New Lamborghini Urus – the first ‘SSUV’

The long-awaited Lamborghini Urus has been launched to compete in the flourishing luxury 4×4 market.

Dubbed the first Super Sport Utility Vehicle, the Italian supercar maker expects the first customers to take delivery of the new SSUV in spring 2018, priced from £131,500 (exc taxes).

Packing a 641bhp 4.0-litre V8 twin-turbo engine mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox, the Urus can hit 62mph from standstill in just 3.6 seconds, and go on to 189mph, making it the fastest SUV in the world.

“The Lamborghini Urus is a visionary approach based on the infusion of Lamborghini DNA into the most versatile vehicle, the SUV,” said Stefano Domenicali, Automobili Lamborghini Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.

“The Urus elevates the SUV to a level not previously possible, the Super SUV. It is a true Lamborghini in terms of design, performance, driving dynamics and emotion as well as drivable every day in a range of environments.

Lamborghini claims the Urus combines coupe styling and a commanding road position with a comfortable ride, a luxurious interior and sports car dynamics on the road and track.

As has long been the tradition at Lamborghini, the name Urus is derived from the world of bulls. The Urus, also known as Aurochs, is one of the large, wild ancestors of domestic cattle. The Spanish fighting bull, as bred for the past 500 years, is still very close to the Urus in its appearance.

In the driving modes Srada, Terra (off-road) and Neve (snow), torque vectoring reduces understeer for safe and simple driving.

In Sport and Corsa, torque vectoring allows the Urus to become more agile with a greater oversteer character: interaction between the four-wheel drive system and ESC manages oversteer to enable a precise and fun drive.

In Sabbia (sand) mode, the system is calibrated to guarantee agility and precision on terrains with reduced grip such as on gravel or sand dunes, making it the ideal mode for off-road fun.

The Lamborghini Urus also adopts the rear-wheel steering introduced in the Aventador S over the whole speed range, effectively shortening the wheelbase up to 600mm for increased agility and a reduced turning circle for extra manoeuvrability.

Looking suitably sporty and luxurious inside, there’s space for five people. Up front it’s very driver focused with two touchscreens – thankfully there are also a few buttons and switches.

The Urus Super SUV,  which was first revealed as a concept way back in 2012, becomes Lamborghini’s third production model alongside its two-seater super sports cars, the Aventador and Huracán, opening the brand’s appeal to new audiences.