Consumers have flocked to crossovers and SUVs, and automakers have followed suit. However, the shift to family vehicles does not reduce the need for high-performance vehicles. Companies are adapting, and high-powered SUVs now abound. A new YouTube video of Sam CarLegion rounds up the three for a series of drag races to see which powerful SUV reigns supreme.
The BMW X3 M Competition has the smallest engine, producing 503 horsepower (375 kilowatts) and 442 pound-feet (600 Newton-meters) of torque from the twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine. An eight-speed automatic transmission sends power to the SUV’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system. It weighs 4,549 pounds (2,084 kilograms).
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Powering the Jeep is the brand’s supercharged 6.2-liter V8 engine. It produces 707 hp (527 kW) and 645 lb-ft (874 Nm) of torque. This is the same engine found on the Dodge Hellcat model. Power is channeled through an eight-speed gearbox to an all-wheel-drive system. The SUV is the heaviest of the three at 5,364lbs (2,422 kW).
The Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S Coupe also has a V8 engine, but a smaller, 4.0-liter unit that produces 503 hp and 516 lb-ft (700 Nm) of torque. It has a nine-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, weighing in at 4,590 lbs (2,081 kW).
Mercedes jumped the line in the first race, gaining a sizeable lead that the other two couldn’t close. He crossed the finish line first, but the Jeep drove in late. BMW occupies the third position. The second race was much closer, with the Grand Cherokee Trackhawk and Mercedes leaving the starting line at the same time, giving Jeep a chance to overtake the GLC to finish first. BMW took third again.
The two rolling races are where Jeep struggles. In both cases, it failed to compete with the other two. Mercedes withdrew from the group, picking up two more wins, with BMW taking second place. The Jeep may have more power than the other two, but it’s also heavier, ultimately undermining its performance capabilities.
