The term SUV (sport utility vehicle) has been around for longer than might first be supposed. In fact, in the modern era of cars and depending upon who is asked, the answer may well be 1984 when it was applied to a Jeep. The world moved on and the term has become ubiquitous. Depending upon which country is considered, the term has become very fluid; it’s now a general term that traditionally covers a broad range of practical vehicles with (and more recently, without) four-wheel drive.
It is also applied to some of the new generation of electric vehicles (EV), regardless of whether they are capable off-road or not. The overarching point here is that they are cars that are practical and useful for work, rest and play. SUV’s are a lifestyle choice and, among the ranks of electric cars, there are some really good ones that stand out. Here’s a choice sample:
Genesis GV60
A relatively new name on the dealer forecourts, Genesis are the luxury adjunct of the Hyundai empire and very good they are too as this brand deploys much of what the sister brand has learned about electrification.
The battery range of this car is very good and users can anticipate around 300 miles before a charge-up is needed. It shouldn’t take too long either, because the GV60 offers a rapid-charging capability. This car is generously sized and very stylish; there’s a choice of colours for new orders and tons of inner space, all backed up by the latest technology. The fastest variant will manage the traffic light sprint to 62mph in just four seconds.
One among a growing range of Genesis EV offerings, the GV60 model range comes in at under £50,000 (UK) for the base single motor Premium model version. Step up to the Sport model and you’ll get two motors, fore and aft, meaning all-wheel drive. Sport Plus turns up the wick as the fastest and best featured model that includes a panoramic roof.
Audi Q4 e-tron
The Q4 e-tron is Audi’s least expensive electric car but that is not to say it is cheap. It is cheerful however and comes with all the technology, fit and finish buyers have come to expect from the premium German brand. Better still, this car can also be specified in the coupé-like ‘Sportback’ design.
There a choice of three versions of this prestige EV: The 35, 40 and 50 Quattro. Obviously, thanks to the name, the 50 Quattro features all-wheel drive as standard. It’s the only 4x4, the others are rear-wheel drive only. Buyers can select from a choice of two battery capacities: A 52kWh pack or a larger 77kWh unit which will deliver more than 300 miles, say Audi.
The Q4 e-tron is a mid-sized SUV with a long body and short bonnet look. It makes for an interesting choice in that it presents itself as an ideal town or suburban vehicle, prioritising range over performance and the all-important charging speed over any notional top speed. This makes it an ideal vehicle for the smaller family without compromising on Audi quality.
BMW iX
Here at MHH International we are proud of our service enabling our customers to import cars from the UK and the BMW iX is one of the cars really attracting attention. The familiar kidney-shaped grille has a new format, complementing the style of this big flagship electric SUV. Debatably, the best long-ranger is the xDrive 50 model which travels up to 380 miles, according to BMW, if driven modestly of course. Press on a bit and this car will leave some sports cars quaking in its wake. For a car of this size, the handling and ride are nothing short of first class.
Not to put too finer point on it, the iX is by way of being BMW’s way of putting everything into one metaphorical basket. This car features literally all that the German company know about vehicle technology and by this benchmark alone probably makes it the best EV on the market today. Other electric vehicles from the supercar brands may be more expensive but few of them compare when it comes to overall driving pleasure; this is a BMW after all.
Tesla Model Y
No list would be complete without a Tesla on it would it? This is after all the brand that really started the electric ball rolling. Today, the Model Y is a regular feature on the highways of the world.
The Tesla Model Y is a roomy family-sized SUV, closely related to the sibling Model 3. The Y offers more space than the 3 so it is sure to appeal to EV buyers in need of a bigger version. Compared to the 3, the Y is taller and has a more SUV-style seating arrangement in that the driver and passenger sit higher as befits this type of car. The giant central touchscreen display remains as always.
In short, the Tesla Model Y is a trusted family SUV with a roomy and adaptable interior, excellent range and loads of high tech built in. Users can also make user of the brand’s own ‘supercharger’ network (regionally dependent).
Honourable Mentions
These cars are by no means all the prestige SUV’s around today. Honourable mentions must go to Ford’s Mustang EV featured on these pages here or the Polestar 2 here. Don’t forget Mercedes Benz’s great range of EV’s either. Ask us for details.
