Luxury SUVs launching in 2023

The abbreviation SUV is synonymous with rugged terrain meets luxury and comfort. They're built to incorporate space, style, and sophistication while maintaining a strong all-around utility. As such, it's no surprise that the SUV/Crossover market continues to dominate the motoring space as the market turns away from estates and sedans.

Luxury manufacturers such as Bentley, Ferrari, Lamborghini, and even Rolls Royce were relatively late in this market. But where high performance and exhilarating cornering prowess shine the most is within a luxury SUV. Straight off the back of the release of the new Range Rover last year, how will these top four luxury brands fare? Let's gear down to the basics.
 

Ferrari Purosangue

Image Source: F1rsmotorsports.com

While not strictly an SUV, the Purosangue is Ferarri's latest addition to the field of luxury crossovers that refuses to forget its roots. At the heart of this stylised and slightly reserved facade lies the roaring heart of a V12 monster.

Yes, indeed. A 6.5-litre, to be exact. Knocking out a seismic 533kW and 716Nm between the axles, this insatiable Italian stallion can catapult itself to 100km/h in a mere 3.3 seconds. With such blistering accelerating power, it's difficult to fathom why it's built to compete in such a segment. Since it's classed as a "Super-SUV," the illusion that it was ever built to tackle off-roading is passed over to encompass a more aesthetic approach. Regardless, we're pretty impressed by its credentials.

With pedigree and vigour, the Purosangue is a premium contender to Lamborghini's Urus at twice the price. Expect to pay a minimum of R7 million before it's exported from Modena... That is, provided you're already on the waiting list.
 

Bentley Bentayga

Image Source: Youtube.com

If your garage already contains the iconic Continental GT, then there's no doubt that the Bentayga is the ideal companion. Its luxury amenities, rivalled only by the Rolls, are simply unmatched in their detailing.

New features for 2023's model features an extended wheelbase which allows passengers more than enough legroom to stretch out and relax. It also offers multiple power trains to choose from. On the lower end of the spectrum, the 443kW hybrid electric motor arrangement is powered by a standard 3.0 litre V6. At the pinnacle, a menacing 626kW W-12 engine rockets the Bentayga from a standstill to 100kms in just 3.6 seconds. We estimate that the Goldilocks zone lies somewhere in between with its V8 variant.  

The entry-level hybrid starts from R2.7 million, whereas our top pick, the V8, is estimated to cost around R3.2 million. The W-12, an insatiable yet smooth drive, is simply unbeatable; coming in at an anticipated its R4.5 million.


Lamborghini Urus


Image Source: Autonocion.com

To ensure we're all on the same page, the Lamborghini Urus isn't just a luxury SUV with a Lamborghini badge. It's a show-stopping supercar in the shell of an SUV. This is evident in its ferocious 657kW 4.0 litre V8 that allows it to bolt from 0 - 100kms in just 3.1 seconds, making it the fastest Super SUV on our list.

The 2023 variants have seen marginal performance increases and stark contrasts in the S and the Performante. The former offers light and wispy air suspension, while the latter offers a rigid and stiffened steel suspension for all-out performance. The Performante also receives an extra pair of pumped-up kicks in the form of 23-inch wheels specced with Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R tyres.

At just under R4 million, the Urus S may be just what you're looking for, but in terms of an overall package, the Perfomante is worth its weight in gold at around R4.6 million.
 

Rolls Royce Spectre

Image Source: Topgear.co.za

The last entry on our list needs no introduction... and yes, we know it's not strictly an SUV, but does anyone honestly believe any of these vehicles will see much of the bush? There may be no better brand suited to EV motors, as CS Rolls mentioned in 1900: "The electric car is perfectly noiseless and clean. There is no smell or vibration."

The Spectre is more suited as a coupe than an SUV... Or at least a Grand Coupe, which places it within a similar firing line. It will also pioneer a new move in Rolls Royce engine philosophy, where regular combustion engines will soon be phased out in favour of clean, green, and responsive EVs. Speaking of the engine, the dual-motor electric powertrain will be capable of pushing out a crisp 577kW which will hit 100kms in just 4.4 seconds. Not breakneck, but then again, Rolls Royce was never about speed but the cruise. Smooth, unencumbered, and bar none.

Pricing is estimated to sit around a similar range to the Ferrari at R6.8 million. You can also expect the usual array of exquisite features and bespoke material customisation, which is synonymous with this prestigious brand.


Read our previous article here: A slow meander through the Western Cape Winelands ft. Janice Hicks & Kate Sanders

Contact Hamiltons Property Portfolio if you want to buy or sell property near you.
Johannesburg (Head Office): 011 463 0155
Cape Town: 021 418-0328 
Garden Route: 044 050 3295
Eastern Cape: 076 927 7787
Winelands: 072 991 6272
Or email reception@hamiltons.co.za
 
Hamilton's Property Portfolio holds a Fidelity Fund Certificate issued by the Property Practitioners Regulatory Authority.