“The fruit doesn’t fall far from the Audi Q7 tree, but passers-by won’t care”
Direct from US publication Autoweek, is the first review I’ve seen of the Lamborghini Urus.
I’ve just helped a client of a client dispose of his 2013 Porsche Panamera 4S which is replaced by said Lamborghini.
The owner dropped $292k from the purchase price of the Porsche over 6 years, so I’m just wondering what the resale of the Urus will be when he comes to get out in 5 or 6 years time.
But in the world of VERY expensive cars, the buyers don’t really seem to care that much. They’re always buying something that’s new and unique.
You just don’t see yourself too often when you’re driving a supercar. It’s the ego of the privileged few that drives sales of cars like this.
What is it: The Lamborghini Urus is a sport utility vehicle that lies toward the peak of expensive offerings, though not at the top — ahem, Rolls-Royce Cullinan. The Urus, introduced early this year, does not yet have several variants. But you could consider it the pinnacle trim of the Audi Q7, with which the Urus shares a chassis and then some.
Key Competitors: Bentley Bentayga, W12, Ferrari Purosangue (eventually), Porsche Cayenne Turbo
Base Price: $203,995 As-Tested Price: $243,630
Highlights: A quick look at the key competitors shows what a strange world we car nerds live in. The Ferrari Purosangue is announced and the most obvious competitor to the Urus — but it is still three years away. And the other two actually ride on the same platform. Volkswagen AG owns Audi, Bentley, Porsche and Lamborghini, not to mention Bugatti and a host of other small brands. VW placed Lamborghini under the Audi umbrella, hence the close relationship to the Q7. The top-trimmed Audi full-size SUV runs a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6, peaking at 333 hp. Urus swaps that for a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8, which makes more.
Our Opinion: 0-62 mph in 3.6 seconds, stay flat on the gas and 124 mph is only another 9.2 seconds away. Never lift and the speedometer will kiss 190 mph. How long ago would those have sounded like Lamborghini supercar numbers? Five years? 10, perhaps? Well, now they apply to a full-size SUV with all-wheel drive, an automatic gearbox and a curb weight a smidgen under 5,000 pounds. Modern technology gives us the ability to build something lighter or more powerful, and it’s quite clear which path we’ve chosen.
Even though the Urus is based on the Audi Q7, it feels like a completely different SUV — if you’re hustling around a canyon road or lapping a track, that is. That’s where you can feel things like four-wheel steering, track-tuned air suspension and huge carbon-ceramic brake discs (17.3 inches in front, 14.6 inches in back) go to work. That’s true off-road as well, as long as it’s more rally stage than Moab trail. Set the driving mode to “terra” or off-road, and the Urus absolutely will kick the rear end out and allow you to throw some dirt. Torque vectoring in the rear helps.
But most people, most of the time — even the 1 percenters who can afford this thing — will drive the Urus on normal roads doing normal things. In these conditions, the Urus feels remarkably similar to the Audi, whose base price is little more than 25 percent of this machine. A car nerd’s eyes will also notice several similarities in switch gear, layout, even the shape. The Q7 is a great SUV, so this is not a demerit in function, but in distinction from other, less expensive versions of this vehicle, of which there are many. The fighter jet-style engine stop/start button loses some of the allure in this context, as does the large Lamborghini logo emblazoned just above the glovebox.
The interior of the Lamborghini Urus is a little more wild than the Audi Q7, both in color and content.
At age 10, I went nuts and pedaled my bike as hard as I could over to my buddy’s house when he called to tell me his next-door neighbor had a Countach parked in the driveway. His neighbor’s friend was a surgeon and brought it over to show off. I must have been there an hour: taking pictures, talking to the owner (still wearing his scrubs) and for long moments just staring. I remember it clearly still: Looking at that car overwhelmed me and used permanent marker on my memory’s notebook.
