Automobili Lamborghini presents a new chapter with the Urus SE, the initial hybrid plug-in variant of the Lamborghini Super SUV. Unveiled at the Volkswagen Group Media Night prior to its public premiere at Auto China Beijing 2024 on April 25 at 11 AM local time, this PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) edition exhibits a modern design, improved aerodynamics, state-of-the-art onboard technology, and an 800 CV hybrid power unit. The SE surpasses the Urus S in terms of convenience, performance, efficiency, emissions, and driving satisfaction. With both thermal and electric power sources, it attains the highest torque and power metrics ever witnessed, securing a unique position in its category and boasting an 80% decrease in emissions.
“By introducing the Urus, we revolutionized the SUV domain, paving the way for a fresh category,” remarked Stephan Winkelmann, Lamborghini Chairman & CEO. “In a brief period, the Urus has become our best-selling model, captivating new customers and cementing Lamborghini’s presence in vital markets. The Urus SE signifies another step towards the future in accordance with our Direzione Cor Tauri strategy, advancing with the electrification of the lineup post the debut of the Revuelto super sports car in March 2023.”
Crafted to deliver an extraordinary driving adventure, the Lamborghini Urus SE leverages its plug-in hybrid system to elevate performance and maneuverability across diverse terrains and weather scenarios. Witnessing enhanced torque and power throughout all revolutions through innovative elements like the electric torque vectoring system connecting the front and rear axles, along with the electronic rear differential.
As per Dr. Ing. Rouven Mohr, the Chief Technical Officer, the project’s objective was to provide cutting-edge performance while remaining loyal to Lamborghini’s iconic aesthetics. The Urus SE excels in its class for its driving gratification and dynamic capacities, striking a harmonious blend of luxury comfort and top-tier performance. It guarantees a distinctive and unparalleled driving experience distinct from any other vehicle in its segment. The Lamborghini Urus SE features an updated twin-turbo 4.0 V8 engine working harmoniously with an electric motor, culminating in a combined power output of 800 CV and 800 Nm of driving torque, where the electric motor contributes 192 CV and 483 Nm of torque. Equipped with a 25.9-kWh lithium-ion battery positioned beneath the load area and above the electronically monitored rear differential.
Moreover, the Urus SE boasts an integrated permanent-magnet synchronous electric motor within the 8-speed automatic transmission, capable of providing an assist to the V8 engine while serving as a traction unit. This layout allows the Urus SE to function as a fully electric 4WD vehicle, journeying over 60 km in EV mode. A novel electric torque vectoring system and electronic limited-slip differential amplify the vehicle’s handling prowess, offering variable torque distribution between the front and rear axles for enhanced agility and performance analogous to a high-performance sports car.
The Urus SE is decked with advanced systems engineered to optimize traction and performance across varied driving scenarios, featuring a potent engine delivering 800 CV at 6000 rpm and 950 Nm of torque within 1750 to 5750 rpm. Resulting in remarkable acceleration, with the Urus SE sprinting from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.4 seconds and reaching a peak speed of 312 km/h. These performance metrics establish the Urus SE as the mightiest and swiftest production vehicle in its class, setting a novel standard for Super SUVs.
Reimagining the established norms of SUV design, the Urus SE enhances aerodynamic efficiency through updated contouring to amplify the vehicle’s dynamism and muscular presence. Accentuated by design changes like a new hood with a floating structure enhancing the vehicle’s athletic demeanor, upgraded headlight clusters featuring matrix LED technology inspired by the brand’s bull logo, and a revamped bumper and front grille.
“Mitja Borkert, Lamborghini Design Director, conveyed that the Urus design retains the brand’s distinct style while ushering in a refined evolution coherent with the brand’s new design ethos. Design elements such as the floating engine hood and advanced front lighting system aim to deliver a sleek and muscular frontal look. The rear of the Urus SE presents a broader stance with new diffuser and rear mesh inspired by Lamborghini’s iconic super sports cars like the Gallardo. The interior design focuses on enriching driver interaction with the digital system, adhering to the ‘feel like a pilot’ ethos,” Borkert noted.
The revised rear cargo compartment hatch creates a seamless appearance and boosts aerodynamics. Connecting the taillight clusters with “Y” lights and a new rear diffuser reminiscent of the Gallardo design enhances the car’s athletic allure. Further, a fresh spoiler and diffuser augment rear downforce by 35% at high velocities compared to the Urus S, refining stability.
Enhancements in aerodynamic efficiency are actualized through recent under-body air vents and redesigned air ducts that enhance cooling for mechanical and engine components by 15% compared to the original Urus. The frontal design tweaks, combined with optimized aerodynamics underneath, have bolstered airflow management for the braking system, registering a 30% enhancement in air cooling over the previous setup.
