Drive in Luxury With These Pristine SUVs That Will Turn Heads Throughout Orange County
Gone are the days of having to choose between a solo sports car or an off-roading family tank. In 2019, fashionable SUVs coexist with functionality. Unique interior detailing and customizable sound systems bring the bachelor allure to the modern family vehicle. As with anything big and fast, a high-tech engine is required—ready for a journey through a campsite or a daycare drop-off. The ultimate SUV has to entertain, protect and deliver a lot of different types of riders at one time, all of which these SUVs strive to deliver. Best Luxury SUVs
1 | Most Likely to Be Seen: Cruising up the Coast for a Family Staycay
This midsize luxury SUV takes things to the next level with its 500-horsepower, turbocharged V8 engine and sophisticated design. With seven seats and a towing capacity of up to 7,700 pounds, whether it’s picking the kids up from soccer practice or taking the boat out for a weekend cruise in Newport Harbor, the SQ7 is ready for whatever adventure you have planned.
Best New SUVs
2 | Most Likely to Be Seen: Parked at Pacific City in Huntington Beach
The solid stance and turbo power make the Q5 quick on its feet and confident in your hands. With a 45 TFSI® quattro® Tiptronic® engine and 273 pounds per foot of torque, this sleek and sporty model is perfect for cruisin’ around town. The customizable 12.3” instrument cluster provides driver-centric info with Google Earth™ capabilities and supreme visual clarity. It’s safe to say, the Q5 is on everyone’s wish list this year.
3 | Most Likely to Be Seen: Stargazing at Top of the World, Laguna
Big wheels and a wide track maximize the spacious Mercedes-Benz GLC, with added stability and sportiness. Its handcrafted Nappa leather seats, mixed with multicolor ambient lighting and a giant Panorama roof, make the drive as fashionable as it is functional. “The Mercedes-Benz GLC brings some much-needed unique styling to the world of the compact luxury crossover,” said DeMuro. Plus, its 9-speed, a turbo GLC 300, can rush to 60 in just 6.3 seconds.
Best New SUVs
4 | Most Likely to Be Seen: On a 5-Star Staycation at The Ritz Best Luxury
The Bentley Bentayga
“The Bentley Bentayga is a truly fantastic SUV filled with gorgeous finishes and trim, combined with a really muscular available 12-cylinder engine,” DeMuro said. Take your SUV seating situation to the next level with the Bentley Bentayga’s patented sliding and folding seat, giving you and your riders the choice between being covered by the tailgate during the day or illuminated by the built-in stage lighting from above at night. The Bentley Bentayga is as personalized as you would it like it to be, with the option to choose between five standard color splits, including a new duo-tone coloring.
5 | Most Likely to Be Seen: Leaving Nobu at Lido Marina Village
Pure Lamborghini design mixed with outstanding performance creates the Lamborghini Urus. A showstopping drive includes a distinct Lamborghini engine sound. The ANIMA (Adaptive Network Intelligent Management) Selector delivers specific settings for the best driving dynamics. The Urus attains the best weight-to-power ratio with 4-wheel-steering, 4-wheel-drive system with active rear torque vectoring, adaptive air suspension with active dampers, a roll stabilization system with continuous and immediate response, carbon ceramic brakes and rims up to 23 inches with mixed tires. “The Lamborghini Urus is an incredible performer, with daring styling and a thrilling driving experience—truly the Lamborghini of SUVs,” DeMuro said.
6 | Most Likely to Be Seen: In Valet at Javier’s
High-quality leather interior and an ascending center console complement the optional heated multifunction GT sport steering wheel. “Among compact crossovers, the Porsche Macan is the most exciting, enjoyable one to drive—and the latest Macan adds some desirable new technology,” DeMuro said. The Porsche Macan can be customized with an ionizer for improved air quality and the BOSE® Surround Sound System and Burmester® High-End Surround Sound System. It also includes the Porsche Traction Management (PTM), ensuring outstanding steering and exceptional handling.
Best New SUVs
7 | Most Likely to Be Seen: Loading Whole Food Groceries at Fashion Island
Capable of producing 450 horsepower, paired with six selectable Lincoln Drive Modes, the Lincoln Navigator performs like a pureblood racehorse. Versatile cabin features include one-touch tilt-and-slide second-row seats and a power-reclining third row. A combination of comfort, space and style, the Navigator also features a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot that enables up to 10 devices to be connected at the same time. “The Lincoln Navigator is the best big luxury SUV, with bold styling, excellent technology, supremely comfortable seats and a commanding driving position. It puts Lincoln back at the top of the full-size SUV game after years [of] playing second fiddle to better competitors like the Cadillac Escalade and Range Rover,” DeMuro said.
8 | Most Likely to Be Seen: Hugging the Road on Ortega Highway
Turn up your expectations for driving exhilaration with the efficiency of the Jaguar F-PACE. With the capability to handle every road you end up on, the F-PACE is considered a performance SUV with the DNA of a sports car. The powerful exterior look and aerodynamically enhanced F-PACE SVR features, including a new front bumper and hood vents, shed light on its enormous power. “The Jaguar F-PACE is a nice-looking crossover with sharp handling—and it finally brings a much-needed SUV to the Jaguar brand,” DeMuro said. Offering a range of engines, like the new 5.0-liter 550 hp V8 supercharged gas and lightweight aluminum architecture deliver refinement, it’s a top tech car.
Written By: Jamee Lind
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