A SUV is an all-terrain car that has this feature due to its high ground clearance, driving front and rear wheels. In common they are called jeeps. Jeep began to acquire features of compact models not immediately. Mercedes Benz was the first on this path, releasing the ML model in 1997. The following year, Lexus joined it, putting the RX into production, and in 1999, BMW presented the X5. Unlike traditional SUVs, these models were oriented to the usage on hard roads, and their off-road capability only slightly surpassed ordinary light vehicles. This is explained by the fact that these cars were built on passenger platforms, so they had a unit body, a simplified four-wheel-drive system, a poor geometry. People began to call such cars ‘soft-roaders’, or ‘crossovers’ (but they do not have frames, while true SUVs do). Over time, models with two-wheel-drive options appeared. Today, soft-roaders are differentiated from both crossovers and SUVs. They are considered to have only “off-road” appearance, and their off-road capability is worse than both listed above.
So, what jeeps are the most popular nowadays? How do they favorably differ from each other?
Let’s discuss all these issues in more detail.
Off-road capability as the main feature of jeeps
Off-road capability was and remains the main characteristic of any SUV. They appeared on its basis. Such traditional models have a frame construction, an all-wheel-drive option, often, a short three-door body for improving geometry, a torquey diesel or gasoline engine, a law range, inter-axle and inter-wheel locks. At the same time, they are distinguished by very simple interiors, where almost no attention is paid to comfort. By now, there are almost no such cars. These may include only the Jeep Wrangler, the Suzuki Jimny and the UAZ Hunter. Although there have always been not so many of these models. Among the previously produced cars, we can mention the Land Rover Defender, whose production has already stopped. The coolest jeep in the world is the first. The other two models are low-cost, and Wrangler is not only functional, but also prestigious one.
Comfort and convenience
As a rule, big jeeps are more comfortable. Such models are distinguished by a comfortable interior, made at the level of premium cars using high-quality materials. In addition, they have a lot of electronic systems, oriented both on comfort and on off-road capability. These jeeps are usually slightly surpassed on the last parameter by the models listed above, but still at a high level. Such cars include the Lexus LX, the Range Rover, the Mercedes Benz G, the Cadillac Escalade. The old models are the Hummer H1 and H2, the Lamborghini LM002 and the Infiniti QX (current generation has a unit body).
Versatility
The cars of a universal class can hardly be called elite. But they are marked by comfort of the interior and off-road capability at the level of all the above-mentioned models. At the same time they are very prestigious. The coolest one of these models in the CIS is the Toyota Land Cruiser. Also it’s worth mentioning numerous American full-size SUVs like the Chevrolet Tahoe. In the old days, among this class, the Mitsubishi Pajero (although it is smaller) and the Nissan Patrol, that now have switched to unit bodies, were highly valued.
Spyker D12 «Peking-to-Paris»
The Spyker D12 “Peking-to-Paris”, a compact SUV with incredible technologies, is a unique Dutch car. It became a designer version of the usual D12. The car is equipped with a German V12 engine from Audi corporation with 500 horsepower capacity. Externally car looks very cute, because its design does not contain anything frightening. Interesting interior and excellent habits on the road with a huge powerful engine make the Spyker D12 SUV really cool in all meanings of this word. The contour of the bulky “jeep” body (height is almost 1.8 m) maximally copies the streamlined, exquisite forms of Spyker supercars. The rear doors are made according to the so-called suicide-doors scheme and sweep open against the move, as on the Rolls-Royce Phantom. But unlike the British limousine, Spyker does not have a b-pillar. Passengers have incomparably more convenient access to the grand interior. The use of such large doors without a b-pillar is a technological feat. Anyway, the D12 Peking-to-Paris is literally woven of feats, both mechanical and mental.
The car cabin is a hymn to sophisticated perfectionism, more precisely, or, to be exact, an object of jewelry art. The brilliance of this work is even more respectful, as the designers skillfully made it “on the brink” without slipping into kitsch. Almost 100% odialsf the interior panels, parts, appliances and fittings are designed and made by hand exclusively for this car.
Fancy, bloody unusual, prohibitively original. The spirit of aeronautical engineering of the beginning of the last century dominates the style. There are engraved aluminum, a plenty of slightly old-fashioned-looking handles and toggles, an abundance of round . The chrome axle that crosses the entire cabin is a binding for the gigantic transmission handle. Like many other things in this refined interior, this element is a stylistic prop. But how beautiful it is! The glass roof is not surprising for luxury car customers today, but the sparkling horizontal “column” between the rows of car seats, entirely carved from a single piece of aluminum, – it’s powerful! The D12 Peking-to-Paris wheels are made in a giant size – 24 inches. However, even disks of this diameter leave significant gaps in the largest wheel arches.
Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG and G63 AMG
The Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG is a modern, multifunctional SUV that won’t leave anyone indifferent. The model runs on a 5.5-liter Twin Turbo engine and has a capacity of 550 horsepower. It operates on a 7-speed gearbox and has an additional safety system. The is a user-friendly navigation system. As one of the world’s coolest SUVs, the Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG is not just roomy, it’s also one of the most reliable. This car boasts excellent handling and, thus, is very easy to drive. It gains speed of 240 km/h and does zero to 60 in 5 seconds.
The Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG has a 7-speed automatic gearbox and a 5.5-liter engine. It is a very reliable and fast car, with a luxurious design. It’s the world’s coolest SUV of 2017, and also the most reliable in its series. This car is fully armored. According to the manufacturer, the three-axle monster easily passes through meter snowdrifts and water obstacles. It is easy to drive this Godzilla, despite the massy size. At the same time, the G63 from AMG remains an expensive SUV with a luxury class cabin: quilted leather, carbon fiber finish, heated seats.
Lamborghini Urus
the Lamborghini Urus is a conceptual work of the Italian concern. The exterior of this SUV is quite futuristic, and it is believed that the Lamborghini Urus is the best in terms of design. The car has a unique design style, which is complemented by a corresponding price. It is 600 horsepowered; the V8 engine is from Audi and the V10 from Lamborghini. There is a four-liter eight-cylinder twin-turbo. The Lamborghini Urus is considered to be an off-road car; its technical characteristics are optimal in terms of capacity. In the front of the crossover, there are integrated in the bumper huge air intakes and stylish slanting headlights, demonstrating the Y-shaped performance. At the same time, the crossover Lamborghini Urus has a rapid profile, which is formed by sharp side door lines, massive wheel arches and narrowed to the rear side windows. 24-inch wheels with low-profile sport tires are easily placed in the crossover’s impressive wheel arches. The engineers also took care of the improved cooling of the Lamborghini Urus brakes, for which the twin spokes of the wheel disks were equipped with carbon-fiber petals. In the back of the off-road Italian car there are stylish lights connected by a thin line under the rear spoiler, and a high-mounted diffuser with exhaust outlets that extend to the sides. The interior design consists of carbon fiber reinforced plastic, originally supplemented by stylish marble patterns. Also there is white high-quality leather in the interior; it can be found on light bucket seats, armrests, dash and door panels. The all-wheel drive transmission with the integrated Torsen differential, as well as the seven-range gearbox with a pair of clutches, are able to provide the crossover with dynamics in 4 seconds and speed capability within 300 km/h.
BMW X6 M
Today, the BMW X6, the most shocking SUV in the modern automobile market, has the following features:
– the unchanging style of the cross-coupe, which became the basis for the development of many other models of the world SUV market;
– a huge variety of diesel and gasoline engines with a range from 249 to 381 horsepower;
– only automatic gearboxes and all-wheel drive, excellent dynamics even on the base engines;
– existence of a special BMW X6M version, characterized by its sporting nature and successful changes in technology;
– the most unusual technology under the hood and in the cabin, offering the driver unlimited opportunities.
As for the BMW X6 M, it’s a crossover for all time! The car runs on a 4.4-liter engine, with a capacity of 568 horsepower. There is an 6-speed automatic gearbox with overload. This SUV has an internally integrated navigation system. The appearance of the car makes everyone fall in love with it at first sight. There is a luxurious design with an awesome interior. The auto is fully modern and well-equipped. It can reach a speed of 289 km/h, and does zero to 60 just in 4 seconds.
Toyota Mega Cruiser
One of the main features of the Toyota Corporation is the ability to use proven practical technologies, turning them into a novelty with an investment in the hood of new technology. We are talking about engines and gearboxes, which main technical parameters remain unchanged for years.
The Toyota Mega Cruiser is a military giant from the Japanese concern. It was developed in 1995, but sold only in Japan. Many details of this car were used in the creation of civilian elite SUVs, which to this day have left military technology. Perhaps this is why jeeps of Japanese Toyota are so attractive to buyers. The Toyota Mega Cruiser always has a four-wheel drive (as a standard option), only automatic gearbox, and, of course, a premium cabin. This is one of the most productive SUVs.
