New or Redesigned Luxury SUV and Crossover Models for 2016

2016 Audi Q7- Exterior - White - Front Driver Three-Quarter View ・ Photo by Audi Media Services

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.

2016 Audi Q7 - Less is More of a Good Thing

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.

Photo by Audi Media Services

2016 Audi Q7 - Notable Features

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.

Photo by Audi Media Services

2016 BMW X1 - The Second Generation of BMW’s 'Mini' Sports Activity Vehicle

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.

Photo by BMW Media

2016 BMW X1 - Notable Features

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.

Photo by BMW Media

2016 Lexus RX - A Lexus Through and Through

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.

Photo by Toyota Media

2016 Lexus RX - Notable Features

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.

Photo by Toyota Media

2016 Lincoln MKX - More Than Just a Bigger MKC

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.

2016 Lincoln MKX - Notable Features

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.

2016 Mercedes-AMG GLE63 - Who Doesn’t Need More Than 500 Horsepower in an SUV?

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.

Photo by Mercedes-Benz Media

2016 Mercedes-AMG GLE63 - Notable Features

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.

Photo by Mercedes-Benz Media