Here is the rewritten article in the official language of the United States, adapted to 2026 and written from the perspective of an industry expert.
2026 Lamborghini Urus SE Review: The Hyper-SUV Reimagined
For over half a decade, the Lamborghini Urus has defined the pinnacle of the performance SUV segment. When it debuted, it was arguably the most extreme sports SUV on the market, boasting a visceral V8 engine and aggressive styling that commanded attention on every street. However, the automotive landscape shifts rapidly, and in a market increasingly focused on efficiency and technology, Lamborghini has undergone a transformation. The Urus SE represents the company’s daring pivot into electrification, merging the unbridled ferocity of a raging bull with the sophisticated power of plug-in hybrid technology.
But does this transformation fundamentally alter the Urus experience? Has the shift to hybridism dulled the hedonistic thrill that made the Urus a legend? To answer this, we must consider the Urus SE in the context of its formidable rivals. In the contemporary marketplace of 2026, the Urus competes with benchmarks like the Porsche Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid, the Aston Martin DBX S, and the Audi RS Q8. While these competitors share similar underpinnings, they each offer a distinct flavor of performance. If you’re considering the Urus SE, you must also weigh your options against the range-topping Aston Martin DBX or the Range Rover Sport SV, vehicles that occupy a similar echelon of luxury and capability.
In this comprehensive review, we explore the evolution of the Urus, examining its new plug-in hybrid system, updated interior, and continued commitment to exhilarating driving dynamics.
What’s New with the Lamborghini Urus SE
The evolution of the Urus has been marked by strategic updates designed to keep it at the forefront of the performance SUV category. The launch of the Urus SE in May 2024 heralded a significant technological shift for Lamborghini, combining the brand’s signature 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 with an electric motor and a 22 kWh battery pack. This potent synergy produces a staggering 789 horsepower, making the SE the most powerful production Urus ever built.
This shift toward electrification is accompanied by notable improvements in fuel efficiency and reduced emissions. The Urus SE can achieve up to 37 miles on electric power alone, with CO2 emissions of approximately 140g/km. While this might not appeal to buyers seeking the absolute longest electric range in the PHEV market, it represents a substantial step forward for Lamborghini, positioning the Urus SE as both the most powerful and most efficient offering from the manufacturer.
The exterior has also received subtle refinements. Coinciding with the SE’s launch, the nose and bonnet have been restyled, and the rear end has been lightly reworked. Inside, the cockpit features an updated 12.3-inch infotainment screen, integrating more seamlessly with the digital driver’s display.
Key Timeline Updates
May 2024: The Urus SE plug-in hybrid model is launched, featuring a 4.0-liter V8 engine, electric motor, and 22 kWh battery for a total output of 789 horsepower.
April 2024: The Urus SE plug-in hybrid makes its debut at the Beijing Motor Show.
September 2022: The standard model is updated to the Urus S, with 657 horsepower.
August 2022: The Urus Performante is released, boasting 657 horsepower, a 47 kg weight reduction, recalibrated driving modes, and revised aerodynamics.
April 2018: First UK deliveries take place, featuring carbon ceramic brakes, adaptive air suspension, all-wheel drive, four-wheel steering, and six driving modes.
December 2017: The production car debuts and orders open. The Urus features a 641 horsepower twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 engine, capable of 0-62mph in 3.6 seconds and a top speed of 189mph.
April 2012: The Urus concept is unveiled at the Beijing Motor Show.
Performance and Driving Dynamics
If pure performance were the sole criterion, the Lamborghini Urus would undoubtedly earn a five-star rating. It handles astonishingly well, accelerates with breathtaking speed, and delivers an exhilarating and capable sports SUV experience. It is a car that prioritizes exhilaration and theater over a smooth, quiet ride—though it offers an eerie silence in electric mode.
