Lamborghini Urus (2018)Charles from Port Chester, New York, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Lamborghini Urus Performante

2018 — Italy

Truck / SUVItalianV8 EngineTurbo/SuperchargedMid Engine4WD / AWDRecord BreakersOver 500 Horsepower
Engine3,996 cc V8 Twin-Turbo
Power666 hp
Torque627 lb-ft
Transmission8-speed automatic (ZF torque converter)
DrivetrainAWD
Body StyleSUV
Weight4,740 lbs
0–60 mph3.3 sec
Top Speed190 mph
Original MSRP$260,676
BrakesCarbon-ceramic ventilated disc / Carbon-ceramic ventilated disc
SuspensionIndependent, double wishbones, air springs, adaptive dampers / Independent, multilink, air springs, adaptive dampers

Lamborghini Urus Performante

The Lamborghini Urus, introduced in 2018, became the most commercially successful Lamborghini in history, accounting for more than half of the company's annual sales. The Performante variant, launched in 2022, pushed the performance envelope further with increased power, reduced weight, and enhanced aerodynamics that earned it the Nurburgring lap record for production SUVs.

The Performante's twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine, sourced from the Volkswagen Group's shared platform, produced 666 horsepower (a 16 horsepower increase over the standard Urus S) and 627 lb-ft of torque. While purists lamented the absence of a naturally aspirated engine, the twin-turbo V8 provided explosive performance: 0 to 60 mph in 3.3 seconds and a top speed of 190 mph, extraordinary figures for a vehicle weighing over 2,150 kilograms.

Weight reduction was achieved through extensive use of carbon fiber for the roof, hood, front splitter, and rear diffuser. Steel coil springs replaced the standard air suspension, saving weight while providing a sportier, more connected ride. The Performante sat 20mm lower than the standard Urus, with a wider track and retuned all-wheel-drive system that could send up to 70 percent of torque to the rear axle.

The exterior design amplified the Urus's already aggressive styling with larger air intakes, a more prominent front splitter, extended side skirts, and a new rear diffuser. The carbon fiber roof panel was unpainted, adding a raw, technical aesthetic. Unique 23-inch forged wheels further distinguished the Performante from lesser Urus variants.

Inside, the Performante featured Alcantara upholstery, carbon fiber trim, and sport seats with enhanced bolstering. The infotainment system included performance data displays and a telemetry recording system. The driving modes were recalibrated, with the Corsa mode providing the most aggressive settings for track use.

The Urus SE, a plug-in hybrid version, joined the range in 2024, adding electric-only capability. But the Performante remains the purest expression of the Urus concept: a high-riding vehicle that can demolish a racetrack, traverse a desert, and cruise to a gala dinner with equal aplomb.

$250,000 – $400,000

New purchases through authorized Lamborghini dealers. Verify complete specification as options can add substantially to price. Carbon-ceramic brakes are optional (standard steel on base Urus). Steel spring suspension is less comfortable than air suspension Urus. Carbon fiber body panels are expensive to repair after minor incidents. Check for signs of hard use on pre-owned examples. Service costs are high.

The Urus Performante was introduced in 2022 as the highest-performance Urus variant. Built on the Volkswagen Group MLB Evo platform. Production at a dedicated facility in Sant'Agata Bolognese. The Urus accounts for over half of Lamborghini's total sales. Carbon fiber body panels reduce weight. Steel springs replace air suspension for sportier character.