Lamborghini Aventador 2016 Review

In Malaysia's supercar market, the options for mid-engine V12 naturally aspirated engines are already rare. The 2016 Lamborghini Aventador S, with its upgraded output of 740 horsepower, all-wheel drive system, and iconic wedge-shaped design, has always been a key focus for players seeking extreme performance and head-turning appeal. This time, we got our hands on the actual car, and our primary purpose is to verify whether its performance on daily roads and occasional track experiences matches its positioning as the "ultimate driving machine," as well as to see if the detailed configurations truly balance practicality.

The exterior of the Aventador S continues Lamborghini's iconic angular aesthetics, with overall lines that are more aggressive than the standard version. The front features a wider bumper, enlarged air intakes on both sides, and sharp LED daytime running lights, offering high recognizability; the side of the car retains the classic scissor-door design, with 20-inch front/21-inch rear wheels paired with Pirelli P Zero tires, sized 255/30 ZR20 at the front and 355/25 ZR21 at the rear, delivering maximum visual impact. The most notable change at the rear is the adjustable rear spoiler, which automatically adjusts its angle according to driving modes, complemented by smoked LED taillights and a quad-exhaust layout, significantly enhancing the sporty feel. As for the lighting system, automatic headlights and LED light sources are standard, providing ample brightness and wide coverage when turned on at night.

Inside the car, the interior primarily features black Alcantara and carbon fiber materials. The center console layout is simple yet full of a combat-ready atmosphere. The standard touchscreen infotainment system is moderately sized, operates smoothly, and supports basic multimedia and vehicle setting functions. The multi-function steering wheel adopts a flat-bottom design, offers a solid grip, and has a clear button layout for quickly switching driving modes during driving. The seats are sporty bucket seats with excellent wrapping; the shoulder and lumbar supports can be manually adjusted to provide enough support. In terms of features, keyless entry/start, rain-sensing wipers, and front side airbags are all standard. However, due to its supercar positioning, storage space is limited to the center armrest box and small compartments on the door panels, only sufficient for storing everyday personal items.

The car body dimensions are 4797mm in length, 2030mm in width, 1136mm in height, and a wheelbase of 2700mm, typical for a two-door, two-seat layout. Front-row seating is friendly for drivers under 180cm in height, with adequate head and legroom that doesn’t feel cramped. However, there are no rear seats, leaving space only for small items. As for seat comfort, while the bucket seats provide excellent support during aggressive driving, sitting in them for extended periods (over 2 hours) might feel slightly stiff. The air conditioning system cools quickly, though the wind noise from the air ducts tends to be more noticeable at high speeds.

In the powertrain department, it is equipped with a 6.5L naturally aspirated V12 engine, producing a maximum power output of 740PS at 8400rpm and a maximum torque of 690N·m at 5500rpm. It is paired with a 7-speed ISR automatic transmission and a full-time all-wheel-drive system. The official 0-100km/h acceleration takes only 2.9 seconds, with a top speed of 350km/h. In actual driving, switching to Strada (street) mode provides relatively smooth power delivery, making it suitable for daily commutes without abrupt starts. In Sport mode, the throttle response becomes more sensitive, and pressing down on the accelerator unleashes the V12 engine's roaring sound with an instant surge of power, making overtaking effortless with just a slight press of the pedal. In Corsa (track) mode, gear shift speeds increase, and the power delivery becomes direct, allowing drivers to fully experience the intense driving excitement.

In terms of handling, the steering is precise with minimal play, clear directional control, and accurate feedback of road information during cornering. The suspension system comprises double wishbone independent suspension at both front and rear, tuned on the firmer side. On smooth roads, it provides a clear feel of the road, but when passing over speed bumps or bumpy roads, vibrations are transmitted quite directly, resulting in average comfort. The chassis exhibits excellent stability, with minimal body roll during high-speed cornering. The all-wheel-drive system effectively distributes power, ensuring strong grip. The braking system features ventilated disc brakes on both front and rear, delivering powerful braking performance. The initial pedal force is moderate, and the braking force is released linearly in the latter stage, instilling sufficient confidence.

In terms of fuel consumption, the official combined fuel consumption is 18.4L/100km, while actual urban driving records about 22-25L/100km, and highway driving approximately 15-18L/100km. With a fuel tank capacity of 90L, the city driving range is about 350km on a full tank, and the highway range is around 500km, reflecting typical fuel consumption for large-displacement supercars. For noise control, engine noise is relatively minimal at low speeds, but at high speeds or during aggressive driving, the roaring sound of the V12 engine enters the cabin. However, this is also part of the charm of a supercar. Tire noise and wind noise become more apparent at high speeds, especially tire noise, which is significantly influenced by the wide tires.

In summary, the core strengths of the 2016 Lamborghini Aventador S lie in its iconic exterior design, powerful naturally aspirated V12 engine, precise handling, and the stability offered by the all-wheel-drive system. Compared to its class rival, the Ferrari 812 Superfast, the Aventador S offers better stability on slippery road conditions due to its all-wheel-drive system, and its scissor doors and more aggressive design garner higher attention. However, its fuel consumption and daily practicality are slightly inferior to its rival. It is suitable for those who pursue an extreme driving experience, value brand appeal and attention-grabbing design, and have sufficient budget to bear the high fuel consumption and maintenance costs. Whether for a weekend track day or occasional daily driving, it fulfills all the imaginations one might have about a supercar. If your requirement is "performance with distinctiveness," then the Aventador S is undoubtedly an unmissable choice in its class.