© FCA US
Fantastically Fast Family Haulers
The family car will always have a starring role in this American life, thanks to never-ending chauffeuring by mom or dad: taking kids to school, summertime road trips, transporting kids to soccer practice, or even meeting other adults for a — gasp — night on the town. In their lives BC (Before Children), parents might have enjoyed something sporty or fun to drive; the following fantastically fast family haulers can keep that motoring mojo alive. These SUVs, wagons and hatchbacks carry the whole family and their stuff with speed and agility: the best vehicles to get ice cream home before it melts, arrive at soccer practice on time, or get away from it all — quickly.
© FCA US
Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio
This Italian automaker has been around for more than 100 years with a rich history of building performance and racing vehicles. Until a few years ago, the idea of an Alfa Romeo SUV was unheard of, but then the all-new Stelvio premiered. Named for one of the highest mountain passes (with one of the best roads) in the Italian Alps, Stelvio offers the performance and styling of the Alfa Giulia sport sedan with the utility expected from a luxury crossover. This means whoever is lucky enough to sit behind the wheel on family outings may be having the most fun.
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Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio
Powering this potent SUV is a 2.9-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine producing 505 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque delivered to all four wheels through an 8-speed automatic transmission. That’s enough power to move up to five passengers and their gear to 60 mph in less than 4 seconds. The Stelvio Quadrifoglio features razor-sharp steering, active sport suspension and available Brembo high-performance carbon ceramic brakes for proper sports-car-like handling. With leather-trimmed sport seats up front, multiple USB outlets, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as a high-end Harmon Kardon audio system, the whole family should be comfortable and entertained at whatever speed they’re travelling.
© Aston Martin
Aston Martin DBX
DBX is the first SUV to wear an Aston Martin nameplate in the company’s 106-year history, and one look at the DBX confirms it is clearly, purely Aston Martin. Up front sits the signature DB grille that flows into the vented, sculpted hood. The vents not only provide cooling for the turbocharged engine, they also reduce front-end lift at speed. Additional air flows through ducts integrated into the LED running lights, cooling the brakes as well as reducing drag. The whole family will feel comfortable in the DBX — sport seats are covered in available full-grain leather from Bridge of Weir, and Alcantara covers the headliner as well as the roof blind. Features include heated front and rear seats, 3-zone automatic climate control, four USB ports, Apple CarPlay, a 360-degree view camera and an 800-watt premium audio system.
© Aston Martin
Aston Martin DBX
Although luxurious surroundings remain important, Aston Martins are all about performance — and the DBX certainly doesn’t disappoint. Power comes from a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine that generates 542 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. Active exhaust allows the DBX to be quieter when appropriate, or provide a full V8 roar — guaranteed to turn the heads of other parents. The DBX sprints to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds and reaches a top speed of 181 mph. The 2021 DBX has a 9-speed automatic transmission that sends power to a sophisticated all-wheel-drive system with an active center differential and a limited-slip rear differential. During those family outings that leave the pavement behind, the DBX can be raised by almost 2 inches for more than 9 inches of ground clearance.
© Audi AG
Audi RS Q8
Audi introduced its Q8 flagship SUV a few years ago, and in typical fashion for the company, there is now a more powerful variant. Vehicles in the Audi lineup that wear the RS badge are the most extreme specimens offered, and the RS Q8 is no exception. The RS Q8 is easily spotted as something special with its large honeycomb grille, additional air intakes, LED headlights and running lights, bold fender flares and 22-inch alloy wheels. The interior has Audi’s virtual cockpit as well as RS sport Valcona leather seats, an RS sport steering wheel and large aluminum shift paddles. The RS Q8 features seating for five with plenty of space for cargo.
