Seven Sports Utility Vehicles rev it up to win the accolade of ACOTY’s Best Premium SUV.
How Does ACOTY Define This Class?
A premium SUV needs to be priced mid-to-upper table in Singapore’s market, and should be from brands well known for their premium offerings. Pretty straightforward.
Meet The Contenders
The first two contenders represent the UK. They are the Range Rover Velar (left) and Land Rover Defender (right).
The next three contestants are from Germany. Hailing from Stuttgart are the Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 Coupe (left) and Porsche Cayenne Coupe (right), and flying Bavaria’s flag is the BMW X5 xDrive40i.
The final two entrants are from parent company Stellantis. Epitomizing Italy is the Alfa Romeo Stelvio Veloce (left) and championing the USA is the Jeep Grand Cherokee (right).
The Range Rover Velar looks gorgeous while still remaining the ever-classy Brit. Now with a slight tech upgrade, classic Range Rover look and feel on the inside and a smooth and comfortable ride, this is the SUV for those who want the Range Rover experience without the astronomical price tag.
Never did we imagine that a Land Rover Defender 110 would be considered a premium SUV, but here we are. It’s got the tech, features and ride comfort to fulfil the ‘premium’ brief, but also keeps with the rough and rugged theme expected of a Defender. Plus it’s very practical and definitely an SUV that will stand out (literally) in a carpark full of other more humdrum SUVs.
Which then brings us to the Mercedes-Benz GLC 300, whose appearance here is pretty much obligatory. It’s quite practical, with sufficient tech and premium materials and feel on the inside, along with ride comfort that’ll please the family. Plus, you get to tell everyone that you drive a swooping swanky Merc.
The Porsche Cayenne Coupe is the most expensive of this group, but looks and feels every bit a Porsche. With sufficient tech on the inside, good quality materials that look and feel the part and ride comfort that will satisfy the family, the Cayenne Coupe can also take off with urgency and dance around corners should the mood dictate so.
The BMW X5 is arguably the most practical SUV of the group. It is a pleasure to drive and be driven in. The interior is suitably tech-infused and lined with upmarket materials that will no doubt be pleasing to its occupants. And, not only is it comfortable, but can also go and corner as a Bimmer should.
However, if one wants to rekindle the fire within their soul, the Alfa Romeo Stelvio Veloce is the premium SUV to own. It’s got lots of Italian flair and charm, handling that will surprise many other cars, and performance to match. But it’s also practical and will transport the family around in unmistakable Italian sportiness.
Remember the earlier mention about the BMW X5 arguably being the most practical SUV of the group? Well here’s the argument, in the form of the Jeep Grand Cherokee. This is one YUUUUGE SUV folks, because ‘MURICA!
It looks imposing, and can seat seven. Drop the rear two rows of seats and the carrying capacity approaches that of a full-sized van. However, tech-infusion, plentiful features and soft suspension means this behemoth of an SUV is a really plush place to be in.
You can see why our final decision was made really difficult.
AutoApp Car Of The Year Best Premium SUV
Porsche Cayenne Coupe
| Vehicle | Points Tally |
| Range Rover Velar | 317 |
| Land Rover Defender 110 | 319 |
| Mercedes-Benz GLC 300 | 302 |
| Porsche Cayenne Coupe | 322 |
| BMW X5 xDrive40i | 308 |
| Alfa Romeo Stelvio Veloce | 305 |
| Jeep Grand Cherokee | 286 |
The winner with 322 points is the Porsche Cayenne Coupe. As far as premium SUVs go, the Cayenne Coupe has the right mix of practicality, comfort and performance. Plus, it’s a Porsche.
More on the scoring categories used to derive points here.
Congratulations to the Porsche Cayenne Coupe for winning the AutoApp Car of the Year 2025 Best Premium SUV!
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