Powerful and comfortable. Versatile and exciting. These are these SUVs that respond to the needs of passionate drivers who, due to space needs, cannot drive a pure sports car every day. The models exhibited here have notable levels of space in their cabins and trunk spaces that allow family travel.
In order not to give up the pleasure of driving a powerful car, we have chosen six models capable of offering very high performance. There are more options, many more, but we have set 60,000 euros as the limit price.
There are two ways to offer this type of vehicles. On the one hand, gasoline engines capable of developing almost 300 HP or even more are used. Another alternative is plug-in hybrid alternatives, the solution chosen in this case by Alfa Romeo and BMW, which combine three-cylinder gasoline blocks with powerful electric motors.
Fun behind the wheel is guaranteed: these high-performance SUVs have outstanding mechanics and are capable of completing the acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in times ranging between 4.9 and 6.2 seconds.
Plug-in hybrid technology allows the Tonale to enjoy a powerful high-performance version with 280 HP. It has a 1.3-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine that provides 180 HP and a 90 kW electric motor, equivalent to 122 HP. The transmission is a six-speed automatic and this combination allows you to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.2 seconds and reach a maximum speed of 206 km/h. To adapt its response to different scenarios, this Tonale has driving modes, with Dynamic being in charge of offering better performance. With a range in electric mode of 80 kilometers, this version sports the DGT Zero label.
The new generation of the BMW X1 has a high-performance plug-in hybrid version. It combines a 150 HP three-cylinder gasoline engine with an electric engine that produces 130 kW, equivalent to 177 HP. This model can travel up to 88 km in zero emissions mode, but it transforms into a true sports car if the driver so desires, as it accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.6 seconds and is capable of reaching a maximum speed of 205 km/h. The WLTP approved electrical consumption of this extraordinary BMW is 14.7 kWh/100 km. Its approved autonomy in electric mode is around 85 kilometers, which is why it has the 0 Emissions badge.
Wrapped in the high sportiness of Cupra, the Ateca SUV is available in the VZ version, equipped with a 2.0 TSI gasoline engine, capable of developing 300 HP of maximum power. This engine is associated with a seven-speed DSG automatic transmission and a 4Drive all-wheel drive system, thus achieving an outstanding dynamic package. It is equipped with a “Launch Control” system that allows maximum acceleration from a standstill: it takes 4.9 seconds to reach 100 km/h from a standstill and the maximum speed is self-limited to 250 km/h.
The new generation of the Formentor incorporates new image features and the Spanish brand announces the incorporation of a new TSI gasoline engine capable of delivering a maximum power of 333 HP. This sporty version is associated with selective torque distribution technology and an optional six-piston Akebono brake system. The previous version with 310 HP and 400 Nm of torque is still available in the Cupra offer, capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds. The Formentor VZ is equipped with 4Drive all-wheel drive and a seven-speed DSG automatic transmission. .
The third generation of the Countryman – 4.43 m – has a sporty John Cooper Works version, equipped with a two-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine, capable of producing a power of 300 HP and a torque of 400 Nm. Equipped with ALL4 all-wheel drive and a seven-speed automatic gearbox, this version of the largest Mini is capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.4 seconds and its maximum speed is self-limited to 250 km/h. Mini offers the possibility of complementing the mechanical sound with an artificial program that simulates a higher exhaust noise.
At the top of the Volkswagen T-Roc SUV range is the performance R version. This sporty and versatile car uses a 2.0-liter four-cylinder block that produces 300 HP of maximum power and 400 Nm of torque to accelerate from 0. to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds. It equips a specific R running gear, progressive steering and 4Motion traction, achieving very agile behavior. It also incorporates specific aesthetic and equipment details and has an optional exhaust system that is responsible for providing a sportier sound.