Lamborghini Urus SE: The Hybrid Super-SUV That Redefines Extremism
Once upon a time, in the realm of luxury SUVs, the Lamborghini Urus reigned supreme as the undisputed champion of outlandish engineering. It was a machine defined by its aggressive aesthetics, reminiscent of a predator ready to strike, and a soundtrack that announced its arrival with the ferocity of a roaring lion. The Urus captivated all who crossed its path, leaving a lasting impression of unadulterated performance and raw power.
But then, Lamborghini took a step that surprised everyone: they transformed the Urus into an eco-friendly plug-in hybrid (PHEV). The decision to phase out the non-hybrid S and Performante models marked a significant shift in the Urus lineage. However, the PHEV variant, known as the Urus SE, still retains its beating heart: a formidable 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine. This powerhouse now collaborates with an electric motor, culminating in a staggering combined output of nearly 800 horsepower. Far from being watered down, the SE hybrid emerges as the most potent Urus in the lineup.
This is not the end of the story, though. While the performance figures are undeniably impressive, the Urus SE also embraces sustainability with an electric-only range of up to 37 miles and a combined CO2 emission rate of just 140g/km. While this might not appeal to economy-minded drivers, it undeniably makes the Urus SE the most efficient variant available.
The styling of the Urus SE remains fundamentally the same as its predecessors, but a series of subtle updates coincide with its introduction. These include a restyled front fascia and hood, a gently revised rear end, and an interior upgrade featuring a larger 12.3-inch infotainment display.
This raises a compelling question: if you are seeking the pinnacle of extreme sports SUVs, will the Urus SE satisfy your desire for hedonism, or has the shift to hybrid technology dulled its edge? Is a rival such as the Audi RS Q8, Bentley Bentayga, or Porsche Cayenne a better option? Yet, these rivals share similar foundations with the Urus, suggesting that an entirely different choice, such as the Aston Martin DBX or Range Rover Sport SV, might be more suitable.
What’s New?
May 2024: The Urus SE plug-in hybrid debuts, combining a 4.0-liter V8 engine, electric motor, and 22kWh battery for a total output of 789 horsepower.
April 2024: The Urus SE plug-in hybrid is unveiled at the Beijing Motor Show.
September 2022: The standard model transitions to the Urus S, delivering 657 horsepower.
August 2022: The Urus Performante is introduced, offering 657 horsepower, a 47kg weight reduction, and recalibrated driving modes and aerodynamics.
April 2018: First UK deliveries take place, with all models featuring carbon ceramic brakes, adaptive air suspension, four-wheel drive, four-wheel steering, and six driving modes.
December 2017: The production model debuts, with orders opening for the Urus equipped with a 641hp twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 engine, 0-62mph acceleration in 3.6 seconds, and a top speed of 189 mph.
April 2012: The Urus concept is showcased at the Beijing Motor Show.
Overview
If pure driving dynamics were the sole criterion, the Lamborghini Urus would undoubtedly earn a five-star rating. It exhibits astonishing handling capabilities, blistering acceleration, and stands as arguably the most entertaining and capable sports SUV on the market. It is the quintessential choice for those who prioritize exhilaration and theatricality over a smooth, quiet ride. However, even in electric mode, it is remarkably silent. Its rating drops to four stars because the Aston Martin DBX offers comparable driving prowess while excelling in luxury and interior refinement. Furthermore, the Porsche Cayenne provides 90% of the Urus’s capabilities at a significantly lower price point. But if you choose to bypass those two and opt for the Urus instead, we completely understand your reasoning.
Strengths:
Blazing-fast performance: The Urus delivers uncompromising straight-line speed that rivals the most potent performance vehicles.
Flexible powertrain: Enjoy the thrilling roar of a V8 engine or the serene silence of electric propulsion.
Impeccable handling: The ride and handling balance is remarkably sophisticated, offering a sublime driving experience.
