Lamborghini’s first-ever SUV to have 485kW of power

While the wait for Lamborghini’s first-ever SUV still continues, Lamborghini CEO Stefano Domenicali now confirms that the 4.0-litre biturbo V8 in the Urus crossover produces 485kW.

To add to that, the plug-in hybrid model of the high-performance crossover will arrive around the second quarter of 2019, which will be about a year after the non-electrified version’s debut in Europe, according to Automotive News.

Joining a much-contested segment of SUVs, Lamborghini has big expectations. Close sources reveal that the company expects to build 1 000 units of the Urus in 2018 and boost volume to 3 500 of them in 2019.

If the firm reaches that goal, the crossover would amount to half of the Italian supercar maker’s annual output, while the other half would be the brand’s traditional coupes and convertibles.

Lamborghini started pre-production of the Urus at its Sant’Agata Bolognese factory in April, and camouflaged test mules with the final body have already hit the road.

Despite the Urus packing 485kW, Lamborghini will not focus on making the new model the fastest crossover around the Nürburgring. Instead, the company will try to make this a more family-friendly Lambo by addressing more than just outright performance.

The high-performance crossover segment is gaining entries. Jeep has the Grand Cherokee Trackhawk with 527kW from a 6.2-litre supercharged Hellcat V8. It can reportedly hit 100km/h in just 3.5 seconds and run the quarter mile in 11.6 seconds.

Lambo’s rivals at Porsche also have a high-output crossover on the way. The next-generation Cayenne will eventually be available in S E-Hybrid trim that will combine a 4.0-litre biturbo V8 and plug-in hybrid. The setup produces 500kW and 850Nm in the Panamera.