Prestige SUV 2020 Comparison

Prestige cars are luxury vehicles that are not only designed to turn heads but have also gained widespread admiration for their quality of craftsmanship and exclusivity of design. Once available at a price range that only a few people can afford, these cars are becoming more accessible to many people through car loans and leasing contracts.

When it comes to prestige vehicles, the SUV is fast becoming a style of choice in Australia and around the world. Some carmakers are even transforming their old luxury sedans and hatches into an SUV model to provide more than enough space for passengers and cargo.

Here are our top prestige SUVs for 2020:

1. 2020 Bentley Bentayga Speed

Price: Starts at $481,400
Pros: World's fastest SUV with a 306km/h top speed; Exquisite Alcantara upholstery offers comfortable riding experience; Impressive throttle response and steering
Cons: Very expensive; Resembles like the standard Bentayga on the outside; Sports exhaust and carbon-ceramic brakes are optional

Source: www.bentleymotors.com

Unveiled at the 2019 Geneva motor show, the fastest SUV in the world is also the priciest at a staggering $481,400 before on-road costs. Under the bonnet is the 6.0-litre twin-turbocharged W12 engine tuned to deliver 467kW of power and 900Nm of torque.

Assembled to the standard AWD system and installed with firmer suspension, an electronic differential lock, and eight-speed automatic transmission, the Bentayga Speed can blast through the 0-100km/h standard in 3.9 seconds and hit a top speed of 309km/h. Compared to the regular W12 Bentayga, it has 20kW extra to help it shave 0.2 seconds off its 0-100km/h time and achieve a 5km/h higher top speed.

The car also comes with sporty styling modifications and exquisite Alcantara upholstery, creating a strong statement of luxury and refinement.

2. 2020 Land Rover Range Rover

Price Range: $179,740 to $429,220
Pros: Impressive off-road performance and towing capacity; Powerful engine; Spacious and refined interior; Plenty of safety and infotainment features and options for customisation; Good fuel economy with an option for a plug-in hybrid
Cons: Heavy steering and noisy at highway speeds; Few pouches and storage spaces for small items

Source: www.landrover.com

Whilst no major changes have been made for its 2020 models, this large SUV ranks second on our choices for prestige SUVs mainly for its long history of elegance and refinement. Aside from its roomy and classy interior, it’s a class leader in off-road proficiency. The latest model also comes with a turbocharged, inline 6-cylinder engine.

Range Rover SVAutobiography Dynamic—the most expensive trim in its range—is designed for luxury performance with its powerful V8 Supercharged 416kW engine that can deliver 700Nm, with maximum torque available at 6,000 - 6,500rpm.

Exclusively available in standard wheelbase, the SVAutobiography Dynamic’s cabin is lavished with the finest leathers and a Knurled finish to the Stop/Start button and foot pedals. The rotary shifter, and Steel Weave Carbon Fibre front and rear door veneers are also designed to reflect a timeless elegance. The front seats offer a 24-way heated and cooled massage. The all-aluminium monocoque body of the vehicle also makes it one of the strongest and lightest vehicles of its kind.

3. 2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

Price Range: $144,600 to 151,300
Pros: Smooth driving experience akin to driving a smaller SUV; Robust mild-hybrid powertrains; Outstanding infotainment system; Spacious and comfy interior that can accommodate adults in all three rows and with flexible cargo capacity
Cons: Off-roading is not as impressive as its competitors; Indistinct steering with large wheels and thin tires; Inelegant look; Can be too large for buyers

Source: www.mbusa.com

Branded as the “S-class of SUVs”, the latest SUV model of the German automaker is larger than its 2013 predecessor with an additional 77mm length, 22mm width, and 60mm wheelbase. In Australia, the car comes in two guises, the petrol-powered version 450 4Matic that commands a starting price of 144,600 and the diesel-powered 400 d 4Matic that starts 151,300.

Design-wise, there’s not much to be excited about as it simply looks like an overinflated GLE. Nevertheless, it has one of the best infotainment systems of the brand, which assures passengers of a quiet and comfortable ride.

4. 2020 BMW X7

Price: $124,900 to $171,900
Pros: Strong engine performance; High-end fixtures inside the cabin; Plenty of standard tech and safety features; Comfortable three-row interior with elegant styling
Cons: Steering can feel too light; No hybrid option

Source: www.bmw.com.au

This 7-seater SUV comes in five trims, with the diesel-powered M50d and the ULP-powered M50i commanding the highest price in the lineup. All trims use an 8-speed automatic w/OD and auto-manual transmission, but the high-spec models use a 523-hp, 4.4-litre V-8 engine.

