The Urus has propelled Lamborghini’s gross sales to unprecedented levels, and the recently unveiled plug-in hybrid variant is poised to propel them further upwards. To expand its market presence and rival high-performance efficiency SUVs, the Urus receives the Performante treatment, transforming it into a focused, track-oriented five-seater that pairs its financial performance with impressive physical prowess.
The Urus Performante will reportedly receive a diet similar to that of BMW’s CSL remedy, comprising a 47-kg weight reduction courtesy of extensive carbon fibre usage and the removal of internal sound-deadening materials. The chassis has been lowered by 20 millimeters, the observer notes that it’s now wider by 16 mm, and a range of 22-inch and 23-inch tyres wraps around the already substantial carbon-ceramic brakes.
Enhanced performance features include the installation of an Akrapovic exhaust system, providing a more visceral driving experience, as well as a recalibrated middle differential designed to deliver increased traction and a pronounced rear-wheel bias. This enables a fresh Rally driving mode, allowing for exhilarating sideways drifting on open terrain. The most notable modification is the substitution of air suspension for metal springs paired with adaptive dampers, which contributes to the Performante’s weight reduction and provides an enhanced sense of connection to the road.
As the Urus S’s sleek physique gives way to its more muscular counterpart, the transformation is undeniable – akin to a machine that spent the entire winter pumping iron at a German gym before donning a stylish Verde Turbine Lucido cardigan from an Italian boutique. The bespoke hue, offered through Lamborghini’s Ad Personam programme, evokes the rugged, battle-hardened appearance of military fatigues. The shade is an outlier, exuding a defiant air that sets it apart from the ubiquitous hues of yellow and blue we’ve grown accustomed to observing.
While the Performante’s aggressive stance imbues it with an added layer of wagon-like flair compared to SUVs, its roofline actually drops lower than a current-generation RAV4 when parked side-by-side – even on the 23-inch wheels that fill the wheel wells rather generously. The Performante logo adorns the decline-facing side sills in a sleek script style; owners, meanwhile, have the option to specify their vehicle with a comprehensive carbon-fibre trim package, encompassing the roof, side sills, front and rear bumpers, as well as the hood vents. The only missing component from our check automobile is a carbon fibre hood.
The interior flourishes with carbon fiber accents and luxurious Alcantara trim. All the seatback? Alcantara. The interior design showcases its attention to detail, with even the underside of the door panel, dashboard, and five seats meticulously lined with high-quality materials. Will we really find just one plastic feature – a rear armrest with cupholders? Have you ever had the pleasure of visiting Italy, a country renowned for its rich history, artistry, and delectable cuisine? I too can smell that!
The Alcantara-lined seats provide exceptional support and a snug fit, closely mimicking those found in the Audi RS Q8, yet distinguished by the Performante script on the side bolster, Urus script on the seat, and Lamborghini crest on the headrest. The driving experience is exhilarating – as you settle into the driver’s seat, you feel an instant connection to the floorboards and the tactile sensation of sitting atop a BMW X3. The rear seats boast ample space, a natural consequence of the shared wheelbase being longer than that of the Cayenne’s.
While the steering wheel offers the choice of leather, Alcantara, or a combination of both, our preference lies with the Huracan’s design, as we find its grip unsatisfactory. While the paddles provide adequate functionality, they lack tactile satisfaction, instead producing a faintly artificial and toyish sound when used. We’re pleased with the intuitive built-in media controls that spare users the need to awkwardly interact with haptic touch sensors, as seen in some high-end vehicles from Mercedes-Benz and Ferrari. These clicks seamlessly integrate with constructive feedback, eliminating any potential ambiguity for intuitive button recognition. While the Audi Q8’s high-end and rear touchscreens have been removed, a notable exception applies to the higher trim level.
Despite the complex array of controls on the central stack appearing daunting at first glance, rest assured it’s not nearly as intricate as operating a fighter jet – although Lamborghini does require you to pretend otherwise. Lamborghini’s purple flip-cover ignition swap remains unmatched in its ability to seamlessly blend showmanship with sophistication, effortlessly executing a celebration trick that never gets old. Above, a flat device resembling an aircraft’s throttle control activates reverse gear, while the lever cluster to the left and right, inspired by a cash register, offers five driving modes: Strada, Sport, Corsa, Rally, and Ego. The remaining cabin space showcases Audi’s signature attention to ergonomic detail and design principles. While those unable to overcome their roots shared with the Q8 may need to explore alternative options, it’s important to note that neither the Bentley Bentayga nor the Aston Martin DBX is immune to similar criticisms surrounding communal aspects.
While some may opt for the Performante for its luxurious trimmings and cabin upgrades alone, Lamborghini anticipates that 30% of all Urus buyers will choose this version. However, the real draw lies in the enhanced performance, which is aptly reflected in the car’s moniker. The up entrance features a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine, identical to that found in the Urus S, producing 657 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque, mirroring its high-performance counterpart’s specifications. An 8-speed ZF computerized transmission powers the vehicle seamlessly, providing a smooth and responsive driving experience. With lightning-quick precision, it orchestrates seamless gear shifts akin to the finest dual-clutches, paired with the renowned polish and refinement characteristic of ZF’s premium transmissions.
