The Range Rover gets a mid-life cycle update. Before you argue it’s “subtle,” there’s a new plug-in hybrid variant that’s been added to the mix. If you’ve been looking for a chic off-roader (with electric power), read on.
The newly facelifted Range Rover now has a cleaner look to it. With minor changes around the lights and bumpers. But on the inside, thats where the more noticeable changes are laid out.
Plugging in
But the biggest change to the posh 4WD is an added model to the range, the P400e plug-in hybrid variant which combines a 2.0L turbocharged Ingenium four-cylinder petrol engine which churns out 300bhp and 400Nm of torque and is combined to an electric motor which produces 116bhp.
All of this when routed to the ZF-sourced eight speed automatic puts out a total power output of 404bhp and 640Nm of torque. Capable of propelling the Range Rover from 0-100kmph in just 6.8 seconds with a top speed of 220kmph. Sounds tempting doesn’t it?
More on the PHEV, the electric motor has a range of 51km and is neatly tucked under the boot floor. Also, the P400e can travel up to 137km/h in full-EV mode, that is of course when driven carefully.
Driving in EV has two different modes. A Parallel Hybrid or EV mode. The former being a energy-reserving Save function as well as a Predictive Energy Opimisation that uses the car’s navigation system to optimise battery usage. For charging, there is a port hidden behind the front grille.
To fully charge the P400e, it will take seven and a half hours when using a domestic socket. However, there is a faster charging method and that is by a 32 A charge point reducing the charge time to just 2 hours and 45 minutes.
Design wise, the front of the Range Rover sees a new headlight design which features the optional Pixel-laser LED technology. It uses 144 individual LEDs and also four laser diodes which are capable of turning off individually to avoid dazzling other road users.
The grille of the Range Rover has the same styling a that on the Range Rover Velar. The taillights now feature larger graphics and all models will receive bumper embedded tailpipes.
Chic interior
Moving on to the interior, new wider seats are to be found, with the purpose of better ingress and egress. They also incorporate deeper foams and new seat interlayers.
As standard, the front passenger seat now come with memory function and heating as standard on all models. Also available is a new hot stone massage function. Another change is the seat controls which have been moved to the door panels for easier usage. Mercedes Benz wannabe?
Looking at the centre console, its pretty much the same as the Velar. With the retractable Touch Pro Duo screen which has twin 10 inch HD screen for the car’s infotainment system and another for the climate control. There’s also seat and vehicle settings which are also controlled by the twin rotary Dynamic dials.
Other new features include an improved voice control system which comes with English and Mandarin recognition. Also, twin rear touchscreens, gesture controlled sun blinds, Nanoe air purification, and centre console fridges.
The Activity Key from the Jaguar F-Pace is also optional for the new Range Rover. This allows owners to lock their car with the actual key inside it.
Safety first
For safety, the new Range Rover comes with autonomous emergency braking (AEB) and lane departure warning as standard. A few packs are available. The Drive Pack adds blind-spot monitoring, driver condition monitor and traffic sign recognition.
The Drive Pro Pack adds on high-speed emergency braking, blind spot assist, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control and queue assist. The Park Pack throws in a 360 degree surround view camera, rear traffic monitor, clear exit monitor which lets passengers know if they’re about to open the doors into oncoming traffic.
The Park Pro Pack adds in Park Assist for the first time and helps with automated parallel parking and perpendicular parking.
If you’re worried about taking the P400e into wading pools, Land Rover says its still the same 900mm wading depth but engaging the petrol engine should be recommended to avoid water getting into the exhaust system.
All models now receive a Low Traction Launch system which is from Jaguar, and that uses a unique throttle map to help drivers pull away from snowy, muddy or even grass infested situations.
Pricing and availability
The 2.0L P400e PHEV 404HP comes in three variants:
- P400e Vogue – Petrol PHEV – £86,965
- P400e Vogue SE – Petrol PHEV – £93,465
- P400e Autobiography – Petrol PHEV – £105,865
Like what you see? Range Rover is said to bring the new SUV facelift to the U.S. in 2018. Hopefully it’ll come to our local waters after that.
Source: Land Rover
