Lamborghini Urus SE: The Supercar SUV Evolves into a Thrilling Electrified Predator in 2026
If the world of luxury performance SUVs were a kingdom, the Lamborghini Urus once reigned supreme as the undisputed monarch of excess and spectacle. Its sharp lines, aggressive stance, and the thunderous roar of its twin-turbo V8 engine commanded attention on every street corner, bewitching all who dared to look and thrill all who dared to drive. However, this tale is far from over. In a daring evolutionary leap, Lamborghini has engineered something even more audacious than the concept of a supercar SUV: it has transformed the Urus into an electrifying plug-in hybrid (PHEV).
The era of pure internal combustion for the Urus has, in fact, drawn to a close for the time being. The non-hybrid Urus S and Performante variants have been phased out, but their spiritual successor, the Urus SE, retains the legendary 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 at its core. This heart is now bolstered by an advanced electric motor, creating a combined power unit that propels the SE to a staggering output of nearly 800 horsepower. Thus, rather than succumbing to eco-friendly limitations, the SE emerges as the most powerful Lamborghini Urus ever produced.
Yet, the story does not end there. This technological marvel also performs a remarkable eco-warrior duty. It is capable of travelling up to 37 miles on electric power alone, and its exhaust emissions are remarkably low at only 140g/km. While this may not intrigue the most dedicated eco-conscious drivers, it signifies a monumental achievement: the most powerful Lamborghini Urus is simultaneously the most efficient one.
The exterior retains the Urus’s signature aggressive DNA, but to coincide with the arrival of the SE, Lamborghini has introduced subtle stylistic updates. A refreshed front fascia and bonnet, a lightly revised rear end, and an enhanced interior featuring a larger 12.3-inch infotainment screen ensure the SE remains as visually arresting as ever.
The ultimate question remains for prospective buyers: if you seek the most extreme sports utility vehicle that money can buy, will the Urus SE be your happily-ever-after, or has the transition to hybridization tempered the hedonistic thrill? Alternatively, would one of its formidable rivals prove to be a more astute choice? High-end competitors include the Audi RS Q8, the supremely luxurious Bentley Bentayga, and the performance-tuned Porsche Cayenne. However, as these rivals share much of the same underpinnings as the Urus, perhaps a vehicle from a different lineage, such as the Aston Martin DBX or the ultra-exclusive Range Rover Sport SV, would offer a more unique proposition.
What’s New?
May 2024: The Urus SE plug-in hybrid is launched, combining a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8, an electric motor, and a 22kWh battery for a combined output of 789bhp.
April 2024: The Urus SE plug-in hybrid is unveiled at the Beijing Motor Show.
September 2022: The standard Urus model is upgraded to the Urus S with 657bhp.
August 2022: The Urus Performante receives a power upgrade to 657bhp, a weight reduction of 47kg, and revised driving modes and aerodynamics.
April 2018: The first UK deliveries commence. All models feature carbon ceramic brakes, adaptive air suspension, four-wheel drive, four-wheel steering, and six distinct driving modes.
December 2017: The production-ready Urus debuts and order books open. The Urus features a 641bhp twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 engine, a 0-62mph time of 3.6 seconds, and a top speed of 189mph.
April 2012: The Urus concept is presented at the Beijing Motor Show.
Overview: The Lamborghini Urus Experience in 2026
If the entire driving experience were the sole deciding factor, the Lamborghini Urus would effortlessly secure a five-star rating. It handles with astonishing agility, delivers breathtaking performance, and, arguably, stands as the most entertaining and capable sports SUV available on the market today. It is undoubtedly the vehicle for those who prioritize raw exhilaration and theatrical presence over the serene comfort of a pillowy ride and quiet cruising. However, it’s worth noting that in electric mode, the Urus SE is eerily quiet. The overall rating drops to four stars because the Aston Martin DBX offers comparable driving dynamics while excelling in luxury appointments (its interior feels more befitting the premium price tag), and the Porsche Cayenne delivers 90% of the Urus’s talents for considerably less. Nevertheless, if one were to overlook those two and opt for a Lamborghini Urus instead, we would fully understand the decision.
