This article is written in the official language of the United States, using American English conventions and industry-standard financial terminology.
Lamborghini Urus SE Review 2026: The Ultimate Hybrid Super-SUV?
In the world of super-SUVs, the Lamborghini Urus has always been the definition of over-the-top excess. But as the automotive landscape shifts toward electrification, the Urus SE faces a critical test: can it remain the king of chaos in the 2026 market, or has hybrid technology dulled the edge of this Italian bull?
In an era where automotive priorities are rapidly evolving, the pursuit of performance has taken an unexpected turn. Traditionally, super-SUVs like the Lamborghini Urus have been defined by their unadulterated power, the roar of their engines, and the sheer visceral thrill of driving something so aggressively styled. Yet, the industry is at a tipping point. Regulatory pressures, environmental consciousness, and the inexorable march of technology have forced manufacturers to adapt or risk becoming obsolete.
For Lamborghini, this has meant a fundamental shift in strategy. The company known for crafting some of the most outrageous performance machines in history has embraced electrification, but not in the way many expected. Instead of simply replacing its V8s with electric motors, Lamborghini has opted for a hybrid approach with the Urus SE. This move combines the raw power of a massive gasoline engine with the efficiency and silence of electric propulsion, creating a vehicle that promises both hypercar performance and a taste of zero-emissions driving.
But is this shift to hybrid technology a stroke of genius or a concession to practicality that dilutes the very essence of the Lamborghini experience? This in-depth review dives into the Urus SE to explore whether it remains a worthy competitor to rivals like the Audi RS Q8, Bentley Bentayga, and Porsche Cayenne in 2026. We will also examine whether buyers should choose the new Urus SE, wait for potential future models, or consider alternatives like the Aston Martin DBX or Range Rover Sport SV.
What’s New?
The Lamborghini Urus SE represents a significant evolutionary step for the Italian brand, marked by the introduction of a plug-in hybrid powertrain. This update transforms the Super-SUV into the most powerful and technologically advanced iteration of the model yet.
April 2026: Lamborghini officially unveils the Urus SE plug-in hybrid, featuring an integrated electric motor and 22kWh battery system for an astonishing combined output of 789 bhp.
March 2026: Industry analysts anticipate a potential shift in luxury SUV market dynamics, with growing buyer interest in electrification without compromising performance.
November 2025: The Lamborghini Urus SE undergoes rigorous testing on European roads, with early reports indicating exceptional handling and responsiveness despite the added weight of the hybrid system.
May 2025: European media outlets begin speculation regarding Lamborghini’s plans for hybridizing its Super-SUV line following the announcement of stricter emissions regulations.
Overview
If pure performance were the only metric, the Lamborghini Urus would undoubtedly earn a perfect score. It handles with astonishing agility for its size, delivers ridiculous acceleration, and arguably offers the most exhilarating and capable driving experience in the Super-SUV segment. It is the ideal choice for drivers who prioritize thrill and theatrical flair over a plush, comfortable ride or silent cruising—although it can be eerily quiet when running in electric mode.
However, when evaluated against its luxury rivals, the Urus loses a star. The Aston Martin DBX, for example, is almost as fun to drive but excels in luxury, offering an interior that feels more befitting its premium price tag. Additionally, the Porsche Cayenne offers 90% of the Urus’s capabilities for considerably less investment. Yet, if you were to bypass those two and opt for a Lamborghini Urus, we would completely understand your reasoning.
Strengths:
Blistering Straight-Line Speed: The Urus SE’s hybrid powertrain delivers instantaneous torque and breathtaking acceleration.
Dynamic Handling: Despite its imposing size, the Urus feels nimble and agile in corners, offering a confidence-inspiring driving experience.
Exhilarating V8 Soundtrack: Experience the raw power of the twin-turbo V8 engine, offering a thrilling audio experience.
Versatile Drive Modes: Seamlessly switch between high-performance driving and quiet electric propulsion.
Weaknesses:
High Cost of Ownership: The Lamborghini Urus is among the most expensive vehicles in its class, both to purchase and maintain.
