New or Redesigned Luxury SUV and Crossover Models for 2016

The SUV segment is one of the most hotly contested, and in order to compete manufacturers have to keep their models fresh. The list of redesigned SUVs for 2016 includes the Audi Q7, BMW X1, Lexus RX, Lincoln MKX, Mercedes-AMG GLE63, Mercedes-Benz GLC, Mercedes-Benz GLE, and Volvo XC90. If you are in the market for one of these vehicles, read the next few pages to see if one of these new models is right for you.

The 2016 model year marks the introduction of the redesigned second generation Audi Q7. The new Q7 features a boxier body that is now slightly shorter and narrower, though still capable of seating up to 7. The slight size reduction, as well as the use of lighter materials, including 41-percent aluminum body construction, helps cut 716 pounds from its curb weight. With less weight to lug around, fuel consumption is also reduced, and for even more economy a plug-in hybrid ‘e-tron’ model with a diesel engine and electric motor may also be on the way.

Every Q7 comes from the factory with the quattro all-wheel drive system and an eight-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission. The available economical diesel engine generates 272 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque, enough to propel the SUV to 62 miles per hour in 6.3 seconds. Depending on vehicle options, towing capacity is up to 7,700 lbs. The Q7 also features four-wheel steering which steers the rear wheels opposite the front at low speeds (below around 19 mph) to reduce the turning circle; at higher speeds the wheels turn in the same direction as the front in order to improve stability.

The 2016 BMW X1 shares its front-wheel drive based platform with the 2 Series Active Tourer, making the small SUV the first FWD-based BMW available in the USA. Thanks to the new platform, the seating position has been raised by more than an inch in the front, and more than 2.5 inches in the rear, while rear leg room has increased by 1.5 inches with the standard seats (and by up to 2.6 inches with the optional adjustable rear seat). The 2016 X1 is shorter and lighter, but wider and taller than the previous generation, and both passenger and cargo space have been increased.

All 2016 BMW X1s come standard with an eight-speed Steptronic automatic transmission, and initially the only models available will be the xDrive28i with a 228 horsepower turbocharged 4 cylinder engine and all-wheel drive. The xDrive intelligent all-wheel drive system is able to divert up to 100% of available power to the rear wheels, and combined with the DSC system also provides a hill descent control. Brake Fade Compensation and Brake Drying are also available on the X1, as well as the Start-Off Assistant that makes hill starts easier.

The RX is the best selling vehicle in the Lexus lineup, and the new 2016 model hopes to build on that success with an attractive exterior design that makes the mid-size luxury crossover instantly recognizable as a Lexus model. Inside, the available heads-up display (HUD) and 12.3 inch information display take center stage, while the available retractable panoramic roof provides the lighting. Rear passengers get more leg and knee room over that in previous years, and the seats now offer heating and power reclining features. The RX’s entire chassis and body has been strengthened to improve handling and safety, as well as reduce road noise.

The RX includes Lexus Safety System+, which uses a Pre-Collision System (PCS), Lane Departure Alert (LDA), Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, and Automatic High Beam (AHB) to help avoid or mitigate collisions. Optional equipment includes the adaptive High-beam System (AHS), a Panoramic View Monitor (PVM), and a Blind Spot Monitor (BSM). All-Wheel Drive helps improve the RX’s handling performance and stability, while F SPORT versions feature an available Adaptive Variable Suspension (AVS) that adjusts for optimal ride and handling depending on conditions.

The 2016 MKX marks the beginning of a new generation of Lincoln’s mid-size premium crossover, with updated styling and upgrades to the body structure and chassis components. Engine choices include the standard 3.7 liter naturally aspirated V6 and the available 2.7 liter twin-turbo EcoBoost mill. Both are paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission with push-button shift and SelectShift. Front-wheel drive is standard, with the Intelligent All-Wheel Drive system optional.

The Lincoln MKX is available with adaptive cruise control, a lane-keeping system, a blind spot information system, cross-traffic alert, and pre-collision assist, while a 360-degree camera and 12 ultrasonic parking sensors help make parking and low-speed maneuvering easier. Lincoln Drive Control is a suite of ride-enhancing technologies that optimize performance with three modes: Normal, Sport, and Comfort. The exclusive Revel and Revel Ultima audio systems are designed to personalize and enhance the luxury experience, with the latter system featuring 19 speakers and QuantumLogic Surround Sound technology.

