Lambo/Porsche/Audi take on Ferrari as we put £800k worth of SUVs to the test on the Carwow drag strip

Today’s drag race is bound to be interesting because, even though three of the cars featured have the same engine, they’re still very different beasts. We’re putting the might of the Volkswagen Group – in Audi, Porsche and Lamborghini flavours – up against the thoroughbred Ferrari Purosangue in our latest super-SUV shootout.

Between these four cars we have a naturally-aspirated V12 engine versus three twin-turbocharged V8s – but two of those are fitted with plug-in hybrid systems that bolster their performance, while adding weight. Intrigued by the potential results? Us too – let’s take a closer look at the stats.

Check out other fast SUVs on Carwow

Porsche Cayenne Coupe Turbo E-Hybrid with GT package

Whatever the results, this is the car with the longest name… The Cayenne is a performance SUV staple and it’s featured here in its slightly slinkier coupe form. It uses a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine with a plug-in hybrid system, capable of driving in zero-emissions mode for up to 44 miles.

We won’t be using that today, though. Instead, we’ll be making the most of its 739hp and 950Nm of torque. It puts all that to the tarmac through an eight-speed automatic gearbox and all four wheels. It weighs in at 2,495kg and you’ll need to part with £166,000 if you want one. Incidentally, the GT package adds unique tuning for the front suspension, wide wheels, rear-axle steering and ceramic composite brakes – so this car should stop as well as it accelerates.

Lamborghini Urus SE

A Lamborghini with a sensible hybrid engine? Surely not. Well, as ‘sensible’ as it can be, given this snarling SUV produces 800hp and 950Nm of torque. It’ll also do more than 30 miles on electric power alone, though, and its CO2 emissions are barely 15 per cent of the standard Urus V8’s. Frugal.

It’s the heaviest car here, at 2,505kg, and like the Porsche and Audi puts power to the road through all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic. It’ll cost you £208,000 to buy.

Audi RS Q8 Performance

Here’s another car with a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8… but unlike the Porsche and Lamborghini, that’s it – the Audi RS Q8 does without a plug-in hybrid system. That contributes to its reduced weight of 2,275kg.

It is down on power compared to those cars above, though – it produces 640hp, though torque is still a beefy 850Nm. Like the other two, it has AWD and an eight-speed auto. It costs from £140,000, the least expensive car here.

Ferrari Purosangue

Finally we see what Italy has to offer. The Ferrari Purosangue doesn’t have a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 – it has a naturally-aspirated 6.5-litre V12 instead. It produces 725hp and 716Nm of torque, but it’s also the lightest car here at just 2,150kg.

Power is sent to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic, and if you want one, you’ll have to pay more than you would for the Audi and the Porsche combined – an eye-watering £313,000.

So, some interesting stats to compare here – but which formula equates to drag race supremacy? Watch the video to find out!

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