Top 10 Luxury SUVs Launched In 2016

The year 2016 saw a huge number of luxury cars entering the Indian market. Among them were a few that were outright big, bold and beautiful – read: SUVs. Some of these SUVs have the potential to dominate every terrain the country has to offer while others are complete tarmac scorchers but their price tag suggests that the owners are going to keep them pretty much on nice and even roads and not push them too hard. Let's have a look at the top 10 luxury SUVs that ruled 2016. 

1. Jeep Wrangler Unlimited – Rs 71.59 Lakh (Ex-Showroom, Delhi)

After years of contemplating, Jeep finally entered the Indian market in 2016 with three of its big guns. The most rugged off-roader among them is the Wrangler Unlimited. Launched in August, the Wrangler Unlimited came with features such as embroidered leather seats, integrated LED map lights, leather-wrapped steering wheel, lockable centre console storage, an Alpine all-weather sound system and 17-inch alloy wheels. What's special about this jeep is that even after a rough day at the off-roads, the interiors of this SUV can be washed with simple soap and water, yes, even the switches. Plus, all electronics run through the centre of the car making it extremely easy to do away with the doors and the roof should the need arise. Powering the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited is a 2.8-litre, turbo-diesel motor which produces 200PS of power and 460Nm of torque. This is mated to a five-speed automatic transmission combined with a four wheel drive system which also comes with hill descent and hill start assist.

2. Mercedes-Benz GLE 400 4MATIC – Rs 74.90 Lakh (Ex-Showroom, Delhi)

Earlier the GLE was only available in the country with two diesel variants – GLE250d and GLE350d. The petrol GLE 400 4MATIC was launched in India in August. This petrol counterpart is more expensive than its diesel siblings as it is a direct import to the country. The GLE 400 4MATIC derives its power from a 3.0-litre V6 engine that makes 333PS of power and 480Nm of torque. Mated to this engine is a seven-speed automatic transmission that sends power to all the four wheels. As you would expect from a Merc, the SUV has a long list of features, including an eight-inch infotainment system, 14-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound system, Mercedes-Benz Apps, navigation, Internet and Wi-Fi hotspot, full LED headlamps, an electric sunroof and logo projection lamps on the wing mirrors. 

3. BMW X5 M Sport – Rs 75.9 Lakh (Ex-Showroom, Delhi)

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Launched during the 2016 Auto Expo, the BMW X5 M Sport sits in between the standard BMW X5 and the performance-oriented BMW X5 M. On the outside, the SUV carries BMW’s M Aerodynamic package and is available in three exclusive colour schemes. The car also sports the BMW M light alloy wheels, chrome finish on the tailpipe, and an M-specific vehicle key. Coming to the engine, the X5 M Sport has a 3.0-litre TwinPower six-cylinder diesel engine which has an output of 260PS/560Nm and is mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox that has steering-mounted paddle shifters. The SUV has a 0-100kmph time of less than 6.9 seconds and a limited top speed of 230kmph. 

BMW also launched the petrol variants of the X3 and X5 SUVs later in the year. These variants – the BMW X3 xDrive28i and the BMW X5 xDrive35i – are priced at Rs 54.90 lakh and 73.50 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi), respectively. The X3 now comes with a 2.0-litre petrol engine and the BMW X5 gets a 3.0-litre petrol engine. 

4. Porsche Macan R4 – Rs 76.84 Lakh (Ex-Showroom, Maharashtra)

The most affordable variant of the baby SUV offering, the Macan R4, was launched last month in the country. The biggest change in this SUV was the engine. The Porsche Macan R4 is powered by a 2.0-litre four-pot turbocharged petrol motor. This motor, mated to a seven-speed ‘PDK’ dual-clutch automatic gearbox and with its 252PS of power and 370Nm of torque propels the SUV from 0 to 100kmph in 6.7 seconds, all the way to a top speed (electronically limited) of 229kmph. The Macan is now available in four variants – R4, S Diesel, Turbo and Turbo with Performance Package. It might look like a full blown SUV and will surely handle a bit of the rough stuff, this 'small' SUV is best enjoyed kissing apexes and thrown around corners.

5. Mercedes-Benz GLS 350D – Rs 80.4 Lakh (Ex-Showroom, Delhi)

Essentially a facelift of the GL-Class, the GLS is now the largest SUV sold by Mercedes-Benz in India. The updates to the SUV are mostly cosmetic and are intended to make it look more aggressive. The GLS gets a more muscular bonnet, redesigned headlamps which now feature Mercedes’ signature MultiBeam lamps along with LED DRLs, and larger air intakes in the bumpers. Inside, the cabin has been updated to make it feel more luxurious. The material used to dress the cabin is the finest Napa leather and wooden trims. The dashboard gets an eight-inch screen for infotainment and the roof gets a Panoramic sliding sunroof. Powering the SUV is a 3.0-litre V6 turbocharged diesel engine which makes 258PS of max power and 620Nm of peak torque. Mated to this block is a 9G-Tronic transmission which helps the massive SUV to reach an electronically limited top speed of 222kmph.

6. Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 AMG Coupe – Rs 86.4 Lakh (Ex-Showroom, Mumbai)

Launched back in January, this massive Coupe SUV is an insane machine. The GLE 450 AMG has tonnes of road presence with its coupe-like styling and massive 21-inch AMG five-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels. Powering this beast is an AMG-tuned 3.0-litre biturbo V6 engine which churns out a peak power of 367PS and a peak torque of 520Nm. All the four wheels get this power via a new nine-speed automatic transmission, which comes with a wider range of gear ratios. The Mercedes GLE 450 AMG Coupe can reach 100kmph from a standstill in just 5.7 seconds. Not just that, the GLE 450 AMG Coupe also keeps you comfortable while you sail on AMG power with features like four-way lumbar support for the driver and front passenger seats, ambient lighting, THERMOTRONIC – automatic climate control system with three climate zones, temperature-controlled cup holder and a panoramic sliding sunroof. 

7. Jeep Grand Cherokee – Rs 93.64 Lakh (Ex-Showroom, Delhi)

The Jeep Grand Cherokee is the off-road specialist American brand’s luxury SUV. The Grand Cherokee has been around for 27 years, and in its latest generation, it packs all the creature comforts that can be expected from its attached price point and all the off-road know-how of the Jeep brand. Powering the Grand Cherokee in the Limited and Summit variants is a 3.0-litre V6 EcoDiesel engine which produces 243PS of power and 570Nm of torque. Mated to this engine is an eight-speed automatic transmission. In terms of luxury, the SUV features an 8.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system, heated seats dressed in Nappa leather, dual-pane panoramic sunroof, rear Blu-Ray entertainment system, HID headlamps with LED DRLs, and 20-inch alloy wheels. The Jeep Grand Cherokee also remains true to its hard core off-road DNA by featuring a Selec-Terrain traction control system, QUADRA-TRAC II grip control, electronic limited-slip differential and hill ascent/descent control.

8. Porsche Cayenne Platinum Edition – Rs 1.06 Crore (Ex-Showroom, Maharashtra)

A special edition of the luxury carmaker’s flagship SUV, the Cayenne Platinum edition carries a sporty appearance while being studded with premium-quality features. The Platinum Edition is available with the petrol as well as diesel variants of the Cayenne. In terms of features, the SUV gets large, wider wheel arches, Bi-xenon headlights with the Porsche Dynamic Light System (PDLS), Power Steering Plus, ParkAssist in the front/rear and rear-view and exterior mirrors with an automatic anti-glare feature. Also new in the Platinum Edition is a seven-inch touchscreen which runs the latest-generation Porsche Communication Management (PCM) system featuring navigation, Apple CarPlay and Siri's voice and a BOSE audio system. The petrol motor powering this massive SUV is a 3.6-litre V6 engine that produces 300PS of power and 400Nm of peak torque. The diesel motor is a 3.0-litre V6 which churns out 245PS of power and 550Nm of torque. Both engines come mated to an eight-speed Tiptronic S transmission.

9. Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT – Rs 1.12 Crore (Ex-Showroom, Delhi)

One of the biggest, fastest and loudest SUVs available in the country, the Grand Cherokee SRT is built for just one purpose – to make a strong statement. Just from the roar and rumble of the engine, it is easy to differentiate the SRT from its siblings. While the other variants of the Grand Cherokee feature a mere 3.0-litre V6 EcoDiesel engine producing 243PS/570Nm, the SRT is powered by a massive 6.4-litre HEMI V8 petrol powerplant which dishes out 475 PS of power and 630Nm of torque. Mated to this madhouse is an eight-speed automatic transmission. Apart from the engine update, the SRT also features cosmetic tweaks like an integrated rear spoiler, live performance data for the driver, an SRT steering wheel and, the most important in quarter-mile drags – launch control. If you ever get tired of hearing the thump of the exhaust, there is an 825-watt Harmon Kardon audio system to play your favourite tracks. Also, you get a Brembo braking system to bring this beast to a halt, dual heat extractors to keep the engine cool, and instant G-Force feedback to have some fun. 

10. Bentley Bentayga – Rs 3.85 Crore (Ex-Showroom, Delhi)

One of the most luxurious SUVs available on the planet, the Bentayga is the first-ever SUV from Bentley and also the first-ever Bentley to sport a diesel motor. Though the diesel variant will be launched later in 2017, the petrol-powered variant is available in the country for about Rs 4 crore. It remains a typical Bentley inside, with an option of four seats (two bucket seats) or a five-seat arrangement in a combination of metal, wood and leather detailing. Bentley claims that the Bentayga has the world's finest automotive cabin, and we do not disagree. Also, the twin-turbo 6.0-litre W12 engine producing 608PS of power and 900Nm of torque makes the SUV reach 100kmph in just 4.1 seconds. The speed goes all the way up to 301kmph, making it one of the fastest SUVs in the world. If there is a steep price to be paid for all of this, it's probably worth it.