The world of high-end SUVs strikes quick – and we’re not simply speaking 0–60 occasions. With new powertrains, greater numbers and more and more dramatic styling, staying on high of the most recent and best luxurious high-riders isn’t any simple activity. In 2025, which means hybrids are on the rise, EVs are muscling in, and but the mighty V8 nonetheless guidelines the roost for most of the greatest.
Right here’s our decide of probably the most thrilling, highly effective and indulgent premium SUVs of the 12 months.
Aston Martin DBX S
There’s a brand new big-power choice on the town: Aston Martin’s flagship DBX S. Constructing on the DBX707, the brand new S aligns with the model’s ‘S’ line of high-performance fashions – quickly to be seen throughout its sports activities automotive vary – and brings extra energy, sharper focus, and a number of technical upgrades.
Output now stands at a mighty 727hp and 900Nm of torque from the twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8. It hits 62mph in simply 3.3 seconds and tops out at 192mph. To enhance the additional energy, Aston presents a carbon fibre roof to scale back weight within the highest level of the automotive – more practical than glass and higher for dynamics.
Visible tweaks embody a brand new mesh grille, redesigned aerodynamically environment friendly bumpers, and light-weight 23-inch magnesium wheels. Few SUVs straddle the road between supercar and utility car fairly just like the DBX – and by no means extra so than on this new S guise.
Bentley Bentayga Pace
With the W12 now retired, Bentley wanted a worthy substitute – and for the Bentayga Pace, it’s gone old style. Fairly than a hybrid, the answer is a closely reworked 4.0-litre V8 with greater turbos and output raised to 650hp and 850Nm.
Regardless of weighing properly over two tonnes, it’ll rocket from 0–62mph in 3.4 seconds and hit a 193mph high pace. Serving to rein in that efficiency is a revised chassis with stiffer dampers, plus contemporary 23-inch wheels and a subtly up to date exterior together with new bumpers and clear rear lamps.
A light-weight sports activities exhaust and signature quad oval tailpipes full the package deal, giving the Bentayga a snarling new edge to go along with its refreshed efficiency credentials.
Lamborghini Urus SE
On the different finish of the SUV spectrum is Lamborghini’s new Urus SE, a mannequin that’s now gone past simply pure mechanical upgrades to provide its excessive energy determine, pairing its V8 with a plug-in hybrid system. On this case, Lamborghini has been in a position to liberate 789bhp and 905Nm of torque from its mixed e-motor and petrol engine, powering all 4 wheels by way of an eight-speed automated transmission.
As probably the most aggressive SUV on its respective platform, it additionally comes as customary with all of the chassis {hardware} you could possibly think about – from an lively anti-roll bar system, rear-wheel steering, a torque-vectoring rear differential, and even standard-fit carbon ceramic brakes.
Given the huge reputation of the earlier mannequin, it’s no shock there aren’t too many adjustments to the styling. However look intently and also you’ll see a barely cleaner and extra cohesive design, particularly across the rear, the place designers have positioned the quantity plate on the decrease bumper, opening up the bootlid to undertake a mesh grille impressed by the Gallardo LP560.
BMW XM Crimson Label
One other making use of a plug-in hybrid system is likely one of the most controversial BMW fashions in current historical past – which says quite a bit, contemplating the German model’s popularity for rocking the boat. The extroverted XM is a type of automobiles that doesn’t draw back from consideration, however it brought about its preliminary ruckus as a result of truth it’s solely the second bespoke M automotive in historical past.
To assist emphasise that this was a forward-looking mannequin, it was launched with two ultra-high-performance plug-in hybrid powertrain choices, with the top-spec Crimson Label coming in at a cool 741bhp. The system combines a V8 engine with an e-motor mounted within the transmission, similar to the brand new M5, however beat it to market by over two years – and nonetheless produces extra energy.
Nevertheless it’s the XM’s design that continues to garner probably the most controversy. Utilizing the huge X7 as a base, then chopping the roofline, it additionally introduced with it many firsts for BMW, together with an illuminated grille, 23-inch wheels, and new use of the long-lasting roundel within the higher left and proper corners of the rear glass.