Strengths
Blistering Straight-Line Performance: The combined electric and V8 powertrain delivers breathtaking acceleration that redefines performance benchmarks in the luxury SUV segment.
Engaging Driving Dynamics: The Urus is remarkably agile and fun to drive, defying its physical dimensions to offer an exhilarating experience that mirrors the brand’s sports car heritage.
Thundering V8 Sound: Despite the hybrid integration, the V8 remains a central character, providing a spine-tingling auditory experience that appeals to true driving enthusiasts.
Reasonable Running Costs (with Hybrid Technology): Strategic use of the plug-in hybrid system can lead to significant fuel savings and reduced emissions, making the Urus SE more economical to operate than its non-hybrid predecessors.
Weaknesses
Limited Electric Range: The 37-mile electric range, while significant for a high-performance vehicle, is not extensive enough to satisfy drivers seeking full electric mobility over longer distances.
Suboptimal Interior Material Quality: The interior finish, while visually striking with Lamborghini’s signature styling, does not quite match the opulence of some of its closest rivals, especially considering the premium price point.
Subtle Brake Feedback Issues: In hybrid mode, regenerative braking can occasionally influence the brake pedal feel, making precise modulation slightly less predictable at low speeds.
Exorbitant Cash Purchase Price: As a Lamborghini, the Urus commands a premium price tag, placing it out of reach for most consumers.
Vast Array of Expensive Options: The scope for personalization is immense, but opting for bespoke finishes and carbon fiber enhancements can exponentially increase the final cost.
Lack of Comprehensive Reliability Data: As a relatively new model in its electrified form, the Urus SE’s long-term reliability is still being assessed, with limited data available from owner surveys.
Performance and Driving Experience
How Fast Is It and Which Engine Is Best?
Since Lamborghini retired the Urus S and Performante, the Urus SE is the sole powertrain configuration available for purchase. This term ‘powertrain’ is used advisedly, as the SE is not merely equipped with a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8. It is a plug-in hybrid, incorporating an electric motor and a 22kWh battery pack. The V8 itself produces slightly less power than in the previous Performante (612bhp versus 666bhp), but when combined with the electric motor, the entire system generates a total output of 789bhp and 701 lb-ft of torque. This is, quite frankly, an extraordinary amount of power.
This power output makes the Urus SE the most powerful model in the lineage, yet, perhaps surprisingly, it is not the quickest. This is due to the weight addition of the hybrid battery and electric motor, making the SE the heaviest Lamborghini Urus to date. As a consequence, the extra power and weight largely cancel each other out—the 0-62mph acceleration time stands at 3.4 seconds in the SE, while the less powerful but lighter Performante achieved 3.3 seconds.
If this seems somewhat underwhelming, perhaps a broader perspective is necessary. On paper, the Urus SE remains marginally quicker than other top-tier performance 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, the Urus SE feels breakneck quick. In the most performance-oriented driving modes, which prioritize power over efficiency, the electric motor provides an immediate surge of torque when the accelerator is pressed, followed by the V8’s authoritative, unrelenting surge—capable of propelling the vehicle up to 194mph if the road conditions allow. There is also a dedicated “overtake” button on the steering wheel that delivers a brief boost in performance, along with a launch control system for perfect drag-race starts.
The eight-speed automatic transmission shifts gears rapidly in the sportier modes—considerably faster than the transmission in the Aston Martin DBX. However, it does take slightly longer to downshift when the car is in hybrid mode, running solely on battery power.
In full electric mode, the Urus SE can reach speeds of up to 84mph, making it more than powerful enough for casual urban driving. The official electric range is 37 miles, which is not remarkable for a plug-in vehicle, but then again, the hybrid system is primarily oriented towards performance rather than ultimate efficiency. Nevertheless, the Porsche Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid manages
