Range Rover Luxury: A New Electric Era
After a long wait, Land Rover have finally announced the spectacular new Range Rover Electric and it’s quite something. Yes, the Range Rover, as we all know, is the original luxury sport utility vehicle (SUV) and it is now available with electric propulsion, heralding a new era of enhanced refinement and capability.
Externally, this prestige car is not much different to the current model; it is all happening under the skin. Can an electric vehicle (EV) wade through deep water? This one can. Needless to say, this model is much quieter than it’s predecessors and, in use, it seems effortless, responsive and packed with more torque than anything that has gone before from this premium stable.
Unlike some EV’s from the mainstream, this car has not been rushed to market. Clearly the premium UK brand has been determined to get it right first time. After a decade of considered engineering and technological development, this prestige new Range Rover variant really does set a new benchmark in the luxury SUV sector. Electric propulsion seems perfectly suited to this refined vehicle, elevating even further a sense of calm and secluded sanctuary for occupants.
The really good news is that the legendary Range Rover capability on- and off-road is uncompromised thanks to the combination of a powerful and adaptable electric power-train and advanced chassis technologies that has always made every Range Rover the benchmark vehicle. This new model is genuinely accomplished.
EV Power
The Range Rover Electric seamlessly integrates electric propulsion into a flexible drive architecture, engineered specifically from the outset. This luxurious car features twin permanent magnet 260kW electric motors generating up to 405kW (542BHP / 550PS equivalent) and a mighty 850Nm of torque. Most typical daily journeys can be completed without the need to recharge thanks to an official range of up to 372 miles and, in the real‑world, a range of up to 333 miles (535km).
Twin permanent magnet 260kW electric motors produce 20% more torque than other motors of the same size and feature silicon carbide semiconductors which enable remarkable switching speeds measured in microseconds, balancing efficiency with exceptional performance on all surfaces. The Range Rover Electric will complete 0‑60MPH (100KPH) standing start sprint in as little as 4.3 seconds, with power enabling overtaking speeds from 50‑75mph in as little as 2.7 seconds. Luxury and performance combined.
Charging
When it comes to charging away from home and using the fastest available 350kW rapid DC public chargers, the Range Rover Electric can charge from 10‑80% in around 22 minutes or add 136 miles (220km) in just 10 minutes when the vehicle is charging at its maximum charge rate. The car is powered by a usable 118.5kWh lithium‑ion double‑stack battery consisting of 344 prismatic cells delivering outstanding energy density, they say. The advanced 800‑volt architecture provides fast, adaptable split‑charging capability.
To help maximise the safety and quality of the battery, the company’s new battery testing laboratory apparently subjects live batteries to extreme multi‑axis vibration and shock testing in ‑40°C to +90°C. This combined with the high strength aluminium enclosure, means Range Rover Electric is built to withstand high impact knocks and jolts, while, they say, advanced safety features exceed industry standards.
Technology
Land Rover have developed new technologies that enable precise control in all environments, including ‘Intelligent Driveline Dynamics’ which distributes rear torque from one hundred per cent to zero per cent thus preventing loss of traction, and ‘Integrated Traction Management’ (ITM) which controls motor speed within fifty milliseconds and manages slip up to 100 times quicker than an internal combustion vehicle equivalent.
ITM works in concert with a new Single Pedal mode, providing owners exceptional control to smoothly pull away on up to 33 degrees with ease, which, we learn, in skiing parlance is about the same as a ‘Black Run’, or complete a rolling climb ascend up to 45‑degree slopes, while this writer’s car as an example, would still be on the nursery slopes. That’s how capable this car is. In short, from challenging low‑grip and rough terrain to smooth, high‑speed roads, the Range Rover Electric remains incredibly composed and refined, with a real sense of control and confidence.
Combining Connection And Innovation
When away from the vehicle, clients can remain connected to their Range Rover Electric via a new App. With access to a suite of useful functions, owners can initiate cabin purification or the heated steering wheel, check their vehicle is locked, its live location and look at the current charge status and predicted driving range. The app also provides the ability to select and schedule charging when the vehicle is parked and plugged in, for example at home, to help make the most of lower charging tariffs, where applicable.
The Range Rover Electric has undergone exhaustive virtual and physical global testing and development to ensure a customary Range Rover experience. Tested in ‑40°C temperatures in Sweden, in the scorching heat of the Dubai desert and the premium brand’s own Eastnor Castle facility in the UK (where you can get several seasons in one day, with rain predominating). This fine EV has completed over 1.5 million kilometres, say Land Rover, plus over a quarter of a million hours of testing in both the virtual and physical worlds.
New technologies maximise the electric potential, including innovative range prediction features and advanced ‘ThermAssist’ heat management system which optimises driving range, charging speeds, battery longevity and performance in extreme temperatures, adding up to 25 miles of range and a 40% reduction of heating energy use.
Prestige Interior
Land Rover will produce both standard- and long-wheelbase versions of the Range Rover Electric. The standard version retains a wheelbase equal to that of the previous model’s long-wheelbase variant. Unfortunately, there will not be a seven-seat option, a result of having to put the EV drive somewhere. Boot (trunk) space remains as current though. You can optionally get a spare wheel rather than a tyre kit but it will take up luggage space as there’s no place for it on the underside.
It really isn’t necessary to describe the interior; it’s a Range Rover, so buyers know they are getting the finest cabin available. The design is clean and ultra-modern with superb multi-adjustable seating for five. Space in both front and rear is expansive as you might expect and the ride is imperious, the driver sitting high and upright at the steering wheel. The layout of physical controls and digital displays in front of the driver is identical to those of the regular Range Rover from which, since 2023 in the existing versions, the physical heating and ventilation controls and the car’s physical drive mode selector, so the touchscreen becomes the total command centre. If you like real buttons and switches, this may disappoint but it’s a modern world and it does the make the presentation of the dashboard clean and elegant.
Comfort is where the aforementioned ‘ThermAssist’ again comes into play. Developed in-house, this technology was considered central to the vehicle’s ability to keep its occupants cool in the heat of the desert, warm in sub-zero environments, and happy just about everywhere in between; as well as keeping its drive battery operating efficiently. For a vehicle intended for global sales, this seems essential. Wherever you are in the world, inside the Range Rover, the climate will always be just right.
MHH International
We are the UK’s leading car exporter, offering a comprehensive service. trusted worldwide, our long-standing global reputation is built on expertise, clear communication and care; delivering prestige vehicles safely to clients in New Zealand, Ireland, Kenya, Mauritius, Cyprus, Malta, the Caribbean and many other destinations. MHH International stock a very wide range of new and used vehicles from a wide range of premium car makers, including Land Rover and Range Rover and you can see our current availability on these pages. Please get in touch to find out more about VAT-free options, our services and vehicle selection.
