Since the mainstream rebirth of the electric car, a litany of automakers seem to have got it in their heads that everyone wants to drive around in a battery-powered spaceship for the road. That’s perfectly fine if your surname is Jetson, but many of us don’t want to commute in lozenge-shaped screenfests. We like gear levers that work more-or-less as expected, steering wheels that are more-or-less circular, and styling that’s good rather than merely different. It’s taken nearly five years for Solihull to roll out an electric Range Rover, and it looks nearly identical to the regular one. Good.
Of course, under the skin, the electric Range Rover sports some substantial differences to combustion-powered models. None of it sounds particularly groundbreaking on first glance, though. A dual-layer battery pack with 118.5 kWh of energy capacity and a nominal voltage of 800 sits beneath the floor, feeding an electric motor on each axle with enough juice to produce 542 horsepower and 627 lb.-ft. of torque. Certainly a sufficient number, but in a league with models from Rivian and Lucid that produce more than 1,000 horsepower, it’ll leave monocles firmly in position. A zero-to-60 mph time of 4.3 seconds isn’t earth-shattering, 350 kW DC fast charging is competitive but not enormously novel, and an estimated range of 333 miles doesn’t exactly stand out either. And guess what? Standing out doesn’t matter at all here.
As long as it’s quick enough and goes far enough on a charge, the one thing an electric Range Rover has to do above everything else is be a Range Rover. At first glance, they really haven’t messed it up here. Visually, you get different wheels, a marginally different grille on any trim other than the SV models, and that’s it. The NACS charge port hides underneath a door that looks like a fuel filler flap, the lack of visible exhaust tips is shared with the combustion models, and the rest of it is 100 percent pure Range Rover. Other than a presumed quietness to its low-speed maneuvering, which shouldn’t be truly unique as a plug-in hybrid Range Rover exists, no bystander will be able to tell the difference.
It’s much the same on the inside, too. You get the same dashboard, the same steering wheel, the same infotainment system and the same shifter and drive mode selection controls as in any other Range Rover. The only tell is a virtual power-and-battery gauge where a tachometer would normally go. The electric Range Rover even comes with a start button like a normal car. If you already drive a Range Rover and are curious about going electric, there shouldn’t be any learning necessary inside the EV. Just sit back on sumptuous seats, contemplate the selection of woods and textiles, and enjoy a commanding view of the tarmac ahead.
However, before you go thinking that this is some sort of compliance car, need I remind you that a Range Rover is a bit like an Omega Speedmaster? You’ll never take your wristwatch to the moon or your electric luxury 4×4 to the Serengeti, but it’s nice to know you could. With that in mind, the tech beyond the headline specs is more interesting than you’d probably expect. For instance, Range Rover can manage motor speed in half the time it takes to blink, resulting in traction management that’s 100 times quicker than in a typical combustion-powered SUV. In addition to climbing a 45-degree slope, Range Rover claims you can come to a dead stop on a 33-degree slope and set off again in the Range Rover Electric, no problem. It will wade through more than 35 inches of water, extend its air suspension by an additional 2.36 inches if it senses flotation, and comes with a magnificently complex thermal management system that’s designed to boost actual driving range in truly inhospitable temperatures. You know how -40 is the same whether measured in Celsius or Fahrenheit?
So, then. The Range Rover Electric. It’s been a long time coming, but it still has a split tailgate and individual armrests and claims of immense capability in both the arts of exploring and cosseting. At $140,450 to start, it’s priced the same as the V8 model, accelerates ever so slightly quicker than the V8 model, and looks almost identical to the V8 model, but it’ll almost certainly be cheaper to run, and there is something nice about never having to visit a gas station in the bitter cold of winter or the blazing sun of summer. A proper Range Rover? Sure seems like it.
Top graphic image: Land Rover
I’m not into it regardless of the power train, it just looks like a bar of soap. Reminds me of a 90’s Cadillac, only with less personality. But hey, at least it’s expensive.