© Audi AG
Audi RS Q8
Motivating this high-performance SUV is a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine that produces 591 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. Power gets sent to Audi’s quattro all-wheel-drive system via an 8-speed Tiptronic transmission. The RS Q8 is not a small SUV, but excellent traction and plenty of power help it sprint to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds, and it has a top speed of almost 190 mph when equipped with RS ceramic brakes. Proving its performance capabilities, the RS Q8 recently completed a circuit of Germany’s Nurburgring racetrack in 7:42.2, making it the fastest production SUV to lap this famed track. If your route to the grocery store happens to have more than 150 high-speed turns, the RS Q8 can get you there faster than any other SUV.
© Audi AG
Audi RS6 Avant
In the 1960s and ‘70s, the crossover had not yet been invented yet, so the family car was always a station wagon. Today station wagons have fallen out of favor, but there are a few left on the road, including the hot, new RS6 Avant. A particular niche of auto enthusiasts in the U.S. have been pining for the Audi RS6 Avant — a high-performance all-wheel-drive luxury wagon that was never before sold in America. The RS6 Avant sports a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine generating a plentiful 591 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. With a quick-shifting 8-speed Tiptronic transmission and quattro all-wheel drive, this not-so-small wagon can sprint to 60 mph in a supercar-like 3.5 seconds.
© Audi AG
Audi RS6 Avant
The RS adaptive air suspension and wheel-selective torque control — along with Audi’s legendary quattro all-wheel drive — ensure excellent handling when the road becomes twisty. The RS6 Avant can even be equipped with ceramic brakes to bring the car back from a top speed of 190 mph. The RS6 Avant gets styling to match its performance with broad wheel arches and a three-dimensional RS-specific honeycomb structure in the signature Singleframe grille, finished in gloss black. At the rear sits a roof edge spoiler as well as dual oval tailpipes. When the kids get dropped off at school in the RS 6 Avant, nobody makes fun of this wagon.
© Bentley Motors
Bentley Bentayga Speed
For those who feel the “regular” Bentayga simply isn’t powerful enough, Bentley has introduced the all-new Bentayga Speed. This is the most powerful and performance-oriented Bentayga offered — perfect for those quick family outings. Bentayga Speed stands out with a dark-tint matrix grille, dark-tint bumper grilles, dark-tint headlights, body-color side skirts, a body-color front splitter, a liftgate spoiler and Speed badges on the lower edge of the front doors. New 22-inch 10-spoke wheels are offered in three colors: silver, dark-tint or black. Inside, the Bentayga Speed adds accents around the door, door grab handle, outer seat cushions, seatback bolsters and lower console. Plush seats include contrasting stitching, Alcantara and embroidered “Speed” at the top of the seatbacks. Rear seating can be ordered for two or three and can be equipped with dual video screens as well as individual tables.
© Bentley Motors
Bentley Bentayga Speed
While the kids enjoy the rear-seat entertainment, the Bentayga Speed’s driver will be thrilled by the 6.0-liter W12 engine that produces 626 horsepower and 664 lb-ft of torque. Combined with an 8-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, Bentayga Speed accelerates from zero to 62 mph in a drink-spilling 3.9 seconds on the way to a top speed of 190 mph. If the road gets a bit twisty, passengers will enjoy the Bentley Dynamic Ride — an electric active-roll control system that counters lateral rolling when cornering for a more comfortable ride as well as improved handling. To help get velocity managed in school zones, the Bentayga Speed features the largest ceramic brakes ever fitted to a Bentley.
© BMW of North America
BMW ALPINA XB7
The BMW X7 resides at the top of the German automaker’s SUV lineup, offering the most space within incredibly luxurious surroundings. Now the good folks at ALPINA — the Bavarian auto manufacturer that made a name for itself by reconfiguring high-performance BMW vehicles — have had their way with this big SUV and are introducing the all-new ALPINA XB7. When it comes to exterior styling, ALPINA sticks with subtle updates to the standard BMW X7. Up front, larger air intakes improve airflow to the engine, and lower bodywork emblazoned with ALPINA lettering reduces lift for improved high-speed stability. At the rear, dual twin tailpipes integrate well with the bumper for some stylistic flair.
