One of the most natural things in the world is to be Nigerian and have plenty of cash, good taste in cars, a need for speed, and a desire for the Lamborghini Urus high-performance SUV. It’s very natural because the Urus is an excellent answer for people with good taste in cars, a lot of spare cash, and a need for speed, no matter their geographical location on this big blue planet.
Behind the wheel of an Urus, whether on a busy Nigerian street or lonely highway, you’d know it in your ticking heart that you’re not the first – that other Urus owners include characters like Davido, Okeowo Mufasa, Pretty Mike, Man like Chico, Jowi Zaza, Patoranking, Wizkid, and those other silent-rich types scattered around the country. The best part is that the Urus is one of the most accessible Lambos on the market, with over 20,000 units produced as of 2023. By Lamborghini standards, that’s a lot.
The sleek luxury SUV is the Italian marque’s best-selling brand so far, after delivering 5,367 units in 2022. In other words, Urus is the closest thing to a low-hanging Lambo fruit you can pluck - as long as you have the money - without getting undermined by the rarity and unavailability. Has the beautiful Urus entered your eye? This article reveals everything you need to know, including the Urus pricing over the years. Let’s vroom.
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The Lamborghini Urus proudly wears the Lamborghini logo as a pinnacle of luxury SUV craftsmanship. Urus isn’t Lamborghini’s first SUV. It merely marked the marquee’s triumphant return to the segment, introducing a first of its kind in the modern era under the stewardship of the Volkswagen Group.
The first Lamborghini SUV would be the LM002, produced between 1986 and 1993 combining an SUV/pickup design. Built upon the robust Volkswagen Group MLB Evo platform, the Urus shares its DNA with esteemed counterparts, including the Audi Q7, Bentley Bentayga, Porsche Cayenne, and Volkswagen Touareg.
Its impressive capabilities are underscored by a remarkable top speed of 190 mph, firmly establishing the Urus as one of the world's most powerful production SUVs.
The Lamborghini Urus commands an average used price of ₦300 million in Nigeria, as of the time of writing, with the model years ranging from 2019 to 2021. Considering that the SUV opened at around $204,000 (around ₦163 million today) in 2018, this is not a car for the fainthearted.
In fact, the 2024 Lamborghini Urus is estimated to start at around $235,000 (around ₦188 million), leaving you wondering why you should pay almost double for a used model in Nigeria.
However, consider that the manufacturer-suggested retail price (MSRP) excludes logistics and import fees. So, how does the Urus justify its high price tag?
The Urus draws its name from the "urus," an ancestor of today's domestic cattle also known as the aurochs. This naming choice adds an intriguing touch of heritage to an already remarkable vehicle.
Interestingly, Lamborghini already trademarked the name "Urus" prior to unveiling the Lamborghini Estoque at the 2008 Paris Motor Show. This fueled speculation among automotive enthusiasts that the newly trademarked name was meant for the Estoque. Wrong. The Estoque is a different beast, a one-off concept.
The Lamborghini Urus concept made its grand debut at the prestigious 2012 Beijing Auto Show on April 23, 2012. Subsequently, it graced the stage at Pebble Beach in the same year.
Urus made its global debut at the company’s Sant'Agata Bolognese headquarters on December 4, 2017. The production version underwent significant exterior modifications and featured a distinct powertrain compared to the original concept.
Production commenced at Lamborghini's revitalized Sant'Agata facility, with initial deliveries slated for early 2018 and targeting an annual sales volume of approximately 3,500 units. The surge in demand necessitated an expansion of Lamborghini's Sant'Agata Bolognese factory to meet the feverish interest in this SUV.
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Unlike Lamborghini's signature naturally aspirated V10 or V12 engines, the Uru’s heart roars with the might of a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8, an evolved rendition of Audi's acclaimed 4.0-liter V8 powerplant.
This engineering marvel boasts a formidable maximum power output of 641 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and an astonishing peak torque of 627 lb-ft, delivering its impressive might within the 2,250–4,500 rpm range.
The Urus's V8 engine has undergone a thorough transformation, surging ahead with an additional 99 hp and 59 lb-ft of torque compared to the Cayenne Turbo.
Notable updates to the Urus’ V8 include the implementation of fresh cylinder heads. This engine’s production takes place at a Volkswagen facility in Hungary, from where the finished work makes a hallowed journey to Lamborghini's assembly plant in Italy.
