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Mercedes-AMG A35 4Matic Review

by | Oct 1, 2021 | 0 comments

Mercedes-AMG A35 4Matic Review

The 2021 Mercedes-AMG A35 4Matic spools up 302-hp from a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine

The exterior view of the Mercedes

Pricing for the Mercedes-AMG A35 4Matic compact sedan starts at $46,900. (Photos courtesy of Mercedes-Benz)

Table of Contents

AMG History
Pricing
Powertrain
Ride and Handling
AMG Reinforcements
Braking
Steering
Interior Function
Back Seats and Trunk Space
Why Buy the Mercedes-AMG A35?
Specifications

BY MARK MAYNARD

It was late September on a drizzly Sunday morning when I steered the Mercedes-AMG A35 toward the backcountry. It was a seasonally cool 70 degrees in San Diego, but in the foothills where I was headed the sun would be peeking out and the roads would be dry. The conditions were ideal to go out, get it and get home in this 302-horsepower AMG sly-scrapper of a small sedan.

The Mercedes-AMG A35 is a righteous upgrade of factory-finessed performance.

AMG History

The three letters that define AMG date to 1967. The abbreviation is associated with two former Mercedes-Benz engineers: Hans Werner Aufrecht and Erhard Melcher. The G is for Großaspach, the German village where they set up shop as race-engine developers. Today, Mercedes-AMG is a wholly owned subsidiary of Daimler AG.

Mercedes-AMG enhancements begin with a big boost to horsepower and high-speed control. The hardware improvements include the AMG Speedshift transmission, the AMG suspension, and the variable AMG Performance 4MATIC all-wheel drive.

There is an AMG model for nearly all M-B vehicles, whether for the big G63 SUV, the Mercedes-AMG ONE hypercar concept, and down to the A35.

Mercedes-AMG engines are the baseline to the AMG experience. Many of the engines are hand-built by meticulous technicians. Their names are engraved on a small plaque and affixed to the engine shroud.

The engine in the A35 is not hand-built to that degree, but it has all of the other AMG attributes.

The front seats in the Mercedes-AMG

Both front seats are power-adjustable with manual thigh extension.

From A220 to A35

The compact-class A35 is based on the Mercedes-Benz A 220. It is the brand’s smallest and most affordable sedan. The A-Class was completely redesigned for 2019 with handsome exterior styling, more back seat room and trunk space, and a more refined interior.

Pricing for the A220 starts at about $34,700. The A220 is sold with standard front-wheel drive or optional 4Matic all-wheel drive. The A220 powertrain is a 188-hp, turbocharged, 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission.

From this foundation, Mercedes-AMG transforms an entry-level family sedan into an aspirational object of artful engineering. Compare the A35 with the Audi S3 and BMW 235i.

Driver area of the AMG A35

The driver faces a 10.25-inch-wide digital dashboard.

Mercedes-AMG A35 Pricing

Pricing for the Mercedes-AMG A35 starts at $46,900, including the $1,050 freight charge from Rastatt, Germany. My tester was $56,875. The nearly $10,000 in options and accessories were primarily cosmetic. Most buyers would select the upgrades, which are highlighted in the specifications box at the end of this story.

But I would have added three more options, totaling $2,990:

  • Wireless phone charging, $200;
  • Driver Assistance Package, $1,700, adds the electronic elements for Level II assisted driving. Among those technologies are Active Distance Assist, Active Steering Assist, Evasive Steering Assist, Active Brake Assist with Cross-Traffic Function, Active Emergency Stop Assist, Active Speed Limit Assist and Active Lane Keeping Assist and Active Lane Change Assist’
  • Parking Assistance Package, $1,090, is valuable for its surround-view camera system and Parktronic with Active Parking Assist. Park assist is especially helpful to protect the car’s low chin spoiler from being poked into a wall or other parked vehicle.

Build your Mercedes-AMG A35 here.

19-inch tire and wheel

19-inch, twin-spoke light-alloy wheels and side sills of AMG design.

Mercedes-AMG A35 Powertrain

Mercedes-Benz engine development is masterful at providing gratuitous power with absolute accelerator response.

The 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine in the A35 has a stunning 302-hp. The twin-scroll turbocharger catches its breath quickly with just a moment’s delay as the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission engages first gear. In Sport or Sport-plus, there is no hesitation to jump off the line.

Fuel economy ratings are forgiving at 22 mpg city, 29 highway and 25 mpg combined on the recommended premium fuel. My mileage in combined driving was a consistent 25 to 29 mpg. But hoonyism will drop the range precipitously.

If 302-hp seems outrageous for a four-cylinder, Mercedes-AMG also builds a 2.0-liter with 416-hp and peak torque of 369 lb.-ft. from 5,000-5,250 rpm. The company says this 2.0-liter M 139 engine is the world’s most powerful turbocharged four-cylinder engine in series production.

The A35 engine

The twin-scroll turbocharged 2.0-liter engine will launch the A35 to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds.

A35 Ride and Handling

The AMG A35 is very likable for its levels of drivability. The car is a study in higher power. Choose performance attitudes of Slippery, Comfort, Sport, Sport-plus, or Individual to electronically set preferred qualities for steering response, suspension stiffness, and other fine tuning.

Comfort mode is reasonably assertive and boisterous when the gas pedal is floored, such as in an evasive maneuver. My preferences were Sport when making the commute or Sport-plus when headed out for a good time.

Like a steely street-fighter, the AMG35 punches above its weight. Its control fits in the hand like a roll of nickels (if anybody still rolls coin). The calibrations know to let the driver have that AMG experience when possible.

Flick off a double downshift and the engine blips and fires off a hearty report. The tone is sound-generated but rich and satisfying.

A steel-spring suspension with MacPherson front struts provides excellent road adhesion, at least in my less-than-blistering test. But even the Comfort setting is sports-car firm.

If that is not enough control, there is the optional AMG Ride Control suspension, $990. The adaptive adjustable damping allows the driver to switch between three stages of control.

4Matic All-Wheel Drive

The 4Matic all-wheel-drive in this car is more about performance adhesion than all-weather surefootedness.

The power split is front-drive biased, moving seamlessly to AWD as needed or when the computer sensors say it is necessary. The power delivery runs from front-drive only to a 50:50 percent split front to rear.

When committing to a corner at speed, the driver can push out the nose with the accelerator pedal or pull it back by a careful lift of the right foot.

Optional 19-inch, 235/35 Pirelli P Zero tires have a grippy (but low) treadwear rating of 280. That wear rating is expected of ultra-high-performance tires, but there was noticeable droning at highway speeds.

Tight parking situations are very manageable with a turning circle of 37.9 feet. But do be careful of that larger front splitter in the AMG Aerodynamics Package, $1,550. A driveway entry that looks harmless can inflict a painful scrape.

