Lamborghini Urus SE (2025) Review
The Lamborghini Urus has been a runaway success for the Italian brand—a physics-defying combination of supercar speed and SUV utility. For 2025, the Urus SE takes a significant step into the electrified realm, bolstering its already impressive performance with a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) powertrain. It’s a statement of power and speed, now delivered with an electric boost.
For decades, the name Lamborghini has been synonymous with audacious design, spine-tingling V12 engines, and a relentless pursuit of speed, resulting in the creation of icons like the Miura, Countach, and Aventador. The very emblem—a raging bull—speaks to a heritage born in the rivalry and passion of Italian high-performance engineering. Yet, even a brand so steeped in tradition must sometimes look to the future, and that moment arrived decisively with the Urus. While not the marque's first foray into SUV territory—a title held by the legendary, military-inspired LM002 of the 1980s—the Urus burst onto the scene in 2018, redefining the concept of the super SUV. It was conceived to merge the practicality of a family car with the automotive theatre associated with Lamborghini.
Dubbed the world's first Super Sport Utility Vehicle (SSUV), the Urus wasn't just another car; it was a controversial and necessary gamble, a vehicle that had to honour the legacy of Sant'Agata Bolognese while charting a course toward unprecedented commercial success. The question for any discerning driver, then, is simple: has Lamborghini truly managed to inject the raw, uncompromising DNA of a supercar into the high-riding framework of an SUV? I recently had the opportunity to drive the updated Urus SE.
Fast Facts
The Urus SE arrives with a mid-cycle facelift that subtly enhances its aggressive design. The signature Lamborghini DNA remains immediately recognisable, defined by sharp creases and a low, coupe-like roofline. New design elements include a floating bonnet, redesigned headlight clusters with matrix LED technology, and a reviewed bumper and front grille. At the rear, the updates are significant, with a completely redesigned taillamp grille and a new diffuser that helps increase rear downforce by 35% at high speeds. While rivals like the Bentley Bentayga lean into sophistication, the Urus SE projects pure, undiluted Italian design which turns heads everywhere you go.
Interior and Technology
Inside, the Urus SE maintains the brand's "Feel Like a Pilot" philosophy. The cabin is a blend of high-grade materials—leather, carbon fibre, and Alcantara—but the focus of the update is on the digital interface. The Human Machine Interface (HMI) has been updated, featuring a larger 12.3-inch central touchscreen with a more intuitive, smartphone-inspired layout. While the centre stack retains some satisfying physical switches and the iconic caged starter button, the primary interaction is digital. Is the car's VW Group MLB Evo C/D platform evident inside? The short answer is yes, but there's enough high quality material surfaces and unique design elements that make it feel entirely special inside.
Passenger space is generally good, and while the sloping roofline compromises ultimate practicality compared to boxier SUVs, the 616-litre boot is respectable. Our press unit's boot was compriomised with the fitment of a full-size spare wheel, something that is necessary on our less than perfect roads.
Performance
The biggest change is the powertrain. The formidable 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 is now paired with an electric motor integrated into the 8-speed automatic transmission and a 25.9 kWh lithium-ion battery pack.
The combined output of 588 kW and 950 Nm makes the Urus SE the most powerful Urus to date. The instant torque from the electric motor effectively eliminates turbo lag, resulting in a 3.4-second sprint to and a top speed of , making it a legitimate performance car. It can also operate in a silent, EV-only mode for over 60 km—both a novelty and a convenience when leaving estates at awkward hours pf the day pr sitting in traffic.
The Drive
The Urus SE is a heavy machine, but it employs a suite of advanced dynamics technology to mask its mass. Key among these is the 48-volt active anti-roll control system and an updated all-wheel drive setup, which now features an electronically controlled, torque-vectoring rear differential.
The result is a Super SUV that is shockingly agile in corners. While the steering can feel a little light, the front-end is surprisingly nimble, and the car remains composed and stable at speed. The standard carbon-ceramic brakes are essential for hauling this 2.5-tonne machine down from its ballistic speeds, but do require warming up to feel their best. The numerous driving modes—from the urban-focused EV Drive and comfortable Strada to the track-ready Corsa—ensure the Urus SE can change its character instantly, from relatively subtle cruiser to hard-edged performance weapon. There are no soft-limiters or V8-muting devices evident here, just a pure, unadulterated V8 soundtrack, compete with burbles and pops. It's theatrical when you want it to be, but also silent when the occasion calls for it, making this both the most affordable and usable Lamborghini I've driven to date.
Safety
The Urus SE is equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, including 6 airbags (opt 8), advanced stability control systems, and a range of driver assistance technologies such as adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and a surround-view camera.
Pricing
Starting at R4 875 000, the Urus SE is positioned at the premium end of the high-performance SUV spectrum, commanding a price that reflects its power, badge, and the added cost of its sophisticated PHEV technology. It sits above key rivals like the Mercedes-AMG G63 and Bentley Bentayga V8, but the speed and exclusivity it offers are unmatched by most in the class.
Pricing includes a standard 3-year unlimited kilometre warranty, with extended maintenance plans available.
Verdict
The Urus SE is a fantastic expression of the Super SUV concept. It is faster, more powerful, and, thanks to electrification, more usable than its predecessor. It remains an unapologetically loud and conspicuous machine, now with an added layer of sophistication and efficiency. The waiting list speaks volumes, this is an automotive flex, a Lamborghini that you can take the kids to school in, head out on extended trips in, and importantly, enjoy driving when one of your less practical options isn't viable.
