Best Luxury SUV Cars in India 2023

Luxury SUVs are synonymous with big size, style, sophistication, power and functionality. Unlike regular cars, luxury SUVs pay special attention to comfort, convenience, technology, design, safety and ride quality. Owing to their endless features and good looks, luxury SUVs come under the premium price bracket. This is because most of these cars are imported and this levies a hefty import tax on them.

Luxury SUV cars are truly a class apart and the features offered in them are a rarity, some even have the option of customising them as per one’s taste. As India opens its gates to more premium car makers, luxury SUVs are fast gaining ground in India as more people want a piece of luxury in their garage. If you too have your eyes on a classy luxury SUV, then you should give this article a read.

Also Read – Compact SUVs

Lamborghini Urus

Is it a sports car? No. Is it an SUV? No. The Lamborghini Urus is actually a sports car that also doubles up as an SUV. The Urus is an SUV that will surprise you with its prowess as a sports car. At first glance you will notice the sharp lines and the muscular angles all over the exterior. Huge 24-inch wheels give the Urus a dominating personality, with spoke alloys that add to the robustness of the side profile. The rear of the Urus is typical of a Lamborghini sports car, featuring muscular striations in the shape of sharp angles. Large Y-shaped LED tail lights adorn the rear profile along with elliptical twin exhausts on each side hinting at the power it possesses.

The interior of the Urus is where you will get to know its Lamborghini Heritage. Enter the driver’s seat, and you will be greeted with a cockpit-style layout of instruments with minimal presence of buttons. The most intriguing feature is the drive mode selector lever that looks like a thrust lever on an airplane. The center console features two large screens to dish out both information and entertainment.

The Urus features a massive 4.0 litre, twin turbo V8 engine that achieves 0-100 in a remarkably low 3.6 seconds. Considering the 2 tonnes it weighs, that is quite impressive. The Lamborghini Urus has an eight-speed ZF 8HP automatic transmission, and an all-wheel drive feature for those bumpy rides.

Also Read – Best SUVs In India

Features

Off Roading

All wheel drive

All wheel steering

Performance

Six driving modes

4.0 litre, twin turbo V8 engine

8-speed ZF 8HP automatic transmission

641 BHP Power

850 NM Torque

Cylinder deactivation for cruising

Luxury

Leather seats

616 Litre Boot

21 speaker, 1700-watt Bang & Olufsen speakers

Semi-autonomous

Mercedes Benz GLS

Very few cars come close to comparison with the Mercedes Benz GLS, a blend of power, sophistication and most importantly – luxury. The GLS, unlike its siblings, is a much taller, wider and lengthier vehicle. The GLS borrows its front design lines from the GLE, but the similarity ends there, as the Mercedes Benz GLS is a different vehicle altogether. The whole vehicle appears like a tank and commands an effortless road presence. The front fascia wears the signature 3 star emblem flanked by Mercedes’s standard LED headlamps. Huge 21-inch wheels and girthy tyres add to its stature and muscular yet gentlemanly looks. From the side the long wheelbase looks apparent, but the sleek lines and bold tyre scaffolding give it a neat and solid appearance.

On the inside the GLS boasts 3 rows of seats that can seat 7 people and a boot, which gives you an idea of the space and the size the GLS has. Every tidbit in the cabin exudes luxury and comfort; the driver’s seat comes with an auto adjustment feature, meaning it adjusts to your measurements, giving you a tailored seating experience. The GLS also sports a massive MID unit that extends from the driver’s cockpit to the middle of the dashboard. This, too, can be customised to suit one’s taste and preferences.

The Mercedes Benz GLS comes in three engine options – 2925 cc diesel engine and massive 2999 cc and 3982 cc petrol engines which are equipped with 9G-tronic auto transmission.

Also Read – Diesel Cars In India

Features

Off Roading
Fully-variable all-wheel drive and low-range transmission:
Torque-on-demand (double-speed) for traction and dynamic control
Inter-axle locking via a torque-on-demand clutch
Low-range off-road gearbox
Downhill Speed Regulation for steep downhill gradients
Performance
DYNAMIC SELECT drive programs
3 Engine Options – 3.0 L Diesel | 3.0 and 4.0 Litre Petrol engines
4.0 L Petrol – 550 BHP Power | 730 NM Torque
3.0 L Petrol – 362.07 BHP Power | 500 NM Torque
3.0 L Petrol – 325.86 BHP Power | 700 NM Torque
9-GTronic Automatic Transmission
0-100 4.9 Seconds
Luxury
Panoramic Sunroof
Auto driver seat adjust
13 speaker Burmester hi-fi audio
Gesture controlled cabin lights
Wireless phone charging
64-color ambient lighting
Powered rear seats
Powered rear window blinds
Power folding 2nd and 3rd row
Adaptive LED Headlamps

