Similarly to previous years, 2018 saw a large number of SUV launches in India. There was something for everyone, from affordable subcompact SUVs getting major updates and AMT gearboxes to seven-seater SUVs in the Rs 20-30 lakh range and, of course, a fair range of entry-level luxury SUVs. But what if your wallets were bigger and your tastes were…well…pricier? Then there was a plethora of options for you as well! From uber luxurious barges that completely cut off the world’s peasantry to super SUVs that defy physics, here is my top 5 list of Ultra Luxury SUVs launched in India in 2018.
Rolls Royce
The Rolls Royce Cullinan is the most expensive, exclusive, and without a doubt, the most luxurious SUV in the world today! The new Rolls Royce Cullinan is also the luxury automaker’s first SUV, and boy does it make an impression in person! The Rolls Royce SUV, which was launched in India just a few days ago, is powered by a V12 twin-turbo engine that makes everything else, including the ostentatious Bentley Bentayga, look pedestrian.
Mercedes-AMG G63
If there is one SUV that can truly match the sheer road presence of the Rolls Royce Cullinan, it is the new Mercedes-AMG G63! The new G63 packs a nicer interior, a new and much more rounded exterior and of course, that fire breathing V8 twin turbo engine under the hood! And yes, it still has the absolutely epic side exit exhaust pipes! All in all, a true gangsta car.
Porsche Cayenne
How do you improve upon the world’s first true Sports Utility Vehicle, which is already extremely capable? You’ll need a quart of Porsche mechanics, a quart of all-wheel drive, and a big half-quart of twin turbo V8! And, while the insane top-spec Porsche Cayenne Turbo accelerates from 0 to 100 mph in record time, it isn’t the fastest car on the list. Oh, and we should mention that Porsche is the first German automaker to completely abandon diesel engines and now only offers a petrol engine in India and around the world – with or without a hybrid powertrain.
Lamborghini Urus
While the Porsche Cayenne is quick in its turbo Avatar, the Lamborghini Urus pushes the laws of physics to infinity and beyond! The new Urus does 0-100 in 3.6 seconds, 200 kmph in 12.8 seconds, and has a top speed of 305 kmph, which is not bad for a 2.2-tonne vehicle! In addition, the twin turbo V8 engine under the hood produces 641 bhp and 850 Nm! And it handles corners like a sports car! This is insanely impressive!
Range Rover Velar
In the midst of cars that cost as much as my house, here is the list’s ‘cheapest’ SUV. However, it is present for a reason. That’s because it heralded the introduction of a new range of interiors from Land Rover, as well as a new design language. The new Range Rover Velar is sleek, sexy, and offers something more stylish than everything else on the market for someone looking for a Rs 1 Crore-ish SUV. Unlike the other cars on the list, the new Velar has a diesel engine, which makes it more popular with the general junta. Overall, it deserves to be here.