When it comes to the luxury and premium offer, it is very hard to keep pace with German carmakers. Even the Japanese and US manufacturers must do their best to meet the requirements of fans that already tasted some of the European best vehicles. BMW, Audi, Mercedes and Porsche are setting the bar very high and their SUVs are powerful, safe, but also expensive.

German cars are a synonym for luxury. We will go through all the SUVs available in the US coming from Germany. We are not comparing which are the best, since it is all about details and buyers’ preferences.

2022 BMW X5

2022 BMW X5

This is an absolute legend. One of the flagship models in the luxury segment. The first model was built in 1999 and the 2022 BMW X5 is part of the fourth generation launched in 2019. A 3.0-liter engine is the base choice. However, the company spices things up with a 4.4-liter V8, available for the M50i version. The best performance you can get is by combining the V8 engine with the M package. If you add the Competition upgrade, outputs can reach 615 horsepower, making the X5 one of the most powerful SUVs in the US.

All-wheel drive (xDrive) is standard. Non-US models are also available with diesel engines. The company recently added a plug-in hybrid configuration, while the all-electric setup will be out soon as the iX5. In 2022, we will see the first fuel-cell SUV (X5 FCV). The price is slightly higher compared to other mid-size luxury SUVs. The 2022 BMW X5 will start just under $60,000. A V8 is a $23,000 upgrade. The M model is hitting a six-digit price realm.

FULL REVIEW

2022 BMW X6

The 2022 BMW X6 is one of the most popular coupe SUVs in the world. The vehicle shares almost everything with the X5. But, the streamlined chassis makes it more appealing. Also, the price goes up. Because of the sloped roof, the X6 is not offering too much space at the back and there is no three-row model. Of course, the cargo capacity also suffers.

The advantage over the X5 is a better performance. The aesthetic look is both stylish and functional. Better airflow makes the 2022 BMW X6 faster than its brother. The M Competition package will deliver 617 horsepower, which helps the SUV accelerate 0-60 mph in just 3.7 seconds. The price is about $5,000 higher than for the X5, for configurations these two are sharing.

FULL REVIEW

2022 BMW X6

2022 BMW X7

X5’s bigger brother was introduced in 2018 and took the position in the full-size luxury SUV class. In the US, there are no too many rivals. One thing is sure – the 2022 BMW X7 is more expensive than many others. The SUV shares the engine lineup with its smaller sibling. So, the base offer creates 335 horsepower. Not so impressive for the full-size tier. But, with a V8, the situation becomes serious. You can count on 523 hp.

The price of the big rig starts at $75,000. A V8 makes it $100,000. That is at the same level with high-end models by Lincoln and Cadillac. But, some of the 2022 BMW X7 options are going to stun you. The company makes the Executive package standard with a V8. It brings HUD and premium Harman Kardon sound. If you need more assistance, there is a professional package with plenty of driver-aid features. The ultimate goal is to reach Level 4 of autonomous drive.

2022 BMW Alpina XB7

The X7 is not offering the M model. This time, similar to Mercedes, BMW cooperates with the third party to deliver the high-end options. The 2022 BMW Alpina XB7 is a super luxurious package. The company throws everything into the premium SUV that will cost you more than $140,000. The centerpiece of the package is a high-output version of a 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 engine. It delivers 612 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque.

The 2022 BMW Alpina XB7 is a unique craft with plenty of special elements. A set of 21-inch wheels is the highlight of the exterior styling. Buyers can upgrade it to 23-inchers. Blue and Green colors are added to the palette. The interior of the full-size SUV is already stunning. But, the Alpina XB7 model makes it even more impressive with Merino leather seats and blue/green contrasting stitches. The seating capacity is dropped to four. Designers removed the third row and the captain’s chairs are in the middle row to maximize comfort.

2022 BMW X8

The G09 is its developing code and you guess – the 2022 BMW X8 will be a coupe version of the X7. There are no official details about the SUV, but intels are reporting the German carmaker started the development of the new SUV. The X8 will share a lot of things in common with the X7. We don’t think it is going to offer the Alpina model, but rather the classic M Performance version. A coupe roof is the biggest difference compared to the closest sibling. Of course, some other details will make it distinctive and fresh.

2022 Mercedes GLE 450

2022 Mercedes GLE

Mercedes is probably the first thing coming to your mind when we mention German luxury. The three-point star company is producing some of the most stunning vehicles in every segment. Ever since Mercedes-Benz stepped into the SUV market, all other companies had to improve their offer. The biggest downside is the price.

The 2022 Mercedes GLE is the smallest SUV. We don’t want to argue about the GLC, which is a crossover because of its setup and size. The GLE is a three-row model with a new look, introduced for the 2021 season. The SUV is going to carry over the same styling, but we can also expect upgrades. A coupe version is one of them, as well as the new AMG model with extra power.

