5 Luxury SUVs Actually Built to Go Off-Road / by Lauren Steele

When it comes to 4x4s that get you off the beaten path and into your next adventure, practicality always trumps luxury. But if you have enough money to not fear scratching the paint on a half-million dollar SUV, why not splurge? These five extravagant, adept, and badass SUVs are the best — and most expensive — vehicles you’ll find off road.

BMW Customized X5 xDrive50i

With 445 horsepower and an 8-speed transmission, the top X5 gets even better with a BMW's custom build program. Eric Riehle, Accessories Manager BMW North America, says there are a few key features that he recommends for adventurers: The roof rack system ($295 for the base) is compatible to carry bikes, skis, kayaks, and other cargo. Drivers can also add a CFC-free electric cooler bag ($150) designed for sub-zero temps that'll keep your beers (or food) cold all day. One more favorite option: the cold weather package ($550) that adds a heated steering wheel and seats, for your winter exploits. [From $71,500; bmwusa.com]

Mercedes G 350 d Professional

New for 2017, the new G‑Class truck is designed for pure off-road performance. It replaces the G 300 CDI and conveniently hits the trail just as the Land Rover Defender goes out of production. It features a ladder-type frame body, permanent all-wheel drive with off-road ratio, greater ground clearance, a boost to 245 horsepower from the G 300, and three selectable 100‑percent differential locks. Completing the off-road package is an anti-slip floor and a drain, so mud can easily be sprayed down at the end of a long day. [From $89,000; mercedes-benz.com]                 

Bentley Bentayga

The Bentley Bentayga (AKA the fastest production SUV on the market) can be morphed into the ultimate adventure-mobile for any endeavor. For one early model of the vehicle, Bentley dedicated the design to fly-fishing. The cargo hold was occupied by a Mulliner bespoke fly fishing kit — complete with customized rods, reels, flies, and a built-in cooler. “We can create a Bentayga that accommodates any sport,” Geoff Dowding, the director of Mulliner, Bentley's custom design shop. “We can create a Bentayge specific for cycling, golfing, shooting, or whatever an owner’s passion is.” [From $229,100; bentleymotors.com]

Holland & Holland Range Rover

Jaguar Land Rover Special Vehicles Operations developed a limited-edition Range Rover in partnership with Holland & Holland, the British sporting-gun manufacturer. Painted forest green, the gun maker’s signature color, the Range Rover displays several decorative elements modeled after the company’s firearms. The SUV is powered by a supercharged V-8 that produces 550 horsepower and 502 foot-pounds of torque, meaning it can take you all the places an off-roading Range Rover is meant to. Only 120 of these vehicles will be manufactured, with a mere 30 to be sold in the U.S. [From $244,500; hollandandholland.com]

Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG 6x6

This 5.5 liter V-8 diesel beast came from an Australian military concept, and its ability to tackle extreme environmental features like sand dunes, jutting rocks, and Geo-sized potholes makes it both impressive and ridiculously expensive. But you’re paying for 9,000 pounds and 19 total feet of length of SUV with six wheels perched on 37-inch tires — if you can find one. Mercedes halted production in 2015, allegedly to maintain exclusivity, and never exported to the U.S. to begin with. But if you've got more than a half million to spare, maybe you can figure out how to get one into your garage. [From $625,000; mercedes-benz.com]