Audi RS Q8

Prefer lean and angular looks on your luxury SUV? Then the RS Q8 is the SUV you want. The RS Q8 is one big SUV, but its chiseled looks take away the fat and give it a lean, graceful appearance. The strong and sturdy shoulders with a blacked out fascia and sharp headlamps make the RS Q8 look like it means business, and it does. The side profile looks as amazing as the front – neat and sleek lines flow from the rear to the head seamlessly, turning even the RS Q8’s sides attractive. A look from behind could fool one into thinking that the RS Q8 is a race car, thanks to the fastback-like design, coupled with signature RS tailpipes and meaty rear section tyres.

The interiors are elegant too, and what stands out most here is the cockpit or the driver’s seat. A futuristic-looking MID adorns the instrument cluster, which is fully touch-enabled. Carbon fibre inserts on the dashboard with sleek and straight lines along with an equally eloquent centre console oozes luxury. The rest of the cabin is all luxury too, with ample legroom and luxury tidbits thrown in generously.

If the RS Q8’s interior and exterior impressed you, then the engine will blow you away. The performance of the Audi RS Q8 is often compared to the Lamborghini Urus, which incidentally shares the same platform. Although the power is a tad less, the performance is hair-raising, all thanks to the humongous 3998 cc V8 petrol engine that delivers a monstrous 591.7 bhp and a 8 speed ZF Automatic (tiptronic) transmission.

Power, style and luxury rolled in one. That’s the Audi RS Q8 for you.

Also Read – Hybrid Cars

Features

Off Roading

quattro permanent all-wheel drive

optional quattro sport differential

all-wheel steering

optional electromechanical roll stabilisation

Performance

4.0-litre V8 TFSI engine

(600 hp) Power

800 Nm Torque

8-speed Automatic Tiptronic Transmission

Mild-hybrid system

Cylinder on demand technology

0 to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds

Luxury

Valcona/Alcantara Leather Seats

Seat Ventilation and Massage Feature

Power seats with memory feature

Ambient Lighting

Heated Mirrors

4-Zone Climate control system

Bang & Olufsen premium sound system with 3D sound

BMW X7

Massive. Ginormous. Mountainous. These are some big words that come to mind when writing about the BMW X7. The 6-seater luxury SUV from the German carmaker with its distinct BMW grille and razor sharp head lights is a sight to behold and gives the SUV a gentlemanly look. The side profile with sleek and slanting lines give the X7 a dynamic stance, and a slim appearance. The rear is as beautiful as the front and the overhang neatly blends into the car and provides the required boot and seating space.

The interiors are classy and the last row is roomy and complete with comfortable seats, while the middle rows give a much more luxurious feel with captain seats. The front seats are the most luxurious of the lot. They are ventilated and can give a much needed massage when required! The cockpit is tech-loaded, which is evident in its customizable digital instrument cluster. The MID on the centre console also performs various functions that can be activated with a touch.

The X7 has two engines, the 40i 3.0 litre petrol and the 30d which is a 3.0 litre diesel engine and has 8-Speed Steptronic auto transmission.

Also Read – 6 Seater Cars

Features

Off Roading

Air suspension with damper control

Adaptive Drive Mode

Launch Control Function

Adaptive 2-axle Air Suspension

Automatic Differential Brake (ADB-X)

Intelligent 4WD with variable torque distribution

Performance

Cruise Control with braking function

X7 xDrive30d DPE Signature   195kW (265 hp) Power | 620Nm @ 1500-2500

X7 xDrive40i M Sport   250kW (340 hp) | 450 Nm

8-Speed Steptronic Sport Transmission

Cruise Control with braking function

BMW Driving Experience Switch (Modes: ECO PRO, COMFORT,   SPORT and ADAPTIVE)

Cornering Brake Control (CBC) and Dynamic Brake Control (DBC)

Luxury

Automatic air conditioning with 5-zone control.

Comfort seats front, fully electrically adjustable with lumbar support   for driver and front passenger

Temperature-controlled cup holders in front centre console

Comfort cushion made of alcantara for 2nd row outer seats

Electrically operated roller sunblind for the rear side windows

Seat adjustment electrical and memory function for driver and   front passenger

Active seat ventilation for driver and front passenger

Seat heating for driver and front passenger

Six-colour ambient lighting

Jaguar F-Pace

British heritage on Indian roads. That’s what the Jaguar F-Pace is all about. The F-Pace looks beautiful and aggressive all at the same time. On the front sits a neat grill along with ‘J’-like LEDs in the sharp headlamps. The side profile is clean with one sleek line going through it, and a neatly integrated side vent with chrome accent looks classy. The rear with LED tail lights and a muscular profile gives the F-Pace a robust and suave look.

