Lamborghini Urus SE: The Electrified Eco-Beast Taking No Prisoners (2026 Review)
Once upon a time in the realm of sports utility vehicles, the Lamborghini Urus reigned supreme as the apex predator. Its sculpted lines were sharper than a predator’s gaze, and the roar from its engine echoed the primal fury of its namesake. It was a machine that demanded attention, and for years, the Urus lived happily ever after as the quintessential high-octane SUV.
But the automotive landscape is never static. The world yearns for sustainability, and even titans like Lamborghini must bow to the inevitable march of progress. This brings us to the latest iteration of this Italian marvel, the Urus SE. In 2024, Lamborghini made a bold move—they pulled the plug on the non-hybrid models, the S and Performante, and embraced the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain.
Some might see this as a dilution of the Urus’s raw, uncompromising spirit. Have the Italians gone soft? Have they dulled the very essence of what made the Urus the darling of the elite petrolhead? That’s the million-dollar question on every enthusiast’s lips. Would you be better off with one of its rivals, like the Audi RS Q8, the Bentley Bentayga, or the Porsche Cayenne? But all of those rivals share the same basic underpinnings with the Urus, so perhaps you’d be better off with something completely different, like the Aston Martin DBX or Range Rover Sport SV?
Let’s be clear: the SE might be a hybrid, but it’s still a Lamborghini at heart. The 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 remains the anchor of this beast, now joined by an electric motor that together unleash a combined output of nearly 800 horsepower. So, instead of mellowing out, the SE has become the most potent Urus ever conceived. This isn’t just a green facelift; it’s a calculated evolution that redefines the limits of what a hybrid supercar SUV can achieve.
What’s New for 2026
The Urus SE represents a seismic shift in Lamborghini’s product line. The introduction of the PHEV model marks a new era for the marque, blending its legendary performance DNA with sustainable technology.
Here is a timeline of the key milestones leading to the Urus SE:
| Date | Milestone | Details |
| :— | :— | :— |
| May 2024 | Urus SE plug-in hybrid on sale | Combined 4.0-litre V8, electric motor, and 22kWh battery for 789 bhp. |
| April 2024 | Urus SE plug-in hybrid unveiled | Debuted at the Beijing Motor Show, signalling the brand’s commitment to electrification. |
| September 2022 | Urus S launch | Standard model upgraded to 657 bhp. |
| August 2022 | Urus Performante launch | 657 bhp, 47kg lighter, recalibrated driving modes, and revised aerodynamics. |
| April 2018 | First UK deliveries | Carbon ceramic brakes, adaptive air suspension, four-wheel drive, four-wheel steering, six driving modes. |
| December 2017 | Production car debut | 641 bhp twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8, 0-62 mph in 3.6 seconds, 189 mph top speed. |
| April 2012 | Urus concept revealed | Previewed at the Beijing Motor Show, sparking massive market interest. |
Overview: The Heartbeat of a Legend
If pure driving dynamics were the only metric, the Lamborghini Urus SE would secure a five-star rating without question. It handles with astonishing precision, delivers blistering acceleration, and arguably offers the most thrilling and capable performance in the sports SUV segment. The SE is crafted for those who prioritize exhilaration and theatre over a pillow-soft ride and quiet cruising manners.
However, the Urus SE exists in a competitive landscape. While it excels in performance, its luxury rivals often provide a more refined cabin experience. The Aston Martin DBX, for instance, offers comparable performance but with superior interior craftsmanship. Then there is the Porsche Cayenne, which delivers 90% of the Urus’s capabilities for a considerably lower cost.
But the reality is, the Urus SE is an unapologetic statement of power and presence. For those who choose this Italian masterpiece, they are not merely buying a car; they are buying into a legacy of performance and emotion.
Strengths:
Blistering Pace: Unmatched acceleration and high-speed capability.
Dynamic Handling: Exceptional agility and driver engagement for a vehicle of its size.
Aural Thrills: The V8 engine delivers an intoxicating soundtrack, whether in hybrid or performance mode.
Electric Range: The plug-in hybrid system offers extended electric-only driving, reducing fuel consumption.
Weaknesses:
Limited EV Range: The electric range of 37 miles is modest compared to some competitors.
Interior Finish: Premium materials and fit are not entirely consistent with its high price tag.
High Purchase Cost: The Urus SE is a significant financial investment.
Performance and Drive: The Hybrid Beast
With the phasing out of the Urus S and Performante, the SE is the sole powertrain available. And we use the term ‘powertrain’ advisedly, because the SE isn’t just furnished with a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8. It’s a PHEV, which means there’s an electric motor and a 22kWh (usable capacity) battery as well. The V8 actually produces slightly less power than it used to in the Performante (612bhp vs 666bhp), but add in the electric motor and the whole shebang adds up to 789bhp and 701lb ft of shove. That’s…quite a lot.
It makes the SE the most powerful Urus ever but, oddly, not the quickest. That’s because of weight: the SE, with the addition of the hybrid battery and electric motor, is also the heaviest Urus ever. So in the end the extra power and weight more or less cancel each other out – 0-62mph takes 3.4sec in the SE, while the less powerful but lighter Performante took 3.3sec.
If that’s a bit disappointing, maybe it’s time for some perspective. On paper, the Urus SE is still a smidge quicker than similar high-end sports SUVs, including 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 it feels breakneck quick. In the raciest drive modes, which maximise performance rather than efficiency, the electric motor gives you an instant kick when you hit the accelerator; then the V8 adds its barrel-chested, unrelenting surge – right up to 194mph if you have a runway long enough. There’s also an overtake button on the steering wheel that gives you a quick burst of heightened performance, and a launch control function to give you the perfect drag-race getaway.
The eight-speed automatic gearbox is quickfire through the gears in the sportier drive modes – way more so than the Aston Martin DBX’s auto ‘box – but it does take slightly longer to kickdown if the car’s in hybrid mode, running solely on the electric motor.
In full electric mode, the Urus SE will do up to 84mph and feels more than brisk enough for mooching about urban environments. The official electric range is 37 miles, which isn’t great for a plug-in but, again, the hybrid system is more about performance than ultimate efficiency. Still, the Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid manages nearly 45 miles (WLTP) using the same 22kWh battery.
You can charge the battery up using the engine, which is pointless because it just burns more petrol. It’s more sensible to charge it from a home wall box, and a full charge takes around 3.5hrs.
How Fast is it and Which Engine is Best?
The Lamborghini Urus SE has replaced the non-hybrid models as the only option in the lineup. It combines a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine with a powerful electric motor and a 22kWh battery. This setup delivers a combined output of 789 bhp and 701 lb-ft of torque.
While the V8 engine produces slightly less power than the Performante variant, the addition of the electric motor creates an even more powerful machine. However, it is also the heaviest Urus ever produced, with the added weight of the hybrid battery and electric motor. As a result, the extra power and weight tend to cancel each other out, with 0-62 mph taking 3.4 seconds in the SE, compared to 3.3 seconds in the lighter Performante.
If that sounds disappointing, consider the broader context. The Urus SE remains one of the fastest sports SUVs on the market, holding its own against premium rivals like the quickest Porsche Cayenne (Turbo E-Hybrid GT Package), the Aston Martin DBX S, Audi RS Q8, and Bentley Bentayga Speed.
On the road, the performance is breakneck
