The Rise of the Super SUV

However, in 2019, the supercar market has seen itself segmented to a stage where variety is everything, and the new, alternative kid on the block is cleaning up, disrupting the domination held by the sports style car.

The SSUV, or super SUV as it is commonly known, is a new breed of super car and it more than packs a punch. The SSUV is a particularly interesting entity — if tapas were a car… The vehicle combines a phenomenal dose of power, unrestrained luxury, superb handling abilities, and a resilience that you would usually only expect from a WWII army tank. Effectively, the super SUV successfully combines the best attributes of each style of car and houses it all under one bonnet, and roof. That said, we’re taking a look at a range of super SUVs currently available on the market, examining the reasons behind their popularity and success.

Picture the Bentley Continental GT after a year involving a hefty calorie surplus and dedicated cross-fit sessions and you have got yourself a Bentley Bentayga. Available in a variety of engine sizes, the Bentayga Speed is the world’s fastest SUV, with a mouth-watering top speed of 190mph. The V8 engine not only delivers power for fun, thanks to the elevated driving position, torque is aplenty.

On the inside, the Bentayga represents everything that Bentley stands for, awash with luxury from the floor pan to the ceiling, with prospective buyers able to choose between the rustic look, aided by polished mahogany, or contemporary carbon-fibre. Similarly, technological innovation includes a host of driving aids, such as Park Assist, and Bentley’s signature infotainment system.

Starting price from £130,500
MPG – 24
0-60mph – 4.4secs
Power – 599bhp
Road Tax - £325-570

Powered by a V8 bi-turbo engine delivering 640bhp, the Urus is a particularly unique super SUV in regard to its unrivalled delivery of power. An 8-gear automatic transmission ensures an incredibly smooth drive regardless of the terrain, while active torque vectoring, which evenly distributes power amongst each of the four wheels, accompanied by a maximum torque generation of 850Nm, guarantees levels never diminish.

In a similar fashion to that of the sleeker sports style Lamborghinis, comfort in the Urus has not been sacrificed for the sake of performance. The ergonomic design within the interior can be customised to suit the interests of the customer, opting between a sporty aluminium finish, or a more natural wood finish. Similarly, enhance the super car look by choosing a generously spaced four seat alternative, which includes two individual rear seats. Developing engineering master pieces is undoubtedly Lamborghini’s forte, therefore it should come as no surprise that the Urus stands with elegance and prowess, both aesthetically pleasing inside, outside, and under the hood.

Starting price from £159,925
MPG – 23
0-60mph – 3.5secs
Power – 640bhp
Road Tax - £465

A midsize luxury crossover SUV, the Range Rover Sport SVR enters on our list due to its sheer ability in every endeavour on which it competes. An SUV that can reach 60mph from a standing start in 4.3 seconds, max out at 162mph, and offer lumber similar lumbar support to that of a memory foam mattress while travelling over rocky terrain undoubtedly deserves unlimited commendation.

One difficulty for designers and developers when establishing a quality super SUV is striking the right balance between luxury, off-roading ability, and performance.

Passengers can indulge in the scenery from a panoramic glass roof, while the driver immerses themselves in a whopping 567bhp of unrestricted power. Comfort has not been neglected in the SVR either, with five adults sitting with copious amounts of legroom.

Starting price from £99,620
MPG – 22
0-60mph – 4.3secs
Power – 567bhp
Road Tax - £465

The Porsche Cayenne epitomises everything the super SUV is about. Originally rolling off the production line back in 2003, the Cayenne was always a popular choice amid the world of SUV advocates, however, the new Turbo S model blows its predecessor out of the water within approximately 3.7 seconds — the time it takes the Porsche to reach 60mph.

Complete with a twin-turbocharged 4.0 litre V-8 engine, producing 541bhp, getting behind the wheel of a Porsche Cayenne Turbo S is an incredibly confusing experience — simply because it doesn’t resemble an SUV in the slightest. Precision engineering by the manufacturer has translated into pinpoint accuracy when accelerating, braking, and cornering, so much so you could be fooled into believing you were actually negotiating a 911.

18-way adjustable seats ensure maximum levels of comfort regardless of the terrain upon which the car is crossing, while on board Wi-Fi helps guarantee every journey will be as entertaining and interesting as the one before.

Starting price from £57,195
MPG – 24-31 combined
0-60mph – 3.7secs
Power – 541bhp
Road Tax - £465

With a seven-seater passenger capacity, the AMG GLS 63 is the largest contributor to the top five super SUVs shortlist; however, its sheer size doesn’t go as far as altering its ability to perform. A 5.5 litre V8 biturbo engine produces an incredible 577bhp, helping the vehicle reach 60mph in 4.5 seconds. 21” inch alloys not only look exuberant, but they aid the ability of the ’63 to grip the road with apparent ease, through harsh weather conditions, and terrain alike.

Seven people can sit comfortably in the GLS, surrounded by the luxury we have grown accustomed to expect from the German manufacturer, however, with all seven seats up, the boot does become fairly restricted. Driver assistance technologies surround the GLS, however, smaller additions such as heat-controlled cup holders help cement its position as a vehicle laden with affection and care.

Starting price from £70, 615

MPG – 15mpg
0-60mph – 4.5secs
Power – 577bhp
Road Tax - £465

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