Lamborghini Urus SE Review: The Ultimate Super-SUV in 2026
If you had to define the Lamborghini Urus in a nutshell, it would be this: brute force wrapped in automotive art. For years, this machine has stood as the pinnacle of the super-SUV segment, not just with its thunderous engine but with a driving experience that borders on the insane. When it launched, the Urus wasn’t just a fast SUV; it was a statement. It was unapologetic, audacious, and utterly unique. Yet, as consumer tastes evolved and the world tightened its belt on emissions, Lamborghini faced a choice: adapt or fade into the rearview mirror.
In the hyper-competitive landscape of 2026, where rivals like the Porsche Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid GT Package and the Aston Martin DBX S push the boundaries of what a sports SUV can do, Lamborghini has made a bold move. It has ushered in the Lamborghini Urus SE, a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant that, ironically, represents the most extreme iteration of the Urus to date. By integrating a powerful electric motor with the iconic twin-turbo V8, Lamborghini has not only addressed environmental concerns but has also engineered the most powerful Urus ever built. This transformation has ignited a debate in the supercar community: has the move towards electrification dulled the Urus’s legendary hedonism, or has it elevated the driving experience to an unprecedented level?
This comprehensive review delves deep into the heart of the Urus SE, analyzing its performance, interior refinement, practicality, and the cost of ownership. We will explore whether this new hybrid powertrain is merely a concession to sustainability or the logical evolution of a truly mad machine. Drawing on over ten years of industry expertise, we will equip you with the knowledge to decide if this beast of an SUV is the right fit for your lifestyle and your wallet.
What’s New? The 2026 Evolution
The Lamborghini Urus has always been a vehicle that pushes boundaries, but the latest updates have truly redefined the segment. While earlier models like the Urus S and Performante were revered for their pure gasoline power, the 2024 introduction of the Urus SE marked a significant shift in strategy. This plug-in hybrid variant combines a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine with a potent electric motor, generating an astounding 789 horsepower.
May 2024: Urus SE Plug-in Hybrid on Sale
The launch of the Urus SE has been the defining moment in this generation’s evolution. Available now, this new powertrain configuration features a 22kWh battery, which supports electric-only driving and plays a crucial role in boosting overall performance. It’s a bold engineering feat that positions the Urus SE as the most powerful and efficient variant ever produced by Lamborghini.
April 2024: Urus SE Plug-in Hybrid Unveiled
The world got its first look at the Urus SE at the Beijing Motor Show, confirming the rumors of Lamborghini’s electric future. The unveiling didn’t just highlight the hybrid technology; it also showcased a refreshed design language that subtly enhances the Urus’s already aggressive stance. This strategic move aligns the brand with global trends toward electrification while maintaining its signature flair.
September 2022: Urus S with 657bhp
Before the hybrid shift, Lamborghini introduced the Urus S, featuring a 657bhp V8 engine. This model represented a refinement of the original concept, offering a balance of luxury and performance that appealed to a broader audience. However, it was quickly superseded by the SE, signaling a decisive turn towards electrification.
August 2022: Urus Performante Has 657bhp
The Urus Performante, a limited-run variant focused on extreme performance, was launched with 657bhp. Weighing 47kg less than the standard model and featuring revised aerodynamics, the Performante offered a rawer, track-focused experience. It also incorporated recalibrated driving modes that sharpened the car’s responsiveness, offering a glimpse of the engineering future that would culminate in the Urus SE.
Overview: A New Definition of Super-SUV Performance
If pure driving dynamics were the sole metric, the Lamborghini Urus would be a lock for a perfect rating. Its handling is astonishing, its speed is ludicrous, and in terms of sheer exhilaration, it remains one of the most engaging sports SUVs on the market. It’s the vehicle for those who prioritize theater and responsiveness over a plush, quiet ride. However, the Urus SE adds a new layer to the equation. In electric mode, it is eerily silent, offering a serene alternative to the V8’s roaring symphony.
