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The electric Lamborghini Urus SUV is likely to use a plug-in powertrain similar to that on a Porsche Panamera
A hybrid version of the all-new Lamborghini Urus is “necessary” according to a company insider, and could launch before the end of the decade.
Initially debuting with only one engine and gearbox configuration, an electrified option is apparently next in line. Such technology is essential for the car’s success, in fact, especially in emerging markets like China.
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Speaking from the reveal of the company’s new SUV in Italy this week, Auto Express was told in no uncertain terms that hybridisation would feature in cars like the Urus in the future.
“We have to provide [hybrid] as an option,” we were told.
By basing the Urus on the same platform as the latest Porsche Panamera, it’s likely any hybrid Lambo would use the same twin-turbo plug-in V8 as the flagship Turbo S E-Hybrid. That would give it worthy super-SUV credentials, with almost 700bhp and 850Nm of torque.
That power boost should see performance improvements, with the Urus plug-in shaving up to half a second from its standard sibling’s 0-62mph sprint. Different drive modes would allow customers to tailor their car’s character to suit the situation in hand.
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Crucially, however, it could see emissions drop to around 70g/km, which would give the car a big boost in heavily-taxed regions like China and Japan – the latter, it seems, is a huge market for Lamborghini. Official fuel economy numbers for the newly launched V8-engined Urus haven’t been revealed.
Of course, another part of the hybrid’s appeal would be a small all-electric range. The Panamera can manage around 30 miles on a single charge, and we expect the Urus PHEV to deliver similar numbers.
