Omitting super elite brands such as Bentley, Maybach, Rolls-Royce, Ferrari and Lamborghini, the latter of which should have a luxury SUV as they have a rich heritage in the genre, as well as not mentioning Maserati that has a sport utility in development.
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| Will Lamborghini return to the hot luxury SUV scene with an updated version of the LM002? (Photo: Automobili Lamborghini SpA) |
Audi and Saab are the only two automakers without 4x4s. The former offers a wonderfully capable alternative in its allroad wagon, but it isn't a true SUV.
What is the result of such a foible? Both Audi and Saab have the lowest sales in the U.S. mainstream market at 7,857 and 4,702 units sold respectively. While Audi reported has an SUV on the way Saab's will no doubt take a while to hit the market. What's worse is the Swedish brand's off-roader will be nothing more than a reworked Chevy Trailblazer - hardly enticing for Saab's discriminating clientele. Do you smell a whiff of desperation here?
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| Even Volkswagen is getting into the act with their new near-luxury Touareg. (Photo: Volkswagen) |
And they should be desperate. Without at least one SUV model a premium brand is nothing. It doesn't stand a chance to compete in overall sales, with most unable to maintain profitability.
It should be noted that not all luxury SUVs have been mentioned. Near-luxury brand Volkswagen has also recently entered the market with its decadently equipped and extremely versatile Touareg, while the Jeep Grand Cherokee, probably the oldest luxury SUV of the lot excepting the Range Rover, is revered more in Europe as a luxury brand than on its home continent.
All in all luxury sport utility sales look to be trending upward steadily, with no end in sight.