In the realm of high-performance utility vehicles, few machines ignite the senses quite like the Lamborghini Urus. Historically, this vehicular behemoth stood as the apex predator of its class—an audacious fusion of extreme performance and practical styling that captivated observers with its sharp, aggressive lines and heart-pounding soundtrack. For years, it reigned supreme as the benchmark for sports SUVs, seemingly unburdened by environmental pragmatism. Yet, in a move that surprised many in the industry, Lamborghini embarked on a radical evolution.
The manufacturer silenced the roaring V8 engines found in the previous S and Performante variants, ushering in a new era defined by electrification. The heart of the contemporary Urus lies within the SE model, a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) that marries the thunderous heritage of a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine with the silent, efficient prowess of an electric motor. The result? A powerplant that generates nearly 800 horsepower, solidifying the Urus SE’s status not just as a green alternative, but as the most powerful iteration of the Lamborghini Urus ever conceived.
However, the story does not conclude with the embrace of eco-friendliness. While the Urus SE represents a significant stride toward sustainable luxury, it also introduces complexities for prospective buyers who prioritize performance, cost, and practicality. This comprehensive analysis delves into the intricate world of the Lamborghini Urus SE, offering a critical evaluation of its strengths, weaknesses, and the financial realities of ownership in 2026.
Performance and Drivetrain: More Power, Less Speed?
When assessing the driving dynamics of the Lamborghini Urus, one factor becomes immediately apparent: this vehicle is a master of paradoxes. If performance and engagement were the sole metrics for success, the Urus would undoubtedly command a five-star rating. It handles with astonishing agility, accelerates with breathtaking speed, and arguably offers the most exhilarating and capable sports SUV experience on the market.
However, the Lamborghini Urus SE is not merely a high-octane performance machine; it represents Lamborghini’s commitment to reducing emissions. The addition of a 22-kWh battery and electric motor shifts the focus from pure power to efficiency. The V8 engine, now slightly detuned to produce 612 horsepower—down from the Performante’s 666 horsepower—is combined with the electric motor to produce a combined output of 789 horsepower and 701 lb-ft of torque.
On paper, the Urus SE boasts the highest horsepower output in the Lamborghini Urus lineup, yet this is offset by the added weight of the hybrid system, making it the heaviest Urus in history. Consequently, its 0-62 mph acceleration time is 3.4 seconds, marginally slower than the 3.3 seconds achieved by the less powerful but lighter Performante.
For context, the Urus SE remains the quickest among its high-end sports SUV rivals, including the Porsche Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid GT Package, the Aston Martin DBX S, the Audi RS Q8, and the Bentley Bentayga Speed. The acceleration is relentless, especially in the most aggressive drive modes, which maximize performance over efficiency. The electric motor provides an instant torque boost upon throttle application, followed by the continuous surge of the V8, capable of reaching speeds up to 194 mph on a long enough runway. A steering wheel-mounted “overtake” button provides an additional power surge, and the launch control system ensures optimal grip for drag racing scenarios.
The eight-speed automatic transmission shifts rapidly in sport modes, outperforming the Aston Martin DBX’s automatic gearbox. However, it may exhibit a slight delay when kicking down while operating solely in hybrid mode. In pure electric mode, the Urus SE can achieve speeds up to 84 mph, which is adequate for city driving. The official electric range is 37 miles, a modest figure that highlights the hybrid system’s primary role in performance enhancement rather than long-distance electric driving. Comparatively, the Porsche Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid offers nearly 45 miles of electric range using the same 22-kWh battery capacity.
While it is possible to charge the battery using the petrol engine, this is inefficient as it burns extra fuel. The recommended charging method is via a home wall box, which takes approximately 3.5 hours for a full charge.
Agility and Suspension: Overcoming Physics with Technology
Despite weighing approximately 2.5 tonnes, the Urus exhibits remarkable agility, a trait often unexpected in such a large vehicle. This is achieved through a sophisticated suite of technologies designed to overcome the fundamental physics of high-mass handling. The vehicle utilizes a four-wheel drive system with a center differential that distributes power between the front and rear wheels. An electronically limited-slip rear differential then meters the torque to each rear wheel, allowing the Urus to send up to 100% of the power to the rear, delivering a sportscar-like experience.
