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Urus SE test mules caught in Sweden — Performante influence clear
Lamborghini’s next iteration of the Urus appears to be getting a more aggressive makeover. Spotted under heavy camouflage on cold-weather test runs in northern Sweden, the 2027 Urus SE prototypes display unmistakable Performante-inspired styling and functional upgrades: oversized front intakes, a liftgate-mounted ducktail spoiler, enlarged brakes and carbon-fiber wheel-arch extensions.
The pictures reveal a hybrid SUV that’s being dialed for serious performance. Although Lamborghini already offers combustion-only S and Performante versions of the Urus with the Volkswagen Group’s 4.0-liter twin‑turbo V8 (factory output up to 657 hp), the Urus SE brings back plug-in hybrid assistance introduced earlier in the lineup. The existing PHEV setup pairs a detuned V8 with a 189-hp electric drive unit for a quoted combined output around 789 hp and 701 lb-ft (950 Nm) of torque — numbers that could be refined for the 2027 SE.
What the spy photos reveal
Short, sharp details spotted on the camouflaged mules:
- Massive air intakes and reworked front bumper openings focused on brake and intercooler cooling.
- A prominent ducktail spoiler integrated into the liftgate, nodding to the Performante’s aerodynamic kit.
- Carbon-ceramic brake rotors with telltale stress-relief hairline patterns and large calipers.
- Wide 22-inch rear setup running 325/35 tires and carbon-fiber extensions around the wheel arches.
The front and rear carbon-ceramic discs on these prototypes measure roughly 440 mm and 370 mm respectively (about 17.3 and 14.6 inches), underscoring that Lamborghini is prioritizing stopping power to match the Urus SE’s increased performance envelope.
Performance and packaging: hybrid tweaks likely
Given the SE’s hybrid architecture, engineers seem to be addressing the twin challenges of heat management and packaging. The oversized intakes suggest greater front brake cooling capacity, while revised underbody ducts and larger intercoolers are probable to ensure consistent performance during high-load runs. Heavy, high-performance SUVs still face the physical limits of mass and weight distribution — but Lamborghini and its Volkswagen Group partners have developed several solutions over the years, from adaptive chassis tuning to torque-vectoring and advanced cooling strategies.
"Expect sharper straight-line pace and improved cornering balance," says one source familiar with the test program. "The goal is to make the Urus SE feel close to a Performante on a track, while retaining everyday usability and hybrid efficiency."
Regulations and sound limits
A notable constraint: stricter EU sound regulations coming into force this year. The new limits will cap the acoustic output of new passenger vehicles at 68 decibels in the final phase, down from previous thresholds of 72 and 70 dB. That means the Urus SE Performante’s exhaust note — a big part of the Lamborghini character — will likely be quieter than the 2026 Performante or SE models. As the industry adapts, manufacturers are finding creative ways to preserve character through sound design and active exhaust systems within the rules.
Key takeaways
- The 2027 Urus SE prototype blends plug-in hybrid tech with Performante styling cues.
- Expect upgraded cooling, larger brakes, and aerodynamic addenda to manage higher outputs.
- Sound regulations will reduce acoustic drama, but performance gains are still likely.
For buyers and enthusiasts, the Urus SE represents a new chapter: a high-performance hybrid SUV that marries Lamborghini’s track-focused lessons with hybrid efficiency and modern regulatory realities. Heavy as it may be, the SE Performante project looks set to deliver vivid acceleration and sharper handling — a Lamborghini SUV that aims to thrill in more ways than one.
Source: autoevolution
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