I’m lucky enough to get to drive and review most makes of car currently on sale in the UK, but I had the realisation that it had been many years since I had driven a Lamborghini. A few emails to the company’s PR and I was all set to enjoy a day with the latest Urus.

Time was short, so I was at Lamborghini’s Leeds showroom bright and early, eager to maximise my time behind the wheel. A quick refresher course was required, as the Urus has been updated and does have its own peculiar quirks, or, some might say, character.

The SE model on test follows a now well-trodden path, whereby some form of electrification is added to an existing vehicle. So, a plug-in hybrid model it now is, combining as it does traditional V8 drama with genuine electrified capability. This is now the core model in the range.

The twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 is paired with an electric motor integrated into the eight-speed automatic transmission. Combined, the system delivers a heady 789bhp, making it the most powerful Urus to date. Lamborghini quotes an 80% reduction in CO₂ emissions compared to the non-hybrid Urus, helped by a usable electric range of up to 38 miles. Plug the Urus in overnight, and low-emission zones need not be out of bounds. EV-only mode works even at motorway speeds.

However, I’m quite sure most Lamborghini owners are more concerned with performance and the driving experience. If I say the Urus SE can accelerate from rest to 60mph in a tad over three seconds and will top out at close to 200mph if you can find a private airfield or stretch of deserted autobahn, you will get the idea. Sadly, I had neither at my disposal, but I did have dry, sunny weather and some of my favourite driving roads in the Yorkshire Dales ahead.

I set off up the M1 in full EV mode, which gave me a chance to get comfortable and acquainted with the switchgear. A brief pause at Wetherby Racecourse for some photographs, and I dialled up Sport mode, that sonorous V8 bursting into life. It was to remain that way for the rest of the day, lovely as it was to hear the sound of that powerhouse of an engine reverberating off the dry-stone walls that border the Dales’ roads.

From Ripon, it was on to Pateley Bridge, before turning right towards Lofthouse, Middlesmoor and Masham. By this stage the roads had got progressively narrower, but the bulky Urus was easy to pilot at speed. Pin-sharp steering and an excellent driving position allowed me to place the car with millimetre precision, and there were few, if any, breathe-in moments.

An early lunch was enjoyed in The Black Sheep Brewery’s excellent eatery, and then it was time for some lovely roads across to Leyburn and then to Grassington and back into Nidderdale. The advantage of being on familiar territory meant a little more speed was possible, and I was able to enjoy not only the Lamborghini’s fine handling but also the well-damped ride. Not once did the Urus feel uncomfortable, even on some areas of dreadfully broken tarmac.

All too soon I was back on the A1/M1 corridor, and the car returned to its maker. I had been behind the wheel for around seven hours (minus my lunch stop) and so was a tad jaded from concentrating so hard. There is always an added sense of responsibility when in charge of such an expensive car, and I knew that on the following few days, other journalists would be taking their turn behind the wheel.

What else can I tell you about the Urus? The design has been refreshed, but it would take a keen eye to notice. New lighting and subtle styling tweaks, they say.

On the inside, Lamborghini has upgraded the cabin technology with more advanced infotainment and driver assistance systems (the latter were swiftly switched off, as lane departure systems are positively dangerous on narrow country lanes).

The quality of trim materials is as fine as you would imagine from a bespoke Italian supercar maker, and fit and finish is quite excellent. The front and back seats are extremely comfortable, and there’s a decent-sized boot, making the Urus a genuine family vehicle.

Be aware that although modest distances can be covered on the battery alone, once this is empty you are driving a heavy and powerful V8 SUV, so sub 20mpg may well be on the cards if you use the performance to the full – and that you will want to do.

I have never warmed to the Urus’s rather angular design, but I have to say in blue it looked stunning and certainly turned heads on my extensive travels through the Dales. I dare say I could be heard coming from a distance away too.

An Urus can be had for around £208,000, but of course all buyers will no doubt raid the extensive options list. Do so, and you can easily add another £100,000 to the final price. There’s exclusivity to be had, as the Urus is still a rare sight on UK roads.

An Aston Martin DBX707 is a likely rival, as are Porsche’s Cayenne Turbo and the Bentley Bentayga Speed. And I mustn’t forget the Ferrari Purosangue, which I have yet to try. I can easily make a case for any of these exciting performance SUVs, so why the Urus?

Other striking cars are available!

Other striking cars are available!

Unmistakable looks, full-blooded performance, accessibility in the real world and a top-class interior spring to mind. The friendly folk at Lamborghini Leeds (stick LS9 0AA into your sat nav) will look after you and there’s a McLaren dealership on the same site too to whet your appetite. All in all a great day, which I hope will soon be repeated in a Huracan or Temerario perhaps.