There has been much talk of Jaguar Land Rover’s electrification plans recently, but only now are we able to give a verdict on one of its plug-in products. And what a way to start – with the PHEV version of its range-topping Range Rover.
If ever there was a car that should suit electrification, it’s the Range Rover. The silent progress afforded by an electric motor should work well with the latest Model Year updates, which have been designed to boost luxury levels in the firm’s most opulent car.
Said updates include a new Velar-inspired grille and bumper, as well as new Pixel-Laser lights, which can project up to 500m into the distance. At the rear, the exhausts have been integrated into the bumper, while new tail-lamps complete the look. Two new colours and new wheels designs are available for 2018 cars, as well a pair of styling packs.
The Range Rover P400e uses a 13.1kWh battery, which offers 31 miles of full-electric range. In reality that’s likely to be closer to 25 miles, but either way, you can’t argue with the low CO2 emissions. Owners can top up using a rapid charger in under three hours.
The battery works alongside a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine to give a combined power output of 399bhp and 640Nm, which means the Range Rover PHEV can do 0-60mph in just 6.4 seconds – a shade faster than the V8 diesel version.
As with all plug-in hybrids, they are of most use in and around town where the electric power does its best work and the batteries can be constantly topped up with regular use of the brakes. The big 2,509kg Range Rover will accelerate quickly and quietly under electric power, although we noticed hesitations in the power delivery.
The brakes take some getting used to, as well. As with all brakes that have to stop the car and harvest power at the same time, they aren’t as immediately responsive as you might be used to. We were driving a prototype car, however, and bosses insist improvements will be made when production models arrive next year.
With the electric motor sited in the gearbox, you get EV-power through all four wheels, which helps off-road, too. There’s even now a comfort mode to the ‘Terrain Response 2’ system, which aims to soften the blow over badly surfaced streets. It works, too, as the new SUV wafts wonderfully.
Once you’ve exhausted all the electric power, the petrol engine joins in seamlessly. Floor the throttle and you’ll notice that a 2.0-litre petrol engine and a large SUV are not the happiest of bedfellows, however. That wonderfully hushed environment you’d been enjoying up to now is interrupted by a harsh and raucous engine note, while the fuel economy will take a dive, too. In reality, the claimed 101mpg figure is something of a pipe dream on longer journeys.
However, if most of your mileage is done locally, the P400e is a different beast. Here, it’s a better than the V8 diesel – especially given the tiny premium of around £200 across the range. In Autobiography trim as tested here, however, it’s an eye-watering £105,865 – and LWB cars are more still.
Elsewhere, the 2018 improvements have concentrated on refining an already refined car. The windows are thicker and there’s noise-cancelling tech, while the seats are now wider and feature memory foam with more massage functions. If you go for the luxury Rear Executive Class seating, you even get heated arm and footrests, as well as a backrest that reclines by up to 40 degrees.
Up front, there’s a stylish Velar-style dual-screen infotainment system, although there’s still no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. That said, you can get a 4G WiFi hotspot for up to eight devices, as well a gesture-controlled sun blind.
- Model: Range Rover 2.0L Si4 PHEV Autobiography
- Price: £105,865
- Engine: 2.0-litre turbo petrol plus 85 kw electric motor
- Power/torque: 399bhp/640Nm
- Transmission: Eight-speed automatic, four-wheel-drive
- 0-60mph: 6.4secs
- Top speed: 137mph
- Economy/CO2: 101mpg/64g/km
- On sale: Now
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