SUVs SUVs SUVs everywhere…As Indians, how obsessed with BIG cars we are..Be it the urban backdrops of top metro cities, or even the interiors of villages along the countryside, SUVs have their own charm and appeal. So what if you have all the money in the world to buy these luxurious, powerful workhorses with the mind-set of “SIZE DOES MATTER” !
Though the Indian market is crammed with a plethora of car-makers with their SUV line-up, we got the most desirable ones to do just what these are meant to do…mile munching!, that too in utmost comfort and style.
The sun was just starting to rise as we arrived at the meeting point for our road trip. We had been eagerly anticipating this day for a while, knowing that we were going to spend the day driving four of the most impressive SUVs on the market: the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Mercedes-Benz GLE, BMW X5, and Range Rover Sport.
As we gathered around the vehicles, I was struck by their impressive size and power. The Grand Cherokee stood tall and rugged, exuding an aura of strength and reliability. The GLE, on the other hand, had a sleek and stylish exterior, with a polished finish that gleamed in the early morning light. The X5 had a more aggressive and sporty design, with sharp lines and a low profile that suggested speed and agility. And the Range Rover Sport, well, it was a vehicle that needed no introduction - its reputation as a luxurious and powerful SUV preceded it.
We were to examine these SUVs across a range of factors including design, performance, comfort, and features, to help you decide which of these palatial behemoths is right for you. Well, to make it crystal clear, this wasn't going to be an outright comparison, but an in-depth analysis on what money can buy at this price point. And if you are in look-out for the ultimate SUV, we might just save you days of hassle in narrowing down your decision.
Me along with my colleagues, set out on a day trip, each with our own preferences and biases when it came to SUVs. Some of us preferred the practicality and durability of off-road vehicles, while others were drawn to the luxurious and high-tech features of high-end SUVs. Our mission was NOT to compare and contrast these four vehicles, evaluating their strengths and weaknesses, and ultimately deciding what Money can buy.
We drew lots to determine the order in which we would test each vehicle, and the Jeep Grand Cherokee was first up. As we climbed inside, we were struck by the spaciousness of the cabin, with ample legroom and headroom for all passengers. The seats were plush and comfortable, and the infotainment system was easy to navigate. But the true test came when we hit the road.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee boasts a rugged and sturdy appearance that's perfect for off-road adventures, with its squared-off wheel arches, seven-slot grille, and muscular front fascia. The interior is spacious and comfortable, with a range of features including a third screen for the front passenger.
The new Grand Cherokee, now in its fifth generation, has evolved and progressed in various areas. For starters, the newer iteration appears to be larger. It also appears more mature, with its flat new bonnet, long lines, and larger boot. Furthermore, the new Grand Cherokee is constructed on an entirely new platform, making it simpler to integrate all sorts of current technology, such as a plug-in hybrid system (unfortunately we don't get that in our country), various displays, linked technology, and computerized driving aids. The most significant improvement, though, is on the inside. Jeep claims that the new Grand Cherokee is now fully equipped as a premium vehicle. Indeed, the sturdy, nearly indestructible feel has been retained, but the new Grand Cherokee also features a whole new degree of fit, finish and comfort.
Thankfully, Jeep hasn't gone all digital. There are still a lot of expensive-looking buttons and switches strewn about the primary panel. The air conditioning controls, for example, use buttons and paddles, the four-wheel-drive system has physical controls, and there's an unusual row of buttons over the primary screen.
The Grand Cherokee's smooth ride and powerful engine quickly won us over. The SUV felt responsive and agile, even on rough terrain and steep inclines. The Jeep's off-road capabilities were also impressive, allowing us to easily navigate through rocky hills and muddy puddles. We all agreed that the Grand Cherokee was an excellent choice for those who value practicality and reliability.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee also delivers impressive performance, with the engine option that delivers up to 268.27bhp with a whopping 400 Nm of torque. The handling is also impressive, with a suspension system that's been specifically tuned for off-road capability, with a variety of drive modes that allow you to adjust the suspension and drivetrain for different conditions.
As we switched to the BMW X5 40i M Sport, we immediately noticed its sporty and aggressive attitude. The X5's handling was sharp and responsive, making it a joy to drive on the winding hill roads. The BMW's interior was also top-notch, with comfortable seats which hug you in and an intuitive infotainment system which in my opinion paired to the best speakers.
It has a more aggressive and sporty look with its enlarged kidney grille, angular headlights, and large air intakes which have been a signature since its inception. The generational differences are very much easy to make out. It features an aerodynamic silhouette that's both sporty and elegant. The interior is spacious and comfortable for a family of 4-5, with a range of advanced technology features, including a digital instrument cluster, a heads-up display, and a panoramic sunroof.
The BMW X5 is also a formidable competitor, with its 3 liter engine producing 335.26bhp of power and an impressive 450 Nm of torque. The handling is also excellent, with a sport-tuned suspension system that provides excellent stability and control.
Next up was the Mercedes-Benz GLE, a luxurious SUV that boasted a sleek and stylish exterior. Inside, the GLE's spacious cabin and premium materials made for a comfortable and enjoyable ride. The GLE also impressed us with its advanced safety features, including lane departure warning and automatic emergency braking.
The GLE actually is the perfect rival here to the X5 with similar seating and comfort feature options. In fact this duo has been battling each other since the beginning of their generation.
The interior is stylish and comfortable, with a range of features including heated and cooled seats, and this Bowers & Wilkins sound system which is just so mesmerizing.
