Coventry carmaker Range Rover has launched its first all-electric Sport SUV today, with prices starting from £109,810 for the emissions-free luxury vehicle.
The new model is available to order immediately as the manufacturer moves to ditch its reputation for producing gas-guzzling Chelsea Tractors.
The electric SUV delivers 542bhp and 850Nm of torque, making it the most powerful Range Rover Sport ever produced. Range Rover promised the high-end vehicle is tuned to reward those who relish every drive.
At £109,810, the electric version costs significantly more than the entry-level petrol Range Rover Sport, which starts at £77,620. That makes the combustion engine model roughly 29 per cent cheaper than the new battery-powered vehicle.
Range Rover developed the Sport EV in parallel with the standard Range Rover Electric. The company stated the Sport EV features a body structure that is 61 per cent stiffer and a centre of gravity 73mm lower than any previous Range Rover Sport model.
Performance and chassis technology
Engineers designed the Range Rover Sport Electric to be more dynamic and more responsive than its petrol-powered counterparts. Power comes from two 260kW electric motors integrated into the MLA-Flex architecture.
The 542bhp output slightly exceeds the 540bhp produced by the V8 Sport and far surpasses the 375bhp output of the standard petrol model. The heavy vehicle accelerates from 0 to 60mph in 4.3 seconds and reaches a top speed of 124mph.
To handle off-road terrain, the vehicle retains a 900mm wading depth and a 45-degree climbing angle. Range Rover tested these capabilities among the 3,000-foot marble quarry peaks of Carrara, Italy.
The SUV comes equipped with Intelligent Traction Management, virtual all-wheel drive, Dynamic Air Suspension, and All-Wheel Steering. An electronic Active Roll Control system can apply up to 1,400Nm of force across each axle to keep the chassis composed.
Drivers can use a Dynamic Launch Mode for rapid acceleration. A distinctive acoustic sound signature provides audible feedback when switching between drive modes.
Matt Becker, vehicle engineering director at Range Rover, said:
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Range Rover Sport Electric represents an evolution in the dynamic character of Range Rover Sport, with an even greater emphasis on driver engagement and sporting response.
The stiffer architecture and lower centre of gravity, combined with precise torque control and advanced chassis technologies, creates a vehicle with sharper responses, greater agility and increased confidence.
It feels smaller, more planted and more responsive than you would imagine. All without sacrificing refinement, comfort or breadth of capability.
Battery range and charging speeds
The vehicle uses an 118.5kWh lithium-ion battery paired with ThermAssist heat management technology to preserve energy.
Official testing gives the SUV a WLTP range of 374 miles. However, Range Rover estimates drivers will achieve a real-world range of approximately 333 miles.
Built on an 800V electrical architecture, the battery recharges from 10 per cent to 80 per cent in 22 minutes. A 10-minute fast charge adds 136 miles of driving range.
Trim levels and bespoke customization
Buyers can select from three trim levels at launch. The base Dynamic SE starts at £109,810, the Autobiography trim costs £122,780, and the top-tier First Edition is priced at £126,290.
The First Edition specification includes a Zadar Grey finish with a Satin Wrap, a black contrast roof, and 22-inch alloy wheels. Optional Black Pack and Satin Wrap packages are available to create a stealthier appearance.
Customers buying the Autobiography trim gain access to the Range Rover Bespoke commissioning service. This service provides custom paint colours, unique material finishes, configuration options, and personalized embroidery.
Range Rover builds the Sport Electric at its Solihull plant in the UK on the same assembly lines used for plug-in hybrid, petrol, and diesel models. Every vehicle comes with an eight-year or 100,000-mile warranty.
Wider motoring lineup on test
The release of the Range Rover Sport Electric comes alongside tests of several other new vehicles across the market.
Volkswagen is putting its ID.Polo EV to the test to see if it can carry the weight of the iconic badge.
Kia has introduced the EV2 small SUV to test whether it has cracked the formula for compact electric crossovers.
Chinese manufacturer Geely has landed its EX2 electric car in Britain, bringing China's top-selling model to UK roads.
Vauxhall faces questions over falling UK demand for its traditional Astra family car.
Premium Chinese entrant Lepas is testing its L8 SUV to determine whether it can stand out in a crowded market.
Honda has put its Prelude two-seat hybrid coupe on trial to evaluate its driver appeal.
Norton has revived a classic British motorcycling brand with the launch of its £20,000 Manx R.
Other models appearing in recent driving trials include the £45,500 seven-seater Jaecoo 8, China's £100,000 Denza Z9GT fast-charger, Fiat's £9,000 Topolino EV, Honda's sub-£19,000 Super-N, and Polestar's £90,000 Polestar 5 performance car.
