Lamborghini Urus goes official

LAMBORGHI has finally debuted the production version of its Urus crossover, which the brand is calling the world’s first super SUV thanks to its 478kW/850Nm twin-turbo V8 engine, 3.6 second 0-100km/h time and $390,000 before GST, luxury car tax and on-roads pricetag.

The third model in the supercar-maker’s stable next to the V12 Aventador and V10 Huracan, the Urus – as mentioned – is powered by a new front-mounted, force-fed 4.0-litre V8 aluminium engine that produces peak power of 478kW at 6000rpm and maximum torque of 850Nm from 2250-4500rpm, making it the world’s second-most powerful production SUV behind the 527kW/874Nm Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk, as well as the first Lamborghini model to utilise a turbocharged powerplant.

For comparison, the soon-to-be-replaced Porsche Cayenne Turbo S thumps out 419kW/800Nm from the same engine configuration, the Land Rover Range Rover Sport SVR develops 405kW/680Nm from its supercharged 5.0-litre V8 and the Tesla Model X P100D makes do with a 310kW/830Nm all-electric powertrain.

Tipping the scales just under 2200kg, the Urus sends power to all four wheels via an eight-speed electro-hydraulically controlled automatic transmission with a Torsen central self-locking differential and torque vectoring that enables a 0-100km/h sprint in just 3.6s, 0-200km/h in 12.8s and a top speed of 305km/h.

Although the Tesla Model X’s all-electric system will pip the Urus to 100km/h by 0.5s, the new Lamborghini SUV will shame thoroughbred supercars including the Aston Martin V12 Vantage S, Audi TT RS, BMW M4 CS, Jaguar F-Type SVR and Mercedes-AMG GT S in the landmark triple digit dash.

However, when not on full throttle, the Urus’ engine can deactivate cylinders to improve fuel efficiency, which is clocked at 12.7 litres per 100km with CO2 emissions measuring 290 grams per kilometre.

Tucked behind wheels that range from 21- to 23-inch in diameter, carbon ceramic brakes measuring 440x40mm in the front and 370x30mm in the rear to scrub speed “in all conditions and environments”, according to Lamborghini.

The rear-biased torque split of 40:60 can accommodate up to 70 per cent to the front axle or 87 per cent in the rear to maximise traction, while the back axle also sports the rear-wheel steering system carried over from the Aventador S for improved low speed manoeuvrability and high-speed stability.

In addition to Lamborghini’s standard Strada, Sport and Corsa driving modes – which increasingly dial up steering, suspension, engine and stability settings – the Urus’ Tamburo drive-mode selector also offers Terra, Neve and Sabbiba settings for off-road, snow and sand conditions respectively.

An Ego driving mode also allows drivers to customise individual settings.

Suspension is taken care of by an adaptive air system that can lower or raise the Urus’ ride height according to road conditions.

Borrowing styling cues from the brand’s first SUV, the LM002 from 1990, the Urus wears a muscular body characterised by an imposing front fascia with sleek LED headlights, gaping air intakes, and large, hexagonal-themed front grille.

A prodigiously sloping roofline enables seating room for only five despite its Volkswagen Group MLBEvo underpinnings, while the Urus’ heavily-sculpted flanks also invoke Lamborghini’s iconic wedge shape.

The Italian supercar-maker’s iconic Y-shaped tail-lights adorn the rear, as well as a substantial diffuser, quad exhaust pipes and subtle roof-mounted spoiler.

Inside, the Urus adopts the same ‘driver is a pilot’ theme as its siblings with cockpit-inspired switchgear including flip-up engine start button, lever-style gear selector and driver-orientated controls.

Lamborghini’s third-generation infotainment system is standard in the Urus, with two colour touchscreens positioned in the centre stack – the lower display handling climate control settings, as well as handwriting and keyboard inputs, while the upper screen houses infotainment and vehicle systems.

As standard, the Urus will come equipped with a wireless phone charger, Bluetooth connectivity, voice controls, front and rear parking sensors, autonomous emergency braking, electronic tail-gate, and eight-speaker sound system.

However, buyers will have the option of specifying their Lamborghini SUVs with a TV tuner, digital radio, card rear, head-up display, Bang & Olufsen 1700W 21-speaker sound system and Lamborghini Smartphone Interface with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and China’s Baidu-Carlife connectivity.

Sports seats are standard for front occupants with 12-way electric adjustment and heating, although buyers can option 18-way adjustable seats with cooling and massage function.

Second row seats can be folded and stowed to increase boot capacity from 616 litres to 1596L or customers can option two electric rear seats in lieu of the bench-style three pews for a four-seat layout.

The cabin is finished in high-end materials including leather, Alcantara, carbon-fibre, aluminium and wood.

Automobili Lamborghini chairman and CEO Stefano Domenicali said the Urus is a vehicle befitting the Lamborghini badge despite its high-riding bodystyle.

“It is a true Lamborghini in terms of design, performance, driving dynamics and emotion as well as drivable every day in a range of environments,” he said.

“The Urus fits perfectly within the Lamborghini family as a high performance car. It is the culmination of intensive development and passionate skill to create a new breed of bull: a super SUV that transcends the boundaries of expectations and opens the door to new possibilities, for both our brand and our customers.”

First Australian deliveries of the Urus are expected around the second quarter of next year with recommended retail pricing yet to be determined.