2023 Lamborghini Urus
Overview
The 2023 Lamborghini Urus isn’t just an exotic SUV wearing a supercar badge, it’s a supercar with an SUV shell. Not only is that evident by its twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 that makes between 641 and 657 horsepower, but also by its gob-smacking performance on famous racetracks—case in point, the new Performante model that broke the Pikes Peak SUV record. Lighter and racier, it’s that newly introduced variant that reinforces Lamborghini’s commitment to ensuring the Urus lives up to the brand’s exotic pedigree. On the rare occasions it’s now showing off its elaborate bodywork or outrunning almost everything else on the road, this high-riding Lambo is the only thing in the showroom that can pull a trailer and haul more than two—likely very rich—people. While its quarter-million-dollar price puts it out of reach for most of us mere mortals, and its interior isn’t as special as it should be for such a huge sum, there’s currently no other SUV like the 2023 Urus.
What’s New for 2023?
The Urus sees an uptick in performance for the 2023 model year with the introduction of a new Performante variant. While it shares a powertrain with the regular version, horsepower rises by 16 to 657 ponies. It also rides on a different suspension, one that has steel springs instead of air springs and sits 0.8 inch lower than normal. The Performante is also available with special shoes in the form of 23-inch wheels with Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R tires, size 285/40R-22 front and 325/235R-22 rear. While it still has a hefty curb weight of 5200 pounds, per Lamborghini’s estimate, the company says the Performante is 104 pounds lighter than the regular Urus thanks to the addition of carbon-fiber body panels and the removal of sound-deadening materials, among other weight-loss measures. The ’23 Perfomante brings redesigned front and rear ends, along with a new fixed spoiler above the liftgate. It also features specific seats and unique interior trim.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
Base
$230,000 (est)
Performante
$264,671
Sure, we could save about $35k by opting for the standard-issue Urus, but that means we’d also miss out on its maximum performance. That’s why we want the new-for-2023 Performante, which features slightly more horsepower, a lower suspension with firmer steel springs, myriad weight-reduction measures, and more. We’d opt for the larger 23-inch wheels, too, with the racetrack-ready Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R rubber. Again, the mission is max performance.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The 2023 Urus Performante has 657 horsepower, which is 16 more ponies than the regular 641-hp Urus; both variants produce the same 627 pound-feet of torque. Every Urus summons power from a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8. Regardless of output, the engine burbles deeply when idling, and absolutely howls under full throttle. Permanent all-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission conspire with all that power to enable fantastic acceleration. In our testing, the Urus went from rocketed to 60 mph in 3.1 seconds and tore up the quarter-mile in 11.3 seconds at 121 mph. Likewise, Lamborghini estimates a top speed of 190 mph. The Urus feels athletic from behind the wheel, too, with quick steering and stable high-speed cornering. With air springs at all four corners, the Urus has adjustable ride heights based on its various drive modes. Standard carbon-ceramic brakes ensure that the Urus stops as well as it goes—braking from 70 mph to a stop in 149 feet. For drivers who want an even racier Urus, the new Performante model is the answer. Along with a slight power increase, it sits 0.8 inch lower and is claimed to 104 pounds lighter than the standard version. It’s available with 23-inch wheels and super-sticky Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R tires. Plus, the Performante alone has a steel-spring suspension and a different center differential that sends more torque rearward than normal. The ultra-Urus also introduces a new Rally drive mode that’s intended for unpaved surfaces. We tried it out during a prototype drive of the ’23 Urus Performante, which was a lot of fun, but we doubt many owners will actually thrash their six-figure SUV on gravel-covered, off-road courses. If taken to the racetrack, we’re happy to report that the Performante’s myriad upgrades pay off by providing a snappier powertrain, more steering feedback, and a firmer ride.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
Those wealthy enough to afford a Urus likely don’t care about fuel economy, but Lamborghini’s heaviest model sure likes to drink. The EPA estimates that the 641-hp Urus will deliver 12 mpg in the city and 17 mpg on the highway. While we haven’t tested its real-world mpg on our 75-mph highway fuel-economy route, its mileage will certainly vary based on driving style. For more information about the Urus’s fuel economy, visit the EPA’s website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Inside, occupants are treated to a dramatic cabin that’s classic Lambo. Jet-fighter design cues abound, with the start button hiding beneath a red flip cover and the shifter looking like a jet’s throttle. To the left of the shifter are levers that control the drive modes and allow customizable performance settings. There is plenty of faux-suede and carbon-fiber trim, while the infotainment system and reconfigurable gauges are straight out of an Audi. The back seat has good passenger space and can fit between two and three people depending on which seating configuration is selected. Interior cubby storage is highlighted by useful door pockets and a bin behind the floating center stack. The Urus also offers up to 22 cubic feet in its cargo area but that drops by 2 cubes with the optional rear bucket seats.
The Car and Driver Difference
Infotainment and Connectivity
Every Urus is packed with the latest connectivity and infotainment features. Along with a fully digital gauge cluster, there are two touchscreens built into the center stack that include controls for the climate system, audio, and more. The screens have crisp graphics and large icons, but they’re not as intuitive as traditional knobs and buttons.
How to Buy and Maintain a Car
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The Lambo SUV also offers an array of standard and optional driver-assistance technology, including a night-vision camera. For more information about the Urus’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
Standard adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go technology Standard blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert Available self-parking assist
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Lamborghini doesn’t provide a lengthy warranty, with three years and no mileage cap. Likewise, it doesn’t come with complimentary scheduled maintenance. However, the Italian automaker does offer extended warranty and maintenance plans for extra coin.
Limited warranty covers three years and unlimited miles Powertrain warranty covers three years and unlimited miles No complimentary scheduled maintenance
Specifications
Specifications
2019 Lamborghini Urus
VEHICLE TYPE
front-engine, all-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door hatchback
PRICE AS TESTED
$243,377 (base price: $203,995)
ENGINE TYPE
twin-turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 32-valve V-8, aluminum block and heads, direct fuel injection
Displacement
244 in3, 3996 cm3
Power
641 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque
627 lb-ft @ 2250 rpm
TRANSMISSION
8-speed automatic with manual shifting mode
CHASSIS
Suspension (F/R): multilink/multilink
Brakes (F/R): 17.3-in vented, cross-drilled carbon-ceramic disc/14.6-in vented, cross-drilled carbon-ceramic disc
Tires: Pirelli P Zero PZ4, F: 285/40ZR-22 (110Y) R: 325/35ZR-22 (114Y)
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 118.2 in
Length: 201.3 in
Width: 79.4 in
Height: 64.5 in
Passenger volume: 105 ft3
Cargo volume: 22 ft3
Curb weight: 5314 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 3.2 sec
100 mph: 7.6 sec
130 mph: 13.4 sec
150 mph: 19.5 sec
160 mph: 23.6 sec
Rolling start, 5–60 mph: 4.4 sec
Top gear, 30–50 mph: 2.4 sec
Top gear, 50–70 mph: 3.2 sec
¼-mile: 11.4 sec @ 121 mph
Top speed (drag limited, mfr’s claim): 190 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 149 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad: 1.02 g
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/city/highway: 14/12/17 mpg
More Features and Specs