© BMW of North America
BMW ALPINA XB7
The ALPINA XB7 is powered by a 4.4-liter biturbo V8 engine delivering 612 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. With that much power and excellent traction, the XB7 can sprint to 60 mph in 4 seconds with an ultimate top speed of 180 mph. The XB7 is bound to make some appreciable noise as well, thanks to an all-new stainless steel ALPINA sport exhaust system. Not only will the whole family arrive at a quick pace, the ALPINA models are not simply about performance upgrades — they also upgrade the level of luxury. Everyone will enjoy the Merino leather trim, multicontour seats, soft-close doors, an Alcantara headliner, Myrtlewood trim and a panoramic glass sunroof.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
BMW X3 M Competition
The X3 crossover is the most popular model in the BMW lineup, offering room for five with decent cargo space in a modest package. Now the German car company has taken the X3 and given it the full M treatment, morphing this people mover into a sports car in SUV garb. Although the X3 M Competition is not overly flamboyant, it specifically stands out from the standard X3 with larger air intakes, a black kidney grille, signature M gills, a rear spoiler, M Sport exhaust with quad black-chrome tailpipes and 21-inch jet black wheels. Inside is befitting of the top-level X3, featuring Merino leather with Alcantara trim, M sport seats and available M seat belts for no charge.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
BMW X3 M Competition
At the heart of the X3 M Competition is an all-new M TwinPower Turbo 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder engine producing 510 horses, making it the most powerful 6-cylinder BMW has ever put in a production vehicle. This muscle gets transferred to the ground via the latest version of the M xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive system. The system works in concert with the stability control to provide the feel and dynamics of rear-wheel drive — power is only sent to the front wheels when traction gets lost at the rear. The proper BMW M styling combined with a useful interior, comfortable ride and extreme performance make the X3 M Competition an excellent everyday choice for the enthusiast whose life can’t fit into a sports car.
© FCA US
Dodge Durango Hellcat
When it comes to performance vehicles, Dodge has made a name for itself and that name is Hellcat. Vehicles in the Hellcat series have supercharged HEMI V8 engines with more than 700 horsepower — an insane figure for road-going cars built for everyday driving. Now Dodge adds to the Hellcat portfolio with something guaranteed to entertain the whole family: the all-new Durango SRT Hellcat. With 710 horsepower on tap and three rows of seats, the 2021 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat becomes the most powerful production SUV on the road, as well as one of the quickest — this big SUV will sprint to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds.
© FCA US
Dodge Durango Hellcat
Easy to spot in the wild, this massive Hellcat SUV makes strides with an aggressive front fascia, LED headlights with signature LED running lights, a new two-piece chin splitter and a unique low-gloss black grille designed for better air intake. The big V8 engine needs plenty of cold air — provided by the functional hood scoop as well as the deletion of Durango’s fog lights to create additional air intakes in the fascia. Since this Durango Hellcat is the most powerful SUV on the road, owners can add available dual-center racing stripes — and rightly so.
© Ferrari Cars North America
Ferrari GTC4 Lusso
Arguably one of the least useful family vehicles on this list, the GTC4 Lusso is likely to put smiles on the faces of any family members occupying Ferrari’s most SUV-like model. Similar to its predecessor the FF, the GTC4 Lusso offers seating for four, ample cargo space and full-time all-wheel drive. The streamlined shape of the GTC4 Lusso fits well with the large grille, bold fender flares, side louvers, sculpted hood and quad exhaust at the rear. Improved sound insulation keeps the cabin comfortable and quiet, yet allows the alluring sound of the V12 engine inside for occupant enjoyment.
© Ferrari Cars North America
Ferrari GTC4 Lusso
Since the GTC4 Lusso is a proper Ferrari, power comes from a 6.3-liter V12 engine producing 680 horsepower and 514 lb-ft of torque. Power is put to the pavement via a 7-speed dual-clutch F1 transmission and a sophisticated all-wheel-drive system. Massive brakes, high-performance tires and a new rear-wheel steering system add to the impressive overall performance. Sixty mph arrives in a bit over 3 seconds, and the GTC4 Lusso will be in triple digits well before 10 seconds pass. Top speed is more than 200 mph — a thrill for the entire family?
