Trying again, it’s secure 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 enlargement and profitability potential. At first, some competing manufacturers confirmed curiosity within the idea, whereas others outright rejected it. At this time, 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 vital 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 house, 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 experience whereas decreasing its top by almost an inch.
Practically seven years in the past, the thought of an excellent SUV was largely overseas, and right now, 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 one of the best?
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 refined. The Performante incorporates sharper traces in its entrance bumper, with factors protruding nearly like fangs. Its hood options extra distinguished grooves alongside extractor cutouts adorned with carbon fiber louvers. Its entrance splitter, fender flares, aspect skirts, diffuser and higher spoiler additionally make use of the light-weight materials.
There’s carbon hiding beneath the pores and skin as properly, 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 %. On the identical time, its metal springs decrease its experience top by 0.8 inches whereas its monitor widens by 0.6 inches. A set of 23-inch wheels is an non-obligatory additional, as is a light-weight set of cast 22s, with this tester sporting 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 completely in black Alcantara if you choose the “Performante trim.” The bits not lined within the suede-like materials distinction with shiny carbon fiber or pink hexagonal stitching paired with pink leather-based accents. Trying across the cabin, you would possibly as properly be in an Aventador SVJ from a textiles perspective, with limitless reminders of this SUV’s sporty intentions. And whereas its screens and total tech carry over, Lambo’s dedication to the hardcore bit on the supplies aspect successfully units the tone earlier than you set off.
Firing up the Lamborghini Urus Performante awakens its customary Akrapovič sports activities exhaust system. Its titanium development might shave some weight, however it doesn’t change the twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8’s burbly engine observe; you get extra of it. From the primary few miles on metropolis streets and highways, detecting its additional 16 horses is virtually not possible. Such an incremental bump for a machine that weighs greater than 4,700 lb is more practical 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 highway, it’s essential 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 highway 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 every day commute. This versatility is now outdoors 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 comes can’t match its predecessor’s wonderful experience high quality.
That stated, there are some main efficiency advantages as soon as the highway begins to twist. At velocity and in Corsa mode, the Lamborghini Urus Performante reveals its payoff. Its firmer suspension and lively anti-roll bars successfully dials out physique roll. There’s an added sense of stability as you deal with even the tightest bends and an eagerness to answer steering inputs instantly. This agility is helped by an up to date rear axle steering system that responds extra rapidly, because of its up to date software program.
Its firmer setup concurrently will increase highway floor suggestions. You’re feeling extra of what’s taking place beneath you because it’s channeled via the chassis and into the cabin. It’s a lot simpler to detect once 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 customary carbon-ceramic brakes, which, with 10-piston calipers upfront and massive 17.3-inch rotors, have loads of braking power to gradual 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 charge, with this tester coming in at $339,152. The “base” mannequin, the Urus S, prices almost $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 charge, whereas a BMW XM Label instructions $185,995, together with a $995 charge. Solely the Ferrari Purosangue stands as an outlier, with a base worth just under $400,000.
After a number of days on the highway, I’m unsure every other tremendous SUV can match the Lambo’s efficiency on a again highway. 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 power doubles because the Performante’s solely actual weak spot. If we assume that an SUV, tremendous or not, is supposed for use every day, a agency experience in the end limits how properly it might play that position.
But, because of shifting priorities amongst lovers, a $339,152 tremendous SUV’s attraction hinges on extra than simply how properly 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 one of the best is the fallacious 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 highway to completely expertise it?
