As the luxury SUV segment continues to expand, automakers are constantly pushing boundaries, introducing innovative designs and incorporating sustainable technologies. This ongoing evolution ensures that luxury SUVs remain at the forefront of automotive excellence.
These luxury European SUVs transcend mere transportation; they embody a lifestyle of refined taste, success, and individuality. Merging cutting-edge technology, superior craftsmanship, and exhilarating performance, European automakers have redefined the SUV experience, catering to the discerning desires of modern customers.
10. Volvo XC90
Volvo is a Swedish automaker renowned for its minimalist and elegant designs. The XC90 sits at the top of Volvo’s SUV lineup, promising buyers a high-quality, sophisticated vehicle. Volvo’s attention to detail stands out, sculpturing the interior and exterior in clean lines to create a timeless design. The interior of the XC90 comes equipped with cutting-edge technology features, including a premium Harman Kardon or Bowers & Wilkins sound system, a large 9-inch vertical infotainment touchscreen, and a myriad of advanced driver assistance systems.
Besides the tech, the XC90 has a spacious interior that can accommodate up to seven passengers. The XC90 also has large windows and an elevated driving position, increasing outward visibility. Safety is another strong suit of the Volvo XC90. it features a comprehensive suite of standard safety features, including blind spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and much more. For all these qualities, a new XC90 commands a price premium of KSh 8 million for the base model (before import and taxes). Fortunately, we can get you low mileage foreign used models from as low as KSh 4 million before import and taxes.
9. Porsche Cayenne
Renowned for its performance DNA, Porsche is also among the first automakers to create a five-seater SUV capable of on-road and off-road adventures. The Porsche Cayenne debuted in 2002 and it helped the brand reach new markets and customers. Currently, in its third generation, the Cayenne is among the most common luxury European SUVs on Kenyan roads. It boasts better handling than most SUVs, a selection of potent powertrains, a lavish interior, and a suite of advanced driver assistance features.
Unlike most of its rivals, the modern Cayenne is available with up to 13 trims. For the 2025 models, the base trim starts from around KSh 10 million (before imports and taxes). Fortunately, the used market has better, more powerful options for way less. Among the better trims to consider in the Kenyan market include the Cayenne S which comes equipped with a 2.9-litre twin-turbocharged V6 or a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 for the 2024 and newer models. The Cayenne GTS is also another option for anyone looking for a sportier SUV.
Suggested:
8. Audi Q8
Ever since brands like BMW popularised the coupe-like SUV segment with the X6, there have been multiple automakers looking to break into the segment. Among these newer options is the Audi Q8, a German luxury SUV with distinct coupe-like styling, sleek lines, and eye-catching LED lighting to help set it apart from its rivals. While it shares its underpinnings with the Audi Q7, the Q8 boasts a more athletic stance. Unfortunately, this comes at the cost of fewer rows of seating and less storage space.
Despite its shortcomings, the Q8 makes up for it with its long list of standard features including lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and smartphone compatibility. The lineup also includes a wide array of trims, all with different feature sets and powertrains. As standard, the base Q8 models get a diesel engine, but Audi also offers more potent petrol options, including the range-topping RS Q8 with a 4.0 litre twin-turbocharged V8. In the used market, the Q8 is reasonably priced, with 2019 and newer models starting from around KSh 5 million (before import and taxes).
7. Land Rover Defender
The Defender is among the more capable on-road and off-road SUVs on this list. Ever since its overhaul in 2020, it has joined the rank of luxury SUVs, offering buyers high-quality craftsmanship and materials. Today, the Land Rover Defender is available in multiple configurations and body styles. These include the three-door Defender 90, the five-door Defender 110, and the extended wheelbase Defender 130. All these versions get a wide array of powertrains, ranging from the 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder to the 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged diesel 6-cylinder to a mighty 5.0-litre supercharged V8 to a 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8.
Besides its powertrains and offroad chops, the Defender gets a unique British touch, boasting a refined interior that can seat up to eight passengers (Defender 130). While it’s more rugged than most SUVs on this list, the Defender gets high-quality interior materials and upholstery. Like most modern SUVs, the Defender also gets a large 11.4-inch infotainment touchscreen and a 14-speaker sound system (in higher trims). All this boils down to a starting price of around KSh 7.5 million (before import and taxes) for the new 2025 models. However, the used market has models selling from as low as KSh 5 million (before import and taxes).
Suggested:
6. Mercedes-Benz GLS
The GLS is the S Class of Mercedes-Benz SUVs. it sits at the top of the brand’s SUV lineup and is available in a variety of configurations, including the AMG GLS 63 and the Maybach GLS. It has been around since the start of the 21st century and is currently in its third generation. the GLS mainly boasts three petrol-powered trims in the Kenyan market: the GLS 450 with a 3.0-litre V6, the GLS 580 with a 4.0-litre V8, and the GLS 63 AMG with a more powerful V8. Fortunately, you can also import GLS models with the OM 656 diesel engine like the GLS 350 d, 400 d, and 450 d models. These models boast 286 hp, 330 hp, and 369 hp, respectively.
