Lamborghini suggest the Urus Performante, launched alongside the upgraded Urus 'S' in Auckland this week, creates a new benchmark for Super SUV ‘fun to drive’ performance. With acceleration and top speed statistics more akin to a Lamborghini Huracan supercar, one could argue that’s an understatement.

No longer are the larger dimensions and body configuration of an SUV a hindrance in dynamic capability, the Urus comfortably shattered those perceptions when it launched in 2018. Now the revised Urus S model and the range-topping Performante variant solidify that even further. The Urus S is a timely revision on the Urus the world has come to love - Urus is now Lamborghini's biggest-selling model reaching that goal in the shortest time and introducing more conquest customers to the brand than any Lambo before it - and it remains the most family-orientated variant.

But for a more engaged drive, Lamborghini has taken the Urus S and fine-tuned it to feel decidedly different in a range of driving conditions.

Both the Urus S and Performante feature a 12kW power enhancement over the previous Urus, now outputting a staggering 490kW (650hp) and 850Nm of Torque. But the Performante has shed 47 kg, giving it a best-in-class weight-to-power ratio and a 0-100 km/h time of just 3.3 seconds. That's a sizable SUV, capable of 306km/h and truly a testament to the technology and engineering Lamborghini has fundamentally instilled in the Urus from the outset.

"It's remarkable just how different the two specifications feel, despite the Urus S and the Performante being matched on power, the Performante delivers that power in a very different way. And of course, with the heightened development of the suspension tune, calibration, aerodynamics and lighter weight, it is a very different animal." Says Lamborghini Auckland's Brand Manager, Ben Dallas.

Aerodynamically, efficiency has been improved in the Performante and overall downforce increases by 8% thanks in part to a full carbon rear spoiler and diffuser. While Torque distribution is optimised thanks to a new differential and huge Pirelli P Zero (sizes 285/40 R22 and 325/35 R22) tyres. You can even specify a Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R semi-slick tyre developed for the first time to meet the characteristics of an SUV.

Steering too has been recalibrated to enhance connection with the road with precise inputs and direct feedback. The rear-wheel steering’s faster intervention increases turn-in agility complemented by torque vectoring of the rear differential both on-road and in off-road mode. Where the Urus S remains on compliant air ride suspension, the Performante uses more traditional steel springs with electro magnetic adaptive dampers to maintain that finer level of driver feedback.

The re-engineered drive modes allow the Urus Performante pilot to select the perfect set-up for every environment: in Strada, the Urus provides a comfortable and luxurious ride with smooth damping. In Sport mode the driver enjoys enhanced throttle response, with the rear-wheel steering more agile at low speeds and stable at high speed, with oversteer fun-to-drive characteristics and a faster gear-shift: the sportier chassis set-up including new stiffer steel springs and specific dampers’ tuning, maximizes feedback to engage the pilot in serious driving fun.

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In Corsa, the Urus Performante’s race car persona is let loose with supreme handling: high-speed stability, flat cornering supported by the active anti-roll bars and maximum damping, while the sports exhaust reminds those inside and out that this is a Lamborghini built on super sports heritage.

Alongside the standard drive modes, the Urus Performante introduces a new Rally selection, elevating the Super SUV’s fun-to-drive sportiness to a thrilling new level on dirt tracks. Its oversteer character is amplified with anti-roll and damping systems optimised for steel springs on rough and more extreme surfaces, raising the bar for a new level of Super SUV performance.

In profile, the Urus Performante’s lowered stance is accented by its prominent front, and rear wing and bumper, increasing its overall length by 25 mm. The rear of the Urus Performante is equally distinctive by its purposeful high-performance design. A rear spoiler with carbon fiber fins takes design inspiration from the Aventador SVJ and contributes to the increased downforce.

The lower rear bumper and diffuser is also in carbon fiber with a lightweight titanium Akrapovič sports exhaust as standard, developing its characteristic Lamborghini resonance depending on the drive mode selected. The bi-color livery scheme accentuates the dynamism of this Performante model: against the body color, features such as black painted door handles, CFK (reinforced Carbon Fibre) air outlets over the bonnet and CFK spoiler lip.

Inside, the cockpit features Nero Cosmus black Alcantara as standard with a new hexagonal seat stitching design, the “Performante trim”, and further options including a leather interior. Dedicated color and trim options include extension of the Performante trim on doors, roof-lining, seat backrest and rear wall, with further Ad Personam customization including interior matt carbon fiber details, red door handles, and a customized kickplate with Ad Personam logo.

The black Alcantara/leather steering wheel is trimmed in matt black as well as the Aluminum interior trim in black anodized. With the optional “Dark Package”, the matt black treatment can be extended to other interior details including the lever of the Urus’ central ‘Tamburo’, hosting controls such as the start/stop button and drive mode selector.

A new HMI graphic, with a dedicated design for the Urus Performante, features on both the center console screen and in a large arc across the main display.

Both the Urus S and Urus Performante are available for sale in New Zealand now, with the S starting at $395,000+orc while the Performante carries a $50,000 premium.