Luxury cars must not only possess appealing designs and powerful performance but also offer flexibility, safety, modernity, and above all, comfort for users.
The selection of the “Car of the Year” is based on various criteria, and not all cars with good sales in the market are chosen as the most popular and highly rated models in terms of quality. Therefore, the winner of the “Car of the Year 2023” in the mid-size luxury SUV segment is still unknown. Here are some contenders from renowned brands like Mercedes, Porsche, and Land Rover.
Porsche Cayenne
Before the introduction of the Porsche Cayenne in 2002, almost no sports or luxury car brand had the intention of producing a high-performance SUV. Porsche was the “pioneer” with its Cayenne line, revolutionizing the global sports SUV segment.
Currently, the Porsche Cayenne has reached its 3rd generation, with significant advancements in terms of interior, exterior, number of variants, and performance. In the mid-life facelift version introduced in Vietnam in September 2023, the exterior of this luxury SUV model remains largely unchanged, while the interior has undergone significant improvements.
The 2024 facelift version of the Porsche Cayenne brings a breath of fresh air to the dashboard and center console layout. The gear lever is now positioned on the dashboard, behind the steering wheel, to enhance space utilization. The steering wheel has been redesigned, resembling the 911 model of the same lineage, integrating numerous modern buttons and the Drive Mode dial for adjusting driving modes. Further down are three screens, including the option for a 10.9-inch passenger display. The speedometer employs a 12.6-inch curved screen.
The 2024 Porsche Cayenne is powered by three different engine options. The standard version is equipped with a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine, producing 348 horsepower and 500 Nm of torque. Meanwhile, the twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine replaces the previous V6 engine in the Cayenne S model, delivering a maximum power of 467 horsepower and a torque of 600 Nm.
The Turbo GT version stands as the most powerful model in the Cayenne lineup, also graced with a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine, boosted to 649 horsepower, enabling the car to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in a swift 3.3 seconds and reach a top speed of 305 km/h.
Range Rover Sport
With a comprehensive update, the new-generation Range Rover Sport 2023 brings about a truly astonishing all-around experience, encompassing both its sporty and dynamic prowess and the famous off-road capabilities of Land Rover.
The design of the new-generation Range Rover Sport retains the elegance of a British aristocrat, characterized by its refinement without being overly flamboyant. The front grille and bumper have undergone a redesign, featuring more straight lines. The sides still carry the decisive straight lines that yield a classic and agile appearance.
The interior sees minimal changes. It still offers massage seats, 22-way power-adjustable seats, air filtration, a 19-speaker Meridian 800W sound system, active noise-canceling technology, a 13.7-inch digital instrument cluster placed alongside either a 13.1-inch curved or a 14-inch center screen, and Amazon Alexa as the personal assistant.
The most significant difference in the new Range Rover Sport is the switch to the MLA-Flex chassis, which increases the wheelbase length of the 2023 Range Rover Sport by 54mm, totaling 2,977mm, ultimately enhancing comfort for rear passengers.
The Range Rover Sport is offered with a P360 6-cylinder engine boasting a displacement of 3.0L, generating 355 horsepower and a peak torque of 500Nm. The range-topping First Edition variant utilizes a P400 3.0L engine, delivering 394 horsepower and 550Nm of torque.
Mercedes EQE
Unlike the EQB and EQS SUV models, the Mercedes-Benz EQE 500 4Matic equipped with the Electric Art package stands out in the Vietnamese market with its striking exterior. The front fascia showcases a black-painted grille adorned with 3D decorative patterns. The lighting system incorporates Digital Light technology with adjustable beam angles and automatic light and dark adjustment.
Similarly, the interior of the Mercedes-Benz EQE 500 4Matic is also fitted with the Electric Art package. The center cabin accommodates a 12.8-inch screen, while a 12.3-inch screen sits behind the steering wheel. As for optional features, the German automaker allows customers to upgrade to the massive Hyperscreen, spanning an impressive total of 56 inches. The car is also equipped with a Burmester 3D 15-speaker sound system boasting a whopping 710W of power.
In terms of performance, the Mercedes-Benz EQE 500 4Matic houses two electric motors, one at the front and one at the rear, resulting in a combined power output of 402 horsepower and a maximum torque of 858 Nm. The powertrain is complemented by a 4Matic all-wheel drive system. The car accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.9 seconds.
Mercedes EQS
The Mercedes EQS SUV is considered the electric version of the EQS sedan. The EQS upholds the gentle and distinctive design language of the German brand. The body surfaces are all rounded, with no sharp edges in sight. The grille is closed and adorned with 3D-style three-pointed star logos. The version available in Vietnam is equipped with the AMG Line package, contributing to a sportier appearance both at the front and rear.
The EQS SUV interior exudes luxury with its lavish utilization of leather and wood trim. Just like its low-slung counterpart, the high-roof EQS is fitted with a total of 5 displays. The cabin boasts the MBUX Hyperscreen entertainment system, incorporating a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster positioned behind the steering wheel, a 17.7-inch OLED touch screen serving as the central infotainment display, and a 12.3-inch OLED touch screen located in front of the passenger seat. The second-row seats come with two separate entertainment screens, each measuring 11.6 inches.
The Mercedes EQS SUV provides an extensive range of amenities, including a 5-zone automatic climate control system boasting an air filtration system, front seats equipped with air conditioning and massage functions, interior ambient lighting, a panoramic sunroof, multi-layer acoustic glass, and UV protection.
Under the hood, the Mercedes EQS SUV houses two electric motors, one at the front and one at the rear, delivering a combined power output of 330 kW (443 horsepower) and a maximum torque of 828 Nm. The car features 4Matic all-wheel drive and boasts a rear-wheel steering function of 10 degrees. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.2 seconds and achieves an average power consumption of 199-242 Wh/km.
The 5th generation of the Lexus RX comes with a completely revamped design. Compared to the previous generation, the 2023 RX boasts larger dimensions, with a 60mm longer wheelbase.
The exterior of the Lexus RX 2023 retains the design philosophy of the brand, featuring a low-placed grille and monochromatic body color patterns. The rear suspension now employs a multi-link setup that brings smoother operation.
As for the interior, the cabin embodies the Tazuna philosophy. Inspired by horse riding control, the Tazuna philosophy enhances the connection between driver and car, creating a joyful driving experience. The combination of the Tazuna philosophy with the spacious interior, premium materials, and intricately crafted details that are the hallmark of Lexus results in a distinct character that only this brand can achieve.
The Lexus RX 2023 offers a technologically-laden cabin, with a highlight being the new-generation Lexus Interface infotainment system. The standard version is equipped with a 9.8-inch touch screen, while higher-end variants enjoy a larger 14-inch screen. This display supports a cloud-based navigation system, a virtual assistant function, and software updates via WiFi.
In terms of powertrain, the Lexus RX 350 variants are powered by a new 2.4L 4-cylinder turbocharged engine, delivering 275 horsepower and a peak torque of 429 Nm. This represents an increase in power of approximately 20 horsepower and 68 Nm compared to the previous V6 3.5L engine. The engine is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission and is available in both front-wheel drive and full-time four-wheel drive configurations.
On the other hand, the RX 500h F Sport variant utilizes a hybrid powertrain consisting of a 2.4L I4 engine combined with an electric motor, resulting in a total output of 367 horsepower and 550 Nm of torque. It employs a 4-wheel DIRECT4 drive system and is available with rear-wheel steering and high-performance brakes.
TT (Tuoitrethudo)
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