The Urus SE secures a strong four-star rating primarily because the Aston Martin DBX, while nearly as capable in performance, executes the luxury side of the equation slightly better, offering a cabin ambiance more befitting its price point. Additionally, the Porsche Cayenne offers 90% of the Urus’s capabilities for considerably less. However, if you set aside those two, choosing the Urus SE remains an understandable and compelling decision.
Strengths
Searingly Quick: The hybrid powertrain provides relentless acceleration, particularly when both the V8 and electric motor are engaged.
Great V8 Noise or Silent Electric Running: Experience the classic, roaring V8 sound or the whisper-quiet operation of electric mode.
Delightfully Judged Ride and Handling Balance: Lamborghini’s suspension tuning effectively manages the SUV’s weight, offering a stable and engaging ride.
Weaknesses
Slightly Delayed Response in Hybrid Mode: The powertrain exhibits a brief lag when switching to performance mode.
The Range is Only 37 Miles: The electric range, while present, is limited for a plug-in hybrid.
How Fast is It and Which Engine is Best?
The Urus SE is the only powertrain available following the discontinuation of the Urus S and Performante models. This is a plug-in hybrid system that combines a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine with an electric motor and a 22kWh (usable capacity) battery. The V8 produces 612 horsepower, which, when combined with the electric motor, yields a total of 789 horsepower and 701lb-ft of torque.
The Urus SE is the most powerful Urus ever built, but it is not the quickest. This is largely due to the weight added by the hybrid components, which offsets some of the gains from the increased power. While the SE accelerates from 0-62mph in 3.4 seconds, the lighter and less powerful Performante achieved 3.3 seconds.
However, comparing the Urus SE to similar high-end sports SUVs provides some perspective. It remains a fraction quicker than the quickest Porsche Cayenne (the Turbo E-Hybrid GT Package), the Aston Martin DBX S, Audi RS Q8, and Bentley Bentayga Speed.
On the road, the Urus SE feels incredibly quick. In the most aggressive drive modes, the electric motor provides an instantaneous surge of power when you press the accelerator, immediately followed by the V8’s thunderous surge. This relentless pull continues up to 194mph if you have the opportunity. An overtake button on the steering wheel allows for an extra burst of performance, and the launch control function ensures you maximize acceleration from a standstill.
The eight-speed automatic gearbox shifts quickly in sportier modes—faster than the Aston Martin DBX’s automatic transmission. However, when the car is in hybrid mode and running solely on electric power, the gearbox takes slightly longer to downshift.
In full electric mode, the Urus SE can reach speeds of up to 84mph, which is more than sufficient for city driving. The official electric range is 37 miles, which, while not outstanding for a plug-in hybrid, aligns with Lamborghini’s focus on performance rather than pure efficiency. For comparison, the Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid offers a range of nearly 45 miles (WLTP) using the same 22kWh battery.
Financial Implications: Should You Buy the Urus SE?
For the discerning buyer considering the Lamborghini Urus SE in 2026, the decision involves more than just raw power and performance. The question of whether to purchase, wait, or rent depends on how the hybrid technology aligns with your financial priorities and lifestyle.
The Urus SE’s plug-in hybrid system offers the potential for significant cost savings through electric driving. By charging the battery regularly at home on a lower electricity tariff, owners can substantially reduce their fuel expenses. However, for a vehicle that epitomizes performance and adrenaline, charging solely on electric power might seem counterintuitive to the Lamborghini experience.
When running in hybrid mode, the car can average over 40mpg, a remarkable figure for a vehicle this powerful. But if you drive the car in Sport or Corsa mode, prioritizing the engine’s acoustics and power, you can expect to see fuel consumption closer to 20mpg at best.
Cost Breakdown
High Cash Buy: The Urus SE is a significantly expensive luxury vehicle, priced well above the Audi RS Q8 and the most expensive versions of the Porsche Cayenne.
Customization Costs: The opportunity to add options from Lamborghini’s Ad Personam department—ranging from unique seatbelt colors to carbon fiber trim—can increase the price exponentially. For instance, our test vehicle featured black 23-inch wheels that alone added well over $10,000 to the final cost.
