IT’S THE AGE OF THE MIGHTY SUV: FROM SUPERCHARGED LAND YACHTS TO NIMBLE, TRACK-CRUSHING CROSSOVERS, WE PRESENT THE YEAR’S HOTTEST HIGH ROLLERS

BY AMANDA McCOY

All vehicles are model year 2024 unless otherwise noted. Prices listed are manufacturer’s suggested retail price.

ROLLS-ROYCE BLACK BADGE CULLINAN

BLUE SHADOW EVERY HERO NEEDS A SIDEKICK, and each Blue Shadow comes with a matching car cover, high-end luggage set, and 1:8-scale model replica of the Cullinan.

SINK INTO IMMERSIVE SEATING with the center console option, spoiling rear seat passengers with massage functionality and replacing the center seat with a console that doubles as a cooling bin. Inside, you’ll find a pair of champagne flutes and a whiskey decanter.

THE EDGE OF SPACE HEADLINER offers a front-row seat to a starry galaxy. An embroidered moon, formed from 250,000 individual stitches, is surrounded by a sea of 1,183 hand woven twinkling stars (a Rolls’ first), blanketing the cabin in a gentle glow and transporting passengers to outer space.

Last year, the Good wood marque rolled out the red carpet for the latest stunner in its ultra-luxe coach building arm, a regal high-rider inspired by the Kármán Line, the invisible border located 62 miles above the earth that officially separates our world from the cosmos. At once commanding yet ethereal, the limited-edition carriage, based on Rolls’ full-sized SUV, is cloaked in a Stardust Blue hue and topped with a bespoke Spirit of Ecstasy hood ornamentation in titanium that’s finished in a blue-tinted lacquer to mimic the starry sky. In true Private Collection fashion, Rolls dove headfirst into the celestial theme; the interior fascia and door handles dubbed the Edge of Space features six layers of paint (five shades of blue mixed with midnight black) to produce a 3-D effect. A glass-infused clear coat adds further depth and luster. The fascia is then topped with an embedded timepiece, unique to the Private Collection, boasting light blue anodized details and Blue Shadow engraving. The buttery leather front and rear seats feature a galaxy-inspired mosaic of 75,000 individually placed perforations to imitate the picture of earth from space. The collection is limited to just 62 examples in the world, one for every mile from earth to the Kármán Line. Rolls didn’t reveal pricing, though the standard Cullinan starts at a meaty $374,000. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Paramus, 331 Rte 4, Paramus / 201.252.8001 / rollsroycemotorcarsparamus.com

PORSCHE CAYENNE TURBO GT

Regardless of its size, any vehicle bearing the Porsche crest will boast uber-precise handling and thrilling driving dynamics. Case in point: the Cayenne Turbo GT, the legendary German marque’s crossover SUV that twists and turns like a sports-sedan. While it’s not the most powerful Cayenne in the wolf pack (that honor goes to the plug-in Cayenne Coupe Turbo E-Hybrid with its 720 horses and 700 lb.-ft. of torque), but the 650-hp Turbo GT is the fastest, hurtling from 0-60 in 3.1 seconds, though Motor Trend clocked it at a mind-blowing 2.9 seconds. It breaches a quarter mile in 11.6 seconds and tops out at 189 mph, a dizzying feat for an SUV, but then again, auto dom wouldn’t expect anything less from the high-performance super-maker. What might appear as stylistic choices were very much intentional; the carbon fiber roof, for example, not only saves 48 lbs of weight as compared to the Cayenne’s traditional panoramic glass roof, but it also lowers the vehicle’s center of gravity, improving driving dynamics and reducing body roll. The GT also rides 17 mm lower than its brethren, while the active control systems have been modified to achieve optimum performance and handling. In short, pilots can certainly take the Turbo GT on grocery runs, but it was born for the track.

$196,300. Porsche Monmouth, 280 NJ 36, West Long Branch / 732.734.8505 porschemonmouth.com

STANDOUT EXTERIOR features include a more-pronounced front lip and larger front air intakes. The roof is crafted from carbon fiber and the upper rear wing sports carbon fiber side plates. There’s also an adaptive rear spoiler with a two-inch gurney flap.