The presented image accentuates the updated Lamborghini Urus SE model, accentuating the brand’s “feel like a pilot” design approach within the cabin. Expanding the dashboard to feature an expansive 12.3-inch screen housing an updated Human Machine Interface (HMI), facilitating a more user-friendly experience and sharing design cues with the Revuelto model.
The design team at Lamborghini Centro Stile devoted efforts to refining air vents, anodized aluminum trim detailed with a unique Y shape, and fresh coverings for panels, seats, and dashboard. The mechanical pushbutton panel offers a tactile experience for the driver.
In addition to the digital instrument cluster and touchscreen display, the Lamborghini Infotainment System (LIS) has been seamlessly integrated within the dashboard, providing a comprehensive and contemporary vehicle interface. A specialized telemetry system and refined display upgrades for the driving assistance system have been crafted to enrich the vehicle’s situational awareness.
The Lamborghini Urus SE offers an extensive array of customization options unprecedented in its segment. The alloy wheels are upgraded to include 23” Galanthus rims, paired with new Pirelli P Zero tires as standard. Customers can select from three distinct P Zero tire variants ranging from 21″ to 23″ to cater to diverse preferences for comfort and performance. Additionally, Scorpion Winter 2 tires are available for colder climates, all featuring Pirelli Elect technology tailored to enhance the characteristics of the inaugural electrified Urus.
These enhancements harmonize to deliver an elevated driving experience by providing superior control and visibility while upholding a sleek aesthetic. The integration of these enhancements elevates the driving experience for aficionados seeking top-tier performance and style in a luxurious vehicle. The Lamborghini Urus SE now boasts over 100 body color choices, including two novel options accessible at launch: Arancio Egon (orange) complemented by an interior in Arancio Apodis (orange), and Bianco Sapphirus (white) coupled with an interior in Terra Kedros (terracotta). The offering comprises a total of 47 interior color assortments and four embroidery variants, facilitating customization.possibilities via the Ad Personam program to design a one-of-a-kind Urus SE of their choosing.
At the heart of the dashboard, the control unit known as “tamburo” is utilized for selecting various driving modes. By integrating the hybrid power system, the Urus now presents a total of eleven driving alternatives, melding the current six modes with four fresh Electric Performance Strategies (EPS). Alongside the traditional Strada, Sport, and Corsa modes (optimized for road and track respectively), users can now also engage Neve, Sabbia, and Terra modes (tailored for non-asphalt surfaces), in addition to the new EV Drive, Hybrid, Performance, and Recharge selections.
Expressing his views, Stefano Cossalter, Director of the Lanzador and Urus Product Line, remarked, “The Urus SE marks a notable advancement, not just in reducing CO2 emissions but also in performance and sportiness, all thanks to the state-of-the-art hybrid propulsion system. This Super SUV embodies two souls: one classic, showcasing our legacy, and the other electric, heralding the future. Together, they deliver a reimagined essence of the distinctive Lamborghini character, elevated to unprecedented heights.”
The EV Drive mode elevates the electric driving experience, tailored for urban usage with a range exceeding 60 km on a single charge and a maximum speed surpassing 130 km/h. Upon exceeding this speed, the V8 engine seamlessly takes over. The electric motor interplays with torque demands exceeding the maximum available from the electric motor.
The Hybrid mode, accessible in Strada setting, maximizes efficiency and comfort by striking a balance between the combustion engine and electric motor, enhancing its adaptability for daily commutes. The Recharge mode, present in Strada, Sport, Corsa, and Neve modes, replenishes up to 80% of the battery while sustaining performance levels. The Performance mode unlocks a spirited driving sensation in Strada, Sport, Corsa, Sabbia, and Terra modes, unveiling the full potential of the Urus SE beyond conventional roads.
The vehicle’s pneumatic springs dynamically adjust the ground clearance based on the chosen driving mode, varying from 15 mm in Corsa to 75 mm when the lifting mechanism is engaged. Steering response, handling characteristics, and the V8 engine acoustics adapt according to the selected driving mode, shaping the overall driving ambiance of the Urus SE.
The tuning of the air suspension system is finely tuned to enhance each driving mode. Strada mode prioritizes comfort, smoothing out the ride in the Urus SE. Switching to Sport mode injects exhilaration into the driving experience, refining transmission behaviors for improved control during drifts. In Corsa mode, designed for track driving, the Urus SE demonstrates its full dynamic prowess through advanced suspension ECU and electronics that boost stability and responsiveness on the circuit and low-traction surfaces. Neve, Sabbia, and Terra modes are optimized to deliver maximum wheel travel and consistent ground force to ensure optimal grip on diverse terrains.
Image Source: PuccaPhotography / Shutterstock
