“[It] will be the first fully electrified [vehicle] compared to the pure super sports cars.”
As far as SUVs go, the Lamborghini Urus is one of the most extreme examples money can buy – at least until the V12-powered Ferrari Purosangue arrives, that is. With a twin-turbocharged 641-horsepower 4.0-liter V8 under the hood, it’s mightily quick; 60 mph is dispatched in less than 3.6 seconds. But it’s not just a straight-line special, its dynamic prowess belies the 4,850 lbs curb weight.
But as we enter the era of electrification, it’s only inevitable that the Raging Bull will, eventually, turn the Urus into a full EV. The company’s head of design, Mitja Borkert, recently confirmed this to the Australian publication, Drive. “[EVs are] the future, be we have to decide when, in which market, and in the segments it makes sense, he said.
Bonkert then added, “Our interpretation is that probably the more versatile and daily use cars such as the Urus – for sure, they will be the first fully electrified compared to the pure super [sports] cars.”
While the company’s design chief initially confirmed that the next-generation Urus will transition into an electric vehicle, he quickly backtracked, noting “I’m not saying right now that the Urus successor is going electric, but for these kinds of cars electrification makes more sense.” Likely, Bonkert and Lamborghini don’t want to reveal too much as yet, but it’s clear to see which direction they’re taking with the super SUV’s successor.
The Raging Bull isn’t against electromobility. The company has said all its models will be electrified by 2024 and has promised an all-electric model by 2030 – a first for the 59-year-old carmaker. However, various reports suggest the first full EV from the Sant’Agata Bolognese-based company will take the form of a 2+2 grand tourer – a segment currently unoccupied in the EV sphere (the upcoming Maserati Gran Turismo Folgore will rectify that).
Many will mourn the loss of the ICE-powered Urus but, in terms of Lamborghini’s lineup, it makes the most sense. It’s the model most likely to be used for daily driving and demand for electric SUVs is strong. It will make the Urus a far quicker SUV as well. The Model X Plaid may not be as quick in the corners, but it outmuscles the Lambo in a straight line.
We’ve already seen Lamborghini testing the Urus Evo, an even more focused variant that will take on the Purosangue and DBX707. While details remain scant, it’s possible that the uprated Urus could boast as much as 700 hp. It would certainly be a fitting send-off for the ICE-powered Urus before it flutters off for good.
Those who lament the fast-approaching electric era will be pleased to know that Lamborghini isn’t done with combustion engines just yet. For now, the brand remains committed to the V12 engine – don’t expect it to stick around without some form of hybridization, though.
