As we found with the Mercedes-AMG C63, the performance gain of hot plug-in hybrids is not so much in the standing-start straight-line acceleration. The Urus SE does 0-62mph in 3.4sec – only 0.1sec quicker than the outgoing Urus S.
What the electric assistance does is give this heavily boosted and therefore naturally laggy V8 engine instant and mighty response, as well as mind-scrambling in-gear acceleration. Any speed, any gear, the Urus SE just goes. This is best experienced in one of the spicier drive modes (where the engine is always running) and with the gearbox in manual mode, so that it won’t kick down.
It sounds great too, with an authentic V8 bellow. That said, combining this level of performance with a well-isolated cabin makes for a car that gets you to very big speeds very quickly and, concerningly, you’re only aware of that when you look down at a big number. Let’s be honest: it’s all a bit much for the road.
When you settle down and use it like you would any other plug-in hybrid SUV, it’s perhaps not quite as impressive. Leave it in the standard Strada (road) mode and, even with a full battery, the engine will kick in annoyingly early sometimes, even though there’s plenty of electric power available. Getting 37 miles of range from a massive 21.8kWh is a bit rubbish too. The brake pedal also doesn’t have quite the same progression as that of a pure-petrol Urus, though it’s decent enough for a plug-in hybrid.