Lamborghini, renowned for its iconic supercars like the Miura, Countach, and Diablo, is taking a significant step towards hybridizing its entire lineup with the introduction of the Urus SE plug-in hybrid SUV. Debuting at the 2024 Beijing Auto Show, the Urus SE follows the Revuelto supercar as Lamborghini’s second plug-in hybrid and precedes a plug-in hybrid replacement for the Huracán, set to be unveiled later this year.
A Distinctly Lamborghini Approach to Plug-In Hybrid Technology
According to Lamborghini Chief Technical Officer Rouven Mohr, the Urus SE aims to stand out with a uniquely Lamborghini approach to plug-in hybrid technology while delivering better performance than its non-hybrid counterparts. The SUV features a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine paired with an electric motor integrated into the eight-speed automatic transmission, powered by a 25-kilowatt-hour battery pack.
The Urus SE boasts an impressive 789 horsepower and 700 pound-feet of torque, making it the most powerful Urus to date. It is also the fastest variant, with a top speed of 193 mph and a 0-62 mph time of 3.4 seconds, just 0.1 seconds slower than the current non-hybrid Urus Performante. However, as Mohr emphasized, these impressive numbers are merely the baseline, and the focus is on providing the most emotionally engaging driving experience for the customer.
Leveraging Volkswagen Group Resources While Maintaining Lamborghini Character
The decision to create a plug-in hybrid version of the Urus came as part of Lamborghini’s Direzione Cor Tauri business strategy, announced in 2021. Despite the Urus sharing its MLB Evo platform with the Bentley Bentayga and Porsche Cayenne, both of which already offer plug-in hybrid variants, Lamborghini faced the challenge of differentiation. Mohr stressed the importance of ensuring that the outcome is not comparable to other cars and that everything feels like a typical Lamborghini.
To achieve this, Lamborghini developed in-house software to control the Urus SE’s new all-wheel drive system, aiming for a more natural feel than rivals’ systems. The software is designed to avoid abrupt changes in power delivery and is even smart enough to anticipate when a driver wants to drift, using the front axle to help hold the car sideways.
Performance First, with Electric Support
While the Urus SE is a true plug-in hybrid, capable of up to 37 miles of all-electric range (based on European testing) and an 80% emissions reduction compared to non-hybrid Urus models, its primary focus remains on performance. Mohr explained that combustion power is leading, with electric power supporting and filling in gaps in the gasoline V8’s torque curve for consistently brutal acceleration. This reliance on gasoline power means that performance should be fairly consistent on a track, with tires and the drivetrain being the limiting factors, rather than the electric motor or battery.
Exterior and Interior Updates
The Urus SE features an exterior refresh that includes an updated front end inspired by the Revuelto, a rear end that draws from the 2000s Lamborghini Gallardo, and a new rear spoiler and diffuser claimed to increase downforce by 35% at high speeds. The interior also receives an update, with a pair of 12.3-inch displays serving as the instrument cluster and infotainment touchscreen.
Looking Ahead to EVs
While Lamborghini could have shifted the balance of power more towards electricity by downsizing the combustion engine and relying more on the electric motor, Mohr believes this is the wrong direction for the brand. He argues that such a setup might compromise performance consistency and the emotional side of the driving experience. Instead, Lamborghini plans to make the next step to full electric vehicles, but with a proper interpretation of what “emotional electric driving” means. The automaker’s first EVs, based on the Lanzador concept, are scheduled to arrive in 2028, followed by a “super SUV” in 2029.
In the meantime, the Urus SE and its siblings will serve as a bridge between pure internal combustion and pure electrification, showcasing Lamborghini’s unique approach to plug-in hybrid technology and its unwavering commitment to delivering an emotionally engaging driving experience.
