Meet the Urus SE Performante
Lamborghini has officially pulled the covers off the Urus SE Performante, the new pinnacle of its SUV lineup. This model isn't just a minor tweak; it's a significant evolution, building on the recently introduced plug-in hybrid Urus SE. Billed as the most
powerful and fastest Urus ever created, the SE Performante is designed to dominate the ultra-high-performance SUV segment, a category the original Urus helped create. It takes the 'Performante' philosophy of more power, less weight, and track-focused aerodynamics and applies it to the brand's new hybrid architecture. The result is a vehicle that aims to offer even more thrilling driving dynamics without sacrificing the everyday usability that has made the Urus a commercial success for the brand.
A Hybrid Heart with Ferocious Power
At the core of the SE Performante is a sophisticated plug-in hybrid powertrain. It pairs a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine with a permanent-magnet electric motor. This combination delivers a staggering combined output of 801 horsepower (812 CV) and 738 pound-feet (1000 Nm) of torque. This makes it the most powerful Urus to date, surpassing both the standard SE hybrid and the previous non-hybrid Performante. All that power is sent through a retuned eight-speed automatic transmission to an all-wheel-drive system, enabling the SUV to sprint from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in a claimed 3.3 seconds. The top speed is an equally impressive 312 km/h, cementing its status as one of the fastest production SUVs in the world. An upgraded Akrapovič titanium exhaust system ensures the soundtrack is as thrilling as the performance.
The Carbon-Fibre Diet
A key element of any Lamborghini Performante is the extensive use of lightweight materials, and this new Urus is no exception. Carbon fibre is used liberally across the vehicle, including for the hood, front and rear bumpers, wheel arches, and a newly available carbon-fibre roof. This focus on weight reduction helps the SE Performante shed around 70 pounds (32 kg) compared to the standard Urus SE, despite the added weight of the hybrid system. This improved power-to-weight ratio is crucial for enhancing agility, responsiveness, and overall performance, whether on a winding road or a racetrack. The braking system has also been upgraded, with improved cooling for more consistent stopping power during intense driving sessions.
Sculpted for Speed and Stability
The design of the Urus SE Performante is a clear case of form following function. The aggressive new styling isn't just for show; it's the result of intensive aerodynamic development. A new, more efficient front splitter and a distinctive dual-spoiler setup at the rear work together to significantly increase downforce. The rear features both a roof-mounted wing and a lip spoiler above the taillights. Lamborghini states these changes increase overall downforce by 23% compared to the standard SE while also reducing aerodynamic drag. This enhances high-speed stability and cornering grip. The vehicle also features a new dual-chamber air suspension system, a significant upgrade designed to reduce body roll by 55% during spirited driving while also improving comfort over the previous non-hybrid Performante's fixed steel springs.