This versatile engine also finds application in various VW Group vehicles, spanning the likes of the Porsche Cayenne and Panamera, select Audi S and RS models, the A8, the Bentley Continental V8, and the Flying Spur V8.
The Urus surges from a standstill to 62 mph in a mere 3.6 seconds, while the top speed reaches a breathtaking 190 mph.
As for efficiency, the EPA fuel economy rating stands at 14 mpg-US (16.8 L/100 km) combined for city and highway driving, with city-specific consumption at 12 mpg-US (19.6 L/100 km) and highway cruising at 17 mpg-US (13.8 L/100 km).
These figures further underscore Urus's ability to combine heart-pounding performance with a degree of practicality.
The Lamborghini Urus stands out in the competitive SUV market for several reasons. It boasts a remarkable lightweight design, weighing less than 2,200 kg (4,850 lb) due to its extensive use of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer.
Considering that it shares its platform with other luxury SUVs like the Audi Q7, Bentley Bentayga, Porsche Cayenne, and Volkswagen Touareg, Urus' lightweight is all the more impressive.
With the Urus, Lamborghini has raised the bar in braking technology. The SUV benefited from the world's largest set of carbon ceramic disc brakes comprising a massive 440 mm (17.32-in) discs in the front and 370 mm (14.57-in) discs in the rear, backed by ten-piston calipers in the front and single-piston calipers in the rear.
The Urus's all-wheel drive system is versatile, typically sending 40 percent of torque to the front wheels and 60 percent to the rear. However, it can adjust this distribution (torque vectoring), sending up to 70 percent to the front or 87 percent to the rear when needed.
The vehicle also boasts rear-wheel steering and an adaptable air suspension system that can provide up to 250 mm (9.8 in) of ground clearance for off-road adventures. An optional off-road package enhances its capabilities with modified bumpers.
Inside, the Urus offers a luxurious experience with simulated suede headlining, leather seating, and advanced front seats with multiple adjustments, position memory, heating, and a 12.3-inch digital instrument panel.
The rear seats can be configured for three passengers or as two-person sport seats, while four-zone automatic climate control is standard.
To up the ante, the Lamborghini Urus features various driving modes, adapting the suspension for optimal performance in different conditions. These modes include Strada (street), Sport, Corsa (track), Terra (dirt), Sabbia (sand), and Neve (snow), with the latter three possibly exclusive to the optional off-road package.
The Urus comes with a range of exciting variants to suit diverse preferences and performance needs. They include:
The Urus Pearl Capsule is a highly customizable version that allows buyers to personalize their Urus extensively. From two-tone Alcantara seats to a selection of vibrant paint colors, including Verde Mantis, Arancio Borealis, and Giallo Inti, this variant offers a modern twist on the classic Lamborghini style.
The Black Gloss accents on the lower bumpers, rocker covers, and roof create a striking two-tone effect, complemented by 23-inch Taigete alloy wheels in Shiny Black. While the aesthetics are enhanced, the technical specifications, such as power and torque, remain consistent with the standard Urus.
The Urus ST-X is a non-street-legal racing version of the Urus, developed by Lamborghini's Squadra Corse Division. Engineered to meet FIA regulations, it features a robust roll-cage, fire suppression system, and an FT3 fuel tank for safety on the track.
The 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 retains its power and torque, delivering 641 hp and 627 lb-ft, but gains hexagonal racing exhausts and 21-inch alloy wheels with Pirelli tires. These modifications contribute to a further 25% weight reduction compared to the street-legal version. Customer deliveries for the Urus ST-X commenced in 2020.
Lastly, the Urus Performante, unveiled in August 2022, represents a significant performance upgrade. It not only delivers more power but also enhances downforce while shedding 104 pounds compared to other variants.
This transformation goes beyond mere specifications, with a noticeable change in design and aerodynamics. The Urus Performante is a testament to Lamborghini's commitment to pushing boundaries in the high-performance SUV world.
In a testament to its enduring popularity, Lamborghini proudly celebrated the production of its 10,000th Urus unit in July 2020.
Astonishingly, in 2022, Lamborghini achieved the remarkable milestone of crafting 20,000 Urus SUVs, solidifying its status as the company's fastest-selling model currently.