Top 10 best premium SUVs in the world

It may come as a surprise, but SUVs are the most popular vehicle segment in the car industry, with over 150 different models sold worldwide. From small and affordable front-wheel drive models to true off-road beasts and luxury fortresses on wheels, SUV dominance is evident and global. Once a niche market, they have become a mainstream product for most car companies and, incredible as it may sound, sports car brands such as Lamborghini, Porsche, Aston Martin and soon Ferrari all have successful and lucrative SUV models that sell better than the cars these companies are known for.

Among the dozens of ‘normal’ SUVs roaming the roads, there are a handful of exciting models that stand out from the rest of the segment with impeccable luxury, bespoke features, elegant design, impressive driving dynamics and high prices. Yes, we’re talking about the pinnacle of modern automotive engineering – the super SUVs that capture the attention of enthusiasts with fantastic performance and absolute luxury. Today we present to you the ten best premium SUVs in the world.

Rolls Royce Cullinan

Although Rolls Royce is synonymous with super-luxury saloons, the company has succeeded remarkably well in entering the SUV class with the imposing and magnificent Cullinan. Retaining all the characteristic Rolls design features, such as the recognizable radiator grille, the enormous dimensions and the noble body line, the Cullinan is Rolls Royce’s first all-wheel drive model. The Rolls Royce Cullinan is based on a modified Phantom VIII platform and is powered by a twin-turbo V12 that delivers 571 hp and 850 Nm of torque. This impressive performance conceals the enormous weight and helps the ultimate SUV to achieve an outstanding 0 to 100km/h time of 4.9 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 250km/h. Although the Cullinan has a powerful all-wheel drive system, we’re not sure if any of these high-priced city yachts will ever see an off-road course. We think that’s a shame, because this fantastic machine would look fantastic at full speed through the desert of the United Arab Emirates or over the snowy mountains in the Alps.

Jeep Grand Wagoneer

In 1963, Jeep created the first modern SUV with the introduction of the Grand Wagoneer, a capable off-roader with a comfortable interior and upscale features. Nearly 60 years later, the Grand Wagoneer is back as a huge super-luxury SUV with a recognizable design, three-row seating and a price tag of over $100,000. The first deliveries are due to start in mid-2021 and there is already a lot of interest from affluent customers around the world. However, when the original Grand Wagoneer was launched, it was the only model of its kind on the market. Today, the Grand Wagoneer faces very strong competition from America (Cadillac Escalade, Lincoln Navigator) and well-known European brands.

Range Rover Autobiography LWB

The Range Rover is probably the best-known luxury SUV in the world. This model has been on the market since 1970 and has driven the concept of the upmarket SUV for four generations. The current model, which has been on the market since 2012, is well known to luxury buyers around the world. Despite being an older design, the Range Rover still has a lot to offer compared to its newer rivals, especially when available in Autobiography trim and LWB (long wheelbase) form. Rounding out the package is a fantastic 5.0-liter supercharged V8 with 525 hp that can accelerate this British legend to 100km/h in just 5.5 seconds.

Bentley Bentayga

Launched in 2016, the Bentayga was a long-awaited super-luxury SUV. Although it is hand-assembled in Crewe, England, this Bentley has much more in common with its German cousins from V.A.G. (Volkswagen-Audi Group=). Firstly, it is built on Volkswagen’s MBL Evo platform, which also underpins the Audi Q7, Porsche Cayenne and Lamborghini Urus. Secondly, it has a very similar engine range to these models, including W12 and V8 engines as well as V8 diesel units. However, the Bentayga manages to differentiate itself from the others with its unique chassis set-up, design and impressive interior. This model also has an impeccable appearance, a distinctive stance and a special charm, making it ideal to rent the Bentley Bentayga in Zurich and explore this fantastic city.

Maybach GLS

Mercedes has realized that the ultimate in luxury is no longer a 6-door sedan like the legendary 600 Pullman, but a huge SUV with a focus on exclusivity, space and bespoke interiors. The upcoming Maybach GLS is just that, a super-luxury SUV that has more in common with a private jet than with the rest of the Mercedes model range. Powered by a twin-turbo V8 with 550 hp, the latest Maybach product is based on the current GLS SUV, but is even more refined, luxurious, comfortable and exclusive. We can imagine this Maybach as the ultimate sightseeing express, perfect for metropolitan cities such as Dubai or Abu Dhabi.

Cadillac Escalade

One of the few American models in this class is the Cadillac Escalade. The current model has just been released and is characterized by unsurpassed opulence, the unique charm of American luxury and an impressive level of sophistication. This model features a 6.2-liter V8 with 420 horsepower, the standard exquisite interior with remarkable dashboard design, ample interior space and a unique road presence. Until now, the Escalade has been a common décor of hip-hop videos and American boulevards, but this 2021 model deserves to gain global notoriety. There’s something undeniably cool about driving an American luxury SUV in Europe or the Middle East.

Aston Martin DBX

The best premium SUVs in the world focus primarily on on-road performance, comfort and smoothness. In the case of Aston’s DBX, however, it’s all about focusing on performance and driving dynamics. Aston engineers didn’t want to present just another luxury SUV; they wanted a sports car with four doors, a large trunk that wasn’t afraid to get dirty. It’s safe to say that they succeeded. With a Mercedes-sourced twin-turbo V8 producing 542bhp and an acceleration of 4.4 seconds to 100km/h, the DBX is worthy of its heritage. If you’re looking for an ideal car for your next vacation in Europe, this is it. It’s as fast as a sports car, but as comfortable and usable as a full-size SUV.

Mercedes G-Class

Most luxury SUVs are not particularly capable off-road and were not designed for it. But the Mercedes G-Class, with its unique three-differential setup, capable suspension and powerful engines, is just dying to be rented and taken on a ski trip to the Swiss Alps. The G-Class started life as a badass military vehicle, but has amazingly evolved over the years into one of the best luxury SUVs in the world. Although it looks very dated, its recognizable boxy shape offers an exceptional amount of interior space, rugged good looks and charm. For those looking for performance and all-wheel drive capability, 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, these two models could not be more different. One is an elegant Brit perfectly suited to comfortable cruising, the other a fire-breathing supercar with four doors. But it’s not just the design; the Urus can be ordered with a glorious 5.2-liter V10 or a powerful twin-turbo V8 that has significantly more power than Bentley or Audi. Such firepower translates into better performance, and the revised suspension is responsible for much sharper handling. We recommend you hire this Italian beast and take it for a high-speed drive on German autobahns or visit some of the best driving roads in Europe.

Porsche Cayenne Turbo S

So far in this list, we’ve featured luxury SUVs and sports cars with high ground clearance, coachwork and all-wheel drive, but Porsche’s namesake Cayenne doesn’t fall into any of those categories. Rather, it’s masterfully engineered to be both a luxury SUV and a four-door sports car, offering a perfect blend of comfort, performance, design and upscale features. If there’s one car that can do it all, it’s the Cayenne Turbo S. Powered by a twin-turbo V8, the Turbo S uses its 541 hp to reach 100 km/h in a lightning-fast 3.5 seconds. We can’t think of a better car to rent and experience driving a genuine Porsche product with unrivaled luxury and comfort.

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