Carpool Cool — Sophisticated St. Louis

Edited by Matthew Cottrell

Gone are the days when the family car was just a way to get from point A to point B. Today's luxury SUVs turn the daily drive into a first-class experience. With flexible seating, cargo space for backpacks and sports gear, and technology to keep even the pickiest passengers entertained, these vehicles make family life feel stylish. Throw in sumptuous interiors, whisper-quiet cabins, and performance that makes every errand more enjoyable, and volunteering to drive carpool doesn't sound like such a chore after all.

Aston Martin DBX S

The Aston Martin DBX S elevates the marque's award-winning luxury SUV with an even sharper focus on performance, craftsmanship, and distinction. Powered by an enhanced twin-turbocharged V8 delivering increased horsepower and quicker acceleration, the DBX S pairs exhilarating speed with the poised handling expected from one of Britain's most celebrated sports car manufacturers. Lightweight materials, refined suspension tuning, and aerodynamic adjustments further sharpen its dynamic character, while the handcrafted interior surrounds occupants in supple leather, carbon-fiber accents, and bespoke detailing.

BMW iX3

The all-new BMW iX3 is the first production model built on BMW's groundbreaking Neue Klasse platform. Designed from the ground up as an electric vehicle, the luxury SUV fuses sleek, minimalist styling with a thoroughly modern cabin centered around BMW's next-generation Panoramic iDrive display and intelligent digital technologies. Under its sculpted exterior, an advanced 800-volt electrical architecture delivers faster charging, greater efficiency, and significantly improved driving range, while BMW's signature focus on balanced handling and responsive performance keeps the iX3 distinctly driver-oriented.

Cadillac Escalade IQL

Built on General Motors' advanced Ultium platform, the extended-wheelbase IQL offers expansive three-row seating, increased cargo capacity, and an impressively quiet ride powered by an all-electric drivetrain. Inside, a sweeping pillar-to-pillar LED display, premium materials, and an available AKG Studio Reference audio system create a first-class environment for every passenger, while Super Cruise hands-free driving technology adds a new level of convenience on long highway journeys.

Land Rover Defender Vertex

Positioned near the top of the Defender lineup, the new Vertex features distinctive exterior enhancements, including redesigned bumpers, a more sculpted profile, exclusive finishes, and available 22-inch wheels, giving the iconic SUV an even more commanding presence. Inside, premium Windsor leather, sustainable textile options, state-of-the-art climate control, and the latest "Hey Land Rover" AI voice assistant boost everyday comfort while preserving the Defender's adventure-ready spirit.

Mercedes-Maybach GLS 680

The latest Mercedes-Maybach GLS 680 blends the commanding presence of a flagship utility vehicle with the handcrafted refinement expected of the Maybach name. Powered by a 603-horsepower electrified V8, it delivers effortless performance while cocooning passengers in superb craftsmanship, from hand-finished leather upholstery and open-pore wood veneers to precisely tailored rear executive seating. Enhanced personalization through Mercedes-Maybach's MANUFAKTUR program allows owners to specify bespoke paint finishes, interior materials, and design details, making each vehicle uniquely their own. Equally at home maneuvering city streets or arriving at a private estate, the GLS 680 embodies the modern definition of luxury—where advanced technology, exceptional comfort, and understated elegance converge in one remarkably sophisticated SUV.

Porsche Cayenne Electric

With the introduction of the all-electric Cayenne lineup, Porsche is proving that electrification can increase—rather than compromise—the attributes that have made its luxury SUV a global success. Spanning a range of models from refined everyday variants to high-performance S and Turbo derivatives, the Cayenne Electric family is designed to satisfy drivers desiring both utility and pulse-quickening performance. Built on an advanced 800-volt architecture, the lineup delivers rapid charging, extended driving range, and the instant acceleration only electric power can provide, while Porsche's legendary chassis tuning ensures every model retains the finesse and responsiveness synonymous with the crest on its hood. Inside, each Cayenne Electric combines premium craftsmanship with next-generation digital technology, offering spacious accommodations for families without sacrificing the driver-focused experience that defines the brand.

For When You’re Running Late: Ferrari Amalfi

Replacing the acclaimed Roma, the new Ferrari Amalfi represents the next evolution of the marque's front-engine grand touring tradition. Powered by a 640-horsepower twin-turbocharged V8, the Amalfi delivers invigorating acceleration while remaining remarkably composed for everyday driving. Its sculpted exterior refines Ferrari's contemporary design language with cleaner, more muscular lines, while the completely reimagined interior places a renewed emphasis on craftsmanship, intuitive technology, and driver connection—including the welcome return of physical controls for key functions. More than simply a successor, the Amalfi is designed to reflect the spirit of la dolce vita, delivering a distinctive balance of supercar performance, long-distance comfort, and unmistakable Italian style for a new generation of Ferrari enthusiasts.