Ahead of the Auto China 2024 (Beijing Motor Show), Lamborghini debuted a new plug-in hybrid variant of the Urus SUV at the Volkswagen Group night. After the Revuelto, Lamborghini has added a second hybrid to its lineup: the Urus SE. It has a new electric drivetrain, updated external and interior style, enhanced aerodynamics, and a tonne of fancy tech beneath the hood. It is based on the Urus S.
The 4.0-liter, twin-turbocharged V8 engine that powers the Urus SE generates 800Nm and 620hp on its own. In order to be used with the plug-in hybrid system, which makes use of a 25.9kWh lithium-ion battery pack, the engine has undergone extensive reengineering. Similar to the Revuelto, the electric motor is placed within an 8-speed torque converter automatic gearbox, with a total system output of 800 horsepower and 950 Nm.
The Urus SE can travel 60 kilometres on electricity alone and reach up to 130 kph in EV mode before the combustion engine automatically engages. The Urus SE has four-wheel drive, even in electric mode, and a 3.4-second 0-100 km/h sprint time according to Lamborghini, with a peak speed of 312 km/h. In terms of absolute acceleration, the Urus SE falls between the Urus Performante (3.3 seconds) and Urus S (3.5 seconds), despite being the most powerful SUV in the lineup.
Debuting on the Urus SE is the new centrally located longitudinal electric torque vectoring system, which distributes torque continuously between the front and rear axles. It also gets an electronic limited-slip rear differential, which Lamborghini says gives the SUV an “on-demand oversteer” to evoke the feeling of a sportscar.
Apart from the familiar Strada, Sport and Corsa modes (for road and track use), and the Neve, Sabbia and Terra modes (for off-road use), the Urus SE gets four additional modes – EV Drive, Hybrid, Recharge and Performance – for a total of ten drive modes.
The first two modes are self-explanatory, while the Recharge mode (usable in Strada, Sport, Corsa and Neve modes) allows up to 80 per cent of the battery to be recharged while still maintaining optimal performance, says Lamborghini; the Performance mode can be accessed in both on-road and off-road modes.
The Urus SE gets air suspension, and depending on the driving mode selected, the air springs adjust for ground clearance, with travel ranging from 15mm in Corsa up to 75mm when lifted. The steering weight, drivability and exhaust note also vary depending on the drive mode. Lamborghini says the suspension has been calibrated for even more comfort in Strada mode than in the Urus S, while it’s also a lot firmer in the Corsa mode. It also gets revised electronics and 48V anti-roll bars to control pitch, yaw and lean.
The Urus SE also boasts quite a few updates that visually set it apart from the S and the Performante. There’s an all-new bonnet that extends right to the edge of the nose, and the absence of the cut-off line gives a sense of continuity. It also gets new slimmer headlamps and features LED matrix technology; the new LED signature is a departure from the signature Y-motifs, and there’s also a new bumper and grille assembly that appears larger and more aggressive than before.
At the rear, the Urus SE gets an all-new tailgate, which, the company says, is inspired by the Gallardo. There’s a contrasting trim connecting the Y-shaped LED tail lights with a hexagonal mesh pattern seen on older Lamborghinis; there’s a new spoiler and the registration plate has been relocated to the diffuser, which itself has grown larger and more prominent. It also gets new designs for the wheels, which can be had in 21-, 22- or 23-inch sizes, and come wrapped in Pirelli P Zero tyres.
Lamborghini says they have focused special attention on improving aero efficiency. With new underbody vents and redesigned air ducts, the Urus SE is 15 per cent more aero-efficient than the original Urus, produces 35 per cent more downforce than the Urus S, and offers 30 per cent better cooling for the braking system than before.
On the inside, there are new panels for the dashboard that have a more 3D look than before, the AC vents have been slightly revised and the seats are new as well. But the bigger update is a new 12.3-inch central touchscreen (up from 10.1-inch) that runs the latest software and user interface seen on the Revuelto. As ever, there are a ton of customisation options that one can opt for, including over 100 exterior colour options and 47 interior finishes, with the additional potential offered via the Ad Personam program.