Range Rover says EVs won’t cut corners on luxury or performance

Range Rover is venturing into the electric vehicle space with its first-ever electric model. Set to arrive in 2025, this battery-powered luxury 4x4 will challenge the likes of the Mercedes-Benz G580 and other high-end electric SUVs that combine opulence with all-terrain capability.

While retaining the iconic Range Rover aesthetic, the EV version will undergo significant modifications. It will use a modified version of the MLA platform, housing a large battery pack in its floor. This required a redesign of the rear suspension, ensuring ample space for the battery without compromising the vehicle's renowned off-road skills.

Although the exact powertrain configuration remains under wraps, Range Rover confirms a dual-motor setup with one motor driving each axle, providing the all-wheel-drive capability that adventurers crave.

The absence of a combustion engine will usher in a new era of serenity for Range Rover. EVs are inherently quiet, promising an unparalleled level of refinement within the lavishly appointed cabin. For many Range Rover buyers, this heightened sense of luxury trumps outright off-road performance, making the electric model an enticing proposition.

Earlier this year, Range Rover offered a glimpse of the EV prototype undergoing rigorous testing in the Arctic Circle. Photos showcased the vehicle navigating icy landscapes and charging in sub-zero temperatures. The company revealed that the EV will boast an 800-volt architecture, providing rapid charging from 10 to 80% in just 30 minutes. It will also feature a wading depth of over 33.4 inches, slightly less than its gasoline counterpart.

While Range Rover remains tight-lipped about the battery's exact capacity, expectations are high for a battery pack of 100 kWh or more. The Mercedes EQG 580, a direct competitor, boasts a 124 kWh battery, delivering up to 290 miles of range. Range Rover's EV is likely to offer a comparable or even superior range.

Production of the electric Range Rover will take place at the company's Solihull plant in the UK, alongside other models like the Range Rover Sport and Velar. Even with limited information available, the electric Range Rover has already amassed an impressive 42,000 reservations, signaling strong demand for this luxurious and capable electric SUV. Range Rover is also developing an electric counterpart to its Velar model, for those looking for a sportier and more road-focused driving experience.

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