In a move that signals a shift in supercar electrification strategy, Lamborghini CEO Stephan Winkelmann has officially confirmed that the next-generation Urus SUV, expected in 2029, will not be fully electric as previously anticipated. Instead, it will arrive as a plug-in hybrid, pushing the all-electric Urus project back to 2035.
The Market Is Not Ready
Winkelmann cited the “unpredictability of ever-changing regulations” as the public reason behind the delay. But the deeper message is clear: consumer appetite for fully electric super-SUVs isn’t where it needs to be. Lamborghini, a brand built on visceral engine notes and raw performance, is refusing to gamble its best-selling model on uncertain EV demand and shifting policy landscapes.
Since its introduction, the Urus has accounted for the majority of Lamborghini’s global sales, becoming the financial backbone of the company. Betting that vehicle on unproven customer sentiment toward electrification is a risk Lamborghini simply isn’t willing to take, not yet.
Plug In Hybrid – A bridge
The decision isn’t a step backwards, it’s a calculated middle ground. The new Urus SE, already launched, delivers an 80% reduction in emissions compared to its combustion-only predecessor while preserving the dynamic driving characteristics that Lamborghini buyers demand. It’s a preview of what the 2029 plug-in hybrid Urus will offer: lower emissions, more electric range, and zero compromise on performance.
With ever-tightening emissions standards globally, the hybrid solution allows Lamborghini to stay compliant without alienating core customers, many of whom still prioritise the sound, feel, and emotional engagement of a combustion engine.
Urus EV 2035 – Timing Is ‘EV’erything
The push to 2035 for the fully electric Urus is no accident. That timeline conveniently lines up with European Union regulations that will require all new cars sold to be zero-emission by that year. This gives Lamborghini maximum flexibility, no need to rush EV development, no risk of being out of compliance, and plenty of time to refine both battery and driving experience technology
By taking this route, Lamborghini avoids being boxed into an artificial transition that doesn’t reflect real-world demand. They also retain the freedom to deliver an EV when it’s truly ready, not when the market is merely experimenting
Final Word
Lamborghini’s pivot away from a 2029 electric Urus isn’t a retreat, it’s a strategic recalibration. With hybrid technology delivering the regulatory compliance needed today and the visceral engagement customers still expect, the brand is preserving its soul while preparing for its electric future on its own terms.
2035 will come, and with it, a fully electric Urus. But by waiting until the market is mature, customer demand is real, and technology has caught up, Lamborghini ensures it won’t sacrifice performance, identity, or profitability in the name of electrification.
