Lamborghini Urus SE: The Electric Evolution of the Super SUV (2026)
The world of super SUVs has always been defined by a thrilling paradox: the raw, untamed heart of a supercar squeezed into the rugged, practical body of an off-road champion. For years, the Lamborghini Urus was the reigning monarch of this exclusive domain, a vehicular icon whose very presence demanded attention. Its exterior, a masterpiece of predatory sculpture, was sharp enough to cut the wind, while its thunderous V8 roared like a caged beast ready to unleash fury upon the open road.
But time marches on, and even the most savage predators must adapt to survive. Lamborghini, in a move that surprised purists and intrigued eco-conscious enthusiasts, has transformed the Urus into an electric hero with the introduction of the Urus SE. The question on everyone’s lips is whether this electrified evolution has tamed the wild beast or merely cloaked it in a layer of green technology.
In the ever-evolving landscape of high-performance SUVs, the Lamborghini Urus has long stood as the undisputed king. However, as the automotive industry pivots toward electrification, the Urus finds itself in a crossroads. Should it remain a purebred V8 monster, or does it need to embrace the power of electric assistance to remain competitive?
What This Means for You
For luxury buyers considering a new Lamborghini Urus, the decision is no longer just about raw power and heart-stopping aesthetics. The addition of a hybrid powertrain presents a new set of considerations. Will the added weight of the batteries affect performance? Can the electric range realistically meet the daily driving needs of a super SUV owner? And how does the plug-in hybrid system stack up against competitors in the same class?
The Evolution of the Urus SE
The story begins with the discontinuation of the Urus S and Performante models. The Urus SE is the sole powertrain option, combining a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 with an electric motor and a 22kWh battery. This synergy produces a total of 789bhp, making the SE the most powerful Urus ever produced.
Styling and Design
While the powertrain has evolved, the Urus retains its signature aggressive styling. A restyled nose and bonnet, a subtly reworked rear end, and a larger 12.3-inch infotainment screen define the updated model. These changes, though subtle, underscore Lamborghini’s commitment to keeping the Urus at the forefront of super SUV design.
Performance and Handling
The true test of the Urus SE lies in its performance. While the SE boasts the most power, its increased weight means it is not the quickest Urus ever made. The 0-62mph sprint takes 3.4 seconds, slightly slower than the lighter Performante’s 3.3 seconds. However, the SE remains a formidable competitor in the super SUV segment, outpacing rivals like the Porsche Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid GT Package, Aston Martin DBX S, Audi RS Q8, and Bentley Bentayga Speed.
On the road, the Urus SE is nothing short of exhilarating. In the raciest drive modes, the electric motor provides an instant kick, followed by the V8’s relentless surge. The eight-speed automatic gearbox shifts quickly, though it can be slightly sluggish when in hybrid mode. The electric range is officially 37 miles, but this is more about performance than ultimate efficiency. For comparison, the Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid achieves nearly 45 miles (WLTP) with the same 22kWh battery.
Agility and Comfort
Agility is the Urus’s USP, and the SE doesn’t disappoint. Despite weighing around 2.5 tonnes, it handles like a much lighter car, thanks to a host of technologies designed to overcome its sheer bulk. The four-wheel-drive system, combined with an electronically limited-slip rear differential, provides immense traction and a playful, sports-car feel.
The air suspension and active anti-roll bars allow for a ride that can be tuned for comfort or cornering. The Strada mode offers a comfortable ride for motorway cruising, while Sport and Corsa modes reduce body lean and pitch. Sport is the sweet spot, offering enough give to handle rutted roads while maintaining confidence and stability. Corsa mode, while focused, remains surprisingly usable on the road, and the steering provides a reassuring sense of feedback that builds as the lock increases.
Interior Design and Ergonomics
The interior is a stunning fusion of luxury and functionality. While the underlying architecture is shared with the Audi RS Q8, Lamborghini has stamped its unique style throughout the cabin. The hexagonal motifs on the screens, air vents, and seat stitching create a flamboyant, high-tech look that sets the Urus apart from its rivals.
