10 V8 Luxury SUVs That Mean Business

The world is filled with luxury SUVs that pretend to be exciting while not providing enough power to get things done. That’s not the case with this list of V8 luxury SUVs that all have big power plants and excellent horsepower figures.

Driving a luxury SUV that can actually tow a boat, carry your family, or deliver driving excitement is something special. Sometimes, you have to look at higher trim levels to find the performance figures and styling elements required to make your time on the road better than most; that’s where these SUVs come in.

Vehicle information was sourced from various automakers, and the list is sorted by lowest to highest horsepower figures.

10 Porsche Cayenne S

Maximum Horsepower: 729 Horsepower

Of the V8 luxury SUVs, the Porsche Cayenne is an excellent choice. The regular V8 model gives you plenty of power, but if you want to take things up a notch, you’d have to go with the PHEV model, which uses a V8 engine and electric motors to generate a combined 729 horsepower. Still, this impressive Porsche SUV has more than enough power to provide an exciting and fun drive on any road.

Powertrain Specs

The Porshe Cayenne takes the sporty elements associated with the brand name and packs them into an impressive and exciting luxury SUV. You’ll see a toggle shifter on the dashboard and large screens showing you the desired information.

9 Land Rover Defender

Maximum Horsepower: 518 Horsepower

The Land Rover Defender is one of the most capable off-road luxury SUVs in the entire market. Most versions are powered by four and six-cylinder engines, but the P500 and P525 models use a 5.0-liter V8 to send plenty of power to all four wheels. At these power levels, you can enjoy trail-riding prowess and impressive luxury features that are unmatched by other SUVs.

Powertrain Specs

There are three bodies available for the Defender. The 90 series models are two-door SUVs, while the 110 models are regular-wheelbase four-door versions, and the 130 series models have a longer wheelbase. This gives you several great options for power and size when you want to tackle the wilderness in a luxury SUV.

8 BMW X5 M60i

Maximum Horsepower: 523 Horsepower

When you don’t need three rows of seats, the BMW X5 is one of the best V8 luxury SUVs to drive. This impressive midsize luxury crossover brings the athletic driving manners associated with the BMW name and the smooth driving you want when stuck in traffic or on a highway. To enjoy the V8 power, you must step up to the M60i version.

Powertrain Specs

The 2024 BMW X5 M60i receives upgraded exterior styling with a revised front grille and bumper, new headlights and taillights, and updated wheel designs. On the M60i trim, you’ll enjoy a new set of gloss-black exterior accents, quad tailpipes, and an M logo in the grille.

7 BMW X7 M60i

Maximum Horsepower: 523 horsepower

If you want a top-end luxury SUV with a V8 engine and plenty of room, the BMW X7 M60i should be on your list. This model is a step up from the base version, which uses a 6-cylinder engine for power. The V8-powered X7 has a larger cargo hold, good towing capacity, and plenty of upscale features to make the most discerning passenger smile.

Powertrain Specs

Step inside the 2024 BMW X7 and admire the massive dashboard display, which features a 12.3-inch gauge cluster and a 14.9-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system. Enjoy the comfort of heated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, and ambient interior lighting.

6 2024 Jaguar F-Pace SVR

Maximum Horsepower: 542 Horsepower

The Jaguar F-Pace is one of the most attractive SUVs available, and if you step up to the SVR model, you’ll have an impressive V8-powered luxury vehicle for your driving pleasure. Once you open the doors, you’ll see that the cabin is dripping with style, making it one of the most impressive and enjoyable cars to drive.

Powertrain Specs

The F-Pace’s cabin features a simple design with elegant and sophisticated styling to make it a great place for a drive. The seating position is high enough to make it easy to see everything you need during your time on the road.

5 Mercedes-Benz G-Class

Maximum Horsepower: 577 Horsepower

The Mercedes-Benz G-Class is one of the most iconic 4×4 luxury SUVs in the entire market. Every trim is powered by a strong V8 engine and packed with impressive luxury features. The G-Class’s square and classic look is rugged and capable, making it easy to see why this top-end Mercedes-Benz SUV is sought after as one of the most incredible off-roading SUVs.

Powertrain Specs

A rare version of the 2024 G-Class launched on Valentine’s Day with only 300 versions sold globally. This makes it a rare and expensive version of this amazing off-road SUV. Most modes take the outside military look and provide impressive comfort in the cabin to be an incredible dichotomy of driving.

4 Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class

Maximum Horsepower: 603 Horsepower

If you’re looking for top-end refinement and pure luxury driving, the Mercedes-Benz GLS is an excellent choice. This is one of the best V8 luxury SUVs in the market, delivering impressive power and comfort for an easy drive to wherever you want to go. Your family will be happy to ride along in this SUV that can be set up for five, six, or seven passengers.

Powertrain Specs

The Mercedes-Benz MBUX display setup gives you two large 12.3-inch digital display screens that take up most of the dashboard. In addition to the tech goodies found in this SUV, you’ll enjoy the sounds coming from the impressive 13-speaker Burmester Surround Sound audio system.

3 Land Rover Range Rover

Maximum Horsepower: 606 Horsepower

The Land Rover Range Rover combines off-road dominance with high-end luxury features to be one of the most capable and impressive V8 luxury SUVs available. The Range Rover lineup begins with a six-cylinder engine, but has two versions of a strong V8 tuned to high horsepower for your driving pleasure. This impressive Range Rover can be packed with all manner of luxury features, making it an easy choice for high-end driving.

Powertrain Specs

The P615 SV model has a new customization service called SV Bespoke, which allows drivers to personalize this SUV to create their dream version of the Range Rover. When looking for a great way to enjoy a unique model of this impressive SUV, this could be the way to go.

2 Lamborghini Urus

Maximum Horsepower: 657 Horsepower

The Lamborghini Urus has become one of the best and most impressive V8 luxury SUVs available. This SUV is only the second produced by the iconic supercar automaker, and it set the tone for high-end luxury SUVs the world over. When it comes to performance driving in an SUV, it’s hard to beat the Urus, although many other brands have tried.

Powertrain Specs

Everything you find inside the cabin of this Lamborghini SUV is dramatic and classic Lambo. You’ll see jet-fighter design cues with a start button hidden beneath a flip cover, just in case you accidentally start this SUV. Looking around the cabin, you’ll see plenty of faux-suede and carbon-fiber trim to give this impressive vehicle the desired look and feel.

1 Cadillac Escalade

Maximum Horsepower: 682 Horsepower

The Cadillac Escalade continues to be one of the biggest and most impressive luxury SUVs, and it comes with a V8 engine that is tuned in two different ways. The traditional model produces ample power for towing and family travel, while the supercharged version turns up the heat to make this big brute run hard and fast.

Powertrain Specs

The Escalade includes a massive cabin packed with advanced technology and impressive safety features. Many trims offer GM’s Super Cruise hands-free driving system to make long journeys on highways much easier. This big luxury SUV has everything you need to provide your family and friends with a posh, upscale driving experience.