Lamborghini is preparing to make a pivotal decision on the Lanzador — its first-ever 2+2 GT and potentially its first all-electric model. Will it go fully EV or opt for a PHEV? Here’s why the decision matters for the future of Sant’Agata.
Lamborghini is standing at a pivotal crossroads in its electrification journey. After confirming that the next-generation Urus will transition to a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) rather than a fully electric powertrain, the Italian brand’s next major decision focuses on its long-awaited Lanzador — a 2+2 GT that will either become Lamborghini’s first all-electric model or follow the Urus with a PHEV setup. According to CEO Stephan Winkelmann, the verdict is expected within weeks, a decision that could define the company’s electrified future well into the 2030s.
A Strategic Pause: Why the Future of Lanzador Is Uncertain
When Lamborghini unveiled the Lanzador concept in 2023, it was introduced as a bold statement — the company’s first battery-electric model and a symbol of its future beyond internal combustion. At the time, it promised cutting-edge 980-volt technology and over 1 megawatt (1,340+ hp) from dual electric motors, wrapped in a futuristic 2+2 GT body inspired by the Urus SUV and Huracán Sterrato.
But the automotive landscape has shifted since then. Global demand for high-end electric sports cars has cooled, and Lamborghini’s own customer base is signaling hesitation. “It’s not important what you can achieve with technology — it’s about what the customer wants,” Winkelmann explained. “And right now, our customers don’t see battery-electric vehicles as a real alternative.”
The slowdown in luxury EV adoption, coupled with ongoing development delays at parent company Volkswagen Group and sister brand Porsche, has forced Lamborghini to rethink its timeline. A plug-in hybrid powertrain — blending a twin-turbo V8 with electric assistance — could offer a more market-ready solution while still meeting tightening emissions regulations.
A Broader Electrification Strategy: Flexibility Over Ideology
Lamborghini’s pivot is not an isolated decision. The brand’s broader strategy emphasizes flexibility rather than rushing into full electrification. While competitors like Ferrari prepare to launch their first EV, Lamborghini prefers to pace its transition, ensuring that future models remain true to the brand’s core values of performance, drama, and emotion.
This approach aligns with Winkelmann’s long-term vision. “We will continue with the V12 after 2030,” he confirmed, referencing the naturally aspirated powerplant found in the Revuelto. Additionally, Lamborghini is investing heavily in alternative fuels — including biofuels that can reduce the carbon footprint of existing combustion engines — to keep iconic models relevant in a low-emissions future.
Global regulatory uncertainty is another key factor. With emissions standards diverging across regions — from Euro 7 in Europe to varying U.S. EPA requirements — Lamborghini must ensure that its powertrains can comply worldwide. “We need commonality across markets,” Winkelmann emphasized. “It’s becoming more fragmented, and we must stay flexible and alert.”
Engineering Ambition: One Megawatt and Beyond
Regardless of the final powertrain choice, Lamborghini promises the Lanzador will be a technological showcase. The concept previewed an output of over 1 MW, translating to more than 1,340 horsepower, and the production version is expected to meet — or even exceed — that benchmark. Repeated acceleration, top speed, and long-range capability will all be top priorities, with a likely battery capacity exceeding 100 kWh for the EV version.
If the PHEV route is chosen, expect the Temerario and Urus SE hybrid systems to serve as the foundation — both pairing a twin-turbo V8 with electric motors for instant torque and improved efficiency. Such a setup would allow Lamborghini to offer a thrilling driving experience while easing range anxiety and charging concerns that still plague the EV segment.
Dynamics, Aerodynamics, and Driving Emotion
Lamborghini’s engineering team, led by CTO Rouven Mohr, is determined to ensure that electrification enhances rather than dilutes the brand’s legendary driving feel. The Lamborghini Dinamica Veicolo Integrata (LDVI) system — an advanced dynamic control platform — will be central to this mission, seamlessly coordinating sensors, actuators, and drive systems to deliver precise handling and responsiveness.
Mohr believes electrification opens up new possibilities. “We can do things with electric powertrains that are impossible with combustion engines,” he explained. This includes ultra-fine control of wheel speed and torque distribution, which can dramatically improve agility and stability.
The Lanzador will also benefit from active aerodynamics derived from the Huracán Performante and Aventador SVJ. Its innovative “downforce without drag” system — using strategically placed vents, louvers, and a blown diffuser — is designed to optimize grip without compromising efficiency, while advanced battery cooling solutions will ensure repeatable performance under demanding conditions.
Design Evolution: A Clean Future with Italian Soul
Design remains a crucial pillar of Lamborghini’s identity, and the Lanzador will introduce a new visual language for the brand’s next era. Chief designer Mitja Borkert is pursuing a “clean design” philosophy — balancing futuristic cues with instantly recognizable Lamborghini DNA. The Lanzador’s silhouette will evolve beyond the concept’s original form, likely adopting a more mature and aerodynamic shape.
Inside, Lamborghini plans to embrace sustainable materials without sacrificing luxury. Merino wool, eco-tanned leather using recycled water, and 3D-printed recycled fibers will all feature prominently. Even the seat foam will incorporate regenerated carbon materials, reflecting Lamborghini’s commitment to a more circular production process.
Market Position: A Different Kind of Super GT
The Lanzador is not designed to compete with ultra-high-performance EVs like the Rimac Nevera. Instead, it aims to offer everyday usability with supercar performance, targeting a niche of buyers who want electrified performance without compromising the emotional experience. With air suspension, rear-wheel steering, and a target weight lower than most hybrids in its class, Lamborghini promises the Lanzador will deliver agility worthy of its badge.
While the car’s official launch isn’t expected until 2028, its importance to Lamborghini’s future cannot be overstated. More than just a new model, the Lanzador represents a philosophical shift — one that balances tradition with transformation.
The Road Ahead: A Defining Decision
Lamborghini’s choice between EV and PHEV powertrains will resonate far beyond the Lanzador itself. It will signal how one of the world’s most iconic performance brands plans to navigate the next decade — not by chasing trends, but by shaping them on its own terms.
As Winkelmann puts it, “We could build a BEV today. But delivering a car that truly embodies what Lamborghini stands for — in performance, emotion, and experience — requires more than technology. It requires timing.”
And that timing is now.
