Here Are The 5 Quickest SUVs We’ve Ever Tested

While we bring you the day-to-day deets of everything that unfolds in the automotive world alongside reviews and test drives, there are some days when we love our work a tad bit more than usual. Those are the days when we put some incredible machines through their paces, all in the name of testing; so that we can bring you real-world performance test figures. 

We’ve been lucky enough to test various SUVs spanning across extreme ends of a spectrum, ranging from budget-friendly to chic and opulence-dripping SUVs, but today is all about speed. So without further ado, here are the five quickest accelerating SUVs we’ve ever tested:

Audi RSQ8 - 3.82s

With a recorded 0-100kmph time of 3.82s, the 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 petrol engine helps the Audi RSQ8 bag an esteemed pedestal right at the front of this list. Thank the 600PS and 800Nm of outright strength for this feat, which gets delivered to all the four wheels via Audi’s all-wheel drive system (quattro) via an eight-speed automatic transmission. Every time you get on the throttle the RSQ8 just takes off without any drama. Head here to check out a detailed report on the super SUV’s mind-boggling performance and character. 

Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe - 5.50s

Not too drab for a 2.4 tone SUV, huh? With a recorded time of 5.5 seconds of 0-100kmph, the Mercedes-AMG GLE 53 Coupe secures the second spot on the podium. It is propelled via a 3.0-litre twin-turbo mill which puts out 435PS and 520Nm to all the four wheels. What is impressive here is the way the SUV builds speed. It just keeps on going like it doesn't have to adhere to the laws of physics. The GLE 53 has already gotten a facelift in markets abroad and it is even more powerful than this iteration with a combined output of 455PS and 634Nm. 

Land Rover Discovery - 07.32s

The Land Rover Discovery’s 3.0-litre Petrol (mild-hybrid) grabs the last podium spot with a recorded 0-100kmph time of 7.32 seconds. It does so with the help of 360PS and 500Nm of output, which drives all four wheels via an 8-speed torque-converter automatic transmission. So along with all the creature comforts and the off-roading capabilities that are synonymous with Land Rovers, this one also packs the oomph for some spirited driving.

Audi Q2 - 7.64

Even though the Audi Q2 came with a modest little 190PS/320Nm 2.0-litre TFSI turbo-petrol engine, it still recorded the sprint from a nought to 100 kmph in just 7.64 seconds. That time is just 3 tenths off the third-place Land Rover Discovery and this swift time is partial courtesy of its lightweight body and the all-wheel drive system. Audis launch is one of the best in the industry and in the Q2 as well, it is pretty aggressive. 

Mercedes-Benz GLA - 7.70s

The Mercedes entry-level SUV comes with both petrol and diesel engine options, but it is the latter of the two that’s more peppy with an output of 192PS and 400Nm. This isn’t the fastest full-fledged AMG-spec iteration of the GLA, but even still, the 220d variant recorded a 0-100kmph time of just 7.7 seconds. There’s even scope for improvement in this time, as Mercedes claims 7.3 seconds for the same. Head here for a detailed review of Merc’s entry-level SUV.

Volvo XC60 Petrol - 7.78s

Surprised to see the Volvo XC60 on this list? Well, you won’t be once you check out the numbers that its mild-hybrid petrol powertrain makes. Combining the mild-hybrid system and the 2-litre turbo-petrol engine, the system develops 250PS and 350Nm, which is good enough to take it from a 0-100kmph in a time of 7.78 seconds. Oh, and it puts down its power to all four wheels (AWD system) to ensure maximum traction which aids in a better launch. The SUV is so well cocooned that you don't feel the speed at all, until you look down and see the speedometer reading. 

Also Read: 5 Cool Facts About The 6th-generation Mercedes E-Class Sedan

With performance like that, these SUVs take the ‘Sport’ in their name a little too seriously and we can’t complain. Because, why should coupes and hatchbacks have all the fun, right?