The Lamborghini Urus first made motoring headlines in 2017 when it was officially unveiled at the Lamborghini headquarters in Sant'Agata Bolognese. Now, the Italian SUV is once again attracting attention, as Lamborghini has made dramatic styling changes and, most importantly, incorporated a hybrid powertrain.
But before we get into the details, remember that you can sell your car quickly and easily on our website here to have a deposit ready when you start your search for new or used Lamborghini Urus models on AutoTrader here.
Related: Top 3 things you need to know about the Lamborghini Urus Performante
Lamborghini Urus SE styling
The Lamborghini Urus already had a striking design even when compared to exotic SUVs. The newcomer pushes the boundaries even further as it takes inspiration from the Revuelto supercar. Upfront is a new bonnet that extends to the very front. Because the cut-off line is omitted, it gives more performance-orientated result.
The front is flanked by new headlamp clusters that now feature the matrix LED technology. Not only is the headlamp a new design but the signature Y-shaped LED daytime running light has changed to a design the Italian automaker claims is inspired by the tail of the brand's bull. Also quickly noticeable is the new front bumper design and front grille.
But the rear also got a few updates applied. The rear three-quarter panels incorporate differently styled vents while the rear bumper and tailgate see a centre line in its design. The rear mesh is similar to that of the Gallardo as is the new rear diffuser and low-hanging number plates. But the new spoiler and diffuser are not just for styling; together, they result in a 35% increase of rear downforce when compared to the Urus S.
In fact, many aerodynamic advancements have been made on the Urus SE. Together with the new front bumper design, revamped air ducts and under-body vents, the Urus SE has 15% more cooling airflow over mechanical components such as the engine and braking system, the latter receiving 30% more air cooling over the previous configuration.
Lamborghini Urus SE interior
While an excellent-looking and aerodynamic exterior is great, you will be spending most of your time inside the car. But do not worry; the engineers and designers at Lamborghini have applied some updates there, too. Most modern Lamborghini's, including the Urus, feature a fighter plane cockpit-like interior to make the driver "feel like a pilot." This has been further enhanced throughout the front section of the dashboard.
Behind the steering wheel features a larger digital instrument cluster, now measuring 12.3-inches. It is installed with the latest Human Machine Interface (HMI) software, which comes with updated graphics. The designers also focussed their attention on items such as the air vents with anodized aluminium trim elements, the Y-shape, as well as the new panel, seat, and dashboard coverings.
Centrally fitted into the dashboard is a 12.3-inch touchscreen display installed with the latest Lamborghini Infotainment System (LIS) software. This system not only allows the driver to control and adjust media and even some vehicle settings but also now incorporates a dedicated telemetry system for the SE as well as a driving assistance system for better perception of the surrounding environment.
Lamborghini Urus SE performance
One does not just consider a Lamborghini for its striking design inside and out but also for its performance. This is perhaps the biggest change the Urus SE offers over the Urus, Urus S and Urus Performante. While the familiar 4.0-litre, twin-turbocharged, V8 petrol engine still features, it has been re-engineered to work with an added electric powertrain.
Yes, the Lamborghini Urus SE is a hybrid! The internal combustion motor develops 456 kW and a staggering 800 Nm of torque, while the electric powertrain will provide 141 kW and 483 Nm. With both powertrains combined, the driver will have access to up to 588 kW and 950 Nm of torque that is sent to all four wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission.
The permanent-magnet synchronous electric motor is situated inside the transmission, while the 25.9-kWh lithium-ion battery is packed below the boot load floor and above the electronically-controlled rear differential. Because of this configuration, pilots can travel in pure EV mode with the power still sent to all four wheels and up to 60 km.
Lamborghini also ensures that spirited drivers can access oversteer by centrally installing the longitudinal electric torque vectoring system and allowing the transfer case to work in synergy with the electronic limited-slip differential installed on the rear axle. But what does this all mean in terms of performance?
Well, with the electric and internal combustion powertrains working together, the Urus SE is claimed to be capable of sprinting from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.4 seconds and from 0 to 200 km/h in just 11.2 seconds and on to a top speed of 312 km/h. Thus, not only is this the most powerful Urus ever, but also the fastest production car in its segment.
Conclusion
The Lamborghini Urus SE not only sets a benchmark for its segment but is also a statement from the brand as it progresses to a more electrified future. The exact dates of when we can expect the Lamborghini Urus SE to arrive in South Africa have not yet been communicated, but local pricing should arrive closer to the time of the local introduction.