Mercedes A35 exhaust tips

The exhaust system has an automatically controlled exhaust flap.

A35 Body Reinforcements

To handle the stress of the AMG-enhanced powertrain, the front section of the bodyshell is reinforced. Turn-in precision was sharpened and the toe and camber alignment was modified a few degrees for handling dynamics, especially at speed. In addition, an aluminum “shearing plate” under the engine increases torsional rigidity at the front. And two other diagonal braces at the front also increase stiffness.

A35 Braking

The high-performance braking system brings the A35 sedan to an absolutely flat stop in an impressively short distance. The front axle is fitted with four-piston monoblock fixed calipers and 13.78-inch brake discs. At the rear is a single-piston caliper with 12.99-inch discs that are internally ventilated and perforated to dissipate heat and prevent brake fading. The silver-painted brake calipers have black AMG lettering.

A35 Steering

The speed-sensitive, electro-mechanical power steering has a unique rack with a variable transmission ratio and two characteristic curves. Depending on which drive program has been selected, the calibration provides taut and sporty or more comfortable steering feedback.

AMG Track Pace

For those drivers who will run their A35 through a slalom, there is an optional data logger. The AMG Track Pace ($250) is a virtual race engineer that permanently records more than 80 vehicle-specific data. Among the displayed results are speed, acceleration, and lap times.

Specific display elements are shown in green or red. The color variations show at a glance whether the driver’s times are faster or slower than their best time.

Well-known race tracks, such as the Nürburgring or Spa Francorchamps, are already stored. Furthermore, it is also possible to record your own circuits. The map display can be switched from 2D to 3D and can also be updated online.

The MBUX Augmented Reality function also allows the ideal driving line of a stored racetrack to be displayed on the multimedia display or optional head-up display. It is like having a virtual instructor in the passenger seat helping the driver to improve lap times.

Back seat legroom is snug for adults.

Back seat legroom of 33.9 inches is snug for adults.

A35 Interior Function

The A220 is one of the more convincing entry-level small sedans. Technically, the car’s footprint is subcompact, but the interior space is more compact-class in roominess.

Driver sightlines are unhindered over the shoulder or across the hood. Entry and exit are low but not a struggle for taller adults.

Front headroom with the sunroof is tall at almost 40 inches with long legroom of 41.8 inches.

The driver faces a digital dashboard with a 10.25-inch digital instrument array and a 10.25-inch touch-screen display for infotainment and other cabin controls. The electronics are non-threatening to use, and there are alternate buttons for audio, fan speeds, and AC.

There are several spaces for small-item storage and door panels that will accommodate tall bottles.

Back Seats and Trunk Space

The back seat legroom of 33.9 inches is snug but with comfortable shoulder room for two adults. The space does not feel cramped.

Trunk space might seem small at just 8.6 cubic feet, but the space is wide and square with a wide entry of 37.4 inches. And the back seat has a 60/40 split and folds flat for longer items.

A side view of the A35

The Mercedes-Benz A-Class was completely redesigned for 2019.

Why Buy the Mercedes-AMG A35?

AMG is the art of engineering. It is a stealth display of performance, which many owners prefer over the alternatives.

Building a model-line halo from a base model can have disappointing results. But the A220 now embodies the measures expected of a luxury car, even if it is the least expensive in the lineup.

The plastics have appealing texture and color. I saw no unfinished corners or misaligned panels in the test car. The trunk, too, had neatly installed carpeting, a pair of sturdy seatback-release handles, and even a red warning light, NOT just a reflector, when the trunk lid is raised.

The A35 starting price of $46,900 is a baseline of AMG credentials. From there, it will take driving enthusiasts another $10,000 to hand-pick their preferred conveniences or technologies.

From its economy-car foundation, the pleasure provided by a $57,000 A35 becomes a value statement.

Mercedes-AMG A35 4Matic Specifications

Body style: compact, 5-seat, 4-door sedan with AWD

Engine: 302-hp, AMG-enhanced twin-scroll turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder ; 295 lb.-ft. torque at 3,000 rpm

Transmission: AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7-speed dual-clutch transmission with manual mode and race-start function

0-60 mph: 4.6 seconds (est.); top speed, 155 mph

Fuel economy: 22/29/25 mpg city/hwy/combined; premium fuel recommended for peak performance

BY THE NUMBERS

Fuel tank: 13.5 gallons

Trunk space: 8.6 cu. ft.

Front head/leg room: 40.3/41.8 in.

Rear head/leg room: 37.2/33.9 in.

Length/wheelbase: 179.4/107.4 in.

Curb weight: 3,525 lbs.

Turning circle: 37.9 ft.

FEATURES

Standard equipment includes: Keyless locking and push-button ignition, panoramic sunroof, 10.25-inch touch screen display and 10.25-inch digital instrument array, rearview camera, Apple CarPlay (wired) or Android Auto infotainment apps, Bluetooth phone and streaming music, power (heated) front seats with lumbar support, LED headlights and taillights,

Safety features include: 7 air bags, active brake assist, blind-spot assist, crosswind assist and adaptive braking, Hill Start Assist and HOLD function

PRICING

Base price: $46,900, including $1,050 freight charge; price as tested $56,875

Options on test vehicle: Patagonia Red metallic paint $720; black leather upholstery $1,450; satellite radio $460; Burmester surround-sound audio system $850; heated front seats $500; USB-C adapter cable (in armrest console) $25;

Multimedia package, $1,295, includes navigation, map updates, MBUX augmented reality for navigation and traffic sign assist;

Premium package, $800, includes Keyless Go, hands-free trunk access, auto-dimming side and folding rearview mirrors;

AMG Features

  • Performance steering wheel in Nappa leather, $400;
  • 19-inch AMG multi-spoke wheels in matte black, $800;
  • AMG steering wheel buttons, $400;
  • AMG Ride Control Sport suspension, $990;

Night Package, $750, includes front splitter, grille trim and louvers in the side air intakes, AMG side panel inserts, gloss black beltline and window trim, black side mirror covers, and exhaust tips;

Aerodynamics Package, $1,550, includes larger front splitter and diffusers, larger rear spoiler lip, rear apron, and black diffuser blade

Where assembled: Rastatt, Germany

Warranty: 4-years/50,000-miles with roadside assistance

2022 Infiniti Q50 Sedan Overview

by | Sep 23, 2021 | 0 comments

2022 Infiniti Q50 Sedan Overview

The 2022 Infiniti Q50 adds wireless tech and a higher standard of luxury

The 2022 Infiniti Q50

The 2022 Infiniti Q50 is sold in rear- or all-wheel-drive powertrains. U.S. pricing starts at $43,125. (Photos courtesy of Infiniti)

Table of Contents

New for 2022
Standard Equipment
Safety Features
2022 Infiniti Q50 Pricing
Powertrain
Infiniti Q50 Red Sport 400
Why Buy the Infiniti Q50?
Specifications

BY MARK MAYNARD

Infiniti has begun the 2022 model year with a triple play. Dealerships have a wholly redesigned QX60 SUV, a refreshed QX80 large SUV and a more tech-relevant Q50 large-compact sedan. And these are in addition to the redesigned 2022 Infiniti QX55 coupe crossover — the sportback variant of the QX50 crossover — that went on sale earlier this year. Finally, and still relevant, is the Q60 coupe, based on the Q50.

