Heavy cars are passenger vehicles that weigh more than ordinary cars. SUVs, premium sedans, and specialist vehicles such as armored cars are examples of such vehicles. Heavy cars are built to provide increased safety, comfort, and performance at the sacrifice of fuel efficiency.
Weight is an important aspect of car performance, fuel efficiency, and safety. While lightweight materials and superior engineering have enabled the development of nimble and efficient automobiles, certain behemoths on the road continue to defy traditional norms. These massive vehicles, which are frequently reserved for particular missions, test the limits of engineering and design. In this post, we’ll go into the world of the heaviest cars, looking at the behemoths that ply our roads and highways.
Did you know that the heaviest cars in the world are so heavy that you may require an HGV license to drive them?
List of 11 Heavy Cars in the World
BMW XM
Weight: 2 710 k
When it comes to the heaviest cars, the plug-in hybrid BMW XM weighs more than 2,700 kg.
The V8 engine, despite being a hybrid, will power the BMW M Hybrid race vehicle for the IMSA Sportscar Championship in 2023 and the World Endurance Championship in 2024.
BMW’s trademark grille has grown dramatically in recent years, and the XM boasts some of the largest we’ve seen on the German manufacturer’s vehicles.
The twin headlights, which are also featured on the new X7 and 7 Series, appear here, as do the bonnet indents next to the BMW badge.
The XM has enough power to compete with the 671 bhp Porsche Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid and the 697 bhp Aston Martin DBX 707.
This is owing to the twin-turbocharged V8 producing 482 bhp and the electric motor contributing an additional 194 bhp.
The Rolls-Royce Cullinan
Weight: approx. 2,660 kg
The Rolls-Royce Cullinan, named after the world’s largest diamond, is a luxurious, refined, and massive SUV. The Cullinan is a road colossus, weighing roughly 2,660 pounds. It features an aluminum construction and a powerful V12 engine. Inside, it provides an exquisite cabin experience, with adaptations to suit its discerning clientele’s whims and fancies. It is second on the list of the heaviest cars.
Bentley Bentayga Hybrid
Weight: 2,570 kg
Bentley Bentayga is the company’s first SUV. It was once the world’s quickest SUV.
The hybrid variant develops 456 horsepower and has a top speed of 158 mph.
When powered solely by the electric motor, it covers a range of 25 miles.
The interior of the Bentayga is luxurious, with quilted leather upholstery and a bottle chiller for those seated in the back.
It is, predictably, not cheap, costing roughly £162,000.
It is also one of the heaviest vehicles available.
BMW i7
Weight: 2,640 kg
The all-new BMW i7 is one of the heaviest cars on the market.
The i7 will be available alongside more conventional petrol, plug-in hybrid, and diesel alternatives as part of the eighth-generation 7 Series line-up, competing with the Mercedes EQS and Porsche Taycan.
The range, however, is the standout.
Two electric motors power this vehicle, giving it a range of roughly 375 miles.
The long-term and radical approach, however, is not cheap, costing roughly £107,000.
Range Rover PHEV
Weight: 2,695 kg
The Range Rover PHEV is undoubtedly the most comfortable Range Rover to date.
A three-liter turbocharged straight-six petrol engine powers it, with the addition of electric torque enhancing refinement and smoothness.
The ride is fantastic, and the handling is surprisingly good for such a large beast.
Finally, a car like this is designed to provide unrivaled luxury, and this plug-in version exceeds all previous models.
The Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG 6×6
Weight: approx. 4,000 kg
The Mercedes-Benz G63 AMG 6×6 is a six-wheeled heaviest car that pushes the boundaries of luxury and capability. Originally designed for military purposes, this vehicle has been modified for civilian usage in limited quantities. With three axles and six wheels, this off-road beast weighs in at roughly 4,000 kilos. Its powerful twin-turbocharged V8 engine allows it to easily navigate the most difficult terrain.
The Karlmann King
Weight: approx. 4,500 kg
The Karlmann King, frequently referred to as the world’s most costly SUV, is a behemoth on wheels. This multimillion-dollar luxury automobile is a work of art in terms of design and magnificence. It is built on a Ford F-550 chassis, which is not lightweight in and of itself and is made of carbon fiber and steel. As a result, the vehicle weighs around 4,500 kg. Despite its massive size, the Karlmann King has excellent off-road skills, making it a versatile choice for the world’s finest.
The Dartz Prombron
Weight: approx. 4,500 kg
The Dartz Prombron, colloquially known as “Tanks for the Road,” is a vehicle that lives up to its moniker in terms of sheer heft. The Prombron weighs roughly 4,500 kg and is armor-plated, making it one of the most secure cars on the globe.
