If the BMW XM is a little too soft focus, and at one with the universe, the Rezvani Vengeance might be the SUV you’re looking for.
With its cartoonishly over-the-top exterior, it’s hard to tell which vehicle the Vengeance is based on, unless you recognise the wing mirror design.
The interior, at least in base trim, sports very few changes from the Cadillac Escalade, except for the logo on the steering wheel, and Rezvani badges on each seat.
If you’re willing to drop a further US$125,000 ($199,000) on the car, Rezvani will replace the second and third row of seats with an “executive” seating area featuring two heated and ventilated reclining seats with built-in massaging, a driver partition, large TV, an array of iPads, starry night or illuminated headliner, and a bar.
There are three engines available for the Vengeance, starting with the standard 6.2-litre V8 making 313kW and 623Nm.
There’s also a 207kW/624Nm 3.0-litre straight-six turbo-diesel, and the 509kW/885Nm 6.2-litre supercharged V8 from the Escalade-V.
With the military package, the Vengeance has the features to match its looks.
This optional pack includes bulletproof glass and armour, explosive protection for the car’s underbody, a smoke screen, military-grade run-flat tyres, reinforced suspension, a thermal night vision system, and electromagnetic pulse protection.
The car is also protected by electrified door handles, steel ram bumpers, strobe lights, and blinding lights.
Other features include bullet proof vests and helmets, gas masks, first aid kit, hypothermia kit, pepper spray, magnetic dead bolts, and an intercom system.
For a bit extra peace of mind there’s also an explosive device detection system available, and a 1000W battery pack with solar panels for off-grid recharging.
The Vengeance is available for order now alongside two other models: the Tank, which is based on the Jeep Wrangler, and the Hercules, a modified Jeep Gladiator that’s available with either four or six wheels.
Prices for the Vengeance begin at US$249,000 ($329,000) and can stretch to at least US$607,750 ($967,000) with all the options ticked, including the military package, executive seats, gun rack, and centre console safe.
For context, the short wheelbase Cadillac Escalade starts at US$79,795 ($127,000), while the Escalade-V kicks off at US$149,695 ($238,000).