INTERIOR UPGRADES span a top-end Burmester audio system that pumps 1,455 watts through 21 speakers, a rear-seat entertainment system with two ten-inch displays, and a 10.9-inch touchscreen for the front passenger.

THE 22-INCH PIRELLI P ZERO CORSA TIRES were developed specifically for the performance model, offering even more grip, enhanced performance, and a reduction in understeer.

SINCE THE AUTO WORLD CAN AGREE that two-door presentations are objectively sexier, the Purosangue does its best to emulate its coupe cousins with a pair of rear-hinged, coach-style doors that preserve a dual-door appearance while maximizing interior space.

TURN UP THE TUNES, because the standard Burmester 3-D High-End Surround Sound System o­ffers an immersive, primo-quality listening experience through 21 speakers, a ribbon tweeter (the first in a production car), and a subwoofer housed in its own closed cabinet for maximum bass clarity.

FERRARI PUROSANGUE

Sure, the Italian marque might eschew the term SUV, instead calling the ­first four-door in its 77-year history a 2+2, but labels aside, the highest riding Ferrari is all thrills. Its name, translated from Italian to thoroughbred, is an ode to Ferrari’s commitment to superscar purity. The ‘Sangue might look like an SUV, but at its core, it’s still a Ferrari. Under the hood, a ferocious 6.5-liter naturally aspirated V-12 engine commands 715 horses and 528 lb.-ft. of torque. Eighty percent of torque is available at low revs for lightning-fast o -the-line acceleration, garnering a track star-worthy 0-60 time of 3.2 seconds and top speed of 193. Ferrari’s latest adaptive suspension system is standard, which places an electric motor at each wheel for the same razor-sharp cornering prowess one would expect from the Prancing Horse emblem. The system proactively exerts force in anticipation of changing road surfaces and driver inputs. Fuel economy is…not the hotback’s selling point, but the Purosangue never claimed to be a Prius. $402,050. Ferrari of Central New Jersey, 816 Route 1 North, Edison / 732.248.9100 / ferrariofcentralnj.com

BUYERS HAVE THE CHOICE BETWEEN TWO ROOF OPTIONS: a carbon fiber roof panel is standard, or go full glass with the full-length electrochromic roof that can switch from transparent to opaque with the touch of a button.

Front 3/4 shot of 2024 GMC HUMMER EV SUV in Moonshot Green Matte overlooking mountain vista.

GMC HUMMER EV SUV EDITION 1

Once a celebrity-favorited beacon of glutton and excess that guzzled petrol like water in a desert, the prodigal Hummer was resurrected in 2022 as an (pause for anticipation) all-electric rider. First released in 1992 as the civilian variant of the military’s Humvee, the Hummer is one of the most iconic examples of the cultural zeitgeist of the ‘90s and early aughts in the United States, and its successor similarly captures the present moment: big and bad, yes, but economically efficient and technologically advanced. GMC’s EV super truck boasts a tri-motor all-wheel-drive system that, collectively, cranks out up to 1,000 horsepower and 11,500 lb-ft of torque with a heart-throbbingly quick 0-60 time of 3 seconds ‑ at with Watts to Freedom Mode engaged (for reference, the Lamborghini Urus hits 0-60 in 3.1 seconds), while the newly minted SUV variant (which joined the lineup this year) touts up to 830 ponies and 11,500 lb.-ft. of torque on the three motor setup. Like its open-bed brethren, the SUV is equipped with a bevy of badass o -road features like four-wheel steering with CrabWalk for extreme trail hunting, which synchronizes all four wheels and enables the pilot to drive diagonally (like how a crab saunters along the sand). An adjustable air suspension with Extract Mode can raise the vehicle’s ride height up to six inches. To maximize the thrill of venturing o the beaten path on warm summer afternoons, the Hummer is equipped with GMC’s Infinity Roof, a system that allows explorers to remove the four transparent roof panels along with the I-bar above the front seats.