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Ford Explorer ST
A pioneer of the SUV segment, the Ford Explorer has been on the road for almost 30 years. All new for the 2020 model year, the Explorer makes an excellent family hauler with plenty of room inside for both people and cargo. As part of the redesign, Ford added a new high-performance trim to the Explorer lineup — the Explorer ST. The ST (Sports Technologies) is clearly the athletic version of the Explorer with unique styling that distinguishes it from the rest of the lineup. This includes a black mesh grille, a black EXPLORER badge on hood, black bodyside cladding, black roof rails, quad chrome-trimmed exhaust outlets, blackout treatment on the headlights and 20-inch machined aluminum wheels.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Ford Explorer ST
Ford reinforces the ST’s sporty styling with high-performance motive power from a 3.0-liter EcoBoost V6 engine that produces 400 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque, teamed with a 10-speed automatic transmission. With the grip of standard 4-wheel drive, the ST moves quickly for a big SUV. The ST has standard second-row captain’s chairs, which are not only stylish but also offer plenty of legroom and have the added bonus of keeping the kids separated. Seats slide forward to provide more space for third-row passengers or larger cargo. A USB port and a standard 110-volt outlet provide power for devices — an additional benefit to squabbling second-row siblings.
© Jaguar Land Rover
Jaguar F-PACE SVR
Jaguar is another automaker that pundits would have never pegged to join the SUV craze; however, a few years back the legendary British marque introduced the F-Pace 5-passenger crossover. But in true Jaguar style, the F-PACE was quickly transformed by the company’s Special Vehicle Operations to create the sports -car-like F-PACE SVR. Other parents dropping their kids off at school will certainly notice that this F-PACE is something special, thanks to the larger front air intakes, side fender vents, exclusive vented SVR hood, extended wheel arches, 21-inch wheels and quad exhaust that broadcast the lovely sound of a Jaguar V8.
© Jaguar Land Rover
Jaguar F-PACE SVR
The source of that throaty exhaust is a 5.0-liter supercharged V8 engine pumping out 550 horsepower and 502 lb-ft of torque. Sending power to Jaguar’s torque-on-demand all-wheel-drive system, the F-PACE SVR will sprint to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds. For those really running late, the SVR is capable of reaching 176 mph — perhaps leaving earlier would be a safer plan. The SVR gets an upgraded chassis compared to the standard F-PACE, which includes stiffer front and rear springs as well as an anti-roll system that should keep everyone riding happily along.
© FCA US
Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk
Jeeps have been long associated with off-road prowess, while at the same time its Dodge sibling has been building powerful modern-day American muscle cars. One would think that these two vastly different vehicular paths would never cross, but they have. Jeep takes the massively powerful supercharged engine from the Dodge Hellcat and transplants it into a Grand Cherokee, creating the unique Grand Cherokee Trackhawk. Those in the know will recognize the Trackhawk with its bi-xenon HID headlights with LED running lights framing the black grille. At the back quad tailpipes as well as a liftgate spoiler give the Trackhawk some talons. The best performance indicators are its massive brakes with yellow calipers behind 20-inch forged aluminum wheels. And the “supercharged” label on the front doors.
© FCA US
Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk
The Grand Cherokee Trackhawk is unbelievably quick, thanks to its borrowed Hellcat engine: a 6.2-liter supercharged HEMI V8 that produces 707 horsepower and 645 lb-ft of torque. The 8-speed automatic shifts quickly and seamlessly, sending power to all four wheels. With excellent traction and enormous power, the Trackhawk can scream to 60 mph in a mere 3.4 seconds. Top speed is a reported 180 mph — pretty fast for a Jeep. Although Trackhawk has the heart of a muscle car it is still a Grand Cherokee, which means there’s more than 8 inches of ground clearance, full-time all-wheel drive with a Snow setting and the ability to tow more than 7,000 pounds. There’s plenty of cargo space, so hauling all the gear needed for a proper family outing is not a problem.