The Infiniti Q50 is a so-called “executive” class sedan. It is a super-compact and almost midsize by size, but the EPA classifies it as a midsize for fuel-economy ratings. The current generation Q50 made its U.S. debut in late summer of 2013. It shares a foundation with the Japanese market V37 Nissan Skyline.

Infiniti's zero-gravity seats

Zero-gravity spinal support seats minimize pressure on back muscles.

What’s New for 2022

The 2022 Q50 is not a redesign but an update for two features that will appeal to younger buyers:

The standard 16-speaker Bose Performance Series Audio. It features Bose Centerpoint simulated surround.

Wireless Apple CarPlay cuts the cord for uncluttered use. Android phone users are supported by two standard USB ports, a Type-A and Type-C.

Dual, high-definition displays feature smartphone compatibility software and Infiniti InTouch Services.

Wireless CarPlay

High-definition displays feature smartphone compatibility software.

Infiniti Q50 Standard Equipment

Every 2022 Infiniti Q50 includes standard leather-trimmed upholstery and eight-way power-adjustable front seats, with power lumbar for the driver. There is a power tilt and telescoping steering wheel and power-folding side mirrors with reverse tilt-down. The dual-occupant memory system for the driver’s seat remembers steering wheel, seat, and outside mirror position and is linked to individual Intelligent Keys.

The Q50 Red Sport 400 is now available with power-fold side mirrors, revised genuine carbon-fiber interior trim, and new black exterior trim.

There are two new premium paint colors of Grand Blue ($695) and Slate Gray, available only on the Red Sport 400. Other premium colors (a $695 choice) include Majestic White and Midnight Back. Dynamic Sunstone Red, $900, is considered an exclusive color.

Other standard Q50 features include:

  • Backup Collision Intervention
  • Around View Monitor with Moving Object Detection
  • Lane Departure Warning (now with haptic steering)
  • Intelligent Cruise Control
  • Distance Control Assist
  • High Beam Assist
The Infiniti shift console

The seven-speed automatic transmission has downshift rev-matching.

Safety Features

Standard safety features on all Q50 models include:

  • Six air bags,
  • Blind-spot warning,
  • Predictive forward collision warning,
  • Backup collision intervention,
  • Forward emergency braking,
  • Lane departure warning (with haptic steering),
  • Around View Monitor with moving object detection.
“Human-eye” LED headlights

“Human-eye” LED headlights are standard.

Infiniti Q50 Pricing

For 2022, the entry Pure model was eliminated and in its place is the Luxe, followed by Sensory and the top-line Red Sport 400.

Available later in the model year will be the Infiniti Q50 Signature Edition, which has dark chrome exterior trim, 19-inch bright aluminum alloy wheels, and saddle brown leather-trimmed sports seats. Pricing will be announced later.

At $43,125, the Luxe is about $5,400 more than the Pure. Add $2,000 for AWD for any trim level.

The Q50 Sensory starts at $50,825 and the Q50 Red Sport 400 at $56,975. All MSRPs include the $1,025 freight charge from Tochigi, Japan.

Check here for more Infiniti pricing and incentive information.

The high performance tires and wheels on the Infiniti Q50 Red Sport 400

The Q50 Red Sport 400 has four-piston front brake calipers painted red.

Q50 Powertrain

The Infiniti Q50 is somewhat unique for its standard rear-wheel drive or optional all-wheel drive. That format makes it more of a competitor with the BMW 3-Series, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, or Genesis G70.

The only Q50 powertrain is a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6. In standard models, the direct-injected engine has 300 horsepower and 295 foot-pounds of peak torque from 1,500-5,200 rpm.

The V-6 engine in the Q50

The only Q50 powertrain is a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V-6.

 Q50 Red Sport 400

The higher-performance Q50 Red Sport 400 has 400 hp and 350 lb.-ft. torque from 1,600-5,200 rpm. This engine is beefed up with an extra water pump for more cooling and an optical turbine speed sensor. The speed sensor allows the twin-turbochargers to perform at up to 240,000 rpm, which is higher than ever before for a V-6 engine, Infiniti says.

Premium fuel is recommended for both engines.

Both engines are paired to an advanced seven-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode and downshift rev-matching.

The Q50 Red Sport 400 has such performance upgrades as four-piston front brake calipers and two-piston rear calipers, painted red. Its Dynamic Digital Suspension constantly adjusts the shock absorber valves to control body motion when cornering. Other hardware features include exclusive 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels and dual exhaust tips with a brushed satin finish.

Interior upgrades include black exterior accents, aluminum pedals, and semi-aniline leather-appointed surfaces.

A carbon-fiber trim package available only for the Red Sport 400 would add $1,520.

Back seats in white leather

The thin front seatback design adds a bit more knee room in the back seat.

Why Buy the Infiniti Q50?

In this era of the SUV, consistency is an asset for this attractively styled four-door car.

The Q50 has existed in its current makeup for several years with only modest updates. As a result, some buyers will look elsewhere for the latest and greatest in prestige or brand awareness. But returning Q50 lessors and intenders new to the brand will value Infiniti’s interior refinement and attention to detail.

And now, there is wireless connectivity for that high-power audio system.

Cars are being delivered now.

A rear view

The Q50 is unique in the segment for its rear- or all-wheel drive and a standard V-6 engine and seven-speed automatic.

Infiniti Q50 Specifications

Body style: large-compact four-door, five-passenger sedan in rear- or all-wheel drive

Engine: twin-turbocharged, direct-injection, 3.0-liter V-6

Transmission: 7-speed automatic

Fuel economy: 20/29/22 mpg city/hwy/combined for rear-wheel drive; 19/27/22 mpg with AWD

BY THE NUMBERS

Fuel tank: 20 gallons

Trunk space: 13.5 cu. ft.

Front head/leg room: 39.5*/44.5 in. *w/moonroof

Rear head/leg room: 36.8/35.1 in.

Length/wheelbase: 189.6/112.2 in.

Curb weights: 3,781 to 4,019 lbs.

