Lamborghini's bonkers Urus SE is a 588kW plug-in hybrid SUV: PHEV monster cuts emissions by 80 percent and takes luxury-performance fight to Bentley Bentayga and Porsche Cayenne Turbo hybrids

Lamborghini has unveiled a new plug-in hybrid version of its ultra-high-performance Urus SUV and in typical fashion, while claiming an 80 per cent reduction in tailpipe emissions, the legendary Italian brand has endowed it with no less than 588kW (788hp).

The Urus SE’s 4.0-litre twin-turbo petrol V8 engine has been re-engineered to produce 465kW/800Nm on its own while working in concert with an electric motor delivering a further 141kW/483Nm for combined total outputs of 588kW/950Nm.

No surprise its claimed 0-100km/h acceleration time is an eye-widening 3.4 seconds, the large five-seat SUV is able to then storm onto a maximum velocity of 312km/h (135km/h on electric power alone).

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The car’s 25.9-kWh lithium-ion battery powers a permanent-magnet synchronous electric motor located inside the eight-speed automatic transmission, the Urus SE boasting an EV-only range of 60km.

Lamborghini says tailpipe emissions have been reduced by 80 per cent compared to the Urus S V8.

Claiming an 80 per cent reduction in tailpipe emissions, the legendary Italian brand has endowed it with no less than 588kW (788hp).

A new, centrally-located longitudinal electric torque vectoring system, featuring an electro-hydraulic multi-plate clutch, continuously distributes variable drive to the front and rear axles with Lamborghini adding an electronic limited-slip differential at the rear to give the Urus SE, “on demand oversteer to convey the feel of a purebred super sports car”. 

The Urus SE features a restyled hood echoing elements of the brand’s flagship Revuelto supercar, a redesigned bumper and front grille as well as revised matrix LED headlights and a new ‘Y’ tail-light signature “inspired by the tail of the Lamborghini brand’s bull”.

At the same time the tailgate has been redesigned and there’s a new rear diffuser to balance a revised spoiler at the front. Lamborghini says the new plug-in has 35 per cent greater rear downforce than the Urus S.

The Urus SE features a restyled hood echoing elements of the brand’s flagship Revuelto supercar.

Inside, a larger 12.3-inch central multimedia screen joins a same-size digital instrument display and the hybrid powertrain allows the six Urus driving modes to be combined with four new ‘Media Information Electric Performance Strategies’. 

‘Strada’, ‘Sport’ and ‘Corsa’ modes are for road and track use while the ‘Neve’ (snow), ‘Sabbia’ (sand) and ‘Terra’ (earth) settings are now accompanied by ‘EV Drive’, ‘Hybrid’, ‘Performance’ and ‘Recharge’ options.

Inside, a larger 12.3-inch central multimedia screen joins a same-size digital instrument display.

It might pay to be careful when off-roading, however, as 21-inch rims shod with Z-rated Pirelli P Zero high-performance rubber are standard (284/45 fr / 315/40 rr) with up to 23-inch ‘Galanthus’ alloys optionally available. Braking is also professional grade with huge carbon-ceramic rotors fitted front and rear (440mm fr / 410mm rr). 

Local launch timing and pricing is yet to be confirmed, but for reference (if stock availability allows) the 478kW/850Nm Lamborghini Urus S V8 AWD currently retails for $409,744, before on-road costs, while the 490kW/850Nm Urus Performante V8 AWD sits at $465,876.

Features a new ‘Y’ tail-light signature “inspired by the tail of the Lamborghini brand’s bull”.