The segment of luxury crossovers has replaced premium sedans almost entirely. More and more drivers are turning to this class of vehicles, so it’s no wonder that the competition is getting stronger every year. This also means that there are various novelties to come for the next year. We are about to see some brand-new models, while others will come updated or completely redesigned.
Still, that wasn’t the main criterion when we were making this list of top 10 best luxury SUVs for 2021. This list includes some brand-new or redesigned models, but there are also crossovers that won’t receive too many novelties for the next year. Simply, these are our picks, the picks we find most interesting for potential buyers, no matter the actual size and segment.
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class
After the last-year redesign, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class will enter the second production year, which is reserved for a hi-performance model. The AMG-badged model is on the way and it will bring loads of upgrades. Of course, the first thing that comes to mind is the engine. We are talking about a tuned version of a familiar 4.0-liter V8, which in this case puts out around 603 horsepower and even comes with a mild hybrid system that ensures excellent driving dynamics. It’s one of the reasons why this large SUV needs just around 3.7 seconds to hit 60 mph.
The rest of the lineup is about to carry on in the same way. There are two familiar versions – GLS450 and GLS580, equipped with six- and eight-cylinder engines respectively. In both cases, you may count on solid driving dynamics, refined engines and excellent overall driving experience. The list of standard and available features is really impressive.
2021 Cadillac Escalade
The 2021 Escalade is definitely one of the biggest novelties in the world of luxury SUVs for this year. GM’s flagship BoF SUV comes completely redesigned, with significant improvements in all aspects. There is a new platform, which saves hundreds of pounds, while the standard independent rear suspension has a highly positive impact not just on ride quality, but on the cargo volume as well. The engine lineup now includes diesel version as well.
Of course, this redesign also brings a new styling, based on the Escala concept from a couple of years ago. The new model looks far more attractive than before and the same thing goes for the interior design. The new dashboard looks really impressive. It is highlighted by a large group of three screens, while the overall layout brings finer materials and much more attractive aesthetics. Also, there is much more space in the third row.
2021 Audi Q8
The coupe crossover from Ingolstadt has been for a while, so the next year won’t bring too many novelties. Pretty much all of them are about the new standard and available features. From what we know so far, the 2021 Audi Q8 will come standard with blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. Also, a heated steering wheel and top-view camera will be standard in all except base version. Finally, the Executive package gets some notable upgrades, in terms of adaptive cruise control, heated rear seats, lane-keeping assist, Matrix-design headlights, and armrests covered in leather.
On the other side, the base layout will remain the same. You may count on the same styling and design, which provide a great balance between sporty handling and refined ride. An air suspension is available too. The only drawback is that there is just one engine in the offer, a 3.0-liter V6 with 335 horsepower. We would definitely love to see something peppier in the offer because there is nothing between this one and a super-capable 600-hp RS Q8.
2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class
Just like the flagship GLS model, the GLE-Class is also about to come with a hi-performance version for the next year. The AMG-badged model will come with a twin-turbo V8 engine tuned to 603 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque, which will ensure astonishing performance. Besides plenty of power, this model will come with a new suspension setup that combines an air-bag system with active anti-roll bars. Such a combination should provide exceptional cornering abilities without sacrificing comfort.
On the other side, the rest of the lineup will carry on in the same way. You may count on three familiar engine options, as the offer starts with a 2.0-liter turbo-four, includes turbo inline-six and ends with the capable V8 engine. In all cases, you may count on great ride quality, high level of refinement and loads of standard and available equipment.
2021 Audi Q7
After the last-year refresh, the current generation of Audi’s mid-size crossover is expected to remain in production for a couple more years. So, it seems natural that the 2021 model year comes with small updates only. You may count on a couple of additions in terms of standard equipment and some of the things that come to mind are blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, which are now standard across the whole range. The Convenience package comes with upgrades too, as it gets a 360-degree camera and heated steering camera. Higher trim levels come with loads of new optional packages, as well as with heated rear seats, leather center console etc.
