There are SUVs and then there is the Range Rover. The first citizen of luxury off-roaders and the world’s most expensive rectangle, the arrival of a new Range Rover is a decennial event and so marks an evolutionary leap for SUV-kind. The new Range Rover Autobiography is, believe it or not, bigger than the last one. It’s also sharper looking and more streamlined. Powered by a 3.0-liter turbo-petrol (and a diesel option) the full-sized Rangie is an exercise in tasteful opulence with a reclining rear seat and a folding front passenger seat creating a lounge-like atmosphere for its chief occupant. Now equipped with a larger touchscreen, an array of front, back and side-mounted cameras along with Land Rover’s proprietary terrain-response system, it’s an even more optimized version of its former self.
What we like: Unbeatable design, crisp, hi-res touchscreen, customizable off-road tech, imperious driving position
3. Jeep Grand Cherokee
Arguably the most iconic maker of off-readers, Jeep brought its luxury benchmark – the Grand Cherokee – back to the Indian market, albeit in locally assembled form.
One of the most pedigreed names in the business, the Grand Cherokee features an aluminum monocoque chassis that makes it more dynamic. While it does have a decidedly un-American in-line four 2.0-liter petrol engine (no diesel), it still packs quite a punch, looks smashing and has the highest ground clearance in the luxury SUV segment. And yes, it does come with permanent all-wheel drive, so even though it’s designed primarily for on-road usage, its go-anywhere capabilities remain unaffected.
What we like: Classic looks, rugged built, top-notch interiors
4. Volvo XC40 Recharge