Lamborghini Launches Urus SE, Phasing Out Performante

The Lamborghini Urus SE, a new plug-in hybrid, replaces the Performante, blending top performance with enhanced comfort, setting a new standard for versatility.

Less than two years since its showcase at Monterey Car Week 2022, the Lamborghini Urus Performante has been discontinued. This move comes as Lamborghini introduces the Urus SE, a new plug-in hybrid model poised to replace both the Urus S and Performante variants. Rouven Mohr, Lamborghini’s Chief Technical Officer, confirmed in an interview with Top Gear that the brand from Sant’Agata Bolognese sees the Urus SE as a superior option, blending the performance of the Performante with the comfort of the Urus S.

The Urus Performante was celebrated for its performance prowess, notably setting a record at Pikes Peak shortly before its debut. It featured steel springs instead of the air suspension found in the Urus S, and introduced a Rally Mode that allowed for enhanced handling on loose surfaces. The Urus S, on the other hand, prioritized comfort, retaining the air suspension system and focusing less on weight reduction despite having the same power increase as the Performante.

Mohr expressed confidence in the Urus SE’s ability to meet diverse driving demands, citing improvements in the air suspension system that enhance comfort and performance. He noted that on the same tires, the Urus SE could outpace the Performante on track times and offers a more enjoyable driving experience with enhanced rear-wheel drive capabilities.

The hybrid powertrain of the Urus SE is designed not just for raw power but for consistent performance across repeated use, avoiding the common pitfalls of hybrid systems that may offer fluctuating performance. Lamborghini aims for the Urus SE to provide a stable and predictable driving experience, whether accelerating, shifting, or cornering, emphasizing the real-world usability of its combined electric and combustion engine outputs.

As Lamborghini moves towards hybridizing its lineup by the end of the year, the focus shifts away from models like the Performante to more versatile and sustainable options. Rumors suggest that a new flagship model, potentially called the Urus Super Veloce, may appear in the coming years, boasting over 800 horsepower and speeds topping 200 mph. Meanwhile, Lamborghini is also preparing for its future with the development of the Huracan’s successor, the Temerario, and its first all-electric vehicle, following the Lanzador prototype.