SUVs and crossovers aren’t just surging in popularity — the vehicles are becoming flagship models and often garner more excitement than sedans. Some SUV concepts even preview the future design direction for automakers, a task once reserved for cars. The 2018 North American International Auto Show in Detroit showcased the latest SUV and crossover debuts from automakers, including a turbocharged, all-wheel-drive rocket and an unstoppable off-roader.
Keep reading to see what SUVs and crossovers made their debuts at the 2018 Detroit auto show.
Lexus LF-1 Limitless Concept
The LF-1 Limitless concept is a preview of the Lexus’ next flagship vehicle, a sporty-looking crossover with a stretched hood and long dash-to-axle ratio. Revealed in Detroit, the LF-1 shares the same GA-L platform that the LS and LC ride on but is taller, wider, and offers 8.5 inches of ground clearance. The platform is versatile enough for gasoline, hybrid, electric, and fuel cell powertrains. However, don’t expect three rows in the production version—Lexus plans to keep the LF-1’s production version a two-row machine.
To save space, drive, park, and reverse buttons are located on the bottom of the steering wheel, and activating Sport mode and various AWD modes are done by gesture control. We expect to see the production version of the LF-1 Limitless concept in production by 2021 with a starting price around $75,000.
2019 Lamborghini Urus
Making its North American debut, Lamborghini’s first-ever SUV is bold and fast, just as we’d expect from the exotic supercar maker. Under the hood is a 650-hp, 627-lb-ft 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 backed by an eight-speed automatic that delivers power to a torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system. Lamborghini claims that the five-seater (which can also be a four-seater) can hit 62 mph in a very quick 3.6 seconds on its way to a top speed of 186 mph. Stopping the Urus is a braking system consisting of 10-piston front calipers clamping down on 17.3-inch carbon-ceramic rotors and four-piston rear calipers clamping on 14.6-inch rotors.
For improved performance, the Urus will come equipped with rear-wheel steering, an adaptive air suspension, and active anti-roll stabilization. Like most Lamborghinis, the Urus is very customizable, offering 14 exterior colors, 15 interior leather colors, six interior Alcantara colors, hexagon or ribbed seat quilting, various interior trim choices, embossed headrests, exhaust tips in four finishes, multiple caliper colors, and a selection of wheel designs in 21-, 22-, and 23-inch sizes.
2019 Mercedes-Benz G-Class
Mercedes-Benz’s unstoppable off-roader enters a new generation featuring a redesigned interior, a new independent front suspension, a new nine-speed automatic transmission, a new G-Mode driving mode, increased interior room, an improved on-road ride, and a revised powertrain layout for greater off-road capability. The SUV still retains its standard 416-hp, 450-lb-ft 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8, three fully locking differentials, and the four-wheel-drive system with low-range gear reduction.
The 2019 G-Glass will come well equipped with 19-inch wheels, a Burmester Surround Sound system, a 12.3-inch center display, a moonroof, leather upholstery with heated seats, three-zone climate control, a 64-color ambient lighting system, and LED headlights. The Mercedes can be optioned with a widescreen cockpit (an additional 12.3-inch instrument panel display), an adjustable suspension, a rear-seat entertainment package, 20-inch wheels, and an AMG Line Exterior package. Expect to see the entry-level G550 model hit showrooms in late 2018.
2019 Ford Edge and Edge ST
Ford unveiled the refreshed Edge lineup in Detroit, but the big news is the all-new performance-driven Edge ST model that packs a potent 2.7-liter twin-turbo V-6 engine that produces 335 hp and 380-lb-ft of torque. That tops the Edge Sport’s output by 20 hp and 30 lb-ft. A new eight-speed automatic transmission routes power to the standard all-wheel-drive system with selectable traction control. Like other ST models, the sport-tuned suspension should provide fun handling dynamics and the optional performance brake package will likely offer good stopping power. A new Sport mode, wheel-mounted paddle shifters, larger seat bolstering, and available 21-inch wheels (20-inch wheels are standard) complements the Edge ST’s sportiness.
