Will the Range Rover Electric be the “most capable electric SUV” to hit the market? That's what the company promises. As the final tests close in, Range Rover's first EV is already more efficient than the iconic gas-powered model. Here's our best look at the best electric SUV.
A very capable high-end electric SUV?
Known for its luxurious design and unmatched capability, the Range Rover is preparing for a new era. As its first electric SUV is about to hit showrooms, Range Rover is putting the flagship model in the middle of the steps.
The prototypes are currently undergoing the most rigorous testing of any Range Rover ever endured in the United Arab Emirates. According to Range Rover, its first EV has already exceeded expectations.
The SUV endured Range Rover's toughest hot weather tests, with “unkind temperatures” of up to 122F (50C) and 90% humidity. Despite the extreme conditions, the Range Rover Electric “delivered impressive results, surpassing the hot test performance recorded for any Range Rover vehicle on sand.”
According to Thomas Müller, Range Rover's executive director of product engineering, the EV even outperforms its most powerful gas-powered models. Müller says:
Our tests showed that in this climate, repeatedly driving the equivalent of 328 meters (100 meters) on a climb in fine sand, the Range Rover Electric matches the performance of its ICE ratings; in some cases, even through them.
The increased performance is due to the new traction control and thermal management systems designed for the electric model.
Range Rover's first luxury EV passes the test well
Range Rover's new Intelligent Torque Management system feeds power to each electric drive controller. The company says its new technology reduces the torque reaction time at each wheel from about 100 milliseconds to 1 millisecond.
The electric SUV tackled the 300-meter “Big Red” dune in the heart of Sharjah's Al Badayer desert, completing the task “with flying colors.”
Range Rover's first EV will finally hit showrooms in 2025. Ahead of its official launch, the company continues to “refine and create the epitome of Range Rover luxury.”
At the end of October, the Range Rover Electric had more than 48,000 customers on the waiting list. Range Rover said its new in-house electric powertrain will help push the brand “beyond its already popular performance in low-impact areas, ensuring universality, climate, and global energy.”
It looks like the SUV has already fulfilled its promise. With an expected wading depth of 33.8″ (850 mm), the first Range Rover EV can wade into deeper water than the massive 32″ GMC Hummer EV.
Range Rover is expected to launch a smaller version of the Sport after the high-end electric SUV. As it starts to emerge from the corner, the Range Rover Sport EV was caught testing at the Nurburgring (see video here).
After that another compact electric SUV will enter the market, possibly the Range Rover Velar. The expected Velar EV was also recently spotted on a transporter near JLR's Nurburgring testing facility.
FTC: We use auto affiliate links to earn income. More.
