Aurus Komendant: with greetings from Putin
Alternative to Europe
The Russian economy is not in the best shape at the moment thanks to the war with Ukraine. Many major European brands have already withdrawn from the country, which means that for the Russian there is less and less to choose from in terms of cars. Wealthy Russians looking for a successor to their Bentley Bentayga, Rolls-Royce Cullinan or Mercedes-Maybach GLS can at least breathe a sigh of relief, because the Aurus Komendant moves into exactly that part of the market.
From the Kremlin
Like Aurus’ other models, the Komendant takes its name from a piece of the Kremlin. In fact, the “Komendantskaya” is a large tower that belongs to the Kremlin. Aptly enough, the Komendant is a whopping 5.4 meters long, over two meters wide and has a wheelbase of 3.1 meters. That is roughly the same size as the Mercedes-Maybach GLS cited earlier. Seen from the front, the Komendant’s appearance is quite in line with the Aurus Senat, the brand’s sedan, but otherwise mostly evokes associations with Korean and Chinese SUVs.
Always with V8
Under the hood of the Komendant is a 4.4-liter V8 that receives additional oxygen via two turbos. There is also hybrid technology on board, although they do not mention whether this is a plug-in hybrid or mild-hybrid powertrain. In any case, Aurus promises an output of 598 hp and 880 Nm of torque. That power, weighing in at a whopping 3,235 pounds, is no luxury either. Floor it from standstill and the speedometer will indicate 100 km/h after 6.5 seconds. The cake runs out at 220 km/h. As average consumption, Aurus lists a hardly astonishing 18.5 liters per 100 kilometers.
Indulgence
The interior of the Komendant is mainly characterized by a huge amount of wood and leather. The SUV has four seats, with rear passengers able to sit on two individually adjustable seats. Of course, everything is electrically adjustable and things like seat cooling and heating, a minibar, illuminated cup holders and two additional infotainment screens are not missing. Other features of the Aurus include modern driving assistance systems, a head-up display and a 360-degree camera on board. Pretty nice with this size car.
Price of the Aurus Komendant
Those who think that Aurus has in store with the Komendant a relatively affordable alternative to the aforementioned ultra-luxury SUVs from Rolls-Royce, Bentley and Mercedes-Maybach still have to be disappointed. In fact, the SUV reportedly costs nearly €600,000. Then you have yet to start personalizing the car. When production will begin is not yet known. In any case, it does not look like we will see it on the roads in Europe for the time being….
About Aurus
Aurus is a brand born out of the Central Scientific Research Automobile and Automotive Engine Institute. Indeed, Russian President Vladimir Putin no longer wanted to shop with Mercedes-Benz for his own transportation, but to be transported in a Russian-built car. That became the Senat Limousine, an armored state limousine. In addition, Aurus is building a shorter version and even a convertible of the Senat. There is also another luxury passenger bus named Arsenal. So plenty of choice for the folks in and around the Kremlin.
