Lamborghini is trying to make the case for SUVs being both practical and performance-oriented. It’s a tough sell, given performance cars are always aerodynamic, lightweight, and much less mass than a typical SUV. And in the Lamborghini Urus case, powered by a healthy V12 engine. Nonetheless, Lamborghini has just added a Performante version to its 2023 Urus SUV. 

What’s the difference between the Lamborghini Urus Performante and the regular Urus?

What Lamborghini has done is to take the Urus and add aero, suspension, and performance goodies to help its performance. That said, the unique bumper design starts things off. Larger, to take in more air, and incorporating an air curtain to get some of that air to the front brakes. The hood is also unique, for better aerodynamics, and to trim weight with carbon fiber construction.

A carbon fiber rear spoiler increases downforce by 38 percent. And further weight reduction comes from the carbon fiber rear bumper and diffuser. Poking through that diffuser are titanium exhaust tips. And you can order a carbon fiber roof to further reduce the mass.

What engine does the Lamborghini Urus have?

Under the carbon fiber hood, the 4.0-liter V8 matches the specs of the standard Urus with one exception. The Performante version has 657 hp versus 641 hp. Not a substantial increase, but its zero-to-62 mph time is quicker than a standard Urus by 0.3 seconds. 

All of that power turns a recalibrated eight-speed automatic transmission with added torque to the all-wheel drive differential. An additional Rally drive mode joins the Strada, Sport, and Corsa modes. Rally mode adds to the fun by increasing oversteer through its anti-roll and damping systems. And with rear-wheel steering, combined with torque vectoring increases turn-in agility. 

While the standard Urus uses an air suspension, the Performante gets steel springs with retuned dampers. So it now sits 0.8 inches lower. The track width also increases slightly by 0.6 inches. 

Has the interior changed?

Rolling stock are 22-inch forged wheels, with optional 23-inch wheels. Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R tires are the rolling stock. Heralded as the first semi-slick tires that Pirelli has made, Lamborghini gets some of the credit for development. Both the vehicle, and its tires, are optimally configured for the best grip, cornering, feedback, and overall performance. 

In the cabin, Nero Cosmus black Alcantara with hexagonal stitching is the “Performante trim.” That extends to trim on the doors, roof lining, seat backrests, and rear wall. Leather will be an option, too. Matte carbon fiber bits include the red door handles and a customized sill plate with the “Ad Personam” personalized logo. Matte black can also be applied to the Tamburo lever, Start/Stop button, and drive mode selector. 

The announcement of the Lamborghini Performante Urus comes just after setting a new Pikes Peak International Hill Climb record in the production SUV category. It posted a 10:32.064 time, beating the previous record set in 2018 of 10:49.902.