In a world filled with fire breathing SUVs, the Lamborghini Urus has become synonymous with the category. The Urus is outrageous in all aspects, style, performance, even pricing. Even so, the big Lambo tends to be the one that people think of most when the term "super SUV" gets tossed around. In the coming year, the other big Italian supercar manufacturer, Ferrari, is hoping to change the hearts and minds of potential buyers in the segment.
The rivalry between Ferrari and Lamborghini is almost as famous as the brands themselves. Many years after Enzo Ferrari famously told Ferruccio Lamborghini to "stick to tractors" we still see the two Italian powerhouses battle for the glory of being the top dog in the supercar market. Now, as we usher in the era of super SUVs and beyond, we're seeing this rivalry continue into new and different categories.
The Urus S Now Has Performante Power
For 2023, Lamborghini is switching up the offerings for the Urus. Previously, there was only one Urus model offered. With 641 hp on tap from its twin-turbo 4.0 liter V8 engine, it was certainly no slouch. But, in the pursuit of perfection, there is always more. One would assume that's exactly why Lamborghini decided to bring out two models of the Urus for 2023.
The base model (if you can even call it that) 2023 Urus will be called the Urus S from now on. Power increases to 657 hp from the revised twin turbo V8. If buyers are looking for even more power, they're going to have to wait for the Italian horsepower wars to heat up. Because, the sportier Urus Performante is equipped with the same 657 hp V8 as the Urus S. Now, that's not the entire story on the Performante. Lamborghini touts the high performance Urus as the lighter, lower, more raw version. It's a few tenths quicker to 60 mph than its stablemate, and we would assume very quick around a track. Especially considering that it can come equipped with Pirelli Trofeo R tires to compliment the Performante's switch back to steel spring suspension.
How The Purosangue Stack Up Against The Urus S
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The Ferrari comes with what might be one of the last great naturally aspirated V12 engines the world will see. Coming in at 6.5 liters of displacement, Ferrari is able to extract 715 hp and 528 lb.-ft. of torque with no additional assistance. No turbos, no supercharger, no hybrid system. This is quite possibly the swan song of the N/A V12 in general, with the next Ferrari V12 offerings rumored to be attached to a hybrid drivetrain.
However, even with 715 hp on tap, the mighty Ferrari V12 is nearly an even match for an Urus Performante. On paper at least, the two are both claimed to do the 0-60 mph sprint in just 3.3 seconds. The Urus S should be just slightly behind, at 3.5. These are all preliminary manufacturers numbers, we're all excited to see what these super SUVs will do in the real world.
Is The Urus S The Bargain Italian Super SUV?
It almost feels criminal to use the word "bargain" when talking about a $230,000 super SUV. Just like it feels strange to refer to the Urus S as a "base model" Urus. Quite honestly, a "bargain base model" Lamborghini is out of reach for almost anyone in the real world. Even so, there is inherent value to be found in these cars and there is a growing market for them no matter what someone's personal opinions may be. That being said, the Urus S buyer is getting a huge amount of performance and comfort for their money.
We're also not comparing the Urus S to something like a Subaru Forester. There are many current and upcoming competitors for this vehicle, such as the Bentley Bentayga, the Aston Martin DBX 707, and even the Porsche Cayenne GT. But, none of those manufacturers can match the spiritual competition that is Lamborghini vs. Ferrari. In that comparison, the Urus S is nearly as quick, will have the same level of presence, and should be potentially more exciting to drive than the (estimated) $400,000 Ferrari Purosangue. That makes it a deal in our eyes, something that potential buyers are sure to see on their own.