Lamborghini Urus S packs Performante punch

The incoming 2023 Lamborghini Urus line-up will feature two new models, with an entry-level S version now confirmed as slotting in underneath the Performante flagship.

The 2023 Lamborghini Urus S will serve as the new entry point to the Raging Bull’s hyper-SUV range and will feature the uprated 490kW (+12kW) 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 found in the Performante.

However, the S does not have the same weight-saving measures, track-honed tweaks to the chassis and aerodynamics and other aspects of the Performante package that shave almost 50kg off the latter’s kerb weight and give it the performance edge.

It’s still a formidable SUV, the Urus S devouring 0-100km/h in just 3.5 seconds (Performante: 3.3sec), and reaching the double tonne in 12.5sec (Performante: 11.5sec). Top speed is 305km/h – just one click of the speedo behind the flagship.

Hit the anchors at 100km/h and the hefty flying S five-door, which tips the scales at 2198kg compared to the Performante’s 2150kg, will pull up to standstill in a claimed 33.7m (Performante: 32.9m).

There’s no word yet on local pricing for the Lamborghini Urus S, which is expected to land around the same time as the Performante, which is priced at $465,876 plus taxes and on-road costs.

The current single-model Urus starts at $391,969 plus on-roads, so we’d expect the S – which will open at €195,538 ($A292,349) in Italy – to start north of $400K.

Lamborghini describes the S as having a “sporty but luxury lifestyle persona”, which is reflected in its exterior styling that features a new front and rear fascia (with fewer body-coloured lines), a black stainless-steel front skid plate, matte black rear bumper garnish, redesigned exhaust tips, new alloy wheel designs and a vented carbon-fibre bonnet.

Not much has changed within the cabin save for the Performante-inspired stitching and upholstery finishes.

It’s a similar story under the skin, with the higher-output engine (still at 850Nm) blending with the previous Urus’ chassis and adaptive air suspension set-up to deliver a split-personality character in the driving experience.

Seven drive modes – Strada, Sport, Corsa, EGO, Terra, Neve and Sabbia – are on offer to tailor the package to the driving conditions at hand, the latter three being off-road-specific.

“The Urus has proven its appeal for those seeking the decisive combination of the sportiest SUV and a Lamborghini to drive every day,” said Lamborghini CEO Stephan Winkelmann.

“The Urus S sits perfectly alongside the new Urus Performante, for those choosing the purest sublimation of performance, luxury and versatility .

“The Urus’ commercial success, with more than 20,000 vehicles produced, is testament to its credentials as the first and enduring super-SUV. The Urus S elevates that reputation.”

The Urus updates help keep Lamborghini’s hyper-SUV competitive against an increasing number of rivals, including the Aston Martin DBX707 and the just-revealed Ferrari Purosangue.

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