Lamborghini is latest sports car maker to jump into the SUV business. Recently, at its headquarters in Sant’Agata, Italy, the brand unveiled the Urus, what is says is the fastest SUV in the world. It aims to go head-to-head against the likes of the Mercedes G-Class, Bentley Bentayga, and Porsche Cayenne.
Staying true to its roots, the Urus looks more like a Huracán on stilts than a typical family hauler, with a rakish and sleek design that makes it look fast even when it’s standing still. A twin-turbo, 650-horsepower V8 supplies the power, which is then routed to all four wheels via an 8-speed gearbox. It boasts torque vectoring and the rear-wheel steering system from the Aventador S.
The Urus can sprint from zerp to 60 mph in 3.6 seconds before reaching a top speed of 189 mph. Obviously, the Urus will be most adept on pavement, however it does offer a host of adjustable driving modes for snow, dirt, and slippery surfaces, which alter ride height and provide additional ground clearance.
Inside, the Urus offers plush leather surfaces, 12-way adjustable seats, and an optional 18-way seat with massage and ventilation. It even boasts plenty of tech, including dual touch screens that let occupants control everything from climate to navigation. It’s also compatible with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Baidu-Carlife, for the Chinese market. An eight-speaker sound system is standard and at the top-end you can opt for a 1,700 watt Bang & Olufsen unit with 21 speakers.
While it may be concerning for a supercar maker to produce an SUV, running the risk of alienating aficionados, the Urus is truly a different kind of vehicle that only Lamborghini can build. And, it may very well inspire Aston Martin, Rolls Royce, or even Ferrari, to build one next.