Where does it fit in the pantheon of high-performance SUVs? It stands apart. The Aston Martin DBX, for example, is almost as thrilling to drive but executes luxury refinement with greater finesse, making its interior feel more befitting of its price tag. The Porsche Cayenne, on the other hand, offers about 90% of the Urus’s dynamic prowess for significantly less investment. But if you choose the Urus SE over these competitors, we can assure you that it won’t be a decision you’ll regret.
Strengths of the Lamborghini Urus SE (2026)
Searingly Quick: With 789 horsepower, this SUV doesn’t just accelerate; it rockets forward with an intensity that defies its size.
Great V8 Noise or Silent Electric Running: The dual powertrain offers the best of both worlds: the thunderous roar of the V8 for spirited drives and the silent efficiency of electric power for urban commutes.
Delightfully Judged Ride and Handling Balance: Despite its size, the Urus SE manages to feel nimble and responsive, offering an exhilarating driving experience that perfectly balances sportiness and comfort.
Weaknesses of the Lamborghini Urus SE (2026)
Some Regenerative Braking Corruption: The regenerative braking system, while efficient, occasionally introduces a slight delay in brake response, which can be unsettling in hybrid mode.
Slightly Delayed Response in Hybrid Mode: The integration of the electric motor, while boosting power, sometimes leads to a minor lag when demanding maximum performance in hybrid mode.
Performance & Drive: How Fast Is It and Which Engine Is Best?
Since Lamborghini discontinued the Urus S and Performante, the Urus SE is the sole powertrain on sale. The term ‘powertrain’ is used advisedly here because the SE is not just equipped with a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8. It is a plug-in hybrid, incorporating an electric motor and a 22kWh battery for enhanced power and efficiency. The V8 engine now produces 612bhp, but with the addition of the electric motor, the combined output reaches 789bhp and 701lb ft of torque. This represents a significant increase in power output.
The Hybrid Advantage: A Balance of Speed and Efficiency
At 789bhp, the Urus SE is the most powerful Urus ever made. However, it is not the quickest. This is primarily due to the added weight of the hybrid battery and electric motor, which makes the SE the heaviest Urus in the lineup. As a result, the extra power and weight largely cancel each other out. The 0–62mph time stands at 3.4 seconds, slightly slower than the lighter Performante’s 3.3 seconds.
However, this slight dip in acceleration should not distract from the incredible performance offered by the Urus SE. Compared to high-end sports SUVs like the Porsche Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid GT Package, Aston Martin DBX S, Audi RS Q8, and Bentley Bentayga Speed, the Urus SE remains competitive.
On the road, the performance is breathtaking. In the most performance-focused drive modes, the electric motor provides an instant surge of power when you hit the accelerator; then the V8 adds its barrel-chested, relentless push – all the way up to 194mph if you have enough runway. The car also features an overtake button on the steering wheel that delivers a quick burst of heightened performance, along with a launch control function for perfect drag-race starts.
The Eight-Speed Automatic Gearbox: Smooth and Efficient
The eight-speed automatic gearbox shifts rapidly in the sportier drive modes – much faster than the Aston Martin DBX’s gearbox – but it does take slightly longer to shift down in hybrid mode, when the car is running solely on the electric motor.
Electric Performance and Battery Life
In full electric mode, the Urus SE can reach speeds up to 84mph, which is more than enough for urban driving. The official electric range is 37 miles, which isn’t remarkable for a plug-in hybrid but, again, the hybrid system in the Urus SE prioritizes performance over ultimate efficiency. For comparison, the Porsche Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid achieves nearly 45 miles (WLTP) using the same 22kWh battery.
Charging Capabilities and Efficiency
The battery can be recharged using the petrol engine, though this is counterintuitive given the purpose of a plug-in hybrid. It is far more sensible to charge the battery from a home wall box, and a full charge takes approximately 3.5 hours.
Agility and Ride Comfort: Overcoming the Physics of a Heavy SUV
Agility is the Urus’s unique selling point, which is frankly astonishing given its considerable weight
