Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has opened the order books for the electric Range Rover in India, which will be the second electric vehicle (EV) for JLR but the first one fully developed and produced in-house. The bookings are open for the standard wheelbase Range Rover Electric in the Autobiography specification, long wheelbase in the SV, SV Ultra, and the SV Black variants, and a First Edition in the standard wheelbase. While the India prices are still under wraps, the fully imported Range Rover Electric SUV is expected to arrive in India as a competitor to the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV, Volvo EX90, and the BMW iX.
Powertrain and Performance: “V8 Levels of Power” in an EV!
The Range Rover Electric is powered by a dual-motor all-wheel-drive propulsion system, which puts out the combined power of two permanent-magnet motors. These deliver the “V8 levels of power,” which is 405 kW (543-550 hp) and 850 Nm of torque. This power results in 0-100 km/h time of 4.5 seconds for the standard and 4.7 seconds for the long wheelbase variant. The mid-range performance is also noteworthy, with the 80-120 km/h interval covered in 2.7-2.9 seconds for the respective variants, and a top speed of 200 km/h.
Battery, Range, and 800V Fast Charging
The Range Rover Electric utilizes a double-stacked 118.5 kWh lithium-ion battery pack with 344 prismatic cells in a T-shaped layout, forming a large 800-volt electrical architecture. The battery pack has a claimed WLTP range of up to 600 km, with the real-world range coming in at 535 km on a standard route. On the other hand, the EPA-rated range in the US would be 333 miles (536 km).
The Range Rover Electric has a claimed charging capability of up to 350 kW, and on a compatible 350 kW DC charger, it can charge from 10 to 80 percent in 22 minutes. Furthermore, a 10-minute charge will provide the Range Rover Electric with 220 km of range on a single charge. The battery pack supports the maximum charging speed of 250 kW on a 400-volt DC charging station.
Off-Road Capabilities: 900mm Wading and Terrain Response!
One of the most frequent questions about the Range Rover Electric has been about its off-road prowess and whether it will be able to live up to the “go anywhere” image of the internal combustion engine (ICE) Range Rovers. According to JLR, the Range Rover Electric has been developed to deliver the same level of off-road performance as its ICE counterparts, with a maximum wading depth of 900 mm.
The electric Range Rover features an innovative MLA-Flex platform, which enables a high degree of flexibility in terms of the placement of the battery and motors, providing a flat floor and excellent ground clearance. Electronic Terrain Response system provides the driver with a variety of drive modes, as well as torque, and traction control to tackle various terrains. The Range Rover Electric also features a low-range gearbox, which provides the additional mechanical advantage when driving on challenging terrain.
Read this- Kia India Records Best-Ever August Wholesale at 29,042 Units, Up 48.1% YoY
Variants and First Edition Details for India
In India, JLR is set to offer the Range Rover Electric in multiple variants, including the standard wheelbase in the Autobiography specification, the long wheelbase in the SV, SV Ultra, and the SV Black variants, and a First Edition in the standard wheelbase. The First Edition model will apparently be available in special exterior paint colors, including the Belgravia Green, Santorini Black, and the Varesine Blue, and special interior trim.
The SV, and the SV Black variants, on the other hand, will apparently be positioned as the performance and ultimate luxury variants, with extended customization options available for the interested buyers. The exact specifications for the variants for India, including the wheel sizes, suspension, and equipment, are still awaited.
Interior, Tech, and Luxury Details
While the interior, tech, and luxury details for the India-spec Range Rover Electric are still under wraps, it is worth noting that globally, the Range Rover Electric offers an interior similar to the ICE models, with a strong focus on luxury and spaciousness. The interior features fine leather upholstery, ambient lighting, climate control, and front-seat massage functions, while the infotainment system has a higher resolution and over-the-air updates.
Furthermore, as the flagship EV offering from JLR, the Range Rover Electric will also feature a long list of driver assistance technologies, including adaptive cruise control, automated parking, 360-degree cameras, and other convenience features. The car will also offer superb noise insulation and comfort, with the characteristics of a long-distance cruiser.
India launch details and competition
Since the Range Rover Electric will be imported to India, it is safe to assume that its prices in India will be on the higher end of the spectrum. While JLR has not officially stated the India prices, the expected on-road prices would be higher than what the customers would have to pay for the comparable luxury EVs in the country. In any case, the starting prices for the Range Rover Electric globally are expected to be in the region of USD 138000-140000 before the destination charges, which will further add to the final price in India.
In terms of competition, the Range Rover Electric is expected to take on the likes of the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV, Volvo EX90, and the BMW iX in India, with the EV offering from JLR bringing in the combination of luxury, performance, longer range, and the recognizable brand image, and the electric powertrain with the 800V architecture with a range of up to 600 km on a single charge, with 350 kW of fast-charging support.
The electric Range Rover is a flagship product for JLR India, as it continues to lead the ultra-luxury SUV class. This offering will enable JLR to maintain its position as a leader in the luxury EV segment in India and demonstrate its commitment to electrification. Additionally, the fully electric Range Rover will complement the existing contract-manufactured Jaguar I-Pace, providing a much-needed range extender for JLR’s EV portfolio.
Watch this-