The refreshed non-ST Edge is powered by a standard 250-hp EcoBoost 2.0-liter turbo-four engine and receives more technology, new driver assist features, the eight-speed automatic, a new rotary shifter, standard LED headlights, and a redesigned center console, grille, and front fascia.
2018 BMW X2
The new BMW X2 crossover makes its North American auto show debut in Detroit, packing a 2.0-liter turbo-four engine that pumps out 248 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque. With an eight-speed automatic and standard all-wheel-drive, BMW claims a quick 6.3-second 0-60-mph time. Unlike the X4 and X6 coupelike SUVs, the X2 does not have a fastback roofline. Although the X1 and X2 share the same wheelbase, the X2 is 3.2 inches shorter and rides 2.8 inches lower.
A suite of driver-assist safety features is available, and LED headlights and taillights are standard. The M Sport X package adds a sport-tuned automatic transmission and paddle shifters, unique bumpers, and sporty exterior trim pieces. An M-sport suspension, adaptive dampers, an M spoiler, and a 20-inch wheel option are available. Expect to see the BMW X2 xDrive28i on sale this spring.
Nissan Xmotion Concept
Nissan’s Xmotion crossover concept takes a look at the automaker’s future design language beyond 2020. The Xmotion (pronounced cross motion) showcases the evolution of Nissan’s V-motion grille and boomerang headlights while the U-shaped body sides offer a fresh look. The tool-inspired 21-inch aluminum alloy wheels and all-terrain tires are one piece, with the tire tread laminated over the wheels.
Inside, the 4+2 interior layout of the Xmotion consists of three rows of side-by-side individual seats. The concept has a total of seven monitors that can be controlled with gestures and eye movements, just like the infotainment system can. Fingerprint authentication starts the car, and a virtual personal assistant—that takes the shape of a koi fish—pops out on the main display and links any smart devices to the car. Once a destination is recognized, the ProPilot autonomous drive system takes over.
2019 Acura RDX Prototype
The 2019 Acura RDX Prototype made its debut in Detroit, and it’s hardly a concept. The near-production-ready example sports Acura’s signature diamond pentagon grille, the next-generation of Acura Jewel Eye LED headlights, and a more aggressive look, thanks to a wider track, longer wheelbase, and shorter front overhang. Acura drops the V-6 and six-speed automatic in favor of a 2.0-liter turbo-four engine backed by a 10-speed automatic, similar to the unit found in the redesigned Honda Accord 2.0T.
Acura’s torque vectoring Super-Handling All Wheel Drive system returns to the 2019 RDX, and a sporty A-Spec trim will be available, a first for an Acura crossover. Acura also introduced the new True Touchpad Interface control system, a high-mounted 10.2-inch high-definition center display, and an available head-up display. The 2019 RDX will come equipped with AcuraWatch, a suite of driver-assist safety features, and will be available with AcuraLink, which features a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hot spot.
2019 Jeep Cherokee
Jeep is showing off the Cherokee’s redesigned front fascia, hood, and LED headlights in Detroit. The refreshed 2019 Jeep Cherokee also offers a new lightweight, hands-free power liftgate, five new wheel designs, and an available dual-pane sunroof. The newsmaker is the new 2.0-liter turbo-four engine—the same unit found in the redesigned 2018 Wrangler—that produces 270 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque and is backed by a nine-speed automatic. The 3.2-liter Pentastar V-6 and 2.4-liter I-4 carry over.
The 2019 Cherokee’s cargo area grew 3 inches in width, now offering over 27 cubic feet of cargo room versus the outgoing model’s 24.6 cubic feet. The Cherokee is still very capable, thanks to the latest generation of Jeep Active Drive I, Jeep Active Drive II, and Jeep Active Drive Lock all-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive systems and the five-mode Jeep Selec-Terrain traction control system.
GAC Enverge EV Concept
Making its debut without front windows and with McLaren-like doors, the Enverge—the all-electric SUV concept from Chinese automaker GAC—is claimed to travel up to a claimed 370 miles on a full charge, thanks to a 71-kWh battery pack. GAC has plans to enter the North American market late next year, starting with a redesigned version of a three-row SUV currently called the Trumpchi GS8.
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