However, at its steep price point, the interior quality is not quite as consistent as some competitors. While the switches and screens are generally responsive and intuitive, some elements feel less bespoke than the price tag would suggest. The centre-air vent housing, for example, feels slightly flimsy, though this can be upgraded to carbon fibre for a fee. For those prioritizing interior ambience, the Bentley Bentayga might be a better choice.
Driving Position and Visibility
The driving position is comfortable and commanding, though the steering column is manually operated rather than electrically adjustable. The sports front seats offer good support and comfort, but cooling and massaging features are optional extras. The view out the front is good, with less restricted pillars than the Aston Martin DBX. However, visibility out the rear is worse than the Bentayga due to the sloping roofline. Front and rear parking sensors are standard, but a 360-degree camera is an optional extra.
Dashboard and Infotainment
The Urus’s dashboard is filled with signature Lamborghini quirks. The drive modes are controlled by two fighter jet-style levers on the centre console, flanking the reverse-gear selector and the engine stop-start button, which is hidden under a red ‘missile switch’ cover. This might seem unnecessary, but it adds to the car’s character.
The right-hand lever toggles the powertrain to electric mode, with three buttons underneath for hybrid, performance, and recharge modes. The left-hand lever controls the main drive modes, which can only be cycled downwards. While this is a bit inconvenient, the physical toggle switches underneath the infotainment screen improve usability, and the infotainment system, while based on Audi software, offers bespoke graphics and racy menus.
Passenger and Boot Space
The Urus SE offers enough space for four or five tall adults, with good headroom and elbow room. The rear seats recline for added comfort, and leg room is sufficient for taller passengers. However, some rear headroom has been sacrificed for style.
Boot space is somewhat compromised by the hybrid battery, which is located under the boot floor. The boot capacity is 454 litres, which is smaller than the previous non-hybrid versions and slightly less than the Aston Martin DBX. An Audi RS Q8’s boot is significantly larger at 605 litres. If more luggage space is needed, the 40/20/40 rear seats can be folded down to create a long, flat load bay.
Buying and Owning
The Lamborghini Urus SE is, as expected, a massive cash purchase. While it is slightly cheaper than a Bentley Bentayga Speed, it is considerably more expensive than an Audi RS Q8 or Porsche Cayenne. The temptation to add options is strong, and Lamborghini’s Ad Personam Custom Request service allows for extensive personalization, but doing so will significantly increase the price.
The Urus SE comes with a decent amount of standard equipment, including an Alcantara headlining, Matrix adaptive LED headlights, adaptive cruise control with steering assist, power-folding door mirrors, electrically adjustable and heated leather front sports seats, a head-up display, and the infotainment system.
For those considering the Urus SE as a tax dodge, the 140g/km of CO2 emissions are low for a performance SUV, but not low enough to qualify for the cheapest BIK tax bands. Using the plug-in element wisely by charging the battery regularly at home can save money, but it’s unlikely that users will prioritize silence over performance. In hybrid mode, the Urus SE can average over 40mpg, but in Sport or Corsa mode, expect closer to 20mpg.
Reliability and Safety
Funnily enough, Lamborghini has not yet appeared in the What Car? Reliability Survey, and the Urus is not included. We do not have enough data to determine its reliability. The Urus comes with a three-year/unlimited-mileage warranty, which can be extended for up to five years for a fee.
Euro NCAP has not crash-tested a Urus, so we cannot provide a definitive answer on its safety. However, the Audi Q8 and Porsche Cayenne achieved five-star ratings when tested, though those tests were conducted several years ago when the standards were lower. The Urus is available with a range of safety aids, including automatic emergency braking (AEB), lane assist, blind spot monitoring, SOS emergency call, and Isofix mounts on the rear seats. It also comes with a standard alarm and immobilizer.
Should You Buy, Wait, or Rent/Invest?
The Urus SE sits at the pinnacle of the super SUV segment. Its performance is breathtaking, its handling is surprisingly agile, and its design is unmistakable. However, its high price, mediocre electric range, and somewhat inconsistent interior quality are factors that buyers must consider.
Buy It If:
You prioritize massive performance and agile, playful handling.
You like the idea of a sports SUV with a bit of electric range.
