At Moscow’s VDNKh, the Russian luxury maker Aurus unveiled its third model in the current lineup. Following the Senat Limousine and the more compact Senat sedan, the Komendant crossover was introduced. The model carries the industry code 4125 and carries a nod to the Commander’s Tower of the Kremlin. Like the first models, it rides on the EMP platform that underpins Aurus’ premium line. The brand also has plans for a smaller Arsenal minivan, though official details have yet to appear on the company site.
Compared with its siblings, the Komendant is notably smaller. Its overall length sits at 5380 millimeters, about 252 millimeters shorter than the Senat sedan. The wheelbase measures 3100 millimeters, making the Komendant roughly 200 millimeters narrower. In height, the crossover stands taller by about 131 millimeters, giving it a distinct silhouette while preserving the family resemblance. In terms of dimensions, the Komendant sits in the same league as well-known European rivals such as the Cadillac Escalade and the Rolls-Royce Cullinan.
Design cues from Aurus carry through to the Komendant, yet the front shows unique lighting elements, a distinct hood, and other signature touches. Inside, the cabin shares a familiar layout with leather and veneer surfaces. The instrument cluster, steering wheel, gear selector, and control buttons echo the sedan family, delivering a coherent brand experience even as the crossovers diverge in form and function.
A pair of interior configurations are offered. One is a conventional five-seat arrangement, while another is a four-seat layout that features individual rear seats with electric adjustments and extendable tables. Unlike some other high-end SUVs, the rear seats in all configurations do not fold down to expand luggage space beyond a basic level, maintaining a dedicated passenger focus inside the cabin.
The Komendant shares its hybrid powertrain heritage with Aurus’ other vehicles. A 4.4-liter V8 turbocharged petrol engine is paired with an electric motor to deliver a combined output around 598 horsepower and 880 Newton-meters of peak torque. The hybrid system integrates with a nine-speed automatic transmission, with all-wheel drive managed by an electromagnetic clutch at the front axle. The petrol fuel for the engine is the standard 98 octane, ensuring performance from the premium fuel blend typically favored by luxury platforms.
The battery sits above the rear axle. Unlike the sedan variant, where the battery is tucked into the rear overhang, the Komendant’s battery placement contributes to its distinct weight distribution. The suspension is pneumatic rather than spring-based, providing adaptive ride characteristics. Ground clearance remains generous, starting around 230 millimeters in standard mode and ranging between roughly 215 and 260 millimeters as needed. The gross weight is listed near 3495 kilograms, with a typical ready-for-service weight of about 3235 kilograms. Payload capacity comes in around 260 kilograms, underscoring the model’s dual emphasis on comfort and practicality for high-load scenarios.
First indications point to a production plan for the Komendant starting in Yelabuga, the same facility where Aurus Senat sedans are assembled. The initial price guidance places the Komendant at a competitive level within the premium crossover segment, with a starting figure around 33.7 million rubles. In comparison, the sedan variants are priced slightly higher in the market, beginning near 36.6 million rubles, reflecting the higher rigidity and luxury content of the four-seat configurations versus the five-seat setup.
During the run-up to the launch, social and media coverage highlighted a glimpse of the Komendant’s body without surface detailing, drawing curiosity from enthusiasts. Industry observers suggest that Aurus intends to position the Komendant as a bold, technologically advanced option that combines Russian craftsmanship with Western luxury cues, aiming to attract a global audience including readers in North America who appreciate the brand’s distinctive approach to luxury SUVs.