| Sport Utility Vehicles (or SUVs) have become | | | | utility vehicle launched in 1979, originally created for |
| increasingly popular over the last several years, with | | | | military use with a jeep-like look. The three |
| more and more manufacturers adding their versions | | | | generations of the vehicle are W460, W461, and |
| to the market. With their ability to function well as | | | | W463, and it is hailed for its long lifespan and |
| both on and off-road vehicles, large storage space, | | | | durability as well as off-road performance. The |
| ability to fit several passengers as well as towing | | | | interior of the car is made of wood or leather. The |
| abilities, SUVs serve as a very practical solution for | | | | automatic transmission, power steering, airbag, |
| much of the automobile buying market. Quality SUVs | | | | central locking, air conditioning, engine pre-heater, |
| also handle well, feeling much more like driving a car | | | | electric windows, and heated seats really add to the |
| than a massive truck with many of the same | | | | sense of luxury. |
| benefits. | | | | The M-Class by Mercedes is a mid-size SUV |
| While SUVs have always held a certain authority and | | | | introduced in the market in 1997, featuring stability |
| status due to their size, they are often placed in a | | | | control which helps in bringing the vehicle to a halt in |
| separate, "practical" category from the truly high end | | | | case of emergency. Excellent features such as seven |
| luxury cars. Fortunately, a few upper-echelon | | | | speed automatic transmission, Active Curve |
| manufacturers have released their own versions of | | | | illuminating Bi-Xenon headlights, 4-valve engines, and |
| the SUV, blurring the lines between practicality, | | | | air suspension which can be adjusted are major |
| performance, style, and luxury interior. These include: | | | | attractions of the vehicle. The cars also use BlueTec |
| - BMW X5 | | | | Diesel engine for controlling diesel gas emissions. New |
| - Lexus GX | | | | front headlights, exterior mirrors, redesigned front |
| - Mercedes G and M classes | | | | grille, an improved interior, and front and rear |
| - Audi Q7 | | | | bumpers add to the beauty of the car. The M class |
| - Porsche Cayenne. | | | | won the "Truck of the Year" in 1998 awarded by |
| The BMW X5 Series is a mid-size SUV in the market | | | | Motor Trend magazine. Also it was named "Best New |
| since 1999. Features include all wheel drive, and V8 | | | | Sports Utility Vehicle" in the year 2006 during |
| engines with gasoline inline. E53 and E70 are the two | | | | Canadian Car of the Year Awards. |
| generations of the model. The E53 model has many | | | | The Porsche Cayenne is a five-seat mid size luxury |
| features of Landrover. The E70 model is more of a | | | | sports utility vehicle launched in 2002 with two |
| Sports Activity Vehicle. Other luxuries such as high | | | | generations. The engines in the models introduced |
| pressure headlight washers, heated front seats, | | | | from 2008 have direct injection technology. The main |
| heated steering wheel, leather seats, automatic | | | | features of the car are height adjustable off-road |
| climate control, automatic light control, and sun roof | | | | suspension, slanted rear window, remodeled |
| add to the comfort and luxury of the vehicle. | | | | dashboard, taillights near the tailgate, lighter weight |
| The Lexus GX can seat up to 8 passengers. It has | | | | due to the usage of aluminum, and fuel efficiency. |
| many great features including a welded steel body, | | | | Owners love the climate control, cruise control, |
| center locking permanent 4 wheel drive, built in | | | | leather upholstery, heated front seats, power |
| mudguards, illuminated running boards, electronic | | | | sunroof, radio control, and leather-wrapped steering |
| 5-speed automatic transmission, and the innovative, | | | | wheel. Features such as a rear view camera, memory |
| unparalleled luxury interior and amenities customary in | | | | system, navigation system, sound system, climate |
| all Lexus models. Models from 2004 and up feature | | | | control, and CD changer make the car an excellent |
| additional safety modifications like tire pressure | | | | marriage of luxury and SUV performance. |
| monitoring, roll-sensing, side curtain airbags, and a | | | | Price of course is always an issue, but these world |
| Dynamic Suspension System. Like most Lexus | | | | class SUVs can be found online at surprisingly good |
| models, the GX has won several awards: 4 wheeler | | | | deals. At the time of this writing, has multiple BMW |
| of the year, highest ranked luxury SUV for quality, | | | | X5s under $15,000, several Cayennes under $20,000, |
| and best resale value from sources like 4x4 | | | | and several steals on each of the other models. No |
| Magazine, J.D Power and Associates, and Kelley Blue | | | | matter which source you choose to purchase from, |
| Book. | | | | these models are sure to satisfy both your practical |
| The Mercedes G-Class is a four-wheel drive sport | | | | needs and luxury desires. |