Auto China 2024: Lamborghini Urus Hybrid - even in SUVs, a touch of electricity

With the introduction of the Lamborghini Urus SE, the first plug-in hybrid of the Urus series, VW subsidiary Automobili Lamborghini sees a new chapter opening, at least for the brand. The so-called Super-SUV Urus SE will be shown to journalists for the first time at the Volkswagen Group Night in Beijing, before the car celebrates its world premiere at Auto China 2024 on April 25 at 11:00 AM local time.

With new design, optimized aerodynamics, new on-board technology, and an 800-horsepower hybrid drive, the PHEV version surpasses the Urus S in comfort, performance, efficiency, emissions, and driving pleasure. Thanks to its two hearts, the thermal and the electric, the “Super-SUV” achieves peak values in torque and performance. Thus, the model occupies a rather solitary place in its segment while simultaneously reducing emissions by up to 80 percent, at least in theory.

“With the Urus, we have ushered in a paradigm shift in the world of SUVs and opened up a new segment. Since then, the Urus has become the bestseller of our brand. With it, Lamborghini has been able to attract new customers and strengthen its position in key markets. We are driving the electrification of our product range and thus the path to decarbonization, which began with the introduction of the Revuelto supercar in March 2023," says Stephan Winkelmann, Chairman and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini.

The new plug-in hybrid system is designed to improve both performance and dynamics - on any surface and under all conditions, thanks to the electric torque-vectoring system: it provides more torque and power between the two axles and the electronic rear differential at any RPM. The revised four-liter V8 with twin-turbocharging works in synergy with the electric drive system. It delivers 620 horsepower (456 kW) and a torque of Newton meters and is combined with an electric drive system with 192 horsepower (141 kW) and 483 Newton meters of torque. 

Continuous Superlatives: 800 HP and 950 Nm

The main focus for maximum performance was on the calibration strategy between the combustion engine and the electric motor. The system delivers a total output of 800 HP (588 kW) and 950 Nm of torque, aiming to offer an optimal power curve in every driving mode and on any terrain. The improved power-to-weight ratio also contributes to higher performance: 3.13 kg/HP (compared to 3.3 kg/HP in the Urus S). This allows the Urus SE to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.4 seconds (Urus S: 3.5 s) and from 0 to 200 km/h in only 11.2 seconds (Urus S: 12.5 s), reaching a top speed of 312 km/h (Urus S: 305 km/h).

The 25.9 kWh lithium-ion battery is located under the floor and above the electronically controlled rear axle differential. The permanent magnet synchronous electric motor, housed within the eight-speed automatic transmission casing, supports the V8 while also functioning as a traction element. This makes the SUV an all-electric all-wheel-drive vehicle capable of covering about 60 kilometers in full electric EV mode. The EV Drive has been specifically designed and calibrated for urban traffic and accelerates up to 130 km/h. Beyond this speed, the V8 automatically supports the electric motor, as well as when the torque demand exceeds the maximum available torque of the 141 kW electric motor, which is a substantial 483 Nm.