© Koenigsegg
Koenigsegg Gemera
Swedish automaker Koenigsegg is well known for building extreme sports cars, but the company may have recently redefined the high-performance family car. The all-new Gemera is the brand’s first four seater, referred to as a “Mega-GT.” This sexy sports car offers room for four adults and some luggage space, as well as a luxurious cabin outfitted with features such as heated and cooled cupholders, front and rear seat infotainment displays, a Wi-Fi hotspot, memory foam heated seats, exterior and interior cameras and an 11-speaker high-end audio system. These goodies certainly create a space that would be pleasing for the whole family.
© Koenigsegg
Koenigsegg Gemera
Kids in the Gemera’s back seat better hold tight to their beverages, since the Gemera lives up to the Koenigsegg reputation. Power comes from a 2-liter 3-cylinder twin-turbo Freevalve engine (nicknamed The Friendly Giant) that produces 600 horsepower, teamed with three electric motors — one for each rear wheel and one on the crankshaft. Total output is 1700 horsepower, which will move the Gemera to 62 mph in less than 2 seconds with a top speed approaching 250 mph. No reason to take the family to the amusement park — this Koenigsegg would provide more excitement than any roller coaster.
© Automobili Lamborghini
Lamborghini Urus
Known for building high-performance exotic supercars, Italian automaker Lamborghini joined the fray by introducing its own SUV. This isn’t the company’s first SUV venture – there was the V12-powered LM002, but only 300 of those were built and then ended production more than 25 years ago. The thoroughly modern Urus looks the part of a Lamborghini SUV with sleek lines clearly influenced by the Huracan and Aventador. The front end is unique to Urus; however, the taillights and quad exhaust also fit with the look of the brand’s two supercars. Being a Lamborghini, the Urus has power to match the exotic looks. Under the hood is a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 putting out 650 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque. With full-time all-wheel drive, the Urus will launch to 60 mph in about 3.5 seconds on its way to a top speed of 190 mph.
© Automobili Lamborghini
Lamborghini Urus
Inside, Urus feels high tech with a large touchscreen display in the center of the dashboard as well as a second display for climate control functions. Considering Lamborghini’s exclusive lineup of 2-seat sports cars, the standout feature of Urus might be the rear doors and rear seats. As the only 4-seater in Lamborghini’s lineup, this may be one of the biggest selling points for the new model – especially for the kids. All four seating positions are power-adjustable buckets, and in true SUV style cupholders grace both front and rear seating areas.
© Jaguar Land Rover
Land Rover Range Rover Sport SVR
Well known for its ability to handle just about any terrain while carrying passengers in the utmost comfort, the Land Rover Range Rover has never been expected to break any speed records. The folks at Land Rover’s Special Vehicle Operations changed that with the introduction of the Range Rover Sport SVR. Residing at the top of the Range Rover Sport lineup, the SVR is luxurious on the inside while remaining tough on the outside. The family will certainly enjoy sitting in the heated Windsor leather trimmed performance seats in front and back, while the tri-zone climate control ensures everyone is comfortable. If the kids get tired of listening to the lovely V8 roar, simply turn up the volume on the 825-watt Meridian surround sound audio system.
© Jaguar Land Rover
Land Rover Range Rover Sport SVR
Even though this special Range Rover Sport is perfectly capable of handling rough terrain or even driving through the river to grandmother’s house, it excels at eating up pavement quickly. Under the hood sits a 5.0-liter supercharged V8 engine generating 575 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque. With the grip of permanent all-wheel drive, this big Range Rover will reach 60 mph in 4.3 seconds, and with enough road (or track) it will attain 176 mph. With its varying skills, the Range Rover SVR is perfect for getting to the mountains quickly, then easily climbing over them.
