SUVs and crossovers are not traditionally associated with speed. However, times have changed and now carmakers are striving to make high-performance, fast SUVs.

Edmunds held the competition among three compact SUVs: The Mercedes-Benz AMG GLC 63 S Coupe, BMW X3 M Competition, and Tesla Model Y Performance. They are equipped with different powerplants: a V8 with two turbos (GLC), a six-cylinder with another two turbos (X3 M), and then a pair of electric motors fed by a big battery pack (Model Y). Each is all-wheel-drive.

Edmunds did some instrumented tests on drag racers before they matched them up. This meant that they got some idea of ​​who should win and who might fall behind.

Source: Edmunds

On paper, it seemed like Mercedes should have won the race.

2020 BMW X3 M Competition
0-60 mph: 3.8 seconds (Edmunds testing 2020)
Quarter-mile: 11.9 seconds @ 116.4 mph
Claimed top speed: 174 mph
Braking: 60-0 mph in 104 ft

2020 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLC 63 S Coupe
0-60 mph: 3.5 seconds (Edmunds testing 2018); 3.6 seconds claimed by M-B
Quarter-mile: 11.7 seconds @ 115.6 mph (Edmunds testing 2018)
Claimed top speed: 174 mph
Braking: 60-0 mph in 108 ft

2020 Tesla Model Y Performance
0-60 mph: 3.7 seconds (Edmunds testing)
Quarter-mile: 11.8 seconds @ 115.6 mph
Claimed top speed: 150 mph
Braking: 60-0 mph in 108 ft

Source: Edmunds

But, on asphalt, the Tesla Model Y simply smoked its competitors. All three SUVs are all-wheel drive, so Edmunds didn't expect traction to be an issue. However, they found that launch technology was a major factor. Tesla converts power into acceleration almost instantly, and picks up speed rapidly. Edmunds wrote:

"This isn't one of those mealy mouthed competitions where it's too close to call. The Tesla Model Y destroyed the other two. Absolutely dominated the racing in every way. Does that mean it's the best choice? Well, yeah, if all you want is to drag-race SUVs."

Now let's take a look at the price:

• The BMW X3 M Competition $83,845
• The Mercedes-Benz AMG GLC 63 S Coupe $89,630
• The Model Y Performance $68,700

Tesla Model Y is significantly less expensive than the other two options, and that's before gas savings, let alone any potential incentives. It's also worth noting that this Model Y Performance appears to be configured with FSD--an $8,000 option--which has no impact on its ability to smoke the competition at the strip. Model Y is stylish and although it seems the smallest of the three, it is roomy and spacious. Tesla has the largest cargo capacity at 68 cubic feet. The interior is comfortable but simple and marked by its large, signature touchscreen. If you want speed and performance, the Model Y is a better deal than other high-performance SUVs.

© 2020, Eva Fox. All rights reserved.

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Article edited by @SmokeyShorts, you can follow him on Twitter

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