The electric Range Rover is poised to be a significant player in the luxury EV segment.
The electric Range Rover is poised to be a significant player in the luxury EV segment.
The world has been waiting, and the promise is finally being delivered: an all-electric Range Rover. While the idea of an electric Range Rover might initially raise eyebrows, this new avatar aims to maintain the iconic vehicle's core attributes while embracing an electrified future.
One of the most striking aspects of the electric Range Rover is that it wasn't an afterthought. Developed from day one with electrification in mind, it utilises the same MLA architecture as its Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) and Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) counterparts. This foresight means that despite housing a substantial 118 kWh NMC battery (with 344 prismatic cells in a double-stacked layout), there's no compromise on size, stance, capability, or crucial interior space like boot and cabin room, or even wheelbase. It looks, feels, and essentially is a Range Rover, just with a different powertrain. Subtle aerodynamic enhancements, like redesigned wheels and a smooth underbody, are the only visual cues to its electric nature.
This isn't just an electric motor slapped into an existing chassis. The electric Range Rover boasts an impressive 67 patents specifically related to its battery and electric setup. This extensive in-house development by JLR underscores their commitment to ensuring the electric version truly lives up to the Range Rover legacy, rather than relying on off-the-shelf solutions. This dedicated approach, while taking time, seems to have paid off in maintaining the brand's unique attributes.
A Range Rover's identity is intrinsically linked to its off-road prowess and on-road refinement. The electric version seamlessly carries this torch. Despite a different centre of gravity due to the battery placement, its off-road capabilities remain remarkably similar to the ICE model, thanks to its dual-motor setup enabling all-wheel drive. On tarmac, the benefits of a lower centre of gravity are evident, leading to even less body roll and enhanced dynamics, further aided by rear-wheel steering and sophisticated in-house developed software.
Perhaps the most significant departure from its predecessors, and a welcome one for many, is its unprecedented quietness. While the inherent silence of an electric powertrain is a given, JLR has gone further, meticulously managing NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness) levels to minimise road and wind noise within the cabin. To complement this serene environment, the "Bespoke Range Rover Sound Design" offers three distinct sound modes – Calm, Normal, and Dynamic – providing an enhanced, yet subtle, auditory experience that adds to the driving enjoyment.
While the reviewer's personal experience was from the passenger seat, the overall impression is that this electric Range Rover is a true-blue Range Rover. The anticipation for this vehicle is immense, with over 62,000 orders already placed globally, 400 of which are from the Indian market, indicating strong demand despite its anticipated premium price tag.
The electric Range Rover is poised to be a significant player in the luxury EV segment. It successfully blends the brand's established hallmarks of capability, luxury, and refinement with the advantages of an electric powertrain. While the exact India launch date and pricing are yet to be revealed, this first experience suggests that the electric Range Rover will indeed be for the "driven" – a true evolution that stays true to its roots.
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