Overview
The Urus is Lamborghini’s second SUV, following the “Rambo Lambo” LM002, but it’s not exactly a purebred Italian. It rides on the same platform as other elegant beasts of burden such as the Audi Q7, Q8, Porsche Cayenne, and the Bentley Bentayga. Even the 657-hp twin-turbo V-8 is made in Germany before getting shipped to Sant’Agata Bolognese, where the Urus is assembled. An upcoming hybrid powertrain will double down on the Urus’s saddle of electronics. From its eight-speed automatic transmission to its Torsen center differential and torque-vectoring rear diff, the Urus is the most advanced mechanical bull around.
What’s New for 2024?
Lamborghini doesn’t change much for the 2024 Urus, but CEO Stefan Winkelmann did confirm that the high-performance SUV is getting a hybrid powertrain in 2024, either replacing or complementing the current 657-hp twin-turbo V-8 engine.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
Sure, we could save about $35K by opting for the standard-issue Urus S, but that means we’d also miss out on maximum performance. That’s why we want the Performante, which features a lower suspension with firmer steel springs, myriad weight-reduction measures, and more. We’d opt for the larger 23-inch wheels, too, wrapped in racetrack-ready Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R rubber. Again, the mission is max performance.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The Urus is powered by a 657-hp twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8. The planned hybrid powertrain hasn’t been revealed yet, but we’ll update this space when that information becomes available. The Urus’ engine burbles deeply when idling, and absolutely howls under full throttle. Permanent all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission conspire with all that power to enable fantastic acceleration. In our testing, the Urus went from rocketed to 60 mph in 3.1 seconds and tore up the quarter-mile in 11.3 seconds at 121 mph. Likewise, Lamborghini estimates a top speed of 190 mph. The Urus feels athletic from behind the wheel, too, with quick steering and stable high-speed cornering. With air springs at all four corners, the Urus has adjustable ride heights based on its various drive modes. Standard carbon-ceramic brakes ensure that the Urus stops as well as it goes—braking from 70 mph to a stop in 149 feet. For drivers who want an even racier Urus, the new Performante model is the answer. It sits 0.8 inch lower and is claimed to 104 pounds lighter than the standard version. It’s available with 23-inch wheels and super-sticky Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R tires. Plus, the Performante alone has a steel-spring suspension and a different center differential that sends more torque rearward than normal. The ultra-Urus also introduces a new Rally drive mode that’s intended for unpaved surfaces. We tried it out during a prototype drive of the ’23 Urus Performante, which was a lot of fun, but we doubt many owners will actually thrash their six-figure SUV on gravel-covered, off-road courses. If taken to the racetrack, we’re happy to report that the Performante’s myriad upgrades pay off by providing a snappier powertrain, more steering feedback, and a firmer ride.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
Burning a gallon of gas is likely a drop in the bucket for those wealthy enough to afford a Urus, but Lamborghini’s heaviest model sure likes to drink. The EPA estimates that the 657-hp Urus will deliver 14 mpg in the city and 19 mpg on the highway. While we haven’t tested its real-world mpg on our 75-mph highway fuel economy route, its mileage will certainly vary based on driving style. For more information about the Urus’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Inside, occupants are treated to a dramatic cabin that’s classic Lambo. Jet-fighter design cues abound, with the start button hiding beneath a red flip cover and the shifter looking like a jet’s throttle. To the left of the shifter are levers that control the drive modes and allow customizable performance settings. There is plenty of faux-suede and carbon-fiber trim, while the infotainment system and reconfigurable gauges are straight out of an Audi. The back seat has good passenger space and can fit between two and three people depending on which seating configuration is selected. Interior cubby storage is highlighted by useful door pockets and a bin behind the floating center stack. The Urus also offers up to 22 cubic feet in its cargo area but that drops by 2 cubes with the optional rear bucket seats.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Every Urus is packed with the latest connectivity and infotainment features. Along with a fully digital gauge cluster, there are two touchscreens built into the center stack that include controls for the climate system, audio, and more. The screens have crisp graphics and large icons, but they’re not as intuitive as traditional knobs and buttons.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The Lambo SUV also offers an array of standard and optional driver-assistance technology, including a night-vision camera. For more information about the Urus’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
- Standard adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go technology
- Standard blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert
- Available self-parking assist
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Lamborghini doesn’t provide a lengthy warranty, with three years and no mileage cap. Likewise, it doesn’t come with complimentary scheduled maintenance. However, the Italian automaker does offer extended warranty and maintenance plans for extra coin.
- Limited warranty covers three years and unlimited miles
- Powertrain warranty covers three years and unlimited miles
- No complimentary scheduled maintenance
Specifications
Specifications
2023 Lamborghini Urus Performante
Vehicle Type: front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door wagon
PRICE
Base: $264,671
ENGINE
twin-turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 32-valve V-8, aluminum block and heads, direct fuel injection
Displacement: 244 in3, 3996 cm3
Power: 657 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque: 627 lb-ft @ 2300 rpm
TRANSMISSION
8-speed automatic
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 118.3 in
Length: 202.2 in
Width: 79.8 in
Height: 63.7 in
Passenger Volume: 105 ft3
Cargo Volume: 22 ft3
Curb Weight (C/D est): 5250 lb
PERFORMANCE (C/D EST)
60 mph: 2.8 sec
100 mph: 7.0 sec
1/4-Mile: 11.1 sec
Top Speed: 190 mph
EPA FUEL ECONOMY (C/D EST)
Combined/City/Highway: 13/11/16 mpg