Well, if you have a GLE you get many engine options to choose from . It's meant to be cruising while paparazzi cameras are flashing at you. We had the GLE 300d which made around 241 bhp. The 500 Nm of torque plunges it like a rocketship.
Finally, we climbed into the Range Rover Sport, a vehicle that's become synonymous with luxury and prestige. The Range Rover Sport's powerful engine and advanced suspension made for a smooth and effortless ride, while its off-road capabilities were also impressive. Inside, the Range Rover's lavish interior and advanced technology features made us feel like we were driving a spaceship rather than an SUV. The Range Rover Sport has always been a head-turner with its sleek and elegant exterior design, more so, in this avatar it has become more curvaceous and bulbous. It features a distinctive front grille, LED headlights, and a panoramic roof that provides a sense of openness and lightens up the cabin. The exterior design is complemented by a luxurious interior that features high-quality materials and a range of comfort and convenience features which have been updated to the brim by JLR. A different sense of occasion cocoons you when you step inside the RR Sport. It's nothing like anything else you see on the roads. Distinctive and yet attractive at the same time.
Now let's move on to performance. The Range Rover Sport is a powerhouse on the road, with its engine that delivers 345.98bhp and 700 Nm of torque. It can go from 0 to 100 in under 5-6 seconds, making it one of the fastest SUVs we had in the lot. The handling is also impressive, with a range of driving modes that allow you to adjust the suspension, drivetrain, and traction control for different driving conditions.
Safety is an important factor to consider when choosing a luxury SUV. The Range Rover Sport comes with a range of advanced safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. It also features a 360-degree camera system that provides a clear view of your surroundings, making it easier to navigate tight spaces.
In terms of safety, all four SUVs come equipped with a range of standard safety features such as multiple airbags, anti-lock brakes, stability control, and a backup camera with proper guidance.
All these cars also offer a range of advanced safety features and a host of safety new-age tech such as adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, and lane departure warning to ensure a leisurely drive that makes sure that every occupant is safe.
When it comes to comfort, all four of these SUVs offer a luxurious and comfortable driving experience. The Range Rover Sport has a refined and comfortable interior, with plush leather seats and plenty of room for passengers. It also features a range of comfort and convenience features, including a panoramic sunroof, a Meridian sound system, and heated and cooled seats. The BMW X5 has a spacious cabin with comfortable seats and high-quality materials, and it also features a range of comfort and convenience features, including a digital instrument cluster, a heads-up display, and a panoramic sunroof.
Moving on to infotainment and technology, the Range Rover Sport features a massive, slightly curved 13.1-inch touch screen display with Land Rover's InControl Touch Pro system, which is intuitive and easy to use. It also includes a range of features such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, navigation, and a premium Meridian sound system. The BMW X5 features the iDrive 7.0 infotainment system, which includes a 12.3-inch touch screen display and a range of features such as Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation, and a premium Harman Kardon sound system.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee features an 10.1-inch touch screen display with the Uconnect system, which includes a range of features such as Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, navigation, and a premium Harman Kardon sound system. What you get additionally is a third 10.25 inch screen for the front passenger. A host of connectivity options including HDMI, opens up a different world of in-cabin experience.
In terms of handling and suspension, the Range Rover Sport comes with an air suspension system that provides excellent ride comfort and control, and it also features an off-road mode that raises the ride height and adjusts the suspension for better off-road capability.
The BMW X5 has a well-tuned suspension system that delivers a smooth and comfortable ride, while also providing excellent handling and stability.
The GLE feels the most planted and plush while driving around. It is well damped and has enough power to move your house around in style. You might expect it to have enormous body roll but once it gets moving , you hardly feel anything on the inside.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee has a suspension system that's been specifically tuned for off-road capability, with a variety of drive modes that allow you to adjust the suspension and drivetrain for different conditions
Throughout the day, we put each of the vehicles through their paces, testing their acceleration, braking, handling, and comfort. Each SUV had its own strengths and weaknesses, but it was clear that they were all impressive vehicles in their own right.
They all have their own charm and are capable of munching miles in style and luxury.
It all just narrows down to how much you can extend your pockets and which design appeals to you more. Which engine suits your preference and purpose.
At the end of the day, we all gathered around to discuss our findings. The Jeep Grand Cherokee had proven to be a reliable and capable vehicle, while the Mercedes-Benz GLE was a comfortable and safe option. The BMW X5 had wowed us with its sporty handling and advanced technology, while the Range Rover Sport had lived up to its reputation as a luxurious and powerful SUV.
After much debate and discussion, we finally came to a consensus: there was no clear winner. Each of the vehicles had their own unique strengths, and it ultimately came down to personal preference. Some of us preferred the rugged reliability of the Jeep, while others were drawn to the luxury and prestige of the Range Rover. BMW and Mercedes-Benz also had their own loyal fans considering the decades long rivalry they’ve shared.
As we drove back to the city, we couldn't help but feel grateful for the opportunity to spend a day driving these four incredible SUVs. Each of them had proven to be worthy contenders in the competitive SUV market, and we were lucky to have experienced them firsthand. Whether you're looking for a rugged vehicle or a luxurious SUV, there's no doubt that the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Mercedes-Benz GLE, BMW X5, and Range Rover Sport are all top contenders in their respective categories. So, willing to shell out near around a crore or more…that's all what money can buy you!
Photography - Sundesh Kumar