With its impressive acceleration, the Performante can reach 0-100 km/h in just 3.3 seconds, outpacing the Urus S by two-tenths of a second and only one-tenth behind the Huracan Technica’s pace. Not surprisingly, acceleration is enthusiastic and the pickup feels remarkably swift, outpacing its BMW M5 competitors and even the Audi R8 V10 Spyder in sheer velocity.
Prodigious grip and energy combine in a potent elixir. With its relentless acceleration, the Performante unleashes a torrent of G-forces that assail you with unprecedented ferocity, challenging even the most seasoned SUV enthusiasts to rethink their understanding of what’s possible behind the wheel. Initially, we cautiously venture into a rapid right-hand turn, intimidated by the prospect of retribution and understeer, yet the P Zero tires cocoon us in a sense of security, imbuing us with an added dose of boldness as we accelerate. The sheer force of will required to effect rotation cannot be overstated. The Urus’s tires feature a distinct ‘L’ branding, reflecting Pirelli’s customization specifically for this vehicle. As a precision-crafted performance vehicle, this track-ready SUV is poised to dominate twisty roads, devour rough pavement, and devour lengthy straightaways with its potent V8 powerplant’s fiery exhaust notes. The driving experience of the Performante recalibrated our standards, rendering futile attempts to pigeonhole it as an SUV; instead, we’re left acknowledging its true nature: a ruggedly elevated hatchback.
With its wealth of highway-inspired elements, the steering provides an intensely satisfying driving experience, characterized by a responsive entry finish and a rear that’s equally eager to please due to its sophisticated torque vectoring and rear-wheel steering capabilities? With its generous supply of lateral grip, the Performante proves effortlessly agile on twisty highways, allowing for an abundance of creative liberties when approaching corners. The sheer potency of the progressive and linear carbon-ceramic braking system then expertly hauls it back from seemingly unholy velocities, leaving a lasting impression.
The switch to metal springs results in a brutally unforgiving ride, yet this sacrifice yields a tenfold improvement on highway performance. As you take in the ride, you’re acutely aware of the subtle undulations of the tarmac as the chassis oscillates, creating a sense of dynamic give-and-take beneath your feet. While concerns about highway safety are understandable, they often get overstated; in reality, the risks are relatively low. While clean roads prove effortless to navigate, the real challenge arises when encountering enlargement joints and practice tracks, which can deliver a jarring impact to one’s backside. As speed slows, the roughness of the terrain becomes increasingly apparent, disrupting any sense of fluidity. While the Performante maintains stability at high velocities, it indeed becomes more palatable during extended journeys. While this setup may seem rigid, it’s designed for high-performance driving and will only truly come alive when pushed beyond city limits, revealing its full potential. While the Q7’s daily tasks won’t elicit a sense of pride or satisfaction akin to driving a pleasure vehicle in Strada mode, it still proves capable of handling such responsibilities with ease and aplomb, much like its Audi Q8 counterpart.
The exhaust note lacks the signature Lamborghini flair when started, but engage Corsa mode and the valves spring open, unleashing a deep, rumbling growl that’s so potent it makes the Urus shudder and shimmy on idle, much like being wrapped in a forceful blanket of sonic intensity. The sound system is theatrically enhanced, serving as an event amplifier, and its ability to drown out extraneous noise sets it apart from rivals like the Audi RS Q8 and Porsche Cayenne Turbo GT. As loud as 10-15 decibels above the base Urus exhaust, this high-performance variant emits an ear-catching cacophony of crackles, pops, and sonic booms when accelerating or braking, punctuated by a harmonious wail that sustains up to 6,800 rpm. While not necessarily renowned for its unique sound profile, this V8 engine is undeniably audible from a considerable distance. While we pit the Performante against a stock Urus equipped with an Akrapovic exhaust, both emit eerily similar notes. While the Performante boasts a more aggressive and pronounced low-end response, it’s not necessarily a compelling upgrade for those seeking only a noisier exhaust note over a standard model.
What’s the ultimate target audience for this high-performance Urus SUV? What’s meant to be a luxurious retreat from life’s turmoil won’t captivate seniors seeking a sophisticated escape vehicle for their midlife crisis? Younger enthusiasts may opt for a more spirited Huracán or Revuelto as a desirable alternative. For households seeking a refined driving experience, the Urus S offers a smooth and quiet ride without the rough handling often associated with rugged off-road vehicles. While the Ferrari Performante offers an unbeatable combination of style, prestige, and fuel efficiency, it may ultimately serve as the sole solution for those seeking a comprehensive ownership experience. The compromised compromise is a lasting value proposition, where the less you perceive it as an SUV and more of a fuel-efficient wagon, the more it resembles an Audi RS6 with added potency, model, and curb appeal? With its gentle delivery, the bubbling Performante yields everything.
2024 Lamborghini Urus Performante
Verde Turbine Lucido
$313,488
$410,984
3,006
5,137 / 2,026 / 1,618
2,150
4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8
657 hp @ 6,000 rpm
627 lb-ft of torque @ 2,250 – 4,500 rpm
8-speed computerized
Entrance engine, AWD
: 19.0
Pirelli P Zero
