The 10 Fastest Crossover SUVs

A premium crossover SUV must have two things: luxurious interior amenities and strong mechanical capabilities. In addition to features like all-wheel drive, such a family-friendly vehicle should be equipped with a muscular powertrain for responsive, reliable handling.  

But speed is also important. Today’s fastest crossover SUVs are tuned for explosive acceleration on dry roads. The following list includes the top highlights of the 10 fastest crossover SUVs currently available.

Audi SQ5

Priced at more than $54,000, the Audi SQ5 is a subcompact crossover SUV that offers two trim options. Powered by twin turbochargers, the legendary 3.0 L TFSI engine yields approximately 355 horsepower. This six-cylinder powertrain offers a 0 to 60 MPH acceleration in only 5.1 seconds. An eight-speed gearbox with the signature Tiptronic function is tuned for agile handling on paved roads. As this Audi SQ5 accelerates, the Quattro All-Wheel Drive ensures minimal slipping of the front and rear wheels. The Audi Virtual Cockpit displays real-time feedback of the vehicle’s superb performance. This digital interface includes a 12.3-inch display in the instrument cluster.

BMW X5 M

Compact and aerodynamic, the BMW X5 M is a luxurious crossover SUV that starts at more than $101,000. Equipped with the patented 4.4 L TwinPower V8 engine, this high-end model accelerates from rest to 60 MPH in only 4.0 seconds. You get just under 570 hp and more than 550 lb-ft of torque from this turbocharged powertrain. Other sophisticated features that boost the performance of the BMW X5 M include:  

• 8-Speed M Sport Automatic Transmission 
• Drivelogic Techology 
• M-Tuned xDrive AWD 
• M Dynamic Mode 
• Dynamic Performance Control 
• Dynamic Brake Control 

BMW X6 M

Priced at just over $105,000, the BMW X6 M is a leader on the market for luxurious compact crossover SUVs. With a displacement of 4.4 L, the M TwinPower V8 engine has the exact ratings as the powertrain in the BMW X5 M. As expected, the X6 M model also reaches a speed of 60 MPH in only 4.0 seconds after taking off from rest. The Brake Drying and Brake Fade Compensation produce plenty of leverage for slowing down on demand. In addition to being fast on the road, this compact BMW crossover SUV boasts the following interior amenities:  

• Four-Zone Automatic Climate Control 
• Active Charcoal Cabin Filtration 
• Comfort Access Key 
• Three-Stage Heated Front Seats 
• Embossed Merino Leather Upholstery 

Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT

Decorated with the acclaimed Trail Rated badge, the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT carries the 6.4 L HEMI V8 engine, which uses natural aspiration instead of turbochargers. This mechanical beast unleashes a maximum of 475 hp and 470 lb-ft at threshold levels. When taking off from a stationary position, the Grand Cherokee SRT needs only 4.8 seconds to reach 60 MPH. For a premium crossover SUV, this Jeep has an impressive top track speed of 160 MPH. The all-new Selec-Track System has several modes that are optimized for sporty performance. For instance, the Sport and Track settings push the powertrain to the limit. Here are some of the vehicle’s class-leading features in the off-road category:  

• Quadra-Trac 4×4 Drive 
• Active On-Demand Technology 
• Electronic Limited-Slip Differential 

All of the features mentioned above justify the Grand Cherokee SRT’s starting price that exceeds $64,500.

Land Rover Range Rover Sport SVR

You’ll have to dish out more than $110,000 for the Land Rover Range Rover Sport SVR. Rated at 550 hp and slightly more than 500 lb-ft, a 5.0 L supercharged V8 engine propels this legendary model. It takes 4.5 seconds for the speedometer to go from 0 to 60 MPH. Made from lightweight carbon fiber, the hood reduces aerodynamic drag during rapid acceleration. The Active Exhaust System further highlights the aggressive design of this Range Rover model. Here are some of the Sport SVR’s top high-tech features:  

• Meridian Sound System with 19 Speakers 
• InControl Infotainment System 
• Rear Entertainment System with Dual 10-Inch Monitors 
• Pro Services with Real-Time Traffic Updates 

Mercedes-Benz AMG G63

You’ll need to spend over $140,000 for the keys of the Mercedes-Benz AMG G63. For its classic boxy body, this luxurious crossover SUV is impressively fast. Featuring two turbochargers, the vehicle’s 5.5 L V8 engine whips out more than 560 hp and 560 lb-ft. You’ll have to wait 5.3 seconds for the AMG G63 to cruise from rest to 60 MPH. Torque from this handcrafted engine is diverted by the AMG Speedshift 7G-Tronic transmission system. The following class-exclusive features also contribute to the AMG G63’s astonishing capabilities on the highway:  

• AMG E-Select Shift 
• AMG Sport Exhaust System 
• AMG High-Performance Brakes 
• Three Lockable Differentials 
• Permanent All-Wheel Drive 

Mercedes-Benz AMG ML63

Carrying a price tag of more than $100,000, the Mercedes-Benz AMG ML63 is propelled by the 5.5 L AMG V8 engine that’s rated at 550 hp. This premium crossover SUV clocks in 4.2 seconds for an acceleration from 0 to 60 MPH. The classic 4MATIC All-Wheel Drive keeps the vehicle balanced during rapid movements on the road. Additional support is provided by the Active Curve System and Adaptive Damping System.

Porsche Macan Turbo

Starting at over $77,000, the Porsche Macan Turbo rolls on a V6 turbocharged engine that pumps out 400 hp. This sleek crossover SUV has a 0-to-60 MPH rating of 4.6 seconds. When exploding from rest, the Macan Turbo maintains superb stability thanks to the Porsche Traction Management and an AWD. Torque is properly delivered to the wheels by the PDK transmission system that has seven gear speeds. The sporty Macan Turbo is available in several flashy colors, such as Carmine Red, Sapphire Blue and Night Blue. The genuine leather upholstery comes in Agate Grey, Beige, Saddle Brown and other rich finishes.

Porsche Cayenne S E-Hybrid

The Porsche Cayenne S E-Hybrid has an MSRP of approximately $80,000. The plug-in hybrid powertrain offers an impressive peak output of more than 430 hp. This efficient crossover SUV can reach a top track speed of 157 MPH. The 0-to-60 MPH acceleration rating for the Cayenne S E-Hybrid is only 4.6 seconds. Here are other cutting-edge features that let you handle this premium Porsche model with confidence:  

• Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control 
• Rea-Axle Steering 
• Adaptive Air Suspension 
• Porsche Surface Coated Brakes 

Porsche Cayenne Turbo

With a starting price of more than $124,500, the Porsche Cayenne Turbo is a strong player in the luxury crossover SUV market. Under the hood, this exquisite model has a twin-turbo V8 engine that generates more than 540 hp and just less than 570 lb-ft. Capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 MPH in 3.9 seconds, the Cayenne Turbo is one of the fastest vehicles in its class. You can also cruise at up to 177 MPH on the road in this dynamic Porsche. Some of the Cayenne Turbo’s top technology amenities include:  

• 21 Burmester Speakers with 3D Sound 
• 14 Bose Speakers with Surround Sound 
• Porsche Connect Applications 
  

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