2017 Lamborghini Aventador S Roadster Review

While the supercar market is still focused on the pure performance of hardtop models, the existence of convertible versions is often to meet users' pursuit of ultimate driving experience—the 2017 Lamborghini Aventador S Roadster is exactly such a flagship sports car that combines "brutal performance" and "wind blade experience." It is equipped with a 6.5L naturally aspirated V12 engine, delivering a maximum horsepower of 740PS and an official 0-100 km/h acceleration time of just 3 seconds. Such data in the 2017 supercar arena is still incredibly impactful. The main purpose of our test drive this time is to verify whether this convertible version, while retaining the performance of the hardtop version, can provide users with an unfettered driving pleasure and showcase its practicality in daily use.

From the exterior, the Aventador S Roadster continues the family's iconic wedge-shaped design, with sharp and aggressive lines throughout. The front features the classic Y-shaped headlight assembly combined with a large hexagonal air intake grille, which enhances aerodynamic performance and strengthens visual recognition. The waistline on the side of the car extends from the front fender to the rear, paired with 20-inch front/21-inch rear wheels, further highlighting the sports car's athletic stance. At the rear, the exaggerated diffuser corresponds with the centrally mounted triple exhaust layout, while the LED taillight assembly also adopts the Y-shaped design, offering high recognition when illuminated at night. The soft top can be opened and closed within just 17 seconds, and this operation can be carried out at speeds below 50 km/h, adding convenience for daily use.

Stepping inside, the interior of the Aventador S Roadster primarily uses black as the theme color, with an extensive application of Alcantara material and carbon fiber trim, creating a strong sense of battle. The center console layout is simple, and the standard touchscreen display is centrally positioned with a clear operational logic, though its screen size is not large, leaning more towards practicality rather than entertainment. The multifunctional steering wheel features a flat-bottom design and integrates paddle shifters and driving mode selection buttons, providing a solid grip. The seats are sporty bucket seats with excellent wraparound support, ensuring enough hold during spirited driving, but they may feel slightly tight during long-duration rides. In terms of features, keyless entry, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, and other basic functionalities come as standard, while safety configurations like active braking and full-vehicle airbags are also included, making it relatively practical for a supercar.

As for space performance, being a two-door, two-seat sports car, the Aventador S Roadster’s interior space only accommodates two occupants. The front headroom is about 950mm, and legroom varies between 800-1000mm depending on seat adjustment, ensuring passengers up to 180cm tall won’t feel cramped. Storage capacity is relatively limited, with a front trunk volume of only 110L, fitting just one carry-on suitcase. There is no storage space in the rear, and the door storage compartments can only hold items like a phone, making it adequate for daily commuting but requiring additional planning for long-distance trips to handle luggage.

In terms of dynamic driving, the performance of the V12 engine can be described as "explosive." In Strada (Street) mode, the power output is relatively smooth, and the launch doesn’t deliver an overly abrupt push-back sensation, making it suitable for everyday driving. When switched to Sport mode, the throttle response becomes significantly quicker, and when the engine revs climb to 5,500rpm, the full 720N·m of maximum torque is unleashed, providing acceleration akin to being catapulted forward. Overtaking only requires a light press on the accelerator. In Corsa (Track) mode, the gearbox further increases its shifting speed, with gearshift gaps nearly imperceptible. Coupled with the all-wheel-drive system, the car achieves exceptional grip, maintaining a stable stance during cornering without noticeable body roll. The steering wheel is highly precise with very little play, and every turn directly translates to the wheels, giving the driver ample confidence.

In terms of chassis, the front and rear double wishbone independent suspension is tuned for sportiness. On smooth roads, it can filter out small bumps, but when encountering speed bumps or uneven roads, vibrations are transmitted more directly to the cabin, compromising comfort to some extent. However, this is a common trait of supercars, as performance is the priority. The braking system performs exceptionally well, with 398mm front/380mm rear ventilated discs paired with carbon ceramic brake pads, achieving a braking distance of only 31 meters from 100 km/h. The braking feel is linear, and the body does not exhibit significant dipping during hard braking. As for fuel consumption, the official combined consumption is 18.4L/100km, while actual urban driving yields approximately 22-25L/100km, and highway cruising can reduce it to 15-17L/100km. This is considered normal for a large V12 engine.

Regarding ride comfort, the noise control of the Aventador S Roadster is considered quite good among supercars. When the convertible top is closed, wind and tire noise are relatively mild below 120 km/h, and engine noise only becomes noticeable at high revs; when the top is opened, wind noise increases significantly, but the roar of the V12 engine becomes more pronounced. This "envelopment in sound waves" experience is precisely the charm of convertible supercars. While the seats provide strong support, the padding is on the hard side, and driving for more than two hours continuously may cause lower back discomfort, requiring timely breaks.

Overall, the core strengths of the 2017 Lamborghini Aventador S Roadster lie in the aggressive performance of its V12 engine, iconic exterior design, and the unique driving experience offered by the convertible. Compared to the Ferrari 812 GTS in the same class, it has an advantage in power specifications, and its price (RM 2,270,000) is slightly lower, making its cost-effectiveness relatively prominent among flagship convertible supercars. However, in terms of comfort and everyday practicality, the 812 GTS might have a slight edge. This car is more suitable for those who pursue extreme performance and driving pleasure—whether it's releasing passion on the track during the weekend or enjoying high levels of attention on urban roads, it fulfills both roles perfectly. If you are a supercar enthusiast and don't mind its space and fuel consumption shortcomings, the Aventador S Roadster is definitely a choice that will leave you "thrilled and exhilarated".