Lamborghini Urus going hybrid-only ahead of electric future

The electrification of Lamborghini began with the Revuelto supercar, but will go mainstream with the facelifted Urus.

Stephan Winkelmann, Lamborghini’s CEO, told Autocar the revised Urus will only be available with a V8 plug-in hybrid drivetrain, which is due to be launched globally towards the end of 2024 and expected is to arrive in Australia in 2025.

Currently the sole engine option in the Urus is a non-electrified version of the Volkswagen Group’s 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8. Fettled by Lamborghini’s engineers, the V8 develops 478kW and 850Nm in standard guise.

The 4.0-litre V8 will continue to power the Urus after its facelift, but it will be aided by a PHEV setup.

Although Winkelmann didn’t provide details about the crossover’s V8 PHEV system, it will likely be based on the setup used by Porsche in its Cayenne and Panamera models.

In the Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid the PHEV system generates a total of 515kW and 870Nm, and has a 14.1kWh battery pack.

Given Lamborghini’s place in the Volkswagen Group’s brand hierarchy, the Urus will feature even more power and torque.

It’s hoped the PHEV system and visual upgrade will keep the Urus fresh and fighting fit until a second-generation model goes on sale around 2029, when the current car will be 12 years old.

While the second-generation Urus will be all electric, reports indicate it won’t be Lamborghini’s first EV, which is reportedly due in 2028.

Lamborgini’s first EV will add a new model for the company’s lineup, and is thought to be a 2+2 grand tourer with an elevated ride height.

MORE: Everything Lamborghini Urus