Trying again, it’s protected to say that the Lamborghini Urus birthed the idea of the tremendous SUV. Its 2017 debut carved a brand new path for supercar manufacturers when it comes to portfolio growth and profitability potential. At first, some competing manufacturers confirmed curiosity within the idea, whereas others outright rejected it. At present, nonetheless, Sant’Agata Bolognese’s gamble has an abundance of rivals, together with the Aston Martin DBX707, BMW XM Label, and the Ferrari Purosangue. And I haven’t even included these with whom it shares important elements, just like the Audi RS Q8 and Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT.
Anticipating that its area of interest nook of the market would quickly crowd, the Italian model launched the primary particular variant of its SUV in 2022, the Lamborghini Urus Performante. Constructed by following a formulation that’s proved profitable within the supercar area, the Performante drops 104 kilos whereas boosting energy by 16 horsepower, making it the lightest and quickest Urus but. Crucially, nonetheless, it substitutes the “base” mannequin’s air springs in favor of a metal set, each firming up its journey whereas decreasing its top by practically an inch.
Practically seven years in the past, the concept of a brilliant SUV was largely overseas, and right this moment, the idea of taking that platform and hardening it within the pursuit of efficiency stays largely unexplored. Can the lightest, quickest, and sportiest variant of Lamborghini’s tremendous SUV even be the perfect?
The Lamborghini Urus Performante first differentiates itself by injecting some much-needed stylistic theatre. Parked subsequent to the automotive that debuted in 2017, its predecessor appears nearly delicate. The Performante incorporates sharper strains in its entrance bumper, with factors protruding nearly like fangs. Its hood options extra outstanding grooves alongside extractor cutouts adorned with carbon fiber louvers. Its entrance splitter, fender flares, facet skirts, diffuser and higher spoiler additionally make use of the light-weight materials.
There’s carbon hiding beneath the pores and skin as nicely, with a considerable portion of its 104-lb weight reduction made attainable by a composite hood. Alongside this discount, including a spoiler will increase its downforce by as much as 38 p.c. On the identical time, its metal springs decrease its journey top by 0.8 inches whereas its monitor widens by 0.6 inches. A set of 23-inch wheels is an elective further, as is a light-weight set of solid 22s, with this tester carrying the previous. Performante will get titanium wheel bolts and bespoke Pirelli rubber in step with the sporty theme.
Its inside additionally will get the sporty remedy, trimmed nearly solely in black Alcantara if you choose the “Performante trim.” The bits not lined within the suede-like materials distinction with shiny carbon fiber or purple hexagonal stitching paired with purple leather-based accents. Trying across the cabin, you would possibly as nicely be in an Aventador SVJ from a textiles perspective, with limitless reminders of this SUV’s sporty intentions. And whereas its screens and general tech carry over, Lambo’s dedication to the hardcore bit on the supplies facet successfully units the tone earlier than you set off.
Firing up the Lamborghini Urus Performante awakens its commonplace Akrapovič sports activities exhaust system. Its titanium building could shave some weight, however it doesn’t change the twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8’s burbly engine be aware; you get extra of it. From the primary few miles on metropolis streets and highways, detecting its further 16 horses is virtually inconceivable. Such an incremental bump for a machine that weighs greater than 4,700 lb is simpler at awarding titles like “quickest Urus” than genuinely impacting efficiency.
Nonetheless, thanks primarily to its weight reduction, a brand new differential, and a complete output of 657 hp and 627 pound-feet output, the Performante is the quickest Urus. It sprints to 62 mph in 3.3 seconds, and just like the S mannequin launched in 2022, it tops out at 190 mph. On a twisty street, you want to know that the Urus has all the time been terribly fast, and it stays so. Due to a wholesome serving to of torque low within the rev vary aided quick-shifting eight-speed computerized transmission, you’ll run out of street lengthy earlier than it does steam.
But, as acquainted as its powertrain feels, its suspension couldn’t be extra overseas. The discontinued “base” Urus I reviewed in late 2021 excelled by being agency sufficient when wanted for a weekend drive whereas plush sufficient for the day by day commute. This versatility is now exterior the Performante’s scope. The choice to swap its air suspension setup with metal springs virtually defines it, its hardcore persona by no means fairly softening. Whereas Lamborghini did develop new Strada, Sport, and Corsa drive modes, a set of adaptive dampers and is derived can’t match its predecessor’s wonderful journey high quality.
That stated, there are some main efficiency advantages as soon as the street begins to twist. At velocity and in Corsa mode, the Lamborghini Urus Performante reveals its payoff. Its firmer suspension and energetic anti-roll bars successfully dials out physique roll. There’s an added sense of stability as you sort out even the tightest bends and an eagerness to reply to steering inputs instantly. This agility is helped by an up to date rear axle steering system that responds extra rapidly, due to its up to date software program.
Its firmer setup concurrently will increase street floor suggestions. You’re feeling extra of what’s taking place beneath you because it’s channeled by the chassis and into the cabin. It’s a lot simpler to detect if you’re approaching its grip limits, even whereas its steering stays removed from talkative. This units you up properly to start out leaning on its commonplace carbon-ceramic brakes, which, with 10-piston calipers upfront and massive 17.3-inch rotors, have loads of braking drive to sluggish this 4,740-lb SUV down.
As with all particular fashions, its added athleticism instructions a premium. For 2024, the Lamborghini Urus Performante begins at $265,890, together with a $3,995 vacation spot price, with this tester coming in at $339,152. The “base” mannequin, the Urus S, prices practically $24,000 much less, beginning at $241,843. The not too long ago up to date Aston Martin DBX707 prices $253,000, together with a $4,000 price, whereas a BMW XM Label instructions $185,995, together with a $995 price. Solely the Ferrari Purosangue stands as an outlier, with a base value just under $400,000.
After a couple of days on the street, I’m undecided some other tremendous SUV can match the Lambo’s efficiency on a again street. It’s quick, agile, and uncannily secure within the corners, all issues a tall automobile that seats 5 and sports activities an enormous trunk shouldn’t be capable of do. But this energy doubles because the Performante’s solely actual weak point. If we assume that an SUV, tremendous or not, is supposed for use day by day, a agency journey in the end limits how nicely it will probably play that function.
But, due to shifting priorities amongst lovers, a $339,152 tremendous SUV’s enchantment hinges on extra than simply how nicely it rides. Its up to date styling creates a extra dramatic aesthetic, consistent with the Ragin Bull’s mantra, whereas its Alcantara-trimmed cabin conjures up reminders of different particular Lambos. Because of this, the query of whether or not the lightest, quickest Urus can also be the perfect is the flawed one to ask. The Performante is a better-driving, better-looking, and extra thrilling Urus, however how usually will you end up on the appropriate street to completely expertise it?
