All For Urus
Yes, it is true that exotic carmaker Lamborghini has created an “exotic” SUV ... the Urus. It was launched about three years ago, and much like the rest of the world’s automotive market, this is another SUV success story. But unlike most of the SUV world, this one has both looks and lots of performance.
The Urus has an interesting mix of the lower body shape and the roofline. Inside, the driver and passengers feel like they are looking down on many SUVs, but the exterior appearance gives the opposite impression—making it seem lower than most SUVs. How is that possible, you say? Stated simply, the lower portion of the body is tall, but the roofline is steeply banked both in the front and the back and is lower than most. Added to the overall look, the hood line is low and extends outward with a wide-open and sweeping grille and large narrow headlights. To say the least, the styling is both compelling and unique, and when parked at Ala Moana Beach Park, it immediately attracted positive comments and picture taking.
Added to the exotic equation is, of course, the handling and power issues.
Under the hood is a twin-turbocharged, 4-liter V-8 producing a stout 650 horsepower, and like the rest of the automotive world, an automatic transmission handles the gear changes with eight gears for this SUV. And as one would expect, the power is sent to all four wheels. Acceleration, to say the least, is of the take- your-breath-away type, with a zero-to-60 time of 3.5 seconds and a top speed of 190 mph. And, with huge 22-inch, wide-open alloy wheels showing massive brake discs and calipers, the performance image is reinforced.
Unlike other exotics, the Urus is completely practical transportation for a family, touring around with friends or for hauling stuff around. The back seat area is easy to get into and quite roomy for the two outer passengers and can accommodate three in total. Four air vents in the door columns and in the back of the center console, an armrest with pop-up cupholders and storage bins in back of the front seats all help on the practicality front. Press the button on the key, and the powered liftgate pops open showing a nicely lined area. A removable cover hides belongings when needed, and the second row seat backs can be dropped for carrying large objects. Push a button on the liftgate or on the key, and the liftgate drops down.
With the key in your possession, the driver door automatically opens when you approach the SUV. The beautiful leather-lined interior with wood inserts greets you. Three very colorful video screens are provided: one in the dash pod and two others on the center console. The latter two are handled by touch and are easy to use. A 360-degree camera and both a front and rear camera show the area around the SUV when in reverse gear at low speeds. A four-zone air conditioning system easily handles cooling needs. A huge tinted sunroof stretching over the front and back areas provides both light and views.
With the touch of a start button, the V-8 starts with a distinctive rumble. The driver has a number of choices for the ride and acceleration from economy to “let’s go racing.” With the adjustable suspension and changes in gearshifts settings, you can go from absorbing the worst the road throws at you to racecar mode. And even with the performance mode choice and huge tires, the overall ride is amazingly comfortable.
And just to make sure you are safe, a heads-up display in the windshield tells the driver the local speed limit and your actual speed. Huge paddles behind the steering wheel can be used to shift gears manually. But no matter the chosen setting, when pushed, acceleration is instant at any speed.
So as it turns out Lamborghini’s SUV is not a contradiction in terms. It gives you all the performance you could want, and yet it is as practical as most other SUVs.