It's amazing how expensive SUVs can get these days. But like any other segment in the automotive world, there are always those willing to pay top dollar to have the most blinged out, luxurious and even armored SUV at their disposal. And to be honest, we're jealous of them. Big time. And you should be too. SUVs can offer the best of all worlds: luxury, excellent performance, and off-roading ability that can help you survive human flesh-eating zombies and potential assassination attempts. These five SUVs are the objects of our poor man dreams.
There's no way the Dartz Prombron couldn't be included in this list. It's obnoxious in every way imaginable and there's a great likelihood it won't even fit in your garage. The Prombron is the vision of Leonard Yankelovich, or simply Leo, a Latvian visionary who's the owner and founder of Dartz. Customers can order their Prombron to match their needs and personal tastes. Whether it needs to be armored or plated in gold, Dartz can handle the job. Want a hot tub installed in the rear? No problem, but the Prombron ain't cheap. Expect to pay well over $1 million.
The Mercedes-Benz G Wagon dates all the way back to 1979 but still looks incredible today. Yes, it looks like a box but it's a true SUV in every sense. Over the years, it's retained its off-road capabilities while becoming a true luxury vehicle. It's been used by militaries and Hollywood celebrities alike, although for different purposes. But still, it's a timeless classic that we hope Mercedes won't discontinue anytime soon, despite rumors its demise is near. Our pick of the litter would be the G63 AMG with its 5.5-liter V8. Pricing for it starts at $134,300.
Yes, we know it hasn't been on the market for a couple of decades, but the Lamborghini LM002, or "Rambo Lambo", still holds a special place in our hearts. First developed as a potential military vehicle back in the late seventies, the LM002 could even be powered by a 7.2-liter V12 that was normally used for offshore power boats. It hit the civilian market in 1986 and only 328 were built by the time production ended in 1993. They weren't cheap then and aren't cheap today, even if you happen to find one at a reasonable price. The reason is that they're expensive to maintain since parts are rare.
The Range Rover just had to be on this list, so we picked the most expensive trim available of the outgoing generation. The Range Rover Autobiography costs over $130,000 and features duo-tone premium leather and unique exterior design cues such as the grille, vents and 20-inch diamond turned finish alloy wheels. Power comes from a supercharged 5.0-liter V8 producing 510 horsepower that'll take you from 0-60 mph in only 5.9 seconds. And like all Land Rovers, the Range Rover Autobiography can handle nearly any off-roading challenge. You'll be extremely comfortable relaxing in that cowhide interior when going over mountains.
The Conquest Knight SV is the only true competitor to the Dartz Prombron but it actually costs about less than half the amount. It can be ordered with any level of armoring as well as a variety of engines, such as a 6.7-liter Cummins diesel with 300 horsepower and 600 lb-ft of torque. For a price in the neighborhood of $630,000, owners can have features such as explosive protection system, a positive pressure system and oxygen survival kit in case of a chemical attack as well as plenty of interior luxury. There's also a black box, safe and fire extinguisher. We particularly dig the two-way PA/intercom system complete with loud speaker.