10 Luxury SUVs Over $50,000

The luxury sport-utility vehicle segment has grown to claim a significant portion of the dollars spent by premium automobile buyers. Luxury SUVs are particularly appealing to those who require the additional practicality offered by a larger, high capacity vehicle compared against the more limited capabilities of a traditional premium sedan.

The high end of the luxury SUV market offers some of the most opulent creature comforts available in any automobile. Most of these SUVs also offer substantial size and power, giving them a utility edge over entry-level competitors. Let’s take a closer look at 10 luxury SUVs priced at over $50,000.

Photos courtesy of respective manufacturers

01. 2011 Cadillac Escalade

The 2011 Cadillac Escalade is one of the vehicles that helped to define the luxury SUV class when it first appeared on the market in the late 1990s. The Cadillac Escalade full-size SUV comes in three editions – standard, extended ESV and EXT crossover – with the first two providing seating for as many as eight passengers across three rows. The ESV makes available as much as 137 cubic feet of space for luggage with the rear seats folded forward, with the standard Escalade not far behind at 108.9 cubic feet.

Power is assured in the 2011 Cadillac Escalade, as it offers 403 horses and 417 lb-ft of torque from its 6.2-liter engine, shifted through a smooth six-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is also available for drivers interested in additional traction for their SUV. Some of the luxury highlights to be found on the Escalade’s equipment list include an active suspension system, a DVD entertainment system for rear passengers, three zones of automatic climate control and a voice-activated navigation system.

02. 2011 Land Rover Range Rover

The 2011 Land Rover Range Rover is a full-size sport-utility vehicle that doesn’t compromise on either luxury or off-road ability. Inherent in the Land Rover Range Rover’s identity is the promise that its advanced standard four-wheel drive system, electronic Terrain Response system and hill-holding and hill descent features will never leave driver or passengers stranded when out on the trail.

The 2011 Land Rover Range Rover’s extensive list of luxury features, (which includes items such as a full leather interior, a navigation system, a heated windshield, four zones of automatic climate control and heated and ventilated seats front and rear) also means that every ride will be as comfortable as possible – no matter how far from home the vehicle might be asked to go. Powering the five-passenger Range Rover is the choice of either a 375 horsepower 5.0-liter V-8 (HSE trim) or a supercharged version of the same motor that produces 510 horsepower (Supercharged trim). Each edition of the SUV comes with a six-speed automatic transmission.

04. 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class

The 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class is the German luxury brand’s answer to drivers interested in a premium SUV that can handle a heavy load while still offering excellent comfort and road manners. The Mercedes-Benz GL-Class can tow as much as 7,500 lbs, and it offers seating for as many as seven passengers across three rows as well as 83 cubic feet of total cargo space with those accommodations out of the picture.

In addition to a full complement of Mercedes-Benz luxury equipment, the 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class can be ordered with one of three different engines: a 3.0-liter turbodiesel V-6 rated at 210 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque, a 335 horsepower, 4.5-liter V-8 or a range-topping 5.5-liter V-8 that is good for 382 horsepower. All editions of the GL-Class come with standard 4MATIC all-wheel drive, as well as an advanced eight-speed automatic transmission.

05. 2011 Volkswagen Touareg Hybrid

The 2011 Volkswagen Touareg Hybrid is a full-size gasoline / electric sport-utility vehicle that represents one of the most luxurious offerings in the Volkswagen suv portfolio. Standard equipment on the Volkswagen Touareg Hybrid includes a panoramic sunroof, a heated steering wheel, leather seats and a navigation system. The battery-assisted vehicle can also tow 7,700 lbs, haul five passengers and swallow copious amounts of cargo.

The 2011 Volkswagen Touareg Hybrid matches an eight-speed automatic transmission to a supercharged 3.0-liter V-6 engine and a battery-powered electric motor. Together, the ensemble produces 380 horsepower and 428 lb-ft of torque, making it the most potent edition of the Touareg available. The SUV comes with standard all-wheel drive, and offers the ability to run in electric-only mode at speeds of up to 31 miles per hour.