The driving modes are designed to calibrate the vehicle’s dynamics to specific driving conditions. Sport mode intentionally increases rear-wheel bias, encouraging controlled oversteer during cornering. Corsa mode, the most performance-focused setting, optimizes handling for track driving by keeping the vehicle composed and predictable for the fastest lap times.
The Urus SE is equipped with adjustable air suspension and active anti-roll bars, allowing drivers to tune the ride for comfort or performance. Strada mode, suitable for long highway journeys, prioritizes comfort. For more spirited drives on twisty roads, Sport and Corsa modes reduce body lean and pitch, while maintaining control during acceleration and braking. The system allows drivers to mix and match settings: engine in Corsa for maximum straight-line acceleration and suspension in Sport (the intermediate setting) for improved compliance.
The success of this complex system is undeniable. Sport mode offers the perfect balance between agility and ride comfort, tackling rough British roads without feeling skittish. The suspension is so well-tuned that Corsa mode, despite its firmness, remains surprisingly comfortable on public roads.
The Urus is more focused on driver engagement than rivals such as the Bentley Bentayga Speed and Range Rover Sport SV. This is largely attributed to the steering system, which transmits significant feedback from the road surface to the driver, alerting them to changes in grip and road conditions.
The steering is lighter at low speeds than the Cayenne’s, but weights up as the steering angle increases, providing a sense of confidence when turning. Despite its substantial weight, the Urus feels agile, enhanced by standard rear-wheel steering that sharpens low-speed turn-in and reduces the turning circle in urban environments.
While it would be disappointing if a Lamborghini did not handle well, the true revelation is its ride comfort. It is not as supple as the Bentayga or even the Aston Martin DBX, as drivers may feel minor impacts from sharper bumps. However, the Urus is so well-controlled and settles so quickly after disturbances that drivers are never jostled. Even with the optional 23-inch wheels, the ride remains smooth; it would likely be even better with the standard 21-inch wheels.
The Urus is also capable off-road, featuring three additional drive modes: Terra (dirt), Sabbia (sand), and Neve (snow). The air suspension raises the vehicle to increase ground clearance. While it may not be as proficient as the Range Rover Sport SV off-road, it can navigate rough terrain farther than one might expect.
Quietness and Driveability: The Balance of Sound and Silence
When evaluating the interior experience of the Lamborghini Urus SE, the primary consideration is its level of noise and ease of smooth operation. As a luxury performance vehicle, the Urus is inherently less relaxing during long highway cruises compared to a Bentayga. However, “less relaxing” is relative. The wind and road noise levels at motorway speeds are perfectly acceptable. When operating in electric mode, the car is eerily quiet, which is striking for such a powerful machine.
When the V8 engine is engaged, the vehicle is far from quiet—and indeed, this is a significant part of the fun. However, some of the exhaust noise is amplified through the speakers, which may detract from the experience for purists. An Akrapovic titanium sports exhaust system is available to enhance the tone. The transmission is designed for rapid gear changes, which produces a subtle jolt during upshifts in Corsa mode, adding to the Thrill of driving a Urus.
One minor criticism concerns the standard carbon-ceramic brakes. When operating in hybrid mode and the battery is depleted, the level of regenerative braking increases, slightly degrading the brake pedal feel. This makes it difficult to predict the necessary pressure required for smooth stopping in traffic.
However, when operating in Sport or Corsa mode with a fully charged battery, the friction brakes handle the majority of the load. This results in a much better braking feel, providing stronger and more progressive stopping power. Despite needing to haul up 2.5 tonnes, the brakes remain highly effective, performing consistently even under repeated heavy use.
“Bearing in mind it weighs 2.5 tonnes, I was astounded by two aspects of the Lamborghini Urus, and neither concerned its relentless pace: how fun and nimble it feels and how settled and supple the ride can be. Both are tricky elements to manage in a tall, heavy SUV” – John Howell, Deputy Reviews Editor
Interior and Fit/Finish: A Luxurious, Italian-Designed Cabin
The interior of the Lamborghini Urus SE represents a significant evolution in luxury and technology, while retaining some of the distinctive design elements that have defined the Lamborghini brand. While the underlying architecture is based on the Audi RS Q8, Lamborghini has applied its own unique, flamboyant style. The fighter jet-style controls, while visually striking, may not offer the same
