surprise, but SUVs are the most popular car segment in the car industry, with over 150 different models sold worldwide. From small and inexpensive front-wheel-drive models, to real off-road beasts, all the way to luxury fortresses on wheels, the SUV domination is evident and global. Once a niche market, they became a mainstream product for most car companies, and even though it sounds incredible, sports car brands like Lamborghini, Porsche, Aston Martin and, very soon, Ferrari, all have successful and lucrative SUV models which are selling better than the cars those companies are known for.

Among the dozens of generic SUVs crowding the streets, there are a handful of exciting models that differentiate themselves from the rest of the segment with impeccable luxury, bespoke features, elegant design, impressive driving dynamics and high prices. Yes, we are talking about modern automotive engineering’s pinnacle – the super SUVs that captivate enthusiast’s attention with fantastic performance and absolute luxury. Today, we will present to you the ten best premium SUVs in the world.

Rolls Royce Cullinan

Even though Rolls Royce is synonymous with super-luxury sedans, the company managed to enter the SUV class remarkably well, with the imposing and superb Cullinan. Retaining all the signature Rolls designer cues, like the recognizable front grille, enormous dimensions, and noble stance, Cullinan is Rolls’ first all-wheel-drive model. Built on a modified Phantom VIII platform, powered by twin-turbo V12, the Rolls Royce Cullinan delivers 563 hp and 850 Nm (627 lb-ft) of torque. Such impressive power output manages to conceal enormous weight and propel this ultimate SUV to an outstanding 0 to 60 mph time of 4.9 seconds and an electronically-limited top speed of 155 mph. Although the Cullinan has a capable all-wheel-drive system, we are not sure that any of those high-priced land yachts will ever see an off-road course. We believe that this is a shame since this fantastic machine would look amazing blasting through the UAE desert or the snowy roads in the alps at full speed.

Jeep Grand Wagoneer

In 1963, Jeep created the first modern SUV with the Grand Wagoneer’s introduction, a capable off-roader with a comfortable interior and upscale features. Almost 60 years later, Grand Wagoneer is back as an enormous, super-luxury SUV with recognizable design, three-row seating, and a price tag of over $100,000. The first deliveries should start in mid-2021, and there is already a significant interest amongst wealthy customers all over the world. However, when the original Grand Wagoneer was released, it was the only such model on the market. Today, Grand Wagoneer is facing very stiff competition from America (Cadillac Escalade, Lincoln Navigator) and notable European brands.

Range Rover Autobiography LWB

The Range Rover is probably the most recognizable luxury SUV in the world. This model has been on the market since 1970 and promoted the concept of upscale off-road vehicles for four distinctive generations. The current one, on the market since 2012, is well known to luxury buyers all over the world. Even though it is an older design, compare to the newer competitors, Range Rover still has a lot to offer to customers, especially when optioned in Autobiography trim level and in LWB (long wheelbase) form. There is a fantastic 5.0-liter supercharged V8 with 525 hp to complete the package, which can launch this British legend to 60 mph in just 5.5 seconds. Rent Range Rover Autobiography LWB with Edel & Stark.

Bentley Bentayga

Introduced in 2016, the Bentyaga was a long-awaited super-luxury SUV. Even though it is hand-assembled in Crewe, England, this Bentley has much more in common with its German cousins from V.A.G. First, it is built on Volkswagen’s MBL Evo platform, which underpins Audi Q7, Porsche Cayenne, and Lamborghini Urus. Second, it has very similar engine offerings as those models, including W12 and V8 engines as well as V8 diesel units. However, Bentayga manages to differentiate itself from the rest with a unique suspension setup, design, and impressive interior appointments. This model also has an impeccable appearance, unmistakable stance, and special charm, which makes it ideal to rent a Bentley Bentayga in Zurich, Dubai, Geneva, Munich or Monaco and explore these fantastic cities.

Maybach GLS

Mercedes realized that the ultimate luxury is no longer a 6-door limousine like the legendary 600 Pullman, but an enormous SUV with an emphasis on exclusivity, space, and bespoke interior appointments. The upcoming Maybach GLS is just like that, a super-luxury SUV, which has more in common with private jet than with the rest of the Mercedes model lineup. Powered by a twin-turbo V8 with 550 hp, the newest Maybach product is based on the current GLS SUV, but it is much more refined, luxurious, comfortable, and exclusive. We can see this Maybach as the ultimate sight-seeing express, perfectly suited for metropolises like Dubai or Abu Dhabi.

Cadillac Escalade

One of the rare American models in this class is the Cadillac Escalade. The current model has just been released, and it features unmatched opulence, the unique charm of American luxury, and an impressive level of refinement. This model comes with a 6.2-liter V8 with 420 hp, the standard, exquisite interior with remarkable dashboard design, loads of interior space, and unique street presence. So far, Escalade was a common décor of hip hop videos and American boulevards, but this 2021 model deserves to be recognized worldwide. There is something undeniably cool when driving an American luxury SUV in Europe or the Middle East.

Aston Martin DBX

All luxury SUVs are primarily concentrated on on-road use, comfort, and smoothness. However, in the case of Aston’s DBX, the idea is to put the performance and driving dynamics in the mix. Aston’s engineers didn’t want to present just another luxury SUV; they wanted a sports car with four doors, a big trunk that is not afraid to get dirty. It is safe to say that they managed to do that. With Mercedes-sourced twin-turbo V8 with 542 hp and 4.4 seconds to 60 mph, DBX is worthy of its heritage. If you are looking for an ideal car to rent for your next holiday in Europe, this is it. It is as fast as a sports car but comfortable and usable as a full-size SUV.

Mercedes G-Class

Most luxury SUVs are not particularly good off-road, nor were they designed to be. But the Mercedes G-Class, with its unique three differentials setup, capable suspension, and powerful engines, is just dying to be rented and taken on a ski trip in the Swiss Alps. The G-Class started life as a hard-core military vehicle but, over the years, amazingly evolved into one of the best luxury SUVs in the world. Although it looks very outdated, its recognizable boxy shape offers an extraordinary level of interior space, tough looks, and charm. For those looking for performance and all-road usability, there are AMG versions that are almost as fast as a thoroughbred sports car.

Lamborghini Urus

Even though the Urus is a close relative of the Bentley Bentayga, those two models cannot be different. One is elegant Brit, perfectly suited for comfortable cruising, and the other is fire breathing supercar with four doors. However, it is not just the design; Urus can be ordered with a glorious 5.2-liter V10 or powerful twin-turbo V8 with significantly more power than Bentley or Audi. Such firepower translates into better performance, and the revised suspension is responsible for much sharper handling. We suggest you rent this Italian beast and take it on a high-speed cruise on German Autobahn or visit some of Europe’s best driving roads. Rent a Lamborghini Urus with Edel & Stark.

Porsche Cayenne Turbo S

So far on the list, we featured uber-luxury SUVs and sports cars with high ground clearance, wagon bodies, and all-wheel-drive, but Porsche’s eponymous Cayenne falls in neither category. In fact, it is masterfully engineered to be a luxury SUV as well as a four-door sports car at the same time and offers a perfect blend of comfort, performance, design, and upscale appointments. If there is one car to do it all, the Cayenne Turbo S is it. Powered by a twin-turbo V8, the Turbo S uses all of its 541 hp to get to 60 mph in blisteringly fast 3.5 seconds. We cannot think of a better car to rent and get the experience of driving a genuine Porsche product with unmatched luxury and comfort.

Edel & Stark has all of the featured premium SUVs in its rental fleet at all locations. We look forward to welcoming you for a test drive. Contact us at any time!