Skip advert
Advertisement

Lamborghini Gallardo (2003-2009) review

Sensational Italian supercar nearly does it all - and wraps that considerable talent in a fantastic-looking body. A modern-day masterpiece

Overall Auto Express rating

4.0

How we review cars
Find your Lamborghini Gallardo
Offers from our trusted partners on this car and its predecessors...
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car
Advertisement

Driving:
The way this machine drove amazed us. The 5.0-litre V10, mounted in the middle of the car, delivers astonishing thrust accompanied by an outstanding engine note. There's even an occasional blue flame bursting out of the tail pipes on the over-run! Performance of the Porsche 911 Turbo-challenger is thrilling, with the two-door coupe hitting 60mph in 4.3 seconds, and hurtling on to 193mph. But, unlike Lamborghinis of old, it's no rebel to drive - the Lambo's road manners are peerless. Steering, high-speed stability, traction and chassis balance are all superb. And wet roads hold no fear either, as the four-wheel-drive chassis is an exemplar of composure. In short, drama without the drawbacks.

Marketplace:
The first true 'middleweight' Lamborghini in decades, the Gallardo is the fruits of much effort from owners Audi in making the Italian thoroughbred a viable proposition for more. With the Porsche 911 Turbo and Ferrari F430 in its sights, the dramatic coupe comes in just one trim, with either a manual or semi-automatic gearbox. A convertible version is on the cards, though.

Owning:
The two-seater cockpit is probably the best-finished cabin ever from Lamborghini. Owners Audi have donated a lot of switchgear and know-how, so quality is high. But don't think it's a parts-bin special; dials, air con controls and switches have been integrated seamlessly. Besides, what better car to share instruments with, than an Audi A8! The sense of occasion is excellent too. From the steeply raked windscreen, low-slung bucket seats, exotic layout and Alcantara-clad steering wheel to the robust feel and decent visibility, the cockpit makes you feel very special indeed. It's practical too, and you can even raise the front suspension, to clear speed bumps. Running costs will be fearsome though. The engine averages just 14mpg, CO2 output is a massive 450g/km, insurance is stratospheric and servicing costs border on the obscene. It also costs over £120,000; but what a car for the money, and besides, by Lamborghini's standards, that's almost a bargain...

Engines, performance and drive

0

MPG, CO2 and Running Costs

0

Interior, design and technology

0

Practicality, comfort and boot space

0

Reliability and Safety

0
Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New cars that plummet in value can make brilliant used buys
Opinion - Vauxhall Corsa-e

New cars that plummet in value can make brilliant used buys

Editor Paul Barker takes a closer look at our 2024 Used Car Awards
Opinion
20 Nov 2024
Best used cars to buy 2024
Best used cars 2024

Best used cars to buy 2024

From city cars to large SUVs, here’s our annual pick of the star performers that’ll save you thousands when you buy them used instead of new
Best cars & vans
22 Nov 2024
Jaguar concept car teased further in new image
2024 Jaguar badge teaser image

Jaguar concept car teased further in new image

The all-electric concept promises to have bold styling and showcases polarising new logo
News
22 Nov 2024