Claimed to be the fastest SUV yet, the 2197kg Urus has a top speed of 305km/h and can sprint from zero to 100km/h in 3.6 seconds while on the way to 200km/h in 12.8s. That 0-100 figure at least, is trumped by the Tesla Model X's best of 3.1.
This immense performance is thanks to a front-mounted 4.0-litre twin-turbochargedV8 petrol engine that pumps out 478kW of power at 6000rpm and 850Nm of torque from 2250rpm to 4500rpm with a rev limit of 6800rpm.
Significantly, this marks the first time a Lamborghini model has used turbocharging over natural aspiration.
On-demand cylinder deactivation and an eight-speed torque-convertor automatic transmission – another first – play their part in maximising efficiency, with the Urus consuming a claimed 12.7 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres on the combined cycle test. Carbon dioxide emissions have been rated at 290 grams per kilometre.
The coupe-style SUV features a trick four-wheel-drive system with three differentials, including Torsen self-locking central and active torque-vectoring rear units.
Torque is normally split 40:60 front-to-rear but 70 per cent can be sent to the front or 87 per cent to the rear, depending on conditions.
Monster carbon ceramic brakes (440x40mm front, 370x30mm rear) are fitted to both axles and wash away speed as quickly as it is gathered, decelerating from 100km/h to standstill in just 33.7m. Aluminium 10-piston callipers clamp down up front while cast-iron floating six-pot stoppers feature at the rear.
Sitting in front are 21-inch alloy wheelswrapped in 285/45 front and 315/40 rear Pirelli P Zero tyres, while rims up to 23 inches with 285/35 front and 325/30 rear rubber are optional.
Rear-wheel steering varies up to three degrees in either direction and can effectively reduce wheelbase length by up to 600mm at low speed to aid manoeuvrability or lengthen it by the same amount at high speed to increase stability.
A five-link suspension with adaptive air springs and electromechanical active roll stabilisation can be adjusted to raise ground clearance from 158mm to 248mm when necessary.
Up to seven 'Tamburo' driving modes are offered, including 'Strada', 'Sport', 'Corsa', 'Neve' (snow), 'Terra' (off-road), 'Sabbia' (sand) and 'Ego' (individual), with each allowing the driver to adjust engine, transmission, exhaust, suspension and steering settings.
Measuring in at 5112mm long, 2016mm wide and 1638mm tall with a 3003mm wheelbase, the Urus offers 616 litres of luggage capacity when the second row (three or two seats) is upright but can be expanded to 1596L with it is stowed.
Available equipment includes a hands-free power tailgate, keyless entry and start, dual touchscreen displays powered by an 'LIS' multimedia system, voice control, satellite navigation, digital radio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, wireless smartphone charging, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, head-up display, a 1700W 21-speaker Bang & Olufsen '3D' sound system, 18-way adjustable ventilated front seats and climate control can feature.
Safety and driver assist technologies will extend to high beam assist, front and rear parking sensors, autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection, forward collision warning, cruise control, and up to eight airbags.
Built on Volkswagen Group's 'MLB Evo' platform, the Urus is mechanically related to the Audi Q7, Bentley Bentayga and Porsche Cayenne among others, but will be manufactured at Lamborghini's factory in Sant’Agata Bolognese, Italy.
The Urus has a suggested retail price of $390,000, including Goods and Services Tax (GST) and Luxury Car Tax (LCT).
2018 Lamborghini Urus list pricing (plus on-road costs)
Lamborghini Urus – automatic – $390,000
This article originally appeared on CarsGuide.
