Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) is gearing up for the launch of its first all-electric Range Rover. A brand synonymous with luxury and off-road prowess, the move into electric territory is both highly anticipated and laden with high expectations.
Even before the official unveiling, the excitement has been palpable, with over 42,000 reservations made. Despite this overwhelming demand, potential buyers have yet to see the fully revealed model.
In April, JLR provided a glimpse of the electric Range Rover during a cold-weather testing session, hinting at its sleek yet robust design. Maintaining the iconic Range Rover aesthetic was crucial for JLR as it enters the electric vehicle (EV) market, especially since this transition marks a significant chapter for the brand. The electric Range Rover is designed to retain the distinctive look and feel that has defined the luxury SUV for decades, ensuring that long-time fans and new customers will both recognise it instantly.
A Steady Surge in Interest
The buzz around the electric Range Rover has steadily grown since JLR confirmed its development. Back in February, the waitlist had reached an impressive 16,000 reservations. But by June, following a presentation at JLR’s Investor Day, that number had surged to 38,000. The model has also generated an enormous amount of online interest, with over 186 million views on social media, underscoring the level of enthusiasm for this new chapter in Range Rover’s story.
JLR’s Chief Operating Officer, Lennard Hoonik, recently spoke to MotorTrend about the importance of staying true to the brand’s core values. “The electric Range Rover has to be a Range Rover first,” Hoonik explained. “Even if you have your eyes closed, it shouldn’t matter if it’s a V-8 or an EV. It must be a true Range Rover.” His comments highlight the company’s commitment to ensuring that, despite the shift to an electric powertrain, the Range Rover experience—luxury, comfort, and off-road capability—remains unchanged.
The Range Rover EV spotted testing at the Nurburgring track by Carwow.
Performance that Matches the Brand’s Legacy
JLR is not just focusing on aesthetics; the electric Range Rover is set to deliver impressive performance on par with its internal combustion engine (ICE) counterparts. The new model will feature an innovative propulsion system designed to excel on low-grip terrains, ensuring that the electric version remains capable in all weather and on all surfaces. It will also debut an advanced traction control system that enhances the SUV’s all-terrain capabilities, further reinforcing the notion that the electric model is no mere “mall crawler.”
One of the standout features of the new model is its potential aquatic capabilities. Early data suggests the electric Range Rover may be able to wade through up to 33.8 inches (850 mm) of water, surpassing even the GMC Hummer EV. If accurate, this would place the electric Range Rover at the top of the market for luxury electric SUVs with off-road abilities, merging rugged functionality with cutting-edge technology. Perhaps not as impressive as the YangWang U8’s ability to actually ‘swim’, but pretty good nonetheless.
Electric Range Rover Spotted During Testing
The camera-shy electric Range Rover has been spotted undergoing rigorous testing at Germany’s famed Nürburgring racetrack, however. The prototype, seen with minimal camouflage, provides a sneak peek at what’s to come. Notable design tweaks include a closed-off grille and the absence of tailpipes—key indicators of its electric powertrain. Beyond these changes, the electric Range Rover looks strikingly similar to its ICE counterparts, maintaining the brand’s sleek, refined styling.
The prototype also sported larger alloy wheels with a double multi-spoke pattern and a black finish, suggesting a sporty, modern look for the final model. Speculation is rife that these wheels, possibly paired with high-performance tyres from Pirelli, could make it to the production version.
Luxury Meets Sustainability
Details about the vehicle’s powertrain remain under wraps, but JLR has confirmed that it will be equipped with advanced traction control technology that enhances its driving dynamics. Like other electric vehicles, the Range Rover Electric will benefit from instant torque, adding a new dimension to the driving experience. While this model will likely appeal to those who prioritise luxury over rugged off-roading, it is expected to retain the Range Rover’s renowned capability, making it an attractive option for both performance enthusiasts and eco-conscious drivers.
Land Rover’s reputation for luxury has, at times, been marred by concerns about reliability. Potential buyers will be watching closely to see if the electric version can uphold the brand’s prestige while avoiding the issues that have plagued some previous models. The electric Range Rover is set to debut soon, and JLR will be hoping that it not only meets expectations but also sets a new standard for electric luxury SUVs.
A Milestone for Land Rover
The introduction of the all-electric Range Rover represents a significant milestone, not just for Land Rover, but for the luxury SUV market as a whole. With the global shift towards electric mobility, this model looks set to combine the best of Range Rover’s legacy with the sustainability and performance benefits of electric power.
