[RANKED] THE BEST PERFORMANCE SUVS
Old-school SUVs lacked power, making them boring vehicles despite their important space and comfort and pleasing aesthetics. But now that crossovers and SUVs are more dominant on the automotive landscape, it was only a matter of time before they became more suitable on both off-road and paved roads.
Over a decade ago, talking about cars with 600 horsepower implied making it one of the best ‘thoroughbreds’ in the automotive industry. However, the evolution of the motor world is unstoppable. Today, there are SUV models capable of driving off the asphalt and, at the same time, comfortably exceed that figure.
A good example is the seven SUV models on this list. All of them come with gasoline engines that produce outrageous power. Along with efficient all-wheel-drive systems, these SUVs offer performance close to a supercar. So, we let you discover them and choose your favorite.
2021 Alpina XB7
Via: Motor.es
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OUR THOUGHTS: PROS & CONS
Summary: The new BMW ALPINA XB7 is attractive inside and out, making it one of the best performance SUVs to buy. |
With a more powerful engine and a slightly sportier body, the new Alpina XB7 presents itself as the M version of a BMW X7.
The new BMW X7 it’s indeed an impressive SUV. However, the German firm Alpina decided it could be even more powerful and exciting; Thus, the XB7 was born.
For many, the new version of Alpina is as if BMW decided to make an X7 M. It’s an unquestionably excellent and enjoyable performance SUV for those who love sportiness but need some extra space.
Although the car retains the all-wheel-drive of the original model in its xDrive50i version, it almost replaces the other parts to offer a beastly performance on different types of roads.
The XB7 features a 4.4-liter V8 bi-turbo engine with additional radiators and an intercooler manufactured Alpina. This configuration allows it to achieve 621 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque.
To manage the power, Alpina added an eight-speed automatic ZF transmission and extras such as an electronic self-locking differential capable of varying the intensity of the lock depending on driving conditions.
2021 Audi RS Q8
Via: Autocosmos
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OUR THOUGHTS: PROS & CONS
Summary: Its staggering handling and performance makes the RS Q8 is the ultimate Audi SUV |
The Audi RS Q8 is an imposing and tremendously aggressive SUV full of technology. However, this is not just a more powerful Q8, but one that was meticulously developed by the Audi Sport team to achieve a very high-performance model.
Under the hood, we found a 4.0-liter turbo V8 producing 591 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque, and a 48 V mild hybrid system assists the engine. The result: the Audi RS Q8 is rabid, explosive, and tremendously easy to drive.
What Audi is after with this model is not just performance; your proposal is round. The primary motivation was speed, to the degree of special gauges and programs in the digital instrument cluster. Still, the RS Q8 also embraces comfort and technology.
In terms of features, we find automatic air conditioning of four zones with different fragrances to choose from, massage programs in the front seats, a spectacular Bang & Olufsen Premium 3D sound system, among others.
2021 Mercedes-AMG G 63
Via: Mercedes Benz
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OUR THOUGHTS: PROS & CONS
Summary: The Mercedes-AMG G 63 offers the same looks as previous years but is more luxurious, more refined, and more powerful than ever |
The 2021 Mercedes-AMG G 63 is an SUV that offers off-road capabilities and has the luxury you come to expect from Mercedes and the performance of an AMG.
Like every AMG model, it incorporates elements that make it look sportier, such as the grille with vertical chrome strips with the Mercedes Benz star floating in the center and the AMG logo on one side.
Tech features include a 12.3-inch customizable instrument panel, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, a Burmester audio system and dual-zone automatic climate control, as well as configurable 64-color ambient lighting.
The Mercedes-AMG G 63 boasts a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 that produces 585 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque, paired with 9-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive.
The Mercedes-AMG G 63 2 SUV offers a 3-in-1 experience since you get a luxury SUV with sports car performance and high-caliber off-road capabilities.
2021 Porsche Cayenne Turbo
Via: Marca
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OUR THOUGHTS: PROS & CONS
Summary: The Cayenne Turbo is a dynamic luxury midsize SUV with top-notch technology that offers the full Porsche experience |
If you want the full Porsche experience in an SUV and you have the budget, the Cayenne Turbo 2021 is an excellent option. The Cayenne Turbo stands out for carrying all the style of the brand, with futuristic lines and classic and especially in this Turbo version, bringing an excellent performance.
