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Earlier in February 2020, Wheels24 reviewed the Jeep Trackhawk. And while we were impressed by a few notable traits of the brawny SUV, we noted several shortcomings on its end.
Be that as it may, the Trackhawk is a very imposing vehicle and commands respect on the road. Its entire demeanour is one of brute strength and crushing speed.
Its brute is expected when you consider that it has 522kW and 875Nm running from the supercharged engine to all four wheels and allows for a 0-100km/h acceleration time of 3.8 seconds.
And that supercharged 6.2-litre V8 engine is a big one, because its rivals use much smaller, turbocharged units. This opens a can of questions, because how does the Trackhawk stack up against the competition? And at R2.2-million, which rivals are going to step up to the plate?
REVIEW: The supercharged Jeep Trackhawk is blindingly fast, but here's why 522kW is not enough
Is the Jeep Trackhawk sustainable in our modern automotive climate? Please Email us your thoughts.
2020 Jeep Trackhawk. Image: QuickPic
Range Rover Sport SVR - R2.428-million
The RR Sport SVR is a closer rival to the Trackhawk in terms of price (R2.2-million vs R2.4-million). And while its 423kW is 100kW down on the Trackhawk's output, this British beast still packs a decent punch from its supercharged 5.0-litre V8 engine.
Along with the power output, 700Nm is sent to all four wheels, allowing the 2310kg machine to go from standstill to 100km/h in 4.5sec. It's someway down compared to the Jeep, but it still feels brutish and immediate. Like the Trackhawk, this SVR has an extremely addictive exhaust note, and that will surely encourage you to explore its 280km/h top speed.
The RR Sport SVR rides, standard, on 21-inch wheels, but a set of 22s are optionally available.
READ: Go Bokke! This custom Range Rover Sport SVR is an awesome tribute to the Springboks
2020 Range Rover Sport SVR. Image: Land Rover NewsRoom
Cayenne Turbo S e-hybrid - R2.775-million
The Cayenne is perhaps the most refined option of all four vehicles, but that does not mean that it's an inferior product. The Turbo S derivative was already a mean machine, but the addition of electrification has increased its relevance.
Total system output for this model is a whopping 500kW, placing it 22kW short of the Trackhawk. However, the 900Nm it produces overshadows both the G 63's 850Nm (below) and Trackhawk's 875Nm. The turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 engine is mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox that sends drive to all four wheels.
The Turbo S e-hybrid matches the Trackhawk's 3.8sec 0-100km/h time, but bests it for top speed: 295km/h vs. 290km/h.
WATCH: The Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid is the most powerful Porsche SUV yet
2020 Porsche Cayenne Turbo S e-Hybrid. Image: Porsche NewsRoom
Mercedes-AMG G 63 - R3.387-million
With a premium of more than R1.0-million over the Trackhawk, the G 63 has to really conjure something special to stake its claim in this company. Unfortunately, the G suffers from poor aerodynamics, plenty of body roll (like the Trackhawk), and a design that's very outdated in this modern era of motoring. Yet, it's all classic traits that make the G 63 a hit.
The G 63 utilises a bi-turbo 4.0-litre engine that produces 430kW and 850Nm, with the latter already available at 2500rpm. It allows this 2560kg SUV to run from 0-100km/h in 4.5sec. The top speed of 220km/h is the lowest in this list, though some have said to have closed in on 260km/h.
Merc's smooth nine-speed automatic gearbox channels power from the engine to the road.
READ: Royalty among 4x4s - The new 430kW Mercedes-AMG G 63 could be the best G-Class yet
2020 Mercedes-AMG G 63. Image: Daimler
