Land Rover announced updates to the Range Rover model lineup for the 2019 model year. Updates include the introduction of a new P400e plug-in hybrid electric powertrain, Wade Sensing system and expanded Advanced Driver Assistance System functionality.
The 2019 Range Rover P400e is priced at $95,150, while the 2019 Range Rover Sport P400e is priced at $78,300 excluding $995 destination/handling charge.
The Range Rover P400e and Range Rover Sport P400e features the first plug-in hybrid powertrain from Jaguar Land Rover. The P400e is capable of driving up to 31 miles (51km) with zero tailpipe emissions when driven in all-electric mode.
The P400e powertrain combines an advanced 296hp (221kW) turbocharged four-cylinder Ingenium gasoline engine with an 114hp (105kW) electric motor. This transformational technology is powered by an advanced 13.1kWh lithium-ion battery giving a total available power output of 398hp (297kW) from the permanent four-wheel drive (4WD) system.
Together they propel the Range Rover P400e from 0-60mph in 6.4 seconds (0-100km/h in 6.8 seconds) and to a top speed of 137mph. With an impressive 472 lb-ft of torque, the PHEV powertrain mixes dynamic and sustainable performance with traditional Range Rover capability, comfort and refinement.
The combination of Ingenium gasoline and electric power can be used in two driving modes: Parallel Hybrid mode (the default driving mode) and EV mode.
In Parallel Hybrid mode the P400e can intelligently and seamlessly combine the two power sources to make efficient progress. By using its electrical energy reserves intelligently, the P400e provides the power and capability customers demand from a Range Rover.
On longer journeys, customers can use the ‘SAVE’ function to deploy the EV-only range for a specific part of their journey, for example, when entering congested urban areas.
The access point for the 7kW on-board charging socket is located behind the Land Rover badge on right of the grille, at the front of the vehicle, while the 13.1kWh prism-shaped lithium-ion battery is mounted at the rear beneath the trunk floor – a full charge can be achieved in approximately 2 hours and 45 mins using a 220V/32Amp dedicated charger.
The PHEV model is available a home charging lead, which connects to domestic power supplies, as standard.
Timed charging is also available via the vehicle’s infotainment system, which allows owners to choose the most appropriate time to begin charging.
Owners can monitor the charging status via two illuminated strips that sit on either side of the charging socket. A white light signifies the vehicle is connected and charging has not started, while a blue light indicates that timed charging is set but not underway. A flashing green signal shows the car is charging, while a solid green light indicates the battery is full.
Customers can use the Land Rover InControl Remote app to remotely monitor the charge status, receiving alerts if there is an error or if the charging cable has been removed.
The gasoline engine and electric motor of the P400e have been calibrated to work in perfect harmony, with two charge management functions available when in Parallel Hybrid mode:
– Predictive Energy Optimization (PEO) helps to make the most of both power sources and is activated when the driver enters a destination into the navigation system. By analyzing the traffic, gradient of the route and whether it is an urban or rural environment, the PHEV system is designed to seamlessly combine electric and gasoline engine power to optimize efficiency. This is not available when the vehicle is in Sport mode.
– The driver-selectable SAVE mode is accessed through the vehicle’s touchscreen and maintains battery charge at the point of activation. At this point, the vehicle will only use the electric motor once it has replenished enough energy via regenerative braking or charging, allowing customers to conserve electric power to be used on a specific part of their journey.
The operation of the PHEV powertrain is supported by an advanced eight-speed automatic transmission, which features lightweight construction and delivers the supreme refinement and assured responses expected from the Range Rover.
All-Terrain Capability
The renowned off-road capability of the Range Rover further expands with the P400e, as its electric motor offers greater control of torque from a standstill. This facilitates improved low-speed control and superior pull-away on low-grip surfaces. The low range transmission can also be operated in pure EV mode; bringing luxurious refinement to all-terrain journeys. The Land Rover Terrain Response 2 technology is also able to distribute torque from the electric motor – which has no creep speed and maximum torque from zero rpm – to all four wheels. This assists with greater control during low-speed off-road maneuvers, reaffirming the vehicle’s outstanding breadth of capability.
Handling and performance across remainder of the model range can also be managed via a series of Terrain Response 2 programs. This includes a Comfort mode, which calibrates the suspension settings to optimize ride comfort, while the Dynamic setting is designed to give the driver a more dynamic ride. These modes exist alongside Grass Gravel Snow, Mud/Ruts, Sand, Rock Crawl and Eco settings.
In Eco mode, the driver receives instantaneous feedback and guidance on driving more efficiently, while minimizing electrical power consumption and highlighting the effects of certain features on fuel efficiency. It also softens the throttle pedal response, modifies the automatic transmission shift pattern and switches off heating for the door mirrors, steering wheel and seats to optimize fuel efficiency.
The Range Rover also benefits from the brand’s unique Low Traction Launch System, which helps to exploit available traction when pulling away on low-traction surfaces. Unlike All-Terrain Progress Control, the company’s all-terrain cruise control technology, Low Traction Launch initiates a unique throttle map to provide a more usable torque curve. The system is specifically designed to help drivers pull-away from a standstill on slippery surfaces such as wet grass, loose gravel and snow.
Hill Descent Control is also fitted as standard, while excellent ground clearance and a smooth underfloor help the vehicle negotiate rough terrain.
Wading capability for the P400e is also uncompromised with a maximum depth of 35.4in (900mm). For water wading, it is recommended that the Ingenium gasoline engine is running to prevent water entering the exhaust system.
For 2019MY, a Wade Sensing system will now be offered as an option on all US Range Rover derivatives. The system provides real-time wading depth information relative to the maximum wading capability for the current location of the vehicle. Using sensors on the underside of the door mirrors, the system reports this information to the driver via a dedicated display on the vehicle’s touchscreen. The system also provides the driver an indication of the vehicle’s position/angle, and can estimate when the vehicle is potentially going into deeper water or coming out of the water. The driver is able to turn on the Wade Sensing feature using a soft button in the 4x4i menu.