Starting at $104,000. Quality Buick GMC of Englewood, 406 Grand Avenue / 201.871.0606 / qualitychevybuickgmc.com

THE TOP-OF-THE-LINE EDITION 1 will be limited to 2,500 units and boasts model-specific elements like a Moonshot Green Matte color way, premium leather stitched surfaces, interior bronze accents, and e4WD with torque vectoring.

NO PATH IS OFF LIMITS, as the Ultium drive system can channel power to a single wheel, keeping the vehicle moving on even the most unforgiving of terrain, from fording water to scaling 18-inch verticals

TACKLE THE UNTAMED WILD with an available Extreme O­ -Road Package, adding unique 18-inch wheels and 35-inch-OD Goodyear Wrangler Territory MT tires, underbody armor and rock sliders, UltraVision with underbody cameras, and a Front eLocker.

BENTLEY BENTAYGA MULLINER

­THe British super-marque’s haute high-rider (first released in 2015, named after the Roque Bentayga, a dramatic nature reserve in Gran Canaria, Spain) is steamrolling into 2024 with a new flagship, the top-trim Mulliner. Those still grieving the sun setting of the famed W12 engine can take solace in added luxuries. Only available with the extended wheelbase (after all, the 22-way adjustable rear seats need extra room), the limited-supply Bentayga Mulliner is the brainchild of Bentley’s ultra-high-end customizing division and boasts an unabashedly lavish interior, particularly in the second row. The rear Airline Seats can recline up to a full 40 degrees and are accompanied by leather-swathed footrests that extend from the base of the front seats. In addition to massage function, the seats feature globe first automatic climate sensing and postural adjustment systems, meaning that while you’re lounging, the heating, cooling, and ventilation systems are constantly making subtle adjustments to maintain the rider’s optimum thermal temperature (there’s even a setting to cool a fever). ­The postural adjustment feature, meanwhile, takes seat massagers to the next level with a 3-D twisting motion to relieve pressure, and is continuously making micro adjustments while you cruise.

Deliveries begin this summer. $339,150. Bentley Paramus, 331 Route 4 / 855.638.1080 / bentleyparamus.com

THE CABIN WAIST RAILS, fascia panels, and console are blanketed with a luxurious new Ombré Burr Walnut veneer. This swanky finish transitions seamlessly from Piano Black stain in the front cabin to Burr Walnut in the rear.

MORE EARTH-FRIENDLY MATERIALS are found inside the Mulliner than in any other Bentley, including carpets made from wool or recycled nylon and tri-tone leather that uses wastewater from olive pressing.

MODEL-SPECIFIC ORNAMENTS include Mulliner 22-inch Paragon wheels with fl oating wheel centers and LED Welcome Lamps that beam the signature Bentley wings onto the ground for quite the grand entrance.

Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 4MATIC (vorläufige Werte: Kraftstoffverbrauch kombiniert 14,1-13,8 l/100 km, CO2-Emissionen kombiniert 320-314 g/km) // Mercedes-Maybach GLS 600 4MATIC (preliminary values: combined fuel consumption 14.1-13.8 l/100 km, combined CO2 emissions 320-314 g/km)

MERCEDES-MAYBACH GLS 600 SUV

In November 2014, Daimler made global headlines with the revival of the legendary Maybach nameplate, an ultra-decadent sub-brand with even more razzle dazzle than the holy S-Class. Ten years later, the largest ‘Bach continues to garner praise and accolades like candy on Halloween, famed for its buttery smooth ride, lavish interior, and state-of-the-art tech. Based on the already-luxurious Mercedes-Benz GLS, the double M boasts a precision-tuned 4.0-liter Biturbo V8, cranking out 550 ponies and 538 lb.-ft. of torque with a quick 4.7-second 0-60 clock. Its exterior is sleek and re­fined, marked by sparkling chrome trimmings, a generously sized vertical grill, and plenty of Maybach badging. The interior is, unsurprisingly, a deluxe hot towel experience. Think multicontour front and rear seats with massage and memory, creamy nappa leather upholstery, rich real wood trim, and 64-color ambient lighting. An air puri­fication and fragrance system keeps the cabin as fresh as a daisy, while the executive rear seats recline to emulate a ­first-class flight experience. A silver champagne flute console pops out with the touch of a button, and magnetic pads ensure never a drop is spilled on the journey.

