SUV innovations 2025 with combustion engine and electric drive

Even though electric vehicle registrations are currently weakening in many countries and it seems certain that combustion engines – at least with partial electrification – will remain on the roads for much longer than many had imagined, one trend is unbroken: small cars are being eliminated from more and more manufacturers’ portfolios. Instead, things are going in the other direction, as many car manufacturers are allowing their SUVs to grow by one or two classes.

The trend is towards giant SUVs – because of China and the USA

The reason for some of the impressive increases in size is obvious: while most SUV models are sufficiently dimensioned for the European markets, the situation is very different in the two mass markets of China and the USA. And since the fate of most models is decided right here, Europe no longer has much to say.

Porsche, for example, is working on a big brother to the Cayenne, because with just two rows of seats, the Stuttgart-based sports car manufacturer is losing a wealthy clientele for whom a five-meter crossover is simply too small. Audi has been working on a mighty Q9 for years, and BMW admits behind closed doors that the current BMW X7 – in contrast to the sporty power hybrid XM, which is very successful overall – could be a few centimeters bigger.

Even Porsche is working on the Maxi-Cayenne

This is particularly interesting for the luxury version of the new Alpina SUV, which is unlikely to reach customers before 2027. The situation is no different for models such as the Mercedes GLS or, even more so, the electric version of the Maybach EQS SUV. With individual seats, on-board entertainment and panoramic roofs, they all offer impressive luxury and features that leave little to be desired.

But when it comes to space, the US manufacturers have long been setting the pace. Jeep has not only added a long version to its Grand Cherokee, but has also brought the even bigger brother of the Grand Wagoneer back onto the road.

Big bruisers from Chevrolet, GMC, Jeep, Ford

The Chevrolet Tahoe offers even more space with its long version of the Suburban, which has had a firm place on American roads for decades. With a length of 5.71 meters, there is space for up to nine people or more than 4000 liters of luggage.

Luxurious individual seats with countless cup holders, separate air conditioning and USB and power connections, so that you can survive for a week in the 5.30 meter long luxury SUV without contact with the outside world. The brand offshoot GMC also offers the Yukon as a 5.71 meter long XL version, with the customer having the choice between a powerful eight-cylinder or an efficient three-liter diesel. To ensure that the driver has a clear view over this length, there are up to 13 cameras all around.

Ford, only a shadow of its former self in Europe, is successful in the USA not only with the mega-seller Ford F-150, but also with its numerous SUVs, including the luxurious Expedition or the even more elegant sister model of the Lincoln Navigator, a luxury lounge on wheels with a length of 5.33 meters.

Mazda brings the CX-80 to Europe

European manufacturers can no longer afford to miss out on this business and are making their models ever larger. Even Mazda, known for mostly going its own way, has recognized the signs of the times and is bringing the elegant luxury SUV CX-80 to Europe. The similarly constructed CX-90 is extremely successful in the USA and also has plenty of space for seven people and plenty of luggage.

Toyota plant with new large climber

Toyota also loves XXL off-road vehicles. In addition to the luxury Highlander model, there is now not only the Grand Highlander, but also the mighty Sequoia. Here, the well-known eight-cylinder engine has been replaced by a supercharged V6 twin-turbo with a hybrid module. This means that up to eight passengers can enjoy an impressive 437 hp.