Remember when Lamborghini first unleashed the Urus? It completely shattered expectations, proving an SUV could possess the soul – and shocking speed – of a raging bull supercar. It became a massive success. Now, Lamborghini is taking its “Super SUV” to the next level. Meet the 2025 Lamborghini Urus SE, the first-ever plug-in hybrid version of this iconic machine.
This isn’t just about adding a battery for better fuel economy (though that’s a side benefit). The Urus SE uses electric power to become even more powerful and versatile than its gasoline-only siblings. It represents a huge step in Lamborghini’s “Direzione Cor Tauri” (Director of the Taurus Heart) strategy, aiming to electrify its lineup while cranking up the performance and emotion.
But does adding hybrid tech dilute the raw Lamborghini experience? Or does it create the ultimate, do-it-all Super SUV – capable of silent city cruising one moment and unleashing explosive V8 fury the next? We’re diving deep into the specs, the tech, the design changes, and what it feels like (based on initial reports and analysis) to pilot this electrified beast. Let’s explore the 2025 Lamborghini Urus SE.
The Raging Bull Goes Green
Lamborghini isn’t just reacting to emissions regulations; they’re actively embracing electrification as a way to enhance performance. The “SE” in Urus SE likely hints at this dual purpose – think “Superiore Efficienza” (Superior Efficiency) meeting “Superiore Emozione” (Superior Emotion).
- Direzione Cor Tauri: This is Lamborghini’s roadmap to a more sustainable future. It involves hybridizing existing model lines (like the Urus and the Revuelto V12 supercar) before eventually introducing their first fully electric vehicle later this decade. The Urus SE is a cornerstone of this plan.
- Not a Replacement (Yet): Initially, the Urus SE joins the lineup alongside the existing Urus S (the “standard” V8 model) and potentially the track-focused Urus Performante. It offers a different kind of performance proposition, blending raw power with new capabilities.
- Why Hybrid? For Lamborghini, hybridization offers several advantages:
- Instant Torque: Electric motors provide immediate pulling power, filling any tiny gaps in the V8 engine’s response for even quicker acceleration.
- More Power: Combining the V8 and electric motor unlocks a higher total system output.
- Electric Driving: Allows for zero-emission driving in urban areas or for quiet neighborhood arrivals/departures.
- Enhanced Dynamics: Electric motors enable new possibilities like precise torque vectoring for better handling.
- Meeting Regulations: Helps meet tightening global emissions standards without sacrificing the Lamborghini character.
Power Overload
The powertrain is where the magic happens. Lamborghini combined the best of both worlds.
- The Foundation: At its core lies a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine. This isn’t just carried over; it’s been specifically re-engineered to work seamlessly within the hybrid system. On its own, this potent V8 produces around 612 horsepower (620 CV).
- Electric Boost: Integrated within the eight-speed automatic transmission is a permanent-magnet synchronous electric motor. This motor adds a substantial 189 horsepower (192 CV) and immediate torque to the mix.
- Combined Might: Working together, the V8 and electric motor unleash a staggering total system output of 789 horsepower (800 CV) and a massive 701 lb-ft (950 Nm) of torque. This makes the Urus SE the most powerful Urus ever produced, eclipsing even the Performante.
- Performance Punch: Despite the added weight of the battery and motor, this colossal power translates into ferocious acceleration. Expect the 0-60 mph dash to be dispatched in approximately 3.2-3.3 seconds (potentially 0-100 km/h in 3.4s), making it slightly quicker off the line than the Urus S. The top speed remains incredibly high at around 194 mph (312 km/h).
That First Launch: Imagine engaging launch control. The V8 snarls, but there’s an underlying electric tension. You release the brake, and the Urus SE explodes forward with even more violence than its siblings. The instant electric torque shoves you deep into the seat immediately, while the twin-turbo V8 rapidly builds boost, creating a relentless, overwhelming wave of acceleration. The gearshifts from the 8-speed auto are lightning fast. It’s the familiar Urus fury, amplified and sharpened by electrification.
Silent Running
The “plug-in” part of PHEV means the Urus SE can drive on electricity alone.
- The Battery: Housed beneath the load floor (and potentially under the rear seats) is a 25.9 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. Placing it low helps maintain a good center of gravity.
- Electric-Only Range: Lamborghini claims the Urus SE can travel over 60 kilometers (approximately 37 miles) on pure electric power, based on the WLTP cycle. The official US EPA range figure might be slightly lower, likely in the low 30-mile range.
