The concept of the luxury SUV that proliferates today across all brands and price points traces its roots to all off-roaders of the past. For those who value that utilitarian legacy but also appreciate opulence and modern comforts, we present four models that deserve a space in your showroom.
Mercedes-Benz G-Class
Although it started as a military vehicle in the 1970s, the G-Class has become one of the most popular and instantly recognizable SUVs out there. Despite its popularity as a luxurious cruiser, the G has never lost its off-road capabilities. Today, Mercedes-Benz offers the Professional package for the G550, which adds all-terrain tires, a roof rack, and skid plates to take advantage of the G’s standard locking differentials and excellent ground clearance. Although the AMG Trail Package will adorn the 577-horsepower G63 with similar equipment, the 4×4 Squared exists for those looking to take a $349,000 to places almost no other production vehicle could ever go.
Bentley Bentayga EWB
Sitting on the opposite end of the luxury off-roading spectrum is the Bentley Bentayga EWB, short for its extended wheelbase. Although it may not be as trail-ready as the Defender or the G-Class, the Bentayga delivers light off-roading prowess with a world-class cabin. Thanks to intuitive drive modes that manage the all-wheel drive, traction, and dynamic ride system, the Bentayga capably handles light trails and gravel roads. Although its active air suspension primarily works to absorb road imperfections, it can also raise the body for added ground clearance, allowing the EWB to wade through up to 1.6 feet of water.
Land Rover Defender
While the full-size Range Rover and its Sport counterpart lean ever more into the luxury realm, the Defender stands out as the carmaker’s off-road darling. Built as a trail-ready family hauler, the Defender’s tall ride, excellent approach, breakover, and departure angles combine with locking differentials, as well as plenty of tech. Its Terrain Response system allows this Land Rover to automatically adjust its onboard systems to the exact road conditions while 360-degree cameras eliminate the need for spotters. Its adaptive air suspension can blend these capabilities with a plush ride for daily use. Unlike any other off-roader, this one comes in three sizes.
Ineos Grenadier
The newest player in the world of rugged luxury off-roaders, the Grenadier was built as an homage to the original Land Rover Defender. Its maker, Ineos, covered more than 1.1 million miles, testing the flagship SUV across some of the world’s harshest terrain. Built to prioritize off-roading aptitude over outright opulence, the Grenadier combines body styling with BMW-sourced inline-six powertrains and a simple but purposeful interior. Ineos plans to release an extended pickup truck version to tackle the second-largest-growing segment while providing the same level of capability.
This article appeared in our May 2024 Issue.
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