10 most expensive ICE SUVs in India

Be it mass market or luxury at the top-end, SUVs are spread across the entire price spectrum of the Indian market. While we already have listed the 10 most affordable SUVs in India, this feature will focus on the priciest ones that are powered by a combustion engine. Do note that for models with multiple trims, we have considered just the top trim.

10. Range Rover Sport 

Rs 2.95 crore, ex-showroom

Starting off with the most ‘accessible’ SUV here, the top-spec Range Rover Sport SV Edition Two variant stands out for a couple of reasons. Four SV Edition Two exclusive exterior paints and an ‘SV’ badge on the tailgate are its distinct markers. You can also opt for ultra-lightweight 23-inch carbon wheels that cut 41 percent weight compared to cast alloys (first on a production Range Rover model).

Most powerful Range Rover

Also unique to each of the aforementioned four colours is a dual-tone interior colour. For infotainment, the SV Edtion Two gets a 13.1-inch touchscreen, which is wired to a premium Meridian sound system. SV badging is also found on the seats, along with an illuminated SV mode button on the steering wheel, which lowers ground clearance by 15mm for high-speed stability. Speaking of speed, the SV Edition Two is the most potent Range Rover Sport trim, and while the same 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 engine is also offered in the Autobiography variant, the SV makes extra 94hp, making it the most powerful Range Rover (giving you some bragging rights among friends).

9. Lexus LX

Rs 3 crore, ex-showroom

Not only is the Lexus LX 500d the only Japanese model on this list, it’s also the sole diesel SUV (more on that later). Only a few SUVs can command a road presence like the LX. Look at it head-on, and the massive grille, which doesn’t look out of place, screams for attention. It’s a similar story in profile for the 5,100mm-long luxury off-roader, and the 22-inch wheels on which the LX 500d rides add to the character. 

Sole diesel SUV out here

Thanks to its high stance, the Lexus LX offers a great view of the landscape to its occupants. In fact, our LX review titled ‘Position of power‘ aptly describes the whole experience. Feature-wise, the Lexus is packed with goodies like front massaging seats, heated and ventilated front and rear seats, 12.3-inch touchscreen, two 11.6-inch entertainment displays for rear passengers, a single-pane sunroof and a Mark Levinson sound system. Coming back to the engine, despite the uncertain future of diesel vehicles in India, coupled with a limited road legal status in areas like the NCR, the LX continues to be powered by the 304hp, 3-litre twin-turbo V6 diesel engines.

8. Mercedes Maybach GLS

Rs 3.39 crore, ex-showroom

Next, the Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 is even longer than the Lexus LX 500d before it, to be precise, by 105mm at 5,208mm. Over the standard GLS 450, the GLS 600 adds more than 61 Maybach logos and badges to the exterior, 5 dual-tone paints and a 23-inch forged wheel option. Also, chrome has also been extensively used all over to add to the bling factor.

Business class-like cabin

But if that didn’t win you over, the GLS 600’s business class-like interior surely will. For starters, there’s premium Nappa leather upholstery, a Burmester sound system, 12.3-inch touchscreen and heated, ventilated and massage function-enabled seats (all four of them). Those being chauffeur driven will appreciate the Ottoman function for that extra level of comfort, and individual 11.6 inch screens mounted behind the front seatbacks for recreation. There’re a few interesting optional extras that Maybach offers with the SUV and to find out about those, check out our GLS 600 review. Compared to the GLS 450’s 381hp, 3-litre in-line-six, the GLS 600’s 4-litre twin-turbo V8 packs a whopping 176hp more.

7. Mercedes AMG G 63

Rs 3.6 crore, ex-showroom

While the Maybach GLS 600 prioritises luxury and passenger comfort, the next-in-line Mercedes-AMG G 63 has a more performance focused approach. The sporty nature of the SUV is also reflected in its exterior, which gets AMG-spec exhaust system and radiator grille, large air inlets with vertical louvers on the bumper and lighter 20-inch alloy wheels (21 and 22 inch options also on offer). 

Bonkers performance

As for the G 63’s cabin, the current facelifted model gets a 12.3-inch touchscreen, a first for the nameplate. This infotainment unit is wired to a Burmester sound system, while other features include 64-colour ambient lighting and rear seat screens; the latter feature is an optional extra. However, it’s the 585hp, 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 petrol engine that’s its highlight, which left us thoroughly impressed during our AMG G 63 review.

6. Range Rover LWB  

Rs 4.55 crore, ex-showroom

The 5,258mm-long Range Rover LWB SV is the third longest SUV here. While the Range Rover LWB SV may look similar to the lower ranked Range Rover variants at first glance, it does stand out with a slightly different slat pattern for the grille, black Land Rover badge instead of green, a darker shade for Range Rover lettering as opposed to brushed silver and an ‘SV’ badge on the tailgate, and a different design for the 22-inch wheels.

Private jet-like cabin

Our Range Rover LWB SV review noted that the SUV is essentially a high-riding limousine. When it comes to cabin space, the extended wheelbase version has plenty of room to offer. Not just space, it’s loaded with features like a 13.1-inch central touchscreen, Meridian Signature sound system and a refrigerator between the front seats. For the rear passengers, the Range Rover LWB SV comes with ‘Executive Comfort Plus’ rear seats as standard, which adds recline and memory settings, as well as heating, cooling and massaging functions. Additionally, there are two 13.1-inch rear entertainment touchscreens and fold-out ottomans as well, and the cabin feels no less than a private jet. Though it gets a 615hp-4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 that’s no slouch, it’s extremely refined as well.

