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Lamborghini remains committed to gasoline engines — for now
Lamborghini's CEO says the Sant'Agata Bolognese marque will continue to develop petrol plug-in hybrids and keep internal-combustion engines (ICE) in its lineup for the foreseeable future. Speaking at the London show, Stephan Winkelmann told the BBC that customers still crave "the sound and thrill" of combustion engines, and that those powertrains will remain crucial to Lamborghini's identity for at least the next decade.
Why hybrids, not full EVs—at least yet
Winkelmann noted a shift in public interest: the initial surge in enthusiasm for electric cars has cooled, creating a strategic opening to focus on hybrid technology. Lamborghini plans to weigh final decisions on its flagship models soon — including whether the next Lanzador will be fully electric or offered as a plug-in hybrid.
"We have to decide whether to go all-electric or, given new conditions, opt for a hybrid path," he said. "Continuing to use internal-combustion engines over the next ten years is vital for our success." The company also stresses its corporate responsibility but points out that Lamborghini's low production volumes limit its overall environmental footprint compared with mass-market automakers.
Line-up, performance and market positioning
As part of the Volkswagen Group, Lamborghini currently sells a tight portfolio that blends traditional supercar drama with electrification:
- Revuelto (hybrid supercar) — a V12 combined with electric assistance, able to run briefly on electric power but with a short EV-only range.
- Other flagship hybrid supercars mixing petrol and electric propulsion.
- Urus SUV — offered in both conventional and hybrid forms and representing more than half of Lamborghini's sales.
The brand also recently revealed an ultra-exclusive model, the Fenomeno, limited to just 30 units with a claimed top speed above 345 km/h and a starting price around $3.5 million — underscoring Lamborghini’s focus on extreme performance and exclusivity.
Electric plans delayed but not dead
Lamborghini had previously announced plans for an electric Urus successor from 2029, but that project has been delayed. Industry insiders now think a full-electric Urus is unlikely to arrive before 2035. The electric future of the Lanzador supercar remains uncertain as the company evaluates customer demand, regulatory pressure and technological trade-offs.
How Lamborghini compares to rivals
Lamborghini’s cautious approach contrasts with Ferrari, which intends to launch its first fully electric model, the "Elettrica," next year while continuing to sell petrol and hybrid cars alongside it. The bigger regulatory picture also looms: the EU and UK plan to ban sales of new petrol and diesel cars, including many hybrids, from 2035 — a deadline that will force high-performance brands to accelerate electrification timelines.
Quote: "For our customers, sound and emotion matter — that's why hybrids will play a central role," said Winkelmann.
Whether Lamborghini's strategy will satisfy purists and regulators alike remains to be seen, but for now the brand is betting on a hybrid bridge between the roaring past and an electric future.
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