A few years ago, the concept of a performance SUV might have seemed odd. With their high driving position, added weight, and raised centre of gravity, SUVs were not typically seen as vehicles designed for spirited driving or tackling tight corners. However, times have changed. Thanks to advancements in handling technology, suspension systems, and overall performance, the performance SUV market is now more popular than ever.
Several models have played key roles in pushing the boundaries of SUV performance. The Porsche Cayenne brought sports car handling to the luxury SUV market, the Range Rover Sport SVR delivered a perfect balance of power and performance, and more recently, the Lamborghini Urus has set new standards, claiming the title of the first ‘Super-SUV’.
With so many high-performance SUVs now on the market, there’s no better time to discover what they can offer. Today, you don’t have to choose between the practicality of an SUV and the thrill of driving. So, with a budget of £60,000, what performance SUV options are available to you?
Range Rover Sport SVR
The Range Rover Sport SVR, developed by the brand’s Special Vehicle Operations division, represents the most powerful and capable version of the iconic luxury off-roader. Equipped with a 5.0-litre supercharged V8 engine delivering up to 567bhp, along with an upgraded suspension, chassis, and steering system for enhanced handling, the SVR offers an exhilarating driving experience. Its distinctive, switchable quad exhaust system produces a thrilling sound, cementing the SVR’s place as one of the most iconic SUV models in automotive history.
Despite weighing nearly 2.4 tonnes, the Range Rover Sport SVR’s impressive power allows it to accelerate from 0-62mph in just 4.3 seconds, reaching a top speed of 176mph. What’s even more remarkable is its handling. Considering its size, the SVR corners with agility that defies its dimensions. The exterior enhancements, including larger wheels, carbon fibre trim, and body panels, complement the lightweight performance seats inside, creating a cohesive and dynamic look.
Given the Range Rover Sport SVR's sales success, the used market offers a wide range of options. As of now, there are over 250 models listed on Auto Trader, spanning from higher-mileage 2022 models to early 2015 cars priced well below half of your budget. This represents fantastic value, especially when you consider the original list price of over £120,000. The post-2018 facelift models offer improved technology and enhanced performance from the V8 engine. With so many options available, you can afford to be selective, with popular features including a panoramic sunroof, carbon fibre vented bonnet, and premium paint finishes.
Porsche Macan Turbo / Cayenne Turbo
The Porsche Cayenne, followed by the Macan, revolutionised the SUV market by bringing sports car-like handling and performance to the segment. Leveraging their deep expertise in engineering and sports car design, Porsche ensured their SUVs are among the best to drive, a legacy they’ve maintained ever since. While the Cayenne’s initial design may have seemed a bit awkward, trying to replicate the 911’s front-end styling on a larger scale, it has evolved beautifully over time. Along with its smaller sibling, the Macan, the Cayenne is now considered one of the most stylish SUVs on the market
The introduction of the Cayenne and Macan Turbo models raised the bar for performance within Porsche’s SUV lineup. With 542bhp in the Cayenne Turbo and 433bhp in the Macan Turbo, both can accelerate from 0-62mph in just over 4 seconds and reach top speeds around 170mph. These models are highly regarded for their exceptional ride and handling, offering a thrilling driving experience without compromising on the practicality of an SUV.
Thanks to Porsche’s renowned ability to retain value, a £60,000 budget will give you access to the flagship Turbo models, although they may not be as new as you'd expect. At the time of writing, there are just under 50 Cayenne Turbo and 100 Macan Turbo models listed on Auto Trader within this price range. A 2021 Macan and a 2020 Cayenne are the latest you’ll find. As with any Porsche, the specification is crucial—upgraded wheels, a panoramic sunroof, ceramic brakes, and Paint To Sample options can really make your SUV stand out. Keep an eye out for the sought-after Turbo S models in pre-2017 Cayenne versions, offering 562bhp, and pre-2018 Turbo Performance Macans with 440bhp. Some models come with over £30k worth of options, making them an exceptional value if you shop wisely.
BMW X3 M/ X5 M
Similar to the launch of the Cayenne, BMW's X5 and X3 models brought SUVs to a broader audience than ever before. Combining luxury, refinement, and the thrill of driving a true "ultimate driving machine," both models have been massive sales successes for the German automaker and continue to thrive, even as the industry shifts toward an all-electric future. With a diverse range of options, BMW's 'X' SUV lineup offers something for everyone, including high-performance variants that cater to those seeking both power and practicality.
The ‘M’ range of BMW’s ‘X’ models stands out as some of the most impressive SUVs on the market, not only for their performance and handling but also for the wealth of advanced technology they offer. The latest X3 M Competition (and its X4 M Coupe counterpart) delivers an exhilarating 510bhp from a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre engine, while the X5 M (and X6 M Coupe) produces an astounding 625bhp from a twin-turbocharged 4.4-litre engine. The previous generations of both models are only slightly lower in power compared to the current lineup. As with many performance vehicles today, this could be one of the last chances to experience a purely combustion-engine ‘M’ model before they shift to hybrid or fully electric powertrains.
At the time of writing, Auto Trader listed 80 examples of the X3 M (and 38 of the X4 M Coupe) and 34 of the X5 M (with an additional 30 X6 M Coupe models) within the £60,000 budget. For that price, you could expect to find a 2022 X3 M Competition with around 15,000 miles on the clock—a relatively recent model considering its original £94,000 list price. Alternatively, your budget will stretch to a 2021 X5 M, but you may also find a previous-generation 2018 X5 M model for around £44,000 or less, leaving some change from your £60,000.
