Welcome to The Straight Pipes, where we put the pedal to the metal and give you the raw, unfiltered scoop on the hottest rides. Today, we’re diving into the 2025 Lamborghini Urus SE, the first plug-in hybrid version of Lambo’s boundary-pushing super SUV. With 789 horsepower, a snarling V8, and electric assistance, this beast promises to blend supercar thrills with eco-conscious sensibility. But does it deliver the Lamborghini experience we crave, or is it just a fancy Audi Q8 with a bull badge? Let’s find out as we take it for a spin on the road and track.
Exterior: Bolder, Sleeker, Still Unmistakably Lambo
The Urus SE gets a mid-cycle facelift that sharpens its already aggressive look. The front end sports slimmer, Matrix LED headlights and a redesigned bonnet that flows seamlessly into a more open grille, drawing inspiration from the hybrid Revuelto and the iconic Gallardo. Gone are the awkward shutlines, replaced by a smoother, more muscular power dome that screams performance. Out back, a new rear diffuser and full-width taillight grille add a modern touch, with subtle Y-shaped graphics tying it to Lamborghini’s supercar lineage.
Our test car, finished in Arancio Egon (that’s retina-searing orange to you and me), rides on optional 23-inch Galanthus wheels wrapped in Pirelli P Zero tires (285/35 front, 325/30 rear). It’s a beefy, angular beast that’s somehow softer on the eyes than before, yet still impossible to ignore. Park this next to a Porsche Cayenne or Audi RS Q8, and it’s clear which one’s the rockstar. Aerodynamic tweaks, including a 35% increase in rear downforce, make it more planted at high speeds, but let’s be real—this thing’s designed to turn heads as much as it is to carve corners.
Interior: Fighter Jet Vibes with Audi Roots
Climb inside, and the Urus SE’s cabin is pure Lamborghini theater. The “Feel Like a Pilot” philosophy is in full effect, with a jet-fighter-inspired start button under a red flip cover and a tamburo (Italian for drum) control unit featuring three levers for drive modes, gear selection, and battery settings. Hexagon motifs dominate, from the air vents to the stitching on the Alcantara and leather seats. The dual 12.3-inch touchscreens (one for infotainment, one for climate) get a refreshed, hexagon-heavy interface that’s more intuitive than before, though it’s still Audi’s MMI system under the skin.
Speaking of Audi, the Urus SE doesn’t entirely escape its Volkswagen Group roots. The steering wheel buttons, window switches, and even the font on the controls are straight out of an Audi Q8. It’s a bit jarring in a $258,000+ SUV, but the premium materials—carbon fiber, anodized aluminum, and soft leather—elevate the vibe. The seats are supportive yet comfy, and there’s legit space for four adults plus 20 cubic feet of cargo (slightly less with the optional bucket seats). It’s practical, but the dark, bunker-like cabin feels more serious than luxurious compared to, say, a Bentley Bentayga.
Powertrain: Two Hearts, One Wild Soul
The Urus SE’s headline act is its plug-in hybrid powertrain. The trusty 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 pumps out 612 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque, but it’s now paired with a 189-hp electric motor and a 25.9-kWh battery pack nestled in the rear. Together, they deliver a combined 789 horsepower and 701 lb-ft of torque, making this the most powerful Urus yet. Power flows through an eight-speed automatic and a new all-wheel-drive system with an electro-hydraulic clutch pack, replacing the old Torsen differential for more dynamic torque distribution.
Lamborghini claims a 0-62 mph sprint in 3.4 seconds and a top speed of 194 mph, but it’s the instant electric torque that makes this thing feel like a rocket. In EV mode, you get about 37 miles of range (likely closer to 21 miles in EPA testing), perfect for silent city cruises. Switch to Sport or Corsa mode, and the V8 roars to life with a primal growl, amplified by quad exhausts that pop and crackle like a proper Lambo. The electric motor fills in the torque gaps, eliminating turbo lag and making the Urus SE feel more responsive than its gas-only siblings.
Driving Experience: Drifting Beast Meets Daily Driver
On the road, the Urus SE is a paradox. In Strada mode, it’s surprisingly docile, gliding silently on electric power with a compliant air suspension that soaks up bumps. It’s not as plush as a Range Rover, but it’s perfectly livable for daily duties. Flip to Sport or Corsa, and it transforms into a tire-shredding hooligan. The new torque-vectoring system and rear e-differential make it shockingly agile for a 5,520-pound SUV, with “on-demand oversteering” that lets you slide through corners like a rally car. We took it to a drift course at Nardò, and even novices like us could kick the tail out with confidence—no electronic nanny needed.
The steering is light yet precise, and the massive carbon-ceramic brakes (440mm front, 410mm rear) offer predictable, fade-free stopping power. The only gripe? In EV mode, the engine can kick in prematurely if you’re too heavy on the throttle, and the brake pedal feels slightly less progressive than in the gas-only Urus. Still, whether you’re blasting down a backroad or crawling through traffic, this thing’s versatility is unmatched.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Explosive 789-hp hybrid powertrain with instant torque
- Agile handling with drift-ready dynamics
- Striking design that’s pure Lamborghini
- Practical for daily use with decent cargo space
- 37-mile electric range for emissions-free cruising
Cons:
- Audi-sourced interior bits feel out of place at this price
- Heavier than the Urus S (5,520 lbs vs. 4,850 lbs)
- EV mode range could be better for a 25.9-kWh battery
- Eye-watering price tag ($258,000 base, easily $300,000+ loaded)
Value and Verdict
Starting at around $258,000, the Urus SE isn’t cheap, but it’s a bargain compared to a Ferrari Purosangue ($400,000) and offers more power than an Aston Martin DBX707. Its closest rival, the Porsche Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid, shares the same platform and engine but lacks the Lambo’s charisma and drift-happy dynamics. If you want a super SUV that’s equal parts family hauler and track-day toy, the Urus SE is tough to beat. It’s not perfect—those Audi bits and the hefty curb weight are hard to ignore—but it delivers the unapologetic silliness and performance you expect from a Lamborghini.
For us at The Straight Pipes, the 2025 Lamborghini Urus SE is a riotous blend of supercar soul and SUV practicality. It’s a hybrid that doesn’t compromise on the Raging Bull’s wild side, making it the ultimate super SUV for those who want it all. Just don’t expect it to be subtle—or cheap.
Stay tuned to The Straight Pipes for more reviews, and let us know in the comments: Would you pick the Urus SE over a Cayenne Turbo or DBX707?
