It will replace the regular Urus until an all-electric successor arrives in 2029.
Lamborghini CEO Stephan Winkelmann has confirmed that the Urus will adopt a plug-in hybrid powertrain next year, making it the second-ever Lambo with a hybrid setup. The first is the Revuelto, which was revealed in March.
Winkelmann shared this with Autocar, adding that the electrified Urus will arrive towards the end of 2024. Importantly, it will replace the gas-powered model and remain on sale until the end of the decade, when it will be replaced by a fully-electric model.
But before the all-electric Urus hits the market, Lamborghini will introduce a battery-powered cruiser of some sort. The Sant'Agata Bolognese-based brand hadn't shared much about this new model yet but has described it as a GT car with increased ground clearance. Now, Winkelmann has provided some additional clues about what we can expect.
“It will be about sustainability, have better visibility, and have the design of a very sexy car, but still immediately recognizable as a Lamborghini,” he said. The CEO also claims the newcomer will have “high-performance batteries that nobody else has and will be unique in the market.”
Currently, this unnamed model is still in the design phase. According to Winkelmann, the automaker is “on the boundaries of the dream versus what we can actually do.” The company is taking its time with its first-ever EV, as there are plenty of things to do between now and then.
Aside from the Urus PHEV, Lamborghini is ramping up to introduce a Huracan successor along with special versions of the Revuelto. The Huracan replacement is expected to use an electrified V8 with twin turbochargers.
During this time, the company's factory will be rearranged to accommodate the extra model. This will see the Revuelto and the Huracan successor built on the same production line, while the EVs will be built on a separate line.
Aside from the Urus EV and the high-riding GT car, Lamborghini has no plans to introduce an electric supercar for now. But future legislation may make it tough for the brand to continue offering gas-powered supercars.
“I strongly believe that after 2035, legislation will be so high for ICEs that it will be almost impossible for the ones with high displacement like ours to be compliant,” said Winkelmann. “You see this now with EU7 but also developments of EU6. It is very costly and getting impossible to achieve. To develop ICE is incredibly costly.”
Lamborghini typically develops new engines and models to meet the strictest emissions legislation. According to the CEO, the Clean Air Act in California has the toughest standards to meet. As you may remember, The Golden State intends on banning the sale of ICE-powered vehicles after 2035, which will make things tough for the automaker.
“You go with the most difficult legislation, which is the US and is really California. Other states adopt California's rules – typically big cities, and that's where we sell cars,” added Winkelmann. “Even if it is not banning EVs, taxation will be a killing factor. Then mega-cities are talking of abolishing non-EVs before 2035 regardless.”
And what about synthetic fuels? Sister brand Porsche is betting big on the technology, so why shouldn't Lamborghini? Winkelmann says efuels are “more about keeping alive the current car parc, rather than [converting]” future cars.
But fear not, gearheads – Lamborghini is taking a relaxed approach when it comes to its most desirable offerings.
The next generation of supercars is almost a decade away, said Winkelmann: “[That] means we won't have to decide for another three-and-a-half to four years. This is an advantage as the picture will be clearer,” suggesting that other electric supercars will test the waters first.
A Lamborghini is so much more than a car. Buyers and fans alike have an emotional connection to these special vehicles, and that's something that might not translate in the electric era. “[It is] up to us to prove that fully-electric supercars can be as emotional as [ICE-powered cars]. We're working on it, but it is on us.”
Winkelmann concluded by saying that once the electric drivetrain has been perfected, it will need to be previewed earlier than the production car it will power, as people will need to get used to the idea of a fully-electric Lambo.
Keyword: Lamborghini CEO Confirms Urus Plug-In Hybrid Coming Next Year