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king of the road

Hulking bulletproof Karlmann King ‘tank’ is the world’s most expensive SUV with hefty £1.6million price tag

The ultimate off-roader for any wealthy car fan was styled on a stealth fighter jet

THIS is the world's most expensive SUV - the Karlmann King.

The £1.6million off-roader looks like it's straight out of Batman's cave, and has been compared to a modern "tank".

 The pricey SUV on display at the recent New York Auto Show
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The pricey SUV on display at the recent New York Auto ShowCredit: EPA

First revealed mid-last year, the hulking motor was on display at the recent New York Auto Show.

Styled on a stealth fighter jet, the King costs the same as eight Bentley Bentaygas.

The beast is finished in matte black with radar-deflecting angular surfaces and bright white lights.

And it's made from carbon fibre and steel, with super-rich owners able to pay for a bulletproof upgrade.

 Karlmann King is the world's most expensive SUV
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Karlmann King is the world's most expensive SUVCredit: Cover Images
 Rear features incredible luxury cabin with TVs, games consoles and champagne
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Rear features incredible luxury cabin with TVs, games consoles and champagneCredit: Cover Images

While it might look all business on the outside it's a different story inside.

The cabin is kitted out like a Las Vegas hotel suite and rivals a Rolls-Royce for luxury.

There’s a retractable HDTV wired to Apple TV and a PlayStation 4, a mini fridge - complete with a bottle of Champagne and two crystal glasses - and a Nespresso machine that stands in for an actual barista.

The interior lighting can be adjusted to suit the mood depending on if you're feeling villainous or amorous.

 Super-rich owners can choose bulletproof exterior
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Super-rich owners can choose bulletproof exteriorCredit: Cover Images
 Angular design is based on a stealth fighter jet
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Angular design is based on a stealth fighter jetCredit: Cover Images

Passengers can also control lights, air conditioning, seats and something called the SOS Emergency with a handy smartphone app.

The King has got performance to match, too, with a giant 6.8-litre V10 engine producing 360bhp with a top speed of 87mph.

That's pretty impressive given that fully-loaded the King weighs in at over five tonnes - around five times the average motor.

The car comes with four doors and four seats - with two in the back.

But for a price you have the option of fitting another door and adding extra seats in the rear.

Of course, if you get in a spot of bother on the road, it's got a four-wheel-drive system to help you escape off-road.

The creators, IAT Automobile Technology based in Beijing, aims to manufacture just nine exclusive vehicles.

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