The Urus SE is the Italian brand’s new entry-level model and boasts a V8 and electric motor.
It is the world’s fastest SUV, at least in terms of top speed: 312 km/h.
It was in a sun-drenched Nardo that we were given the opportunity to test the new Lamborghini Urus SE. (Photo: Lamborghini)
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Electrification for performance
The big news for the Urus SE is that it has been electrified and turned into a plug-in hybrid. More specifically, it is a V8 and an electric motor that together pump out 800 horsepower and 950 newton meters.
Lamborghini talks about how the Urus SE has two hearts – meaning a combustion engine and an electric motor.
The electrification is there to increase performance, although there are both environmental and fiscal benefits.
The Urus SE will be the brand’s new entry-level model. (Photo: Lamborghini)
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Many streams small
The Urus SE has received a couple of well-balanced design updates. The front has been modernized and has become more aggressive, while the rear has taken inspiration from the Lamborghini Gallardo supercar.
Inside, you are greeted by a new infotainment system, higher quality materials and new details that are meant to increase the feeling of luxury.
The leather seats are of even better quality and there are also new rims available.
However, components from the group siblings are still noticeable, such as Audi’s buttons for window lifts and indicators.
It is not unusual for parts to be shared between brands within the same group, but in a Lamborghini of this caliber, something more unique would have been desirable – especially considering what, for example, Bentley has managed to achieve in its models.
The rear part has received inspiration from the Gallardo. (Photo: Lamborghini)
The interior has been updated but still resembles that of the group’s siblings. (Photo: Lamborghini)
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Wide rack with 2.5 tons
Strada Bianca was next in line. It is a genuine rally track where legendary cars such as the Lancia Stratos have been developed.
Here we got to test the Urus SE’s off-road mode (called Terra), which allows you to ski wildly. The track consisted of gravel and sand and was lined with trees and bushes, making visibility around every crest non-existent.
Instead, I had to blindly trust the test driver who instructed me from the passenger seat.
No matter what, the Urus invites you to dance and is incredibly easy to control, even on loose surfaces. The fact that our test cars had the same tires on the rally track as well as during drifting was hugely impressive.
We got to drive a number of laps on the Strada Bianca and the Urus SE is compliant and forgiving. It is therefore necessary to remove oneself really properly in order to become a permanent part of the landscape.
We had to skid on both asphalt and gravel. (Photo: Lamborghini)
The Urus is more playful than you might expect. (Photo: Lamborghini)From track to highway
After playing off ourselves at Nardo it was time to hit the public roads. Southern Italy’s roads are far from perfect – they are completely littered with potholes and bumps.
Here, the Urus SE showed its more comfort-oriented side, especially in Strada mode (comfort mode), which is now even softer than before. The car is surprisingly comfortable for a Lamborghini, but without losing its sporty character.
The fixed suspension manages to handle rough roads with flying colours, and that bodes well for Swedish road conditions as well. The tires, especially the huge rear tires, generate some road noise, but it’s perfectly in line with what you’d expect from the type of car.
The Urus performs best on public roads. (Photo: Lamborghini)Power in drives
The Lamborghini Urus SE is ferociously quick, and throttle response is immediate thanks to the electric motor.
In Strada mode, the car is subdued and comfort-oriented, while Sport mode opens up a more playful character where power is distributed to the rear and the anti-skid system allows more freedom. According to Lamborghini themselves, it is about the “fun-to-drive mode”
If you put it in Corsa mode – intended for track driving – the car becomes significantly more focused and tight, but it is doubtful how many people will really whip their Urus around a track.
Despite its weight of 2.5 tonnes, the Urus SE hides its mass impressively well and feels easy to drive and dynamic. It is easy to handle quickly, but one should be aware that the laws of physics still prevail.
Behind the wheel, the Urus SE is decidedly forgiving. (Photo: Lamborghini)Lamborghini Urus SE does what you expect
With the new Lamborghini Urus SE, the Italians have focused on what made it outgoing generation so successful and refined it. The hybridization contributes both to performance and lower taxes, while making the Urus even more useful.
It uses quite complex software to make the hardware as accessible as possible.
In terms of driving dynamics, it won’t appeal to the most discerning of car enthusiasts, but it has an impressive ability to flatter one. The Urus SE is accommodating and easy to control and invites you to dance if you so wish.
The comfort level is surprisingly high and the feeling of luxury is palpable. The driving experience is awesome and even if the Urus doesn’t feel as much like a supercar as the competition Aston Martin DBX and Ferrari Pure Sangue succeeds in offering a decidedly spicy experience.
The Urus will continue to be Lamborghini’s cash cow and enable a more exciting future for the Italian marque.
The Urus SE is probably the market’s most exciting plug-in hybrid. (Photo: Lamborghini)First impressions of the Lamborghini Urus SE: 4/5
Engine: 4-liter V8 + electric motor. System power 800 horsepower, 950 newton meters.
Transmission: 8-speed automatic transmission, four-wheel drive
Acceleration 0-100 km/h: 3.4 seconds
Top speed: 312 km/h
Weight: 2,505 kg
Electrical range: 60 km
Dimensions (length/width/height): 5123/2181/1638 mm
Price: From approximately SEK 3,300,000