The Russian full-size premium crossover Aurus Komendant has become a landmark event for the domestic auto industry, offering an alternative to Western luxury brands. Buyers of this level are concerned not only with status and safety, but also with operating costs, a key indicator among which is fuel consumption. A hybrid power plant, combining a powerful internal combustion engine and an electric motor, is declared as an effective solution, but in practice the figures may differ significantly from the passport data.
In this article we will look in detail at what real fuel consumption demonstrates the Aurus Komendant in various operating conditions. We will analyze the influence of driving style, climatic conditions and technical condition on the appetites of a four-liter engine. Understanding these nuances will allow future owners to objectively assess the cost of owning this exclusive car.
Technical characteristics of the power plant
The heart of the Aurus Komendant is a 4.4-liter turbocharged V8 petrol engine, working in conjunction with an electric motor. This configuration is of the type parallel hybrids, where both energy sources can transmit torque to the wheels, but not simultaneously in pure form, as in sequential circuits. The total output of the system reaches 598 horsepower, which provides impressive dynamics for a heavy SUV weighing more than 3 tons.
The electric motor is built directly into the 9-speed automatic transmission, which allows optimizing the operation of the internal combustion engine at low speeds. In the urban cycle, especially when starting from traffic lights, the car can move for some time exclusively on electric power, using the energy stored in a lithium-ion battery with a capacity of about 2 kWh. However, the in-mode range is extremely limited and serves more as an auxiliary tool for reducing emissions and saving fuel in traffic jams.
For maximum efficiency of the hybrid system, it is recommended to regularly charge the battery from the network, although the car can restore the charge when braking.
The engineers managed to achieve a balance between power and efficiency, but physics remains physics: the aerodynamics of the huge body and its weight dictate their conditions. The engine management system constantly redistributes the load, trying to keep the internal combustion engine in the most economical speed range, but when you press the accelerator pedal aggressively, all cylinders come into operation, sharply increasing consumption.
Passport data versus actual use
The manufacturing plant indicates combined fuel consumption at 12.4–12.8 liters per 100 kilometers. This figure is based on laboratory testing using the WLTP cycle, which assumes ideal conditions and average driving speed. In reality, especially in Russian megacities with their complex traffic, actual consumption may be significantly higher than stated.
In the urban cycle, where frequent acceleration and idling are the norm, the Aurus Komendant on-board computer often shows values in the range of 16–19 liters. In winter, when heating of the cabin and operation of all comfort systems is required, this figure can increase to 22 liters per hundred. On the highway, when driving at a constant speed of 90–100 km/h, the car demonstrates miracles of economy, fitting into 10–11 liters, but at speeds of 130 km/h and above, aerodynamic drag negates these advantages.
It is important to consider that the operating mode of a hybrid installation is highly dependent on the charge of the traction battery. If the battery is discharged, the electric motor becomes an additional load, and the internal combustion engine is forced to work harder to simultaneously pull the car and charge the battery. In this state fuel consumption can even exceed the performance of purely gasoline analogues.
Factors affecting fuel consumption
The appetites of the Aurus Komendant are influenced by many variables that must be taken into account when planning the budget for car maintenance. Driving style is one of the main factors: smooth acceleration and early braking allow you to make the most of energy recovery.
Here are the main parameters that have a critical impact on savings:
- 🚗 Driving style: Aggressive driving with frequent overtaking increases consumption by 20–30% compared to a quiet mode.
- ❄️ Climatic conditions: In winter, consumption increases due to engine warming up, heater operation and increased tire rolling resistance.
- 🛣️ Road surface quality: Driving on rough roads requires more energy to overcome uneven surfaces and requires frequent suspension work.
- ⛽ Fuel quality: Using gasoline with an octane rating lower than recommended (AI-95 and lower) can lead to incorrect engine operation and increased consumption.
It is also worth noting the role of aerodynamics. Installing additional equipment on the roof, such as racks or expedition platforms, disrupts air flow and can increase drag, which at high speeds is directly converted into liters of excess fuel. The manufacturer does not recommend modifying the body without conducting appropriate aerodynamic tests.
⚠️ Warning: Idling the engine for long periods of time in an enclosed area or when the battery charge is low can result in inefficient fuel combustion and carbon deposits in the cylinders.