Turning circle: 36.7 ft. RWD; 37.4 ft. AWD

PRICING

Base MSRP: $43,125 to $56,975; add $2,000 for AWD; pricing includes the $1,025 freight charge

Where assembled: Tochigi, Japan

Warranty: 4-years/60,000-miles basic coverage; 6-years/70,000-miles powertrain coverage

2022 Infiniti QX80 Overview

by | Sep 3, 2021 | 0 comments

2022 Infiniti QX80 Overview

The “significantly refined” 2022 Infiniti QX80 SUV emphasizes a more luxurious interior and more technologies

An exterior view of the 2022 Infiniti QX80 SUV

The three-row, body-on-frame Infiniti QX80 SUV goes on sale later this summer. Pricing starts at almost $72,000. (Photos courtesy of Infiniti)

Table of Contents

Pricing
Drivetrain
Standard Equipment
Options
Specifications

BY MARK MAYNARD

The “significantly refined” 2022 Infiniti QX80 SUV emphasizes a more luxurious interior and more technologies. Prominent in the update is a wide-screen, high-definition 12.3-inch Infiniti InTouch display that includes wireless Apple CarPlay and USB-based Android Auto compatibility.

The InTouch infotainment system

The wide-screen InTouch display updates the previous two screens that were stacked in the center of the instrument panel.

2022 Infiniti QX80 Pricing

The three-row, body-on-frame Infiniti QX80 SUV goes on sale later this summer. Sold in three trim levels of Luxe, Premium Select, and Sensory, starting MSRPs range from $71,995 to $ 76,780 to $83,630.

Rear-wheel drive is standard or add all-mode four-wheel drive to any trim level for $3,100. All MSRPs include the $1,395 freight charge from Kyushu, Japan.

Check Infiniti pricing and incentives here.

And please read my review of the 2020 Infiniti QX80 here.

The front-seat area of the QX80

All trim levels of the QX80 have Nappa leather-appointed seats in all three rows.

QX80 Drivetrain

The 5,678-pound QX80 has a 400-horsepower, direct-injected 5.6-liter V-8 paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission. With a maximum of 413 foot-pounds of torque at 4,000 rpm, the tow capacity is up to 8,500 pounds.

Fuel economy ratings from 2021 are 14 mpg city and 20 mpg highway, using the recommended premium fuel. The 26-gallon should provide around 400 miles of driving.

All QX80 models have a four-wheel independent, double-wishbone suspension with rear automatic self-leveling. The hydraulic Body Motion Control System is available.

The second-row captain's chairs.

Second-row captain’s chairs tip up for easier access to the third row.

QX80 Standard Equipment

The wide-screen InTouch display updates the previous two screens that were stacked in the center of the instrument panel. The navigation system includes five years of free access to premium traffic and MapCare. A Wi-Fi hotspot to connect multiple devices is included, but a subscription is sold separately after the 30-day trial.

  • Smart Rearview Mirror. The digital mirror provides an unobstructed view when cargo or passengers obstruct rearward vision;
  • Around View Monitor with Moving Object Detection and Front and Rear Sonar. The system helps when navigating tight parking spaces;
  • Intelligent Cruise Control, Backup Collision Intervention, Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Intervention, and Lane Departure Prevention. The driver-assistance technologies provide Level 2 semi-autonomous highway driving;
  • Nappa leather-appointed seats in all three rows and second-row captain’s chairs that tip up for easier access to the third row;
  • Heated front seats.
The third row of the QX80

The third-row space is kid-class with short legroom of 28.8 inches.

QX80 Optional Features

  • Semi-aniline leather-appointed and climate-controlled front seats;
  • Advanced Climate Control System with Plasmacluster technology and Grape Polyphenol filter;
  • Bose Performance Series Audio with 17 speakers;
  • 22-inch alloy wheels with dark chrome accents;
  • Body Motion Control System;
  • Rear Seat Entertainment system, with twin, 8-inch screens.
The wide open cargo area of the QX80

Power 60/40-split fold-flat and reclining third-row seats.

Infiniti QX80 Specifications

Body style: full-size 7-passenger body-on-frame SUV; rear-wheel or 4WD

Engine: 400-hp, direct-injected 5.6-liter V-8 with 413 foot-pounds of torque at 4,000 rpm.

Transmission: 7-speed automatic transmission with snow and tow modes

Tow capacity: up to 8,500 lbs. with standard trailer sway control

Fuel economy: 14/20 mpg city/highway; premium fuel recommended

BY THE NUMBERS

Fuel tank: 26 gallons

Cargo space: 16.6 to 49.6 to 95.1 cu. ft.

Front head/leg room: 39.9/39.6 in.

2nd-row head/leg room: 40/41 in.

3rd-row head/leg room: 36.8/28.8 in.

Length/wheelbase: 210.2/121.1 in.

Height/width: 75.8*/79.9 in. *with roof rails

Curb weight: 5,678 lbs.

Turning circle: 41.3 ft.

PRICING

QX80 Luxe, $71,995, includes 20-inch alloy wheels, Charcoal Burl trim, Bose 13-speaker premium audio system and a power liftgate.

QX80 Premium Select, $76,780, includes 22-inch dark chrome alloy wheels and unique Matte Mocha Burl interior trim.

The QX80 Sensory, $83,630, includes 22-inch dark chrome alloy wheels, chrome exterior accents, semi-aniline leather-appointed seats, 17-speaker Bose Performance Audio, Hydraulic Body Motion Control, and climate-controlled front seats.

Where assembled: Kyushu, Japan

Warranty: 4-years/50,000-miles basic coverage with 24-hour roadside assistance; 6-years/70,000-miles powertrain

A rear view of the QX80

Rear-wheel drive is standard on the QX80 or add all-mode four-wheel drive for $3,100.

2022 Honda Civic Sedan Review

by | Sep 2, 2021 | 0 comments

2022 Honda Civic Sedan Review

The 11th generation 2022 Honda Civic Sedan is redesigned with a “thin and light” body design, new materials, and technologies

A front view of a red 2022 Honda Civic Sport

The redesigned 2022 Honda Civic has more mature styling and a more premium appearance to the interior. (Photography courtesy of Honda)

Table of Contents

Overview
What’s New In the Redesign?
Pricing
Powertrains and Fuel Economy
Safety Features
Driver-Assist System
Interior Function
Back seats and cargo
Ride and Handling
Why Buy the 2022 Honda Civic?
Specifications

BY MARK MAYNARD

The Honda Civic marks its 11th generation in North America with the complete redesign of the 2020 model. This stalwart economy car made its U.S. debut in 1973 amid the first oil embargo by OPEC. According to Honda, 49 years later, the Civic is the longest-running automotive nameplate in the United States.

The 2020 redesign created the most technologically advanced Civic sedan in the model’s history.

