Car Reviews

Range Rover Electric First Drive Review: Luxury meets Electrification

The Range Rover Electric brings an all-electric powertrain to the brand’s flagship luxury SUV without changing its familiar design or off-road focus. After driving it on the roads and trails of Scotland, the biggest takeaway is that it remains a Range Rover first and an EV second.

Familiar Design, New Powertrain

The electric model retains the standard Range Rover’s silhouette, with subtle changes to the grille and EV badging. Inside, the familiar luxurious cabin, large displays and commanding driving position remain. The First Edition features light-toned trim and dark open-pore wood, while the SV Bespoke programme offers extensive customisation.

Performance and Range

The SUV gets dual electric motors, one on each axle, with an intelligent all-wheel-drive system.

Key specifications:

  • Battery: 118.5 kWh
  • Power: 542hp
  • Torque: 850 Nm
  • 0-100 km/h: 4.7 seconds
  • Top speed: 200 km/h
  • Claimed range: Up to 600 km (WLTP)

On the road, instant torque makes the large SUV feel effortless. Suspension calibration manages its additional weight well, while improved noise insulation contributes to a quieter cabin than the combustion-powered model.

Range Rover claims the battery can charge from 20 to 80 per cent in under 20 minutes.

Off-Road Capability

The electric Range Rover retains the brand’s focus on tackling difficult terrain. Although its ground clearance is around 20 mm lower than the conventional model, adjustable ride height and a claimed 900 mm wading depth support its off-road credentials.

Electronic traction management replaces the need for conventional locking differentials, distributing power to maintain grip across mud, gravel, rocks and slush. During the drive, the SUV handled these challenges with the comfort and control expected of a Range Rover.

Also watch: https://youtu.be/WeJ9omIohXw?si=KGFF2N6uAnrySE3s

Verdict

The Range Rover Electric does not try to reinvent the brand’s identity. Instead, it combines familiar luxury and off-road capability with instant electric performance. Its real-world range and charging experience will be important considerations for buyers, but the first drive suggests that the transition to electric power has done little to dilute the Range Rover character.

Jeevan Boby

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