While beauty may be in the eye of the beholder, some shapes just stand out universally. Today we’ll be covering what I believe to be three of the best looking SUVs currently on sale. Spoiler alert, they are all expensive performance SUVs that make absolutely no sense in the real world. As strict safety regulations continue to cripple automotive design, SUVs have begun to look alike. The result is that the most striking shapes are often the most beautiful. 

The Mercedes-AMG G63 is a giant twin-turbo box you can drive

Perhaps no SUV design is more divisive than the Mercedes-AMG G63 with its unapologetically boxy shape. The G-Wagen started life as a military vehicle with the first civilian version entering production in 1979. The original G-Wagen was a hit from the very beginning, and in 1980 even the pope bought one. Yes, the Catholic Church’s chief pastor decided to chop the roof off of a brand new G-Class so he could stand on the back. That pretty much set the tone for the G-Wagen as both a capable off-roader and a pop-culture icon.

To appreciate the G63’s design, you have to see it amongst other SUVs. Aside from the now-discontinued Suzuki Jimny, nothing on the market looks like it. While the G-Wagen may have the aerodynamic properties of a large shed, it has global appeal.

The best part is that you can opt for the G 550 and have a toned-down version of the iconic off-roader. Or opt for the fire-breathing G63 and combine the terrible aerodynamics and high center of gravity with a near 600-hp twin-turbo V8 engine. 

The Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio is truly beautiful

While I love the G-Wagen for being a striking and wacky SUV, the Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio is a properly beautiful thing. The beauty of the Stelvio’s design is that it manages to look incredibly aggressive without being covered in badges and harsh lines.

Upfront is the iconic Alfa Romeo triangular grille, except, in this case, its an enormous intake. The Quadrifoglio name is by no means appealing, and I am endlessly thankful Alfa Romeo didn’t place it anywhere on the exterior. The only indicator that this is a special Stelvio is the four-leaf clover in the front fender.

The Stelvio isn’t all show and no go either, because under the hood lives a Ferrari-sourced twin-turbo V6. With a total power output of 505 hp, it can rocket the Stelvio to 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds. Not everything is perfect, however, and if your Quadrigoflio is anything like Car and Driver’s, you’ll be at the side of the road quite often. At least you’ll have something pretty to look at and pass the time. 

The Audi RS Q8 looks better than its Lamborghini sibling

While the Lamborghini Urus is one of the best SUVs I’ve ever driven, it’s also one of the ugliest. The design is trying to evoke a Lamborghini look so much so that it looks cluttered and confused. Luckily, since the Urus utilizes the Audi Q8’s platform, the RS Q8 inherited the powertrain, but not the design.

The RS Q8 looks menacing on the road thanks to its widened stance. Upfront, the grill, and headlight design make the RS Q8 look very aggressive. Although I typically don’t like coupe-styled SUVs, the RS Q8 pulls it off perfectly.

Bright colors help contrast all of the available carbon fiber accents. While 22-inch wheels come as standard, 23-inch wheels are optional. Let’s not forget, under the hood, lives the twin-turbo V8 out of the Urus with all 591 enraged German horses.