Lamborghini is diving deeper into the electrification pool, launching a plug-in hybrid variant of the Urus called the SE. Unveiled at the 2024 Beijing Auto Show, the battery-electric SUV packs nearly 800 horsepower as well as a number of visual and technological updates inside and out.
The Urus SE is not the first plug-in hybrid member of the Lamborghini range; The 1,001 hp Revuelto secured this place. However, its importance should not be underestimated: the Urus is by far the best-selling Lamborghini. The same design approach that defined the Revuelto permeated the Urus, and the Italian brand emphasizes that electrification is a way to offer enthusiasts more performance.
Don’t worry, the heart of the system is still a V8. It’s a revised version of the familiar 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged eight-cylinder engine that has powered the Urus since its introduction, and it develops 611 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque alone. It works with an electric motor integrated into the eight-speed automatic transmission and connected to a 25.9 kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack housed under the trunk floor. Total powertrain output is 788 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 699 pound-feet of torque from 1,750 to 5,750 rpm. Lamborghini claims a 0 to 100 km/h time of 3.4 seconds, a top speed of 310 km/h and an all-electric range of up to 60 km.
Electrification adds weight, and Lamborghini hasn’t revealed how much the Urus SE weighs, but notes that the model offers a better power-to-weight ratio than the existing Urus S. And that’s despite a new electric torque vectoring system sharing the Powertrain power is split between the front and rear axles as needed and features a limited-slip rear differential that provides what the brand calls “on-demand oversteer.”
Several visual changes set the SE apart from other members of the Urus lineup. At the front, Lamborghini started with softer-looking headlights with Matrix LED technology, a redesigned grille and a new hood. According to company design boss Mitja Borkert, the rear taillights are now connected by a mesh-like trim piece reminiscent of the Gallardo. Too early? Not quite; Time flies, and the V10-powered Gallardo (which was the spearhead of Lamborghini’s modern entry-level supercars) has already celebrated its 20th birthday.
Although these changes may sound small, they add up. The new diffuser increases rear downforce at high speeds by 35% compared to the Urus S, the brakes receive up to 30% more cooling air, while the mechanical and engine components receive up to 15% more cooling air.
Inside the dashboard is a 12.3-inch touchscreen that displays the latest version of Lamborghini’s infotainment system, which also has several hybrid-specific menus. The driver stands in front of a 12.3-inch instrument cluster; the “Tamburo” switches on the center console are retained. They let the driver choose one of 10 (!) driving modes: Strada, Sport, Corsa, Neve, Sabbia and Terra, which are carried over from the Urus S, plus EV Drive, Hybrid, Performance and Recharge, which are hybrid-only. Hybrid mode is particularly aimed at achieving the highest possible efficiency.
Details such as pricing and availability will be announced at a later date.