I love this. I’ve been saying to anyone who will listen that I just want a car that happens to be an EV, not some “reinvention of the automobile” which it feels like many EVs are trying to be.
For this reason I am considering an EV MINI Countryman for my next daily driver as it’s basically an ICE Countryman that happens to be electric.
Patting myself on the back for guesstimating that 2.36″ = 6 cm.
Uh, also, this comment box just automatically told me that 2.36″=0.0599 m. What?
Back of the toilet paper roll math.
Checks pics… OK, but it still looks like a lozenge-shaped screenfest. And why should there be a gear lever on something that has no shiftable gears? Even having a gear lever on most modern ICE cars is superfluous.
Overall, it looks good. More understated than most things these days which I like. Not my thing but I hope it sells well as a signal for other manufacturers.
The EV specs seem really good for that vehicle. Plenty of go-fast power, fast charging and if the range is realistic it should make pretty darn nice driver.
I’m curious if the EV stuff is borrowed from BMW since Land Rover has used their powertrains in the past. That company actually seems to know how to make a decent EV and given the fact that their second gen EVs are here I wonder if they’re licensing some of their first gen tech. If that’s the case this might actually be a sneaky good buy…er as much of a sneaky good buy as a $140,000 monument to conspicuous consumption can be.
…but if this is proprietary JLR stuff it’s guaranteed to be an abject disaster.
Jaguar has been doing EV stuff for a while now, so I assume they baked it in house.
These are definitely going to sell. Considering the majority of them live in the city, it makes a lot of sense.
London will be crawling with them.
A vehicle with long histories of electrical gremlins in IC form repackaged as an EV. What could possibly go wrong?
“ need I remind you that a Range Rover is a bit like an Omega Speedmaster?”
You’ll spend many times more in service bills than you do for the purchase?
Is the Omega an unreliable watch? Asking because I kinda want one.
No, it’s just the reality of mechanical watches in general. In my area a full service from an omega approved person goes for around $700. My Muhle Glaushutte is a bit less. I send my wife’s seamaster in about every 3 years for lube, seals, cleaning, and adjustment. Unlike the RR, with good care they will last forever, but the cost of care of any good automatic will exceed the purchase price of everything but the most “luxury” priced timepieces.
Extremely reliable. The service cost is usually ~$700-1000 and you’ll want to consider that at around 10 years old.
Its a mechanical chronograph so it will need annual servicing to maintain peak reliability. That ain’t cheap.
Honestly if it’s reliability you’re after just get a $20 digital Timex. Those just work till the battery runs out.
If you’re heart is set on a mechanical chronograph and you are OK with *just* the two subdials you could pick up a Seagull ST19 based chronograph:
https://rcoemwatches.com/seagull-st19-movement-guide/
Quality can vary wildly but it’s as close as you can get to an original 1960s chronograph. This movement also comes with as rich and authentic a linage as anything made in Switzerland today because it is the direct, improved descendant of the Swiss Venus 175 movement.
Omega suggest every 5-8 years which is still a little short conisdering modern lubricants have seen significant improvements.
But hey, this is how they make money.
Good to know. It’s been a long time since I checked.
Still that’s not even as long as a $20 digital Timex’s battery can last and that costs about $1 to replace in a few minutes of easy DIY. And that $20 Timex will be lighter, WAY more accurate and offer more features than any mechanical watch, especially that backlighting.
Don’t get me wrong, I love mechanical watches and I have several including my dad’s Tag Heuer Carrera he purchased in Switzerland in 1964 but as far as being a practical DD watch goes digital won that competition a LONG time ago.
Absolutely. If you just want to tell the time there are better options. But same goes for enthusiast cars – there’s almost always a better option.
Spoiler alert: It’s a Miata.
I have a $30 Casio that I bought in 2008 which is still running on its original battery.
Casio watches are great too if you like them. I find the chronograph pushers tend to be too hard and too small for my taste though.
I don’t wear watches often and I have a decent Tag that was handed down to me. I’ve thought about buying something nicer but I have a hard time getting myself to spend the money on one. I may just stick with the Tag.
