Lamborghini Urus SUV: competition check

Lamborghini is putting all of its available resources into launching its second-ever SUV, the Urus, and that includes even shelving plans of putting the Asterion concept into production. Here are the cars the Urus is going to have to take on, as and when they launch globally over the next few years.

Aston Martin DBX
The DBX was pitched as a luxury crossover rather than a full-blown SUV. It was first revealed in concept form at the Geneva motor show in March this year. It has since received the go-ahead thanks to the additional investment Aston Martin announced. Powering the DBX concept is a series of electric motors mounted inboard of the wheels, while other features include electric drive-by-wire steering and auto-dimming toughened glass.

Audi Q8
In May, Audi boss Rupert Stadler had confirmed that a range-topping Audi SUV was coming. Set to launch in 2019, the Q8 will be powered by a range of V6 and V8 petrol and diesel engines, as well as plug-in hybrid powertrains. An all-electric Q8 e-tron version is also under consideration. The Q8 will be styled under the leadership of Audi design boss Marc Lichte, and is expected to receive a sportier look than the smaller Q7.

Audi Q8 Concept Sketch

Bentley Bentayga
Scheduled to make its world debut at the Frankfurt motor show this September, and to go on sale internationally in 2016, Bentley's Bentayga will be powered by a range of W12, V8 and plug-in hybrid powertrains.

Confirmed for production in 2014, BMW's range-topping SUV has already been spotted testing on international roads, with early mules based on the new 7-series. Underpinned by a long-wheelbase version of the platform that the next X5 is set to use, BMW is aiming the X7 at profitable markets such as China and Asia. The production X7 is likely to feature a selection of six-cylinder and V8 engines, including the same 3.0-litre diesel currently found in the X6. The X7 is not expected to hit the market until 2017.

Maserati Levante
Although expected to be launched globally at the end of this year, right-hand-drive versions of Maserati's Levante SUV won't be launched until 2016. Taking styling cues from the firm's Kubang concept of 2012, the Levante will adopt a more rugged, aggressive appearance than the smaller Ghibli sedan on which it is based. The Levante will be offered with the same four-wheel-drive system already used in the Ghibli and Quattroporte, while its underpinnings are similar to those used on the Jeep Grand Cherokee. Engines will include Maserati's 410bhp twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre petrol V6 and a 520bhp twin-turbocharged 3.8-litre V8. A 271bhp 3.0-litre V6 turbo diesel will also be offered. Maserati has also confirmed a plug-in hybrid version.

Mercedes-Maybach SUV
Following the successful revival of the Maybach name by Mercedes earlier this year, the new sub-brand is already considering an SUV model. Based on the GLS, the new model would sit at the very top of the Maybach range alongside the recently launched S600 and S600 Pullman models. Although the final decision on production is yet to be taken, Daimler boss Dieter Zetsche has hinted that an SUV would be a practical next step for the brand.

Mercedes GLS(for representational purposes)

Range Rover SVAutobiography
Until a while ago, Land Rover wouldn't have thought about pitching itself as a super-luxury manufacturer. The launch of its Special Vehicle Operations division has already proved that the company can create the kind of bespoke machinery to entice high-end buyers. The SVAutobiography could be powered by the same 542bhp 5.0-litre supercharged V8 engine as the Range Rover Sport SVR — although regular SDV8 and SDV6 hybrid options are also available. Luxury additions include new paintwork, powered tables, and two extra rear seats which slot into place on the car's tailgate.

 

Rolls-Royce Cullinan
Early prototypes of the Rolls-Royce SUV — which currently goes by the codename Cullinan — have already been spotted testing internationally, ahead of the car's global launch in 2017. The British marque had confirmed it would be producing a "high-sided, all-terrain vehicle" earlier this year, with early mules based on shortened versions of the current Phantom. Despite its historical name — Cullinan is the name of the largest gem-quality diamond ever found — the SUV is not expected to take the Cullinan badge to production.