- What This Enables: This isn’t enough for long road trips, but it’s significant for daily use. You could potentially handle typical commutes, school runs, or drives around town entirely on silent, zero-emission electric power. Imagine pulling into your neighborhood or cruising through a city center in a completely silent Lamborghini – a surreal experience!
- EV Driving: In EV Drive mode, the Urus SE can reach speeds up to around 84 mph (135 km/h) before the V8 needs to kick in.
- Charging Up: Being a plug-in hybrid, you can replenish the battery by plugging it in. It features an onboard AC charger (likely supporting up to 7.4 kW), meaning a full charge using a standard Level 2 (240V) home charger would take roughly 3-4 hours. Perfect for overnight charging. DC fast charging isn’t typically found on PHEVs, as the focus is on home/destination charging. The car also uses regenerative braking to capture energy during deceleration, helping to top up the battery slightly while driving.
Living With It Perspective: For owners using the Urus SE primarily around town or for moderate commutes, the EV range could significantly reduce gasoline consumption. Plugging in each night becomes routine. For longer journeys, the hybrid system works automatically, blending gas and electric power for optimized performance and efficiency, removing any range anxiety associated with pure EVs.
Sharper Horns: Design Updates for the SE
Lamborghini didn’t drastically change the Urus’s successful design, but the SE gets distinct visual updates.
- Front End Facelift: The SE sports a new front fascia. This includes redesigned headlights featuring a new Matrix LED technology and a light signature possibly inspired by the Revuelto supercar (think Y-shapes). The hood design is new, flowing down to a revised grille and lower intakes, giving it a cleaner yet still aggressive look.
- Rear Refinements: At the back, the changes are equally noticeable. There’s a redesigned tailgate and rear bumper housing a new diffuser. The taillights are updated, potentially connected by a central light element incorporating the Lamborghini script, emphasizing the vehicle’s width and echoing the Y-theme seen elsewhere.
- Aero Tweaks: Subtle aerodynamic improvements have likely been made to enhance cooling for the hybrid components and potentially improve overall efficiency slightly. New underbody panels might also contribute.
- Wheels and Colors: The Urus SE debuts with new standard 23-inch “Galanthus” alloy wheels, alongside over 100 paint options through the Ad Personam customization program, allowing for extreme personalization. Of course, SE badging and the requisite charging port flap are also present.
Visual Impression: It’s still 100% Urus – muscular, imposing, and aggressive. But the SE updates give it a noticeably fresher, more modern, and slightly more technical appearance. The changes effectively signal that this is the latest, most advanced version of the Super SUV without betraying its core identity.
Command Center: Interior Tech and Luxury Infusion
Inside, the familiar fighter-jet-inspired cockpit receives key technology upgrades.
- Core Layout: The overall architecture remains, characterized by the Y-motif dashboard, hexagonal air vents, and the prominent center console housing the gear selector and ANIMA drive mode selector. Both four-seat (two individual rear seats) and five-seat configurations remain available.
- Screen Time Boost: The central infotainment touchscreen grows to 12.3 inches (up from 10.1 inches in older models) and runs an updated version of the Lamborghini Infotainment System (LIS), likely offering improved graphics, responsiveness, and connectivity features.
- Hybrid Data Hub: The driver’s digital instrument cluster is also a large 12.3-inch display. It features new graphics and specific displays tailored for the hybrid system, clearly showing battery charge level, electric range remaining, real-time power flow between the engine, motor, and battery, and selected driving mode information.
- Premium Materials: Expect the usual Lamborghini standards: acres of high-quality leather, sporty Alcantara, exposed carbon fiber trim, and cool-touch aluminum accents. The Ad Personam program allows buyers to customize stitching, colors, and materials almost limitlessly. New sustainable or SE-specific trim options might also be offered.
- Hybrid Controls: Dedicated controls (likely buttons or integrated into the touchscreen menus) allow the driver to easily select the desired hybrid operating mode (EV Drive, Hybrid, Performance/Recharge).
Interior Ambiance: It feels like stepping into a luxurious, high-tech command center. The larger screens enhance the modern feel, and the hybrid-specific displays provide fascinating insight into the complex powertrain at work. It remains a driver-focused environment but offers premium comfort and customization for all occupants.
Taming the Beast: Driving Dynamics and Modes
Managing nearly 800 horsepower and the added weight of a hybrid system requires sophisticated engineering.
- Chassis Control: The Urus SE utilizes adaptive air suspension and likely active anti-roll bars, retuned to handle the hybrid powertrain’s characteristics. The goal is to provide both surprising agility and acceptable comfort.
