Aston Martin recently took the wraps off a high-performance version of its DBX SUV. And let’s just say, even James Bond would be scared to get behind this one. Called the DBX707, the four-door  is being touted as “the most powerful luxury SUV.” Backing these claims is its 4.0-litre, V8 engine, which puts out 707hp of power and 900Nm of torque. This is an increase of 155hp and 200Nm over the base SUV. Talk about buckling your seat belt

In a recent interview with Autocar, CEO of the Britiish brand, Tobias Moers hinted at the possibility of going for the lap record at the (in)famous Nürburgring. This got us thinking: Who is the current titleholder? And Which are some of the fastest SUVs to go around the German track? Let’s take a look. 

2013 Porsche Cayenne Turbo (958)

Lap time: 8:13

There’s going to be a lot of Porsches on this list. Looking at the 2013 Porsche Cayenne Turbo, one may mistake it for a practical family SUV *cough* boring *cough*. However, it is anything but that. Without ditching its family-friendly appeal—which means it can seat five passengers comfortably and their luggage—the German SUV sure leaves a massive grin on your face. 

The 4.8-litre turbocharged V8 pumps out 507hp and 700Nm of torque, which is enough to propel it from 0- 100kph in just 4.7 seconds. So, is it really surprising that the 958 clocked a time of 8:13 seconds around the ring? 

2016 Porsche Cayenne Turbo S 

Lap time: 7:59

Told you there’s going to be many Porsches on the list. The second entry on the list was also the first-ever production SUV to break the 8-minute mark at the Nürburgring. Initially showcased at the 2015 Detroit Auto show, the 2016 Porsche Cayenne Turbo S screams performance right from the get-go. 

Powering it is a tweaked 4.8-litre V8 twin-turbocharged mill that makes 570hp and 590Nm of torque. Putting those numbers to test, the Cayenne Turbo S can sprint from 0-100kph in just 4.1 seconds, with a top speed of 285kph. 

Porsche has used composite ceramic brakes and several high-tech driver-assist features to keep all that power under check. 

2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio 

Lap tim: 7:51

They say you’re not a gearhead if you don’t love an Alfa. Taking a look at the 2018 Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio, it’s hard to not fall in love. But don’t be fooled by its appearance. The Quadrifoglio is very capable of outrunning most of the sportscars in the market. 

Powering it is a 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6, which makes 512hp and 601Nm of torque. Put it in capable hands and 0-100kph will come up in just 3.9 seconds. 

2019 Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S

Lap time: 7:49

The Germans surely know a thing or two about making fast cars. Need proof? Lo and behold the 2019 Mercedes-AMG GLC 63 S. This is a Merc that not only beat the Alfa but did it while providing all the bells and whistles you could ask for. 

It is powered by a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 that puts out a staggering 510hp and 700Nm of torque. 

Lamborghini Urus 

Lap time: 7:47

When Lamborghini announced it was working on its first SUV, we’ll admit we had no idea what to expect. We just knew it was going to be fast and it was going to look absolutely bonkers. And no surprises there, the Urus, in fact just did that. 

The high-performance SUV not only looks like a million bucks but it runs like it too. Under the hood, it packs a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 producing 650hp and 850Nm of torque. That’s enough to cover 0-100kph in just 3.2 seconds. Exceptional handling and mindnumbing speed kept the Urus on top of the Nürburgring charts, but until 2019. It was then replaced by our next on the list.

2020 Audi RS Q8 

Lap time: 7:42

Packing 600hp and Quattro all-wheel-drive, the 2020 Audi RS Q8 packs way more than most of the sportscars out there. But unlike them, this is one that can haul your family on a weekend getaway too. 

Powering it is a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 powerplant which, while working in tandem with 8-speed automatic transmission, can send it from 0-100kph in 3.2 seconds! The Audi RS Q8 held the crown for two whole years until it was eventually replaced by another Porsche. Read on…

2022 Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT 

Lap time: 7:39

Before Aston Martin takes the DBX707 for a spin around the ring, let’s take a look at the current champ. The 2022 Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT is the pinnacle of German engineering, with every fibre of its being made to go fast. 

When Porsche put its factory driver, Lars Kern, behind the wheel back in 2021, the SUV bested the Audi’s timing by 3 whole seconds. To achieve this, the folks at Porsche packed it with a twin-turbocharged charged V8 engine, which made 640hp and 848Nm of torque. Here, 0-100kph was achieved in a mere 2.9 seconds.