It’s time for the all-new Range Rover PHEV to be reviewed at the Fully Charged Show. Filmed in the extremes of Los Angeles and Oxfordshire to give an all- around assessment.
The Range Rover PHEV features the first plug-in hybrid powertrain from Jaguar Land Rover. It is capable of driving up to 31 miles (51km) with zero tailpipe emissions when driven in all-electric mode.
The 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 PHEV 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 Range Rover 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 vehicle can intelligently and seamlessly combine the two power sources to make efficient progress. By using its electrical energy reserves intelligently, the Range Rover PHEV 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.
All-Terrain Capability
The renowned off-road capability of the Range Rover further expands with the Range Rover PHEV, 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.