© Maserati
Maserati Levante Trofeo
For a proper mix of luxury, performance and utility — with some additional Italian style — Maserati adds the high-performance Trofeo to its Levante lineup. The Levante is quite noticeable on its own, but the Trofeo stands out even further with Full Matrix LED lights, a grille with double vertical bars in piano black, a new vented hood, honeycomb mesh in the lower fascia and more aggressive air intakes in the lower front fascia. The front splitter, side bezel blades in the front air intakes, side skirt inserts and rear extractor are all made of high-gloss carbon fiber. Inside, the Levante Trofeo features sport seats finished in Pieno Fiore natural leather in black, red and tan, with contrast stitching and Trofeo stitched in the head restraints – certainly enough bling to keep up with the Joneses.
© Maserati
Maserati Levante Trofeo
Under the hood of the Levante lurks one of the most powerful engines ever offered by Maserati, the 3.8-liter Twin Turbo V8 — produced by Ferrari in Maranello, Italy — develops 590 horsepower and 538 lb-ft of torque. Combined with Q4 Intelligent All-wheel Drive, the Levante Trofeo will accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds and boasts a top speed of more than 183 mph. The chassis of the Levante Trofeo has been tuned to accommodate the higher power output, maintaining grand touring comfort while delivering supercar performance. With that kind of power, the Joneses won’t be keeping up very well.
© Mercedes-Benz USA
Mercedes-AMG E63 S Wagon
Before the onslaught of minivans and crossovers in America, station wagons were typical family cars. They drove like the sedans on which they were based, but offered considerably more cargo-carrying capacity. Although most automakers have moved away from wagons, Mercedes has managed to turn it into one amazing all-around vehicle. Like those original station wagons, the E63 S Wagon provides the drivability, comfort and luxury of the sedan on which it’s based — in this case the luxurious E-Class. Inside, occupants find Nappa leather trim, AMG sport seats, an AMG Performance steering wheel and dual 12.3-inch display screens that stretch across the dashboard as one customizable digital display. The E63 S Wagon also offers plenty of cargo space with a low floor for easy loading and unloading.
© Mercedes-Benz USA
Mercedes-AMG E63 S Wagon
In addition to its typical family-car abilities, the E 63 S Wagon hints that it’s something a bit more extraordinary. Up front a large grille gets flanked by sleek LED headlights and large air intakes. Bulging fender flares give the wagon a wide, aggressive stance, and a quad exhaust at the rear are subtle signs of this sleek wagon’s capabilities. Also telling are 20-inch alloy wheels, massive brakes and red AMG calipers. The E 63 S Wagon’s brakes are not ornamental, they are definitely vital; under the sculpted hood lurks a hand-built 4.0-liter turbocharged V8 engine that generates 603 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque — enough power to sprint to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds and a top speed of 180 mph. Not only will the E63 S Wagon get the family where it needs to be quickly, if kids are causing trouble in the back seat one exuberant stomp of the throttle from a stoplight would immediately grab the attention of squabbling siblings — and anyone else within earshot, for that matter.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Mercedes-AMG GLS 63
Finding a vehicle that offers an ultra-luxurious interior, seating for up to seven and the performance needed to never miss a soccer match can be difficult, but the all-new Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 will certainly check all the boxes. The interior is as nice as any high-end luxury sedan — AMG sport seats up front are trimmed in exclusive Nappa leather with AMG badging and contrasting stitching. The pampering continues with an active massage function that can provide classic massage or even heated treatment. The driver can further set the mood with 64-color ambient lighting. Family members relegated to the rear seats won’t complain too much — both rear rows are covered in soft leather with heated seats as well as multiple USB ports.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Mercedes-AMG GLS 63
As the performance division of Mercedes-Benz, the heart of any AMG model is the powerful engine under the hood, and the GLS 63 is no exception. Power comes from a 4.0-liter biturbo V8 engine producing 603 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque. Employing its standard high-performance all-wheel drive, the GLS 63 can pass 60 mph in 4.1 seconds on its way to 174 mph. If someone does catch a glimpse of the GLS 63 as it flies by, they’ll notice the sculpted hood and large air intakes as well as the distinctive AMG grille — the largest of any AMG model in the Mercedes lineup. The grille gets flanked by standard dynamic LED headlights. The GLS 63 can also be fitted with massive 23-inch wheels, and the sound emanating from quad pipes at the rear will certainly get the neighbors’ attention.
