Lamborghini’s chief executive says the brand’s identity still relies on the roar, power, and emotion of combustion engines. The Italian supercar maker plans to keep them central for at least another decade before fully going electric.
Hybrids take centre stage
At Lamborghini’s London showroom, CEO Stephan Winkelmann said interest in electric cars is declining. He sees this as 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 be fully electric or a plug-in hybrid. Winkelmann stressed that while the company acts responsibly, its low-volume production limits its environmental impact.
Supercars built for excitement
Lamborghini, part of the Volkswagen Group, currently produces three main models. The Temerario and Revuelto are plug-in hybrid supercars combining powerful petrol engines with electric motors. They can run short distances on electricity but remain focused on speed, sound, and thrill.
The Urus, Lamborghini’s luxury SUV, comes as both a plug-in hybrid and a petrol version. Less flashy than the supercars, it still accounts for over half of Lamborghini’s total sales.
At the top of the range sits the Fenomeno. With a top speed above 215 mph, only 30 will be produced, each costing at least €3 million before taxes.
Electric plans postponed
Two years ago, Lamborghini planned an all-electric successor to the Urus for 2029. That project has now been delayed, with the model not expected before 2035.
The Lanzador, initially conceived as fully electric, 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 major opportunity to keep combustion engines and battery systems working together longer than expected.”
Emotion drives the brand
Winkelmann insists combustion engines remain 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 promises it will maintain its signature driving passion — even without the roar of the engine.
Responsible but realistic
Winkelmann said Lamborghini recognises the need 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 footprint 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 across the EU and UK. Some manufacturers are lobbying for more time to reflect industrial and economic realities.
If rules change, combustion engines could remain beyond 2035. The UK also allows low-volume manufacturers producing fewer than 2,500 vehicles annually to continue. Lamborghini, which sold 795 cars in the UK last year, qualifies for that exemption.