Starting at $175,000. Contemporary Motor Cars, 100 Oceanport Avenue, Little Silver / 732.842.5353 / cmcbenz.com

THE NEW YEAR USHERED IN a few style changes, including a reimagined front grille, additional exterior logo motifs for subtle bragging, a set of new 23-inch wheels, and puddle lights that project Maybach’s logos onto the ground as guests step into the chariot.

NO MATTER THE CHAOS OUTSIDE, every ride is whisper silent. The windshield and side windows are laminated with an acoustic and heat-absorbing membrane, while the windshield and rear window are also infrared-reflecting to help block outside noise, plus the sun’s rays.

LUXURY IS IN THE DETAILS, such as rapid seat heaters for particularly brisk winter mornings, heated and cooled cup holders to keep your bevies the ideal temp, and rear head restraints with 4-way power adjustment. Even a pair of throw pillows stitched to match the seats are included.

INFINITI QX MONOGRAPH CONCEPT

THE GLOSSY BLACK PANORAMIC ROOF is accented with a subtle patterned motif influenced by the lines and folds on a kimono.

THE MONOGRAPH is finished in a striking new color called Akane, its shade inspired by the exact moment at sunset when the sky transitions from a warm glowing red into night.

THE SLEEK, MINIMALIST FINISH was inspired by the Japanese concept of Ma, which means using the space in between things to give them “room to breathe.” The Monograph is devoid of clutter and overadornment to let the design shine.

To clarify, this glossy, chrome-clad stunner is a concept (meaning the vehicle won’t go into production as is), but it’s a delicious appetizer before this year’s main course: the reveal of the redesigned QX80. Infiniti knows its full-size luxury SUV is due for a fresh new look (its last major overhaul was in 2011), and after ample teasing, all signs point to a brand new ‘do for model year 2025. The Monograph, debuted at 2023’s Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, serves as a glimpse into In­finiti’s future design language for its QX series, led by the flagship 80. Marked by an athletic stance and elegant ­finishes, the concept’s exterior features a generously sized double arch grille topped by a full-length light bar, sleek daytime running lights, digital piano key taillights, and large turbine-inspired alloy wheels dressed with rich red accents. The grille bears a new 3-D In­finiti emblem that’s softly illuminated. While production versions of concept vehicles are typically pared down, In­finiti has con­firmed the Monograph’s style language will influence the upcoming QX80. In the interim, autodom waits with bated breath.

There’s no price on the concept, but the current QX80 starts at $74,150. Edison Infiniti, 842 US-1 / 732.867.2777 edisoninfiniti.com

BMW X7 ALPINA XB7

THE ALPINA IS HANDSOMELY EQUIPPED, featuring 23-inch wheels with performance tires, satin aluminum roof rails, an illuminated kidney grille, and a signature exhaust system with quad tailpipes.

MEET YOUR HIGHWAY ASSISTANT, available on the Driving Assistant Professional package, a semi-autonomous drive mode that takes over the wheel at speeds up to 85 mph.

EQUIPPED WITH BMW’S SOPHISTICATED SERVOTRONIC POWER-STEERING ASSIST, the Alpina handles with surgical finesse. The system determines the amount of steering assist needed based on the vehicle’s speed, providing ample help when say, the driver is cutting into a tight parking space, then reducing force when the pilot is cruising down the highway.

