12 Most Powerful Electric SUVs

In 2015, Tesla launched the Model X as the world’s first electric SUV. It was initially offered in 60D trim with a combined 328 horsepower and a range of only 200 miles. One of the first SUVs to pack a lot of power, the Model X and X Plaid still uphold the reputation of being the go-to three-row electric SUV for a customers shopping in the segment.

However, the electric automotive industry has undergone a seismic shift since then, and so has Tesla to some extent. While Tesla was a popular pioneer, a lot of other EV manufacturers have emerged in the scene. From budget family EVs to transitional PHEVs, every electric segment witnesses newer and better models by the day. Some such EV automakers have revealed their intention of producing really powerful electric vehicles in the world.

With competition getting increasingly fierce, we today have electric SUVs that boast more than 1,000 horsepower and offer supercar-like performance figures. From a lot of popular names, to some surprising ones, we have compiled a list of the most powerful SUVs across the globe.

In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from the respective automaker’s website and other authoritative sources, including Car And Driver, and EPA.

UPDATE: 2024/04/13 13:00 EST BY VEDANT OJHA

The article has been updated to reflect the updates and latest specifications, as of April 2024. While no new SUV makes it to the list. The Drako Dragon fits the list, but it is estimated to take another two years until it goes into production, and is, therefore, omitted. We have expanded the list of 10 to accommodate two more powerful SUVs, the much-loved Kia EV6, and the struggling but spectacular, Fisker Ocean.

1 Faraday Future FF91 – 1,050 HP

Starting MSRP: $309,000

Faraday Future’s electric SUV, the FF91, blends it all to take the throne as the most powerful production SUV so far. It was supposed to go into production in 2018, but due to some financial issues, the official production date was moved to 2023. Truth be told, FF91 was worth the wait. Production finally began in March 2023 in Hanford, California, and deliveries began in May.

2024 Faraday Future FF 91 2.0 Specifications

(Source: Faraday Future)

Every FF91 Has A Bespoke Private AI Apart From A General AI

• The electric crossover has three variants: the FF 91 2.0 Futurist Alliance, the FF 91 2.0 Futurist, and the FF 91 2.0.
• The top level-variant, the FF 91 2.0 Futurist Alliance, has a trimotor setup churning a whopping 1,050 horsepower.
• While the performance numbers are wild, to begin with, what makes this electric SUV even more unique is the tech under its skin.
• Faraday Future offers a bespoke 1on1 private AI to each owner of the FF91.
• With over 30 sensors, a face recognition feature, and around 11 displays with a total of 100+ inches onboard, this electric SUV announces the future is here.

Faraday Future introduces this electric SUV as a ‘new species’ for more than one reason. With the performance of a hypercar, and the comfort of a luxury sedan, this versatile SUV is clearly ultra-futuristic.

2 Tesla Model X Plaid – 1,020 Horsepower

Starting MSRP: $94,990

Tesla announced the Model X Plaid in 2021 as the performance version of the standard Model X. And the American EV giant branded it as the only electric SUV with the most power and quickest acceleration in the world. As the list suggests, that claim is now challenged by FF91.

2024 Tesla Model X Plaid Specifications

(Source: Tesla)

Tesla Brands The Model X Plaid As The Fastest Accelerating SUV In Production

With higher thermal capability brake pads than the standard Model X, the X Plaid is also capable of towing up to 5,000 pounds, though it would be interesting to see what one tows with it. And you get an enhanced autopilot for a premium of $6,000.

3 Lotus Eletre R – 905 Horsepower

Starting MSRP: £89,500 (approx. $113,700)*

Lotus revealed its first-ever production SUV back in 2022, with production starting in 2023. While it was only limited to the UK, this year onwards Lotus is accepting pre-orders for Eletre in the US as well. The 2024 Eletre is now offered in three trims: Eletre, Eletre S, and Eletre R, with the latter pegged as the fastest dual-motor pure electric SUV in the world.

2024 Lotus Eletre R Specifications

(Source: Lotus)

Successful in the UK, the Eletre R Is Now Available For Pre-Order In U.S.

