Summer is almost upon us, which means that all-new 2010 models will begin heading to showrooms. With overall auto sales down, especially in the sport utility vehicle segment, there’s plenty riding on the new 2010 models. Here are just a few of the top new SUV picks for the 2o10 model year. Despite consumers steering clear of SUVs, these latest models will surely be enough to excite interest among consumers.
Mercedes-Benz ML450 Hybrid – Frugality and luxury in unison.
Hybrid technology has slowly been creeping into nearly every product segment. One of the recent vehicles to offer a hybrid variant is the Mercedes-Benz ML. The 2010 ML450 Hybrid debuted recently at the New York auto show and will be available this December. Powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine and two electric motors, combined the ML450 Hybrid produces a total of 335 horsepower and 381 lb ft of toque. While the power can easily propel the ML to 60 miles per hour in 7.8 seconds, it’s also frugal enough to earn about 22 miles per gallon in mixed driving. For those drivers that want a vehicle that maximizes fuel efficiency beyond the ML320 Bluetec, the ML450 Hybrid may be the ideal choice.
2010 Range Rover Sport – Upgraded in all the right places.
For 2010 the Range Rover Sport benefits from a midlife update which includes a new front fascia, lower grille, headlights, bumper, and front fenders. Inside, Land Rover wanted to provide the Sport with a more posh environment and has also added a new dash, seat, door panels, keyless navigation, and even shift paddles. But as Land Rover’s performance-oriented model, the biggest updates are under the hood. For 2010 Land Rover has ditched the 4.4-liter V8 engine in favor of a 5.0-liter direct-injected V8 along with a supercharged variant which produce 375 horsepower and 375 lb ft of toque and 510 hp and 461 lb ft respectively. Thanks to the bump in power, the Range Rover Sport can sprint to 60 mph in 7.2 seconds with the standard engine, and 5.9 seconds when supercharged. New brakes and adaptive dampers compliment the added power. Look for the 2010 Range Rover Sport in showrooms in October.
2010 BMW X5/X6 M – There can never be too much of a good thing.
The BMW X5 and X6 are among the funnest SUVs to drive thanks to their overwhelming power, crisp handling, and responsive braking. But for 2010, there’s even more to love from these two SUVs because they receive the full M treatment. This treatment includes a twin-turbocharged V8 engine that produces 550 horsepower and 500 lb ft of torque. Mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, the power promises to leave the Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG and the Porsche Cayenne Turbo in their dust. Sure the 550 horsepower may seem over the top, but the 2010 BMW X5 M and X6 M can reach M3 speeds yet still provide room for the entire family.
2010 Land Rover LR4 – Civilizing the quintessential off-roader.
Like the 2010 Range Rover Sport, the Land Rover LR3 also gets an update for 2010. The update includes an all-new name as the SUV will become the LR4 to signify that its the fourth generation Discovery, as it’s known outside of the U.S. market. Like the Range Rover Sport, the LR4 gets modest cosmetic updates that include a new grille, bumper, and headlights. More dramatic changes are on the inside, where Land Rover wanted to provide drivers with less of a utilitarian look and more of a supple, luxurious environment. To achieve this, the LR4 now has new door panels, instrument cluster, and softer materials. There’s also a keyless ignition system and available 360 degree camera system. The LR4 will also receive a new 5.0-liter direct injection V8 which products 375 hp and 375 lb ft of torque. The increase in power is also complimented with new brakes, suspension, and dampers. Expect to see the LR4 in October.
2010 Volvo XC60 – Safety feature-laden SUV for the urban driver.
The luxury compact crossover segment is one of the most competitive segments these days. With more consumers wanting to combine luxury, utility, and efficiency, it’s no surprise that Volvo is coming out with a compact SUV of its own. Powering the XC60 is a 3.0-liter inline turbocharged six cylinder engine that produces 281 hp and 296 lb ft of toque. While weighing in at a healthy 4200 lbs and offering some of the largest dimensions in its class, performance is not this SUV’s strength. Unfortunately, neither is efficiency as the XC60 is rated at 15 mpg city and 22 mpg highway. But as with any Volvo, buyers can rest assured that the XC60 comes with Volvo’s latest safety innovations. The most notable is Volvo’s new City Safety System which uses sensors in the windshield to measure the closing rate of the vehicle in front of the XC60. If the system senses the likeliness of an impact, it will automatically stop the vehicle if it;s traveling at speeds of up to 19 mph. For the safety conscious driver, the 2010 Volvo XC60 packs outstanding technology that can minimize the risk of a collision.
More from Import RPM:
- Baby Range Rover Receives Green Light
- Land Rover Unveils 2012 Range Rover Evoque
- Next Generation Range Rover Lightens Up
- 2011 Mercedes R-Class Drops The Minivan Look
- Sporty, Sexy, and Swedish: 2011 Volvo V60 Sports Wagon Debuts
Did you enjoy this article? Please subscribe to this import car blog via RSS or via EMAIL to receive all the updates!
