Automotive

Conquest Vehicles' first unarmored SUV still looks pretty armored

Conquest Vehicles' first unarmored SUV still looks pretty armored
Conquest Vehicles' first unarmored SUV
Conquest Vehicles' first unarmored SUV
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The Evade's greater style was heavily influenced by the armored Knight XV, and in turn, its subtle changes will find their way to the next Knight XV
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The Evade's greater style was heavily influenced by the armored Knight XV, and in turn, its subtle changes will find their way to the next Knight XV
Conquest Vehicles' first unarmored SUV
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Conquest Vehicles' first unarmored SUV
The wide back door and bumper step allow for exit and entry by "executive security"
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The wide back door and bumper step allow for exit and entry by "executive security"
View gallery - 3 images

Conquest is a Toronto-based outfit that specializes in armored SUVs and that heritage carries over to its first non-armored model. While the Evade may look to the novice eye like an armored vehicle, the hard-edged, no-nonsense exterior is tempered by an interior that promises an upper-level lesson in luxury.

The Evade borrows influence from Conquest's Knight XV armored utility vehicle but also previews the latest design language that the next Knight XV will inherit. Exterior elements include wrapping headlights and taillights, slimmed down fender flares, a hood scoop, a redesigned grille and a wider backdoor. The hinges, running boards and steering wheel are machined out of stainless steel.

The burly aluminum-mild steel blend body sits atop a Ford F550 Super Duty chassis. Conquest hasn't indicated the specific engine(s) that will power the SUV, but its admission about gas and diesel engines has us wondering if it won't be the same Ford 6.8-liter gas V-10 and Ford 6.7-liter V-8 turbo diesel options as the Knight XV. Whatever the specific engine, it will power all four wheels. Other confirmed equipment includes air ride suspension, front and rear FLIR night vision cameras, and roof-mounted, joystick-controlled searchlights with 360 degrees of motion.

The wide back door and bumper step allow for exit and entry by "executive security"
The wide back door and bumper step allow for exit and entry by "executive security"

The minute you tug the aluminum door handle open, the Evade goes from "bad boy from the wrong side of the tracks" to "doting, romantic high school sweetheart." The spacious interior offering 400 cubic feet (11 cubic meters) of space is laid out in 2 + 2 limousine style and sculpted with fancy materials like leather, composites and Alcantara. Options include executive-style reclining seats, a retractable flat screen TV and a driver partition.

Despite the elegant appointments, Conquest makes an effort to ensure that passengers in the Evade aren't lulled into thinking they're in a Bentley SUV. It incorporates some elements from the military-esque exterior into the interior but promises that those cues blend seamlessly without taking away from the overall luxurious look and feel.

Conquest plans to commence production this fall. The Evade will retail for US$579,000.

Source: Conquest Vehicles

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18 comments
18 comments
Slowburn
Ok it is cool looking but how does the price compare to other luxury SUV?
Nantha
So nice. The styling is so "tough".
Anthony Rice
This doesn't scream "steal me" or "run that coin down the side of my un-armoured paint job" at all..
Volodya Kotsev
Nice, eh? I believe it could and should be a lot more aerodynamic... Fuel consumption is always important, even essential. If we're not trying to frighten anyone, it could very well be ...white on the outside! I generally like the (variable?) air/hydraulic suspension very much... provided that both differentials could be lifted together with the chassis... Yes, I believe that the chosen type differentials is the strongest and most durable but the variable suspension makes little sense if the differentials cannot be raised before an off-road obstacle...
Slowburn
re; Volodya Kotsev
Have you ever driven across a log or forded a stream. A high differential is nice but not near as important as a higher frame.
Bob Flint
For over half a million US dollars, does it come with a instant 911 dial & response as it screams I’m a filthy rich “Novice”………..so shoot me…….AAhhh Damn he shot me!!!
One of those “what was I thinking” moments spend the extra and survive…
Beerberger
If you have a really small penis this is the SUV for you.
BeWalt
Sweet! Another great option to burn a lot of gas for ...no good reason at all! Wait, I'm forgetting about someone's sorry ego being uplifted by driving a wannabe war machine looking toy.
bergamot69
What a revolting looking vehicle.
It'll look even worse when 'blinged up' with eye-searing chromed wheels, etc, as part of someone's 'gangsta' fantasies.
Dr.Veritas
It is hard for someone in my income bracket to imagine having so much money that I would be stupid...sorry, idiotic...sorry, uh silly enough to buy something like this. I suspect that I could commission a car to be built to my exact specifications for less than that. Oh well, I admire their dreaming.
Flint--you are right on the money. I can't help but think of some of those who became targets just because of what they were driving. Bill Cosby's son, Michael Jordan's father come to mind. I believe that is what happened with them both targets of opportunity?
On the other hand, I suppose if you pay that much you probably have a fleet of black GMCs all around you when you drive.
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