First announced in 2014, BMW’s largest soldier ­finally marched into dealerships in 2019, a full-size SAV (sport activity vehicle) with space and sophistication in spades. Five years later, the venerable X7 continues to collect accolades and industry praise, often touted as one of the best dollar-to-value buys in the business. (Its starting price tag, ringing in at just under $82,000, isn’t exactly thrifty by standard metrics, but when you consider its catalog of luxury features and spirited driving dynamics, it feels like a steal). A pair of engines is available: the entry xDrive40i is fed by Beemer’s silky smooth 3.0L Twin Power Turbo inline 6 with 375 horsepower, while the track-inspired M60i gets a twin-turbo 4.4L V-8 for 523 ponies and 553 lb.-ft. of torque. The top-of-the line Alpina XB7, which joined the pack in 2021, also features the V-8, but it’s tuned for a spicy 631 horsepower and blasts from 0-60 in 3.7 seconds. The interior is decked out in Alpina’s signature blue and green color palette, from the illuminated gear selector to the large curved digital display. Premium materials abound, including nappa leather around the instrument panel, an Anthracite Alcantara headliner, and velour carpeting in the cargo area.

$150,395. Circle BMW, 500 NJ-36, Eatontown / 732.820.4053 / circlebmw.com

Rear 7/8 view of the 2024 Cadillac Escalade V-Series in Radiant Red Metallic and front 7/8 view of 2024 Escalade V-Series in Argent Silver Metallic

CADILLAC ESCALADE V

In 2004, Caddy’s CTS sedan was the ­first to receive the V-Series designation, a high-thrills spino‑ with a juiced-up engine and slate of performance upgrades. Last year, the reigning king of chrome finally received the V treatment, anchored by a supercharged 6.2L V-8 that cranks out 682 horsepower and 652 lb.-ft. of torque. The engine is a fixed to a ten-speed automatic tranny specially tuned for the V series, and when launch gear is initiated, the hungry beast explodes o‑ the line, hitting 60 mph in a class-wild 4.4 seconds. A full suite of performance-boosting goodies include quad exhaust outlets, exclusive six-piston Brembo front brakes, and active exhaust valves that control the rapacious V-8 growl.

“We do not deploy the V-Series designation lightly,” said Global Cadillac Vice President Rory Harvey. “The arrival of the 2023 Escalade V is the result of a rigorous development program that allows this highly anticipated model to meet the criteria and capability thresholds established by nearly two decades of inspired V-Series performance.”

There are no major updates for the 2024 model, appropriate since auto dom is still attempting to catch its breath.

$152,295. Trinity Cadillac, 374 Sylvan Avenue, Englewood Cliffs / 201.227.1111 / trinitycadillac.com

MASERATI GRECALE TROFEO

THE TROFEO PREMIUM PLUS PACKAGE throws in a slate of luxuries, including ventilated front seats, heated rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and a Sonus Faber 21-speaker audio system.

EXTERIOR STYLING TREATMENTS lean subtle but purposeful, like a low front grille stamped with the new Maserati Trident, adaptive LED headlamps, boomerang shaped taillights, and triple side air vents, a hallmark of the brand since the 1940s.

WHILE THE CORNER-SHREDDING GRECALE WAS BORN THE TRACK, it features a suite of active safety features, too, including standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking, standard blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, and available adaptive cruise control.

First announced in 2020 during the buzzy launch of the Italian maker’s mid-engine super-coupe, the MC20, the Grecale ­ finally made its grand entrance three years later. Now in its second year, the cunning crossover joins the larger Levante in the Maserati family of high-riders. Named after a cooling Mediterranean wind, the Grecale boasts handsome good looks and plenty of pep, powered by either a zesty turbocharged four-banger or high performance twin-turbo V-6 based on the legendary Nettuno engine in the MC20. The latter, exclusively on the Trofeo trim, cranks out 523 ponies and 457 lb.-ft. of torque and will blast from 0-60 in 3.8 seconds with a top speed of 177 mph. Both engines are paired with a hyper responsive eight-speed automatic transmission (sorry, enthusiasts; there’s no option for a clutch), and all-wheel drive is standard. Performance enhancements include adaptive dampers and an adjustable air suspension, plus a trim-speci­fic CORSA mode, which beefs up throttle response and quicker shifting.

According to the marque, an all-electric variant will be joining the pack soon.

