In India, bookings for Range Rover Electric have commenced for a token amount of Rs 10 lakh
JLR has taken the wraps off the long-awaited Range Rover Electric, offering more responsive performance, quieter operations and a host of advanced features. It is a major milestone for the brand, as this is the first ever pure electric Range Rover model. The SUV will be manufactured at the carmaker’s Solihull plant in the UK. It will be imported into India via the CBU route.
Performance, battery, range
Range Rover Electric utilizes a 118.5 kWh lithium-ion battery pack comprising 344 prismatic cells. Power is supplied to two electric motors, generating 260 kW (354 PS) each. Both electric motors have been developed and produced in-house. Combined power output is 405 kW (550 PS). Range Rover Electric delivers an astounding 850 Nm of torque, the highest ever for a Range Rover model.
As compared to the ICE Range Rover model with the mild-hybrid twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8, the Range Rover Electric delivers 12 hp and 100 Nm more. Accelerating from 0-60 mph (0-96 km/h) takes 4.3 seconds, which is better than 4.5 seconds needed with the V8-powered model. Certified range is 372 miles (600 km), as per WLTP standard. However, real-world range is around 333 miles (535 km), as per JLR’s own EPA estimate.
Range Rover Electric is utilizing an advanced 800-volt architecture, which allows fast, adaptable split?charging capability. DC fast charging of up to 350 kW is supported. 10% to 80% charge can be achieved in just 22 minutes. Even a shorter 10 minute charge allows the electric SUV to gain 220 km.
Robust off-road capabilities
While transitioning to an electric powertrain, Range Rover has not compromised on its off-road capabilities. The SUV utilizes twin-valve active dampers, borrowed from the Range Rover Sport SV. It also has dual-chamber air springs and rear-axle steering. Water wading capability is an impressive 900 mm. This is made possible with an advanced setup, where the ride height is actively increased based on inputs from sensors monitoring the water level.
Another key feature is a new Integrated Traction Management (ITM) system, which can effortlessly tackle slippery terrain. Range Rover Electric is also equipped with the Driveline Dynamics (IDD) system. It allows the SUV to easily handle inclines of up to 33 degrees. Range Rover Electric can also manage steep climbs of up to 45 degrees.
Weighing 2,885 kg, Range Rover Electric is 75 kg heavier than the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant. Towing capacity is rated at 2.5 tons, which is lower than that of ICE (3.5 tons) and PHEV (3 tons) models.
Exterior, interior features
In terms of its design, Range Rover Electric is largely the same as the 5th-gen ICE model that was introduced in 2021. Only a few updates are noticeable such as a more contemporary grille and new alloy wheels. The underbody has also undergone the relevant changes, as necessary for an EV. These updates have helped reduce the drag coefficient by 0.01 Cd. Across highways, this improved aerodynamic efficiency can increase range by around 16 km.
Range Rover Electric is being offered in both standard and long-wheelbase versions. Trim levels are SE, Autobiography, SV, SV Black and SV Ultra. A curated First Edition option is also there, available in Belgravia Green, Santorini Black or Varesine Blue with newly introduced Light Cloud UltrafabricsTM PU and KvadratTM interior. A wide range of Bespoke options are also available across paint colours, finishes, choice of materials and embroidery.
Inside too, the Range Rover Electric has largely the same profile as the ICE version. This is evident with parts like the dashboard, steering wheel, centre console, drive mode selector and the digital screens. However, there are EV-specific features such as an AI-based range predictor and a battery health monitor. Other key features include premium audio, a panoramic sunroof, ventilated and heated seats with massaging function and multi-zone climate control.
Pricing
Prices for India have not been revealed. As per estimates, Range Rover Electric could be introduced here at a starting price of around Rs 3.5 crore. In the USA, Range Rover Electric is available at a starting price of $138,000 (Rs 1.30 crore).
