Family SUVs shouldn’t be performance machines since nobody needs 500 HP to take their kids to school, right? Well, it appears that the market for performance SUVs is booming. In fact, almost all manufacturers have at least one crazy powerful family hauler in their lineup. Among all those superfast SUV models, this list will concentrate only on the ones with power ratings higher than 435 HP.
That’s because most people consider the 2019 Ford Mustang GT with a 5.0-liter V8 engine and 435 HP a benchmark model in terms of power. The current Mustang GT is a blisteringly fast muscle/sports car and one of the best machines in its price range. So, it will be interesting to see what five-door, SUV/Crossover models can top the Mustang in the horsepower wars.
1. Mercedes GLS 63 AMG
Do you remember the Mercedes GL Class? It was a big, expensive and heavy SUV roughly the size of a Cadillac Escalade. Well, it is now called the GLS and they gave it the AMG treatment. It is still the size of an Escalade, but now it is as fast as a Corvette, at least from the line. The reason is the bi-turbo 5.5-liter V8 engine that pumps out a massive 577 HP.
And it sends that power to all four wheels through a special seven-speed automatic. Such big power meant AMG needed to re-engineer the suspension, transmission and steering to achieve a 0 to 60 mph time of just 4.5 seconds. Of course, such an advanced and fast vehicle is expensive. So, if you want to have AMG power, smoke other sports cars and carry up to seven people, you have to pay over $125,000.