Upcoming Luxury SUVs of 2019: BMW X7, Mercedes-Benz GLE And More

This year has been full of exciting new launches and unveils for the Indian car market. As we inch towards the half-yearly mark, there is plenty of action in store with new SUVs scheduled to launch soon. SUVs are the rage in India now, from sub-compact ones to the sportiest of the lot: the Lamborghini Urus. There is a lot of action going on in the space in India and the second half of the year has even more in store. So, here’s a look at the most anticipated luxury SUV launches that are yet to happen in 2019.

BMW X7

Engines
3.0-litre petrol and diesel

Output
340PS - 400PS

Expected launch
August 2019

Bavaria's first shot at an SUV was the X5, which was a fruit of BMW’s Land Rover ownership. Then came the X6, which was the flagship SUV from the German brand for a long time until the title was taken by the BMW X7 in 2018. The X7 happens to be the biggest Bimmer to date and is headed our way by August 2019. The X7 in India is most likely to come in two variants: xDrive 40i and the M50d. The lower-spec xDrive 40i variant employs a 3.0-litre petrol engine developing 340PS of power and 450Nm of torque. BMW will also be launching the M50d variant in India, as the same was listed on its India website. The M50d uses a 3.0-litre diesel motor churning out an impressive 400PS and a solid 760Nm of torque. Both these engines will come mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. Expect the flagship SUV to come loaded with all the bells and whistles from the brand’s top shelf. Rivals for the X7 will be the Mercedes GLS from and the Range Rover.

Mercedes Benz GLE

Engines
2.0-litre and 3.0-litre diesel

Output
204PS - 258PS

Expected launch
August 2019

The Mercedes-Benz GLE is a popular choice for people looking for an SUV with a three-pointed star. One of the most sold Mercedes SUVs in the world, the fourth-gen GLE is all set to make its debut in India this year. Externally, the GLE features a new set of headlamps and a bigger grille up front. The trademark angular C-pillar is now accompanied by sleek tail lamps that look more modern and up to date. The SUV gets an all-new interior with a large instrument-infotainment like the ones seen on newer Mercs. In India the GLE will be available with two diesel engines options in the form of the GLE 250d and GLE 350d. The GLE 250d’s 2.0-litre engine will have an output of 204PS of peak power and 500Nm of torque. Those looking for more thrust can opt for the GLE 350d, which comes equipped with a 3.0-litre engine that makes 258PS of peak power and a strong 620Nm of peak torque. Also new is the 9-speed automatic which replaces the older seven-speed transmission. The GLE takes the fight to the BMW X5, Volvo XC90 and the upcoming new Audi Q7. The SUV will be available for sale by August 2019 with only diesel engine options and will be assembled in India at the Mercedes facility in Chakan.

2019 Porsche Macan

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Engines
3.0-litre and 2.0-litre petrol

Output
248PS - 354PS

Expected launch
Q3 2019

 Porsche disappointed the purists when they announced the Cayenne in 2002. Porsche making an SUV was a sacrilege back then, but the fact that the Cayenne’s profit paved way for the legendary Carrera GT itself speaks a lot and the same followed for the years to come. Porsche is still making some of the most focussed cars on the planet with stellar and unmatched dynamics. The Macan is the younger sibling of the Cayenne and it's an SUV that does justice to its lineage. The next-gen Macan will come to India and will be available in two variants - Macan and Macan S. The Macan S, like every other porker with the “S” suffix, is special: it comes with a 3.0-litre V6 twin-turbo petrol motor producing 354PS and 480Nm of torque. Mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission and an all-wheel drive system, the Macan S can hit 100kmph in 5.3 seconds before maxing out at 254kmph. The standard Macan gets a 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol motor that makes 248PS and 370Nm of torque, helping it hit 100kmph in 6.7 seconds with a top speed of 225kmph. Just like everything from Stuttgart, the basic looks remain the same as before with minor revisions. Inside, the Macan gets a new 10.9-inch Porsche Connect touchscreen infotainment system. When launched in India later this year, the Porsche Macan will compete against the likes of the Jaguar F-Pace.

Jeep Wrangler 

Engines
3.0-litre diesel and 3.6-litre petrol

Output
263PS - 289PS

Expected launch
Q3 2019

Jeep is the most badass SUV manufacturer on the planet and the Wrangler is the apex predator of their off-road lineup. Old-school brute looks coupled with go-anywhere capabilities has made the Wrangler a legend over the years. It is no secret that the 2019 Jeep Wrangler is set to be launched in India soon. It has also been spotted testing multiple times in both the Sahara and Rubicon trims. The boxy design has been carried over through various generations and with the latest JL generation Wrangler, you have to look closely to spot the differences. As for the engines, we can expect a 3.0-litre V6 diesel that churns out 263PS/600Nm, and the 3.6-litre V6 petrol engine that produces a healthy 289PS/352Nm. Both engines are likely to be paired with an 8-speed automatic gearbox in India. The fourth generation Wrangler is most likely to be launched around Q3 2019, with the Sahara edition coming in first. The more focussed Rubicon variant might follow a little later. The current Wrangler is priced from Rs 58.74 lakh - Rs 67.60 lakh (ex-showroom Pune). The fourth generation Wrangler, when launched in India, is expected to be priced at a premium over the current version.

Audi e-tron

Engines
Two electric motors

Output
402PS (combined)

Expected launch
End 2019

The Audi e-tron is the brand’s first all-electric SUV that has a claimed range of 399km on a single charge. It can charge 80 percent of its battery in 30 mins with a 150kW quick-charging power socket. Power comes from two motors, one on each axle, developing a maximum torque figure of 561Nm and 402PS of power. It can accelerate from 0-100kmph in under 6 seconds, which is pretty impressive for a barge weighing around 2.5 tonnes. The Audi e-tron’s 95 kWh lithium-ion battery comes with an impressive 8-year or 1.60 lakh warranty. If everything goes well, we can expect the Audi e-tron by the end of this year. It is expected to come with a price tag of Rs 1.50 crore.

As you can see, plenty of great luxury SUVs are coming to our shores. With so many options, it is never easy to zero in on your favorite, but even after you pick one, the job is only half done. Your new luxury SUV will surely be your pride and joy, but to keep it safe and secure, you need to get it insured. Did you know in India in the year 2018 nearly 1.49 lakh road accidents occurred? Getting car insurance will not only protect your car from the loss it suffers but also bring down the total expense of your loss. Luxury SUVs are expensive and so are its spare parts. In such a scenario, a comprehensive car insurance is what comes handy!