The exterior redesign is less provocative, more mature, and enduring. Inside, there is a more premium presence to the interior with smart ergonomic access to controls and switches, despite a standard 7-inch color touch screen that includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Safety technologies include new front air bags designed to reduce traumatic brain and neck injuries. Rear-seat side air bags are a Civic first.

The driver-assist system, known as Honda Sensing, was updated for a front wide-view camera. And the top Touring model gets new Traffic Jam Assist and Low Speed Braking Control.

The two engine choices are carryover but with improvements to increase performance, fuel efficiency, and refinement.

Driver area of the new Civic

The redesigned dash incorporates a series of mesh panels for a clean, continuous look.

Honda Civic Overview

Four-door cars are declining in interest today, but the Honda Civic sedan has been a bread-winner model for Honda.

“Despite auto industry new vehicle sales being almost 80 percent light trucks (CUV, SUV, pickups) and last year being very negatively impacted by COVID-19, we still sold over 260,000 Civics in 2020,” said Honda spokesman Carl Pulley in an email.

More than 12 million Civics have been sold since 1973. That legacy makes it one of the top three best-selling passenger cars in America, Honda says.

Civic remains the No. 1 vehicle in the industry with Millennials, Gen Z, first-time and multicultural buyers, Pulley said. “It serves as one of the primary gateways to the Honda brand.”

As before, the Civic continues as front-wheel drive with no plan yet for all-wheel drive.

The 2020 Civic Hatchback will be built in the U.S. for the first time, with production to begin later this year at Honda’s Greensburg, Ind. auto plant. The sedan is built in Allison, Ontario, Canada.

Industry sources say the new sedan and hatchback will be followed by the sporty Si and high-performance Type R.

Sedans competing with the Honda Civic include the Hyundai Elantra, Kia Forte, Mazda 3, Subaru Impreza, and Toyota Corolla.

The front seats in the new Civic

The interior styling follows the “Man-Maximum, Machine-Minimum” approach.

Honda Civic Redesign

In designing the 11th-generation Civic, the stylists and engineers focused on the original Honda design approach of “Man-Maximum, Machine-Minimum.”

The pulled-back windshield pillars, low hood, flat dashboard, and hidden windshield wipers enable a windshield with clearly defined corners for a panoramic view.

Key to the Civic’s exterior redesign was moving the bottom of the windshield pillars rearward by nearly 2 inches. The revision elongates the hood for a premium silhouette. Honda says it is a subtle design element that emphasizes the wheels and tires for a stable, planted stance.

Civic's fabric front seatbacks

The fabric-vinyl upholstery is neatly stitched and the seats are supportive.

Dimensions and body structure

By size, the 2022 model is 1.3 inches longer (184 inches) but the same width and height as before, 70.9/55.7 inches.

Curb weights are up by 106 to 114 pounds across the trim levels. And trunk space was trimmed by just 0.3 cubic feet, but it is still significant at 14.8 cubic feet.

The body structure is the most rigid in Civic history, Honda says. The stiffer structure aids ride quality, reduces interior noise, and sharpens suspension response for better handling. In addition, a slightly wider rear track (0.5-inch) enhances stability.

The color touch screen

All Civics have a 7-inch (shown) or 9-inch touch screen.

Honda Civic Pricing

The Honda Civic has a choice of two four-cylinder engines in four front-wheel-drive trim levels of LX, Sport, EX 1.5, and Touring 1.5. All models have a continuously variable automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is not offered.

Starting prices range from $22,695 for the base LX with the 2.0-liter engine to $29,295 for the Touring 1.5. All MSRP pricing includes the $995 freight charge from Allison, Ontario, Canada.

Civic Sport 2.0L

The Sport model has a more aggressive exterior and interior styling and a Sport mode with paddle shifters.

The Sport is well equipped. Highlights of its standard equipment include smart-entry locking with push-button ignition, electric parking brake, eight-speaker audio system, Apple CarPlay or Android Auto infotainment, sport pedals, automatic high beams, LED headlights and taillights, and 18-inch alloy wheels with 235/40 all-season tires

My Civic Sport tester was $25,657.21, which included two accessories by Honda Performance Development:

  • HPD Kit of front, side, and rear underbody spoilers, decklid spoiler, and HPD emblem $1,417.80;
  • Honda Genuine Accessories of a gloss black H-mark, Civic, and Sport emblems $144.41.
  • The tester’s Platinum White Pearl paint added $395.

Check here for Honda Civic pricing and incentives.

A rear view of the new Civi

The Sport trim adds gloss-black side mirrors, 18-inch wheels, and chrome exhaust tips.

Powertrains and Fuel Economy

The standard engine is a 158-horsepower, 2.0-liter. The uplevel engine is a 180-hp, turbocharged and direct-injected 1.5-liter. Both engines run on 87 octane fuel and all models have a 12.4-gallon tank.

All Civic sedans use a continuously variable transmission, with paddle shifters for the Sport and Touring trim levels. There is no six-speed manual for the sedan, but a stick shift will be available for the upcoming hatchback model.

The EX 1.5 Turbo model is the mileage champ. It has EPA fuel-economy ratings of 33 mpg city, 42 highway and 36 mpg combined.

Next in line is the entry LX model at 31/40/35 mpg followed by the Touring 1.5 Turbo at 31/38/34 mpg and then the Sport 2.0L at 30/37/33 mpg.

In my week of testing a Sport 2.0L, the best average fuel economy I could manage was 30.1 to 30.6 mpg, but it was consistent from town to highway.

The 2.0-liter Civic engine

The base engine is a 158-horsepower, 2.0-liter.

Honda Civic Safety Features

The 2022 Honda Civic sedan can boast what Honda calls the world’s first application of front driver and passenger air bags designed to reduce traumatic brain and neck injuries.
The new design better controls head motions, Honda says. The driver’s air bag is donut-shaped to cradle and hold the head to reduce rotation. The passenger-side air bag uses a three-chamber design for a similar result.

Side impact protection was improved throughout. There are stiffer structures in the roof and doors, side sills and door pillars, rear wheel arches and rear window pillars.

There are a total of 10 air bags.

Driver-Assist System

The Sport model is technologically equipped for Level 2 semi-autonomous driving. The Honda Sensing system integrates Adaptive Cruise Control, Collision Mitigating Braking, Lane-Keeping Assist, Road Departure Mitigation, Traffic Jam Assist, Vehicle Stability Assist.

When activated, the system consistently keeps the car centered between the white lines. And, in my experience, there were no random shutoffs or alarming audible alerts.

Honda Civic Interior Function

Honda applies the “Man-Maximum, Machine-Minimum” approach to interior design. The focus is on “exceptional visibility, intuitive ergonomics, extraordinary passenger volume, and driver-focused technology.”

