When Lamborghini, the legendary Italian brand, announced they were making a sport utility vehicle (SUV) there were howls of anguish from sports car purists. In fact, now that it has been available for some time, the Lamborghini Urus has proved you really can have the best of both worlds by infusing Lamborghini DNA into a versatile, practical vehicle; one that delivers for lovers of driving. In terms of design, performance, driving dynamics and pure automotive emotion the Urus has proven to be a winner.
On The Outside
Despite its huge size, the Urus takes its design cues from the company’s sports cars. Short overhangs communicate an assertive character and commanding road position. The low front is underlined by the substantial front bumper (fender) while large air intakes sporting a hexagonal theme are linked by a low-level front spoiler, further emphasizing the car’s aerodynamic efficiency and exceptional performance. Form and function work hand in hand within the Lamborghini design: each panel contributes to the car’s overall low drag coefficient. The front splitter and very large air intakes ensure optimal air flow in conjunction with the extensive covered areas of the aerodynamically efficient underbody. In short, this big car slips through the air, aiding economy.
The front lights are sleek and sporty, set in a horizontal position, with LED headlights in the familiar Lamborghini Y shape. Its distinctive single-line silhouette features a dynamic coupé-style fly line, accented by the frameless doors and emphasizing the typical Lamborghini characteristic of a lower front end. The low roofline and position of the frameless windows allude to the seating position of driver and passengers low within the car while the sharply-inclined windscreen and strongly-angled rear windows, with glass-on-glass replacing the C-pillar, suggest models like the Huracán. Another example of this sports car heritage is the wheel arches design, housing wheels from 21” to 23”. Big wheels make a big impression.
On The Inside
The Urus is as much a luxury SUV as that bastion of premium off-road capable cars, the Range Rover. Is it better looking? You must judge. To emphasise this sweeping statement the interior design (See our images) is stunning with luxurious detailing and finish. Perhaps in this modern automotive world we should substitute the word ‘driver’ with ‘pilot’.
Highly technologically advanced, the Urus is nonetheless very intuitive in operation, the dashboard layout putting all the priorities to hand. The driver and passengers sit low in sports car seat positions, with the dashboard oriented around the driver. Memory front sport seats are fully electric, heated and 12-way adjustable, fitted as standard. More luxurious, 18-way fully-electric front seats are available as an option, including features such as ventilation and massage. The Lamborghini hexagonal theme echoes throughout the interior, in elements such as air vents and door handles, and even in items such as the cup holders and air bag modules.
A multi-function, three-spoke steering wheel incorporates a vibration damper to enhance comfort in all driving conditions. Multifunction switches are also intuitively located on the steering wheel to control the Lamborghini Infotainment System, including car set-up, media, telephone and navigation. A fully-digital TFT display shows the Urus’ main information in an animated 3D representation and is customizable by the driver.
On The Road
Power is derived from a 4.0 litre petrol V8 twin-turbo aluminium engine. All-wheel-drive is of course standard and is augmented by the engine in that, especially off-road, a high level of torque at low revs can be guaranteed. 641bhp (475 kW) at 6,000rpm, should be sufficient even for the keenest driver, accelerating to 62mph (100kph) in just 3.6 seconds. The performance is truly astonishing.
Big wheels usually mean a harsh ride, but not in this case thank fully, thanks to air suspension with lots of clever electronic controls being fitted as standard. Different suspension settings ranging from comfort to sporting are available, right up to the ‘Corsa’ setting which is the hardcore choice. Whichever mode the car is in however, the ride is never unsettled, the suspension and all-wheel-drive handling the bulk with aplomb, aided by the brilliant extra bonus of four-wheel-steering.
Obviously this sort of luxury doesn’t come cheap but look at what that price gets you. This really is one of the finest cars available today and, of course, it’s a Lamborghini. Find out more this car and availability from us here at MHH International.
