Mercedes-Benz released three new high-end SUVs in South Africa this month.
These are the Mercedes-AMG GLE 53, GLE 63 S, and GLS 63.
The “cheapest” new model out of the three is the GLE 53, which has a South African starting price of R1.8 million.
What you get for this sum is a leather and carbon-clad cabin with huge infotainment displays and a six-cylinder engine with a mild-hybrid system under the hood.
Selecting the next specification, the GLE 63 S, will cost you R2,9 million.
It gets a similar cabin to its cheaper sibling, but the extra million rand goes into stitching two more cylinders onto the engine, and arranging them all in a V formation.
The result is a 2.4-tonne SUV that puts out 466kW of power and 850Nm of torque.
This will let it accelerate from 0-100km/h in 3.8 seconds, and onto a top speed of 280km/h.
If this is still not enough, and you want the S-class of SUVs, then you will need to part with R3.1 million to get the Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 4MATIC+.
The GLS improves upon the GLE in almost every way, with enhanced exterior looks, a pristine interior, and an atmosphere of authority.
It also generates a healthy 466kW and 850Nm, sprints from 0-100km/h in 4.2 seconds, and weighs in at a staggering 2,630kg.
R3-million competition
A surprisingly low number of manufacturers produce vehicles that cost over R3 million.
This segment is dominated by the European brands and features high-performance and ultra-luxury vehicles.
Using TopAuto Car Prices, we found the coolest SUVs which will compete against the super SUVs from Mercedes-Benz.
To provide a more comprehensive overview, we loosened our budget to include everything from R2 million to R3 million.
Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk
- Price – R2,199,000
- Power – 522kW/875Nm
- 0-100km/h – 3.5 seconds
Audi RS Q8 Quattro
- Price – R2,354,500
- Power – 441kW/800Nm
- 0-100km/h – 3.8 seconds
Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600
- Price – R2,939,800
- Power – 410kW/730Nm
- 0-100km/h – 4.9 seconds
BMW X5 M Competition First Edition
- Price – R2,993,458
- Power – 460kW/750Nm
- 0-100km/h – 3.8 seconds
Maserati Levante GTS
- Price – R3,042,000
- Power – 390kW/730Nm
- 0-100km/h – 4.3 seconds
Porsche Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid Coupe
- Price – R3,075,000
- Power – 500kW/900Nm
- 0-100km/h – 3.8 seconds
Range Rover Autobiography P400e
- Price – R3,098,800
- Power – 297kW/640Nm
- 0-100km/h – 6.8 seconds
Keyword: The Super SUVs you can buy for R3 million