The approach works quite well and provides open sightlines over the shoulder and across the hood. New owners will discover the smart ergonomics in several areas, including the comfortably angled door-side armrests and window controls. Large visors slide, and there is a deep center armrest box.

High-quality materials are visible throughout the interior, especially on touch points. Special attention was given to the refined operation of switchgear and controls. And all trim levels have a new front seat design that holds firmly without extreme side and bottom bolstering.

There are numerous areas for small-item storage, including the door panels that can accommodate large bottles. The 7-inch touch-screen display includes buttons for volume and radio tuning.

The AC and vent controls also include dials to easily adjust temp, fan speed, and vent directions. Also rewarding is the wide span of vent flow along the face of the dashboard; prominent finger controls make it easy to readjust the airflow.

The shift console is slim but functional with large cup holders and an e-bin with a charging USB and 180-watt 12-volt plug. But despite all of the Civic Sport’s advanced technologies, wireless charging is only available with the top-line Touring model. And with multiple tries, I was unable to sync my iPhone for hands-free talking.

The top-line Civic Sedan Touring debuts a new 9-inch color touch screen and digital color instrument display. The 10.2-inch high-def panel is customizable and can be configured to show traditional round gauges or bar graphs.

The refined door panel of the new Civic

There is room in the door panel for large bottles.

Back Seat and Trunk Space

The Civic redesign attempts to make the most of back-seat roominess, but it is still a compact space.

The rear legroom of 37.4 inches is long for a small car. But the headroom of 37.1 inches will be restrictive to growing teenagers or business colleagues.

Trunk space of nearly 15 cubic feet has plenty of reach to the back seat. The trunk entry point is wide at 37 inches, but the 18-inch access opening will restrict big-box items. Fold the seatback to carry items up to about 6 feet in length.

The Civic's back seat

Back seat legroom is long at 37.4 inches. Fold the back seat for up to 6 feet in length.

Folded back seat

Civic Sport Ride and Handling

The Civic Sport ride quality is taut but not harsh. It handles well enough, but its sportiness is more in styling than performance.

The continuously variable transmission is dutiful and primed for fuel economy. Unfortunately, it also provokes engine noise on hard acceleration. Sport mode cranks up the shift response to simulate shift points, but it was almost too much enthusiasm for around-town driving.

The car rides low and the chin scrapes on driveways. In the hope of avoiding the cringeworthy occurrence, I’d make wide-angled turns into my driveway. But that only caused a scrape to the right-front alloy wheel — which was another cringeworthy moment. In my weak defense, the 18-inch Goodyear Eagle Sport all-season tires fit right to the edge of the wheel.

The Goodyears, too, have a hard treadwear rating of 560, which I blame for the maelstrom of tire noise inside the cabin at Interstate speeds.

The 18-inch tire-and-wheel package pushed the turning circle to a wide 38.1 feet versus 36.1 feet with the 16- or 17-inch wheels.

Four-wheel-disc braking is by 11.1-inch vented rotors at the front with solid 10.2-inch rotors at the rear.

2022 Civic trunk

The trunk has 14.8 cubic feet of capacity.

Why Buy the Honda Civic?

The Honda Civic’s 2020 redesign is a remarkable improvement for refinement and premium presentation. The interior is as accommodating as it can get for a compact sedan, and the exterior’s clean lines will be a big purchase motivator.

However, the Civic has no hybrid model and some of the competitors offer all-wheel-drive.

American Honda is fortunate that it has weathered the industrywide parts supply issues and has cars to sell. With the Sept. 1 sales report, Honda said that demand has been off the charts for all-new Civic sedan and dealers are selling cars as quickly as they are trucked in.

Honda Civic 2.0L Sport Specifications

Body style: compact, front-drive, 5-passenger 4-door sedan

Engine: 158-hp, 2.0-liter 4-cylinder with 16-valve DOHC i-VTEC with multiport injection and idle stop-start; 138 lb.-ft. at 4,200 rpm

Transmission: CVT with paddle shifters

Fuel economy: 30/37/33 mpg city/hwy/combined; 87 octane

BY THE NUMBERS

Fuel tank: 12.4 gallons

Trunk space: 14.8 cu. ft.

Front head/leg room: 39.3/42.3 in.

Rear head/leg room: 37.1/37.4 in.

Length/wheelbase: 184/107.7 in.

Curb weight: 2,935 lbs. (Sport)

Turning circle: 38.1 ft. (Sport)

PRICING

Base price: $24,095, including $995 freight charge; price as tested $25,657.21

Options on test vehicle: Platinum White Pearl paint $395; HPD Kit of front, side, and rear underbody spoilers, decklid spoiler and HPD emblem $1,417.80; Honda Genuine Accessories of a gloss black H-mark, Civic, and Sport emblems $144.41

Where assembled: Allison, Ontario, Canada

2016 Lamborghini Huracan Review

by | Aug 24, 2021 | 0 comments

2016 Lamborghini Huracan Review

The rear-wheel-drive Lamborghini Huracan LP 580-2 is new for 2016 and has a shared but unique architecture with the Audi R8

The Rosso Red Lamborghini Huracan

The 2016 Lamborghini Huracan 580-2 starts at $204,595. (Photography by Mark Maynard)

Table of Contents

Pricing
Powertrain
Ride and Handling
Interior Function
Why buy the Lamborghini Huracan?
Specifications

 BY MARK MAYNARD

The Lamborghini Huracan has a reputation as a social rave, but in truth, it is a masterpiece of engineering and a daily-driver supercar.

The Huracan is Lamborghini’s smaller sports car. The exotic two-seater replaced the Gallardo in mid-2014, and the new model is a righteous successor.

New for 2016 is the rear-wheel-drive Lamborghini Huracan LP 580-2. There’s also the all-wheel-drive Huracan LP 610-4 with about 602 horsepower.

There are coupe and convertible versions of the AWD model, but only a hardtop for the 2016 RWD model. A new setup for springs and stabilizer bars on a double-wishbone suspension improves torsional rigidity by 50 percent over its predecessor, the Gallardo LP 550-2.

With positive support from parent company Volkswagen Group, the Lamborghini Huracan is a shared architecture with the Audi R8. Comparable exotics include the Ferrari 458 and McLaren 650S. But there also are new and less expensive supercars, such as the Acura NSX, Aston Martin Vantage, and even the Corvette Z06.

The Huracan driver area

The leather-lined buckets are comfortably bolstered for performance driving.

Lamborghini Huracan Pricing

The starting price of $204,595 for the Huracan LP 580-2 is a reasonable entry point for a V-10 supercar. That pricing includes the $3,495 freight charge from Modena, Italy, and the $1,300 gas-guzzler tax.

