Lamborghini Urus SE Review: The Primal Edge of Electric Evolution
In the pantheon of performance SUVs, the Lamborghini Urus has long reigned as the benchmark for automotive madness. It was the SUV that threw the rulebook out the window, gifting us a machine that defied categorization—a rolling sculpture with the heart of a racehorse. For years, it was the undisputed king of the visceral experience, a vehicle that announced its presence with a visceral roar and a design that dared the eye to blink. Yet, as the automotive world marches toward an electric future, Lamborghini has undertaken its most audacious maneuver to date: transforming the Urus into a plug-in hybrid (PHEV).
The discontinuation of the non-hybrid Urus S and Performante models marked a seismic shift in the lineup. However, this pivot does not represent a softening of the legendary Lambo spirit. At the core of the new Urus SE still beats a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine. But this powerhouse now collaborates with an electric motor, collectively unleashing nearly 800 horsepower. This isn’t a compromise; it is an evolution. The Urus SE stands as the most powerful iteration of the Urus ever produced, combining savage performance with a startling dose of environmental responsibility.
Yet, the story doesn’t end there. The Urus SE is more than just raw power; it is a statement about the future of automotive performance. Capable of traversing up to 37 miles on electric power alone, it boasts CO2 emissions of only 140g/km. While this may not convert dedicated hybrid evangelists, it undeniably makes the most powerful Urus to date the most efficient.
The exterior styling remains quintessentially Lamborghini, maintaining the sharp, aggressive angles that define the brand. However, coinciding with the introduction of the SE model, Lamborghini has introduced subtle refinements. The front fascia and bonnet have been restyled, the rear end subtly reworked, and the interior has received a significant upgrade with a larger, 12.3-inch infotainment screen.
The central question remains: if one craves the most extreme sports SUV available today, will the Lamborghini Urus SE lead to eternal bliss, or has the transition to hybrid technology dulled the hedonistic edge? Is the Urus still the superior choice when compared to formidable rivals such as the Audi RS Q8, Bentley Bentayga, or Porsche Cayenne? However, given that many of these competitors share the same underlying platform as the Urus, perhaps a fundamentally different alternative—such as the Aston Martin DBX or the Range Rover Sport SV—would be a more prudent decision.
What’s New? A Chronology of Innovation (2024-2026)
The evolution of the Lamborghini Urus SE has been a rapid journey marked by technological advancements and performance enhancements:
May 2024: The Urus SE plug-in hybrid debuts, combining a 4.0-liter V8 engine, an electric motor, and a 22kWh battery, delivering a combined output of 789 bhp.
April 2024: The Urus SE plug-in hybrid is unveiled at the Beijing Motor Show, signaling Lamborghini’s commitment to the electrified performance segment.
September 2022: The standard model is updated to the Urus S, boasting 657 bhp and improved performance characteristics.
August 2022: The Urus Performante is launched, featuring 657 bhp, a weight reduction of 47 kg, recalibrated driving modes, and revised aerodynamic elements.
April 2018: The first UK deliveries commence, with all models featuring carbon ceramic brakes, adaptive air suspension, four-wheel drive, four-wheel steering, and six distinct driving modes.
December 2017: The production model makes its debut, with orders opening for the Urus equipped with a 641 bhp twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 engine. It achieves 0-62 mph in 3.6 seconds and a top speed of 189 mph.
April 2012: The Urus concept is showcased at the Beijing Motor Show, giving the world its first glimpse of Lamborghini’s bold vision for an ultra-luxury sports SUV.
Overview: The Pinnacle of Performance and Luxury
If the decision were based purely on driving dynamics alone, the Lamborghini Urus would undoubtedly deserve a full five stars. Its handling is astonishingly capable, its acceleration is ludicrously fast, and it is, arguably, the most engaging and fun sports SUV on the market. It is the ultimate choice for those who favor exhilaration and theater over a serene ride and quiet cruising—although in electric mode, it offers a spectral, almost eerie silence. The overall rating drops to four stars due to the existence of formidable rivals. The Aston Martin DBX approaches the Urus in terms of driving prowess while excelling in luxury, offering an interior that feels more befitting of its elevated price point. Similarly, the Porsche Cayenne provides 90% of the Urus’s talents for considerably less financial outlay. However, if one were to overlook these two and opt for a Urus instead, such a decision would be entirely understandable.