• Unlike X Plaid and FF91, Lotus Eletre R is powered by only two motors instead of three, and yet manages to give them a close competition.
• Eletre R’s dual-motor setup delivers a combined 905 horsepower and 726 pound-feet of torque.
• The Eletre R is also mighty quick as it only needs 2.95 seconds to sprint from 0 to 60 mph.
• With a top-speed of 165 mph, the Eletre R boasts a range of around 254 – 280 miles.
• Since this electric SUV benefits from an 800V charging architecture, it needs only 20 minutes to recharge from 10 to 80 percent.

With 2-speed transmission, and Lotus’ Intelligent Anti Roll Control and Track Mode, the Eletre R doesn’t lack in terms of tech either. It may lack a bit of power when compared to the top two, but make no mistake, its top speed is a bit faster than X Plaid.

* The price for the U.S.-spec model is not yet revealed, so price for the UK model mentioned above.

4 Rivian R1S (Quad-Motor AWD) – 835 Horsepower

Starting MSRP: $92,000

Rivian unveiled the R1T back in 2021 as one of the world’s first electric trucks, and the R1S followed shortly thereafter. The R1S is a powerful all-electric SUV that boasts a high-quality cabin, Quad-Motor’s blistering acceleration, and quite impressive off-road chops. With three-row seating, the R1S has poised itself as the perfect family SUV that packs a lot of power.

2024 Rivian R1S (Quad-Motor AWD) Specifications

(Source: Rivian)

The Rivian R1S Is A Well-Rounded SUV Packing A Lot Of Innovation

• Just like its truck sibling, the R1S comes in three configurations: dual-motor AWD, performance dual-motor AWD and Quad-Motor AWD.
• While the first two trims aren’t exactly lacking power, the one that offers the most is the Quad-Motor AWD.
• With four electric motors – one for each wheel – the R1S delivers a combined 835 horsepower and 908 pound-feet of torque.
• It also needs 3 seconds to run from 0 to 60 mph and offers a range of 321 miles.
• Interestingly, Rivian is also about to launch a Max Pack that will increase the range to 400 miles.

While this highly-innovative, powerful SUV costs a pretty penny, it lacks Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, which are nearly industry standard today. Competing with the likes of the Tesla Model X, the R1S sure stacks up pretty well in the power department.

5 GMC Hummer EV SUV – 830 Horsepower

Starting MSRP: $130,300

GMC’s first electric vehicle, the Hummer EV truck, was unveiled in 2020, and the SUV followed a few months later. Interestingly, both the truck and the SUV are built on the same platform and share the same design. While some key differences make the Hummer EV truck more powerful, this doesn’t mean the EV SUV is any less impressive.

2024 GMC Hummer EV 3X Specifications

(Source: GMC)

Every Hummer Benefits From GM’s New Ultium Battery Tech

• In 2024, the Hummer EV comes in three trims: EV2X, EV3X, and EV Edition 1.
• In its most powerful configuration, it is powered by three electric motors: two on the rear axle and one on the front one, and delivers a combined 830 horsepower with 11,500 pound-feet of torque.
• However, Car And Driver suspected the massive torque figure is misleading as it was calculated using a non-standard way of reporting torque.
• The Hummer EV SUV runs from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds (3.3 seconds with the launch control activated) and can hit a top speed of 106 mph, although in Car And Driver’s test it did 112 mph.
• The range goes up to 314 miles, and using an 800-volt public DC fast charger, you can add up to 100 miles in just 12 minutes.

With GMC’s trademarked Crabwalk feature, the SUV can drive diagonally. Moreover, you also have an available Infinity Roof with removable transparent Sky Panels, and also an Extreme Off-Road Package if that is what you want.

6 Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV – 677 Horsepower

Starting MSRP: $109,300

Mercedes has revealed its intentions to go all-electric soon, and recently, they have upgraded a lot of their electric models. Based on its sibling, the Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV, this AMG EQE SUV uses more powerful motors, and promises a powerful electric driving experience with AMG’s ‘Authentic’ Sound Experience that is sure to give you goosebumps.

2024 Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV (with Dynamic Plus Package) Specifications

(Source: Mercedes USA)

• In 2024, the Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV is offered with a single powertrain in the U.S., with the option to upgrade to more power and performance.
• With 4Matic all-wheel drive as standard, the dual motors make an output of 617 horsepower and 701 pound-feet of torque.
• But with the AMG Dynamic Plus package, the power is boosted to 677 horses and 738 pound-feet of torque.
• The EPA estimates put the AMG EQE SUV at 235 miles of range, while the top speed is limited to 149 mph.
• It runs from 0 to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds as standard, but with the optional Dynamic Plus package the sprint time goes down to 3.2 seconds.