Weaknesses:
Hybrid braking limitations: The regenerative braking system can occasionally feel unpredictable in hybrid mode, making smooth stopping challenging.
Delayed throttle response: In hybrid mode, the throttle response can feel slightly sluggish as the system transitions between power sources.
Expensive ownership: The Urus commands a premium price tag, and customization options significantly increase the final cost.
No reliability data: As a recent model, there is limited real-world data on the long-term reliability of the Urus SE.
Performance & Drive: A Symphony of Power and Sophistication
The choice of powertrain is now simplified, as Lamborghini has discontinued the Urus S and Performante, leaving the SE as the sole option. This transition underscores a significant evolution in the Urus’s engineering philosophy. The SE is not merely a hybrid; it represents a fusion of the robust 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine with an electric motor and a 22kWh battery pack. The V8 produces slightly less power than the previous Performante variant (612hp versus 666hp), but the combined output of the electric motor and V8 reaches an astounding 789 horsepower and 701lb-ft of torque. This represents a substantial surge in power.
What This Means for You: The increased power output ensures the Urus SE remains a benchmark for performance in its segment. The hybrid system adds a layer of efficiency, potentially reducing running costs, but don’t expect economy car-level fuel economy.
The Urus SE might not be the quickest Lamborghini ever, primarily due to the added weight of the hybrid battery and electric motor. The SE tips the scales at over 2.5 tonnes, making it the heaviest Urus to date. This slight increase in weight effectively balances out the additional power, resulting in a 0-62mph time of 3.4 seconds, marginally slower than the Performante’s 3.3-second sprint.
Should You Buy, Wait, or Rent/Invest? If performance is your top priority, the Urus SE is a strong contender. The marginal difference in acceleration compared to the non-hybrid variant is negligible in real-world driving. Wait only if you are a purist who prefers the visceral engagement of a traditional V8 and are willing to accept lower efficiency.
However, these figures should be viewed in perspective. The Urus SE still outperforms some of its closest rivals, including the fastest Porsche Cayenne variant (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 exceptionally swift. In the sportiest drive modes, which prioritize performance over efficiency, the electric motor delivers an instant surge when you accelerate. This is followed by the V8’s chest-thumping, relentless thrust that continues up to 194 mph, provided you have a long enough stretch of open road. A steering wheel-mounted overtake button provides an additional burst of acceleration, while launch control ensures optimal drag-race starts.
The eight-speed automatic transmission shifts crisply in the sportier drive modes—significantly faster than the Aston Martin DBX’s automatic gearbox. However, it does exhibit a slight delay when downshifting in hybrid mode while running solely on electric power.
In full electric mode, the Urus SE can reach speeds of up to 84 mph, making it more than capable of handling urban driving. The official electric range is 37 miles, which, while not extensive for a plug-in hybrid, is more focused on performance than ultimate efficiency. However, the Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid achieves nearly 45 miles (WLTP) using the same 22kWh battery.
You can charge the battery using the engine, but this is inefficient as it burns more petrol. It is more sensible to charge the battery from a home wall box, which takes around 3.5 hours for a full charge.
Is It Agile and Is the Ride Comfortable?
Agility remains the Urus’s USP, which is remarkable considering its weight of around 2.5 tonnes. However, this is imperceptible from the driver’s seat. The Urus features a host of technologies designed to overcome the physics of moving such immense bulk through corners, providing a smooth and refined ride.
First and foremost, the Urus is a four-wheel-drive vehicle, with a center differential distributing power between the front and rear wheels. An electronic limited-slip rear differential then meters out torque to each rear wheel. This sophisticated setup provides immense traction during acceleration while also enabling the Urus to behave like a rear-wheel-drive sports car, sending up to 100% of the power to the rear wheels.
This is most likely to occur in Sport mode, the Urus’s playful setting. Sport deliberately makes the rear wheels more prone to sliding (oversteer) during cornering. Corsa mode (Italian for race) is the most
