Lamborghini Aventador SVJ. My Experience

Before buying, I seriously compared the Lamborghini Aventador SVJ with the Ferrari 812 Competizione and the McLaren 765LT. The Ferrari was ruled out for one simple reason — rear-wheel drive. That's fine for UAE highways, but trips to the desert or hard launches on sand demand all-wheel drive. The McLaren impressed me on the track, but the ground clearance and stiffness make it unbearable for daily city driving.

I chose the SVJ because of the naturally aspirated V12. This is one of the last supercars with a pure engine, no turbos attached, and I knew that in a couple of years engines like this would become history. Plus, the ALA 2.0 system genuinely changes how the car handles corners: the active aerodynamics push down on the inside wheel, and you take turns noticeably faster than in a standard Aventador S. I had some doubts about comfort, but after a test drive in Abu Dhabi everything clicked into place.

The air conditioning is solid. In summer at +48°C the climate control handles it with no drama. The cabin is small, so it cools down fast — just a couple of minutes even after sitting in the sun all day. Stuck in traffic in central Abu Dhabi, you don't turn into a kebab, which for a supercar is already an achievement.

The suspension is stiff but predictable. In Strada mode it's perfectly livable. I only go over speed bumps with the front axle lifted — the hydraulics raise the nose in about four seconds. On the Abu Dhabi to Dubai highway the car feels glued to the road: at 160 km/h it feels like you're doing 100. No wind noise, rock-solid stability.

Real-world fuel consumption in the city is 30–35 litres per 100 km. On the highway at 130–140 km/h it drops to 16–19 litres. The tank is 85 litres, so around town I fill up every 250–280 km. For a naturally aspirated V12 this is normal, but be ready for frequent visits to the petrol station.

Rear visibility is zero. The reversing camera with guidelines saves the day — without it parking would be genuinely dangerous. The side mirrors are small, but you get used to them within a week. Sound insulation is noticeably better than in the pre-facelift versions: at 140 km/h you can have a normal conversation with a passenger. The carbon bucket seats are hard and the backrest doesn't adjust — after an hour behind the wheel you really want to get out and stretch.

I bought the car from the official Lamborghini dealer in Abu Dhabi. At the time of writing, the mileage is 8,500 km. Over that time a few things have come up that are worth checking before you buy. First, the ALA 2.0 system. Active aerodynamics is complex, and diagnostics don't always catch errors. Visually check the front and rear flaps. Repairing the ALA hydraulics will set you back at least 35,000 AED. Second, the carbon-ceramic brakes. They wear fast on the track. Check the remaining disc thickness: a full replacement at the dealer runs about 55,000 AED. I replaced the front pads at 7,000 km, which cost 12,000. Third, the magnetorheological dampers. A knock at the front at low speeds is the first sign of trouble. Fourth, the tyres. The rear Pirelli P Zero Corsa last around 8–10 thousand kilometres with spirited driving. A full set is roughly 14,000 AED. Annual service at the dealer starts at 5,000 AED, with oil changes every 5,000 km or once a year.

Now for the good stuff. The naturally aspirated V12 is the centrepiece. 770 horsepower, instant throttle response, and the sound at 8,500 rpm gives you goosebumps. Zero turbo lag because there are no turbos. The ALA 2.0 system genuinely works: at high speed you feel the car being pressed into the corners. Exclusivity is another plus — SVJs are rare in Abu Dhabi, and the production run is limited. And the performance: 2.8 seconds to 100 km/h from a pure naturally aspirated engine.

The downsides. Stiffness. After two hours behind the wheel your back begs for mercy. This is not a car for long journeys. Fuel consumption — 30–35 litres in the city, and with a small tank that means you live at the petrol station. Practicality is close to zero: the front trunk fits one small suitcase or two shopping bags. And maintenance costs more than Ferrari and McLaren in the UAE.

Would I buy it again? Without hesitation. The SVJ is the last true naturally aspirated Lamborghini supercar. The driving emotions and that engine sound are unmatched. If you're looking for a supercar in the UAE and you're willing to live with the stiffness and running costs — this is one of the best options out there. This car is for someone who already has a daily driver. If you need a supercar you can commute in every day, look at the Porsche 911 Turbo S instead.

My rating — 9 out of 10. One point off because you simply can't use it as your only car. But for weekends and pure driving emotion, it's perfect.