With a detuned version of the 4.4-litre twin-turbo petrol V8 found in the M5 Competition under the bonnet of the new X7, the M50i outputs 390kW of power and 750Nm of torque for a zero-to-100km/h sprint in just 4.7 seconds. Compared with its M50d sibling, the M50i produces 96kW more power, but 10Nm less torque.

The car has all the standard features of a prestige vehicle, such as lightweight wheels, rear-wheel steering set-up, adaptive air suspension, five-zone climate control, soft-close doors, heated cup holders, heated front seats, and sunroof. The safety system is also advanced with its surround-view monitor, LaserLight headlights, autonomous emergency braking, reversing camera, lane-keep assist, head-up display and lane departure warning.

5. 2020 Aston Martin DBX

Price: Starts at $357,000
Pros: Superb driving performance and ride quality; Dynamic security; Exquisite look and design
Cons: Lacks the on-paper punch of segment rivals; Old-fashioned infotainment interface that’s not touchscreen and not compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

Source: www.astonmartin.com

The first SUV of the British luxury sports car maker, the DBX is not your regular SUV. Aside from the hefty price tag, it also drives like a sports car because of the 3982cc, V8, twin-turbocharged engine that makes 542 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission, the car can drive a zero-to-60-mph time of 4.3 seconds and a top speed of 181 mph. It can also tow up to 5,940 pounds and its roof rack can support up to 220 pounds.

Speed and power aside, it is also laden with luxury features befitting an Aston Martin car. These include a spacious cabin that’s covered with elegantly stitched leather and soft-touch surfaces, a standard full-length panoramic glass roof, an infotainment system, and a roster of safety and driver assistance features.

6. 2020 Lexus LX

Price Range:$143,831 to $169,131
Pros: Great off-roading performance; Well-built cabin
Cons: Poor fuel economy; Inferior cargo capacity for the class

Source: www.lexus.com

The latest upgrades for Lexus’s big RX SUV include a 12.3-inch touchscreen display, touchpad controls, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Other than these, however, there are no noteworthy changes.

The V8 engine that puts out almost 400 horsepower continues to be the car’s biggest asset. While it’s a capable off-roader, it doesn't stand out among other luxury large SUVs. It falls short of the standards set by class rivals in terms of design, cargo capacity, and even ride quality. It also drinks fuel faster than other luxury SUVs of the same price range.

7. 2020 Volvo XC90

Price Range: $94,990 to $129,990
Pros: Stylish exterior and interior design; Plenty of standard driver-assistance features
Cons: Rough engine sounds, Stiff ride; Laggy infotainment system

Source: www.volvocars.com

The Swedish luxury car brand brings a bold and elegant new look to its flagship SUV. These include a new grille with concave slats and new paint and alloy wheel options. The cabin interior also looks posh with its Nappa leather, real wood trim, and tasteful chrome accents.

Known for its focus on safety and luxury, the XC90 also features many driver-assistance features, including the active-steering support for the City Safety driver-assistance.

8. Toyota Land Cruiser 200

Price Range: $53,490 to $119,972
Pros: Powerful engine; Great off-road ability; Huge, intimidating size; Luxuriously appointed interior
Cons: No petrol option; Old school design; Lesser standard features than its competitors

Source: www.toyota.com

One of the best-known and most popular large 4WDs in Australia. Thanks to a reputation for reliability and off-road ability, the Land Cruiser’s latest model will no longer have a petrol V8 engine as the entire lineup shifts to a new diesel format.

The 2020 lineup still includes GX, GXL, VX, and Sahara. All will be powered by 4.5-litre twin-turbo V8 diesel engine that produces 200kW of power and 650Nm of torque. It also has a six-speed automatic as standard, and permanent four-wheel drive. With a fuel consumption rated at 9.5 litres per 100 kilometres, its standard long range fuel tank capacity is 138 litres. All models can tow 750kg for an unbraked trailer, and 3500kg for a braked trailer.

Buy your very own prestige SUV with the right car financing! At Positive Lending Solutions, we will help you find the best car loan deal from our hundreds of lending partners across Australia.

Call 1300 722 210 or get pre-approved today.

See also:

The Best Utes in Australia Today

5 Exciting Luxury Cars for 2020

Australia's Top-Selling Cars in 2019