The Ultimate High Riders
The ultra-luxury SUV market has changed so much over the years. In seemingly quick succession, we suddenly got a whole barrage of high-riders that cost well over $200,000. Despite that, these expensive SUVs have been cash cows for the automakers that build them. In most cases, these have even become the best-sellers of these luxury brands. Building a high-end SUV isn’t just for a niche anymore; it’s practical business sense.
We will list five of the most expensive SUVs one can buy in the U.S. today. In this case, we will work with each vehicle’s base price, not the exact trim. Besides, those base prices quickly climb, and you’ll never get any of these at MSRP.
Bentley Bentayga ($220,000)
We start this list of the most expensive SUVs with the ‘bargain’ of the group. You know you’re in serious territory when it kicks off with a Bentley. With a base price of about $220,000, the Bentayga is a very strong entry here and a great way to have a taste of opulent motoring. It may share some DNA from an Audi Q7, but the riding and driving experience is so far removed from the donor vehicle that the two almost feel unrelated.
The ‘base’ model is powered by a 3.0-liter turbo V6 plug-in hybrid, while moving up the electrified selections adds more punch along the way. Twin-Turbo V8 power starts with the S V-8, while the Speed cranks the horsepower, torque, and absurdity to 11.
Bentley
Lamborghini Urus ($250,000)
For about $250,000, one can get the Bentayga’s (slightly) smaller and more athletic cousin, the Lamborghini Urus. In stark contrast to its English relative, the Urus takes a much louder, more extroverted approach, at least in its exterior and interior styling.
At the moment, there’s only one model to choose from: the SE plug-in hybrid. But electrification does nothing to dampen the performance of this high-end SUV. With its twin-turbo V8 and powerful electric motor, it doles out 789 hp and 701 lb-ft of torque; it has more than enough pull to hurl it to 60 mph in under 3.5 seconds.
Lamborghini
Aston Martin DBX ($275,000)
And it’s back to English for the next SUV in this list. The Aston Martin DBX does its best to blend everything that’s good about the purveyors of some of the finest grand tourers made, but with more doors and a couple more inches of ground clearance. Oh, and it has an estimated base price of about $275,000.
You get an interior that wouldn’t look out of place in other Aston Martin models, a practical shape that somehow works well with the design language’s smooth, flowing lines, and, of course, bucketloads of power and torque. It’s another twin-turbo V8 affair with 717 hp and 664 lb-ft. While it’s less than the Urus, this one isn’t saddled by batteries and motors.
Kyle Edward
Ferrari Purosangue ($430,000)
Calling the Purosangue an SUV is probably a bit of a stretch. Sure, it’s the tallest Ferrari ever, but it’s not exactly generous in ground clearance. The folks from Maranello insist that it’s an ‘FUV’ or Ferrari Utility Vehicle, and not just another luxury crossover SUV.
The more practical body aside, the Purosangue still has more than enough Ferrari DNA. Trick differentials for sharper handling and racing-inspired driving modes ensure the Ferrari faithful will feel a sense of familiarity, while the naturally-aspirated 6.5-liter V12 gives it a wail that’s worthy of the prancing horse badge. There’s 715 hp and 528 lb-ft of torque to play with, too. The base price? Somewhere in the region of $430,000
Rolls-Royce Cullinan ($440,000)
The most expensive SUV on this list is also the most luxurious. Perhaps to no one’s surprise, the Rolls-Royce Cullinan tops this list, with prices starting at over $440,000. If you want the most opulent SUV on the market today, then look no further.
Its monolithic exterior proudly showcases its Rolls-Royce lineage, and the interior is best described as palatial. Of course, you can expect it to pamper you as you move along, and the 6.75-liter V12 can get you there in a hurry thanks to 563 hp and 627 lb-ft. At times, the helicopter isn’t available to move about to do some business, traveling by land doesn’t seem so bad with its elevated Rolls-Royce.
Rolls-Royce
Final Thoughts
While all of the models mentioned here are heretical in the eyes of purists, one can’t deny that they have done their respective manufacturers well. Sure, luxury isn’t about volume, but the success of these megabuck sport utilities not only ensures that the lights stay on in the office but also funds and develops vehicles that are more in tune with the company’s original ethos.
Yes, these SUVs have their haters, but we reckon that perception might just change the moment any of those step inside.
Bentley
Bentley
Bentley
Bentley
Gabiwabi
Gabiwabi
Gabiwabi
Ferrari
Rolls-Royce
About the author
Anton Andres
News Editor