FULL REVIEW

2022 Mercedes GLS

The 2022 Mercedes GLS is the biggest Mercedes SUV with an overall length of over 200 inches. The cost of this vehicle is the biggest stumbling block. You can find non-premium models and save nearly 50 percent of the price you pay for the GLS. Significant savings can be done if you opt for the Toyota Land Cruiser or Lexus LX.

Surprisingly, the base 2022 Mercedes GLS is there with a six-cylinder engine. You don’t want to drive such a big SUV around with only 360 hp. So, a V8 is a way better option. A 4.0-liter eight-cylinder is delivering 480 horsepower. The AMG package boosts the outputs to 603 hp and 627 lb-ft, making the GLS competitive with the XB7 Alpina. Not only with performance, but also the price, which is above $130,000.

FULL REVIEW

2022 Mercedes G-Class

The 2022 Mercedes G-Class, or the G-Wagon, takes the luxury to another level. It is one of the most expensive German SUVs. What are you getting for $130,000? A lot of power, premium options, upscale materials, advanced tech systems… If that is not enough, the SUV is available with the AMG package. The AMG G 63 increases the price to $160,000 and with a few options, it can exceed $175k.

An eight-cylinder engine is standard here. No discounts for smaller displacements. A 4.0-liter twin-turbo system is good for 415 hp and 450 lb-ft. The AMG 63 crunches 577 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque. A nine-speed automatic transmission sends power to all wheels. The 2022 Mercedes G-Class will close the gap between luxury and utility like no other SUV. You can go anywhere with this model, and you can also tow 7,000 pounds. Inside, the level of comfort and pleasure is incredible. Let’s not mention its unique boxy styling.

2022 Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 price

2022 Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600

The 2022 Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 is the latest model by the German carmaker. The base GLS is being further upgraded by the luxurious Maybach features. If you thought the Mercedes can’t surprise anymore, this is proof the company always has an ace upon the sleeve. The Maybach SUV takes the GLS as the base. The seating capacity is four. Optionally, buyers can pick a bench instead of the captain’s buckets at the back. Of course, a V8 is there with 550 horsepower. The GLS 600 is going to be in serial production, unlike the previous Maybach SUV, the G650 Landaulet, which has only 99 owners. The price is not unveiled yet. Experts think it will be around $200k, while some enthusiasts believe the starting MSRP could be lower.

FULL REVIEW

2022 Porsche Cayenne

Porsche was the first exotic carmaker that turned into SUV class. The project was successful and now we have more such companies producing big rigs. But, the 2022 Porsche Cayenne will probably be the one you can see more often than Lamborghini Urus. Soon, Ferrari is launching its Purosangue. Let’s stick to the Cayenne. It is a mid-size model with two rows of seats. Attractive stance and powerful engines are making it so popular. The carmaker doesn’t throw all-in for the SUV, since the base version is approachable for one Porsche.

The pricing starts at around $68,000. A highlight of each trim level is the drivetrain. So, the entry-level version gets power from a 3.0-liter V6. 335 horsepower is a good start. A twin-turbo system supports a 2.9-liter V6 on the Cayenne S. Total output is 434 hp and 404 lb-ft. The next trim is E-Hybrid. The combination of a 3.0-liter V6 and electric motors delivers 455 horsepower and the best gas mileage. Things are getting serious with the GTS version. A V8 is a performance configuration that is ready to burst 540 hp. However, that is not all. The 2022 Porsche Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid is one of the three most powerful SUVs in the US with 670 ponies and 633 lb-ft of torque.

2022 Audi Q7

It is still the largest SUV by this carmaker. But, it won’t last for too much more. The second generation was launched in 2015 and we can hear that Audi is preparing the next series for the Q7. It might happen in 2022. It is one of the rare models in this list that uses a 2.0-liter unit. Although pretty potent, 250 horsepower is not enough. Just the comparison – some subcompact crossovers can produce more power.

A six-cylinder mill is making things more serious. But again, 330 ponies is not something that will draw attention, especially having in mind we are talking about the luxury vehicle. The SQ7 is there to fix things. A 4.0-liter V8 can burst 500 ponies and 568 lb-ft of twist. The good thing about the 2022 Audi Q7 is that the price is lower than any other vehicle on this list. You can get a dose of German luxury for only $55,000. The SQ7 starts at $85,000 and you can spend $30k more on upgrades.

FULL REVIEW

2022 Audi Q8

Audi is ready for new challenges. This one is the conquer of the full-size segment. The German carmaker launched Q8 recently. Two versions are available – standard and SQ. The base model is available with V6, while the high-end models are exploiting a V8 with 500 ponies. The base price is under $70,000.

Three trim levels are available. The base model comes with a panoramic sunroof and tri-zone climate control, for every row. The hands-free tailgate is standard. The MMI infotainment is using Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The front seats are heated. Premium Plus adds ventilated buckets, B&O sound, and wireless charging. The 2022 Audi Q8 Prestige is a unique package with HUD, Matrix lights, and a leather dashboard. The SQ8 engine configuration is available with two higher trims.

FULL REVIEW