In addition, to better keep up with its S Class for SUVs mantra, the GLS offers an array of luxury features. Some include standard leather upholstery, heated front seats, adjustable ambient lighting, a premium Burmester sound system, a wireless charger, and a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen. For the rear passengers, Mercedes-Benz integrates two 11.6-inch touchscreens, ideal for music, movies, and internet browsing.
5. BMW X7
BMW’s X7 is one of the newest luxury European SUVs in the market. Introduced in 2019, the X7 has two looks, with a facelift being introduced in 2022. Since its introduction, the lineup has had a selection of petrol and diesel engines, with the most modern trims including xDrive40i, xDrive40d, and M60i xDrive. As for the earlier models, the trims included: xDrive30d, xDrive40i, and M50d.
Besides having a wide array of trims, the X7 also boasted an array of standard features including a full leather interior, a large panoramic moonroof, self-levelling air suspension, heated front seats, a heads-up display, and wireless charging. As for the infotainment, the earlier models featured two 12.3-inch displays. However, the modern models feature a large 14.9-inch touchscreen. To make the X7 even more driver-focused, BMW also offered optional features, including a Cold Weather package with five-zone climate control and rear heated seats.
Suggested:
4. Mercedes-Benz G-Class
The G-Class also referred to as the G-Wagon is a luxury European SUV that combines a distinctive design and opulent features with rugged offroad capabilities. Introduced in the late ‘70s, the G-Class has had a variety of upgrades while still retaining its iconic design. Today, the G-Class is available in an array of trims, including G450 d, G500, and the AMG G 63. Mercedes also offers an all-new electric G-Class, selling under the G 580 moniker.
While the lineup features a utilitarian interior, the Glass gets a wealth of interior equipment and space. As standard, mercedes-benz equips the G-Class lineup with a Burmester sound system, a digital instrument panel, a wireless charging pad, a 12.3-inch infotainment display, leather upholstery, and ambient lighting. To make it even more unique, Mercedes offers a variety of optional upgrades, including ventilated front seats, Nappa leather upholstery, a microfiber headliner, and multi-contour front seats with massage.
3. Land Rover Range Rover
Land Rover is famous for producing legendary SUVs like the Defender and Range Rover. The Range Rover sits at the top of the Land Rover SUV lineup, promising not only the best luxury features but also a premium price tag. Launched in the ‘70s, this premium luxury SUV is currently in its fifth generation. The modern Range Rover, introduced in 2021 for the 2022 model year, offers a new, modern design and enhanced luxury features.
Unlike most of its rivals, the Range Rover also gets a selection of diesel, petrol, and plug-in hybrid powertrains, including the mighty BMW-sourced 4.4-litre V8 with 523 hp and 750 Nm of torque. This feature-packed luxury SUV also offers standard options like all-wheel steering, adaptive air suspension, a panoramic moonroof, heated/power front seats, an active rear differential, and leather upholstery. Its infotainment system consists of a 13.1-inch touchscreen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
2. Bentley Bentayga
The Bentayga is Bentley’s go-anywhere luxury SUV. It competes with the best luxury SUVs in the world, including the Range Rover, Mercedes-Maybach GLS, and the Rolls-Royce Cullinan. This go-anywhere machine was introduced in late 2015, sharing its platform with other Volkswagen Group SUVs like the Toureg, Q7, and Cayenne. However, unlike these SUVs, the Bentayga has a unique British touch, boasting exquisite materials and the brand’s topping W12 engine.
While it has only been around for one generation, Bentley facelifted the Bentayga in 2020, giving it a revised interior, infotainment, and rear end to match its siblings. While the earlier Bentayga models enjoyed the gusto of the W12 engine, the latest models have to make do with the V8. However, the V8 is no slouch with its 542 ponies. In addition to performance, the Bentayga promises unparalleled opulence, boasting features like a luxurious leather interior, and ambient lighting. Bentley also offers an extensive range of customisation options, allowing every owner to go berserk with their Bentayga.
1. Rolls-Royce Cullinan
For decades, Rolls-Royce has been the epitome of automotive excellence. The brand boasts a luxurious array of vehicles, ranging from the Ghost to the extensive Phantom. With brands like Bentley and Mercedes-Maybach taking the praise for luxury SUVs, it was only a matter of time before Rolls-Royce took the share of its cake with the Cullinan. Introduced in 2018 for the 2019 model year, the Cullinan has been the ‘Rolls-Royce of SUVs. It is the pinnacle of luxury SUVs, thanks to its curated interior and a 6.75-liter twin-turbocharged V12 engine.
Despite being a dizzyingly expensive SUV, the Cullinan has a host of pampering features. These include soft leather, lamb wool carpeting, sleek veneer trim, and milled aluminium accents. Buyers also get unlimited configuration options, even fitting options like the deployable picnic tables for the rear seats and a Viewing Suite with a cocktail table.