The EQE SUV can gain 100 miles of range in just 15 minutes, thanks to a 9.6 kW onboard charger. With over 60,000 charge points, Mercedes ensures its electric cars offer easy recharging.

7 Tesla Model X – 670 Horsepower

Starting MSRP: $79,990

With a long history, the 2024 Model X continues to be a competitive option in the SUV segment with its impressive performance and range. Things have evolved a lot from the original Model X 60D trim that delivered a total of 328 horsepower and a range of 200 miles, so you can now list the Model X in the top ten most powerful electric SUVs in the world.

2024 Tesla Model X Specifications

(Source: Tesla)

The 2024 Tesla Model X Has A Generous Battery Range And Self-Driving Capabilities

• In its base configuration, the Model X has a dual motor setup with a combined 670 horsepower, which is a lot under the Plaid trim, but still very impressive.
• In this configuration, the Model X runs from 0 to 60 mph in 3.8 seconds and can hit a top speed of 149 mph.
• The range goes up to 335 miles – which is the best in its class, even on this list.
• Plus, the Model X stands out with its unique gull-wing rear doors and all-wheel drive system.
• However, the Model X doesn’t have a reputation for being a reliable EV for a variety of reasons.

The Model X is quite versatile as well. You can have it as a conventional five-seater as standard, but upgrade to a seven-seater configuration for $3,500 or a six-seater with middle-row captain’s chairs for $6,500 is available to suit your needs.

8 Mercedes-Maybach EQS 680 SUV – 649 Horsepower

Starting MSRP: $179,900

Mercedes failed to give us an AMG version of the EQS SUV, but then it unveiled the ultra-luxury variant in the guise of the Maybach EQS 680 SUV. As the name suggests, it shares the same powertrain with the EQS 580 SUV, but packs way more power and, of course, drips with luxury.

2024 Mercedes-Maybach EQS 680 SUV Specifications

(Source: Mercedes USA)

• The dual PSM electric motors deliver a combined 649 horsepower and 700 pound-feet of torque. This is an increase of 113 horsepower and 67 pound-feet of torque over the EQS 580.
• Despite being a large SUV, the Maybach EQS 680 SUV needs just 4.1 seconds to run from 0 to 60 mph and can hit a top speed of 130 mph.
• While Mercedes is yet to reveal the official range, Car And Driver reports it to be at 280 miles.
• Range, however, shouldn’t be that big of an issue, as the Maybach SUV can recover up to 136 miles of range in just 15 minutes on a fast charger.

9 NIO EL 7 – 643 Horsepower

Starting MSRP: N/A

Chinese EVs have posed an existential threat to most EV automakers across the globe, because budget-priced Chinese cars represent another Tesla-like seismic disruption. Another Chinese EV SUV that can give a lot of electric SUVs a run for their money is the NIO EL 7, a younger and less powerful SUV sibling of the iconic hypercar, the NIO EP 9.

2024 NIO EL7 Specifications

(Source: NIO)

As Of April 2024, NIO EL7 Is Available Only In Europe And China

• NIO brands this five-seat, mid-size luxury SUV as NIO EL7 in Europe, where it has been available for purchase since 2022, but in the U.S. it goes by the name of NIO ES7.
• Powered by two electric motors and an AWD setup, it delivers a combined 644 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque.
• With a range of around 211 miles, the EL7 has a top speed of 124 MPH.
• The EL7 runs on Banyan, the NIO digital system, and boasts a host of design innovations, like invisible vents on the dashboard, and wing-shaped tail-lights.
• The EL7 is also surprisingly quick, taking only 3.8 seconds to sprint to 60 mph from a standstill.

The EL7 costs roughly over $96,400 in the Netherlands (€88,900), but since NIO cars aren’t available in the U.S. market, it’s pointless to quote a price for it yet. However, on the bright side, NIO aims to enter the U.S. market by 2025, and we hope the wait isn’t too long.

10 BMW iX M60 – 610 Horsepower

Starting MSRP: $87,250

BMW added the iX M60 to its lineup in early 2022, and in its latest model year, the 2025 iX M60 is one such mid-size SUV that offers the best bang for your buck. It offers a similar driving range as its less-powered sibling, the xDrive 50, but with quicker performance, which obviously comes at a premium of around $24,000 over the base model.

