It’s hardly a revelation to write that the Lamborghini Urus (the Italian brand’s SUV concept revealed here in Beijing) has received a more favourable response than the Bentley Exp 9F with which it notionally shares a platform.
But what may surprise you is that, in the real, this concept is shot through with a deep and impressive level of execution and a set of volumes which are not at first apparent from the photos. For those who were privileged enough to get a peep inside, the interior is really worthy of note. It features some of the same carbon-based material structure we first saw on the Sesto Elemento (and which Lamborghini wants to ‘own’) on the centre console and around the binnacle and works exceptionally well, thematically.
Reminding us from some angles of the BMW X6 and Range Rover Evoque (that low, wide rear view) you’ll not find us and the rest of the design world bemoaning this Lamborghini SUV for the same design failings leveled at the Bentley.
We have two reservations however. Firstly, can Lamborghini as a brand legitimately do an SUV? For two very different answers to that question, see Porsche or Ferrari’s stated aim: “we don’t make SUVs and never will.”
Secondly, while well executed, there’s a part of us that is sad this SUV appears to cement the loss of over-the-top drama and wildness that was once a Lamborghini hallmark. As the change from Murcielago to Aventador suggested and this appears to confirm, Lamborghini is growing up and calming down in its graphics and surface language. The question is, should it be? Or is this a wrong turn for the brand? Answers and opinions in the comments please…
By Joe Simpson
