The world’s first Super Sport Utility Vehicle – Lamborghini Urus
Ed Legge
Is the world ready for a Super Sport Utility Vehicle – or does it really need one? The Urus might just be the answer to a question that nobody asked…
SUVs are truly ubiquitous these days – to prove the point, just try to name a car manufacturer that doesn’t make one in the next five seconds. The striking new Urus brings Lamborghini back into the fold of off-road manufacturers. Their last SUV, the LM002 ceased production in 1993 with less than 400 examples produced.
With the Urus, Lamborghini claims to have created a new niche – the Super Sport Utility Vehicle – although Bentley (Bentayga), Porsche (Cayenne Turbo) and Range Rover (SVR) may have something to say about that. The design language is clearly Lamborghini which will appeal to existing Lambo owners, and the Urus has a new twin-turbo V8 engine designed to suit the specific needs of a heavy off-roader. Sadly no V10 or V12, but needs must.
The performance figures add weight to Lamborghini’s claim. The Urus has the highest top speed (191 mph), quickest acceleration (0-100 kmh/ 62 mph in 3.6 seconds) greatest power output (641 bhp) and best power-to-weight ratio of all its competitors by some considerable margin.
Still not convinced? Top Gear Magazine were clearly impressed when they drove it, citing impressive body control (achieved with the help of a 48V anti-roll system), awesome performance and a genuinely nimble feel. It could have sounded better, but you can’t have everything, even if you are a Lambo owner.
Lamborghini DNA
Has the spirit of Lamborghini managed to make the jump into an SUV? We’d say so. Both exterior and interior are instantly recognisable as Lamborghini and that will no doubt appeal to existing owners. Let’s be honest, Lambo owners aren’t shrinking violets and the team in Sant’Agata Bolognese know that. Some will be dismayed that Lamborghini has jumped on the bandwagon and produced an SUV, drawing on Volkswagen Group’s experience producing the Audi Q7 and Bentley Bentayga but commercial realities demand it and at least the Lamborghini Urus looks mad, bad and dangerous to know.
With list prices starting at £157,800 inc VAT in the UK, customer cars will no doubt be heading towards £180,000+ when specced. For many, the Urus will be a must have addition to their garage and it seems certain to sell well.
Is the Urus the answer to a question nobody asked? Quite possibly, but now it’s here it seems like a pretty good answer.
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Images courtesy of Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A.