Strengths
Searingly Quick Acceleration: The Urus SE delivers breathtaking linear pace that few rivals can match.
Exhilarating V8 Noise or Silent Electric Running: The dual powertrain provides a versatile auditory experience, from a thunderous bellow to near silence.
Delightfully Judged Ride and Handling Balance: The sophisticated suspension system offers a perfect blend of sportiness and ride comfort.
Weaknesses
Regenerative Braking Irregularities: The transition between regenerative and friction braking can sometimes feel slightly unnatural.
Slightly Delayed Response in Hybrid Mode: In purely electric mode, there can be a minor delay when demanding maximum power.
Restricted Rear Visibility: The steeply sloping roofline compromises the driver’s rearward view.
Performance & Drive: The Heart of a Beast, the Mind of an Architect
How fast is the Urus SE, and which powertrain is best? With the discontinuation of the non-hybrid Urus S and Performante models, the Lamborghini Urus SE is the sole powertrain option available. The term “powertrain” is used advisedly, as the SE is not simply a V8 engine; it is a sophisticated plug-in hybrid. It features an electric motor and a 22kWh battery, resulting in a combined output of 789 horsepower and 701 lb-ft of torque. This staggering output is enough to redefine what one expects from a performance SUV.
The added power makes the SE the most potent Urus ever, yet, surprisingly, not the quickest in terms of straight-line acceleration. This is due to the added weight of the hybrid battery and electric motor, which makes the SE the heaviest Urus to date. Consequently, the extra power and weight almost perfectly cancel each other out, resulting in a 0-62 mph time of 3.4 seconds, marginally slower than the lighter Performante’s 3.3-second sprint.
If this technical detail is somewhat disappointing, it is important to maintain perspective. On paper, the Urus SE remains a fraction quicker than other high-end sports SUVs, including the fastest Porsche Cayenne (the Turbo E-Hybrid GT Package), the Aston Martin DBX S, Audi RS Q8, and Bentley Bentayga Speed.
On the road, the performance is breathtaking. In the raciest drive modes, designed to maximize performance over efficiency, the electric motor provides an instant surge of torque when the accelerator is depressed. This is followed by the V8’s powerful, unrelenting surge, reaching speeds of up to 194 mph if the road allows. An ‘overtake’ button on the steering wheel provides a quick boost of enhanced performance, and a launch control function ensures a perfect drag-race start.
The eight-speed automatic transmission shifts gears with lightning speed in the sportier drive modes—far more rapidly than the Aston Martin DBX’s transmission—but it does exhibit a slight delay in kicking down when the vehicle is running solely on electric power.
In full electric mode, the Urus SE can reach speeds of 84 mph, offering more than enough performance for urban environments. The official electric range is 37 miles, which, while not exceptional for a PHEV, is consistent with the system’s focus on performance rather than absolute efficiency. Still, the Porsche Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid manages nearly 45 miles (WLTP) using the same 22kWh battery.
The battery can be charged using the engine, but this is generally counterproductive as it burns more petrol. It is more practical to charge the battery from a home wall box, which typically takes around 3.5 hours for a full charge.
Is It Agile and Is the Ride Comfortable?
Agility is the Urus’s unique selling proposition, which is astonishing considering its weight of approximately 2.5 tonnes. However, this weight is almost unnoticeable from behind the wheel, thanks to a host of advanced technologies designed to overcome the basic physics of steering and cornering such a large vehicle.
First and foremost, the Urus features four-wheel drive, with a center differential distributing power between the front and rear axles. An electronically controlled limited-slip rear differential further optimizes torque distribution between each rear wheel. This sophisticated system ensures immense traction during acceleration and allows the Urus to feel rear-driven—and exhilarating