Ford Excursion – an amazing car of all time
American Ford Excursion can be easily called the world’s coolest jeep. This is a huge SUV that simply surprises with its appearance even on comparative photos with other cars. Other coolest SUVs look not too expressive on the background of this car. Its exterior is respectful and honorable.
The main features of the jeep are:
– since 1999, this development has experienced two serious upgrades of technology and design solutions;
– the car has excellent engines without capacity limits;
– a huge interior space allows you to drive comfortably with any company;
– perfectly matched high-quality finishing materials complement the car’s comfort.
Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT
A wonderful representative of the luxury jeeps’ world is the Jeep Grand Cherokee. The Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT easily passes even the mountainous terrain; it is a reliable companion for any journey. It has a 6.4-liter engine with a capacity of as much as 475 hp. It confidently feels himself on the roads, easily accelerating to 100 km/h in just 4.8 seconds. The top speed of this jeep is 260 km/h, which is quite good for the model of the middle price category. It is an excellent variant for a large family.
In the base versions, this car is one of the most popular in its segment. But the SRT8 version outperforms all competitors not only in terms of technical parameters, but also in price. In the last generation, the sports SRT8 from Jeep offers such features:
– some design changes that distinguish this version from the standard one by dynamics and aggressiveness;
– awesome sports cabin with special seats for driver and front passenger, dynamic mood;
– a 6.4-liter engine produces 468 horsepower and makes the car going zero to 60 in 5 seconds exactly;
– the gearbox is automatic, a large number of gears make the drive as smooth and economical as possible;
– a four-wheel drive complements the car’s advantages, making it a real diamond among SUVs.
Escalade ESV Cadillac
The Escalade ESV Cadillac is a full-size SUV manufactured by Cadillac, which is a luxury division of General Motors. This is a very large, square model, which has its own unique features. The auto runs on an 8-speed gearbox, which allows it to accelerate to more than 100 km/h in 6 seconds. The version has an EcoTec V-8 engine, with a volume of 6.2 liters. The declared fuel consumption in the combined cycle reaches 13.1 liters per 100 kilometers. The car picks up an amazing speed in just 6 seconds and is ready to conquer any distances. Speed and off-road capability of the Escalade ESV Cadillac is simply impressive. The V8 engine is completely made of aluminum, so that the front of the car does not outweigh the rear. In addition, the updated Escalade version has become more technologically advanced: it has an automatic parking system that can park a large car in parallel as well as perpendicular on its own. Furthermore, the rearview mirror is now electronic: it displays an image from a wide-angle rearview camera equipped with a washer. It is stated that with such a mirror, the viewing angle increases fourfold at once in comparison with a conventional one.
Lexus LX 570
The Lexus LX 570 is deservedly included in the list of the world’s coolest SUVs. If you need an example of a practical and reliable machine, then this model is exactly right. “Lexus” SUVs always had an excellent reputation and were in demand among buyers. In addition to the prestigious name, the car has a 5.7-liter engine with a capacity of 383 l/s. The automatic gearbox of the model is 6-speed, the car’s work is based on an integrated navigation system, with the acceleration function. A high level of safety, operation reliability and the availability of multiple airbags are all bright advantages of this model. The car accelerates to the top speed in seven seconds.
Range Rover
They are true jeeps with a beautiful design and amazing technical capabilities, because elite cars with incredible prices are produced all the time under the wing of English concerns. It should be noted that the Range Rover Sport has become the embodiment of status and opportunities in many countries. Generally, Range Rover produces high-quality cars; this version has a 5-liter engine with an intermediate supercharger. There is a 8-speed gearbox. A lot of airbags. It reaches the top speed in 4.5 seconds. The Range Rover Sport got grace; style dynamism is transmitted to the car’s cabin, this auto is simply unique in the interior; a large line of engines and configurations will allow you to choose fully individual SUV; powertrains from 248 to 510 horsepower are able to surprise with dynamics on a large jeep; traditionally automatic gearboxes and all-wheel drive please customers with their characteristics. All the Range Rover Sport engines are equipped with authorial fuel economy systems. These jeeps became a symbol of solidity and a privilege of big business.
So, cool jeeps are created only for the owners, suitable for their status, ready to spend a lot of money on service and fuel. Speaking of the modern world, today such cars are in great demand and affordable for many people. But without documents, you can’t even get behind the wheel of a jeep.
If you still do not have an international driving license, you can easily and quickly apply for it on our site. With an international driving license, you can drive any SUV, no matter how prestigious and expensive it is.
Published August 17, 2018 • 16m to read