It goes without saying that the sport utility vehicle, in all its many guises, continues to hold sway over the car-buying public; and why not? They are great vehicles that can accommodate most of the ways in which we use cars. Now, there's an even better choice because the world of the SUV is getting greener. Here's a selection of well-respected prestige vehicles that now offer electrification.
Porsche Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid
As would be expected from Porsche, ecological requirements do not stand in the way of performance. That would never do; so the brand has engineered this new car to be the best of both worlds. Like the other plug-in hybrids from the German prestige car maker, the new top-of-the-range model in the Cayenne family is also one of the sportiest vehicles in the premium segment; not in spite of the hybrid power-train but rather because of it. In the Cayenne Turbo S E-Hybrid SUV's, the electric motor is located between the V8 engine and the eight-speed Tiptronic S transmission.
The two motors are interconnected via a separating clutch inside the hybrid module. In E-Power driving mode, the electric motor can, on its own, propel the vehicle up to a maximum speed of 84mph (135 km/h). It can also be used in the other modes for an additional power boost. These modes can be selected via the standard fit Sport Chrono Package. The Cayenne has become something of a legend in its relatively short life: Now it is even better.
Volvo XC90 T8 Twin Engine
No sooner is it out of the box then this great SUV starts garnering awards from all quarters. We already know that Volvo's reputation for quality and safety is second to none but now their flagship has gone green and very desirable it is too.
This is the first car to be built on the Swedish brand's in-house designed and built platform, powered by the company's new Drive-E power-trains. This new foundation is designed to incorporate electrification without encroaching on interior space, with the necessary battery pack being neatly concealed within the centre console. The T8 utilises both a 320hp petrol engine and 87hp electric motor. The original XC90 was a great and capable car; this new model brings it into line with expectations for the future environment.
Range Rover Evoque / Land Rover Discovery
The new Range Rover Evoque and Land Rover Discovery Sport premium SUV's are now available with plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) technology, delivering the performance, refinement and capability customers expect. Both models offer an electric-only range of up to 41 miles (66km) and CO² emissions as low as 32g/km. That's impressive.
Badged with the code P300e, both the new Evoque and Discovery Sport plug-in hybrids are based on the British brand's state-of-the-art premium transverse architecture, which was designed to support electrification while maintaining Land Rover’s famous off-road capability and spacious interiors. These new plug-in models join the existing 48V mild-hybrid SUVs, bringing new levels of efficiency to the prestige SUV sector. Ask us at MHH International for more details on these and other models.
Audi Q5 Hybrid
This new Q5 variant is in the vanguard for a new range of plug-in models from Audi. The Q5 55 TFSI-e is about to make a suitably progressive statement by combining the economic and environmental benefits of electrified driving with the demand-led efficiency of quattro combining ultra technology for the first time. A range of over 26 miles (42km) and a top speed of 84mph in electric-only mode will enable this brand new prestige SUV to cover most everyday driving distances, including motorway journeys, without backup from the 2.0L four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine.
All the usual Audi attributes are in place and now coupled with the very latest in technology. The company will also offer an optional charging clip in the form of a lockable wall-mounted holder for the charging system in the garage or on the drive. The integrated charger charges the lithium-ion battery with a maximum power of 7.4kW. Even at a 220V household outlet, an empty battery can be fully and conveniently recharged overnight in roughly six hours. Convenient recharging is thus also possible on the road.
Subject to the global virus crisis, this vehicle will be available to order in the UK from the beginning of June, with first deliveries later in the year.
So there's a choice selection of sport utility vehicles that continue to do the job required only now in a more efficient and planet-friendly way. Contact us for more information.
