If you want an SUV that can go off-road AND still be seriously quick on the street, a new drag-race video might help you decide. Mazen Aboulhosn, the general manager of Mercedes-Benz Downtown Calgary, shared a YouTube showdown featuring four tough machines: the Mercedes-Benz G 63, Mercedes-Benz G 550, Land Rover Defender P400 X, and the INEOS Grenadier.

And the results were closer, and more surprising, than many expected.

Old G 63 vs Modern Rivals

The G 63 in the race wasn’t brand-new. It was a 2015 model, powered by a big 5.5-liter twin-turbo V8. That engine is famous for its sound and muscle, but it’s older tech compared to newer models.

Across from it stood:

• 2025 Mercedes-Benz G 550
  
• Land Rover Defender P400 X
  
• INEOS Grenadier powered by BMW’s B58 engine
  

Even though the G 63 had the biggest engine, it had something to prove.

Electric Boost Tech Makes a Difference

Two of the SUVs came with clever technology designed to remove turbo lag and give instant power.

Defender P400 X

• Uses a 48-volt electric supercharger
  
• Spins up to 65,000 rpm in half a second
  
• Helps it launch harder at low speeds
  

G 550

• Uses a BorgWarner electric auxiliary compressor (eBooster)
  
• Reaches 70,000 rpm in just 0.3 seconds
  
• Builds boost nearly instantly
  

This tech gives both SUVs quicker throttle response and stronger acceleration off the line.

Meanwhile, the INEOS Grenadier uses BMW’s well-loved B58 inline-six. It’s smooth, reliable, and often makes more power than advertised, but in this race, it simply didn’t have enough to keep up. Add its heavyweight, and the odds weren’t in its favor.

0-60 and Quarter-Mile Results

On a paved runway, the times told the real story:

• G 550 Professional Package: 0-60 mph in 5.1 seconds
  
• Defender P400 X: 0-60 mph in 6.9 seconds
  
• Grenadier Fieldmaster: 0-60 mph in 7.7 seconds
  

The G 550 dominated early, launching harder and staying ahead.

Then came the quarter-mile run, and this is where the shocker happened:

👉 G 550 finished the quarter-mile in 13.38 seconds at 102.5 mph.

That is extremely quick for a heavy, luxury off-roader.

G 63 vs G 550: The Close Battle

Next, the older G 63 lined up against the G 550.

Despite having more raw power, the G 63 just barely lost:

• G 63: 13.45 seconds at 106.8 mph
• G 550: Still quicker to the line thanks to its instant electric boost
  

The G 63 did have a higher trap speed, meaning it was pulling harder toward the end, but the G 550’s launch advantage won the race. See more Photos

Off-Road Sprint: Grass and Loose Dirt

The final challenge moved off pavement onto grass and loose soil.

Here, traction, tires, and smart four-wheel-drive systems mattered more than power. Once again:

• G 550 and G 63 were in a class of their own
• They handled the slippery terrain better and accelerated more smoothly
  

And in an unexpected twist:

The Grenadier finally beat the Defender off-road.

Its rugged design and setup clearly showed its purpose once the race left the tarmac.

Final Takeaway

This drag race highlights something important:

🔹 Modern engine tech and electric assist can beat brute horsepower.
🔹 The G 550 proves technology plus traction equals speed.
🔹 The Defender is capable, but not the quickest.
🔹 The Grenadier is tough and shines more off-road than on the strip.

And the headline stat everyone’s talking about:

The race wrapped up in just 13.38 seconds, thanks to the G 550.

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