Lamborghini is taking a fresh approach to its electrification timeline, and it’s not what many expected. While the brand has long promoted its electric ambitions, the Lamborghini Urus EV is officially delayed, with a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version now taking the lead until at least 2029. The move signals a clear shift in strategy based on customer feedback, brand identity, and current EV market challenges.
So what’s changing in Lamborghini’s electrification roadmap? Let’s break it down.
Urus EV Pushed Back, Hybrid Takes the Wheel
In a recent update, CEO Stephan Winkelmann confirmed that the next-generation Urus will debut as a plug-in hybrid instead of going full electric right away. This isn’t a step back — it’s a tactical move aimed at preserving the Lamborghini DNA that customers have come to expect.
According to Winkelmann, the decision is built on one key insight: Lamborghini’s loyal buyers want performance and emotion, not silence and efficiency. That means staying true to what makes a Lambo exciting — thrilling acceleration, roaring engines, and razor-sharp dynamics.
So while a fully electric Urus is still on the table, it won’t arrive before 2035. The upcoming Urus PHEV will serve as the brand’s electrified flagship until then, offering a middle ground between combustion and electric power.
What to Expect from the Urus Plug-In Hybrid
While Lamborghini hasn’t released technical details, the PHEV Urus will likely be built on the platform of the current Urus Performante, with significant electrification upgrades. Expect:
- A twin-turbocharged V8 paired with an electric motor
- Estimated power output above 700 hp
- Electric-only range suitable for short urban trips
- Regenerative braking and performance-tuned hybrid driving modes
This will allow Lamborghini to meet stricter emissions regulations without compromising on performance. And given the popularity of performance hybrids from brands like Porsche and Ferrari, the Urus PHEV could strike a very lucrative balance.
Lanzador EV May Also Be Delayed
Lamborghini’s broader EV plans also face timeline revisions. The Lanzador, revealed as a concept at Monterey Car Week 2023, was originally slated for a 2028 launch. This all-electric 2+2 crossover with dual-motor all-wheel drive was positioned to be Lamborghini’s first true EV model.
But now, that plan is under review. Winkelmann stated that the final decision on the Lanzador’s production timing will be made by early 2026, though there is still optimism for a late-decade debut. If it proceeds, the Lanzador will target a new audience looking for futuristic design, sustainability, and high-voltage performance.
Why Lamborghini Is Hitting Pause on Full EVs
Lamborghini isn’t abandoning electrification — but it’s being realistic. There are several reasons behind the pivot:
- Customer Preferences: Buyers in the ultra-luxury segment still prefer ICE and hybrid performance
- Emotional Connection: Supercars are about more than speed — they’re about sound, feel, and drama
- EV Infrastructure Gaps: Fast-charging and EV servicing networks are still inconsistent globally
- Regulatory Variability: Global timelines for zero-emission mandates remain in flux
Rather than rush into an EV rollout and risk alienating its core base, Lamborghini is choosing to take its time and get it right.
The Bigger Picture: Lamborghini Among Luxury Rivals
Lamborghini’s move isn’t happening in a vacuum. Other high-end carmakers are making similar calculations:
- Ferrari is expected to reveal its first EV in 2025, but it too is heavily investing in hybrid tech
- Lotus has gone electric with the Eletre SUV, but its success in traditional markets is still uncertain
- Aston Martin and McLaren are taking a hybrid-first approach as well
These brands are discovering that while the EV future is inevitable, performance car buyers aren’t quite ready to give up the visceral excitement of ICE and hybrid machines.
Expanding the Urus Lineup With PHEV First
In the near term, Lamborghini is focused on diversifying its Urus range with PHEV technology. This strategy offers several advantages:
- It satisfies upcoming emissions regulations in Europe and Asia
- It adds a layer of fuel efficiency and urban practicality to an otherwise aggressive SUV
- It maintains the performance edge that Lamborghini is known for
By electrifying without going fully electric, the brand gets to have its cake and eat it too — at least for now.
Key Highlights
• Lamborghini Urus EV delayed until at least 2035, not arriving as early as planned
• Next-gen Urus to launch as a plug-in hybrid around 2029, per CEO Stephan Winkelmann
• Lanzador EV, originally planned for 2028, also faces potential delay, decision due in 2026
• Hybrid models align better with customer demand for performance and emotion
• Luxury rivals like Ferrari and Lotus are also proceeding cautiously with full EVs
• Lamborghini to expand Urus lineup with PHEV Performante, blending power with efficiency
• Strategy gives Lamborghini time to assess regulations, infrastructure, and market trends
• EV future still on the roadmap, but brand DNA will remain performance-first