- Electric Torque Vectoring: A major highlight is a new longitudinal electric torque vectoring system. Unlike traditional mechanical systems, this uses the electric motors (likely focusing on the rear axle but potentially influencing the front via the central motor) to precisely control the amount of torque sent to each wheel during cornering. This can significantly improve turn-in agility, cornering stability, and traction when exiting turns. It promises to make the big SUV feel smaller and more nimble.
- Expanded Drive Modes: The familiar ANIMA selector still offers Strada (Street), Sport, and Corsa (Track) modes, plus off-road modes Neve (Snow), Sabbia (Sand), and Terra (Dirt). These have all been recalibrated for the SE’s hybrid system. Additionally, there are dedicated hybrid strategy modes:
- EV Drive: Prioritizes electric-only driving until the battery is depleted or high power is demanded.
- Hybrid: Automatically balances the V8 and electric motor for optimal efficiency and performance based on driving conditions.
- Performance/Recharge: Keeps the V8 running constantly to deliver maximum power and actively recharge the battery.
- Braking System: Expect massive carbon-ceramic brakes to be standard, providing immense stopping power. Lamborghini engineers have worked to seamlessly blend the regenerative braking (capturing energy) with the friction brakes for a natural and consistent pedal feel.
Driving Impression Synthesis: The Urus SE promises to be the most versatile Urus yet. Imagine silently gliding through city traffic in EV Drive, then switching to Hybrid for an efficient highway cruise. Find a twisty road, engage Corsa and Performance modes, and unleash the full 800 CV V8+electric fury, feeling the new torque vectoring system help pivot the big SUV through corners with uncanny agility. The ability to switch between silent operation and explosive performance makes it a uniquely multifaceted machine. The added weight might be noticeable compared to the lighter Performante in extreme track situations, but the increased power and smarter chassis tech aim to compensate.
The Super SUV Arena: Urus SE vs. The World
The Urus SE enters an increasingly competitive, albeit rarefied, segment.
- Key Rivals:
- Porsche Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid: Perhaps the most direct competitor, also a high-performance German PHEV SUV from the VW Group family. Offers immense power and similar tech, potentially with slightly more focus on refinement.
- Aston Martin DBX 707: The current king of gasoline-powered super SUVs in terms of power and handling focus. Offers a different, more traditional character.
- Ferrari Purosangue: While V12-powered and even more exclusive/expensive, it competes for the title of ultimate performance family hauler.
- BMW XM: Another powerful PHEV SUV with a polarizing design and a focus on M-performance attributes.
- Urus SE Strengths: Boasts the most power in the Urus family, offers usable EV range, carries the immense Lamborghini brand cachet and aggressive styling, and features cutting-edge torque vectoring.
- Potential Considerations: Will likely be heavier than the Urus Performante, potentially impacting ultimate handling feel for purists. Complexity of the hybrid system. Higher price point.
Price of the Electrified Bull: Cost and Availability
Owning the most advanced Urus comes at a premium.
- Expected MSRP: Official US pricing is confirmed. The 2025 Lamborghini Urus SE starts at $258,000 before destination charges and options. This places it above the Urus S but potentially aligns closely with rivals like the Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid depending on options. Naturally, the Ad Personam customization program can send the final price much higher.
- Availability: The Urus SE is expected to begin arriving in customer hands and at US dealerships during late 2024 or early 2025. As with any Lamborghini, demand is expected to be high, so securing an allocation requires working closely with an authorized dealer.
Conclusion: Is This the Best Urus Yet?
The 2025 Lamborghini Urus SE represents a fascinating evolution of the definitive Super SUV. By integrating a powerful plug-in hybrid system, Lamborghini has managed to create the most powerful Urus to date while simultaneously offering silent, zero-emission driving capability.
The blend of a roaring twin-turbo V8 and instant electric torque promises staggering performance. The updated technology, refined design, and advanced chassis systems like electric torque vectoring aim to enhance both the driving experience and usability. The ability to handle daily commutes on electricity alone adds a layer of practicality previously unseen in a Lamborghini.
Does it dilute the brand’s raw V8 essence? Based on the specs and Lamborghini’s clear focus on using electricity to boost performance and engagement, it seems unlikely. Instead, the Urus SE offers a broader spectrum of capabilities – from stealthy electric cruiser to full-blown raging bull.
For the Lamborghini faithful looking for the ultimate expression of the Urus, or for affluent buyers seeking extreme performance combined with cutting-edge hybrid technology and a degree of environmental consciousness, the 2025 Lamborghini Urus SE presents an incredibly compelling, multifaceted, and powerful package. It might just be the most complete – and complex – super SUV on the planet.
