January 31, 2018
According to a Carmag.co.za article of March 2017, the following are the top 5 most luxurious and expensive SUVs currently on sale in South Africa. Please note that the prices quoted here are those mentioned in the article, and are not necessarily current.
This SUV tops the list for being the most costly, but it, coincidentally, also has the largest engine of all 5. The Bentley Bentayga has a 6-litre, 12-cylinder, twin-turbo petrol engine, delivering 447 kW of power through an 8-speed automatic transmission to all 4 wheels. Its acceleration from 0-100 km/h takes 4.1 seconds, and it manages to reach a maximum speed in excess of 300 km/h.
This is the first time ever that Bentley has manufactured an SUV. Not only is it strikingly luxurious, but it also is most spacious inside. In fact, Bentley claims that the interior of the SUV is the finest of all SUVs worldwide, with metal, leather and wood carefully crafted together to make a magnificent blend.
One would hesitate to go off-road with such an expensive SUV, in case it gets damaged. However, Bentley believes it has taken care of this by equipping the SUV with an adjustable height, 4-wheel drive, as well as hill descent control. The chassis has a remarkable 8 different settings, with 4 for use on the straightforward road, and 4 for addressing all-terrain modes. Its ground clearance is 24.5 cm, and it can go through water not deeper than 50 cm.
This SUV is a long-wheelbase, and has a supercharged, 5-litre, V8, 405-kW, petrol engine. With this powertrain, the SUV can cover the 0-100 km/h in 5.5 seconds.
Actually, there are three options regarding the engine. The petrol engine just mentioned, has, unfortunately, a hefty fuel consumption of 20 litres/100 km when driving around town. However, there are two diesel engines that can spare you much fuel. The smaller of the two is a 3-litre, SD V6, with a fuel consumption of 7.5 litres/100 km, and a power output of 190 kW. The other diesel engine is a 4.4-litre, V8, with a very powerful torque of 700 nM. With this engine, the SUV covers the 0-100 km/h in 7 seconds, and has an amazing fuel consumption of 10 litres/100 km. The manufacturer has managed to reduce the weight of the SUV considerably by using aluminium for the whole monocoque.
The interior of the SUV is really out of this world. The two single seats in the back have an electric recline function. In addition, there is a fridge, and two TVs, with extra massage seats.
This Mercedes SUV is equipped with a 5.5-litre, turbocharged, V8 petrol engine, producing 420 kW. It can accelerate to 100 km/h in 5.4 seconds.
The SUV has great appeal when you consider the roar coming from the 2 chrome exhaust pipes. Its torque of 760 Nm is massive, and will make all 4 wheels spin in wet conditions if you are not careful. The SUV has improved stability control. Unfortunately, the steering wheel requires constant attention to maintain direction. Despite the difficult ride, the SUV has enough strength for extreme off-road conditions. Although the low-ratio transmission and 3 locking differentials increase the weight of the SUV, they are a perquisite for muddy terrain.
This is a powerful SUV, with an 8-cylinder, 4.8-litre, bi-turbocharged, V8 petrol engine providing a 419kW, and taking only 4.1 seconds to reach 100 km/h. It has a top speed of 284 km/h. The average fuel consumption is 11.5 litres/100 km, but town driving raises it to 15.9 litres/100 km. The SUV was first introduced in February 2015.
The SUV is equipped with Traction Control, Electronic Brake Distribution (EDB), and Brake Assist BASEBA. It has heated seats in the front, which also have electric seat adjustment memory.
The September 2017 article of Car and Driver, reveals that the SUV has an 8-speed automatic transmission, an advanced 4-wheel drive system, the Porsche Torque Vectoring Plus (PTV+) system, and an electronically-controlled differential. Carbon-ceramic brakes consist of callipers with 10 pistons in the front, and 4 each in the back. Furthermore, the SUV has Porsche’s PDCC active anti-roll bars. It has a ground clearance of 27.2 cm. The luxury interior smacks completely of Porsche.
Classified as the S-class of the SUVs, the GLS looks modern. The SUV has a 5.5-litre, turbocharged, V8 petrol engine developing 430 kW. It takes 4.6 seconds to reach the 100 km/h.
The interior boasts of a 3-spoke multi-function steering wheel, as well as plenty of space for all 3 rows of seats.
The SUV is equipped with various driver assist systems such as the Collision Prevention Assist Plus, the Crosswind Assist, and Attention Assist. The optional Airmatic air suspension is able to lift the GLS’s ride to a height of 30.6 cm, which means the SUV is able to go through water not more than 60 cm deep.
You may not own a luxury SUV, but with PMD’s affordability, you can save money which you can spend on other little luxuries. You can save time as well by buying car insurance online.
Sources:
December 4, 2023
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