With SUVs now being so popular, today’s automakers are putting a lot of effort into developing fresh and exciting models. Here are six concept SUVs that promise to get you excited for the future.
Volvo XC90 Concept Coupe
Volvo designed the XC90 Concept Coupe for the drivers who enjoy an active lifestyle. You’ll immediately notice the two-door crossover’s sleek exterior appearance. A long hood and pavement-hugging stance make it look like a genuine sports car. Meanwhile, a set of 21-inch alloy wheels give the XC90 Concept Coupe an even more powerful road presence. Although Volvo hasn’t revealed the SUV’s official cost, it’ll likely start at around $35,000.
Expect the Volvo XC90 Concept Coupe to have an engine lineup similar to that of the current XC90 crossover. While the base turbocharged four-cylinder engine cranks out 250 horsepower, the combination of a turbocharger and a supercharger enable the upgraded engine to produce a more exhilarating 316 horsepower. Fuel economy could top out at nearly 30 mpg on the highway. An available AWD system transforms the XC90 Concept Coupe into a surefooted winter vehicle. Handling should also be a strong point for the XC90 Concept Coupe.
On the inside, the XC90 Concept Coupe will offer enough space for up to four people. Although the SUV isn’t as practical as a four-door model, wide doors ensure fairly easy access to the rear seats. Some of the likely upgrades include a 12.3-inch touchscreen, a 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins sound system, and a 360-degree parking camera. As expected, passenger safety remains a top priority for the XC90 Concept Coupe. Super-strength metals help promote the maximum impact protection. Buyers will also have access to a long list of advanced safety technologies. Volvo Pilot Assist II enables the crossover to essentially driver itself in certain situations.
Genesis GV80
Scheduled to hit the American market next year, the Genesis GV80 will be the automaker’s first luxury SUV. Although pricing details on the Genesis GV80 aren’t available, you can expect it to offer class-leading value. Rivals, such as the BMW X7 and the Mercedes-Benz GLS, have already been put on notice. A lot of drivers will be drawn to the SUV’s breathtaking design. Twin-strip LED headlamps and a mesh grille give the concept an especially striking appearance.
The base power source for the Genesis GV80 will likely be a familiar V6 engine. It develops a healthy 311 horsepower and 293 pound-feet of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission will come standard throughout the lineup. Developing a total of 420 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque, Hyundai’s muscular V8 engine may be offered as an option. To bolster efficiency, a hydrogen fuel cell powertrain could be offered as well. Despite being a full-size crossover, the Genesis GV80 is engineered to drive more like a sedan opposed to a traditional SUV.
In the eyes of many people, the Genesis GV80’s interior is just as exciting. It looks remarkably stylish and sophisticated. There’s certainly plenty of space for families to stretch out. Among the concept’s coolest features is its 22-inch infotainment display, which spans nearly the entire dashboard. Meanwhile, children will love the GV80’s touchscreen entertainment system. All the automaker’s newest advanced safety technologies will be available.
Nissan XMotion
A lot of people are hoping that the Nissan XMotion is eventually released. While the XMotion is loaded with luxurious features, it looks incredibly rugged. All-terrain tires and a large V-Motion grille accentuate this crossover’s bold appearance. Bulked-up fenders also help the Nissan XMotion to stand out from the crowd. It should appeal to the drivers who’re looking to take a serious off-road adventure. Some of the key competitors include the Toyota 4Runner, the next-generation Ford Bronco, and the Jeep Wrangler JL.
Nissan didn’t provide a lot of information about the XMotion’s performance specs. However, some insiders think Nissan will use its new VC-Turbo engine. The cutting-edge engine has the ability to change its compression ratio according to the demands of the driver. This equates to an amazing balance of power and efficiency. When you decide to travel off the beaten path, you can count on the Nissan XMotion to inspire a great deal of competition. Some of the anticipated off-road goodies include a locking differential, a low-range 4WD setting, and protective skid plates.
If you like edgy interior designs, the Nissan XMotion is bound to catch your eye. Its cabin is built to depict a Japanese river. Suicide doors enable everyone to easily climb inside. Despite the Nissan XMotion’s compact dimensions, it can accommodate up to six people. There’s also more than enough technology to keep you and your passengers happy. A total of seven display screens line the cabin. Instead of a regular push-button ignition, the XMotion comes equipped with fingerprint identification.
Jaguar I-Pace
The new Jaguar I-Pace is a true game changer. Not only does this all-electric crossover eliminate the need to use gas, but it also comes loaded with a long list of luxurious features. Attention-grabbing exterior styling makes the I-Pace even more appealing. A dramatic hood scoop and sporty front fascia highlight the I-Pace’s athletic appearance. According to Jaguar, you can expect the new I-Pace to hit dealerships this fall. Prices start at $69,500, which is not a bad deal for such a revolutionary vehicle.