Inside you’ll find excellent quality for the materials and a compelling sporty design for the cabin that combines technology, luxury, comfort, and emotion for five passengers.
Some key safety features include the Porsche Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go technology, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Night Vision. This Cayenne features a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine with 550 horsepower and 567 pound-feet of torque, an eight-speed Tiptronic transmission, and all-wheel drive.
Due to these specifications, its driving is exciting and responsive, so that it will get you several smiles. Also, it fulfills very well in comfort and more straightforward handling for the city.
2021 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat
Via: Car and Driver
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OUR THOUGHTS: PROS & CONS
Summary: The Durango SRT Hellcat is a mighty and astoundingly exciting three-row SUV for an entire family. |
The Durango SRT Hellcat is the most powerful SUV Dodge has ever built. Unfortunately, it’s a one-time version for the 2021 model, so we won’t see a Durango SRT in the brand’s lineup again anytime soon, making this vehicle an instant collectible.
As you probably know, the Hellcat comes with a supercharged 6.2-liter HEMI V8 engine that delivers 710 horsepower and 645 lb-ft of torque. The power is sent directly to the rear wheels via a quick-change eight-speed automatic transmission.
The exterior is quite aggressive. It incorporates a unique widebody that widens the fenders, an LED lighting system for the daytime running lights, and the front and rear high beams. The honeycomb grille adds an extra touch of style, as does the rear spoiler and five available 20-inch wheel styles to choose from.
Inside we find a cockpit inspired by sports driving. Its newly redesigned instrument panel, with a 10.1-inch screen in the console’s center, controls the Uconnect 5 infotainment system, which operates up to five times faster than the previous range system.
2021 Lamborghini Urus
Via: Ventos
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OUR THOUGHTS: PROS & CONS
Summary: If budget isn’t a problem, the Urus is the performance SUV you need to get. It stands out in every way and provides unbeatable driving within the segment |
The Lamborghini Urus is an SUV that looks radical inside and out. Its interior focuses on sportiness and luxury for up to five passengers. And as expected, it offers an excellent quality of materials all around.
One of the best things about the Urus is its design, as it doesn’t look like other luxury SUVs. Instead, it implements the exciting style of the brand, carrying a design language focused on aerodynamics.
The Lamborghini Urus features a digital instrument panel, a high-fidelity Lamborghini Sensonum audio system, and many buttons to change various settings, both for driving and comfort. Regarding safety, it has a parking assistant, various driving modes, a view camera from above, and many airbags, among other features.
Under the bonnet hides a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine with 641 horsepower and 626 pound-feet of torque, all-wheel drive, an 8-speed automatic transmission.
Without a doubt, the Lamborghini Urus is a lot of fun behind the wheel, complemented by the impressive sound of its monstrous V8 engine.
2021 Jaguar F-Pace SVR
Via: Motor.es
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OUR THOUGHTS: PROS & CONS
Summary: The F-Pace SVR is one of the few options you’ll find if you’re looking for an SUV with authentic sports car styling and engine Pros: Mighty V8 engine, exquisite design, loaded with tech and safety features Cons: Trim level is a little below what you’d expect for the price, harsh ride with 22-inch wheels unintuitive infotainment system |
The F-Pace SVR offers all the equipment and sportsmanship you can expect in a Jaguar. Its design is aggressive, dynamic, and exciting. Despite being an SUV, it does not look heavy or robust but agile and fun.
The interior of this SUV speaks of dynamism and sportiness but luxury and refinement through the highest quality materials and unique patterns on the seats.
The F-Pace SVR boasts a mighty 5.0-liter supercharged V8 engine that generates 550 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. This engine is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.
The engine sound is simply exquisite. In addition, the steering and suspension assembly make it a valuable vehicle for all types of surfaces such as dirt, cobblestones, or pavement, even if it’s wet.
Of course, do not expect the off-road capabilities of a Land Rover since this SUV is more of a sports orientation which makes it a fast, solid, and competent vehicle.
