New BMW X4 revealed… and seven other must‑see SUVs at the Geneva Motor Show

Two of the most anticipated new models, the Rolls-Royce Cullinan and Aston Martin DBX, are likely to be staying under wraps until public debuts later in the year. But with every other major manufacturer proffering SUVs for every taste, pocket and performance level – apart from Ferrari and McLaren that is – there will be no shortage of SUV stars.

Here’s what we know so far – but, you’re right, come the day there’s bound to be plenty of SUV-shaped surprises in the Palexpo halls…

BMW X4

 BMW defined the SUV coupe look with the X6 but by the time its smaller sibling, the equally slope-roofed X4, came out the Range Rover Evoque was cleaning up. Now we have X4 take two revealed today (14 February). It’s everything the latest X3 is but encased within a chunky coupe profile. It’s lighter of chassis, longer (by 81mm) and roomier (an extra 54mm in the wheelbase), gets BMW’s latest x-Drive features and new styling that’s both more dynamic and poised thanks to the new proportions. Also new is a sharper sporting emphasis with a pair of enhanced M40 models, the M40i petrol (355bhp, 0-62mph in 4.8secs) and the M40d diesel (30 fewer horses but a load more torque, and 0-62 in 4.9secs). A more dynamic drive is promised for all versions, along with more refinement and more driver assistance systems and connectivity. X4 prices start at £42,900.

Range Rover SV Coupe

This very individual, very top-of-the-range newcomer from Land Rover has what no BMW X4 or other SUV ‘coupe’ can claim: two doors. In that it harks back to the original Range Rover of 1970… but not a lot else. Two-door SUVs have been something of an oxymoron, as well as market flop, making this must-see SUV at Geneva 2018 the most intriguing of prospects. Can a luxury SUV, hand-assembled by SVO and limited to 999 examples, really rival luxury coupes like the Bentley Continental? We have seen how well kitted out inside the SV Coupe is but so far no clues as to its exterior look, other than the promise of “a dramatic two-door silhouette” with “breathtaking exterior proportions.” The world’s first full-size luxury SUV coupe will be unveiled in Geneva at 10.45 on 6 March. 

Hyundai Santa Fe

Back in the real world, and this is the bold new face of what has been a family favourite SUV for two decades now. The latest, fourth-generation Santa Fe is more premium than ever as well as roomier, more safety-orientated and more expressively styled. The five or seven-seat Santa Fe was Hyundai’s first SUV in 2001 and in the UK is its flagship model.

Hyundai Kona Electric

The new Santa Fe won’t have star billing all to itself at Geneva thanks to the first showing of the new Kona Electric, what’s billed as the first fully electric compact SUV and a model “available to everyone” from summer 2018. Hyundai is promising this battery-powered baby 4x4 will be fun to drive and have a range of up to 290 miles. It’s already being tipped as a game-changer. We have only a teaser image so far, but expect a full reveal on 27 February, ahead of its debut in Geneva.

Jaguar I-Pace

Jaguar’s big news this Geneva is the production version of its first all-electric car. You will in fact be able to pore over its every detail on the comfort of your screen a few days before its motor show debut; 6pm on Thursday 1 March will be the time to log on to GRR to catch Jaguar’s live global broadcast. 1 March is also when full spec, pricing and order details will be revealed, with the promise being if you order smartly you could have a car for the summer. We have written lots about this most excitingly different Jaguar ever already, but to précis Jag’s claims: sports car performance; SUV practicality, everyday useability, 4x4 all-roads, all-seasons security – and an 80 per cent charge in 45 minutes. Early adopters queue here! 

Audi E-tron

Will it be the Jaguar I-Pace or the Audi E-tron that claims the title of first electric compact premium SUV? It’s a race that both are very keen to win. Audi is being a little cagey with details of its production version of the E-tron but it too is expected to be at Geneva. Both it and the electric Jag promise to be similar in lots of ways with their bespoke electric vehicle architecture and styling. A twin test between Jaguar I-Pace and Audi E-tron is sure to be a defining motoring moment of 2018.

Cupra Ateca

This Geneva show marks the first appearance of Cupra the brand rather than Cupra as a badge on the sportiest Seats. It’s been hived off, in the manner of Citroen begetting DS, so the Spanish arm of the VW empire has a dedicated performance marque – which given cracking cars like the Leon Cupra has to be a good thing. It won’t just be for hot hatches either, with the first new Cupra out of the blocks promising to be a driver’s version of the Ateca compact SUV, to have its debut at Geneva. 300bhp and handling by Seat Sport should do the trick! 

Lamborghini Urus

If it’s a performance SUV you’re after the one unmissable stand to visit at Geneva this year will be that of Lamborghini to check out in the flesh the 190mph four-door Urus – the world’s first supercar SUV, the first turbocharged Lamborghini, and far and away the most practical and everyday-usable Lambo ever made as well as a car likely to double Lambo production at a stroke. The power of the SUV? You better believe it…