$102,500. Maserati of Monmouth, 807 NJ 35, Ocean Township / 732.884.0511 / maseratiofmonmouth.com

2023 Grand Wagoneer Obsidian

GRAND WAGONEER SERIES III OBSIDIAN

SERIES III LUXURIES INCLUDE walnut wood trim, the richest available leather, a front passenger display screen, digital rearview mirror, and plush suede headliner.

THE OBSIDIAN receives the midnight treatment, cloaked from head to toe in blacked-out accents, including the grille, 22-inch wheels, exterior mirrors, and window trim. The interior is also dipped in noir and features a black-hued chiseled metal instrument panel trim.

THIS YEAR, Jeep dropped the 6.4-liter Hemi V-8 for the more powerful Hurricane, a twin-turbo 3.0L inline-six that makes 510 horsepower and 500 lb.-ft. of torque.

Lauded as the world’s ­first 4X4 luxury SUV when it debuted as the Super Wagoneer in 1966, the 21st century redux (revived in 2022) continues to obliterate conventions, from its mighty-yet-magni­ficent exterior stance and ultra-cushy ride to Jetsons-worthy tech. The latter is delivered via 75 total inches of screens galore, including a 10.3-inch touchscreen for the front-seat passenger and another 10.3-inch touchscreen between the captain’s chairs to spoil the second-row passengers. The flagship Jeep also boasts an industry first 1,375-watt McIntosh stereo system with 23 speakers. Enthusiasts can hunt for a variety of Easter eggs, all inspired by the OG Wagoneer, including an EST. 1963 inscription that lights up on the edge of the dash when riders open the door. And while the grandest of Wagoneers might be high-tech and high-brow, it’s still primed and ready to roll through mountains, equipped with Jeep’s top-of-the-line Quadra-Drive II 4X4 system, featuring a two-speed transfer case, active low range, and an electronically locking rear differential, allowing for up to 24 inches of water fording.

$124,840. Route 46 Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram, 1655 US 46, Little Falls / 888.544.1599 / route46chryslerjeepdodge.com

Route 130 Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, 1153 Route 130, Robbinsville / 609.686.2200 / route130chryslerdodgejeep.com

LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER P550E AUTOBIOGRAPHY

AN SV BESPOKE EXTENDED LEATHER PACKAGE simply drenches the cabin with buttery hide, covering the armrests, instrument panel, center console, and door pillars with full Windsor leather.

A SLATE OF SHIMMERING METALLIC exterior paints are available, from a cobalt-hued Velocity Blue to the stunning midnight sky-inspired Constellation. The aptly named Sunset Gold is shown here.

FEAST ON A SATISFYING MENU of interior creature comforts, including 24-way semi-aniline leather front seats with heating, cooling, and hot stone massage functions (rear seat passengers, you’re pampered too with heating and ventilation).

Radiating recherché and regality, the noble Range Rover is auto royalty, the nameplate-of-choice for countless celebrities and prominent power ­figures. Born in 1970, it was one of only two ­figures at the time that prioritized both comfort and capability, a design anchor that remains today. The British marque’s flagship soldier underwent a signi­ficant overhaul in 2022, shaking the industry with a revamped appearance that favored sophistication over flash, marked by a falling roofiine, strong waistline, and rising sill. (Its refined, concept-inspired design was a “masterclass in restraint,” noted JLR’s chief creative officer, Gerry McGovern.) The plug-in hybrid powertrain was cut from the first year of the new generation, but it rejoined the pride in 2023. This year, it received a generous power boost, replacing the outgoing P440e with the hungrier P550e, offering a 174-hp spike for a grand total of 542 ponies. A 75-mile EV range should cover most of your daily errands, but for those interested in giving up the pump for good, an all-electric variant is slated for a 2025 arrival.

$141,100. Land Rover Monmouth, 105 NJ-36, Eatontown / 732.481.2890 / landrovermonmouth.com

ALFA ROMEO ELVIO QUADRIFOGLIO 100TH ANNIVERSARIO

OPEN THE DOORS TO REVEAL an exclusive combination of black and Alcantara leather laced together with gold stitching, and a 3-D carbon finish along the instrument panel, the central tunnel, and the door panels. On the dashboard, there is a special stitching of the number “100” next to a golden Quadrifoglio.