Defender OCTA
We’ve been ready for an final expression of the Defender, and at last Land Rover has dramatically answered the decision. The OCTA is a high-speed off-roading specialist, with all of the hallmarks of one thing extra attuned to leaping dunes than automotive park kerbstones. It does this with a bespoke suspension setup that features the intelligent 6D system launched on the Vary Rover Sport SV, solely tuned to make the Defender much more succesful off-road.
That is additionally the one Defender obtainable with the brand new and rather more highly effective 626bhp 4.4-litre V8 engine, which produces greater than sufficient energy to encourage its 2.5-tonne mass at nice pace.
But it’s the OCTA’s rugged seems to be and top-spec placement that can doubtless draw probably the most gross sales. With its wider wheels and suspension, Land Rover’s designers have pumped up the wheel arches and given the entire physique a more durable, extra aggressive stance.
Porsche Cayenne GTS
The Porsche Cayenne is usually the primary place you go for a high-performance SUV, and with good purpose. Not solely did Porsche provoke this complete sport of quick SUVs that truly drive like efficiency automobiles, however it nonetheless will get very near the highest with its newest Cayenne – if the place to look.
The closely up to date model of Porsche’s third-generation Cayenne has been steadily adopting hybrid powertrains throughout most of its fashions. Nonetheless, there are nonetheless a couple of easier, lighter and extra participating variations within the vary. In our opinion, probably the most spectacular is the Cayenne GTS, which, regardless of having a relatively modest energy determine of 493bhp, stays one of many best-driving SUVs in the marketplace.
That’s as a result of instead of heavy hybrid techniques, the 4-litre V8 can breathe by its twin turbos with none electrical help – or the added weight that comes with it. The Cayenne GTS isn’t gradual, both, reaching 62mph in 4.4 seconds and topping 170mph, supplying you with the purest Porsche Cayenne driving expertise within the vary.
Mercedes G 63 Manufaktur Version
Any final SUV record wouldn’t be full and not using a Mercedes-AMG G 63. However relatively than simply resting on its laurels, AMG continues to combine minor upgrades that make the package deal much more compelling. Many may think about the key to the G 63’s success to be its model, or the thunderous V8 rumble from the facet pipes – however ask any proprietor, and it’s doubtless the construct high quality that ranks highest of all.
That’s as a result of, not like all different Mercedes manufacturing fashions, the G 63 and its lesser G-Class variants are in-built a devoted manufacturing facility in Austria, with automobiles assembled slowly, methodically, and with unimaginable care. Shut the door on a G 63 and it’ll want a correct slam to latch, sounding like a blast door in a bomb shelter within the course of.
Given the G 63’s relative ubiquity in 2025, Mercedes has now expanded its Manufaktur programme, providing consumers the possibility to pick from round 30 exterior shades, with or with out contrasting bumpers and roof, in addition to a spread of latest wheel and inside choices.
Constructed-to-order doesn’t all the time equate to final personalisation, however within the case of Merc’s flagship G-Class, it really does take the expertise to a different degree.
Rolls-Royce Cullinan Black Badge
Ask any Rolls-Royce consultant they usually’ll inform you the Cullinan doesn’t belong on this record – however in case you’re after the final word SUV, that is in all probability it. If the Aston Martin DBX on the high of this record is the closest SUV to its supercar kinfolk by way of construct and platform, then the Cullinan is a high-riding property model of Rolls-Royce’s all-aluminium saloons.
It makes use of a 6.75-litre V12 engine with two turbochargers, engineered for smoothness and refinement relatively than outright energy. However in Black Badge type, it nonetheless delivers a formidable 592bhp and 850Nm of torque. Regardless of tipping the scales at shut to 3 tonnes, it’ll attain 62mph in 4.3 seconds – all whereas making barely a whisper.
Nonetheless, like all fashionable Rolls-Royce fashions, the Cullinan’s beautiful construct high quality and sheer degree of personalisation imply nearly nothing comes shut by way of final luxurious. Sure, there are extra extroverted SUVs, and definitely extra sensible ones, however the Cullinan stands aside.
The one actual rival? Ferrari’s Purosangue. Although it’s not fairly an SUV, and never fairly a Rolls-Royce both.
