Lamborghini’s Urus PHEV Prototype Caught in a Police Snag During Test Drive

Lamborghini Urus PHEV
pulled over by police during the test drive
What seems to be the problem?

The Lamborghini Urus, the sole SUV lineup of the brand, has been a cash cow. The model recently discontinued its pure internal combustion engine version and is now gearing up for a comeback with a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain.

These days, it is being tested on the road. It is frequently spotted near the Nürburgring circuit, but recently, a rare sight unfolded: the vehicle was pulled over by local police. What could have been the problem?

A sight from Germany: No front license plate?

According to a report by Carscoops on the 12th (local time), a spy-shot photographer recently captured this scene. The Urus PHEV prototype in the photo was returning to the Lamborghini workshop with engineers after test driving on the Nürburgring circuit.

At that time, an Audi A6 Avant police car signaled the Urus PHEV to stop by the roadside, and then two police officers approached the test vehicle. The exact details are unknown, but the issue was likely the prototype’s only license plate on the rear. This practice may be acceptable in Italy, but Germany is notorious for its strict regulations.

Distinct exterior differences: Total output over 729 horsepower

At a glance, the exterior of the Urus PHEV may seem similar to the previous internal combustion engine model, but there are subtle differences. The front and rear lamps, disguised as temporary LEDs, have been updated with signature lighting, and the bumper is also different from the previous model. Sharing the Volkswagen Group’s MLB Evo platform, the fuel filler cap is on the right rear, and the charging port is on the left rear.

Lamborghini has not disclosed the Urus PHEV’s powertrain specifications. Industry insiders think it will likely share the same powertrain as the recently facelifted Porsche Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid. This model combines a 4.0L V8 twin-turbo engine that produces a maximum output of 591 horsepower, a single motor, and a 25.9kWh battery pack to deliver a total system output of 729 horsepower and a maximum torque of 96.8kgf.m.

Would a New suspension be installed? Expected to be unveiled in Q3 this year

Based on this, the Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.7 seconds, and its top speed is 295 km/h. The Urus PHEV could potentially deliver even more robust performance. Lamborghini, which shares the Volkswagen Group platform, has typically outperformed Porsche’s models of the same class regarding power performance.

In addition, Porsche’s 2-chamber, 2-valve air suspension may be added. This specification provides a more stable ride in dynamic driving situations and a more comfortable ride in everyday driving. Lamborghini is expected to unveil the Urus PHEV in the third quarter of this year.