by Lamborghini Urus Performante SE: Hybrid monster with 801 hp
Lamborghini brings back the most powerful version of its SUV — the Urus Performante, but now in a hybrid version. After the model range fully switched to hybrid powertrains in 2024, the Performante disappeared along with the S version. Now it returns with its own PHEV hybrid system and an even more aggressive character.
Power and dynamics
The powertrain of the new Urus Performante SE is based on the same hybrid system as the Urus SE, but engineers have turned it up to the maximum. A twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 works together with an electric motor integrated into the eight-speed ZF transmission. The total output is 801 hp (812 PS) and 1000 Nm of torque. This makes the new model the most powerful factory Urus in history.
Acceleration to 100 km/h takes 3.3 seconds — the same figure as the old non-hybrid Performante, which had only 666 hp and 850 Nm. However, this is one-tenth of a second faster than the 800-hp Urus SE PHEV. The new model accelerates to 200 km/h in 10.8 seconds, which is 0.4 seconds faster than the SE. The top speed of both hybrids is 312 km/h, while the old Performante reached only 306 km/h.
Weight reduction and handling improvements
An additional 12 hp would hardly radically change the driving experience, so engineers focused on weight reduction. They reduced the mass by 32 kg thanks to wider use of carbon fiber in the body, a lighter titanium exhaust, revised brakes, and lighter materials in the interior.
Nevertheless, the curb weight still stands at 2473 kg, which is 323 kg more than the old Performante. However, the weight-to-power ratio is 3 kg per 1 hp. The hybrid battery, which adds most of the weight, provides up to 60 km of electric range on the WLTP cycle.
Chassis and aerodynamics
The chassis has also received significant updates. The new AURA dual-chamber air suspension replaces the previous system and promises a much wider range between comfort and sporty driving. According to Lamborghini, body roll during active driving has been reduced by 55%, and vibrations affecting comfort have been reduced by 25% compared to the previous Urus Performante. The track has also been widened by 16 mm for improved stability and steering precision.
The new carbon fiber body includes a revised hood with S-shaped air ducts, larger cooling openings, a higher rear spoiler, and the largest diffuser ever installed on the Urus. As a result, aerodynamic drag has been reduced by 3%, and downforce has increased by 23% compared to the Urus SE.
Interior and driving modes
The interior has a stronger racing focus: more exposed carbon fiber, a revised 12.3-inch multimedia display, new graphics, aviation-inspired controls, and the signature ‘Feel Like a Pilot’ theme. Available driving modes include Strada, Sport, Corsa, EV, and the new Rally mode. However, the natural habitat for this car remains the smooth streets of Dubai, Monaco, and Miami.
Lamborghini has not yet announced the price and start date of sales in the US, but the Urus Performante SE is expected to arrive at dealerships in early 2027 with a price tag of around $300,000.
Despite the significant power increase, hybridization added weight to the car, which negated the advantage in acceleration dynamics compared to its predecessor. However, improvements in handling, aerodynamics, and weight reduction through carbon fiber suggest that engineers tried to compensate for this drawback. The new Rally mode adds off-road potential, although the primary market for this car remains urban and highway roads. Given the price of around $300,000, the Performante SE remains a niche product for wealthy buyers seeking a combination of luxury, environmental friendliness, and extreme performance.