I drove the Urus over a weekend. In that time, three friends and no less than six strangers stopped me to take a long look. Pictures of the car, selfies with the car — often impeding traffic, and me, in the process. And it hit me that, for many, this is their Countach moment … a chance to stare at something over the top. It’s certainly less wild than a Countach, but no matter. It overwhelmed them.
After all, it is a Lamborghini –Robin Warner, Managing Editor
Options: Bang & Olufsen 3D advanced audio ($6,313); Taigete 23-inch rims ($5,051); leather seats ($3,1570); Ambient Light Package ($3,036); panoramic roof ($2,778); night vision ($2,6530); bi-color Sportivo ($2,526); acoustic heat-insulation ($2,134); Style Package 1 ($1,908); Leather Package ($1,262); brake calipers in red ($1,137); black matte exhaust ($884); embroidered logo ($884); Washing Package ($849); hands-free tailgate ($827); 21-inch spare wheel ($696); off-road modes ($637); cargo management ($631); floor mats, leather piping ($631); front and rear heated seats ($631); steering wheel performance stitching option ($631); optional stitching ($379)
ON SALE: Now
BASE PRICE: $203,995 (USA) $390,000 in Australia
AS TESTED PRICE: $243,630 – Lots more than this down under – circa $450k
POWERTRAIN: 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8, eight-speed automatic, AWD
OUTPUT: 641 hp @ 6,000 rpm; 627 lb-ft @ 2,250-4,500 rpm
CURB WEIGHT: 4850 lbs (est)
FUEL ECONOMY: 12/17/14 mpg(EPA City/Hwy/Combined)
PROS: Excellent ice breaker with strangers at a gas station, and at the mall, and the grocery store, and interstate
CONS: Siphons all the gasoline from everywhere
Read more: https://autoweek.com/article/car-reviews/2019-lamborghini-urus-essentials-look-me#ixzz5kXiy9yGf
I’m Bob Aldons, the owner and founder of The Car Guy, and Car Business, reviewing cars, reporting on car industry matters, car tech, Formula 1, the motoring world at large and helping you to buy #anynewcarcheaper
I’ve spent the last forty-one years immersed in the automotive industry from salesman to the owner of a 7 brand multi-franchise dealership and since 2015, as a new car broker.
I know cars.
Find One
If you’re hunting around for a great price on your next new car, you should call me, the car buying expert, from Car Business.
My company, a Brisbane Car Broker, Car Buyers Agent or Car Buyers Advocate, will return your inquiry within 24 hours and make the process of buying a new car easy and stress-free.
Are you tired of salesperson tricks? I protect you from the pressure exerted by car dealer’s salespeople. There isn’t any obligation – just a pretty significant saving in terms of time, stress and financial reward.
You’re where? Seriously, my services are available for you in any Australian state and territory: from Darwin to Hobart, Cairns to Perth. Car Broker Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth, Hobart, and Darwin – I’m available when you need me to be.
Whether you’re a retail customer, a small company or a large national fleet, I’ll go to work and get that price down. Lower new car prices are my goal. So you’ll get the best prices from me rather than hoping you can do it by yourself.
If I can’t get you the best new car price, better than you can get yourself from a car dealer, I won’t charge you any fee. No Saving, No Fee. – that’s what you should expect from a car buying expert.
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People Also Ask
Car Buyers always seem to need answers on a vast number of topics about their cars.
There are a few questions that I’m asked regularly, so to save you a phone call, check out my “People Also Ask” questions and answers below.
If you question isn’t listed, I’m happy for you to call me on 0418 748 498 or send an email to [email protected]
My advice is free.
Q: Why Should I deal with a Car Broker rather than just going to a dealer?
A: It’s the goal and the job of a car salesperson to make as much money for his dealership as he possibly can. And that applies to the car, finance (finance and insurance), and aftermarket sales (tint, paint, interior, rust).
It’s the role of a car broker or car buyer’s agent to buy the same car at the lowest possible price. Your broker will get prices from at least five dealers or more, get independent finance and insurance quotes and then only recommend the car protection you need rather than the products the dealer wants to sell you. Dealers, on average, make around $3800 on a car sale. An astute broker will get that margin down to around $1800, saving you about $2000 on your vehicle purchase
Q: Should I take Finance and Insurance through a car dealer?
