Lamborghini Urus output boosted to 789 bhp with PHEV powertrain

With increasingly strict regulations that require reduced exhaust emission levels from motor vehicles, carmakers have no choice but to comply. They might be re-thinking their push towards fully electric vehicles in the short-term but the fact remains that they have to get emissions from their cars down.

Electrification is one approach, and it doesn’t mean full electrification but can also be hybrids with an electric motor to provide some power and reduce running of the engine which generates emissions. This is an ‘easier’ technology to adopt as there is combustion engine technology is already very advanced and so is hybrid technology.

This is the approach Lamborghini is taking with its Urus SE, a new variant of its first SUV which has a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain. Unveiled at Auto China 2024, the Urus SE has a revised design with optimised aerodynamics. Its powertrain with ‘two hearts’ – thermal and electric – generates high power and torque values and yet bring emissions down by 80%.

“With the Urus, we changed the paradigms of the SUV world, ushering in a new segment,” said Stephan Winkelmann, Lamborghini Chairman & CEO. “With the Urus SE, we’ve taken another step towards the future in line with our Direzione Cor Tauri strategy, moving ahead with the electrification of the range and the path toward decarbonization that began with the introduction of the Revuelto super sportscar in March 2023.”

The design highlights the dynamics of the form, accentuating the vehicle’s sportiness and muscularity. At the front is a new bonnet with a floating design, where the absence of the cut-off line gives a sense of continuity and amplifies the athletic style of the Urus SE. This mimics certain new styling concepts introduced by the Revuelto.

Other new elements include the headlight clusters that feature matrix LED technology, introducing a brand-new light signature inspired by the tail of the Lamborghini brand’s bull, along with a redesigned bumper and front grill.

At the rear, the cargo compartment hatch has been completely redesigned, introducing a Gallardo-inspired continuity that harmonizes the lines by connecting the taillight clusters with ‘Y’ lights and the new rear diffuser, which gives the vehicle even sportier proportions. Together with the new spoiler, the diffuser increases rear downforce by 35% at high speeds (compared to the Urus S), further enhancing the vehicle’s stability.

Aerodynamic efficiency is also improved by new underbody air vents and revamped air ducts, which channel more airflow (15% more than the original Urus) to cool the mechanical and engine components. The new design of the front section, combined with an optimization of the aerodynamic underside, has also improved the management of airflows dedicated to the braking system, with a 30% improvement in air cooling over the previous system.

“The design and proportions of the Urus remain incomparable and absolutely recognizable as a Lamborghini. At the same time, the Urus SE delivers a highly sophisticated evolution, consistent with our new iconic and essential design philosophy, and importantly delivering an enhanced feeling of luxury together with more Ad Personam potential,” explained Lamborghini Design Director Mitja Borkert.

“We took inspiration from the Revuelto with the floating engine bonnet, achieving a very clean and muscular front design. The state-of-the art front light system integrates a new, distinctive DRL signature. The rear emphasizes a wider stance with a focus on the new diffuser and low-mounted license plates, while the rear mesh takes inspiration from Lamborghini super sports cars like the Gallardo. The interior design follows our ‘feel like a pilot’ philosophy, enhancing interaction between the driver and the digital system.”

With its PHEV system, the Urus SE is said to offer improved vehicle performance and dynamics on any surface and in any condition. More torque and power at any rpm can be generated and there are also technical features like an electric torque vectoring system between the two axles, and the electronic rear differential.

The same twin-turbocharged 4-litre V8 engine has been re-engineered to work in optimal synergy with the electric powertrain. It develops 789 bhp/800 Nm of total output with the rear-mounted electric motor contributing 192 ps/483 Nm.

The high output improves the weight-to-power ratio to 3.13 kgs/ps (compared to 3.3 in the Urus S). This enables the Urus SE to do the 0 to 100 km/h run in a claimed 3.4 seconds, a tenth of a second quicker than the Urus S, but speeding further, it will reach 200 km/h just over a second quicker. Top speed is claimed to be 312 km/h, 7 km/h more than the Urus S. These figures make the Urus SE the fastest production car in the segment, setting a new benchmark in the Super SUV category.

An important focus during powertrain development was the calibration strategy between the engine and motor to ensure an optimal power curve in every driving mode and on every surface. The motor is located inside the 8-speed automatic transmission can act as a boost for the engine as well as a traction element, making the Urus SE a 100% electric 4WD vehicle.

It is capable of traveling more than 60 kms in pure EV mode (and dependent on the energy level in the 25.9 kWh lithium-ion battery pack). When running in EV mode, the maximum speed is limited to around 130 km/h.

Debuting on the Urus SE is the new centrally-located longitudinal electric torque vectoring system with an electro-hydraulic multi-plate clutch, which distributes driving torque variably and continuously between the front and rear axles. The transfer case works in synergy with the new electronic limited-slip differential installed on the rear axle, giving the vehicle ‘on demand’  oversteering to convey the feel of a pure-bred super sportscar.

Interiors

The cabin has been updated to highlight Lamborghini’s signature ‘feel like a pilot’ design DNA, featuring new solutions throughout the front section of the dashboard and accentuating the lightweight feeling already introduced on the Revuelto.

A larger 12.3-inch screen positioned in the centre of the dashboard features a new version of the Human Machine Interface that is even more intuitive to use with updated graphics, consistent with that of the Revuelto.

The Lamborghini Centro Stile designers also directed their design focus on the air vents; the anodized aluminium trim elements with the unmistakable Y shape, and the new panel, seat, and dashboard coverings. The mechanical pushbutton panel gives a more tactile feel.

The driver can make use of the 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and  12.3-inch touchscreen display for a dedicated telemetry system and there are new displays related to the driving assistance system that allow for better perception of the surrounding environment.

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