2025 BMW iX M60 Specifications

(Source: BMW)

The BMW iX Features A Spacious, Luxury Cabin With Seating For Five

• The 2025 iX M60 is powered by two electric motors that deliver a combined 610 horsepower and 811 pound-feet of torque when Launch Control is activated.
• BMW claims the iX M60 runs from 0 to 60 mph in 3.6 seconds, but the testers at Car And Driver achieved the same feat in only 3.2 seconds.
• Like most BMW models, the top speed is limited to 130 mph. An adjustable air suspension and a rear-wheel-steering system are both optional.
• The iX M60 also has an estimated range of only 285 miles, but it can recover up to 80–88 miles of range in only 10 minutes of DC fast charging.
• What’s noteworthy is that BMW calls the iX M60 the most aerodynamic SUV built by them, slicing out a drag coefficient of just 0.25.

Moreover, the iX features BMW’s latest iDrive 8.5 infotainment interface, which allows for the customization of menus and graphics, as well as a voice-activated assistant. The iX’s also has an optional hands-free driving feature intended to reduce driver fatigue on long journeys.

11 Kia EV6 GT AWD – 576 Horsepower

Starting MSRP: $61,600

Kia released the EV6 in the United States on August 2, 2021. Since then, it has earned global praise for its efficiency, advanced features, and quite an innovative design. Kia’s first dedicated electric car, the EV6, is built on Hyundai’s E-GMP platform. While there are no significant changes for the 2024 model year, Kia never left anything wanting either.

2024 Kia EV6 GT AWD Specifications

(Source: Kia)

Kia Offers Four Trims Of The EV6 With Options For Rear- And All-Wheel-Drive Setup

• Of the four trims – Light, Wind, GT-Line, and GT – the top-of-the-line GT AWD is the most powerful.
• With a 77.4 kWh battery, the GT AWD trims promise up to 218 miles of EPA-estimated range.
• Its dual-motor AWD drive setup churns a surprising 576 horsepower with 545 pound-feet of torque.
• Boasting an 800V system with ultra-fast DC charging capability, the 2024 Kia EV6 takes only 18 minutes to fast-charge from 10- to 80-percent.
• The 2024 Kia EV6 has a top speed of 161 MPH, and can sprint from standstill to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds.

Quite similar to its more affordable sibling, the Hyundai Ioniq 5, the Kia EV6 does all that it promises. From a spacious cabin to an unmistakable design, this mid-size SUV is gaining traction. However, most experts opine that by purchasing the top-spec GT AWD trim you might be over-spending, and its lower trims offer a much better price-to-performance ratio.

12 Fisker Ocean – 564 Horsepower

Starting MSRP: $61,499

Fisker, the California-based automaker, launched Ocean, the all-electric SUV late in 2023. Fisker promises the Ocean is the most sustainable SUV on Earth, and a lot of forward-looking innovations support that claim. What’s unfortunate is that Fisker struggled to roll out the Ocean for so long, it drove the startup into troubled financial waters.

2023 Fisker Ocean Extreme Specifications

(Source: Fisker)

• Fisker offers the Ocean in three trims: Sport, Ultra, and Extreme, with the latter being the most powerful of the bunch.
• With a 113-kWh battery, the top trim Extreme promises an impressive 360 miles of range according to official specs.
• The Fisker Extreme’s powertrain delivers a humble 468 horsepower and 514 pound-feet of torque, but with the boost the power climbs up to 564 horses with 543 pound-feet of torque.
• Fisker Ocean has a huge touch-screen as the centerpiece, quite like a Tesla, but what’s really impressive is that the 17.1-inch display can rotate between portrait and landscape orientations.
• The Ocean has a straightforward layout inside, offset by some simple controls, and it employs sustainable materials throughout the cabin.

The future for this Cali startup seems uncertain. In a bid to fight bankruptcy and survive, Fisker has slashed $24,000 off the Ocean’s sticker price. In 2024, the price for the trims starts from $38,999 for the entry-level Sport trim, while the Extreme has a price tag of $61,499. However, the automaker slashed the prices recently, and the top-spec can be had for just $37,499, indicating a price cut of a whopping $24,000!