Lamborghini Claims First PHEV Hyper-SUV

Lamborghini unveils what it claims is the world’s first plug-in hybrid hyper-SUV in the shape of its Urus SE.

The car, presented at the Volkswagen Group Media Night ahead of its public premiere at Auto China Beijing 2024, claims a 788-hp gas-hybrid powertrain plus improved aerodynamics, and top-of-the-range on-board technology.

It employs a twin-turbo 4.0L gasoline V-8 engineered to work specifically with an electric powertrain. By itself there’s 611 hp of power and 590 lb.-ft. (800 Nm) of torque and combines with an electric powertrain delivering 177 hp and 356 lb.-ft. (483 Nm) of torque. A 25.9-kWh lithium-ion battery is situated below the load floor and above the electronically-controlled rear differential.

In performance terms, the car claims a 0-62 mph (100 km/h) sprint time of 3.4 seconds and a top speed reaching 194 mph (312 km/h), claiming best performance in its sector.

A permanent-magnet synchronous electric motor inside the 8-speed automatic transmission can act as both a boost for the V-8 combustion engine and as a traction element, making the Urus SE a 4WD vehicle capable of traveling more than 37 miles (60 km) in electric-only mode.

It also boasts a central longitudinal electric torque vectoring system with an electro-hydraulic multi-plate clutch, which distributes driving torque variably and continuously between the front and rear axles. The transfer case works with a new electronic limited-slip differential installed on the rear axle, providing on-demand oversteering to improve corning dynamics.

Stephan Winkelmann, Lamborghini chairman and CEO, says: “In just a few years, the Urus has become our brand’s bestseller, enabling Lamborghini to attract new customers and strengthen its position in the most important markets. With the Urus SE, we’ve taken another step towards the future in line with our Direzione Cor Tauri strategy, moving ahead with the electrification of the range and the path toward decarbonization that began with the introduction of the Revuelto super sports car in March 2023.”