£1.56m Karlmann King is the world’s most expensive SUV

Chinese carmaker IAT has announced a new limited edition luxury off-roader that’s set to become the most expensive SUV in the world. 

According to Auto Express, the Karlmann King boasts a price tag of around £1.56m, making luxurious crossovers such as the £163,000 Bentley Bentayga seem positively cheap by comparison. 

The off-roader is based on Ford’s F-550 pickup truck and features an “angular” design that’s been compared to Batman’s Batmobile, the magazine says. 

Under the bonnet sits a 6.8-litre V10 engine that sends power to all four wheels through a six-speed automatic gearbox.

The SUV’s motor is larger than the majority of modern supercars, but the Karlmann King’s 4,500kg weight and large bodywork mean it can only achieve a top speed of 87mph. 

Where the exclusive off-roader “really shines” is in the cabin, which Motor Authority calls “downright mesmerising.”

The interior’s headliner is full of small LEDs, for instance, that replicate the night sky in a similar fashion to the Rolls-Royce Phantom, the car site says. The SUV also comes with a PlayStation 4 and a coffee machine as standard.

Business Insider says you can upgrade the bodywork with bulletproof plating for an unknown fee. The armour helps the car withstand extreme temperatures ranging from -40C to 93C. 

Only nine examples of the Karlmann King are set to reach production. They will be built by a yet-to-be-named custom vehicle firm in Europe.