THE LIMITED-EDITION STUNNER features several trim-specific accents, including 21-inch wheels with new, exclusive gold brake calipers. The grille and mirror caps are in visible carbon, and three exterior color ways are available, including Rosso Etna, Nero Vulcano, and Verde Montreal (pictured here).

­The story began in 1923: Italian racecar driver Ugo Sivocci, though talented and successful, couldn’t seem to escape his second place fate, often falling behind names like Enzo Ferrari. Before a race, he painted the Quadrifoglio (four-leaf clover in Italian) onto the side of his Alfa Romeo, and went on to win the race. He met his untimely death only a few weeks later in a car crash, but the Italian automaker made sure his legacy lived on eternally through the four-leaf symbol, still found on Alfa Romeo’s sport models today. ­ is year, in honor of the Quadrifoglio’s 100th birthday, the Italian marque released the Stelvio Quadrifoglio Anniversario, a mouth-gapingly fast 505-horsepower hyper-limited-edition to commemorate a century of racing heritage. ­Though it’s based on Romeo’s only SUV, the Quad’s driving dynamics lean pure sports car. Its quick-shifting, eight-speed automatic transmission funnels power to all four wheels, and a mechanical self-locking differential optimizes torque transfer and beefs up stability, agility, and speed through corners and bends. It rockets from 0-60 in a company-touted 3.6 seconds, though third-party testers clocked it even quicker. Braking power is also paramount in performance variants, and the Quad can slam from 70 to zero in 157 feet.

$95,965. Alfa Romeo of Monmouth, 807 NJ 35, Ocean Township / 732.884.0511 / alfaromeoofmonmouth.com

ACURA MDX TYPE S

THE TYPE S LIKES TO MAKE AN ENTRANCE, featuring exterior goodies like aggressive quad exhaust outlets, rear di­ user, exclusive front fascia, 21-inch wheels, and Type S badging for humble bragging.

PERFORMANCE DOESN’T COME AT THE COST OF LUXURY, as the Type S features available 16-way power heated and ventilated front seats with nine massage modes. Premium Orchid and Azurite Blue Milano leather seating choices offer high-class comfort, and available distinctive open-pore dark wood trim surrounds you with sophistication.

ALL THE LATEST CONNECTED TECH is present and accounted for, including a WiFi hotspot, wireless charging pad, and 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Tunes are crisp and immersive through a 16-speaker ELS Studio 3-D setup.

After taking a one-year hiatus in 2021, the MDX made up for lost time with the debut of a stunning overhaul, taking style cues from the fresh new ‘do of Acura’s RDX and TLX. But amid the buzz, the one question on every enthusiast’s mind was this: will there be a Type S? Acura heeded the call, putting the holy S badge on an SUV for the first time. The 2024 MDX Type S boasts a twin-turbocharged V-6 at its heart, producing 355 ponies, a 65-hp boost over the rest of the pack. But as autodom knows, power alone isn’t enough to earn S stripes; the performance-focused MDX also features a sophisticated electro-servo braking system inspired by the late NSX supercar, featuring beefy Brembo front brakes with upsized, 14.3-inch rotors and four-piston ­ xed calipers. It also adds a pair of trim-exclusive driving modes: Sport+ and Lift for added thrills and capability. ‑ e former engages ­ rmer dampers, quicker throttle response, and lower ride height at higher speeds, while the latter (an Acura ­ rst) raises the ground clearance up to 50mm for extreme on-road conditions like sand or snow. ‑ e midsize SUV also debuted Acura’s Adaptive Air Suspension with Auto Leveling, a next-gen system that blends razor-sharp handling and agility with cushy ride comfort.

Starting at $69,345. Precision Acura of Princeton, 3001 US 1, Lawrenceville / 877.872.0338 / precisionacura.com