Without a doubt, the Lamborghini Urus is the ultimate “boys toy.” 

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While Lamborghini’s ultra-low sports cars have long been associated with the brand, this is a significant step forward from the agricultural vehicles the company started building in 1948 before transitioning to sports cars to compete with Ferrari in the 1960s. Ferrari, ironically, is now working on an SUV of its own. 

As we’ll see in this road test, Lamborghini Urus gets its name from a herd of huge cattle that roamed Europe thousands of years ago. The name also fits perfectly with the company’s logo, which depicts a fierce bull displaying all of those attributes. 

Urus’s high-output 4.0 V8 engine is responsible for the vehicle’s impressive performance. The sound lets you know when takeoff is about to begin as it roars into life using a start button hidden under a hinged cover, similar to an aeroplane’s rumble.  

Torque is immense, 850Nm at just 2250rpm sent through the 8-speed transmission and intelligent four-wheel drive to offer a significant push in the back as it zips through the 60mph mark, hitting 100mph a few seconds later and going nearly twice as fast if conditions permit. 

If you wish to quickly and safely overtake on major highways or meandering country roads, the need and surge never wane, and it is made easier by the high riding posture, which provides superb forward vision. The automatic gear changes are silky smooth and lightning-fast, and the proper gear always appeared to be available at the right time. Still, manual paddles are also available if desired. 

Depending on the model you choose, the suspension, steering, and driveline will respond in different ways depending on whether you’re on or off the road. These modes let you choose from eight options that affect everything from the powertrain to the suspension, steering, and driveline. 

© Images by Roger Donovan MediaPhotos.co.uk and to order or see more exclusive shots of this and other highly desirable cars, visit his automotive site

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In order to emphasise crucial information for that reason and also be picked up by the head-up display on the inside of the windscreen, the modes change what’s presented. For the lucky driver, it’s a technical marvel. 

However, some information is hidden in plain sight and is only accessible by looking around the steering wheel, while secondary controls are conveniently located on the wheel spokes or steering column, with additional buttons on the centre console. Everything is very intuitive and easy to use. Additionally, the centre console’s large infotainment screen is incredibly legible no matter what setting is selected. 

The simple heating and ventilation controls impressed me with their ease of use, function, and efficiency. They were complemented with heated or cooled front seats and heated double rear seats in our four-seater test car, which added to the comfort factor. The large sunroof can be opened partially, and all of the side windows have motors. 

In a car this size, the oddments compartment is just what you’d expect: a place to stash anything in the front or the back, with twin screens available for the front seats’ backs. The boot space of the Urus is enormous and well-designed, with a high loading/unloading height that is more than adequate for four people’s suitcases and bags. 

Although it’s higher than most expect in an SUV, access is simple, and the front seats offer a wide range of adjustment so that you can take advantage of its superb form and support. There is less legroom in the rear seats because of the smaller size, but they are still very comfortable for short people. 

© Images by Roger Donovan MediaPhotos.co.uk and to order or see more exclusive shots of this and other highly desirable cars, visit his automotive site

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The ride quality was excellent regardless of the driver’s selection of suspension mode. The air suspension may be fine-tuned in milliseconds, ranging from soft to stiff yet not overly so. When pressed for time, pitch and dip were barely noticeable, and body roll was tightly under control. 

The Urus’s road-holding was exceptional for a vehicle of its size and weight, and it can be attributed to the suspension and the large 22-inch wheels and tyres that efficiently disperse power. The handling was secure and sure-footed, and the powertrain changed traction according to the underlying surface, allowing the driver to focus on getting there rather than getting there quickly. 

Carbon fibre disc brakes measuring over 17 inches on the front and roughly 15 inches on the rear wheels provide tremendous stopping force even when applied lightly. 

Direct visual access When reversing, visibility was limited to the back because of the wide wheel arches and the high tail’s short back windshield, but the cameras and sensors perform an excellent job of warning the driver to threats. Urus’ front radar helps it maintain a safe distance from other vehicles on crowded highways and the clever headlamps and wiper/wash system help in poor weather. 

The Urus’s performance continued to impress and as the miles ticked by, I got used to the size of this high-performance SUV and it became less intimidating to drive.

The car’s fuel usage was not as severe as some might expect, with a top speed of 27 mph and a bottom speed of 17 mph. However, taxes and insurance keep this great modern, beautiful, and highly intelligent luxury car from being truly enjoyable. 

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For: Exceptional ride, handling, and performance; exceptional build quality; highly sophisticated; very spacious; eye-catching interior and exterior styling 

Against: Rather big to park, certain visibility concerns, road-noise, four-seats, expensive to run. 

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