Lamborghini Urus

The Urus is Lamborghini's first SUV since the LM002 over 20 years ago. It is also the most practical and least expensive Raging Bull currently on sale. Powering the new Lambo SUV is a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 making 641 horsepower and 626 lb-ft of torque, propelling the vehicle from zero to 60 mph in 3.2 seconds and a 190 mph top speed. The Urus contains full-time all-wheel drive and an 8-speed automatic. In addition, it shares components with the Audi Q7 and Q8, Porsche Cayenne, and Bentley Bentayga. The interior features elements that are traditionally Lamborghini, such as suede and carbon fiber trim, several hexagon shapes, a jet-like gearshift, and a red flip cover over the stop/start button. Its infotainment system and digital gauges come directly from Audi. Although the Urus is best known for its supercar performance and capabilities, it is no slouch when tackling off-road terrain. Despite being the lowest-priced new Lamborghini, the Urus starts at $211,321. Overall, the Urus isn't my favorite Raging Bull, but it is one of the best and coolest SUVs around. The current Lamborghini SUV has been in dealerships for over a year now, and I hadn't seen one up close until I traveled to LA four weeks ago. When I was in LA, I spotted at least eight examples of the Urus, which I thought was pretty thrilling.

2020 Mercedes-Benz GLS450

Like the GLE and CLA in previous posts, the Mercedes-Benz GLS has been redesigned for 2020. It is referred to as "the S-Class among SUVs" by the Three-Pointed Star brand and was a finalist for this year's Motor Trend Sport Utility of the Year. Featured here is the base GLS, the GLS450, which is powered by a 3.0-liter turbo-six with EQ Boost producing 362 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque. It launches from zero to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds. The GLS450 has standard 4MATIC all-wheel drive and a 9G-TRONIC 9-speed automatic. It contains many of the same standard and available features as many new Mercedes-Benz models, with the major distinction being comfortable seating for seven. The 2020 GLS450 carries a starting price of $75,950. Other models in the GLS portfolio include the GLS550, AMG GLS63/S, and first-ever Maybach GLS600; the latter two are expected to go on sale later this year. In all, the Mercedes-Benz GLS is one of my favorite SUVs currently available and my preferred choice in the full-size luxury SUV segment compared to the likes of the BMW X7, Cadillac Escalade, Lincoln Navigator, and Range Rover. Stay tuned as I will showcase a few of my other favorite SUVs in the coming weeks.

Jeep Gladiator

Many Jeep fans asked for a new Wrangler pickup, and Jeep delivered on their requests. It comes in the form of the Gladiator, which is almost the same as the Wrangler, with the major difference being the pickup bed. The Gladiator is only available with a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 producing 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, making the launch from 0 to 60 mph in 7.2 seconds. A diesel V6 will make its way into the Gladiator at some point this year. Like the Wrangler, the Gladiator can be had with either a 6-speed manual or an 8-speed automatic. It can be configured with either a soft top or a hard top; the roof panels of the hard top can be removed and reassembled easily. These unique characteristics make the Gladiator the only convertible pickup currently on sale. In addition, the Jeep Gladiator is the only midsize pickup to have an off-road camera up front. Other important features consist of an available removable Bluetooth speaker, Apple CarPlay & Android Auto compatibility, and Uconnect 4 infotainment with either a 7- or 8.4-inch display. The Wrangler pickup is offered in four trim levels: Sport, Sport S, Overland, and Rubicon, with pricing starting at $35,040. To sum it up, the Gladiator is an excellent off-road pickup and the coolest Jeep in recent memory besides the Grand Cherokee SRT/Trackhawk.

Lexus LX 570 (2016-)

The LX 570 is Lexus' flagship SUV and a more luxurious Toyota Land Cruiser. Its current generation has been on sale for four years and is due for a redesign very soon. Under the hood is a 5.7-liter V8 used in Toyota's full-size trucks and SUVs making 383 horsepower and 403 lb-ft of torque. It makes the trip from 0 to 60 mph in 7.3 seconds. Power is sent to all four wheels via an 8-speed ECT (Electronically Controlled Transmission) automatic. Significant features include optional third-row seating, Crawl Control, Multi-Terrain Select, Lexus Enform, rear-seat entertainment, and a 360-degree camera system. Its cabin is very spacious and meticulous, and I highly doubt that nearly every Lexus LX 570 owner would take their vehicles off pavement. The glorified Land Cruiser carries a starting price of $86,480 for the base model and a whopping $91,480 for the three-row model. It isn't an absolute favorite of mine, but the Lexus LX 570 is a great SUV with an incredible level of build quality and amenities.

2020 Mercedes-Benz GLE350

Like some other Mercedes-Benz models, the GLE has been redesigned for the 2020 model year. It slots in between the GLC and GLS in the Three-Pointed Star's SUV lineup. Powering the new GLE350 is a 2.0-liter turbo-four producing 255 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. The base GLE350 travels from zero to 60 mph in about seven seconds. It can be configured in either rear-wheel drive or 4MATIC all-wheel drive mated to a 9G-TRONIC 9-speed automatic. A third-row seating option is available that adds two seats to its standard seating capacity of five. The GLE's adaptive suspension can be altered to where the vehicle can dance. Like many new Mercedes-Benz models, the 2020 GLE features MBUX infotainment, front seats that heat, ventilate, and massage, "Hey Mercedes" keyword activation, voice control, and a handful of driver aids. Pricing for the new GLE350 starts at $54,250. Rounding out the GLE portfolio are the GLE450 4MATIC and AMG GLE43, 53, and 63/S models. The 2020 AMG GLE models are expected to go on sale later this year and will also be offered in coupe form. Overall, the current Mercedes-Benz GLE may not be the prettiest, but it is one of the top midsize luxury SUVs on the market.

2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500

The 2020 Shelby GT500 is the craziest, fastest, and most powerful Mustang to date. It is also one of the most heavily anticipated Mustangs in recent memory. Under the hood is a 5.2-liter supercharged V8 producing 760 horsepower and 625 lb-ft of torque, propelling the vehicle to 60 mph in 3.6 seconds and a 200+ mph top speed. The new Shelby GT500 comes standard with a seven-speed dual clutch. It usually has rear seats, but they can be removed at the owner's discretion. The above example is equipped with the Carbon Fiber Track package, which contains carbon fiber wheels, a more prominent rear wing, Recaro racing seats, a rear seat delete, carbon fiber interior trim, among others. The top-of-the-line Mustang has Ford's Sync 3 Infotainment System, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto standard, but the optional Technology package adds blind-spot monitoring, navigation, SiriusXM satellite radio, heated mirrors with Shelby puddle lamps, and a Bang & Olufsen premium sound system. It carries a starting price of close to $70k but can increase past $100k with options and dealer markup. To me, the new Shelby GT500 has to be one of the best and most amazing Mustangs of all time due to its raw performance, tech, and aggressiveness compared to all other Mustang models.

Also pictured is the other Shelby Mustang in Ford's current portfolio, the GT350.