The interior is classier than the exterior, and the contrast cabin looks distinguished. The cockpit has a touch of elegance and is complete with leather and aluminium. The instrument cluster can be modified according to preferences, while the MID can be used for a myriad of functions. The rear is equally comfortable – there’re dedicated rear AC vents, which are complete with USB-C sockets to charge your phone.

The Jaguar F-Pace has 2.0 litre diesel and petrol engines along with a monstrous 5.0 litre petrol engine is the performance SUV the F-Pace SVR. All engines come with an 8-speed automatic  transmission.

Also Read – Best Petrol Cars In India

Features

Off Roading

AWD

525 mm water wading capacity

4 Drive Modes

Performance

2.0 Litre Dynamic S Petrol – 246.74bhp power | Torque 365nm

2.0 Litre Dynamic S Diesel – 201.15 bhp power | Torque 430 nm

5.0 Litre Petrol SVR – 543.11 bhp power | Torque 700 nm

5-speed Automatic Transmission

Low Traction Launch Mode

Luxury

4 Zone Climate Control

Power Boot 650 Litres

Air Purifier

Active Noise Cancellation Cabin

Ambient Lighting

Cruise control

Electric Seats

Ventilated Seats

Panoramic Sunroof

Driver Seat Memory

Powered Tailgate

Wireless Phone Charger

Jeep Wrangler Rubicon

The Jeep Wrangler Rubicon is a true SUV, and unlike the others this is one mean SUV that will go anywhere you take and it will make sure that you come out of there as well. The Wrangler Rubicon has a classic design architecture but don’t be fooled, it is way tougher than it looks. The grinning grille emphasizes the toughness and the character of the SUV while also retaining the classic look. The flared fenders give enough room for the tyres and suspension to take on heavy hurdles and gives the SUV an aggressive stature. The rear, like the vintage Jeep, carries a spare tyre on the door and is complete with modern bits like LED lights, spare wheel cover among others. 

The doors on the Wrangler Rubicon are removable and can be detached for thoroughly washing after a tiring off-roading day. The Wrangler Rubicon comes with goodies like electronically locking front and rear differentials, and electronically disconnected anti-roll bar to conquer unruly terrain and glide over big obstacles. All in all the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon is at home where there are no roads. The interiors of the Wrangler are functional, don’t think low of them, but the word luxury doesn’t fit the inside of the Wrangler Rubicon.

The Jeep Wrangler Rubicon has a humble but powerful 2.0 litre 268 bhp engine with an 8-speed auto transmission that does the job of off-roading very effectively. No wonder the Jeep Wrangler is the most sought after off-roaders on planet earth.

Also Read – Types Of Automatic Transmissions

Features

Off Roading

Dual Full time 4×4 Modes

Tru-Lok electronic locking front and rear differentials

Heavy-gauge steel skid plates

Heavy Duty Gas Suspension

Disconnectable Front Sway Bar

Performance

2.0 Litre Petrol Engine

268 bhp power

400 NM Torque

4 Wheel Disc Brakes

8-speed automatic transmission

Luxury

Leather Trimmed Seats

Leather finish dash

Illuminated Vanity Mirrors

Dual Zone Temperature Control

Satellite Navigation

Porsche Cayenne Coupe

Beauty, style and loads of power – That is the Porsche Cayenne Coupe for you. The Cayenne Coupe has its looks or let’s say the roof derived from the Porsche 911 which make it resemble an SUV that can also be a sports car. Like mentioned the Porsche Cayenne is a wonder of a design and is something you can’t take your eyes off. Right from the artistically designed front that reminds of a sports car to the dead straight lines on the side enhance the look of this beautiful SUV. And if the front and the side is impressive then the rear is a sight to behold, there is a rear spoiler hidden just below the windscreen that deploys automatically or manually if required and below that is ‘Porsche’ written in a plastic encasing which looks majestic.

On the inside the Porsche Cayenne Coupe pampers you with its super comfy front and rear seats and the stylish cabin complete with an enormous panoramic sunroof gives you a spacious feeling. The dashboard is uncompromised and features high quality parts complete with aluminium inserts. The centre console features a huge MID that doubles up as navigation as well.

Under the hood the Cayenne Coupe has two options –  3.0 litre and 4.0 litre petrol engines with 8-speed tiptronic S transmission.

