Behind the Wheel of the Lamborghini Urus SE, the World's Most Powerful SUV

When one takes the wheel of the world's most powerful SUV, they might expect a dramatic start, filled with roars from the V8 biturbo engine that the Lamborghini name promises. However, it starts with barely a whisper. This is because its 800 horsepower relies on an electric motor.

This not only grants it the DGT's Zero label – although the official consumption averages just over 2 litres per 100 km, it was easy to reach 20 with a lively pace – but it is also capable of travelling more than 60 kilometres in 100% electric mode.

While all manufacturers must monitor their emissions and this Urus is partly a result of stricter regulations, in Sant'Agata Bolognese, the focus is primarily on performance. Inspired by the Revuelto supercar, the Italian brand has managed to create an SUV that reaches 100 km/h in 3.4 seconds.

During the final of its Super Trofeo cup held at the Jerez circuit, the brand organised dynamic tests with the plug-in hybrid Urus for the first time since its unveiling in October. It was evident that the additional and instant power of the electric motor allows it, once traction controls are deactivated, to drift like any other Lamborghini sports car.

The presence of the electric motor also enables a torque control system, located longitudinally in the centre of the Urus, to distribute power between the front and rear axles. This ensures that the driving modes designed for low-grip situations, such as sand or snow, function precisely.

Despite its sophisticated and modern design – some lines have changed compared to the previous Urus, softening its angles – the Urus is much more capable than it appears as a vehicle to venture off-road and reach remote destinations.

Inside, the SUV remains an exceptional place to be: the upholstery is well-crafted and plush, there isn't a stitch out of place, and all touchpoints feel robust and operate with satisfying sounds.

The multimedia system is clear and responds quickly. Additionally, it has been refined compared to the previous Urus, and connectivity, which was a weak point (something unforgivable for a vehicle of its price), is now well resolved.

For the Italian brand's CEO, Stephan Winkelmann, the key to their models in the electric era is "that they remain emotional with higher performance than in the thermal world." He stated this during the weekend when they celebrated the final round of their Super Trofeo cup.

The Urus SE offers greater performance, pollutes less, and is more streamlined than its predecessor. For now, both models will coexist in dealerships, but the hybrid will eventually replace the thermal version, and there is currently a considerable waiting list to receive it.

Considering that the Urus SE starts at 240,000 euros and accounts for about half of the brand's annual sales, they are not doing too badly.