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Lamborghini Urus SE: Hybrid Performance with a New Subtlety
The Lamborghini Urus SE is a continuation of Lamborghini’s mastery in luxury sports SUVs, but with a new dimension: electrification. Known for its aggressive styling and blistering performance, the Urus SE steps into the hybrid era without compromising its core characteristics. But with this new hybrid configuration, the Urus now offers something unexpected — near-silent operation.
A new level of hybrid power
The Lamborghini Urus was already a stunning sports SUV, but the new Urus SE takes things a step further. Despite introducing a plug-in hybrid powertrain, Lamborghini retains its signature V8 twin-turbo engine, delivering raw power without downsizing to smaller cylinders. This decision ensures that the Urus SE stands strong among its luxury competitors like the Ferrari Purosangue and Aston Martin DBX, which have yet to adopt electrification.
What sets the Urus SE apart is its ability to cater to two types of drivers. For those who seek raw performance, the Urus SE offers breathtaking acceleration and handling. But for those moments when subtlety is needed, the Urus SE can glide almost silently, thanks to its 192 horsepower electric motor and 26 kWh battery, providing a purely electric range of over 60 kilometers.
A closer look at the hybrid system
Lamborghini has paired the V8 twin-turbo engine with an electric motor hidden within the automatic transmission, creating a seamless blend of power and efficiency. The result is a hybrid system that pushes the Urus SE to impressive new heights. The electric motor alone is capable of handling everyday driving needs, especially in urban settings, where the Urus can cruise quietly and emission-free through neighborhoods and city streets.
However, when the driver switches to more aggressive driving modes, the true spirit of Lamborghini emerges. At a moment’s notice, the Urus SE can unleash 800 horsepower, with a combined 950 Nm of torque, propelling the 2.5-ton SUV from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.4 seconds. Even more impressive, the Urus SE has a top speed of 312 km/h, an astonishing figure for an SUV of this size and luxury.
Driving experience: Silent or savage
With the Urus SE, drivers can choose between near-silent electric driving or the full-throated roar of the V8. In fully electric mode, the Urus SE offers a serene and composed experience. It’s a stark contrast to the traditional Lamborghini driving experience, where the revs of the engine announce your presence long before you arrive.
Yet, once you engage the V8 engine, the familiar thunder of Lamborghini returns. The exhaust bellows as the SUV surges forward, delivering a thrilling, visceral experience. The hybrid powertrain seamlessly integrates the two driving styles, offering the best of both worlds: the quiet, eco-friendly nature of electric driving and the ferocious power of a Lamborghini.
Design and interior updates
Although the exterior design of the Urus remains largely unchanged — still bold, aggressive, and unapologetically Lamborghini — the SE features subtle refinements both inside and out. These tweaks, including aerodynamic enhancements and updated lighting elements, make the Urus SE even more futuristic and commanding on the road.
Inside, the luxurious cabin accommodates up to five passengers, maintaining the high-end materials and cutting-edge technology Lamborghini is known for. The 12.3-inch digital dashboard and head-up display keep the driver fully informed as the SUV rockets down highways or cruises quietly through city streets.
Hybrid technology meets luxury performance
The Urus SE not only delivers blistering performance but also aligns with the growing demand for more eco-friendly driving solutions. The plug-in hybrid system allows drivers to significantly reduce fuel consumption, with an impressive combined fuel efficiency of around 2 liters per 100 km, when driving in electric mode. This appeals to new types of Lamborghini customers, those who not only crave performance but also seek lower emissions and a reduced environmental footprint.
For off-road enthusiasts, the Urus SE also remains fully capable. Its air suspension system provides adjustable ride height, making it ready to tackle uneven terrain, while the 23-inch Pirelli high-speed tires grip the road with precision.
Douglas K. Richey is a freelance writer and editor with over 15 years of experience in the automotive industry. He has worked as a writer, editor, and content manager for a variety of publications.