Range Rover Electric: luxury SUV comes with 800-volt technology and 350 kW

Jaguar Land Rover has unveiled its first fully electric luxury SUV, the Range Rover Electric, which will debut with cutting-edge technology and performance specifications designed to rival traditional internal combustion engine models. The vehicle features an 800-volt high-voltage system, a powerful battery pack, and dual electric motors delivering up to 404 kilowatts of power and 850 Newton-meters of torque. According to the manufacturer, the car will be available in the UK by late 2026, with additional markets following in 2027. The base price in Britain starts at £154,070, while European buyers can expect entry-level prices comparable to the V8-powered Autobiography model, estimated around €175,000. The Range Rover Electric builds upon the legacy of the brand's iconic nameplate, which was introduced in 1970 as a luxurious alternative to rugged off-road vehicles. Over time, the Range Rover evolved into a symbol of status rather than practicality, despite retaining its capability to navigate challenging terrain. This new all-electric version maintains that tradition while incorporating advanced engineering to enhance both performance and efficiency. The vehicle is based on an updated version of Jaguar Land Rover’s modular MLA platform, which allows for greater flexibility in design and functionality. At the heart of the Range Rover Electric is a high-capacity battery composed of 344 prismatic NMC cells arranged in a double-stacked cell-to-pack configuration. The battery holds approximately 118.5 kWh, enabling a claimed range of up to 599 kilometers under the Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP). Under more realistic driving conditions, this figure drops slightly to around 536 kilometers. The vehicle’s electrical system includes silicon carbide inverters and a newly developed Electric Drive Unit, which the company claims improves torque output by 20 percent and overall efficiency by 24 percent compared to previous generations used in plug-in hybrid models. One of the standout features of the Range Rover Electric is its rapid charging capability. It supports direct current (DC) fast charging at up to 350 kilowatts, allowing the battery to charge from 10 to 80 percent in approximately 22 minutes. A ten-minute charge at a high-power charging station provides an additional 200 to 220 kilometers of range according to WLTP standards. On alternating current (AC) charging, the vehicle can draw up to 22 kilowatts three-phase power, a feature currently rare among electric vehicles and beneficial for occasional home charging. Inside, the Range Rover Electric retains the brand’s signature emphasis on practicality and driver-focused ergonomics. The interior design is straightforward yet refined, featuring a low-mounted infotainment screen and a well-placed instrument cluster with a protective shield. The steering wheel layout follows traditional off-road driving conventions, with thumb rests positioned for ease of control during off-road maneuvers. Compared to other premium electric SUVs, the Range Rover Electric offers superior charging speeds. While the Mercedes EQE maxes out at 170 kW and requires 30 to 32 minutes to charge from 10 to 80 percent, the BMW iX3 achieves 400 kW in 21 minutes, and the Audi Q8 e-tron operates at 170 kW with similar charging times. The Mercedes GLC 400, equipped with an 800-volt system, charges faster but offers a smaller 94-kWh battery and a lower starting price, albeit less luxurious than the Range Rover Electric. The transition from plug-in hybrid models to a fully electric drivetrain marks a significant shift in the Range Rover lineup. Previous versions featured batteries ranging from 40 to 50 kWh, operating at 400 volts, with mechanical all-wheel drive systems. In contrast, the new electric variant boasts a much larger battery capacity, higher voltage system, and an electric dual-motor setup replacing the conventional mechanical system. The increase in DC charging capability from 50 to 80 kW in existing plug-in hybrids to 350 kW in the new model represents a substantial leap forward in terms of convenience and usability. The Range Rover Electric also incorporates the latest iteration of Jaguar Land Rover’s Pivi Pro infotainment system, offering enhanced connectivity, navigation, and multimedia capabilities. This system integrates seamlessly with the vehicle’s advanced driver assistance technologies, including the Terrain Response system and air suspension, which have long been hallmarks of the Range Rover brand. These features ensure the vehicle maintains its reputation for both comfort and off-road capability, even in its fully electric form.