A variety of engines, including V8s and V12s, provide ample power to propel this automotive fortress.
According to an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) report from 2020, the average weight of an automobile is roughly 4,156 pounds. The first automobile on our list is over 2,000 pounds heavier. The Mercedes-Maybach 62 weighs 6,294 pounds and is supposed to be the ultimate luxury car.
Mercedes introduced models 57 and 62 in the same year, both of which were constructed in 2003 and lasted until 2012.
The 57 was the smaller, “cheaper” model, but the 62 was designed for chauffeur-driven use. The 62 was equipped with a 5.5-liter V12 engine with a displacement of 20.23 feet (242.72 inches), while the “S” variant featured a 6.0-liter dual-turbo V12 with two liquid-to-air intercooled turbochargers.
Size, weight, and other specifications and dimensions varied depending on model-year characteristics and equipment packages. A 21-speaker Bose system, an electrohydraulic 8-circuit braking system, massaging seats, and a rear center console refrigerator, for example, were added to the overall girt.
The Conquest Knight XV
Weight: approx. 5,900 kg
The Conquest Knight XV is a handcrafted armored vehicle that embodies elegance, security, and heaviness. This armored behemoth weighs a whopping 5,900 kilos and is based on a Ford F-550 chassis, providing military-grade protection. Its interior is beautifully equipped, with customizable choices available to fit its high-net-worth clientele’s preferences.
Mercedes-Maybach 62
Weight: 6,294 pounds
The Mercedes-Maybach 62 is a high-end vehicle that personifies sophistication and extravagance. The Mercedes-Benz S-Class extended-wheelbase model provides an unmatched degree of comfort and refinement. With its handcrafted interior, high-quality materials, and cutting-edge technology, the Maybach 62 completely reimagines what luxury in cars looks like. Its strong engine provides a quiet and comfortable ride, and its roomy rear passenger cabin spoils passengers with amenities like minibars that are chilled, reclining seats, and state-of-the-art entertainment systems. Within the luxury car industry, the Mercedes-Maybach 62 is regarded as a representation of unwavering elegance and automotive brilliance.
ZIL-41047 limousine
Weight: 13,000 pounds
Finally, we arrive at the heaviest car, the ZIL-41047 limousine. According to Guinness World Records, this is the world’s heaviest car. Because it was manufactured in Russia, specifics are few; however, sources claim that a normal base model and a special armored version known as the ZiL-41047 TB were produced. Guinness reports that two or three were created per year, although another source suggests that ZIL only produced three total.
The standard model has a 12.72-foot wheelbase and a curb weight of between 7,352 and 7,496 pounds. This model alone would be enough to put it on the list.
Russian heads of state, including President Mikhail Gorbachev, equipped the other version with protective armor akin to the MB 770K.
Trasco Bremen, a well-known German armored car maker, covered crucial portions of the automobile with 75-millimeter (3-inch) armor-plated steel in 1992, adding weight to the car. According to Guinness, it weighed six tons (13,000 pounds); however, another source indicates it weighed 5,170 kilograms (11,398 pounds). In any case, it is at the top of the list. The base model featured a 7.7-liter V8 producing 315 horsepower. These ZILs became obsolete in Russia in the early 2000s, when more modern vehicles became available.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the World’s Heaviest Cars
What is the world’s heaviest car?
The ZIL-41047 limousine is the world’s heaviest car.
Are heavy vehicles designed for civilian use?
Yes, large vehicles are built for civilian use. The Karlmann King, a luxury SUV weighing around 4,500 kilograms, and the Dartz Prombron, an armored vehicle weighing approximately 4,500 kilograms, are two examples.
How do heavy cars affect the environment?
Heavy vehicles, particularly those with high emissions and fuel consumption rates, can have a severe influence on the environment. They contribute to increased levels of air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, which can aggravate climate change and air quality problems.
How do heavy cars compare to lighter vehicles in terms of safety?
Heavy cars often offer enhanced safety features due to their reinforced structures. They may have advanced safety systems, such as collision avoidance technology and advanced braking systems, which can provide additional protection in accidents. However, they may also have longer stopping distances due to their weight, which can be a consideration in certain situations.
Conclusion:
Finally, the automobile industry comprises an astounding range of vehicles, from lightweight electric cars to huge armored beasts. The world’s heaviest cars, whether created for luxury, off-road excursions, or industrial uses, demonstrate the creativity and engineering prowess of the automotive sector. While these titans aren’t often seen on the road, they serve as a tribute to human ingenuity and our ability to push the boundaries of what is possible in the field of transportation.