5. Lamborghini Urus

Rs 4.6 crore, ex-showroom

Priced slightly more than the Range Rover SV LWB, the Lamborghini Urus SE is the only plug-in hybrid SUV on this list. The Urus SE is undoubtedly one of the most sporty-looking SUVs in this set. From the aggressive-looking bumper and 21-23 inch wheel size options to a Gallardo-inspired tailgate, every element makes evident the sporty nature of the SUV.

Most powerful SUV in this set

Talking about the cabin, the Urus SE comes with 3D-style dashboard panels, a 12.3-inch touchscreen paired with a Bang and Olufsen sound system and sports seats. Like any other Lamborghini, the Urus SE also benefits from the brand’s vast array of customisation options. Coming to the heart of the matter, which is its performance, a combined output of 800hp from the Urus SE’s 4-litre twin-turbo V8 and hybrid setup makes it the most powerful SUV here.

4. Aston Martin DBX

Rs 5.5 crore, ex-showroom

The Aston Martin DBX 707 does everything better than the regular DBX, and that includes a lot more than just performance. For instance, the signature vaned grille is larger for increased air flow, as well as the side skirts. As for wheels, the Aston Martin SUV is available with 22- and 23-inch options. And a quad exhaust system is always nicer to have than the twin setup on the DBX. Our DBX 707 review summed up its design as elegant and purposeful, all at once, without compromising on space or practicality.

One of the three SUVs here to breach the 700hp mark

As for the DBX 707’s interior design, it’s sporty. In addition to standard sports seats, the switchgear is finished in dark chrome. Other highlights of the DBX 707 include a 10.25-inch touchscreen wired to a Bowers and Wilkins sound system. Interestingly, the DBX 707 is also one of the first few cars to get Apple CarPlay Ultra in select markets. Like the rest, custom options are endless with Aston Martin. The DBX 707 has a 4-litre twin-turbo V8 engine that churns out 707hp (165hp more than the DBX), bringing it close to the Urus SE. 

3. Bentley Bentayga EWB

Rs 9 crore, ex-showroom*

After the Range Rover SV EWB, the 5,305mm-long Bentley Bentayga EWB Mulliner is the only other SUV to feature an extended wheelbase here, and is the second-longest here. Standing out from the other Bentayga EWB trims, it gets Mulliner-spec front grille, air vents and 22-inch wheels. Also, the Bentley logo in the centre of the wheels is self-levelling.

Rear seats boast Posture Adjust function

The Bentayga EWB Mulliner’s interior is wrapped in a dual-tone (Olive-Tan) leather upholstery, and it also features a 10.9-inch touchscreen paired to a Bang and Olufsen or Naim sound system. Bentley claims the Bentayga EWB’s entire 180mm extra length over the standard model has gone to the second row. The rear seats are not only reclinable and have a massaging function, but feature temperature detecting sensors for cooling or warming the surface automatically. Further, micro adjustments to the seat cushions are made via the Posture Adjust system as well. A 550hp-4-litre twin-turbo V8 does duty in the Bentayga EWB, known for its smooth power delivery. Our Bentley Bentayga EWB review talks about its real-world performance in detail.

2. Ferrari Purosangue

Rs 10.5 crore, ex-showroom*

The Ferrari Purosangue is unlike any model from the brand yet, but it’s still a V12 Ferrari with its long bonnet and a low-slung stance (for an SUV). The 22 and 23-inch wheels at the front and rear, respectively, is a unique setup. And as noted in our Ferrari Purosangue review, the slot-like front grille and rear suicide doors (that open to 73 degrees for easy access) are distinct touches in the Italian carmaker’s lineup.

Only SUV to get a naturally aspirated engine

The Purosangue’s interior draws cues from the brand’s GT sports cars, and entertainment duties are handled by a 10.2-inch touchscreen which works with a Burmester sound system. Interestingly, the Purosangue’s front and rear seats are individual buckets which aren’t the most comfortable. The ones at the back, though, are electronically adjustable for length, as well as recline. But let’s face it, the majority of the Purosangue buyers will naturally end up in the driving seat of the performance SUV. The Ferrari Purosangue is special as it’s the only SUV on this list with a naturally aspirated engine, and not just any, but a 725hp-6.5-litre V12.

1. Rolls Royce Cullinan

Rs 11.92 crore, ex-showroom

At number 1 on our list, the Rolls-Royce Cullinan Black Badge is, unsurprisingly, the most expensive SUV in India. Based on the Rolls-Royce SUV’s standard wheelbase version, the Cullinan Black Badge is still the longest here at 5,355mm. Key chrome parts like the door handles, pantheon grille and even the Spirit of Ecstasy mascot are darkened out, courtesy of the Black Badge. Even the 23-inch wheels get the Black Badge treatment.

Seats feel comfortable at all speeds and on any surface

It’s a similar story inside with an all-black cabin. As for infotainment, a 10.25-inch touchscreen works with a bespoke audio system from the brand. From bespoke colour palettes to dashboard finishes and high-spec rear seats, Cullinan Black Badge buyers have innumerable customisation options. Our Cullinan Black Badge review reported that the space inside is extremely generous, thanks to its long wheelbase, and the seats are comfortable at all speeds, and even on any surface imaginable. The 600hp-6.75-litre twin-turbo V12 under the hood makes 29hp more than the standard Cullinan, and is expectedly refined and effortless.

*INDICATIVE PRICE IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE

Also see:

10 most affordable SUVs in India

Every performance car priced at Rs 1-2 crore in India