Not so long ago, seeing a Lamborghini in the snow was a great thing. However, LM002, that all changed a few years ago with the arrival of the Urus. The all-season Lambo is expected to perform in any climate, and that holds true for future plug-in hybrid trim levels. New spy photos captured of the Urus PHEV test vehicle confirm winter weather is not a problem for the electrified super SUV.
And if the rumors about the powertrain are true, there shouldn’t be any big surprises. Our sources believe that Lamborghini will borrow plug-in hybrid tech from Porsche, specifically the twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 and electric motor from the Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid. If the Porsche engine in a Lamborghini sounds a little sassy, be careful to know that it can’t just be an outright exchange. While Porsche offers 690 horsepower with this powertrain, Lamborghini can turn this up to 820 hp in the top trim, with the less powerful variant producing around 675 hp.
820 hp is definitely a significant increase over the Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid. However, it should be noted that even the less powerful Urus PHEV will beat the Urus Performante to become Lamborghini’s new flagship SUV. Of course, the hybrid powertrain will also add weight to an already well-built SUV. Managing that weight properly – whether on pavement or snow – is part of the testing process.
Mechanical upgrades aren’t the only changes hidden beneath the test vehicle’s tight camouflage. To help the Urus PHEV stand out from the pack, the Urus sports a special front fascia with restyled bottom vents. Taller up, this prototype also has a different headlight and a slightly different hood. We struggle to see changes along the flanks or behind. Minor updates to the rear fascia, in particular with regard to the diffuser, are possible.
When will Lamborghini go public with the plug-in hybrid Urus? Rumors of the model surfaced back in 2021, and we’ve been seeing an occasional prototype since 2022. With sightings becoming more frequent, we could expect to see a reveal sometime in the first half of this year.
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