The Geneva Motor Show, like most other popular automotive events, offers a great platform for global automakers to showcase their technological potential. The SUV segment has always attracted the car buying fraternity and it is pretty obvious that the SUV line-up in Geneva Motor Show this year too will surely attract considerable attention. As the event unfolded with a long list of production-ready as well as futuristic concepts, we have zeroed down on top five SUVs that have caught our attention this year.
Volvo XC60
Volvo unveiled the second generation of XC60 at the Geneva Motor Show. The new SUV is based on the existing Scalable Product Architecture (SPA) design platform that is used by the XC90 and moreover, it also gets the Thor Hammer headlamps, while the rear taillights are sleeker and extend to the tailgate. The diesel version comes in two variants - the 187bhp D4 diesel and a 232bhp D5 diesel with PowerPulse technology. On the other hand, the petrol version will be offered as a T5 turbo engine that generates 254bhp and also a supercharged T6 engine that generates an impressive 316bhp of power and 400Nm of torque. The XC60 might also be offered with a T8 Twin Engine petrol plug-in hybrid setup from the XC90 thereby generating a whopping 407bhp. Sometime at a later date, the vehicle might also be offered with economical T4 Petrol and D3 diesel options.
Mercedes-Maybach G650 Maybach
Behold the most expensive SUV in the world, the Mercedes-Maybach G650 Landaulet! The long wheel base and widened body places it a step above the rest. To put things in perspective, the four-door G650 Landaulet stretches to 5345mm in length, 2110mm in width and a generous 2335mm in height. Apart from ample space, this beast is a performer too as it gets a twin-turbocharged 6.0-litre V12 petrol engine that generates a massive 621bhp of power. The standard seven-speed torque converter is equipped with automatic gearbox that features a separate transfer case with low range gearing and a heavy duty four-wheel drive system featuring three separate differential locks, which can be engaged on the move.
Audi Q8 Concept with Sports
This year, Audi thrilled auto enthusiasts at the Geneva Motor Show by unveiling a sportier and high-performance variant of the Q8 concept. The Q8 Concept is powered by a 3.0 TFSI engine producing 443bhp which works in sync with Electrically Powered Compressor (EPC) technology and a mild hybrid system. With a powerful 20kW motor, the concept version sees a combined power output of 470bhp and 700Nm of torque. Mated to an eight speed automatic gearbox, the power is sent to Quattro four-wheel drive. The Octogonal grille on this car has been given the all-black treatment with silver surrounds and gaping air intakes. The interior also gets a bit of sporty touch.
Range Rover Vellar
The Vellar is the latest in the Range Rover family which was unveiled at the ongoing event ahead of its official launch in Europe in next few months. Expected to be launched in the country at a later date, the Vellar will get a 247bhp and 365Nm of torque producing petrol engine from the Jaguar XE along with the 237bhp Ingenium diesel that develops 500Nm of torque. The diesel version is expected to get a 3.0-litre turbocharged unit that generates 295bhp of power and a powerful 700Nm of torque. The powerful engines come mated to eight-speed automatic gearboxes and drive all-four wheels through the highly efficient torque-on demand-systems.
SsangYong XAVL Concept
Currently in a concept form, SsangYong has revealed the XAVL Concept at the Geneva Motor Show. The production ready model will only be revealed in 2020. Inspired by the second-generation Korando from the 1990s, the vehicle will be powered by a 1.5-litre petrol engine and a 1.6-litre diesel engine. Inside, it will get a large 10.25-inch LCD display as well as new connected car technology that can control the navigation, heating and air-con. On the issue of safety, the XAVL Concept once in production form will get advanced emergency braking, lane change assist, lane keep assist, high beam assist and rear cross traffic alert.
