In August 2022, Lamborghini debuted the Urus redesign at Pebble Beach, highlighting the potent Performante trim, as well as the new Urus S variant, which replaces the successful Super SUV in its basic form for the 2023 model year.
There are now only two trims available for the Urus model: the S and the new Performante, the latter of which came out earlier this year with updated aesthetics. The new S variant has the same fundamental features as the original Urus but is capable of even greater performance. And, the super SUV's utilization of a demonic 666HP from the same twin-turbo V8 that propels the Lamborghini truck is quite interesting. Considering that Lamborghini will convert its entire lineup to plug-in hybrid power by the end of 2024, (which is likely to include its legendary SUV), this might end up being one of, if not the last hurrah of the pure petrol-powered Urus.
The performance SUV rivalry continues getting fiercer as the 2023 Urus S and Performante arrive on the market. And, with Ferrari’s long-awaited unveiling of the V12-powered Purosangue SUV, the Urus S certainly hits back hard and raises the stakes. The Urus S and its Performante sibling will compete with high-end performance beasts, like the Aston Martin DBX and the Bentley Bentayga Speed. Pricing of the Urus S starts at $409,744, and the model will arrive in the United States in the second half of 2022.
Even though the new Urus S slots below the recently-revealed Urus Performante in the Urus lineup, it’s far from basic. Here’s why the Lamborghini Urus S is a special SUV breed.
The 2023 Lamborghini Urus S Is Photogenic From Every Angle
At a glance, the S looks angrier and more aggressive than the previous Urus. With updated front and rear bumpers, a new black skidplate, a lightweight carbon fiber vented hood, a twin-pipe exhaust, and new wheel designs ranging in size from the standard 21 to the optional 23 inches, the Urus S appears to receive a very similar design update to the Performante.
A carbon fiber roof is an option, and there are more color, trim, wheel, package, and detailing options this model year. Instead of the brushed steel finish of the newly styled setup exhaust, you can choose an exposed carbon fiber roof and matte or glossy black exhaust tips.
Styling elements that make the Urus S stand out are the matte black stainless steel front skid plate and the wheel arches from the previous basic Urus. Of course, thanks to the Lamborghini Ad Personam program, owners will be able to customize the finishes further.
The SUV also receives brand-new color and trim combinations for the interior, which include two new bi-color Sportivo, new trimmings, and textures. While the inside features new styling treatments, the Urus S retains the same layout as its predecessor.
Lamborghini S And Performante Drive Quality: Same, But Different
Similar to the Performante trim level, the renowned twin-turbo V-8 still makes 666 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque under the redesigned hood of the Lamborghini Urus S. The engine breathes life to all the SUVs wheels via the eight-speed automatic and standard all-wheel drive. But the power specs aren’t the only similar features of the S and the Performante are very similar. According to Lamborghini, the S and Performante have identical powerplant tuning as well.
The difference between the S and the Performante is the weight. The Performante is a slightly lighter SUV, weighing around pounds less than the S. This is because the Performante uses more carbon fiber panels and more lightweight interior components, along with the light wheels and a titanium exhaust.
The Lamborghini Urus Performante accelerates from 0 to 62 mph in 3.3 seconds, while the new Urus S needs 0.3 seconds more, according to Lamborghini, making the acceleration numbers between the two new SUVs hardly noticeable. Regardless, the top speed in both models remains the same, at 190 mph. And although the adjustable air suspension system remains unchanged, the engine note has and is now much more prominent in all drive modes. Speaking of which, the Urus has about 7 driving modes: Strada, Sport, Corsa, EGO, Terra, Neve, and Sabbia.
Final Thoughts On The 2023 Lamborghini Urus S
The new Urus S is a tempting performance SUV for the 2023 model year that is worth considering if you can afford it. It shares the same engine, stylistic characteristics, and configurations as its more visible sibling.
Although, with its unwidened track and extra weight (less carbon fiber), it’s the less track-oriented Urus, which is the whole point. We’re eager to see how the Urus performs with a hybrid powertrain when the lineup expands in the near future. In fact, an electrified powertrain will be an available option for every Lamborghini by 2024, which is something to look forward to.