Lamborghini Urus Se, off-road test of the plug-in hybrid SUV with 800 hp

Lamborghini's Cor Tauri strategy continues with the synthesis of an extreme hypercar and an SUV that fears no obstacles with a pulug-in hybrid powertrain. Namely, the Urus Se that puts 800 horsepower on the ground. The new interpretation of the super-suv joins the Revuelto hypercar preceding the marketing of the new Temerario super-sportcar, both hybrids on tap. In this line-up, which is the only one in the high-performance sector that is completely electrified, the Urus Se, which is on sale for 260,000 euro obviously net of the indispensable and costly customisations, enters replacing the thermal S and Performante versions, confirming, in one fell swoop, that it is an important pawn for the brand, since even before arriving in the showrooms it has collected orders that have saturated production for the whole of 2025.

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The electrification of the Urus is based on the re-engineering of the twin-turbo 4-litre V8 with 620 horsepower to work in optimal synergy with the 192 horsepower electric motor located upstream of the eight-speed automatic transmission to deliver 800 horsepower together with a torque of 950 Nm. The electric unit that acts as both boost and traction element is powered by a 25.9 kWh lithium-ion battery placed under the luggage compartment floor above the new electronically controlled differential, promising the possibility of electric driving for more than 60 kilometres. The potential of the new powertrain results in a power-to-weight ratio of 3.13 kg/hp and pushes the Urus Se up to 312 km/h and to the 100 and 200 km/h marks in times of 3"4 and 11"2 respectively. Optimum exploitation of the new engine in every situation is guaranteed by the eleven car configurations, since the Urus Se adds those dedicated to electrification to those already known (Strada, Sport and Corsa to be used preferably on the track, Snow, Sand, Earth and the customisable Ego). That is, Ev Drive for electric traction only up to 135 km/h, the Hybrid selectable with the Strada mode, which is, if you like, the default one, the Performance mode that can also be used with the Sand and Terra configurations, as well as Recharge to replenish the battery with electrons while on the move and not just by plugging into an external power socket. The Urus Se also adopts adaptive anti-roll bars and electronic air suspension recalibrated with respect to those of the other versions, which according to the mode set vary the height from the ground from -15 mm in the Corsa version to +75 mm with respect to the normal road set-up when the lifting system for off-road use comes into play, as well as parameters that affect steering, driveability, gearbox responsiveness, mapping and V8 sound, plus an all-new electronically controlled all-wheel drive central torque divider with electro-hydraulically controlled flap clutch. The latter distributes drive torque variably and continuously between the front and rear axles and works in synergy with the electronically controlled limited slip differential at the rear to oversteer the car if necessary and increase agility, guarantee impeccable dynamism both on and off-road and, in the end, deliver a super sports car driving feel.

The new interpretation of the most versatile and functional Lambo in history, suitable even for naturally more than affluent families, is capable of tackling not only the road and rather demanding off-road but also the track with ease. In all cases it delivers on what the styling promises and the logo on the bodywork because the 800 horsepower and 950 Nm of torque developed by its powertrain are always present regardless of the car configuration set, except in Ev mode. We got acquainted with the Urus Se on a winding sandy track, almost as grippy as on ice and snow, inside the Nardò track in Salento. The super-suv properly configured and with the powertrain set in Performance to speedily exploit the torque of the electric motor puts optimum traction on the ground even with the PZero Elect asphalt tyres dedicated to the battery-powered models developed ad hoc by Pirelli for the Urus. In fact, it moves its 2,500 kg from one bump to the next with ease and dances, it has to be said, between bends and hairpin bends with ease and without making the driver anxious, because it always responds with millimetric precision to every command of the accelerator even in the inevitable sudden corrections that have to be made in such conditions. In short, it is effective and reassuring, to the benefit of instinctiveness and driving involvement. These sensations were reconfirmed in the handling test on an asphalt track, where the Urus showed how it can satisfy drifting addicts on the one hand with spectacular smoky drifts by deactivating the dynamism controls and, on the other hand, driving purists on the other hand with the prevalence of traction on the rear axle that helps overcome sudden changes of direction naturally. The interplay between the precise responses of the powertrain and the reactivity with which the sophisticated electronic network manages dynamism in normal road use makes for an SUV that is instinctively usable, although always ready to unleash a wild character, both when it is a hybrid, never betraying the teamwork between the two engines, and when it is moving on electric drive alone. However, to get the most out of it you always have to think you have an egg under the throttle, because the V8 is always ready to get back to work. All this is topped off by a high level of comfort, imparted by the suspension that absorbs road bumps well and good soundproofing. The latter, however, does not shy away from invading the cabin at the right time with the enthralling sound of the V8.

The Urus Se is distinguished by its updated line, especially to optimise aerodynamic efficiency. The design evolution enhances the dynamics of the forms by emphasising the muscularity of the line. At the front there is a new front bonnet with a floating design that amplifies the athletic look of the Urus Se by recalling the styling canons introduced by the Revuelto. Also new are the bumper, the grille and the Matrix LED light clusters that design an unprecedented light signature inspired by the tail of the Taurus, the Lamborghini emblem. The rear end is all new and is distinguished, in particular, by a new diffuser which, together with the new spoiler, increases downforce by 35% compared to previous Urus models and increases stability. Aerodynamic efficiency is also addressed by new air outlets on the bottom and renewed ducts that channel air flows 15% higher than those of the Urus S and Performante to cool the mechanics, the engine and the braking system with carboceramic discs.