Putting the Super in SUV – the fastest SUVs on the market
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Luxurious top-end SUVs have become extremely popular in recent years, there’s no denying that their combination of raised ride-height, sumptuous interior appointments and added practicality are hard to ignore.
The first versions of these high-riding luxury barges were not exactly known for their accelerating prowess though, then Mercedes and BMW started to test the waters by putting powerful V8s in to them.
The resultant super sporty SUVs were an unqualified success. The buying public loved the idea of having something that had the potential to blow the doors off a hot hatch and still be capable of going off-road, all in the lap of luxury.
These new Super SUVs started a trend that has now reached fever pitch, not only are the Germans churning out some insane machines but now the Italians, Americans and the British are at it too.
Read on to see what the very fastest SUVs in the UK are today and what sort of over-powered machines are just about to be launched…
Mid-Sized Super SUVs
Whether you call it downsizing or rightsizing, the need to increase fuel efficiency and reduce emissions means that many modern fast SUVs have much smaller engines than from even a few years ago.
Thanks to much-improved engine technology they can still deliver the goods when it comes to outright pace. Let’s take a look at some of the best ones out there…
Jaguar F-Pace S
The F-Pace is a relative newcomer to this segment and while it may not have a V8 under the bonnet, its 380bhp supercharged V6 makes it more than a match for most performance sedans on the road.
0-62mph in 5.1-seconds
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BMW X3 M40i
The third generation of the X3 is just about to be released and the good news is that BMW have decided to offer an M-performance variant.
The M40i will come equipped with a turbocharged 360bhp inline-6 which will imbue it with the kind of acceleration that until now was the limited to very fastest sports cars.
0-62mph in 4.8-seconds
Audi RS Q3 Performance
The RS Q3 is even smaller than the Jag and BMW but this just makes it the perfect all-terrain weapon for narrow and slippery A-roads.
With a 335bhp 5-cylinder engine (362bhp with the performance pack) it also out drags them away from the lights.
0-62mph in 4.4-seconds
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Alfa Romeo Stelvio
The Stelvio is another exciting new model from the revitalised Alfa brand and even though the first models won’t have anything larger than a 4-cylinder turbocharged engine the 2.0-litre petrol variant will boast 276bhp and car-like agility.
0-62mph in 5.7-seconds
Maserati Levante
Up until recently the Levante was only be available as a diesel in the UK but now those wanting some serious performance can opt for the recently introduced 424bhp twin-turbo petrol V6.
It handles very well for a tall SUV and sounds fantastic too.
0-62mph in 5.2-seconds
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Mercedes-Benz AMG GLA 45
The AMG GLA 45 may look more like a raised hatchback than proper SUV but with 375bhp it is the most powerful 4-cylinder SUV on sale.
0-62mph 4.8-seconds
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Porsche Macan Turbo Performance Package
The Macan is currently the king of the small SUVs, the fastest of the lot is the Macan Turbo Performance Package.
Its 3.6-litre turbocharged engine puts out 434bhp which means that this SUV is quicker to 60mph than an entry-level 911.
0-62mph in 4.4-seconds
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Full-sized Super SUVs
The market for larger SUVs is still as strong as ever and never before have there been so many ballistic luxury options on offer.
We take a look at a selection of new and old entrants as well as a few diesel options that will amaze you with their pace.
BMW X5 M50d
Our first family-sized super SUV happens to be a diesel. Don’t scoff just yet as this 3.0-litre diesel punches out 381bhp with the aid of three, that’s right three turbochargers.
Torque output is off the charts too, ideal for showing those petrol powered sports cars a thing or two between traffic lights.
0-62mph in 5.3-seconds
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Mercedes-Benz AMG GLE63 S 4MATIC
Mercedes also does the diesel thing but their top petrol AMG models are the serious performance machines.
The GLE63 S 4MATIC is at the top of the pile and we can even forgive its unnecessary long name thanks to a 5.5-litre turbocharged V8 which ends most arguments about which car is fastest with its 585bhp.
0-62mph in 4.2-seconds
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Mercedes-Benz AMG G63
If you fancy your AMG sledgehammer in a boxier body shape then the G63 is just about perfect.
The original was launched in the late 70s but while the modern-day equivalent may have a similar silhouette the 571bhp it hides under that lego-shaped bonnet makes it an entirely different beast. Approach with caution.
0-62mph in 5.4-seconds
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Range Rover SV Autobiography Dynamic
Fast is one thing but at this level it should never be at the expense of luxury.
The Range Rover SV has one of the most lavishly specced interiors around and thanks to its 550bhp supercharged V8 you won’t be found wanting in the performance department either.
0-62mph in 5.4-seconds
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Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT
While the other contenders in this segment at least try to appease the environmentalists with modern forced-induction engines, the Jeep SRT sticks to its tried and tested 6.4-litre HEMI V8 to provide the goods.
Its 462bhp helps keep it ahead of those pesky sports cars and the sound from those fat tailpipes is as intoxicating as ever.
0-62mph in 5-seconds
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Porsche Cayenne Turbo S
The Macan may rule in the lower echelons but it is up to its big brother, the Cayenne to ward of the heavy hitters here.
It does so admirably with its massive 562bhp V8 which makes it the equal fastest accelerating (petrol powered) SUV in our list.
0-62mph in 4.1-seconds
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Bentley Bentayga
Bentley is new to the big SUV game and while their first model may have punters divided over its looks, at 187mph and 600bhp it is the fastest and most powerful SUV ever made.
0-62mph in 4.1-seconds
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The future of the Super SUV
These big petrol and diesel powered behemoths are fascinating but they are already a dying breed.
Future super SUVs will need to be far more eco-conscious and the latest hybrid and all-electric offerings out there are already showing the way…
Volvo XC90 T8 Hybrid
Volvo recently announced that all of their range would be at least partially electric by 2019 and the current XC90 already offers this technology.
Instead of employing a massive turbocharged V8 it makes do with a smaller 4-cylinder engine which is aided by an electric motor. The combined output is a serious 395bhp which means performance is excellent while emissions are much improved.
0-62mph in 5.3-seconds
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Tesla Model X
The all-electric Model X is Tesla’s first ever SUV and it comes packed with advanced technological features.
The Falcon Wing doors are impressive but the one aspect that most people will be talking about is the ridiculous acceleration the top P90D model is capable of.
Off the line this 503bhp 7-seater SUV is quicker than just about anything else you are likely to encounter on the school run.
0-62mph in 3.5-seconds
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