© Mercedes-Benz USA
Mercedes-AMG G63
The Mercedes-Benz G-Class is one of a kind: it tackles the toughest terrain, and then after a quick shower rolls up to valet stands at the finest of hotels and plays the role perfectly in both situations. Last year Mercedes introduced an all-new version of the G, and along with it came the powerful AMG G63. While the G-Class is already instantly recognizable, the AMG version stands out with a unique AMG grille, dual side-exhaust pipes, flared wheel arches and 20-inch AMG 10-spoke wheels. Inside, the family will appreciate hand-stitched leather seats, tri-zone climate control, heated front and rear seats and a high-end Burmester surround-sound audio system. With the G-Class, there’s no problem if kids slam the doors — doing this results in a satisfying thud, like closing the door of a vault.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Mercedes-AMG G63
The G-Class is arguably one of the most capable off-road vehicles available; however, most who buy it will never leave the pavement in it. That’s fine for the AMG G63, thanks to its hand-built 4.0-liter AMG V8 engine producing 577 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque. With more than enough power to overcome its bricklike aerodynamics, the G63 sprints to 60 mph in a mere 4.5 seconds. Most surprising is how well this tall SUV handles. It looks as if it should tip over at the first corner, but with the AMG-developed suspension and AMG Performance 4MATIC rear-biased all-wheel drive, the G63 handles corners as well as it tackles mountains — the perfect vehicle for the ultimate family adventure.
© Porsche Cars North America
Porsche Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid
A company embracing the high-performance aspects of electrification is Porsche. The famed German carmaker recently introduced its fastest SUV ever — the Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid. As the top-level Cayenne, the Turbo S E-Hybrid carries the whole family in comfort with dual-zone climate control, a particulate/pollen filter, available leather-trimmed seats with massage functions, four USB charging ports, Apple CarPlay and a premium audio system with 10 speakers. Rear-seat passengers get plenty of room, and the large cargo space can carry all the family’s gear on the next road trip.
© Perry Stern, Automotive Content Experience
Porsche Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid
Powering the Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid is a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine that produces 541 horsepower, teamed with a 134-horsepower electric motor for a total output of 670 horsepower and 663 lb-ft of torque. The electric motor is positioned between the V8 and the 8-speed Tiptronic S automatic transmission, which makes it possible for power to be delivered from either source independently — or both for maximum thrust. The Cayenne can cruise through town silently using electric motors alone, but when one of the kids says they need the bathroom NOW, full throttle awakens the V8 and with all motors delivering power the Cayenne can reach 60 mph in 3.6 seconds with an eventual top speed of 183 mph. Not that any driver should head for home at that rate.
© Tesla
Tesla Model X Performance
One of a few all-electric SUVs on the market, the Tesla Model X offers impressive performance and efficiency as well as distinctive styling. With no need for a grille, the Model X has sleek aerodynamic styling with full LED headlights and a windshield that smoothly flows into the roofline. Most noticeable are the rear Falcon Wing doors — the double-hinged doors require less room to articulate and provide a large opening for easy entry and exit. With a premium interior featuring three rows of seats as well as a front and rear trunk, the Model X works well for the whole family.
© Tesla
Tesla Model X Performance
The Model X features two independently controlled electric motors for full-time all-wheel drive. Performance is quite astounding: using “Ludicrous” mode, the Model X Performance can sprint to 60 mph in 2.7 seconds — faster than most supercars. Top speed is listed as a more than adequate 163 mph. Not only is the Model X quick, it is also quite efficient. The top-level Model X has a range of 305 miles — plenty of space for a proper family road trip.
