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LAMBORGHINI URUS PERFORMANTE by Nik Ellis
The Urus burst onto the scene in 2018 significantly boosting Lamborghini ’ s sales . Described as the first ‘ super ’ SUV it had the power & handling of a supercar despite weighing over two tonnes . Roughly mid-way through it ’ s lifespan Lambo have updated it , with a Urus S and Performante options , the latter being the designation assigned to their more track focused vehicles . So how does this motorsport heritage translate to the Urus ?
The Differences The Performante is wider , lighter , lower and slightly more powerful than the original , gaining more carbon parts including bonnet vents , a bigger rear spoiler for additional downforce and an incredible sounding Akrapovič exhaust system . Inside is updated but still gives a feel of luxury rather than a stripped out racer , with plenty of tech .
On Road As a multi-use road / track / off-road vehicle , first up we put it through its paces on the tarmac . I was interested to see how it felt in ‘ Strada ’ ( road mode ) with one of the biggest changes being the suspension , moving from air to steel sprung with a new diff ; great for handling but the pay off can sometimes lead to a harsh ride . Wirral ’ s shoddy roads proved a great test ground , with a range of potholes & patched repairs galore .
Whilst it ’ s not a Rolls Royce ride , it ’ s actually pretty good , I suspect in part due to the enormous 23 ” wheels . Switching to Sport mode feeds much of the power to the rear , allowing a playful oversteer mode , unofficially known as drift-mode , but with it ’ s weight and immense grip , it ’ s only really licencelosing speeds that will allow the back end to step out . Corsa ( track ) mode is more serious with a great balance to the front giving optimum grip . In this mode the car almost shrank behind me , making it feel like a sports car ; slightly shocking just how well this SUV can hold speed round corners but again at rates best enjoyed round a circuit .
Off Road The original Urus offered snow , earth & sand modes ; tricky to tell the difference between them , so in the Perfomante it ’ s re-engineered into ‘ Rally ’ mode . To experience whether this is just marketing bumph or whether this beast can battle off road , we joined Lamborghini ’ s Esperienza Accademia Neve in the Italian Alps , a program Lambo have been running for 10 years now , allowing drivers to learn to handle their cars in low grip situations , ie on snow & ice , under the tuition of Lamborghini Squadra Corse . After a little acclimatisation drifting circles , figure 8s and a few other disciplines , we were let loose on the ice circuit . I had the honour of being instructed by Leonardo Pulcini who has stood on the podium from wins in Karting , F4 , GP3 and more recently a first in the International GT Open .
It took a little time to trust him and the Urus ’ s physics defying ability . In rally mode with all aids off , swinging the back end like a pendulum around the course demonstrated the capability of the Perfomante ’ s very clever four wheel drive system . A mix of power to the rear to drift out the rear end coupled with stunning grip and torque from the front to pull it round the latter section of corners , meant Rally mode is no joke ; this thing can really shift off road .
The Driving Spectrum I could happily cross continents in the Urus . It has self driving modes , massage seats , tonnes of room , an awesome sound system ; tonnes of goodies to aid a long distance road trip .
On a dry track it keeps up with & in some cases pushes supercars , its extra weight and four wheel steering and drive , giving loads of confidence in bends compared to a light rear drive car .
Off road , the thing is simply a beast ; I ’ m not sure what else would take five people and luggage across the artic or desert with such ease and confidence .
In summary : Having driven the DBX , Cullinan , Bentayga & Cayenne on the track I would have to say the Urus , in particular the Performante is the most capable SUV on the market .
Huge thanks to Lamborghini Squadra Corse & Lamborghini Manchester . Price : £ 204,213
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