2024 Lamborghini Urus SE Review

In 2024, Malaysia's luxury performance SUV market welcomes a heavyweight contender - the Lamborghini Urus SE. As the brand's first plug-in hybrid version of the Urus, it not only inherits the performance genes of the fuel-powered variant, but also bridges the gap between eco-friendliness and high performance through its PHEV system. Positioned in the ultra-luxury mid-to-large SUV segment, its core selling points include a combined power output of 800 horsepower, 60 km of pure electric range, and acceleration capabilities rivaling that of fuel-powered supercars. The core purpose of our test drive is to verify whether it maintains Lamborghini's sporty characteristics while meeting expectations for everyday usability and energy consumption.

From a distance, the overall design of the Urus SE retains its iconic "Super SUV" stance, with a low and wide body proportion that makes it highly recognizable in traffic. The front end maintains a large hexagonal grille with a black honeycomb design inside, flanked by sharp LED headlight clusters that integrate seamlessly with the hood's lines, enhancing its sporty appeal. The side profile features smooth lines running from the front fender to the rear, with a waistline cutting across the door handles. Matte black 23-inch wheels paired with red brake calipers deliver a powerful visual impact. At the rear, the LED taillight cluster adopts a through-type design with the Lamborghini logo embedded in the middle. The rear diffuser design and quad exhaust layout (hidden, with sound only in sport mode) complement the performance aesthetic and refine the overall lines for a premium feel. For the lighting system, the front and rear light clusters support adaptive functionality, providing clear visibility when illuminated at night, consistent with the ultra-luxury vehicle positioning.

Inside the cabin, the interior design of the Urus SE continues Lamborghini's aggressive styling while incorporating more eco-friendly materials. The dashboard features a symmetrical layout adorned with extensive use of Alcantara material and carbon fiber panels, offering a high-end tactile and visual experience. The 12.3-inch central touchscreen is positioned at the top of the dashboard, featuring a simple interface with support for CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity and smooth operation that meets mainstream standards. Below it is an 8.4-inch touch panel for controlling air conditioning and vehicle settings, with few physical buttons but a well-organized layout enabling convenient blind operation. The seats are designed in a sporty bucket style, with leather upholstery and Alcantara side bolsters providing excellent support. The front seats feature 12-way electric adjustment along with heating and ventilation functions, while the rear seats are also equipped with heating and adjustable backrest angles. As for features, a panoramic sunroof, four-zone automatic climate control, B&O sound system, and a head-up display are all standard, meeting luxurious expectations.

In terms of dimensions, the Urus SE measures 5137mm in length, 2016mm in width, and 1638mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2998mm. For actual passenger space, a front-row passenger with a height of 180cm has approximately a fist and two fingers of headroom after adjusting their seating position; similarly, a 180cm passenger in the rear has about two fists of legroom and a fist of headroom, meeting the needs of daily family use. Regarding storage capabilities, the front central armrest provides moderate capacity for holding phones and documents, while door pockets can fit two 500ml water bottles. The trunk offers a standard volume of 574L, expandable to 1626L by folding the rear seats, which suffices for carrying luggage on long trips. For practical configurations, USB-C and Type-A ports are available in both front and rear rows, and the rear row features independently adjustable air-conditioning vents, showcasing thoughtful detail considerations.

In terms of power parameters, the Urus SE is equipped with a 4.0T V8 twin-turbocharged engine combined with a rear single motor PHEV system. The maximum output of the engine is 620PS, the maximum output of the motor is 192PS, with a combined power of 800PS and a maximum torque of 950N·m. It is matched with an 8AT gearbox and all-wheel drive system. During actual driving, selecting STRADA (Street) mode results in a smooth power output. The motor predominantly engages in the initial stage, providing linear and quiet acceleration. Switching to SPORT mode, the engine's intervention drastically increases the power response, delivering a strong push-back feeling when deeply pressing the accelerator. The official 0-100km/h acceleration time of 3.4 seconds is well-deserved, where overtaking only requires a light press on the accelerator. In CORSA (Track) mode, the power output becomes more aggressive, the gearbox's shifting speed is quicker, and with the exhaust sound (partially simulated and partially real), the driving fun is maximized.

In terms of handling, the steering of the Urus SE is slightly heavy, but it is precise. While there is slight slack at low speeds, it does not affect the control, and the stability at high speeds is excellent. The chassis adopts adaptive air suspension, supporting height and stiffness adjustments. In STRADA mode, the suspension leans towards comfort and can filter out most road bumps. In SPORT mode, the suspension stiffens, providing clearer road feedback. When tackling bends, the body roll is well controlled, benefiting from the wide tires and the all-wheel-drive system's grip, inspiring great confidence when cornering. During specific tests, in pure electric range evaluation, we achieved around 55 kilometers of actual range on urban roads at a constant speed of 60km/h, achieving 91% of the stated range, which aligns with expectations. In the comprehensive fuel consumption test, the hybrid mode recorded approximately 10L/100km in urban driving and about 8L/100km on highways, a significant reduction compared to 15L/100km for the pure combustion Urus. Regarding braking performance, the 100-0km/h braking distance is approximately 35 meters, with no noticeable thermal attenuation after continuous braking, demonstrating stable performance.

For driving and riding comfort, the Urus SE performs exceptionally well in noise control. In pure electric mode, the cabin is almost silent; in fuel mode, the engine noise is not prominent below 60km/h. At highway speeds of 120km/h, wind and tire noise are maintained within a reasonable range, not affecting in-car conversation. The energy recovery system offers three adjustable levels; at the highest level, the drag sensation is significant, approaching a single-pedal mode, while the lowest level mimics the coasting feel of a fuel vehicle. Once accustomed, it can improve the range. Regarding seat comfort, the front bucket seats provide strong support without causing fatigue even during long drives (over 2 hours). The rear seats are softer, offering comfort for long-distance journeys.

In summary, the 2024 Urus SE’s core highlights focus on three aspects: first, an 800-horsepower combined power system delivering supercar-level acceleration; second, a 60-kilometer pure electric range meeting daily short-distance commute needs with zero emissions; third, maintaining its sporty attributes while offering luxury features and practical space without compromise. Compared to its peers, such as the Bentley Bentayga PHEV and Porsche Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid, the Urus SE provides stronger power output, faster acceleration, and a sportier brand positioning, making it ideal for performance-focused consumers. Meanwhile, the Bentley Bentayga PHEV emphasizes luxury and comfort, and the Cayenne leans towards balance.

The comprehensive performance of this car is well-balanced, combining Lamborghini's sporty genes with practicality for daily use. The target consumer group mainly consists of two types: first, family users who love supercar performance but need the space of an SUV. They can use it for school runs, daily commutes, and still enjoy driving pleasure on weekends; second, young entrepreneurs who pursue luxury and individuality. The brand recognition and performance of the Urus SE can meet their social needs.

Overall, the 2024 Lamborghini Urus SE successfully balances the performance of a "supercar" with the practicality of an "SUV." It is an ultra-luxury SUV that can tear up the track and handle urban commutes. If you're looking for a model that combines performance, luxury, and practicality, it will be a strong contender in this segment.