This is the Lamborghini Urus. It's the first sport utility vehicle from the brand that builds some of the most outrageous supercars in the world. It's bold, powerful, and the company expects it to double the brand's sales.
Lamborghini wants you to call this the world's first super sport utility vehicle. SSUV isn't the worst "don't call it an SUV" name, but we don't think it'll catch on. But Lamborghini Chairman and CEO Stefano Domenicali says that "it is a true Lamborghini in terms of design, performance, driving dynamics and emotion." But this one can fit more people and handle more weather.
It starts with the same platform that underpins the Bentley Bentayga, Audi Q7, and Porsche Cayenne. Not a bad place to start as far as corporate platforms go.
The engine is a 4.0L V8. It's got twin turbos, meaning that it's Lambo's first SUV and first turbocharged engine. It makes 650 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque. Matched with an eight-speed automatic, the Urus can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 3.6 seconds, hit 200 in 12.8, and hit 305 km/h all out.
Stopping that speed are what Lamborghini has called the biggest brakes in the world. On a production vehicle, that is. Massive 17.3-inch carbon ceramic rotors sit under 21-inch wheels and are clamped by 10-piston calipers up front. It can stop the SSUV from 100 km/h in 33.7 metres.
The styling is exactly what it should be from the Sant'Agata Bolognese supercar maker. There are knife-edges, vents, and grilles everywhere. Even the wheel arches aren't round, taking the hexagonal shape from the LM002 SUV from the 1980s. We suspect the tires would be polygonal if it was possible. It will be polarizing for sure, but you certainly can't call it boring or dull.
The inside keeps the familiar Lamborghini cues like the fighter plane-style starter button, and a continued aversion to curves. Only unlike Lamborghinis of the past, this one has room inside.
Keeping the wheels planted is an adaptive air suspension with active roll control. It also has Porsche's four-wheel steering for stability.
Lamborghini says this is an all-weather vehicle. All-terrain and winter tires from Pirelli will be available. The all-wheel drive system has three off-road modes, Neve for snow, Terra for dirt, and Sabbia for sand driving.
They have also worked to make the Urus quiet. "A 360-degree approach to engine, exhaust system and chassis ensures daily usability with the reduction of unwanted mechanical noise." Here we thought that unwanted mechanical noise was half the point of a Lamborghini.
In true Lamborghini style, the Urus name comes from a bull. In this case, quite fittingly, the Urus was a very large prehistoric species of wild cattle.
Lamborghini expects sales of the Urus to start in the spring, with US pricing starting at around $200,000. Canadian pricing wasn't revealed. The company expects to sell around 3,500 per year, which would nearly double the company's yearly sales. Which makes the only real surprise that they didn't launch it sooner.
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