06. 2011 Lexus LX 570

The 2011 Lexus LX 570 is the capstone of the Lexus SUV lineup, and it combines a rugged, full-frame design with three rows of seating for up to eight passengers. The Lexus LX 570’s comfortable cabin can also accommodate as much as 83 cubic feet of luggage with the rear two rows folded forward. The SUV comes in a single trim level that boasts features such as four zones of automatic climate control, leather upholstery, a voice-controlled navigation system, the Lexus Enform telematics system and a rearview camera. Options include parking assistance, a DVD entertainment system and adaptive cruise control.

The 2011 Lexus LX 570 is powered by a 5.7-liter V-8 engine that offers up 383 horses and 403 lb-ft of torque. Full-time four-wheel drive ensures constant traction, and the LX 570 also enjoys a six-speed automatic transmission and the ability to tow up to 8,500 lbs.

07. 2011 Lincoln Navigator

The 2011 Lincoln Navigator (and the extended wheelbase Navigator L) is a luxury SUV that provides full-size presence and power. The Lincoln Navigator’s spacious cabin features room for eight passengers as well as 128 cubic feet of total cargo space with the second and third row of seating folded forward (L edition). The Navigator also boasts a 9,000 lb towing capacity. Some of the exclusive equipment that can be found in the SUV includes the SYNC vehicle interface system, heated seats in all three rows, dual automatic climate controls and top quality leather upholstery. The Navigator can also be ordered with the MyKey programmable vehicle control system that can limit the speed of the SUV as well as the volume of its stereo when it is lent out to teenagers and guests.

The 2011 Lincoln Navigator offers drivers 310 horsepower from a 5.4-liter V-8 engine. Also capable of generating 365 lb-ft of torque, this engine is yoked to a six-speed automatic transmission and can be combined with an optional four-wheel drive system.

08. 2011 Land Rover LR4 HSE

The 2011 Land Rover LR4 HSE is the mid-range edition of the British brand’s full-size luxury SUV. The vehicle improves on the base Land Rover LR4 through the introduction of premium features such as a hard drive-based navigation system, seven-seat comfort package, rearview camera and a satellite radio. This is on top of the LR4’s already premium-level interior equipment that includes leather seats, dual automatic climate controls and a five-inch TFT driver information screen. The vehicle also offers as much as 90 cubic feet of total cargo space with the rear accommodations stowed.

The 2011 Land Rover LR4 HSE provides the same level of off-road capability as its other Land Rover siblings, thanks in part to its high tech four-wheel drive system. The SUV is powered by a 5.0-liter V-8 engine that generates 375 horsepower and 375 lb-ft of torque and which is shifted through a six-speed automatic transmission.

09. 2011 BMW X5 xDrive50i

The 2011 BMW X5 xDrive50i is a luxury SUV with a twist, a vehicle which aims to offer a driving experience that is similar to that of a premium sports sedan. The top-trim BMW X5’s taut chassis is complemented by a 4.4-liter, twin-turbo V-8 engine that grinds out 400 horsepower and 450 lb-ft of torque. This output is managed by an eight-speed automatic transmission that features manual shift capability. All-wheel drive is also standard for the X5.

The 2011 BMW X5 xDrive50i includes upscale features like an adaptive suspension system, four zones of automatic climate control adaptive cruise control, a navigation system and heated leather seats. A DVD entertainment system for rear passengers is also available, and BMW X5 xDrive50i rides on 20-inch alloy wheels. Optional on the X5 is a third row of seating, increasing its passenger capacity to seven.

10. 2011 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid

The 2011 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid doesn’t just offer a gasoline / electric drivetrain – it also provides some of the most luxurious accommodations to be found inside a Chevrolet SUV. The Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid comes with standard leather seats, three zones of climate control, Bluetooth connectivity, a rearview camera and 18-inch wheels. A DVD entertainment system can be ordered as an option. The Tahoe Hybrid provides the same eight passenger seating as the gasoline-only edition of the SUV, and it can handle as much as 108 cubic feet of luggage with the rear rows removed from the vehicle.

The 2011 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid drivetrain consists of a two electric motors matched up with a 6.0-liter, eight-cylinder engine. This gives the SUV a total power output of 332 ponies and 367 lb-ft of torque, as well as the ability to travel at speeds approaching 30 miles per hour using only the vehicle’s battery. A unique automatic transmission is standard, and four-wheel drive can be ordered as an option. The Tahoe Hybrid retains impressive utility, with an advertised 6,200 lb tow rating.