Parallel imports and the current market for crossovers
Parallel imports are gaining traction as a practical option for buyers. In Russia, a wide range of cars can be accessed, though buyers should expect higher upfront costs and the odometer often arriving with nonzero readings. With a budget a bit above 5 million rubles, most available choices come from Korean brands, yet there are also examples from Japan, Europe, and even the United States, offered by established dealers. The realization is simple: the market demands resilience and savvy planning.
Crossover options from 5 to 7 million rubles
Today’s abundant models form a clear picture. The Hyundai Palisade stands out as a sizeable full‑size crossover, available with a 2.2‑liter diesel producing 200 horsepower or a 3.5‑liter petrol delivering 249 horsepower. Major dealers report stock near six hundred units. Smaller crossovers from Hyundai appear in the same price corridor, sometimes with odometers showing surprisingly low figures like 46 or 23 kilometers. In reality, these are essentially new vehicles.
Hyundai stockade
The second strongest player in this price bracket is Toyota, with the Prado and Highlander drawing strong interest. The Highlander, especially, is popular for larger families. Some units travel long distances from the USA, where the model is produced, via the UAE to Russia, before reaching buyers.
Toyota Highlander
To gauge the new car market, one can review current listings on Avito, a broadly used independent platform. Compared with Hyundai, Kia models show fewer offers for sale; Kia Mohave lags behind Hyundai Palisade in listing volume. The Mohave is a prominent large crossover with a bold look, powered by a 249 hp engine, either diesel 3.0 or petrol 3.5. The origin of these vehicles varies, from the same warehouses in Korea to direct imports claimed by dealers. Each listing should be checked individually to determine provenance.
Crossovers sit next in line in this sector. BMW offers the X3 and X4 in this range. Theoretically, the X5 also qualifies, yet many units fetch high mileage or come from earlier years. Some X5s are priced under 7 million rubles, while others exceed it. Origins span the EU, Korea, and the USA, with some exotics showing rear‑wheel drive and longer delivery times. These vehicles have stayed on the market for extended periods.
Nearby, a steady rival exists in Mercedes‑Benz with the GLC and GLE. These cars are commonly brought in from Europe, including Germany and Austria, with dealers promising options that approach zero cost in some cases, provided the buyer covers all charges. The primary caveat remains the buyer’s responsibility for any additional costs.
Mercedes Benz GLE
What about the warranty?
Industry voices note that new cars imported through parallel import channels can be purchased, but they often come without an official factory warranty or carry only a dealer warranty on core components, at an added cost. Buyers should consider the risk that the dealer network itself may not be guaranteed to exist in a year. In a fast‑changing market, certainty is scarce and decisions should be made with care.
Crossover options from 7 to 9 million rubles
Within this tier, BMW dominates with models like the X5 and the X7. Vehicles hail from Germany, Korea, the USA, and even other regions. Some owners appear to have invested in premium crossovers and are reselling them. Mercedes‑Benz GLE variants and even a coupe‑style version are common, with some units arriving from Europe and ready to be ordered from abroad. The impression is that the market is flooded with high‑end choices, all priced to reflect premium status and performance.
There is no fundamental barrier in the market for models like the X5, aside from differences in options and instrument settings that can include miles or kilometers as the display unit. If a digital setup is used, buyers can switch units to their preference.
Family models such as Genesis GV80 and GV70 enter the conversation as well, especially in the new, mileage‑free category from South Korea. A known issue for Genesis is the limited availability of certain spare parts, a challenge shared by some European brands with rare or advanced configurations. Toyota remains a staple in this tier with the Prado and Highlander continuing to appeal to buyers seeking proven reliability. Lexus RX offers a premium option, including hybrid variants with performance figures such as 238 horsepower and four‑wheel drive, and in some cases 300 horsepower with a 3.5 engine. The market also features a mix of Japanese, European, and Middle Eastern offerings, including occasional high‑mileage or minimally used vehicles.
Package features
A practical question arises: how do a GLE or X5 in the 7‑million ruble range differ from similar models priced lower? Take the X5 as an example. A 30d 3.0 xDrive Steptronic from 2022 with 13,004 kilometers may be listed around 6,999,990 rubles, placing it in the 5–7 million band. The same engine in the same year but without mileage and in a higher M Sport Pro configuration can start at 12,800,000 rubles, featuring enhancements like an M Sport exhaust system, a dedicated differential, advanced braking, an xOffroad package, servotronic steering, a sport‑oriented Steptronic transmission, an M Sport braking system, dynamic cruise control, laser headlights, 21‑inch wheels, premium interior finishes, ambient lighting, and additional packages. The difference between these two cars comes down to features and overall perceived value, not just age. The GLE presents a parallel contrast: a luxury package that includes premium audio, among other refinements, making the category feel distinctly upscale. In short, one can expect a level of refinement that would make neighbors at a country house envy the choice.
Crossover prices exceed 9 million rubles
In this top tier, BMW continues to lead with the X5 and X7, while Mercedes‑Benz GLE and its coupe‑like variants maintain strong presence. Even so, these models do not reach the reach of the G‑class AMG in terms of production volumes. They are commonly held in warehouses and ready to be delivered from Europe. The Range Rover lineup—Rover, Sport, and Defender variants—follows in popularity, with Porsche Cayenne and Macan also appearing on the radar. At the upper end, Toyota remains influential with full‑size SUVs like the Prado, and even larger options like Lexus LX and GX establish a benchmark for luxury and capability. The market shows a surprising number of Audi E‑tron versions; although an electric crossover, its presence dwarfs models like Q8. Tesla Model X, whether from Germany or the USA, remains a competitor. Cadillacs also feature, though their numbers are not as high as the European and Asian brands.
Which crossover to pick is not a trivial decision. The rapid market shifts favor buyers who prioritize reliability and lower long‑term maintenance costs. In practice, many still lean toward Korean crossovers from Hyundai and Kia for a balanced blend of value and warranty protection. Premium electric or hybrid exotics are best approached with caution due to potential repair costs and charging infrastructure concerns. The market remains dynamic, with a wide array of options to suit different tastes and budgets.