Ahh the venerable SUV, or sport utility vehicle, if you’d prefer its full name. These (generally) large cars usually offer loads of space, ample ground clearance, all while accommodating a full family of 5 in comfort. In some cases, you could even squeeze an additional two people in the back. And I don’t mean in the trunk. Utilitarian, spacious, and practical. I could go on.

But what about those who would prefer something that has the full scope of an SUV’s features, with a little more fun thrown into the mix? Enter, the performance SUV. Obviously, they’ll lack the handling prowess of some smaller, lither, lower sedans. But in all honesty, you don’t get an overpowered and rapid SUV for track day duties. You get them because they can carry a large amount of cargo - either baggage or people - in record time. And they give you a good laugh from time to time. Here are some of the fastest of the lot.

Lamborghini Urus

Probably the most flamboyant of the lot, but the Lamborghini Urus is as fast as it is showy. How fast you ask? 0-100km/h in 3.6 seconds. Now that’s rapid. The 650hp it packs under the hood ain't too shabby either.

Audi RSQ8

Yeah yeah, I know the Audi RSQ8 shares the same VW-sourced MLB Evo platform as the Urus. I know it has a reworked version of the 4.0-litre turbod’ V8 as the Urus, tuned to 600hp in the RSQ8. That makes this Audi less powerful than the Lambo, and slower too. Marginally so, because the RSQ8 still does 0-100km/h in 3.8 seconds.

(Click HERE to read more about the 2020 Audi RSQ8)

BMW X5 M and X6 M

What happens when you cram the 4.4-litre turbocharged V8 out of an M5 into the engine bay of an X5 (and X6)? You get the BMW X5 M, and X6 M. With 600hp on tap, these beasts can reach 100km/h from a standstill in 3.8 seconds. Ferrying the kids to school ought to be proper quick then.

Alfa Stelvio Quadrifoglio

It’s amazing how Alfa Romeo has managed to squeeze 510hp out of a twin-turbo 2.9-litre V6. But that’s the powerhouse that helps propel the Stelvio Quadrifoglio from 0-100km/h in just 3.8 seconds.