I have Tag and inherited a Rolex and I don’t think either has been on my wrist since I bought a Citizen Ecodrive 15 years ago. The service costs on the Tag and Rolex got old after the first few services, whereas the Citizen has needed exactly nothing in the decade and a half. I enjoy looking at the nice watches, but, like enthusiast cars, they require a certain level of commitment and money that may not be evident before the purchase. Still, I’d love to see an Omega sitting next to my Tag and Rolex…
Have you considered learning how to service them yourself?
Momentarily, but then realized the juice probably wasn’t worth the squeeze since I don’t feel the need to wear the watches.
The heart wants what the heart wants, and the speedy has a legacy few can match. But I’ve seen love turn sour from folks reaching for their “dream” watch and then feeling burned by the upkeep. I’ve always lusted a little over the speedy coaxial moonphase watches, but yeah the ticket for that ride is steep.
A consideration if it’s more about form and function could be the Seiko speedtimer. The speedtimer also has a long heritage, is a really fine timepiece, looks a lot like a speedmaster and isn’t so precious, even in automatic form, to need to keep up with regular service.
I do like the Seikos as well, particularly the Grands…
Seconded. Even the Seiko 5s are quite good.
The only expensive chrono I am familiar with comes attached to a Porsche. /s
What, this thing?
https://www.ebay.com/itm/168310869689?_ul=US&mkevt=1&mkcid=1&mkrid=711-53200-19255-0&campid=5339131321&toolid=10001&customid=eb%3Ab%3Avms%3Aeb%3Ap%3A168310869689%3B6670fed7a9b818b7de2f944f37922c47&_trkparms=ispr%3D1&amdata=enc%3A1sKX-vroARZi69cUUdXBi-g1&loc_physical_ms=86238&loc_interest_ms=&msclkid=6670fed7a9b818b7de2f944f37922c47
I dunno, I don’t think $140k is the “right way to do” much of anything, and it needs to be more than adequate and well-rounded for that price. Rivian would have my money in this space, for $50k less.
The Bolt that Chevy is killing off (of course) strikes me as the right way to do an EV. Or the Model Y if you need rela people space and range. Yeah, I threw up in my mouth a little writing that, but as an EV it hits the target.
-Chinese EVs enter the chat.
From the sticker of my ’27 Bolt:
FOR VEHICLES IN THIS CAR LINE:
U.S./CANADIAN PARTS CONTENT: 17%
MAJOR SOURCES OF FOREIGN PARTS CONTENT: CHINA 51%
Yeah but the price on that sticker is 100% Made In USA.
Definitely, but I got $10k from the air district to dismantle my 2004 Acura TL.
?? What program was that?
Clean Cars for All. If you have any questions, please contact us at cleancars@gridalternatives.org or 855-256-3656.
Thanks. 100% Chinese EVs could be even cheaper than a Bolt though.
But think of the perceived lower status in the school pickup line? The mall parking lot? Oh the humanity!
I know! Some people put a lot of self worth in their conspicuous consumption and this could be an existential crisis for them.
Why is it the “right way”? The only thing that comes to mind is LR seems to be incapable of making things like an adult. And if… If they used competent engineers, maybe this will be at least halfway reliable.
Yeah! Looks the same, costs the same, current tech, excellent!
Looking forward to seeing these out and about!
I’ll admit that photo of it deep in the water gave me nervous sweats after reading it has 800 volts in the floor. I get it, EVs are sealed but can the British flavor of electrical gremlins breath under water? TBD
Well the British do make submarines so they CAN make EVs that can handle water.
Let’s hope that Range Rover bought a premade powertrain from a reputable supplier
Don’t worry, Lucas never actually managed to electrocute anyone.
“At $140,450 to start, it’s priced the same as the V8 model, accelerates ever so slightly quicker than the V8 model, and looks almost identical to the V8 model”
Spot on, Thomas, THIS is how you do electric! Same style, same price point, some advantages, some compromises.
