WITH SALES OF SUVs continuing to outperform all other models across brands in every market, it's no wonder makers - not necessarily renowned for building 4x4s - feel the need to get in on the act. It began with the high net worth individuals' love of Range Rover. The popularity of the elevated driving position combined with a quick 0-100km/h time was the catalyst for further efforts from Porsche, followed by Maserati, Bentley, Rolls Royce and now we have been presented with Lamborghini's offering. Perhaps the last carmaker we ever thought would come up with a SUV, Lambo's Urus is looking to hit that sweet spot in millionaires' shopping lists: possessing sports car performance with off-road dimensions. As you can probably imagine (with Audi brains on the case), it succeeds. As with any souped-up SUV, we were sceptical until we saw it. And by saw it, we mean were drawn to it like we are to a slice of Lime Tree Cafe's carrot cake. Our lusting over its allure was by no means unique. It has been a while since a car we have driven has turned quite so many heads whilst sat at the traffic lights, or prompted the 10 or so people we caught randomly click a pic. Here's why. It's all in the noise Buy a Lamborghini and half of what you desire, nay demand, is the engine to make a noise that can blow a hole in your neighbour's wall. Would a car suitable for a family fulfil this criterion? Yep. It really does. The four-litre V8 twin-turbo engine produces enough power (650 horses of it to be precise) to set off a few parked cars' alarms if you care to give it a rev. It's sufficient to spice up the carpool because, if you do go for an Urus, people will always insist on you taking your car. But are you really getting a Lamborghini experience? More yes than no. No 14-year-old is going to dream about owning an Urus when there are Huracans and Aventadors knocking about. However, as you grow up and realise you need a car for all occasions, this model - if you've done well for yourself - will slowly come into focus. And if you are going for a SUV that delivers as near to a sports car feel as possible, this one is up there. 0-100km/h in 3.6 seconds, plush bucket seats and a red missile switch cover over the ignition button (one of our favourite elements) says 'Lamborghini' to us. Its top speed of 305km/h is also the fastest around for a SUV. It doesn't really go off road, though? Yes, it does. While we weren't encouraged to take it over anything more taking than a ten-pin bowling lane, we've seen testing videos of it skipping over dunes. A four-wheel drive and four-wheel steering system makes the car nimble both on the road and on the side of a wadi. Whether you want to take something you've spent this much on over rocks, gravel and sand in the Empty Quarter is your call. We've got to go back to the way it looks We can harp on about the technical specifications and its different driving modes, but we're guessing you know the story. It's fast, it's durable and it drives like a dream. It actually is a dream because even when you're not in it, you're thinking about it. The low-line coupe styling, especially in yellow, is intoxicating. Would we have one? Yes. Can we have one? Not without saving for a good while. Specs Engine: Four-litre V8 twin-turbo Power: 650hp 0-100km/h: 3.6secs Price: If you need to ask, you can't afford it david@khaleejtimes.com
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