The tester was $238,795 with just two options, including the transparent engine-bay cover, $7,000. One admiring look at this car in the bright Rosso Red paint ($2,500)  and the driver is immediately guilty until proved innocent.

Despite that V-10, the Huracan’s fuel economy is not terrible. The EPA cites 17 mpg city, 21 highway and 17 mpg combined on the recommended premium fuel. On a daylong drive, I managed 19.9 mpg. But the mileage drops precipitously when the right foot goes down. The 22-gallon tank allows around 366 miles of driving with restraint.

View the current lineup of Lamborghini models here.

Front passenger seat

The seats are surprisingly comfortable for an all-day drive.

Huracan LP 580-2 Powertrain

For the starting price, the owner gets a hybrid chassis of aluminum and carbon fiber. The naturally aspirated, 572-horsepower 5.2-liter V-10 has direct injection and cylinder deactivation. And with peak torque of 398 foot-pounds at 6,500 rpm, 75 percent of the torque is available at 1,000 rpm, Lamborghini says.

The seven-speed dual-clutch transmission gives such quick shifts in Sport mode that its speed would embarrass a lightning strike. There are automatic and manual driving options and performance choices of Strada (normal), Sport, and Corsa (track).

Lamborghini cites zero to 62 mph acceleration in 3.2 seconds and a top speed of 199 mph. The 14.6-foot-long, midengine car has a dry weight of 3,062 pounds. Lamborghini does not cite “wet” curb weight, such as when loaded with fuel, but figure another 122 pounds with a tankful.

The 572-hp V-10 engine

The 572-hp, naturally aspirated 5.2-liter V-10.

Huracan LP 580-2 Ride and Handling

Sport mode opens the pipes, sharpens the shift points, and gives hefty throttle blips on downshifts. In addition, the system loosens the reins of stability and traction controls for some slide through the corners.

A hard launch brings a howitzer blast of force without torque pull left or right. The experience is straight-ahead traction in a blazing chorus of cylinders.

19 inch Pirelli tires

Low profile, high grip 19-inchPirelli tires.

There is an absolute engagement of gears from the start off to flat out. Flooring the pedal at about 30 mph is a hold-on event as the Huracan lunges like a predator in pursuit.

The magnetic ride suspension shows its superiority with sensitive adjustments in milliseconds. After six hours on the road, there was no fanny fatigue or torqued necks. The steering is light, direct, and requires just minimal inputs to clip the apex.

The standard steel brakes have supercar dimensions. The ventilated and cross-drilled rotors are 14.37 inches at the front and 14 inches rear. The aluminum monoblock calipers have eight pistons at the front and four pistons rear. From 62 mph, the stopping distance takes just 104.7 feet, which is 3.6 feet shorter than the rear-drive Gallardo predecessor.

The steering wheel as command center

The driver’s command center.

Huracan Interior Function

Breathe deep the rich cabin aroma of leather and microsuede. The interior layout is efficient and easy to access, with some console controls by Audi. The foot-wide gauge array can be electronically changed into a full video screen with a large RPM gauge and other essentials.

The Huracan interior is cockpit-compact, but this is a wide car and there is wide shoulder room of almost 55 inches door to door. There is long legroom and headroom for a 6-foot-3 driver, and maybe even taller, which is also surprising for the car’s low 46-inch roof height. But the doors are not hugely broad (unlike a Corvette) and the tight turning circle makes maneuvering easy in close quarters.

The leather-lined buckets are bolstered for performance driving but surprisingly comfortable for an all-day drive. However, the seats are heatable there is no lumbar adjustment or seat ventilation.

The LP 580-2 has a weight distribution of 40 percent front and 60 percent rear.

Why buy the Lamborghini Huracan?

I’m not sure why this car costs nearly a quarter of a million dollars. But there will be few complaints about owning this daily-driving supercar.

Whatever the Lamborghini Huracan does not have or does not do, you do not need or will find a way to do without — and like it.

The red starter button

The red push-button ignition.

Huracan LP 580-2 Specifications

Body style: 2-seat, rear-wheel-drive coupe

Chassis: Hybrid aluminum and carbon fiber

Bodyshell: Aluminum and composite material outer skin

Suspension: Aluminum double-wishbone

Springs and dampers: Steel springs and hydraulic dampers. “MagneRide”
electromagnetic damper control available as an option

Engine: 572-hp, naturally aspirated 5.2-liter V-10 with direct injection and cylinder deactivation; 398 lb.-ft. of torque at 6,500 rpm

Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch

Fuel economy: 17/21/17 mpg city/highway/combined; premium required

Fuel tank: 22 gallons

BY THE NUMBERS

Top speed: 198.8 mph

0-62 mph acceleration: 3.2 seconds

0-200 kmh (124.27 mph) acceleration: 10.1 seconds

Brakes: Specially contoured steel discs ventilated and cross-drilled; 14.3-inch front rotors with 8-piston calipers; rear,14-inch rotors with 4-piston calipers

Steering: Electromechanical; optional variable-ratio LDS (Lamborghini Dynamic Steering)

Tires: Pirelli 245/35 19-inch front, 305/35 R19 rear

Wheels: 8.5J x 19-inches front, 11J x 19 inches rear

Length/wheelbase: 175.5/103. in.

Width/height: 88*/45.9 in. *including side mirrors

Dry weight: 3,062.2 lbs.

Turning circle: 37.7 ft.

PRICING

Base price: $204,595, including $3,495 freight charge and $1,300 gas-guzzler tax; price as tested $238,795

Options on test vehicle: transparent engine-bay cover $7,000; Rosso Red paint $2,500

Where assembled: Modena, Italy

Warranty: 36-months/unlimited mileage covering everything from the powertrain to the seats

2019 Lamborghini Urus Review

by | Aug 24, 2021 | 0 comments

2019 Lamborghini Urus Review

With 650 horsepower, the Lamborghini Urus super-SUV is all beef and pure bull

A side view of the Urus

The 2019 Lamborghini Urus starts at $203,995 and the tester was $259,284 with 25 packages or accessories. (Photography by Mark Maynard)

Table of Contents

Overview
Pricing
Performance
Ride and Handling
Interior Function
Why buy the Lamborghini Urus?
Specifications

 

BY MARK MAYNARD

Go bullish or get ignored is the driving force in the so-called super SUV segment. For the Lamborghini Urus it is all about the power and presence with equal parts prestige, pampering and privilege.

There are serious players in this group:

  • Bentley’s 626-horsepower Bentayga Speed ($235,000-plus);
  • Range Rover’s 557-hp SV Coupe (two-door; $295,000);
  • The 577-hp Mercedes-AMG G63 G-wagen ($148,000);
  • The 590-hp Maserati Levante Trofeo AWD ($170,000);
  • The 541-hp Porsche Cayenne Turbo Coupe, a $131,000 four-door.