At $140,450 to start is NOT The Right Way To Do An EV.
To paraphrase a term: Valueify and add cheapness
The name tracks!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MCTm4gczqP8
In the case of a Range Rover, Cheapify and add rapid depreciation.
I think a better description is that this is the right way to do an EV Range Rover.
Similar to how ford made the F150 Lightning look mostly just like a regular F150. If Ford could have kept the price in line with a comparably specced F150, maybe it would have been more successful. Ignoring all of the political, and image challenges between EVs and the pick up market in general.
My takeaway was basically, “Why can’t all EVs just be electric versions of regular cars, instead of needing weird steering wheels, gear selectors, etc?”
Why indeed?
I suppose the answer is because they’re not regular cars. EVs don’t have gear changes, they don’t shake, they don’t make noise to the point they need noisemakers for safety reasons, they don’t stink, there’s just no drama to them. So they need something else.
Do they though?
Beyond enthusiasts, does the general public want something different than the nicest crossover they can afford in grayscale? (I’m being a little cliched here)
I get that companies try to differentiate their products, but being a car, but electric would be a differentiator in a lot of classes, if the price was right. I think David said before, there are no bad cars, just bad prices, or something like that.
To a certain extent, that was the pitch of the original Tesla Model S. A near luxury car, but electric. Some of the more out there ideas like Falcon wing doors, etc came later.
I should clarify: I’m not saying my answer is correct, only that it’s the answer you’d get.
Going off of other press pics, it seems like this has NACS ports on both sides?
Same stamping for RHD and LHD to save cost? Maybe one door is a dummy panel.
There’s a large demographic of LandRover buyers who never want to pump fuel again.
But I’m not sure these same people want to plug in their car either.
That is what the footmen are for.
But at least pretend to go driving in inhospitable terrains.
Not any of the modern Range Rover buyers I know would bother to pretend to drive offroad.
They just want a luxury SUV to lease for a couple years before flipping to a newer one.
And being on the inside of the range rover, it’s a very nicely appointed vehicle. I just wouldn’t want to pay for one out of warranty.
Had an MB G580, exactly the same as the ICE just different propulsion. That said, it’s 160 mile range in a Minnesota winter is why it says had in the first sentence. Replaced it with a Rivian R1S Tri and the Rivian is vastly superior (and much cheaper). Hoping that RR actually made a good EV, and not just an electric RR with all the compromises like the MB.
Holy shit! Yeah, I agree, this is exactly how you go electric. Kudos to them. If only I had house money for a vehicle.
I appreciate the added efficiency that comes from a properly shaped aerodynamic (and sporty) design, over a tall box rolling on wheels. The physical controls are a separate and desired issue.
But it has hidden electric door handles! That makes it more efficient!
This will either be the most reliable Land Rover ever or the least, there will be no middle ground with this.
One can say that about anything coming from JLR.
Reliably bad like my golf swing.
Not everything needs to be a Tesla clone. That was tried and shown to be a failure. Nobody out-Teslas Tesla.
I’ll take the over on this being a decent used buy for $60k in three years.
If my local Jaguar/Land Rover dealer is still in business at that point, I agree this looks like a great used buy when it’s depreciated 60% in 3 years. But gonna want that dealer support, though….
Off road comparison with the Rivian?
Range Rover EV by Lucas.
My first thought, too, but thankfully JLR learned their lesson: no Lucas in this baby, it’s all in-house design and build and … in-house … oh no.
I’m sure it’ll be fine mechanically, and just have the usual electrical gremlins…oh no.
Now if JLR would only introduce a Jaguar XJ EV that performs like this and looks exactly like an upsized Series III XJ.
Wow we do not often get the pleasure of saying that RR is doing something right and potentially better than other makes. More manufactures need to just make EV that look like regular cars.
We recently got a Volt as my wife’s EVquinox lease is coming to an end this month. There is a lot to like about the Volt, but I think my favorite thing is that it just works like a car. The EVquinox couldn’t help but remind you it was an EV.