Two Bulls in one day
The opportunity to drive a pair of vehicles from the famed Sant'Agata-based automaker Lamborghini isn�t something that comes around too often. So when the opportunity came around recently we grabbed it with open arms and headed to the Western Cape for a rendezvous with a couple of Bulls.
The Urus
The Urus is the brand�s first full-scale SUV and its first turbocharged production car. A brand such as Lamborghini is fighting a constant battle by virtue of its desire to market and brand its exclusivity while growing volumes and market share. It�s a good position to be in, however, there�s a fine line between remaining a boutique brand and being just another premium automaker, which is why the introduction of the Urus is to ingenious.
SUVs are the car of choice for many these days, so if you�re rich and like Lamborghinis, why not have the SUV version? The Urus provides the brand cache but with added practicality. The brand has quite literally doubled its volume as a result of this car, heading past its 8 000 unit global target in 2019, which still makes its rather exclusive, considering that it takes Toyota just two months to sell 8 000 Hilux models in South Africa alone.
In addition to wearing a Lamborghini badge, the designers have managed the tough act of making the Urus looking like a Lamborghini SUV at their first attempt. Onlookers gawk and there are cell phone snapping picture each and every time you look around while on board.
The Urus is potentially the world�s fastest production SUV, with 478 kW and 850 N.m of torque from a 4.0-litre turbocharged V8 engine powering all four wheels. Performance is absolutely insane, with 100 km/h coming up in 3.6 seconds and a claimed top speed of 305 km/h. It also surprises in the handling department, with handling characteristics more akin to a super-fast saloon car. What surprised most at launch was the fact that Urus feels so keen on being a lofty sports car, with direct steering, incredible brakes, supple suspension and potent acceleration.
Audi underpinnings
The Volkswagen Group underpinnings are difficult to escape and are most certainly evident throughout the cabin with the various switchgear, infotainment screens and certain interior parts most certainly being shared with the Audi Q8 and various other Volkswagen Group MLBevo platform cars.
Verdict
The Urus is the sort of vehicle that will broaden the appeal of the Lamborghini brand, while providing existing owners with an incredibly fast, capable and well-made performance SUV.
Also worth a look: the The 80s are back: Lamborghini unveils new Countach LPI800-4 and the Lamborghini announces its first fully electric vehicle .
FAQ
Q: What does the Lamborghini Urus cost in South Africa?
The Lamborghini Urus starts at around R4,500,000 in South Africa, making it one of the most expensive SUVs you can buy locally, but still cheaper than most Lambo supercars.
Q: Is the Lamborghini Urus worth buying over other luxury SUVs?
If you want the ultimate combination of SUV practicality and supercar performance, the Urus delivers 478 kW and 0-100 km/h in 3.6 seconds, which no BMW X5 M or Porsche Cayenne Turbo can match.
Q: How fast is the Lamborghini Urus compared to other performance SUVs?
The Urus hits 100 km/h in just 3.6 seconds with a top speed of 305 km/h, making it potentially the world's fastest production SUV and quicker than most sports cars.
Q: What engine does the Lamborghini Urus use?
The Urus uses a 4.0-litre turbocharged V8 engine producing 478 kW and 850 N.m of torque, making it Lamborghini's first turbocharged production car.
Q: Is the Lamborghini Urus practical as a daily driver SUV?
Yes, the Urus offers proper SUV practicality with Lamborghini performance, which is why it doubled the brand's global sales volume while still maintaining exclusivity at around 8,000 units annually.
Should You Buy It?
The Lamborghini Urus at R4,500,000 is absolutely worth it if you want the fastest, most exclusive SUV money can buy in South Africa. This isn't just another luxury SUV, it's a 478 kW rocket ship that happens to have five seats and boot space. While you could buy three BMW X5 Ms for the same money, none of them will do 0-100 km/h in 3.6 seconds or turn heads like a raging bull. The Urus proves you don't have to choose between practicality and performance, you can have both if you're willing to pay supercar money for SUV versatility.
