The Lamborghini Urus SE Performante’s numbers just got more outrageous
In the world of high-performance SUVs, the Lamborghini Urus SE is semi-deranged. I know because I drove it at last year’s Speed Week, and it left a lasting impression. Its plug-in hybridised 4.0-litre V8 engine delivers violent performance output, and here I was thinking it had reached the ceiling. Turns out I was wrong.
This is the Urus SE Performante. Essentially the SE we drove last year, but dialled up to 11. The track-focused SUV wields the same 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 with an e-motor for a monstrous 596kW and 1,000Nm, making it the most powerful Lamborghini SUV ever. As a reminder, the Urus SE, with the same setup, makes 588kW and 950Nm. The 0-100km/h sprint is dispatched in 3.3 seconds (3.4 in the SE), and should you care about the 0-200km/h, that arrives in 10.8 seconds. The top speed remains unchanged at 312km/h.
To better understand where the SE Performante fits in, it’s the hardcore version of the luxury-focused SE. Where the SE focuses on subtle design, comfort, and everyday use, the Performante flips the script by being a proper track weapon. It comes with firmer, track-calibrated suspension, lowered ride height, more aggressive styling and an aero package.
Speaking of the latter, it makes use of carbon fibre to help offset the weight penalty of the hybrid system. It can be found on the bonnet, front and rear bumpers, and the two rear spoilers. It rides on a set of new 23-inch alloy wheels that are housed within redesigned wheel arches, also with carbon-fibre details. The rear also gets a new carbon-fibre spoiler, which Lambo says works well with the aviation-inspired rear wing.
Inside, there’s a new 12.3-inch screen with updated graphics, Y-shaped anodised aluminium details, new upholstery for the panels, seats and dashboard and an all-new aviation-inspired mechanical button panel. There’s also a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and specifically designed for the SE Performance is the new steering wheel that features a carbon fibre bezel. It’s a stunning touch if I am honest.
Also, the Performante gets recalibrated drive modes, including Strada, Sport, Corsa, EV, Hybrid, and Recharge. It should sound good, too, thanks to the new titanium exhaust system (with newly styled tips) developed in collaboration with Akrapovič. Compared to the previous system, it enables a weight reduction of 10kg.
Apparently, the Lamborghini Urus isn’t quite done chasing performance numbers. The new SE Performante exists because there are people who want the wildest interpretation of a super-SUV, and this proves there is still room to push the envelope. Though the Urus SE feels like a complete package, to me at least, what the Performante brings to the table makes it so appealing.
