The Lamborghini Urus initially presented itself as an enigma. With its aggressive styling and premium price, it seemed to embody sheer extravagance. Could Lamborghini, a brand synonymous with high-octane supercars, truly engineer a more refined, everyday-usable vehicle?
The answer, unequivocally, is yes. The Urus stands as a Lamborghini you can genuinely drive daily. While its aesthetics might divide opinions, its position as the most dynamically capable SUV currently available is undeniable.
A Design That Demands Attention
Even without the badge, the Urus’s lineage is unmistakable. The hood prominently rises above the Lamborghini crest, the headlights possess a sharp, focused design, and the front fascia is dominated by substantial air intakes. For some, the overall effect might be overwhelming, yet the rear design offers a more streamlined appeal. Sleek taillights are positioned high and wide, accentuating the vehicle’s impressive width of 6 feet, 7 inches.
The side profile showcases Lamborghini’s signature angular design philosophy. While vibrant colors like Giallo Auge (yellow) are available for those seeking maximum visual impact, more understated tones, such as the Grigio Lynx seen here, offer a sophisticated alternative.
Unleashing Supercar Performance in an SUV
Igniting the Urus awakens its supercar spirit. Pressing the vibrant red ignition button brings the 4.0-liter, twin-turbocharged V8 engine to life with a roar. It unleashes a commanding 641 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque, expertly managed by an exceptionally responsive eight-speed automatic transmission.
To the left of the start button resides the “Anima” drive mode selector. This feature offers a range of driving settings: Strada (street), Sport, Corsa (track), Terra (off-road), and Neve (snow). Each mode meticulously adjusts throttle response, transmission behavior, suspension settings, steering feel, and traction control parameters. The digital gauge cluster’s appearance also dynamically adapts to the selected mode. On the right, the “Ego” selector allows for personalized drive mode configurations, enabling drivers to fine-tune specific aspects of the Urus’s performance to their preferences.
In Sport mode, the Urus confidently tackles winding roads, effortlessly dispatching straightaways. Lamborghini claims a 0-62 mph acceleration time of just 3.6 seconds and a top speed nearing 190 mph. These figures feel entirely plausible based on real-world driving experience and are expected for a vehicle bearing the Lamborghini name.
What truly distinguishes the Urus is its exceptional handling. Despite its SUV dimensions and 4,800-pound weight, body roll in corners is surprisingly minimal. The Urus seemingly defies physics, maintaining remarkable composure. The air suspension system lowers the vehicle for enhanced stability, while rear-axle steering contributes to agile cornering. The torque-vectoring all-wheel-drive system intelligently distributes power, ensuring optimal grip and responsiveness when needed most.
While systems like Mercedes-Benz’s Curve mode in the GLE-Class and GLS-Class SUVs aim to level the vehicle during turns, the Urus’s system feels more natural and refined. It inspires confidence to push harder through corners, with Pirelli P-Zero tires delivering exceptional grip. The Urus projects an aura of unflappable capability and control.
The Urus’s braking performance is equally impressive. It can decelerate from 62 mph to a complete stop in a mere 110 feet, thanks to massive 17-inch front rotors paired with 10-piston calipers. The rear setup features 14.2-inch rotors and six-piston calipers. This robust braking system provides immense stopping power, allowing drivers to brake remarkably late when entering corners with confidence.
Tech-Savvy Cabin for Modern Drivers
Beyond performance, the Urus caters to daily driving needs with a suite of advanced technologies.
Available driver aids include full-speed adaptive cruise control with curve speed reduction, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, speed warning, and pre-collision braking.
The interior tech is based on a customized version of Audi’s dual-screen MMI interface. The lower screen is dedicated to climate controls, while the upper screen manages other functions. Both screens utilize touch inputs with haptic feedback, confirming selections.
Navigation is powered by Google Maps, offering familiar satellite views and intuitive destination entry. The system supports one-box destination input and voice, typed, or handwritten entries via the lower screen, recognizing both print and cursive handwriting accurately. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are included, along with multiple charging options: two 12-volt outlets in the front cubby, two USB ports in the compact center console, and two USB ports for rear passengers.
Luxury and Practicality
The cabin embodies Lamborghini’s signature luxury aesthetic. While some may find the design intricate, the overall ambiance is undeniably premium. Features include massaging, heated, and cooled seats with 18-way adjustability.
Rear passenger configurations offer a choice between two bucket seats or a three-across bench. However, the sloping roofline does impact headroom for taller occupants. Cargo space behind the rear seats is 22 cubic feet, expanding to 56 cubic feet with the seats folded. While less than the Porsche Cayenne, it surpasses other luxury performance SUVs like the Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio and Bentley Bentayga.
Leading the Super SUV Class
In the realm of super SUVs, the Urus stands apart. The Bentley Bentayga, with its luxurious features and powerful W12 or V8 engines, is a close competitor, but it is heavier and less engaging to drive. The Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio, with its 505 horsepower, matches the Urus’s acceleration due to its lighter weight, but its brake-by-wire system can be challenging to modulate, and the suspension is firm even in its most compliant setting. The Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk offers immense power (707 horsepower) at a lower price point, but the Porsche Cayenne Turbo emerges as a compelling cross-shopping option, offering near-Urus performance with comparable luxury at a significantly lower cost.
The Urus, in its base configuration, starts at $200,000, but options like 22-inch wheels, driver-assistance features, and an upgraded stereo system can elevate the total price considerably.
While a Lamborghini SUV might have initially seemed unconventional, its appeal is undeniable, evidenced by strong sales figures. Until the arrival of a Ferrari SUV, the Urus reigns supreme in the super SUV segment. Despite any initial reservations about its design, its blend of performance and practicality makes it a compelling and undeniably fast family vehicle.
