Overview

The 2021 Lamborghini Urus is extreme in almost every way, which is exactly what's expected when a legendary supercar maker builds an SUV. Its chiseled bodywork and hulking proportions are appropriately exaggerated, but don't think this 641-hp Italian monster isn't a terror on the track. In fact, it was the quickest SUV we've ever lapped at Virginia International Raceway. This is a testament to both Lamborghini's dedication to absolute performance and the super-ute's track-ready hardware. While the company's Aventador and Huracan supercars can only be enjoyed by two people, the Urus can entertain—and no doubt frighten—as many as five passengers. Along with actually useable cargo space, it has the ability to tow a trailer and tackle off-road obstacles. Sure, it costs a fortune and shares some parts with the much less-expensive Audi Q8, but the 2021 Urus earns its title as the ultimate SUV.

What's New for 2021?

Lamborghini makes the 2021 Urus more unmistakable—if that's even possible—by giving it wilder paint options. These include either bright green, orange, or yellow as part of the new Pearl Capsule appearance package. This kit also adds contrasting 23-inch wheels as well as black trim pieces on the roof, rear diffuser, and spoiler. Whether the exterior is coated in Giallo Inti (yellow), Arancio Borealis (orange), or Verde Mantis (green), the cabin's upholstery is colored to match when paired with the new package. Along with several other fresh paint choices, the largest Lambo now has more standard driver assists (adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring) and handful of other new standard and optional features. The 2021 Urus is also more expensive than the outgoing model, with an extra $10,683 tacked onto its starting price. That may be the only thing about the Urus that goes unnoticed.

Although the Urus costs close to a quarter of a million dollars, it's still the least costly Lamborghini you can buy. Add the fact that it can haul more than two people and an ample amount of luggage and it's also the best value in the Italian company's lineup. Our recommended version would play up its highly extroverted style with the new Pearl Capsule appearance package. We especially like it in the Verde Mantis green paint, which is offset by black exterior details and huge 23-inch wheels. The interior color scheme is set to match. We'd add the front seats with ventilation and massage functions for increased luxury, and we'd switch to the four-seat configuration that reduces passenger capacity by one but brings rear-seat power adjustments and heated surfaces. We assume rich people don't want to ride three-deep in the back seat anyway. The other options we'd choose are the upgraded sound system, hands-free tailgate, rear-seat entertainment system, and the available Off-Road drive modes.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The Urus is powered by a twin-turbo V-8 that makes a stout 641 horsepower, 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.

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 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 200-mile highway fuel-economy route, its mileage will certainly vary based on driving style.

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.

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.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The 2021 Urus hasn't been evaluated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The Lambo SUV also offers an array of standard and optional driver-assistance technology, including a night-vision camera. Key safety features include:

• Standard adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go technology
• Standard blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert
• Available self-parking assist

Specifications

Features

• 4.0L V-8 Engine
• 8-spd auto w/OD Transmission
• 641 @ 6,000 rpm Horsepower
• 626 @ 2,250 rpm Torque
• All wheel Drive type
• ABS and driveline Traction control
• 21" silver aluminum Wheels
• Front air conditioning, dual zone automatic
• Rear air conditioning, with separate controls
• Driver and front passenger heated-cushion, heated-seatback Heated front seats
• AM/FM/HD/Satellite, seek-scan Radio
• 3 - 1st row LCD monitor
• Keyfob (all doors) Remote keyless entry
• Heated mirrors
• Windshield wipers - rain sensing
• Leather Seat trim
• Driver and passenger Lumbar support
• Navigation system
• Parking assist
• 23" black aluminum Wheels
• Alcantara simulated suede/leather Seat trim