Just as the sporty, street-savvy look is ruling the world of fashion right now, so is it a major pull in the automotive industry. Hate it or love it, the sporty aesthetic is officially stylish across the board.
This is only one reason why luxury car brands have stepped up their gears on SUV launches in recent years, with 2020 – despite the pandemic and all – being no different. In fact, there’s been maiden SUV segment launches from Aston Martin and Lexus on top of reeditions of existing models from other premium automakers so far this year.
Whether it’s their athletic exteriors or their power and utility factors that make them so covetable, consider these 7 new SUV launches to add to your garage.
BMW X5
Nicknamed “The Boss”, the latest plug-in hybrid iteration of the BMW X5 expands on the success of its predecessors as a leading Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) – essentially an SUV with more off-road capabilities. Powered by a 3-litre 6-cylinder engine fitted with the BMW eDrive technology, it produces a combined output of 290kW/394hp and a peak torque of 600Nm to achieve the century sprint in 5.6 seconds. Besides a power boost, the exteriors feature larger proportions including prominent rear shoulders and wide wheel arches along with a signature kidney grille, in order to provide more space and comfort in the cabin. W bmw.com.my
Learn more: Introducing the new BMW X5 xDrive45e M Sport Plug-in Hybrid
Aston Martin DBX
Just arrived last week, the Aston Martin DBX is the marque’s highly anticipated, first SUV in all its 107-year history. While incorporating the features of an SUV (such as adaptive triple volume air suspension and electronic adaptive dampers), it boasts the power of a sports car – which adds to its strikingly sexy appeal. Equipped with a 4-litre, twin-turbocharged V8 engine like that of the DB11 and Vantage, the DBX is capable of producing an output of 550PS with 700Nm of torque to reach 0-100kmph in only 4.5 seconds. It’s also built with modern styling cues both interior- and exterior-wise, with highlights including a DB grille, almond-shaped headlights and a full-length glass panoramic roof. W astonmartinkualalumpur.com
Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace
If space is what you’re looking for in an SUV, Volkswagen’s Tiguan Allspace has 7 foldable seats offering all the room you need – without compromising boot space. Aside from that, it comes with a host of off-road features, including 4MOTION all-wheel drive technology to ensure excellent traction, optimal handling and dynamic steering response. Whatever the terrain, come rain or shine, the Tiguan Allspace is equipped with different drive modes and driving assistance controls to steer through them all. W volkswagen.com.my
Bentley Bentayga V8
Crewe’s first SUV has achieved much success since it was launched in 2016. Its new facelift, however, offers even more to shout about. From the refreshed elliptical cut-crystal matrix headlamps to the muscular front grille, bonnet and clamshell rear design, the latest Bentayga makes one beefy SUV. It’s not all looks either, with 550PS and 770 Nm of torque embedded in its 4.0-litre engine. This propels the car to achieve the century sprint in 4.5 seconds, equal to that of the Aston Martin DBX. Let’s not forget it’s Bentley we’re talking about here, so expect all the cabin comfort (quilted leather seats, modern infotainment systems and the like) you’ll want to take on fun excursions and long road trips. W bentleymotors.com
Read more: Testdriving: The 2021 Bentley Bentayga V8
Mercedes Benz GLB 35
You may be familiar with the urban-oriented GLA and its bigger GLC brother. Now meet the middle child, the GLB, which provides more space than its stablemates while still staying relatively compact. We’re looking at the 35 4MATIC variant, which is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine producing 306 hp with up to 400Nm of torque, reaching an acceleration of 0-100kmph in 5.2 seconds. Distinguishing the model is an AMG-specific radiator grille, appearing for the first time in a 35-series model. Other differentiating design features include its boxy silhouette (inspired by the iconic G-Wagen), front splitter and a prominent rear apron with two round, single tailpipe trim elements. Inside, there’s a third seat row offering two additional seats to turn it into a 7-seater car. W mercedesbenz.com.my
Maserati Levante Trofeo
The 2020 Maserati Levante Trofeo is easily the most powerful SUV the Italian marque has ever produced. What’s more, Naza Italia, the authorized dealer for Maserati in Malaysia, has brought in three exclusive Launch Edition models out of 100 limited units worldwide. Available in three distinct colours: Blu Emozione Matte (blue), Giallo Modenese (yellow) and Rosso Magma (red), the models arrive with special design elements such as brake calipers that match the bodypaint, a personalised badge on the centre console and contrast stitching on the sports leather seats. Powered by a Ferrari-built 3.8 litre twin-turbo V8 churning out 590 hp and 730 Nm of torque, it tops this list for the fastest century sprint at 3.9 seconds. W maserati.com
Lexus UX200
Lexus made its first foray into the compact SUV segment earlier this year with the launch of the UX200. Unlike the big boys above, this model makes a smooth entry for city drives and the occasional expedition. Design-led by the company’s first female chief engineer, Chika Kako, the UX stands for Urban Explorer and its features reflect as such. Defined by a trademark spindle grille, triple-beam LED projector headlights and signature L-shaped day lights on the exterior as well as sashiko quilting on the cabin upholstery and washi paper texture on the dashboard, the UX embodies urban design and Japanese heritage in a nippy crossover model. W lexus.com.my
Photos courtesy of respective brands
