When it launched in 2018, the Lamborghini Urus was the world’s first super SUV – loud, brash and blisteringly quick. But seven years on, the world is a very different place. To keep up, Lamborghini has given its bestseller a plug-in hybrid powertrain, creating the Urus SE. On paper, it’s the most powerful Urus ever, with even greater usability than before. But is it still the best super SUV? Here are three reasons why it is and two why it isn’t.
Reasons to buy:
Performance and handling
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Don’t for a minute assume that hybridisation has turned the Urus soft – quite the opposite, in fact. The 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 produces 620hp and 800Nm on its own and is now paired with an electric motor housed in the gearbox, fed by a 25.9kWh lithium-ion battery pack. Together, they deliver a colossal 800hp and 950Nm. Despite weighing around 2.5 tonnes, the Urus SE sprints to 100kph in just 3.5 seconds and tops out at 312kph.
Lamborghini has also used electrification to make it more playful, with a variable clutch pack and rear e-LSD replacing the old Torsen centre diff. Combined with the instant torque of the hybrid system, the Urus is now more willing to go sideways. The air suspension has a broader bandwidth, too, making it more comfortable in everyday driving while still being a hoot around twisty roads.
Everyday usability
From the outset, the Urus was designed to combine supercar drama with SUV usability, and the SE takes that brief further. It has a claimed electric-only range of 60km and can run on EV power at speeds of up to 130kph. The cabin is roomy and comfortable for four passengers, with a generous 616-litre boot. Tech has also been upgraded – the SE gets a larger 12.3-inch central touchscreen infotainment system running the latest Audi software with a Lamborghini interface. The adaptive air suspension that can raise the ride height is also particularly useful on Indian roads.
Wow factor
Looks are subjective, but there’s no denying the Urus still draws eyeballs. Despite being on sale for seven years, the wow factor hasn’t diminished. The SE facelift and the more aggressive Performante have kept it fresh. It might be a bit ostentatious for some, but a Lamborghini has never been about subtlety. The drama continues inside, too, with a cockpit-like environment trimmed in a mix of leather, Alcantara and carbon fibre. Unique touches like the Tamburo – Italian for drum – drive mode selector and the fighter jet-style flip-up starter button add to the sense of theatre.
Reasons to skip
Hybrid system is underwhelming
While the move to a plug-in hybrid has brought more power and torque, it hasn’t translated to a dramatic leap in performance because of the added weight. The 0-100kph time of 3.4 seconds is blisteringly quick but only 0.1 seconds quicker than the 666hp Urus S. The 60km claimed electric-only range is also somewhat underwhelming considering the sizable 25.9kWh battery pack. And while it should, in theory, improve fuel efficiency, that’s hardly a priority for most Urus buyers.
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Price
The Urus’ success in India shows price isn’t really a limiting factor, but at Rs 4.57 crore (ex-showroom), the SE is more expensive than the Performante was just a couple of years ago. The Audi RS Q8, which uses essentially the same V8 engine (minus the hybrid system) with 640hp, costs Rs 2.95 crore. It lacks the brand cachet of a Lambo and the visual drama, but it’s an excellent alternative for those wanting to fly under the radar. On the flip side, those seeking more luxury can opt for the Bentley Bentayga V8 at nearly a crore less (Rs 3.60 crore).