A: Generally no. An average car dealer relies on the car buyer to be exhausted after the trauma and stress of actually buying a car. They depend on their finance manager to make an average profit of $1100 for EVERY car buyer coming into their dealership. The income per finance contract rests around $3000 per contract. In recent times, the ACCC (Australian Consumer and Competition Commission) has looked closely at the way that finance companies and their dealers sell to consumers. Recently, voluntarily, finance companies have reduced the flex rate (the maximum rate allowed to be charged over the base rate for particular consumers) to 4%, down from 8%.
There is still need to be wary of some of the non-standard lenders. For those in our community who have fallen on hard times, have bad credit or are on Centrelink benefits, some lenders are still allowed to charge exorbitant interest rates, upwards of 25%.
Q: It’s a fact that dealers, forced by their manufacturers charge very high prices for genuine spare parts. Recently I needed to purchase a set of head bolts for a 2008 Alfa Romeo Sedan. Price quoted by my local dealer was $294. I picked them up from the UK for $115 including freight to Australia. I expect to receive them at the same time as the local dealer would take to get them from Melbourne.
A: It’s not the dealer’s fault on this occasion. Typically a dealer makes around 20% profit on genuine spare parts sales. It’s the manufacturer/Importer who is charged prices higher than dealers in overseas markets can buy at. Shop around. To determine whether you can buy the part you need, you’ll first need the part number. Get your VIN, ring the local dealer and ask for the part number. They may oblige and if they do, just search on the net through Google. You’ll be amazed. There’ll even be local suppliers who can provide a genuine part for you at around overseas prices. For Jeep, Chrysler, Dodge, Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Isuzu Ute and Volkswagen, visit my site www.genuinespares.com.au
Q: If you have a larger vehicle, with a lot of glass area, the chances are that you’ll want or need window tinting. At the point of sale, dealers will want to charge you up to $795 to tint the windows of your car. Again, you’ll want to avoid the stress and pressure of negotiating anymore and sign where you’re asked.
A: Window tinting can be obtained for under $400 through Car Business. My company has arrangements with local tint shops to do just that price – $400. Don’t be overcharged. $400 is the price to pay for the average vehicle
Q: How do I pick the right car for my needs?
A: Typically, car buyers will have a general idea of what sort of car they want to buy. However, in a market like ours with nearly 60 brands and thousands of models, historical ownership doesn’t have to be maintained. Find an honest buyer’s agent and have a chat to them about your requirements. My company, Car Business, offers this service to our customers without any obligation. You can fill out the lifestyle form, by clicking and a representative of Car Business will contact you to discuss your needs. We use the R J Pound Comparative new Vehicle Price Guide to assist buyers in understanding the alternatives. It may not be the one you’re thinking about right now.
Q: I need some accessories for my new car, but I’m not sure that I’m getting the best price from the dealer
A: Accessories are another area that dealers make a lot of their profit. Apart from the window tinting, paint and interior protection and rust proofing, a typical salesperson will run through a long list of accessories. Even the manufacturer has copious amounts of accessories in their new car brochure.
Don’t feel obligated to buy any accessories you want through the dealer. I suggest to a lot of my customers to phone the spare parts department of the same dealer and ask for a quote on the accessories they want. You might be surprised at a price. The other way is to search on the internet. There are lots of retailers who buy the same parts you want from overseas suppliers (even ones that supply the manufacturer directly) and will offer them at a substantially better price. All you have to do it fit them up, but generally it’s a pretty easy thing to do for the home handyman
Q: If I sell my car privately will I get a better price?
