10. BMW X5 M: Up to $123,645.
The sportiest rendition of the BMW X5 SUV packs a punch with a 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V8 that’s good for 567 raging horses. At over $100K one might expect the X5 M to come standard with items that are optional here like Apple CarPlay connectivity and a blind spot monitor. At that we loaded it up with extra-cost paint and upholstery and excessive items like a night vision system, and the Executive Package that includes a full range of semi-autonomous driving features, a Wi-Fi hot spot, and wireless phone charging.
9. BMW X6 M: Up to $122,345
The BMW X6 M is mechanically related to the above X5 M, but it’s sculpted with a sleeker and more coupe-like roofline for added style, albeit with compromised rear headroom and cargo space. As with the X5 M above, the sportiest edition here packs a 4.4-liter 567-horsepower twin-turbocharged V8 and an eight-speed automatic transmission. Standard features and options are equivalent with the X5 M as well.
8. Volvo XC90 T8 Twin Engine Plug-In Hybrid Excellence: $105,895
This version of the Volvo XC90 crossover SUV is a plug-in hybrid that comes powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged and supercharged gasoline engine and an electric motor generator. It can run for the first 19 miles solely on electric power, when it gets the equivalent of 62 mpg; once the battery is depleted to a certain point it operates like a regular gas/electric hybrid and gets a combined 27 mpg. This is the only model in our list to come fully loaded with no options offered; standard equipment includes a gearshift lever that’s fabricated from Swedish Orrefors crystal.
7. Mercedes-Benz GLE AMG 63 S 4MATIC Coupe: Up to $130,840
Yes, the name says “Coupe,” but this version of the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class remains of the four-door variety, as a sleeker alternative to the more conventionally-cast midsize GLE models. The AMG 63 S is the raciest version in the line, with a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 generating 385 horsepower. A long list of options boosts the price by around $18,000.
6. Mercedes-Benz GLS AMG 63 4MATIC: Up to $141,075
The big and plush Mercedes-Benz GLS lets its owners truly live large, especially in its top AMG 63 model that melds a sporty demeanor with an ultra-plush cabin. Its 5.5-liter twin-turbo V8 engine puts 577 horsepower to the pavement, which makes even this big and heavy vehicle feel quick. Chosen options include a Bang & Olufsen BeoSound premium audio system, rear side airbags, and cup holders that are both heated and cooled.
5. Tesla Model X P100D: Up tp $173,450
The big full-electric Tesla Model S SUV is noted by its “falcon wing” vertically opening doors. The P100D gets the Model X’s largest battery that’s good for an impressive 289 miles on a charge; the EPA says it gets the electric equivalent of 86 mph. It includes Tesla’s Enhanced Autopilot system that includes rudimentary autonomous capabilities, as well as the promise of full self-driving capability via a software upgrade, pending regulatory approval.
4. Porsche Cayenne Turbo S: Up to $233,990
Hard to believe from this perspective, but the brand’s fans cried foul when the Porsche Cayenne first debuted as being not only the brand’s initial SUV, but its first model to come with more than two doors. The Turbo S is the sportiest model in an already sporty model line, with a brawny 570-horsepower 4.6-liter twin-turbo V8 under the hood. As with other Porsche models the options list is uncannily extensive and includes myriad trim options and leather-wrapped switchgear that can really drive up the price.
3. Land Rover Range Rover V8 Supercharged SV Autobiography LWB: Up to $234,002
This is the top model in the Land Rover Range Rover line, with the poshest cabin in the line, a bounty of standard features, and uncanny off-road abilities, though we wonder if anyone owning or leasing a vehicle that costs in excess of $200,000 will really want to risk scuffing it up blazing trails and climbing rocks. We’ve equipped it at the top end of the price range with off-the-charts features like a figured Macassar wood cargo floor at $5,100 and a $14,000 duo-tone paint treatment, among other items.
2. Mercedes-Benz G-Class AMG G 65 4MATIC: Up to $242,385
The military-derived Mercedes-Benz G-Class has always been something of an acquired taste, looking more like the postal delivery vehicle for a gated community than one of the costliest SUVs on the road. Still, it treats its occupants to a full range of amenities, while maintaining an element of exclusivity few other vehicles can match. Our top-priced example includes one of eight optional paint/trim packages at an extra $15,000. It includes a 6.0-liter twin-turbo V12 engine with a whopping 621 horsepower and a forceful 738 pound-feet of torque.
1. Bentley Bentayga Mulliner AWD: Up to $353,555
Motivated by a powerful 600-horsepower W12 engine (it’s like two conjoined V6s), the Bentley Bentayga is, at least for now, the ultimate SUV. We added items like lambswool floor mats to boost the price over the $350,000 mark on the top Mulliner version, but there’s almost no limit to the Bentayga’s top end in terms of pricing, thanks to Bentley’s bespoke customization program. The automaker can cater to a wealthy owner’s every whim, including adding a custom fly fishing set, matching picnic kit, and a self-winding Breitling dashboard analog clock that’s a $160,000 upgrade.
Newest slideshows
12 / 12
