Living Large

Whatever the state of the economy, it’s almost heartening to know that there’s always a market for luxury vehicles. Opulent SUVs have largely replaced limos as the vehicle of choice for celebrities and statesmen and, though few of us can afford them, the innovations and features first introduced on these spendy rides often trickle down to mainstream models. We looked at 10 over-the-top aspirational sport utilities (prices listed are base model MSRPs).

AUDI Q7 ($45,700)

With the lowest price on this list and improved fuel-efficiency over previous models, Audi’s new Q7 looks to keep big SUVs relevant in an era of shrinking wallets and swollen pump prices. Now equipped with the same supercharged 3.0-liter V-6 engine (in low- or high-output versions) used in the German manufacturer’s S4 sports sedan, the 2011 Q7 delivers around 22 mpg highway — not too shabby for such a substantial seven-seater. All this practicality comes with pulse-raising zero-to-60 times of under seven seconds (from the higher-ouput variant).

 BMW X5 M ($85,500)

Make no mistake, BMW’s X5 M “sport activity vehicle” is slick, with standard features including heated leather sport seats, voice-activated navigation and paddle shifters. But it’s under the hood where the X5 M is a real stunner, as befits the M — for “motorsport” — badge. A 4.4-liter twin-turbocharged V-8 delivers an astonishing 555 horsepower, which (with some help from its high-tech Launch Control system) can slingshot this very useable family five-door from a standstill to 60 mph in a sports-car-like 4.5 seconds.

 Cadillac Escalade ESV ($65,795)

For starlets determined to outshine their peers, the ESV is a 22-inch-longer version of Cadillac’s Hollywood-ubiquitous Escalade. The added space goes to the cargo compartment, perfect for all those celebrity gift bags, and to a third row of seats, which are comfortable perches for even the tallest of hangers-on. To go totally Lohan, opt for the Ultra Luxury package, with 22-inch aluminum wheels, rearview camera and touch-screen sat-nav, plus the rear entertainment package with wireless headsets and twin fold-down screens.

 Infiniti QX56 ($56,700)

While Infiniti’s QX remains a shamelessly indulgent outsize vehicle, its latest incarnation at least acknowledges the uncertain economy. Though 16 combined mpg is hardly thrifty, the QX’s direct-injection V-8 is more fuel efficient than its predecessor, helped by the new QX56’s shedding more than 150 pounds. High-roller touches include a 360-degree Around View Monitor and optional under-seat mood lighting perfect for showing off that new pedicure.

Land Rover Range Rover ($79,685)

Since 1970, Range Rover has been associated with the horse-riding set, political bigwigs and, more recently, rock stars and rappers. Well-to-do adventurers actually take these vehicles off road too, and the RR’s engine is designed accordingly (with waterproofed components, etc.). Tweaks for 2011 are subtle. Most notably, the instrument cluster has been replaced by an LCD screen.

 Lexus LX 570 ($77,755)

Lexus is synonymous with luxury and its imposing LX 570 SUV doesn’t disappoint. First off, if it’s a little too large for anyone in your family, Active Height Control can lower or raise the entire vehicle. Inside, opulent options include a backseat entertainment system with 9-inch screen and a 19-speaker Mark Levinson audio set-up. Yet amid all the overt extravagance, it’s the LX 570’s array of airbags, electronic stability system and active front head restraints that could prove truly priceless.

 Lincoln Navigator ($57,155)

A staple of the bling-bling crowd, Lincoln’s Navigator is another ostentatious SUV that’s begun paying attention to fuel economy lately. Its V-8 engine is more efficient (14 city/20 highway mpg) and E85 ethanol compatible. And a diesel variant is imminent, with 20% better fuel economy than the gasoline version, according to Lincoln. The 2011 Navi also enjoys high-tech upgrades including the programmable MyKey, which allows speed and radio volume to be limited. (Sorry, kids!)

 Mercedes-Benz G-Class ($106,625)

You’d think that what cynics see as a glorified military truck would be cheap, but fans of Merc’s G-Class pay a pretty penny. The Gs beloved of Beverly Hills shopaholics are far removed from their utilitarian ancestors. Inside, Alcantara upholstery, ambiance lighting, COMAND voice control and Mercedes Concierge (which makes restaurant reservations!) are more aristocrat than army. But the G-Class really is rugged, and the available 500 horsepower will propel it way off road.

 Porsche Cayenne ($46,700)

Though the very idea of this sports car company making an SUV still bothers Porsche purists, the first generation Cayenne, available in the U.S. in 2003, was the German marquee’s fastest-selling model. The all-new 2011 Cayenne ostensibly resembles its predecessor, but driving this fine five-seater reveals major improvements in what was already a remarkable vehicle. Its handling is now a perfectly balanced joy, and the executive-jet-like cabin offers more head- and legroom throughout.

 Spyker D8 Peking-to-Paris (about $200K+)

If you crave an SUV that costs as much as a family home, try Spyker’s D8. The D8 addresses the desires of the mega-rich of emerging luxury markets, where rough roads make low-slung supercars impractical — and the “super SUV” just perfect.

 – PAUL ROGERS, Special Advertising Sections Writer