A: It is sometimes possible to achieve a higher price with a private sale; however this reduces significantly if your vehicle is not presented correctly and is no longer under warranty. The private buyer today is looking to receive the same benefits they would by purchasing from a Dealer and expect huge reductions in price if they believe they are disadvantaged. Add to this the cost of preparing your vehicle to the same standards as Motor Dealers. Look at such items as Safety Certificates, Service, Tyres, Windscreen, Chips and Scratches, Detailing, and Advertising along with the need to be accessible and available at all times including weekends when prospective buyers will want to inspect your vehicle. It may not be the wise choice to have people you do not know, coming to your home.
Once the costs and time involved are assessed, most people choose to trade their present vehicle or to use a professional Car Buying Service to ensure they get a good price without the expense or hassle.
Q: Do you allow and/or recommend RACQ Inspections on second-hand cars?
A: Yes, we welcome the RACQ Inspection Process in our business and recognise the need for such an independent examination. Once completed, I’ll discuss the report with you and facilitate any repairs that are deemed necessary. You can arrange for the RACQ to visit my business. I can arrange for them to inspect your choice of vehicle and have them send the report directly to you if you prefer.
Q: Why are dealers so expensive for service in comparison to other service centres?
A: Dealers service and maintain vehicles as set out by the manufacturer’s recommendations to protect your new car warranty. They will generally be willing to match other service providers as long as they are comparing “like for like”.
Your circumstances can be taken into account regarding changing some filters and coolants etc. They also have factory trained technicians and have the support of specialised equipment and of course the proper factory support. There are many other reasons such as resale value, and when it comes to trade-in price, car retailers always look at maintained service books and especially if a dealer has serviced them.
On the other hand, if you’re carefully managing your money, we can arrange a log book service at one of our preferred providers.
Do I need to return my vehicle to the selling dealer for service?
The simple answer is NO!
While dealers may suggest or insist that your new car is brought back to their service department, the reality is:
- You can take your car to any of the brand’s service centres for routine or warranty service. Brand X warranty is covered by the manufacturer, not by the dealer. So if there’s a more convenient location to have your car serviced, take it there.
- Dealers may suggest that you have to have your car serviced at the franchised dealer to maintain your warranty. Again that’s a falsehood. You can have your car serviced by any qualified mechanic or technician, provided that they follow the service guidelines for your vehicle as specified by the manufacturer
- They should use as a minimum the oil grade specified by the manufacturer and also parts that are of the same quality standard. You shouldn’t use inferior parts. While I would suggest using the manufacturer’s parts, there are similarly high-quality non-genuine parts available on the market. Things like brake pads, brake rotors, air and oil filters, spark plugs and the like are often cheaper and as good quality as those supplied but the manufacturer
How often should I check my Tyre Pressures?
I check my tyre pressures monthly. I have a tyre gauge purchased from Repco that I rely on to check the pressures in my tyres. Arguably, it’s probably better to check your tyre pressures every second time that you fill your fuel tank. High volume petrol centres have good quality air pumps, and it only takes a few minutes to do that after you’ve got your fill.
What should I do if my car breaks down at night?
Firstly, I’m suggesting that you be in a roadside assistance program such as provided by the RACQ.
If you’ve purchased a new car, you’ll have coverage under your new car warranty. Kia Motors Australia provides seven years of roadside assistance in coordination with their warranty. Hyundai and Ford have a 5-year program.
Mitsubishi provides roadside assistance after the first year provided you’re having your services done at one of their dealerships.
If you run out of roadside assistance, best sign up with RACQ or your state motoring body. (NRMA, RACV, etc.) It’s far from sensible to break down on a dark or unlit road and then have to do repairs yourself, particularly for younger drivers.
A phone call from inside a locked car is preferable to having to find a phone booth or a ‘friendly neighbour’ to call for help
If you’d like to discuss anything to do with purchase, trade-in, private sale, service, warranty issues or just have a conversation about the motor industry in Australia, please give me a call on 0418 748 498 or email to [email protected]
1 thought on “2019 LAMBORGHINI URUS ESSENTIALS: LOOK AT ME!”
Thanks for this article. It was really interesting and knowledgeable. Great work keep going. Thank you.