Land Rover has taken the wraps off its facelift for the Range Rover and added a new plug-in hybrid variant to the SUV’s line-up.
The Range Rover PHEV is the second model to receive a plug-in hybrid engine following the Range Rover Sport PHEV, which uses an identical powertrain. The two new petrol-electric SUVs will lead Jaguar Land Rover’s bid to have an electrified version of every model in their range by 2020.
The plug-in hybrid Range Rover, named the P400e, is powered by a 300hp, 2.0-litre four-cylinder Ingenium petrol unit along with a 116hp electric motor. The total output of 403hp available is transmitted to all-four-wheels. An all-electric range of 50km is claimed.
The P400e, which is offered in both standard and long-wheelbase styles, replaces the SDV6 Hybrid Diesel powertrain that was previously offered in international markets.
JLR vehicle line director Nick Collins said: “[The PHEV] isn’t simply a no-compromise solution. It builds on the traditions of our flagship SUV and delivers heightened refinement and comfort with impressive performance and efficiency.”
The P400e comes with two driving modes – Parallel Hybrid, which is the default mode, and EV.
Parallel Hybrid mode combines petrol and electric drive and allows the driver to optimise battery charge or fuel economy. It comes with features such as the Save function that prevents battery charge from dropping below a pre-selected level and a Predictive Energy Optimisation function. The latter system needs a destination registered in the navigation system that then uses GPS data to optimise switching between the electric motor and petrol engine to maximise fuel economy.
The hybrid’s 13.1kWh lithium-ion battery is mounted at the rear beneath the boot floor, decreaswing boot space compared to the standard model. Charging cable access is behind the Land Rover badge on the right of the front grille. Land Rover claims charging the battery to 100 percent can take as little as two hours and 45 minutes via a special home wall box, but a standard charge takes seven hours and 30 minutes.
The facelift also comes with a range-topping SVAutobiography Dynamic variant, which gets a 5.0-litre supercharged petrol V8 with 565hp and 700Nm of peak torque. Created by the Special Vehicles Operation division, the range-topper has a new chassis calibration that optimises performance as an alternative to the standard Comfort mode. This lowers the ride height by 8mm and is designed to “heighten driver engagement without compromising comfort”, according to the British manufacturer.
The interiors of the top-spec variant have been revamped significantly. Gerry McGovern, Land Rover's design director, commented on the cabin saying, "This interior is a revelation, rest assured".
The facelifted top-of-the-line trim also gets an exclusive mesh grille with chrome inserts and a new rear bumper with integrated exhaust pipes.
V6 and V8, petrol and diesel engines will be available alongside the SVAutobiography Dynamic and P400e in the Range Rover’s international line-up.
Design changes on the facelift include a revised grille with gloss black surround and a new front bumper. At the rear, the revamped bumper integrates the exhaust tailpipes in all variants. Land Rover also offers six new alloy wheel designs, two new metallic paint colours (Rossello Red and Byron Blue) and four LED headlamp options.
The changes in the cabin see equipment borrowed from the Velar and include the Touch Pro Duo infotainment system that features two 10.0-inch touchscreens on the central console. The front seats feature new frames and heated armrests. The British manufacturer also offers up to 17 connection points, including domestic plug sockets and USB, as well as 4G wi-fi hotspots for up to eight devices in the SUV.
In international markets, the Range Rover rivals the likes of the Mercedes-Benz GLS, BMW X5 and Audi Q7. While Land Rover sells the pre-facelift model in India with prices starting at Rs 2.10 crore (on-road, Delhi), it remains to be seen when the new one will arrive in the country.
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