And then there’s today’s tester, the Lamborghini Urus with 650-hp and a starting price of $203,995. As tested, the price came to almost $260,000.

The red leather upholstery

Serious support in the sport seats.

Serious bolstering in the front seats.

Lamborghini Urus Overview

For Lamborghini, it is about having one of its Urus SUVs in the garage with one of the brand’s sports cars, and not parked next to an SUV by any other maker.

The Urus is Lamborghini’s second run at an SUV. Its first was the V-12 powered LM002 short-box pickup, aka “Rambo Lambo,” sold in the U.S. between 1986 and 1993.

The Lamborghini Urus shares nothing material with that truck. As a division of the global Volkswagen Group (including Bentley, Bugatti, Audi, Porsche, and Ducati motorcycles), the Urus takes a rib from the Audi Q7 SUV. It is an exemplary starting point well fortified with an advanced 4.0-liter V-8, eight-speed automatic, all-wheel drive, and a calm and functional cabin. And from there, the Lamborghini DNA takes hold to create a hooved beast for the track, trail, or town.

The driver area in the Urus

The driver area presents as a space-wars themed cockpit

2019 Lamborghini Urus Pricing

The tester’s sticker of $259,284 includes 25 packages or accessories, including the $3,995 freight charge from Sant’Agata Bolognese, Italy.

The add-ons ranged from a trailer hitch ($1,168) to ambient interior lighting ($3,036) to full leather upholstery ($3,157) with heated and cooled front seats ($631). The advanced driver assist system and Bang & Olufsen sound system were each $6,313.

Standard equipment includes permanent four-wheel drive with limited-slip rear differential and active torque vectoring, air suspension, full LED adaptive headlights and taillights, smart key locking and push-button ignition.

Choose your Urus here.

The steering wheel

A hands-on driving experience.

Urus Performance

Flip up the red bracket over the start-stop button on the center console and the engine fires with an open-pipe report then settles into a rumbling idle. But that gutsy V8 belts fire and brimstone with little provocation. And there are drive modes of Strada, Sport, Corsa, Sabbia, Terra and Neve (street, sport, track, sand, dirt and snow).

The twin-turbocharged, 650-horsepower V-8 with 627 foot-pounds of torque at 2,250 rpm will launch the Urus to 62 mph in a blaring 3.6 seconds. And that’s with a shaggy curb weight of 4,850 pounds.

It isn’t so much about how fast it will go, but how fast it gets to 30 mph, 60 mph, 90 mph. Be ready for the head-jerking jolt when the driver nails the throttle, even a little bit. The Urus jumps and kicks like a shock-rod to the flank of a rodeo bull. And unlike its rider trying to hold on, the controllability of the Urus makes its rider want to do it again — with respect, of course.

Fuel economy is not embarrassing at 12 mpg city, 17 highway and 14 mpg combined on the required premium fuel. I worked up to 20 mpg on a highway run while resisting Sport mode. But with a 19.8-gallon tank, there is much full-on Sport mode to be enjoyed.

The twin-turbocharged, 650-horsepower V-8

The twin-turbocharged, 650-horsepower V-8.

Urus Ride and Handling

To handle stopping power from a top speed of 190 mph, Lamborghini says it built the world’s largest set of ventilated carbon-ceramic disc brakes for the Urus: 10-piston front calipers grip 17.3-inch rotors at the front and single-piston calipers for the rear 14.5-inch rotors.

Rear-wheel steering helps crimp the turning circle to 38.7 feet, making the Urus very urban friendly. The 360-degree camera system overcomes rear visibility issues at the small window.

The air suspension system can provide up to 9.8 inches of ground clearance for off-road use or drop the height for passenger loading. But this is the only Lambo that you will never have to remember to raise the nose when crossing a speed bump.

The 22-inch ZR-rated (street and competition) Pirelli P Zero tires are staggered, in sizes of 285/40 front and 325/35 rear. The rear rubber is nearly 13 inches wide, which benefits braking from 62 mph to zero in about 111 feet. That’s about 11 feet farther than Lamborghini’s Aventador coupe.

The big disc brakes on the Urus

The carbon-ceramic four-wheel-disc brakes are about the largest used on any car.

Urus Interior Function

Despite the competition-grade hardware, the Lamborghini Urus is a streamliner on the highway with no nervous twitching and it soars through cornering maneuvers. The cabin is well soundproofed, the steering is quick with good communication through the wheel.

The only driver element that I would change would be for steering-column-mounted shifters, rather than mounted on the steering wheel. As with other Lamborghinis, Drive is engaged by flipping the right-side paddle shifter. And when the wheel is turned, as when backing out of a driveway, the paddle is upside down on the wrong side.

The driver area presents as a space-wars themed cockpit with full electronic displays that are reasonably configured for touch-screen adjustment. The optional 18-way power-adjustable and massaging front seats are heated and cooled.

The back seat space is quite comfortable with long legroom and full climate controls. But the huge center tunnel detracts from the center-seat footroom. A two-seat “executive” option would be smart, but it’s easier to sell an SUV on the utility of five seats for a car that costs as much as a guest house.

Lamborghini doesn’t give interior dimensions but says there is front seat room to accommodate someone up to 6-feet-8 inches and someone 6-feet-2 inches should be comfortable in the back seat.

The open cargo area of the urus suv

Plenty of room for pro-league golf bags.

Why Buy the Lamborghini Urus?

The Lamborghini Urus might not be much of a rock climber. And I would cringe to throw bags of landscape materials in the back. But the Urus is the only five-seat Lamborghini with cargo room for luxury-class golf bags.

In this super-SUV segment, it isn’t so much a matter of cost but of value. And the Urus brings an easy quarter-million in value for its exclusivity, heritage, and prestige.

A rear view of the Lambo urus

The fuel economy is not embarrassing at 12 mpg city, 17 highway and 14 mpg combined .

2019 Lamborghini Urus Specifications

Body style: Full-size 5-seat, AWD SUV

Engine: 650-hp, twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8; 627 lb.-ft. torque at 2,250 rpm

Transmission: 8-speed automatic with six drive modes

Fuel economy: 12/17/14 mpg city/hwy/combined; premium fuel

0-62 mph: 3.6 seconds

BY THE NUMBERS

Fuel tank: 19.8 gal.

Cargo space: 21.7 cu. ft. *behind back seat

Length/wheelbase: 201.2/118.2 in.

Width/height: 85.8/64.5 in. *width includes mirrors

Curb weight: 4,850 lbs.

Turning circle: 38.7 ft.

PRICING

Base price: $203,995, including $3,995 freight charge; price as tested $259,184

Where assembled: Sant’Agata Bolognese, Italy

Warranty: 3-years/36,000-miles including powertrain and roadside assistance