The long-awaited Lamborghini Urus has been unveiled in Bologna, Italy, and described by its makers as the world’s first ‘Super SUV.’
It is also being pitched as the world’s fastest SUV, its 4.0-litre V8 engine producing a 0-62mph time of 3.6 seconds and a top speed of 190mph.
Putting out 650hp and 850Nm of torque, the engine is a twin-turbo unit, unlike the naturally-aspirated equivalents familiar in the Italian brand’s sports cars. This has apparently been done to provide the low-range pulling power needed when running off road.
The Urus output passes through an eight-speed auto transmission into a permanent all-wheel-drive system with a locking differential. In normal use, this pits torque 40/60 front to rear, but can send up to 70% to the front wheels, 87% to the rear.
Four-wheel steering also features, turning the rear wheels by up to three degrees to aid manoeuvrability at low speeds, stability at high speeds. Other chassis technology includes active torque vectoring and carbon-ceramic brakes, while there are six driving modes selectable from the cockpit, including off-road, sand and snow modes.
The engine is placed low in the chassis to improve the centre of gravity, while Lamborghini also claims that the Urus kerb weight of under 2,200kg gives it the best power-to-weight ratio of 3.38kg/hp. The Bentayga of sister brand Bentley tips the scales at 2440kg.
The Urus shares its platform with the Bentayga, also used under the Audi Q7 and Porsche Cayenne. The Lamborghini is one of the most coupé-like SUVs offered in the sector, with its profile two-thirds metal and one-third glass.
Exterior detailing includes references to Lamborghini sports cars, such as a peak on the bonnet reminiscent of the Miura and Aventador, and diagonal bonnet lines first seen on the Countach. Also recalled is the LM002, an off-roader produced by Lamborghini between 1986 and 1993.
First deliveries of the Urus are planned for Spring 2018, at prices likely to start from around £165,000. The SUV is expected to double Lamborghini’s annual production volume, and the Urus range will expand, likely including a plug-in hybrid version.
