Lamborghini’s chief executive says the brand’s identity still depends on the sound, power, and emotion of petrol engines. The Italian supercar maker plans to keep them for at least another decade before fully moving to electric.
Hybrids take the spotlight
At Lamborghini’s London showroom, CEO Stephan Winkelmann said enthusiasm for electric vehicles is declining. He believes this creates an opportunity to focus on hybrid technology that balances performance with emotion.
Within weeks, Lamborghini will decide whether its upcoming grand tourer, the Lanzador, will launch as a fully electric car or a plug-in hybrid. Winkelmann said the company remains socially responsible but noted that its low-volume production limits its environmental impact.
Supercars built for thrill
Lamborghini, part of the Volkswagen Group, currently produces three key models. The Temerario and Revuelto are plug-in hybrid supercars that combine powerful petrol engines with electric motors. They can run short distances on electricity but are designed primarily for speed and emotion.
The Urus, Lamborghini’s luxury SUV, is available as both a plug-in hybrid and a petrol-powered version. Though less flamboyant than the supercars, it accounts for over half of Lamborghini’s global sales.
The Fenomeno represents the brand’s peak exclusivity. With a top speed above 215 mph, only 30 will ever be made. Each costs at least €3 million before taxes.
Electric plans slowed
Two years ago, Lamborghini planned an all-electric successor to the Urus for 2029. That project has now been postponed, with the model not expected before 2035.
The Lanzador, originally designed as a fully electric grand tourer, is also under review. Winkelmann said the company may pivot to a hybrid version instead.
“Today, enthusiasm for electric cars is going down,” he said. “We see a big opportunity to keep combustion engines and battery systems working together longer than expected.”
Emotion drives the brand
Winkelmann insists that the combustion engine remains central to Lamborghini’s identity. “Our customers still want the sound, vibration, and emotion of a petrol engine,” he said.
This contrasts with Ferrari, which plans to unveil its first fully electric model, the Elettrica, next year. Ferrari says the car will maintain its trademark passion — even without the engine’s roar.
Responsibility within limits
Winkelmann said Lamborghini recognises the push to reduce emissions but keeps its scale in perspective. “We sell 10,000 cars in a world producing 80 million each year, so our CO₂ impact is small,” he explained.
He added, “We are socially responsible, but our influence is limited.”
From 2035, new petrol and diesel cars — including plug-in hybrids — will be banned in the EU and UK. Some manufacturers are lobbying for more time to account for industrial and economic realities.
If the rules change, combustion engines could remain beyond 2035. The UK will also allow low-volume manufacturers producing under 2,500 vehicles a year to continue. Lamborghini, which sold 795 cars in the UK last year, qualifies for that exemption.