Comparison with competitors and analogues
To objectively evaluate the Aurus Komendant's performance, it is necessary to compare it with its direct competitors in the full-size luxury SUV segment. The main competitors are the Bentley Bentayga, Lamborghini Urus and Rolls-Royce Cullinan, although the latter two are often equipped with more powerful engines.
For clarity, here is a comparative table of fuel consumption of various models in the combined cycle:
| Car model | Engine | Power (hp) | Consumption (l/100 km) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aurus Komendant | 4.4 V8 Hybrid | 598 | 12.8 (passport) |
| Bentley Bentayga V8 | 4.0 V8 | 550 | 13.1 |
| Rolls-Royce Cullinan | 6.75 V12 | 571 | 17.5 |
| Lamborghini Urus | 4.0 V8 | 650 | 12.7 |
As can be seen from the table, Aurus Komendant is in the middle of the list, demonstrating decent results for a car of this class and weight. The hybrid component allows it to compete with more modern gasoline engines of European brands. However, it is worth remembering that the actual figures for a Bentley or Lamborghini may be lower than stated during quiet driving due to more streamlined engine management systems.
Why is V8 better than V12 for the city?
Eight-cylinder turbocharged engines have more torque at low revs, allowing for fewer gear changes and better fuel economy in city driving compared to naturally aspirated V12s.
Effect of hybrid system operating mode
The efficiency of the Aurus Komendant directly depends on how exactly the combination of the internal combustion engine and the electric motor works. In mode Charge the system forcibly charges the battery from the engine, which leads to a sharp jump in fuel consumption, sometimes up to 25 liters, but allows you to accumulate energy for subsequent driving in mode or for sharp acceleration.
In mode Hybrid The car independently decides when to use electricity and when to use gasoline. This is the most balanced option for everyday driving. The electric motor is activated when starting from a stop and during sharp accelerations, smoothing out the turbo lag and reducing the load on the internal combustion engine. It is in this mode that the manufacturer’s stated optimal consumption.
There is also the option of driving on electric power only, but the range is only a few kilometers. This is useful for silently entering a garage or driving through environmentally friendly areas, but has a negligible effect on the overall range and average consumption. It is important to monitor the condition of the high-voltage battery, as its degradation over time can reduce the efficiency of the entire system.
☑️Checking the efficiency of the hybrid system
Tips for reducing fuel consumption
Owners of Aurus Komendant who want to minimize refueling costs should adhere to a number of recommendations. First of all, you need to monitor your tire pressure: underinflated tires increase rolling resistance and can add up to 10% to your fuel consumption.
Use the mode Eco for everyday driving in the city. In this mode, the electronics soften the response to the gas pedal and shift up gears earlier, which contributes to economy. Also try to predict the traffic situation so that you use the brake less often and use more energy recovery during engine braking.
⚠️ Attention: It is not recommended to completely discharge the hybrid traction battery. Deep discharge can negatively affect the life of the cells and reduce their capacity in the future.
Regular maintenance, including replacing air filters and spark plugs, is also important. A dirty filter restricts air flow, disrupting mixture formation and increasing consumption. For such a complex unit as 4.4 V8, the quality of the oil and filter elements is critical.
The most effective way to reduce consumption is by driving smoothly and maintaining optimal tire pressure, which is important for any car, but is especially important for heavy hybrids.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Can the Aurus Komendant be driven on electric power only?
Technically, the car can travel several kilometers (usually up to 5 km) in off-mode, but the battery is too small for full operation. The internal combustion engine will automatically start when the battery is low or when the gas pedal is pressed.
What kind of gasoline is better to fill in Aurus Komendant?
The manufacturer recommends using AI-95 or AI-98 gasoline. Using fuel with a lower octane number can lead to detonation and reduced engine life, as well as increased consumption.
Does consumption increase significantly in winter?
Yes, in winter, consumption may increase by 20–30% due to engine warming up, operation of the interior heating system and climate control, as well as worsening road conditions.
Does Aurus Komendant need to be charged from a wall outlet?
Yes, to maximize the efficiency of the hybrid system and reduce fuel consumption in the urban cycle, it is recommended to regularly connect the vehicle to a charging station. Without external recharging, the hybrid turns into a regular gasoline car with a lot of weight.