Audi SQ7 / SQ8
The Audi SQ7 and its sportier SQ8 counterpart deliver the renowned Audi qualities of refinement, comfort, technology, and build quality, with performance varying depending on the model year. The latest versions are equipped with a 4.0-litre V8 petrol engine, while SQ7 and SQ8 models built before 2021 feature a 4.0-litre diesel engine. While performance and power outputs are fairly similar between the two, the newer petrol models see a slight increase in power as is typical with facelifts. However, the earlier diesel models offer a significant advantage in fuel economy, delivering 50% better combined efficiency.
While fuel economy may not be your top priority when choosing a performance SUV, the benefits of a diesel engine are evident in terms of power output. The SQ7 and SQ8 may not match the raw power of the RS Q8, but they still deliver impressive performance with 500bhp in the petrol version and 429bhp in the diesel variant. Both models provide exceptional performance when required. Additionally, the interior technology and specification options are largely the same, offering features comparable to those found in the Lamborghini Urus.
At the time of writing, there are around 110 SQ7 models within budget, along with just 20 SQ8 examples listed. For £60,000, you can secure a 2022 SQ8 with reasonable mileage and an excellent specification. A 2022 SQ7 is also well within budget, offering low mileage, and with so many options available, you can select the exact specification and colour you're after. Popular features for both models include the Comfort & Sound package, a panoramic sunroof, upgraded leather or seating options, and options like ‘pearl effect’ or even Audi Exclusive paint. The Vorsprung or Black Edition trims are the most desirable, as they come with a high level of standard specification.
Jaguar F-Pace SVR
If you're after the performance and distinctive soundtrack of the Range Rover Sport SVR but find the Range Rover too common on the roads, there’s a great alternative. As part of the Jaguar Land Rover group, the F-Pace SVR offers the same supercharged 5.0-litre V8 engine. With similar technology, equipment, and suspension setup, the F-Pace SVR delivers a comparable driving experience. However, as it's built on the slightly smaller Velar platform, it comes at a lower price point than its Range Rover counterpart.
With slightly less power (542hp), but a lighter overall weight—nearly 350kg lighter—the F-Pace SVR is actually quicker than the Range Rover Sport. It accelerates from 0-62mph in just 3.8 seconds and has a top speed approaching 180mph. The reduced weight makes the F-Pace even more agile, with sharper handling, all while retaining the same thrilling sound from its adaptive exhaust system.
At the time of writing, there were 38 Jaguar F-Pace SVR models listed on Auto Trader within your £60,000 budget. At the higher end, you could secure a late 2022 model, still under the manufacturer’s warranty, with just 10,000 miles on the clock and an excellent specification. With the same premium colour options as the Range Rover, and features like a panoramic sunroof, carbon fibre accents, and various interior upgrades, it’s worth shopping around to find the exact specification that suits you.
Mercedes Benz GLC 63 S AMG
Mercedes-Benz is renowned for its powerful and fast AMG lineup, known for delivering thrilling performance. However, this performance isn't limited to their sports cars, coupes, and saloons—AMG power is also available in their SUV range. The compact GLC SUV is a popular choice for families, and at the top of the lineup is the flagship GLC 63 S AMG, offering the ultimate in performance.
Powered by the iconic 4.0-litre V8 bi-turbo engine, the GLC 63 S AMG embodies pure AMG performance. With 503bhp, it accelerates from 0-62mph in just 3.8 seconds. The ‘S’ in its name signifies not only more power than the rest of the range, but also an increased top speed, with the limiter raised to 175mph, compared to the usual 155mph.
At the time of writing, there were 29 GLC 63 S AMG models listed on Auto Trader within your £60,000 budget. As the top-of-the-range model, the GLC 63 S comes generously equipped, with features like a premium sound system, panoramic sunroof, and multi-spoke satin black AMG wheels. Special editions, such as the ‘Night Edition’ or ‘Edition 1,’ are rarer and highly sought after, particularly if you appreciate the satin grey metallic paint, contrasting bright yellow graphics, and gold brake callipers. Even though you're in an SUV, you can still enjoy that unmistakable AMG soundtrack as you drive.
Range Rover SV Autobiography Dynamic
Unless, of course, you're considering the flagship models in the Range Rover lineup. Just below the long wheelbase, two-tone painted SVAutobiography, you'll find the more sport-oriented SV Autobiography Dynamic. Combining the pinnacle of luxury from Land Rover’s SVO bespoke division with a more performance-focused setup, the SV Autobiography Dynamic offers everything you could possibly want—and then some. Much, much more.
The SV Autobiography Dynamic has been meticulously fine-tuned by Land Rover's SVO division, with adjustments made to the chassis, steering, exhaust system, and suspension. The ride height is also lowered by 8mm compared to a standard Range Rover, enhancing handling performance. Custom exterior trim pieces, distinctive red brake callipers, knurled interior switches and pedals, and a special steel weave carbon fibre trim elevate the vehicle’s look and feel. Every available optional extra from the Range Rover list is either included as standard or offered at no extra cost. Power is provided by the same supercharged 5.0-litre V8 engine found in the Range Rover Sport SVR.
With a starting list price of £150,000 before adding bespoke finishes, custom paintwork, or interior monograms, as well as its exclusivity, you might not expect to find many available for £60,000. However, at the time of writing, 26 examples were listed on Auto Trader within your budget, including a rare SVAutobiography Dynamic Black edition, one of just 82 ever made. Given how much is already included, specification isn't typically a major consideration—most of the decision comes down to paint finishes or interior colour choices. Features like special-order satin paint, rear entertainment, signature audio, and deployable side steps are often standard, leaving little else to desire. One thing’s certain: you'd be driving one of the most accomplished and impressive vehicles money can buy.