Grip, Growl, and Grace
They are developing into dynamic, purpose-driven machines that serve a wide range of lifestyles and embody the essence of their brand.
In the always-changing SUV market, 2025 offers us three unique takes on luxury and performance, all from companies with radically different design philosophies. The updated Volvo XC90 prioritises refinement over innovation, embracing understated sophistication. With its unparalleled off-road strength and presence, the brand-new Land Rover Defender Octa completely changes the performance SUV paradigm. In the meantime, the Audi RS Q8 Performance thunders in with dynamics fit for a racecourse and unbridled aggression.
2025 Volvo XC90
Despite being formally referred to as a facelift, the Volvo XC90's core architecture is essentially unaltered, which is advantageous. The XC90 has aged well, thanks to thoughtful upgrades, much like a good vintage that gets better with time. It maintains its distinctive, erect silhouette from a distance, complete with the Volvo styling cues and clamshell hood. However, the changes become more noticeable up close: the redesigned front grille now has sophisticated diagonal slats that give its well-known appearance a refined touch.
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Volvo's iconic "Thor's Hammer" LED daytime running lights still define the headlamp design, but they have been subtly altered for a more elegant and unified appearance in this version. Although the new black-and-silver dual-tone finish adds a touch of elegance that surpasses the outgoing all-silver versions, the XC90 still rides on 20-inch alloy wheels.
The XC90's interior is still a haven of subtle luxury. Little but significant improvements are made to the cabin, which is already commended for its well-considered design and premium materials. For good reason, the sculpted steering wheel, incredibly comfortable seats, and dashboard layout haven't changed much. A significant redesign would not have been required since Volvo's initial interior design set the standard for high-end SUVs. Rather, the facelift improves on an already nearly flawless formula.
Land Rover Defender Octa
SUVs with a performance focus are not new; Lamborghini, AMG, Porsche, and BMW M have all produced fast SUVs. In order to replicate the dynamics of a sports car, this usually entails installing sticky road tires, lowering the ride height, stiffening the suspension, and adjusting the chassis. The Defender Octa, however, follows a completely different path.
It has been raised by 28mm instead of lowered, increasing its already remarkable 291mm ground clearance to an even more commanding 319mm. The track is now 68 mm wider, improving stability and stance, and the water wading capability increases from 900 mm to a full 1 metre. Additionally, buyers have the option of choosing triple-ply Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac RT all-terrain tires that come with factory installation and are mounted on 20-inch motorsport-derived wheels. These are neatly nestled beneath aggressively flared wheel arches, and the nose has been redesigned to increase airflow to the Bavarian heart located beneath the hood.
The Octa is powered by BMW's well-proven 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8, which has been tuned specifically for this model with special intake, exhaust, and calibration. On par with the previous generation BMW M5 CS, it produces a powerful 626 horsepower and 750 Nm of torque. The Octa is not a plug-in hybrid, but it does have 48V mild-hybrid technology that improves throttle responsiveness and provides an extra 50Nm of overboost, allowing this 2.5-ton SUV to go from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4 seconds—on tarmac. That time extends a little on gravel, but Land Rover gives the Octa off-road launch control.
Audi RS Q8
The Audi RS Q8 Performance arrives like a rock star: audacious, combative, and unmissable. My personal choice would be the exclusive Merlin Purple from Audi's custom palette, even though the test model was clad in a fiery Chili Red. With no sporty element left to chance, the facelift amplifies the visual drama. They are now considered normal. The updated headlights feature six distinct signature light patterns that are easily switchable through the infotainment system, and the redesigned Singleframe grille, sculpted air intakes, and restyled bumpers up front exude sharper aggression. The RS attitude is maintained at the back with the redesigned OLED taillights and honeycomb-patterned bumper.
It is equipped with low-profile performance tires, massive 23-inch alloy wheels, and a set of 420mm RS carbon-ceramic brakes that are both powerful and ominous. Its muscular form is refined by subtle yet opulent features like frameless doors, a tapering roofline, and a recognisable RS spoiler. With blacked-out badges and logos, the Black Styling Package—now standard—completes the look.
Audi's sole V8 engine in India, a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged monster that has been tuned to produce 631 horsepower and 850 Nm (up by 40 horsepower and 50 Nm), is located beneath the sculpted hood. According to claims, the RS Q8 can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.6 seconds thanks to a 48V mild hybrid system. Even though it's uncommon to reach top speeds on public roads, this SUV could reach 305 km/h on a track like NATRAX in Indore.
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