Lamborghini’s Revuelto Is the Outstanding Hybrid of 2023

Such is the fluidity of this interchange between electric and combustion that, after a time, you stop thinking of the car as being a hybrid at all, and settle to simply enjoy the visceral experience of the Revuelto—which, although hugely entertaining, is more refined than any previous Lamborghini. And not just in the powertrain. The suspension is also exceptionally judged, while the new eight-speed, twin-clutch gearbox is a huge step-up.

Under braking, the e-axle and rear e-motor contribute to the stopping power, so the friction brakes can recharge the battery more effectively. However, so good is the handover from regen to actual braking that I couldn’t tell where one ended and the other began. If anything, this is exemplary of the whole Revuelto—everything just works together so very well.

The interior is also a win, the best yet from the brand. The steering wheel layout is logical and ergonomic. The fit and finish have been thankfully taken up a notch or three. There are more storage spaces and phone holders. The three-screen dash allows you to swipe certain data over from the central display to the slender passenger one. And, the seats are comfortable enough for, whisper it, daily use. Overall, it’s very tidy.

Track-Bound Triumph

The Revuelto has changed my perception of Lamborghini. Behind the wheel, this car is not aggressive or brutish (despite its looks, which are typically macho), nor is it intimidating to drive. It inspires confidence—flatters you, even—and is outrageously entertaining.

While it’s clear that this super-hybrid will never be as emissions-friendly as the brand’s long-way-off all-electric model, it’s also obvious that the majority of Revueltos—which start at $608,358 in the US, where deliveries will take place beginning 2024—could find their natural home on the race track, waiting for wealthy owners to arrive for occasional days of spirited auto indulgence. This means a volume of lifetime miles equating to a tiny percentage of what the average family ICE or hybrid contributes to fossil fuel emissions each year.

But this conceit isn’t the point. For petrol heads, here is further proof of what electric innovation can do to improve ICE before the ban hits sales next decade. Maybe the Revuelto will convert a few more engine enthusiasts to full EV before then? It should.

Can a plug-in hybrid Lamborghini be a proper Lamborghini? Yes. Yes, it can. But it’s what the Revuelto promises for future Lamborghinis that’s far more electrifying.