The Lamborghini Urus SE harnesses hybrid power for pure performance clout, and while it may not start the fight, it will certainly finish it
The biggest misconception the average car enthusiast has is that hybrids are goodie-two-shoes, probably because the term still conjures up an image of the Prius.
These days, many brands at the sporty end of the spectrum have harnessed hybrid petrol-electric powertrains for pure performance, with any concession to eco-sustenance a happy coincidence.
In fact, the only green associated with these performance machines is probably the colour you’ll be seeing as it roars away from you.
With the Urus SE plug-in hybrid joining the Revuelto and the Temerario, the current Lamborghini line-up is wholly electrified, and, dare we say, all the better for it!
The Urus peaked on a bull run, with the S and fabulous Performante models topping off the pure internal combustion engine (ICE) roster in Singapore before the arrival of this plug-in hybrid SE. Its competitive set includes the RS Q8, Cayenne, Bentayga and DBX, but the Urus is the most brutish, bristly and belligerent of the bunch. It won’t just take their lunch money, it’ll have them say, “thank you very much!”, as well.
It certainly hits different when sports car brands pervert one of the green brigade’s preferred powertrains to deliver faster, even more furious performance. “Oh, it’s hybrid?” quickly becomes “Oh, it’s hybrid!” when even the most jaded petrolhead comes to grips with the seamless surge characteristic of such a powertrain.
In looks and proportions, the Urus is unmistakably Lambo, with the Raging Bull’s dynamic DNA cutting deep into the core of its being. So, if you think this high-riding, practical crossover is somehow watered-down compared to the tempestuous performance better associated with its sports car brethren, you have another think coming!
No Lamborghini is a wallflower, and unlike many empty vessels that seem to be all bark but little bite, the Urus has the firepower to match its sharply styled silhouette.
In the super-sportscar segment, it is never about jumping on the bandwagon, but having the indomitable will and commitment to forge ahead to the beat of your own music.
After all, the brand didn’t see the need to go “all in” with the electric vehicle (EV) movement — nor should it — especially since sound and emotion make up a large part of the Lamborghini experience.
Like its stablemates, the Urus’ cockpit design elements are fighter-plane-inspired and almost as complex, which ties in neatly with its rock-and-ragey personality. Besides, with their massive firepower and fearsome dynamics, every Lamborghini has the potential to become a veritable weapon of mass destruction when its wheel is turned in anger.
Compared to the S, the SE’s HMI (Human Machine Interface) has been updated to bring its UX more in line with the Revuelto’s, featuring a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen.
With every Lamborghini, it is all about the salacious excess, be it the V8s (Temerario, Urus) or the V12 (Revuelto), and this is a huge part of the brand’s appeal to its legion of fans.
The sound, style and stage-craft that contribute to the Urus’ theatrical performance are nothing short of electrifying and even more so now with its electrified powertrain.
Sure, the Urus SE will waft around in all-electric mode if you don’t want to rouse the estate, but this is its few concessions to good-neighbourliness. Naturally, we set it to rouse with a thunderous overture on start-up, just because we can!
Working with the rear-steer system, its hybrid powertrain imparts a sense of agility and light-footedness to the Urus SE, which belies its 2.5-tonne kerbweight. It is no mere straight-line sprinter either, but will carve up corners with aplomb.
The SE may be approximately 300kg heavier than the Urus S it succeeds, but this surplus hasn't dulled the SE’s performance one bit, since it isn’t just faster from 0–100km/h than the S, but even boasts a higher top speed.
At full flight, the Urus SE is as intimidating as a rampaging rhino, and it would do well to stay out of its path when the driver is under the influence of the red mist. The SE makes all the right noises, which really encourages spirited driving, since there’s more to going fast than just going fast.
The Urus SE isn’t just about the performance, because it also possesses a huge presence as well, both of which allow it to claim a well-deserved spot in the Lamborghini stable.
Lamborghini Urus SE 4.0 V8
Engine: 3,996cc, V8, twin-turbo
Battery: Li-Ion, 25.9kWh, 400V
System power: 800hp at 6,000rpm
System torque: 950Nm at 1,750–5,750rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
0–100km/h: 3.4 secs
Top speed: 312km/h
