Fast SUV? Can We Really Trust Them?
The SUV game is full of hidden gems. Not only is a Fast SUV practical and stylish, but some models are also faster than sedans and sports cars. With large trunks, a commanding driving position, and safer technology, it’s a great choice for families and those who want a bit of extra power. Making them ideal for drifting too (if you’re brave enough…).
Topics discussed:
Introducing one example of a Fast SUV the Mercedes GLC 63 AMG
The luxury carmaker has introduced a fast version of the bigger SUV from its line-up. The AMG GLC is equipped with an astounding 4.0L V8 with 476 horsepower. Making it one of the fastest SUVs you can buy today. Its most notable achievement is getting around the Nürburgring in just 7 minutes and 49.3 seconds – an almost identical time to the Lamborghini Murcielago and Porsche 911 Carrera S. Not bad for a car that weighs over two tons!
Background
Originally introduced in 2020, the 4MATIC all-wheel drive system provides impressive grip around country roads and sweeping corners. It’s where the AMG 63 shines brightest with a Sport + mode that makes you completely forget that it’s a commanding SUV.
The 9-speed auto transmission is smoother than its Italian counterparts with the likes of the Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio. With options to take over in shifting with its F1 style paddles, we are now in an era in the SUV market is no longer filled with two-wheel drives that are slow and boring.
AMG S!
If you fancy upgrading your AMG 63 further then the S model outputs a thrilling 510 horsepower. All of this results in a torque boost of 50 Nm (47 lbf⋅ft) to achieve 700 Nm or (516 lb-ft). This means your performance SUV hits 0-60mph in under 4 seconds!
Comparison of Fast SUV VS Sports Cars
We are now seeing AMG GLC 63 compete with the likes of the Audi RS5 in straight-line speed. The German sports coupe achieves 0-60 in almost the same time (3.9 seconds) despite having less capacity (2.9L) over the GLC 63 AMG’s 4.0L unit.
But the AMG and Audi RS5 comparisons don’t end there. With a quarter mile times less than a second between them, it’s surprising considering the size and weight of the Mercedes SUV. The team at AMG knows how to tune a chassis for their large SUVs. The AMG G63 provides supercar characteristics despite its almost 10-inch ground clearance. In comparison, the RS5 has less than half the ground clearance.
The Fast SUV Evolution
The evolution of SUVs in recent years has been nothing short of amazing. SUVs were once seen as slow, gas guzzlers. The Mercedes AMG G63 GLC is not only a sports SUV, but it’s also equipped with cutting-edge technology and engineering. It has defied the traditional physics of making a fast car. Typically, a fast car would need to be light and low to the ground to provide the agility and maneuverability needed for an exciting driving experience. But thanks to advancements in technology, the GLC 63 AMG can now fit in this category.
Most carmakers now are releasing SUVs, this is no longer surprising. With the likes of Ferrari, Aston Martin and Lotus all taking their turn in recent years, car enthusiasts all over the world are not so happy with these prestigious sports car companies trying to appeal to the mass market as they are no longer low-slung true sports cars.
The Alpha
Another example of the star-studded line-up of sports SUVs comes from Alfa Romeo with their Stelvio Quadrifoglio. Competing with its smaller brother, the Giulia Quadrifoglio, Alfa Romeo’s team had to work hard to appeal to sports car enthusiasts by providing an exciting and stylish SUV that also performs. As a result, it’s now one of the best SUVs in terms of its handling and braking ability.
Having a nearly identical 0-60 time of 3.8 seconds it is on par with the AMG GLC 63. Its 8-speed transmission is responsive like no other and handles up and downshifts gracefully thanks to its tactile aluminum paddles behind the steering wheel.
Performance
The Italian SUV is lighter than its German counterparts and comes in at 1830kg. The four-wheel drive system and drivetrain make it exceptional both in a straight line and around the track. With a host of driving modes including Advanced Efficiency, Normal, Dynamic, and Race. All of these are tuning the likes of throttle response, gear change feeling and duration, steering feel, and suspension including ride height. All are adjustable depending on the road surfaces you’re driving over.
It stands out above the rest of the Sports SUVs on the market thanks to its 2.9L V6 which is based on Ferrari’s unit. With an exceptional 0-60mph time matching the Mercedes and German Sports SUVs, it’s under 4 second time was only achieved by sports coupes and supercars a few years ago.
Track Weapon
When comparing lap times, the 2014 BMW M4 is slower than today’s performance SUVs from Alfa Romeo and Mercedes, hitting 0-60 in 4.1 seconds and having a Nürburgring time of 7 minutes 52 seconds.
Advancements in technology, materials, and engineering have come a long way in the SUV game. These vehicles have proven that it’s possible to produce cars that weigh 500kg more and sit in a much higher driving position, while still achieving faster acceleration and lap times than what was considered a supercar less than 10 years ago. The likes of the BMW M4 are no longer the only contenders in the race for speed and performance, thanks to the innovative engineering that has been applied to SUVs.
Conclusion
The Mercedes AMG GLC 63 and Alfa Romeo are just the start of things to come in the performance SUV space. Ferrari amongst many others is producing their Fastest Hybrid SUV the Purosangu. With even more impressive 0-60 times, bigger powerplants, and even greater racing pedigree than its German counterpart.
It’s safe to say the market and SUV space is here to stay and dare I say it, grow. It’s a surprise that brands can produce a vehicle that appeals to families, business professionals, and race car enthusiasts all at once. This is why practical, commanding, and spacious performance SUVs are the ultimate Swiss army knife of vehicles. So yes, we can trust them!
