Range Rover Unveils First All-Electric SUV with Premium Price Tag

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has launched its first all-electric Range Rover, billing it as the most accomplished iteration of the luxury SUV to date. The Range Rover Electric starts at £154,070, a significant premium over its combustion-engine counterparts, with prices reaching nearly £250,000 for the top-tier long-wheelbase version. This move marks a significant step in JLR's electric transformation, following the earlier introduction of the Jaguar I-Pace and the recent unveiling of the Jaguar Type 01.

The electric Range Rover is designed to maintain the familiar aesthetic of its petrol, diesel, and hybrid siblings, with minimal visual cues distinguishing it. Aside from the lack of exhausts, a blanked-off grille, and unique wheel designs aimed at improving airflow, the exterior remains largely unchanged. This design choice aligns with JLR's strategy to preserve consistency across its core, profit-generating models.

Performance and Powertrain

The sole powertrain option available in the UK is the EV550, featuring a substantial 118.5kWh battery pack. This is paired with two 260kW permanent-magnet electric motors, one on each axle, delivering a combined output of 542bhp and 850Nm of torque. JLR claims this configuration offers performance on par with, if not exceeding, the V8 petrol engine, with a 0-62mph sprint time of 4.5 seconds and a top speed limited to 125mph.

Officially, the vehicle boasts a WLTP range of up to 372 miles, but JLR projects a real-world range of 333 miles. Recharging is facilitated by a maximum DC charging speed of 350kW, enabling a 10% to 80% charge in approximately 22 minutes, or adding 137 miles of range in just 10 minutes. The vehicle also incorporates an advanced traction management system that reacts to wheel slip 100 times faster than in combustion-powered models, ensuring no compromise to its off-road capabilities.

However, the electric Range Rover has a reduced towing capacity of 2,500kg, which is 500kg less than the plug-in hybrid and 1,000kg less than combustion-engined versions.

Interior and Driving Experience

Inside, the cabin mirrors the luxurious appointments of its combustion-engine counterparts, featuring premium materials and refined controls. A notable design element is the retention of the transmission tunnel, which JLR states is to maintain consistency for customers, housing the battery electric module. The interior offers spacious accommodation, comparable to high-end limousines, and the boot provides 818 litres of storage, expandable with the rear seats folded.

The cockpit is dominated by JLR's Pivi Pro infotainment system, displayed on a 13.1-inch touchscreen. While featuring crisp graphics, the system's responsiveness to touch inputs has been noted as inconsistent. A particular point of contention is the removal of physical buttons for climate control and drive mode adjustments, requiring drivers to navigate the touchscreen for these functions.

On the road, the Range Rover Electric delivers its power in a measured, civilised manner, designed to mimic the linear surge of a V8 engine. This approach enhances refinement, offering a serene driving experience with near-total silence. The vehicle's dynamics are managed by a combination of twin-rate air suspension, adaptive dampers, and 7.3 degrees of rear-wheel steering, which help disguise its substantial 2.8-ton weight and provide remarkable agility. The chassis is tuned to absorb road imperfections, offering a smooth and effortless ride.

Off-Road Prowess and Range Concerns

As expected from a Range Rover, the electric model retains significant off-road capability, including a 900mm wading depth. Its immediate torque delivery and advanced traction control allow for continuous progress without the need to engage low-range gearing. Dedicated off-road modes cater to various terrains, and the ride height can be adjusted accordingly.

Despite its capabilities, the real-world range of 333 miles is a point of comparison with rivals. Competitors such as the BMW iX3 and Volvo EX60 offer ranges exceeding 500 miles, while other premium electric SUVs target over 400 miles. JLR, however, cites analysis of customer journeys indicating that 97% of trips fall within the electric Range Rover's single-charge limits. The company anticipates that approximately 70% of its electric Range Rover customers will be new to the brand, with only one in five currently owning an EV.

Verdict

The Range Rover Electric sets a new standard for performance and refinement within the Range Rover lineup. Its quiet operation, effortless power delivery, and impressive on- and off-road dynamics are significant achievements. However, the higher price point, reduced towing capacity, and a real-world range that falls short of some competitors raise questions about its appeal to the brand's traditionally