Overview
Hidden underneath the 2021 Lamborghini Sián’s dramatic hexagonal bodywork and a bevy of air intakes is a hybridized V-12 powertrain that harnesses 808 horsepower. That’s right, this hypercar is a hybrid. Basically a heavily modified version of the aging Aventador, this exotic comes in coupe and roadster form, and Lambo has capped its production at a scant 82 copies. (Spoiler alert: They’re all sold out.) We suspect each coupe carries a price tag of around $3 million, with the open-air example being even more expensive. For those with millions in disposable funds, they’re getting a truly special-looking, high-performance machine with myriad customization options. Not only is the 2021 Sián an electrifying Lamborghini, but it also moves like a metaphorical bolt of lightning, too.
What’s New for 2021?
The 2021 Sián is a new limited-production Lamborghini that looks to bridge the gap between the outgoing Aventador and its upcoming replacement.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
Powered by an electrically assisted 6.5-liter V-12 mounted in the middle of the car, the all-wheel-drive 2021 Sián produces a combined 808 horsepower. That makes it the most powerful production Lamborghini ever. On its own, the naturally aspirated V-12 supplies a hefty 774 horses. Supplementing the engine is a 48-volt electric motor that adds 34 horses and is integrated into the car’s seven-speed automated manual transmission. It’s one of the most sophisticated hybrids on the planet, utilizing a supercapacitor stored in the bulkhead instead of a more traditional battery pack. Not only does this setup deliver superquick regenerative braking and acceleration, but it also reduces the harshness between shifts. During our time in the driver’s seat of the coupe, we were inspired by the V-12’s brutally beautiful soundtrack, which matched its equally ballistic acceleration. We think it’ll blast to 60 mph in 2.5 seconds on the way to its estimated top speed of 220 mph. On the track, the Sián’s girth (it’s nearly 7 feet wide) and low seating position make it harder to place. Its stiff ride was also more punishing than pleasurable. Even though the Lambo can’t move on electricity alone, like other hybrid hypercars such as the Ferrari SF90 Stradale and the McLaren Artura can, its hybrid system does aid low-speed maneuvers.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
Despite its hybrid powertrain, the Sián continues to be environmentally offensive. The EPA estimates the electrically assisted V-12 will guzzle 8 mpg in the city and 14 mpg on the highway. In the unlikely chance that we get to test the Sián on our 75-mph highway fuel-economy route, which is part of our extensive testing regimen, we’ll let you know how it measures up in the real world.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Inside, the Sián lives up to its exotic nature, as every surface is covered in high-end materials. Of course, Lamborghini allows customers to personalize the interior to their taste. The driver faces a fully digital gauge cluster and a buttonless steering wheel with enormous paddle shifters. The center console has physical controls for the climate system, the selectable drive modes, and other auxiliary functions. While the Sián does have a glovebox, it lacks cupholders and small-item storage.