Lamborghini Urus SE Gets Plug-in Hybrid Treatment With 789 Hp
Lamborghini’s electrification efforts continue with a plug-in hybrid variant of its SUV and best-selling product, the Urus, as revealed on Wednesday at Auto China in Beijing.
While it doesn’t match the 1,001-horsepower Revuelto, the new Urus SE is still a force to be reckoned with. The twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 engine is paired with an electric motor mounted inside the eight-speed automatic transmission for a total of 789 horsepower at 6,000 rpm, eclipsing the standard Urus (657 horsepower) and the new Porsche Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid (729 horsepower) it shares most of its powertrain with.
- Also: The New Apocalypse Inferno Isn't Your Typical Lamborghini Urus
- Also: 2023 Lamborghini Urus Performante is Leaner, Meaner, Faster
Add 701 lb-ft of torque from 1,750-5,750 rpm, and you get 0-100 km/h acceleration in 3.4 seconds despite a weight gain of 661 lbs. Speaking of which, the SE-exclusive longitudinal electric torque vectoring system distributes torque variably and continuously between the front and rear axles, giving the vehicle what Lamborghini calls “on demand” oversteering to convey the feel of a purebred supercar.
A 25.9kWh lithium-ion battery, located below the cargo floor and above the electronically controlled rear differential, enables more than 60 km of pure electric range, the company claims. This is a WLTP figure, mind you—the EPA and NRC estimates will be released at a later date. For the record, the aforementioned Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid has a WLTP-estimated range of 82 km.
Changes Inside and Out
Now, if you look at the exterior of the Urus SE, you’ll see that Lamborghini has redesigned the headlights, grille and hood, while the rear mesh takes inspiration from past models like the Gallardo, according to head designer Mitja Borkert. Together, the new rear spoiler and diffuser increase rear downforce by 35 percent at high speeds compared to the Urus S. The wheels, available in sizes of 21-23 inches, are wrapped in Pirelli P Zero tires, while the brakes enjoy 30 percent more cooling air.
Moving inside, drivers can make use of a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen with updated graphics, consistent with that of the Revuelto. Hybrid-specific information and functions are included. On the centre console, the “tamburo” selector offers four new drive modes—EV, Hybrid, Performance and Recharge—for a total of eleven options.
Timing and pricing details for Canada have yet to be announced. Inevitably, the new plug-in hybrid model will cost significantly more than the existing Urus S and Performante. We’ll sit down with Lamborghini’s boss for North America, Andrea Baldi, in early May to learn more about the vehicle. Stay tuned.