Wanting 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 by way of portfolio enlargement and profitability potential. At first, some competing manufacturers confirmed curiosity within the idea, whereas others outright rejected it. As we speak, 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 method 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 journey whereas decreasing its top by almost an inch.
Almost seven years in the past, the thought of a brilliant SUV was largely international, and at the 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 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 delicate. 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, facet 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 potential 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 cast 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 completely in black Alcantara if you choose the “Performante trim.” The bits not coated within the suede-like materials distinction with shiny carbon fiber or purple hexagonal stitching paired with purple leather-based accents. Wanting across the cabin, you would possibly as properly be in an Aventador SVJ from a textiles perspective, with countless 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 facet successfully units the tone earlier than you set off.
Firing up the Lamborghini Urus Performante awakens its normal Akrapovič sports activities exhaust system. Its titanium development might shave some weight, but it surely 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 further 16 horses is virtually unimaginable. 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 street, you should know that the Urus has at all times been terribly fast, and it stays so. Because of a wholesome serving to of torque low within the rev vary aided quick-shifting eight-speed automated 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 international. 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 journey high quality.
That mentioned, there are some main efficiency advantages as soon as the street begins to twist. At pace 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 deal with 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 are feeling extra of what’s occurring 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 begin leaning on its normal carbon-ceramic brakes, which, with 10-piston calipers upfront and large 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 payment, 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 just lately up to date Aston Martin DBX707 prices $253,000, together with a $4,000 payment, whereas a BMW XM Label instructions $185,995, together with a $995 payment. Solely the Ferrari Purosangue stands as an outlier, with a base worth 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 steady within the corners, all issues a tall car that seats 5 and sports activities a large trunk shouldn’t be capable to 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 journey in the end limits how properly it could possibly play that position.
But, due to shifting priorities amongst fans, a $339,152 tremendous SUV’s enchantment hinges on extra than simply how properly it rides. Its up to date styling creates a extra dramatic aesthetic, in keeping with the Ragin Bull’s mantra, whereas its Alcantara-trimmed cabin conjures up reminders of different particular Lambos. In consequence, the query of whether or not the lightest, quickest Urus can also be one of the best is the mistaken one to ask. The Performante is a better-driving, better-looking, and extra thrilling Urus, however how usually will you end up on the suitable street to totally expertise it?
