The Lamborghini Urus SE will get a 788-horsepower PHEV system

Lamborghini is dipping deeper into the electrification pool with a plug-in hybrid variant of the Urus called the SE. Unveiled at the 2024 Beijing Auto Show, the electric SUV will get nearly 800 horsepower, as well as a number of visual and technological upgrades inside and out.

The SE is a plug-in hybrid version of the Urus.

Urus SE —s not the first plug-in hybrid in Lamborghini’s lineup: the 1,001-horsepower Revuelto claims the spot. However, its importance should not be downplayed: the Urus is the best-selling Lamborghini by a significant margin. The same design approach as in the Revuelto is reflected in the Urus, and the Italian brand emphasizes that electrification — is a way to offer enthusiasts more performance.

At the same time, Lamborghini’s design approach is reflected in the Urus.

Don’t worry, the system is still based on a V8. It’s a reworked version of the familiar 4.0-liter «twin-turbocharged eight» that has powered the Urus since its introduction, and on its own it makes 611 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. It’s paired with an electric motor that’s integrated into an eight-speed automatic transmission and linked to a 25.9-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack placed under the trunk floor. Total powertrain output is 788 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 699 pound-feet of torque at 1,750-5,750 rpm. Lamborghini claims a 0-to-62 mph acceleration time of 3.4 seconds, a top speed of — 194 mph, and a range of 37 miles on electric power alone.

Accelerating from 0 to 62 mph takes 3.4 seconds, with a top speed of — 194 mph, and a range of 37 miles on electric power alone.

Electrification adds weight, and Lamborghini won’t disclose how much the Urus SE weighs, but notes that the model offers a better power-to-weight ratio than the existing Urus S. That’s despite a new electric torque-vectoring system that distributes drivetrain power between the front and rear axles as needed, and a limited-slip rear differential that provides what the brand calls «oversteer on-demand».

The Urus SE has a new electric torque-vectoring system that distributes drivetrain power between the front and rear axles as needed, and a limited-slip rear differential that provides what the brand calls «oversteer on-demand».

Few visual changes set the SE apart from the rest of the Urus lineup. At the front, Lamborghini has fitted sleeker headlights with Matrix LED technology, a reshaped grille and a new hood. At the rear, the taillights are now connected by a mesh trim element reminiscent of the Gallardo, according to the company’s design chief Miti Borkert. Too soon? Not really; time flies, and the V10-powered Gallardo (which topped Lamborghini’s current lineup of entry-level supercars) has already celebrated its 20th anniversary.

The V10-powered Gallardo has already celebrated its 20th anniversary.

Although these changes may seem minor, they add up to a whole. A new diffuser increases rear downforce by 35 percent at high speeds compared to the Urus S, the brakes get 30 percent more cooling air, and the mechanical components and engine — 15 percent more.

A new diffuser increases rear downforce by 35 percent at high speeds compared to the Urus S.

Inside, the dashboard features a 12.3-inch touchscreen that displays the latest version of Lamborghini’s infotainment system, which also gets a few hybrid-specific menus. In front of the driver is a 12.3-inch instrument cluster, while the «tamburo» switches remain on the center console. They allow the driver to select one of 10 (!) driving modes: Strada, Sport, Corsa, Neve, Sabbia and Terra, which are carried over from the Urus S, as well as EV Drive, Hybrid, Performance and Recharge, which are for hybrids only. Hybrid mode, in particular, is designed to maximize efficiency.

Hybrid mode is designed to maximize efficiency.

Details such as pricing and availability will be announced at a later date.