Limited EV Range: While the hybrid system offers electric capability, the range is limited, making it impractical for daily commuting without regular charging.
Inconsistent Interior Quality: For its premium price, the interior materials and finishes do not always match the standards set by its rivals.
Performance & Drive
What It’s Like to Drive and How Quiet It Is
Since Lamborghini discontinued the Urus S and Performante models, the SE is the only powertrain available. As the name implies, the SE is not simply equipped with a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8; it is a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) featuring an electric motor and a 22kWh (usable capacity) battery. While the V8 produces slightly less power than its predecessors (612 bhp versus 666 bhp in the Performante), the addition of the electric motor brings the total output to a staggering 789 bhp and 701 lb-ft of torque. That is, frankly, an immense amount of power for an SUV.
This makes the SE the most powerful Urus ever, but not the quickest. This anomaly is due to weight; the SE, with the added hybrid battery and electric motor, is also the heaviest Urus yet. The extra power and weight effectively cancel each other out—the 0-62 mph time clocks in at 3.4 seconds, whereas the lighter but less powerful Performante achieved 3.3 seconds.
If this slight dip in acceleration feels disappointing, perhaps it’s time for some perspective. On paper, the Urus SE still outpaces most high-end sports SUVs, including the fastest Porsche Cayenne (the Turbo E-Hybrid GT Package), the Aston Martin DBX S, the Audi RS Q8, and the Bentley Bentayga Speed.
On the road, it feels breakneck fast. In the raciest drive modes, which prioritize performance over efficiency, the electric motor delivers an instant kick when you hit the accelerator; the V8 then unleashes its barrel-chested, unrelenting surge—up to 194 mph if you have a long enough runway. There’s also an overtake button on the steering wheel that provides a quick burst of heightened performance, and a launch control function for the perfect drag-race start.
The eight-speed automatic gearbox shifts rapidly in the sportier drive modes—much faster than the Aston Martin DBX’s auto transmission—but it does take slightly longer to downshift when the car is in hybrid mode, operating solely on the electric motor.
In full electric mode, the Urus SE can reach up to 84 mph and feels more than fast enough for urban environments. The official electric range is 37 miles, which is unimpressive for a plug-in but, again, the hybrid system is designed for performance, not maximum efficiency. Still, the Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid manages nearly 45 miles (WLTP) using the same 22kWh battery.
Cost Breakdown: While the added complexity of the hybrid system contributes to the Urus’s high initial price, the inclusion of electric-only capabilities can significantly lower long-term running costs. Drivers who charge the battery regularly using affordable electricity can save substantially on fuel expenses compared to their gasoline-only counterparts.
How Fast Is It and Which Engine Is Best?
Ever since Lamborghini discontinued the Urus S and Performante models, the SE is the only powertrain available. As the name implies, the SE is not simply equipped with a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8; it is a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) featuring an electric motor and a 22kWh (usable capacity) battery. While the V8 produces slightly less power than its predecessors (612 bhp versus 666 bhp in the Performante), the addition of the electric motor brings the total output to a staggering 789 bhp and 701 lb-ft of torque. That is, frankly, an immense amount of power for an SUV.
This makes the SE the most powerful Urus ever, but not the quickest. This anomaly is due to weight; the SE, with the added hybrid battery and electric motor, is also the heaviest Urus yet. The extra power and weight effectively cancel each other out—the 0-62 mph time clocks in at 3.4 seconds, whereas the lighter but less powerful Performante achieved 3.3 seconds.
If this slight dip in acceleration feels disappointing, perhaps it’s time for some perspective. On paper, the Urus SE still outpaces most high-end sports SUVs, including the fastest Porsche Cayenne (the Turbo E-Hybrid GT Package), the Aston Martin DBX S, the Audi RS Q8, and the Bentley Bentayga Speed.
On the road, it feels breakneck fast. In the raciest drive modes, which prioritize performance over efficiency, the electric motor delivers an instant kick when you hit the accelerator; the V8 then unleashes its barrel-chested, unrelenting surge—up to 194 mph if you have a long enough runway. There’s also an
