Lamborghini is introducing the world to their latest creation, a plug-in hybrid SUV.

Lamborghini recently introduced the world to the electrified version of the Urus. This PHEV, known as the Urus SE, is being called, “the first hybrid plug-in version of the Lamborghini Super SUV,” by the brand.

The hybrid powertrain includes a twin-turbo 4-litre V8 that pumps out 611 horsepower at 6,000 rpm, and 590 ft-lbs of torque from 2,250 – 4,500 rpm. The V8 is coupled to an electric motor that adds 189 hp and 356 ft-lbs of torque to the configuration, resulting in a 0-100 km/h time of 3.4 seconds, and a 0-200 km/h time of 11.2 seconds. It also boasts an EV range of 60 km, and a top speed of 312 km/h.

In EV mode, however, the Urus SE can reach a maximum speed of 130 km/h. The V8 engine kicks in automatically above this speed, or whenever torque demands exceed the maximum available from the electric motor.

Thanks to the introduction of the hybrid powertrain, the current six driving modes available on the non-hybrid Urus are combined with four new Electric Performance Strategies (EPS) on the Urus SE, for a total of eleven options. The Strada, Sport, and Corsa modes (for road and track use), and the Neve, Sabbia, and Terra modes (for off-roading) are now accompanied by EV Drive, Hybrid, Performance, and Recharge modes.

“Customer feedback of the Urus SE has been very positive,” says Andrea Baldi, CEO, Americas Region for Automobili Lamborghini. “Since the debut, we’ve been securing orders.”

Canadian sales

Historically, the Urus has been a big seller for Lamborghini here in Canada. “When the original Urus debuted in 2017, it transformed the perception of what an SUV could be with regard to performance and luxury,” Baldi says. “The Urus immediately became the company’s all-time best selling model, and its popularity continues with more than half of all Lamborghini sales in the Canadian market in 2023.”

Lamborghini expects the PHEV version of the Urus to do just as well, if not better, here in Canada. “In 2023, the Urus represented about 54% of Canadian Lamborghini deliveries, and we anticipate a similar ratio for the Urus SE,” Baldi adds. “With the Urus SE, customers will benefit from the increased power and torque, while supporting in decarbonization with the hybrid technology, which the Urus SE will contribute to an 80% emission reduction.”

Pricing for the new Urus SE starts at just over CAD $304,000, and Baldi anticipates that it will attract new buyers to the brand. “The average Urus buyer is 45 years old, and is successful in business, appreciates technology, performance, and the fun-to-drive nature of a Super SUV,” he explains. “In the early years of the Urus, 80% of buyers globally were new to the brand. That number has remained at 70% as we’ve seen Urus owners upgrade to other variants such as the Urus Performante or S models.”

A global tour

Lamborghini decided to introduce their newest SUV to the world at the Auto China Beijing motor show in April of this year. Speaking at the event, Stephan Winkelmann, Chairman and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini said, “It is a pleasure to present our latest achievements at this important event in the automotive industry. Twelve years ago, also here in Beijing, I was proud to present the Urus concept car to the world, which created a whole new segment of a super sports car in the body of an SUV. The Urus has become one of the most successful Lamborghini models since its launch.”

Since that debut, the Urus SE has been on a global tour, as Lamborghini introduces their new PHEV to select markets. After stops in the U.S., Italy, and in the U.K., the Urus SE was introduced to Canadian Lamborghini fans.

“On May 8, we had the Canadian debut of the Urus SE in Toronto,” Baldi says. “Following [the event], dealers across the region are having customer activations, showcasing the vehicle.”

Beyond in-person events, the new PHEV is being promoted on social media. “With the support of Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A, social [media] coverage will continue to post across our channels, which Lamborghini has one of the top automotive Instagram accounts globally,” Baldi adds.

Moreover, potential customers will get an opportunity to get behind the wheel of the Urus SE and experience the hybrid powertrain. “Many dynamic driving events are held for Urus owners,” Baldi explains. “For example, our Esperienza Terra and Neve program, which will continue with the Urus SE.”

Urus SE customers can expect delivery of their PHEV SUV in early 2025.