5 Fastest-Accelerating SUVs Tested by CAR Magazine in 2025

We have rounded up the fastest-accelerating SUVs, based on their tested 0-100 km/h sprint times, evaluated by CAR magazine in 2025. See the list below.

5. BMW X3 M50 – 4.61 seconds

BMW X3 M50

Image: Peet Mocke

Starting off the list is the BMW X3 M50, which completed the 0-100 km/h sprint in 4.61 seconds; just one-hundredth of a second shy of BMW’s 4.6-second claim. The X3 M50 is equipped with a turbocharged 3.0-litre turbocharged inline-six producing 293 kW and 580 N.m of torque, sent to all four corners via an eight-speed automatic transmission.

4. Land Rover Defender 110 Octa Edition One – 4.59 seconds

2025 Land Rover Defender Octa Edition One

Image: Peet Mocke

We evaluated the Land Rover Defender Octa (in Edition One guise) for a road test in the November issue of CAR magazine. Despite weighing north of three tonnes, the apex Defender completed the 0-100 km/h sprint in 4.59 seconds (Land Rover claims 4.0 seconds). The Defender Octa’s 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 churns out 467 kW and 750 N.m of torque – the latter increasing to 800 N.m when engaging Dynamic Launch.

3. Porsche Cayenne GTS Coupé – 4.23 seconds

Porsche Cayenne GTS Coupé driving

Image: Peet Mocke

The Porsche Cayenne GTS Coupé, which we tested in October 2025, posted a 0–100 km/h time of 4.23 seconds, besting its maker’s 4.4-second 0-100 km/h claim. The Cayenne GTS is powered by a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine, which delivers 368 kW and 660 N.m of torque to the road via the front and rear axles.

2. Audi RS Q8 quattro performance – 3.72 seconds

Audi RS Q8 performance front driving

Image: Peet Mocke

We tested the Audi RS Q8 quattro performance in September 2025. The halo Q model in the German marque’s portfolio dispatched the 0–100 km/h sprint in 3.72 seconds, a whisker off its claimed 3.6 seconds. The RS Q8 quattro performance’s 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 powertrain develops 471 kW and 850 N.m of torque.

1. Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S E Performance – 3.41 seconds

Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S E Performance

Image: Peet Mocke

Topping the list is the Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S E Performance, which we tested in the January 2025 Performance Issue of CAR magazine, completed the 0-100 km/h dash in 3.41 seconds – just under a tenth of a second quicker than its claimed 3.5 seconds – making it the fastest-accelerating SUV we tested in 2025. The midsize performance SUV’s plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain pairs a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, fed by a 6.1 kWh lithium-ion battery. The pinnacle GLC’s PHEV system produces combined system outputs of 500 kW and 1 020 N.m.

Looking for your next new or used vehicle? Find it here with CARmag!

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