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.
