Mount Etna adventure in world's first five seater supercar - Lamborghini Urus S
I’ve not kept count of the number of stupid questions I’ve been asked this year, but ‘would you like to fly to Italy and drive the new Lamborghini up Mount Etna?’ is up there.
What they didn't mention is that I’d also be staying in the lush San Domenico Palace Four Seasons hotel made famous in the first series of The White Lotus in Taormina, Sicily, for a few days while doing so.
The Lamborghini Urus is no ordinary SUV, Mount Etna is no ordinary mountain, and The San Domenico Palace is no ordinary hotel . So, what happens when you combine the three? A spectacular and adrenaline-pumping adventure you don't want to come home from and that leaves a lasting impression.
The experience was nothing short of awe-inspiring.
The event was part of Lamborghini’s Esperienza programme, which allows existing owners of their cars to experience the company’s models in new and exciting locations. A showroom on wheels, if you like.
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The Lamborghini Urus S is snazzyIt meant I not only got to drive around 100 miles on road and dirt but also hike up Etna and explore the local area and culture.
Readers may recall I got to experience the earlier Urus model a few years ago, whisking my wife and myself off to the Cotswolds for the weekend, where I marvelled at the mad brilliance of the world's first five seater supercar. The Urus S is the latest edition with an upgraded engine and cutomisability, does 0-60mph in 3.5 secs and has a top speed of 190mph. And looks quite snazzy too.
Make no mistake, this is a brilliant, albiet pricey, SUV. It's no wonder the Urus the brand's best selling model, being the most practical. And that year on year sales are on the rise, despite the world economy woes. If I was in the market for an SUV - and could afford the £188,000 plus extras price tag - this is certainly the one I would buy. A plug in hybrid variant due next year is going to one to watch out for, with a purely electric version surely a certainty round the corner.
Mount Etna, an active stratovolcano, is known for its rugged terrain, sharp twists and turns, and unpredictable weather conditions. It's the kind of place that demands a vehicle with extraordinary capabilities, and the Lamborghini Urus rose to the occasion.
The interior is beyond lushAs I approached the beast of a machine, it was impossible not to be captivated by its striking design, combining the Lamborghini aesthetic with the practicality of an SUV.
As I settled into the driver's seat and fired up the Urus, the 4.0-litre V8 engine roared to life, producing a symphony of power. With 641 horsepower at my disposal, the ascent up Mount Etna felt more like a thrill ride at a theme park than a drive up a volcanic mountain. The acceleration was nothing short of breathtaking, and the roar of the engine echoed off the surrounding hills.
The road to the summit of Mount Etna is a serpentine labyrinth of twists and turns, which the Urus handled with grace and precision. The vehicle's all-wheel drive and advanced suspension systems kept me firmly planted on the road, even as I navigated hairpin curves and steep inclines. The handling and stability were beyond impressive, making me feel like a true master of the mountain.
Of course, it's not just about speed and power. The Urus also offers a luxurious interior with the latest technology and creature comforts. From the premium leather seats to the state-of-the-art infotainment system, the cabin was a welcome respite during brief stops to take in the breathtaking scenery. And then there's that power on button, which would not look out of place in a fighter jet.
However, what truly set this adventure apart was the backdrop. Mount Etna is not only a natural wonder but, many don't realise, also an active volcano, and the views from the road are nothing short of spectacular. The combination of the Urus and the awe-inspiring volcanic landscape created a surreal and unforgettable experience.
The Lamborghini Urus S looks good from any angleThis was an adventure that combined the best of Italian automotive engineering with the grandeur of one of Europe's most iconic natural wonders.
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We rendezvoused half way up it to trek up to the top to marvel at the breathtaking scenery - and try not to too deeply inhale the sulphur - before continuing on our drive to another experience I will never forget. Lambo's crack team of drivers taught me how to drift the car in the crater of an old volcano, something I have also always wanted to master, and am pleased to say, I didn't mess up.
In conclusion, driving the Lamborghini Urus S up and around Mount Etna was an unforgettable experience, a marriage of engineering brilliance and natural beauty. This wasn't just a drive, but an adventure that will be etched in memory forever. The Lamborghini Urus proves that it can conquer both asphalt and adventure, delivering an experience that's nothing short of extraordinary. And I'm alread looking at booking a holiday to Sicily next year.
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