Range Rover’s first EV: A game-changer for luxury electric SUVs?

Range Rover EV
Range Rover EV

Range Rover, the iconic British brand known for its luxurious and capable SUVs, is set to launch its first electric vehicle (EV) next year. The new Range Rover Electric, based on the existing gas-powered model, promises to be the “quietest and most refined Range Rover ever created” ¹. But what makes this EV so special, and why are over 16,000 buyers already on the waiting list ¹?

Design and performance

The Range Rover Electric will retain the classic design elements of its predecessors, such as the upright grille, the clamshell hood, and the floating roof. However, it will also feature some distinctive touches, such as a sleeker front fascia, a full-width LED light bar at the rear, and a charging port on the front fender. The interior will be spacious and luxurious, with premium materials, digital displays, and advanced technology ⁴.

The Range Rover Electric will be powered by an 800-volt architecture, which will enable ultra-fast charging and high performance. The EV will have similar performance and all-terrain capabilities (if not more) than the V-8-powered Range Rover, according to the company. Range Rover said it will ensure towing, wading, and all-terrain tech will “surpass any other luxury electric SUV” ¹. The EV will be able to wade through up to 33.4 inches of water, which is only slightly less than the gas-fed models ⁴.

Range Rover EV
Range Rover EV stearing

The Range Rover Electric will also benefit from the Modular Longitudinal Architecture (MLA Flex) platform, which is designed to accommodate different powertrains, including gas, hybrid, and electric. The platform will also provide improved handling, agility, and efficiency for the EV ⁴.

Testing and production

The Range Rover Electric is currently undergoing prototype testing, which involves driving in extreme temperatures, various driving conditions and terrains, and wading through deep water. The company has released some images that tease the look of the upcoming EV, showing it covered in camouflage and testing equipment ⁴.

Range Rover EV
Range Rover EV back

The Range Rover Electric will be built at the company’s factory in Solihull, UK, alongside the mild and extended-range PHEV Range Rover. The batteries and electric drive units will be assembled at JLR’s new Electric Propulsion Manufacturing plant in Wolverhampton, UK ¹. The company expects to launch the EV next year as a 2025 model ⁴.

Demand and competition

The Range Rover Electric has already generated a lot of interest and demand from customers, who can now get on the waiting list for pre-orders. According to the company, the new electric Range Rover has over 16,000 buyers on the waitlist ¹. This shows the strong appeal and potential of the EV, especially in the luxury segment.

However, the Range Rover Electric will also face some stiff competition from other electric SUVs, such as the Tesla Model X, the Audi e-tron, the Mercedes-Benz EQC, and the upcoming BMW iX. These rivals offer similar or better performance, range, and features, and some of them have lower prices than the expected $100,000-plus price tag of the Range Rover Electric ⁴.

Conclusion

The Range Rover Electric is a highly anticipated and promising EV that aims to combine the best of both worlds: luxury and capability. The EV will offer a refined and spacious interior, a powerful and efficient electric drivetrain, and a versatile and rugged platform. The EV will also have a loyal and eager fan base, who are willing to pay a premium for the Range Rover brand and experience. However, the EV will also have to prove itself against some formidable competitors, who have already established themselves in the electric SUV market. The Range Rover Electric will be a game-changer for luxury electric SUVs, but only if it can deliver on its promises and expectations.

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