Urus SE (PHEV) vs. Performante: Which Is the Hottest Lamborghini SUV?

In the meantime, the Italian firm has become more successful than ever under Audi's ownership. Right now, Lamborghini has the electrified Revuelto in its portfolio. The successor to the Huracan, which is expected to be called the Temerario, is due before the year's end; the Urus lineup comprises no fewer than three members: the S, Performante, and SE, all of which debuted part of the model's mid-cycle refresh.

While the Urus S is basically the successor to the pre-facelifted iteration, the Performante is a more track-focused version with a few updates. The latest addition to the lineup is called the SE, and it is a plug-in hybrid vehicle.

In fact, it is Lambo's second PHEV after the Revuelto, and it will do its part to help the brand transition to the inevitable electric future. But how does the Urus SE stack up against the Urus Performante? That's what we're about to find out in this story.

Under the hood of the new Urus SE sits a familiar twin-turbocharged 4.0L V8. It produces 611 hp (620 ps/456 kW), and the electric motor housed inside the eight-speed auto 'box assists it. The latter generates 189 hp (192 ps/141 kW), and the model boasts a total of 789 hp (800 ps/588 kW) and 701 lb-ft (950 Nm).

The spec sheet reveals that it needs just 3.4 seconds to accelerate to 62 mph (100 kph). The 25.9 kWh battery pack enables an electric range of 37 miles (60 km), which may be impressive for a Lambo, but it's nothing to write home about compared to other plug-in hybrid crossovers.

Lamborghini's Urus Performante also uses a 4.0L V8 with twin turbos, albeit there's no electric assistance here. The motor churns out a devilish 666 metric horsepower, which comes out to 657 bhp and 490 kilowatts, and the thrust stands at 627 pound-foot (850 Nm). As a result, it is 132 hp (134 ps/99 kW) and 74 lb-ft (100 Nm) less powerful than the Urus SE.

The lack of an electric motor and battery makes the Performante lighter, and despite having the power balance tilt in favor of the SE, it can reach 62 mph or 100 kph in 3.3 seconds, or just one-tenth quicker than its PHEV sibling. Its top speed is 190 mph (306 kph), down from the SE's 194 mph (312 kph).

For what it's worth, the Urus S has an output and thrust identical to that of the Performante. However, since it is not that extreme, it takes three and a half seconds to reach 62 mph and has a 189 mph (305 kph) top speed. Thus, it is two-tenths of a second slower than the Performante and one-tenth slower than the new SE.

Although you'll need a side-by-side comparison to tell them apart, it is clear that the Performante has a more aggressive exterior design. The new SE features a similar front bumper with a few tweaks, different headlamps with fresh daytime running lights, a new hood, a redesigned grille, different trim on the tailgate, a new spoiler, and a less sporty diffuser. The quad tailpipes are also different than the Performante's, and the 23-inch wheels, wrapped in Pirelli P Zero rubber, are new.

Lamborghini could have drawn the line after giving the digital gauges and the infotainment system new submenus and loading screens and maybe equipping the electrified Urus with bespoke upholstery. However, it hasn't, so the SE features new air vents, a larger 12.3-inch infotainment system, new materials on the console that supposedly improve the mechanical feel of the switches, and new coverings for the dashboard and seats.

Until Lambo allows journos to test the heck out of the Urus SE, we have to take their word for granted regarding the performance. Nevertheless, we wouldn't be surprised if the plug-in hybrid version turns out to be a bit faster in a straight-line sprint than the Urus Performante, yet on paper, at least, the latter remains the most agile member of the family.

Thus, if you're considering shopping for a brand-new Urus and using it as a daily driver, you'd probably be better off with the SE. After all, it also has a decent (for an exotic crossover) electric range, and between us, the average Joe will never be able to tell that the Performante is one-tenth of a second faster or that the S is a hair slower.

Now, the Urus would never be on my shopping list, as I think there are better alternatives out there, but I cannot deny the coolness and practicality of the new plug-in hybrid model. So, if you had to choose between the S, Performante, and SE, which color would your Urus SE have?