There’s something alluring about a roaring V8, but buying a burly V8-powered SUV on the second-hand market isn’t always the best idea. Here are six powerful V8 vehicles that are pretty solid options.
There’s nothing quite like a V8. It doesn’t matter what vehicle you drive, if it’s got a V8, people will be impressed. The mere presence of a V8 suggests performance and raw power. But a V8 is rarely a good second-hand buy. These vehicles tend to be complex, so once they’re a few years old, reliability can become an issue. Also, many buyers aren’t prepared for the monthly fuel bill or expensive service costs that come with owning a performance vehicle. These are an inevitable by-product of driving a V8. If you want something that is economical and cheap to keep on the road, a V8 is not for you. On the other hand, if you’re dead set on owning a V8, here are six (somewhat) sensible options.
2013 Porsche Cayenne S Diesel
When people talk about how much they love a V8, they’re probably not talking about a diesel V8. Admittedly, a turbodiesel V8 doesn’t offer the progressive power and visceral thrill of a naturally aspirated petrol one, but it does offer great performance coupled with decent economy. This 2013 Porsche Cayenne S Diesel is powered by a 4.2-litre V8 that delivers 283kW of power and 850Nm of torque. Consumption, meanwhile, is ridiculously low. According to Porsche, fuel consumption is pegged at around 8.0 litres per 100km. That might be achievable if you drove conservatively, but you’re not going to do that. The Cayenne S Diesel is far too much fun for that. Top speed is 252km/h, and the SUV can sprint from 0–100km/h in 5.4 seconds. This example has just 48 000km on the clock, and it has a full franchise service history.
The good Frugal for a performance SUV.
The bad Expensive to maintain outside service plan. Repairs will also be pricey.
PRICE: R799 990
YEAR: 2013
FUEL TYPE: Diesel
ENGINE: 4134cc turbodiesel V8
TRANSMISSION: Eight-speed Tiptronic S
MILEAGE: 48 000km
POWER: 283kW @ 3 750r/min
TORQUE: 850Nm @ 2 000r/min
2013 Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG
If you’re looking for an SUV that can offer the thrill of a V8 sports car, the Mercedes-Benz ML63 AMG is a great choice. True, it doesn’t offer the insane 6.2-litre engine that Mercedes-AMG had been dropping into its performance vehicles in the preceding years (and that its name suggests), but its 5.5-litre twin-turbo engine is absurdly powerful, but a good bit more efficient than the 6.2-litre powerplant. The engine delivers 410kW of power and 760Nm of torque, while drinking a bearable amount of fuel. Mercedes-Benz claims around 12 litres per 100km, which seems tremendously optimistic, but still, at least you’re not averaging three or four kilometres per litre. This particular vehicle is in great shape and well priced. You can get it for a hair less than R1 million, plus it has a full service history and just 16 250km on the clock.
The good Proper V8 soundtrack and performance.
The bad Fuel, running costs and services will be pricey. Replacing the tyres will cost a fortune.
PRICE: R999 950
YEAR: 2013
FUEL TYPE: Petrol
ENGINE: 5461cc twin-turbo V8 petrol
TRANSMISSION: AMG Speedshift Plus 7G-Tronic
MILEAGE: 16 250km
POWER: 410kW @ 5 750r/min
TORQUE: 760Nm @ 2 000r/min
2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT
The Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT provides you with a lot of fun and performance for the price. It is certainly more affordable than a similarly sporty SUV from a Teutonic manufacturer. For around R1 million, you can get your hands on a 2016 model with less than 30 000km on the clock. The SRT also benefits from the fact that it is a tad more versatile than a Mercedes-AMG or BMW M vehicle. It doesn’t have the always-on hyper-aggressive focus on performance that the other have, and it boasts slightly chunkier rubber. Sure, it’s not as quick either, but it’s fun to drive and has a fantastic soundtrack. The 6.4-litre engine delivers 355kW and 637Nm of torque.
The good Great sound and performance. A fairly practical performance SUV.
The bad Fuel, running costs and services will be pricey.
PRICE: R940 000
YEAR: 2016
FUEL TYPE: Petrol
ENGINE: 6.4-litre V8
TRANSMISSION: Eight-speed automatic
MILEAGE: 27 211km
POWER: 355kW @ 6 000r/min
TORQUE: 637Nm @ 4 300r/min
2016 Toyota Land Cruiser 76 4.5D-4D LX V8
A V8 isn’t just for speed, it can work well in other applications, too. No one would call a 76 Cruiser quick, but it’s still an excellent vehicle. Once upon a time, you had to choose between a seriously slow oilburner or a thirsty petrol powerplant when buying a 70-Series Cruiser. These days, though, you can opt for a V8 diesel derivative. This powerplant has transformed the nature of the 76 Cruiser. The vehicle can travel comfortably at 120km/h, has loads of torque, and is far more frugal than the petrol version. The 76 Cruiser seems expensive for what you get, but it is a tough and capable 4×4. And, as is clear from this particular example, you can get some decent deals on the second-hand market. This 76 has a full franchise service history and just 10 000km on the clock.
The good Speedy and easy to live with for a hardcore overlander. Great low-down torque.
The bad Fairly basic and unrefined.
PRICE: R729 950
YEAR: 2016
FUEL TYPE: Diesel
ENGINE: 4 461cc V8 turbodiesel
TRANSMISSION: Five-speed manual
MILEAGE: 10 000km
POWER: 151kW @ 3 400r/min
TORQUE: 430Nm @ 1 200r/min
2013 BMW X5 M
Compared to the ML63 AMG, the BMW X5 M is quite well priced on the second-hand market, though it is not as affordable as the Jeep SRT. This is a 2013 model with a full franchise service history and 69 500km on the clock, and it’s priced at R659 900. Of course, purchasing a used performance vehicle is risky, but this example looks to be in great condition and boasts a bunch of extras. Still, it is worth having a vehicle like this thoroughly checked out before buying. Performance (and engine sound) on the X5 M is great. Its 4.4-litre turbo V8 offers 408kW of power and 680Nm of torque. Top speed is 250km/h and acceleration is 0–100km/h in 4.7 seconds.
The good Great performance and decent practicality. Priced well.
The bad Fuel and maintenance will be expensive.
PRICE: R659 900
YEAR: 2013
FUEL TYPE: Petrol
ENGINE: 4 395cc V8 turbo petrol
TRANSMISSION: M Sports Steptronic Automatic
MILEAGE: 69 500km
POWER: 408kW @ 6 000r/min
TORQUE: 680Nm @ 1 500r/min
2014 Range Rover Sport HSE Dynamic Supercharged
You can’t compile a list like this without mentioning Land Rover’s excellent 5.0-litre supercharged V8 engine. The best vehicle with which to match this engine is the company’s latest Range Rover Sport. Unlike the previous Sport, the current version has the chassis and suspension necessary to enjoy everything that the engine has to offer. The Sport isn’t just fast, it’s fun through the corners, too. The 5.0-litre engine pushes out 375kW of power at 6 000 r/min and 625Nm of torque at 2 5000r/min. The supercharged version holds its value well. R1 million will get you a 2013 or 2014 model, with around 50 000km on the clock. This Range Rover Sport has 55 000km on the clock and a full service history.
The good Fun and thrilling.
The bad Thirsty and expensive to maintain.
PRICE: R999 950
YEAR: 2014
FUEL TYPE: Petrol
ENGINE: 5.0-litre V8 supercharged petrol
TRANSMISSION: Automatic
MILEAGE: 55 300km
POWER: 375kW @ 6 000r/min
TORQUE: 625Nm @ 2 500r/min
Text: GG van Rooyen