Features

Off Roading

Three-chamber air suspension

Steered Rear Axle

Four Wheel Drive

Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM)

Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control (PDCC)

Porsche 4D Chassis Control

Porsche Traction Management (PTM)

Performance

2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 engine | 440 PS | 550 NM Torque

3.0-litre turbocharged V6 engine – | 340PS | 450 NM torque

4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine | 550PS | torque 770 NM

8-speed Tiptronic Automatic Transmission

Cruise Control

Luxury

Panoramic Roof

Front and back Alcantara Leather sports seats

Burmester 3D high end surround sound system

Parking pre-climatisation pre-conditioning

Head-Up Display

Land Rover Defender

Full on luxury with full on off road ability? You asked for it and the Land Rover Defender has it, and unlike other off roaders the Defender has looks that could kill. It is boxy and beautiful and has a square jawed grille that would put the toughest masculine jawlines to shame. Straight lines coupled with a passive aggressive front makes the Defender seem tough while sharp taught angles add to the look.

On the inside the Defender is luxurious, be it the rear passenger seats or the powered front ones comfort is what the Defender is made for and it will be at home driving on tarmac as well. The cockpit is informative and can be customised as per one’s needs, while the MID on the centre console gives every bit of information on offroading apart from entertaining as well.

The Defender offers two petrol engines 2.0 litre petrol and the 3.0 litre petrol and a 3.0 litre diesel engine along with 8-speed automatic transmission.

Features

Off Roading

3D Surround Camera

Two-Speed Transfer Case

Electronic Air Suspension with Adaptive Dynamics

Wade Sensing

All Wheel Drive

Coil Suspension

Terrain Response

Performance

Emergency Braking

Cruise Control and Speed Limiter

Lane Keep Assist

Driver Condition Monitor

Traffic Sign Recognition

Luxury

Grained leather and Robust Woven Textile seat

12-way heated, electric memory front seats

Sliding panoramic roof

Heated standard leather steering whee

Meridian™ Sound System 400W with 10 speakers   plus subwoofer

Front centre console refrigerator compartment

Lexus LX 570

The Lexus LX570 is humongous, palatial and most importantly luxurious. The Lexus’s signature sharply angled front grille makes a mark and will surely get you attention. The glossy surface and neat lines add to the suave masculine look, the Lexus LX 570 is big but at the same time it is subtle. The rear with its L shaped tail lights looks a class apart and adds to the royal look of the SUV. On the inside the LX 570 is a site to behold and the entire cabin oozes comfort, style and class. The 6-seater LX 570 has a contrast interior that compliments the cabin and infuses majestic vibes. The cockpit has a plethora of information display that keeps you updated on the real time happenings of the car while the MID on the centre console can control various other functions with a simple touch. 

The best part of the Lexus 570 is that it can go off road with ease with its Crawl Control and Multi Terrain Select systems. A larger than life 5.7 litre V8, 8-speed automatic transmission petrol engine with 362 horsepower adorns the hood of this palace on wheels.

Features

Off Roading

Multi Terrain Select

Crawl Control

Turn Assist

Variable Flow Control

Drive Mode Select

Multi Terrain Monitor

4-Wheel Active Height Control

AWD

Performance

5.7 litre V8, petrol engine | 362 BHP | 530 NM

8-speed automatic transmission

Vehicle Stability Control VSC

Hill Assist Control HAC

Active Traction Control System A TRC

Cruise Control

Luxury

Semi Aniline Leather Seats

Ventilated/Heated Seats

Paddle Shift

Rain Sensing Intermittent Wipers

4 Zone Air Conditioner

FAQs about Luxury SUV Cars in India

Which luxury SUV to buy?

It all depends on preference, all luxury SUVs mentioned here, except for the Jeep Wrangler, have one thing in common and that is luxury. If you are looking for comfort and quality and road presence then the Mercedes GLS is your answer. If performance is your forte then the Audi RS Q8 will amaze you. However, if you want to climb mountains and drive around in the forest then the Jeep Wrangler and Land Rover Defender will do your bidding. The BMW X7 will awe you with its drive and ride quality, while the Jaguar F-Pace will impress you with its British heritage. If you’re into style then the Porsche Cayenne Coupe will make your presence known and lastly if you are into space, entertainment and a colossal engine then Lexus LX 570 will be the giant you want.

Why isn’t the Jeep Wrangler luxurious?

The Jeep Wrangler is built for extreme off - roading and the interiors, though far better than mass produced vehicles, cannot be called luxurious. The simple interior design emphasizes the real luxury that Jeep has to offer - Off roading.

Which is the fastest SUV?

The Lamborghini Urus clocks 0-100 kmph in 3.6 seconds. That puts most high performance cars to shame, considering the weight of 2+ tonnes it carries, that is a very impressive feat.

Why are these SUVs on the pricier side?

That is because these SUVs come as CBUs or completely built up units, or are imported in India as they are. This attracts a heavy import tax which ranges from 60% - 100% of the cost of the vehicles plus other taxes. This is done to protect Indian manufacturers and to encourage international brands to manufacture in India.