Like most AMG products, the redesigned 2016 Mercedes-AMG GLE63 will be defined by its engine, which is now more powerful than before. The powerplant is a twin turbo 5.5 liter V8 that puts out 550 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque (577 horsepower and 561 lb-ft of torque in S versions). Thanks to all that power, the heavy vehicle can run from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 4.3 seconds (4.2 in the more powerful S version), before hitting an electronically limited top speed of 155 miles per hour.

The Mercedes-AMG GLE63 uses a special transfer case in the 4MATIC system that splits the torque 40:60 between the front and rear axles for greater agility. The Sport mode in the Dynamic Select variable dynamic handling control system sets the SUV’s suspension up for sporty and dynamic handling, while the Sport+ setting offers the driver tailor-made characteristics for even sportier dynamics. The configuration of the throttle response, gear change strategy, ESP thresholds, power steering assist, and the damper adjustments are all exclusive to AMG.

The all new Mercedes-Benz GLC is essentially the second generation of the GLK, but renamed to align Mercedes’ car and SUV models. Compared to the outgoing GLK, the new GLC is longer and more spacious, yet simultaneously 176 pounds lighter, thanks to the use of aluminum and high-strength steel. The GLC 300 will be powered by a 2.0 liter 4-cylinder engine that produces 241 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque. A 9-speed 9G-TRONIC sends power to the rear wheels, or all four wheels on 4MATIC models.

The Air Body Control multi-chamber air suspension system increases both ride comfort and agility, regardless of the road’s surface. It (and other parts of the car) can be adjusted using the Dynamic Select handling system, which includes 5 modes: Eco, Comfort, sport, Sport+, and Individual. The air suspension is also used to lower the vehicle to make it easier to load, and Hands-Free Access allows the tailgate to be opened with the swipe of a foot under the bumper. Front and rear bumpers have been optimized for off-road use, with 28 degree approach and departure angles. The new touchpad in the handrest can be controlled with hand gestures, like on a smartphone, or to enter letters and numbers.

The redesigned 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE will be available with a range of engine choices, including gasoline and diesel options, and as Mercedes’ first SUV plug-in hybrid. Formerly known as the M-Class, the GLE features a Dynamic Select handling control system with up to six drive programs. Two-wheel drive versions get Individual, Comfort, Slippery, and Sport modes, 4MATIC all-wheel drive versions gain an Offroad mode, and versions with the optional Off-Road Engineering package get an Offroad+ mode that uses an off-road reduction gear and 100% inter-axle differential lock.

The 2016 GLE continues the brand’s innovations in both passive and active safety. Standard safety features included Crosswind Assist and Collision Prevention Assist Plus, while the Driving Assistance package Plus includes Distronic Plus with Steering Assist and Stop&Go Pilot, Pre-Safe Brake with pedestrian protection, Active Blind Spot Assist, and Active Lane Keeping Assist. Comand Online offers an 8-inch screen, touchpad, DVD player, and traffic sign recognition with wrong-way warning function. A Rear-Seat Entertainment System and sound systems from Harman Kardon and Bang & Olufsen are also available.

After having been on the market for over a decade with only a few slight refreshes, the 7-seat Volvo XC90 has finally been redesigned, and it has been well worth the wait. The new model is powered by a 2.0 liter supercharged and turbocharged engine that generates 316 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. An 8-speed Geartronic transmission uses All-Wheel Drive with Instant Traction to send power to all four wheels, and the SUV comes with Adjustable Drive Mode Settings for Comfort, Eco, Dynamic, Off-road, and Individual modes. Volvo says the interior is the most luxurious they have ever designed, using the finest Nappa leather and wood.

Like all Volvos, the XC90 is loaded with safety features including digital instrumentation with a head-up display, run-off road protection, Adaptive Cruise Control with Pilot Assist, a 360° Surround View, Park Assist Pilot, and City Safety (the umbrella name for all of Volvo’s auto brake functions). A four-zone climate system is available with individual settings for the occupants in the front two rows of seats, while a separate air conditioning unit for the third row is standard. The top of the line audio system features a 1,400 watt Class D amplifier and 19 Bowers & Wilkins speakers, including an air-ventilated subwoofer that turns the whole interior space into a giant subwoofer.