Under the hood, things will remain the same. So, you may count on two familiar engine options. The offer starts with a 2.0-liter turbo-four that puts out around 250 horsepower, while the optional 3.0-liter turbo V6 is good for about 335 horsepower. An air suspension is available too and it provides a superior driving experience.
2021 Genesis GV80
Another big novelty is coming from the recently established Korean luxury brand. The new GV80 is a brand-new crossover that looks like it could quickly become one of the more popular crossovers in the class and compete with much more expensive models like Mercedes-Benz GLE, BMW X5 etc. The new crossover shares a lot of things with the G80 sedan, which means you may count on RWD layout, similar styling and loads of luxury.
With the starting price under 50.000 dollars, the 2021 Genesis GV80 will be one of the most interesting models in the class. For that sum, you may count on loads of standard equipment and pretty attractive styling. The interior looks more upscale compared to the Japanese class-rivals and pretty much on par with German competitors. When it comes to motorization, the company will initially offer two engines. Base models will come with a new 2.5-liter turbo-four, which puts out around 300 horsepower. Higher trim levels will come with a 3.5-liter V6, which is good for about 370 horses. Both engines come in pair with an 8-speed transmission, which sends power to either rear or all wheels.
2021 Volvo XC90
After the last-year facelift, the 2021 Volvo XC90 is about to carry on with familiar characteristics. This means you may count on all those novelties that came last year, which include loads of interesting upgrades. There is a new styling, loads of new standard features, while the hi-end Excellence trim level is no longer in the offer. Also, the hybrid model came with a new battery pack.
Still, it looks like the current generation won’t remain in this form for too long. The next one is already on the way and it will come with loads of interesting novelties. One of them is Level 4 autonomous driving, which means the new XC90 will be able to complete a trip without any human intervention. The next generation is about to hit the market sometime in 2021.
2021 Aston Martin DBX
This crossovermania has forced many super-luxurious carmakers to move from their traditional policy and start makes SUV models as well. Models from Bentley, Rolls Royce and Lamborghini have been around for a while and now it’s Aston Martin’s turn. The British manufacturer desperately needs something to boost sales and the new 2021 Aston Martin DBX seems like a perfect model for that.
Car experts and enthusiasts have no doubt that this model will quickly become the brand’s best-selling vehicle, as the interest for the company’s traditional models like DB11 and Vantage isn’t particularly high these days. The new crossover will come equipped with a familiar 4.0-liter turbo V8, which will be good for about 542 horsepower in this case. Sales should start by the end of the year, with the base price around 193.000 dollars.
2021 Mercedes-Benz EQC
Today’s automotive industry is all about electrification, so it’s time for Mercedes-Benz’s first all-electric crossover. The new model will come as the 2021 Mercedes-Benz EQC and it definitely has a couple of aces up its sleeves to quickly establish a good position on the market. Of course, the first thing that comes to mind is the drivetrain. We know that the new crossover will come with standard all-wheel-drive and 402 horsepower. That’s a quite decent amount of power, while the company also claims 279 miles on a single charge. We have no doubt that the numbers will be slightly different in reality.
While the new 2021 Mercedes-Benz EQC won’t be the exact match for Tesla in terms of range and performances, it will certainly be far more luxurious. We don’t expect that the new model will be any different in this aspect compared to internal-combustion models. So, we count on excellent build quality and full load of features. Base models will go around 69.000 dollars.
2021 Cadillac XT5
For all those who are looking for a premium segment at a reasonable price, the 2021 Cadillac XT5 might be an excellent choice. This mid-size crossover has been updated last year and now features a more refined ride and even better performances. The styling has also been updated and we can now say that the XT5 is a really good-looking car, both from the outside and from the inside.
Along with the attractive styling, this crossover offers a pretty spacious cabin for its size and quite composed handling. You may count on two peppy engines. The base model comes with a 237-hp turbo four, while you can also get a pretty capable V6 that puts out around 310 horsepower. Both engines come with a smooth-shifting 9-speed automatic transmission.