Although the Jaguar I-Pace is an eco-friendly crossover, it packs a great deal of performance. Advanced electric motors enable the I-Pace to develop 394 horsepower and a formidable 512 pound-feet of torque. Acceleration is especially quick. When tested, it ripped a scorching 0-60 time of 4.5 seconds. Aside from improving traction in bad weather, the crossover’s performance-tuned AWD system aids handling. On the other hand, an air suspension helps the I-Pace to deliver a smooth ride on the road. You can definitely take advantage of the electric-powered SUV’s 240-mile driving range. If you don’t have a lot of time to spare, the optional 100-kW DC fast charger will enable you to replenish its battery in less than an hour.
Jaguar built the new I-Pace to provide everyday comfort. Up to five people will be able to enjoy the ride. A lot of modern features are found inside the I-Pace. Boasting a high-resolution screen, the interactive driver display provides valuable data such as battery life and 3D maps. Meanwhile, music fans will appreciate the amplified Meridian audio system’s clarity. The Jaguar I-Pace also benefits from some clever safety innovations. To ensure that pedestrians remain aware of the quiet crossover’s presence, Jaguar equipped it with an external sound system. Meanwhile, adaptive cruise control with steering assist makes traveling on packed highways less stressful. Some of the other driver-assist technologies include automatic emergency braking, traffic sign recognition, and a drowsiness monitor.
Buick Enspire
Buick’s new Enspire SUV is a concept car that combines next-generation design features with the traditional quality associated with the Buick brand. The vehicle’s exterior appearance is quite sleek and futuristic, without crossing the line into being gaudy. Inside, drivers will find a wide range of premium materials and spacious seating to make even long drives comfortable. So far, pricing information has not been released by Buick for the Enspire, but experts believe that it will fall somewhere around the $50,000 price range.
The Enspire’s new all-electric drivetrain is built for power and a great driving experience. This drivetrain is capable of producing 550 horsepower and going from 0-60 in the space of just four seconds. Even more impressive is the fact that the Buick Enspire’s battery gives it a range of 370 miles on a full charge. Unlike some more traditional EVs, however, the Buick Enspire doesn’t take very long to charge. In fact, the battery can be charged to 80 percent in just 40 minutes.
Though its performance and range are impressive, the most innovative elements of the Buick Enspire concept SUV are to be found in its safety and entertainment features. The Enspire comes equipped with an advanced augmented reality head-up display, a feature which integrates the vehicle’s entire information system directly into the driver’s view of the road. In addition to this rather impressive display, the Enspire is also equipped with next-generation 5G Internet connectivity. Rounding out the infotainment system is an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) infotainment screen.
Though introduced in 2018, the Buick Enspire will not be released to consumers until 2019. The Enspire will initially be released to the Chinese market but will be made available worldwide at a later date.
Nissan Terra
Nissan’s new Terra SUV is an SUV built on the company’s popular Navara pickup truck model, with which it shares much of its general appearance. Unlike some concept SUVs that are preparing to release worldwide, the Terra is a vehicle designed specifically for the Asian market. The Terra, which is already available in for sale in the Philippines, is priced starting at 1,499,000 Philippine pesos. At the time of this writing, that price equates to roughly $28,270, which is a likely starting price range should the Terra ever find its way into the American auto market.
Compared to some of the concept SUVs on this list, the Terra is a bit under powered. The turbo diesel engine on the Terra can put out a maximum of 190 horsepower. It’s important to remember, though, that the Nissan Terra was made specifically for Asian countries, where cars with less power are generally favored. In fact, in the Philippines, the Terra has the best acceleration performance in its entire class. This SUV can also be equipped with either a seven-speed automatic or six-speed manual transmission, either or which does help to compensate for the somewhat low power of the engine itself. The Terra gets approximately 12.7 kilometers to a liter, which translates to 29.8 miles per gallon.
Unlike many concept SUVs, particularly, the Buick Enspire, the Nissan Terra is quite spartan in terms of infotainment features. This is largely by design, as the goal for introducing the Terra in the Philippines was to create a relatively inexpensive and utilitarian vehicle, whereas the American market is much more focused on technology and entertainment features. It does, however, offer a fairly comprehensive suite of safety features, including:
- Blind spot monitoring
- Lane departure warnings
- Rear view camera
Overall, the Nissan Terra is a vehicle that is excellent by the standards of the market into which it’s being sold, but which doesn’t stand up as well when compared to American market SUVs. At this point, there are no moves afoot to bring the Terra to American dealerships. With that said, there has been speculation that the Nissan XTerra, a popular SUV in America that was discontinued in 2015, may be coming back as the company continues to bulk up its SUV offerings.