The Range Rover stands out as a rugged yet luxurious SUV with a heritage of off-road capability spanning over five decades. Its British design features a commanding exterior with a sleek profile and refined interior adorned with premium materials. A tall body with softened edges, topped with near-seamless glass, and a subtle-sloping roofline, the fifth-generation luxury SUV is unmistakable on the road or when off the beaten path.
Inside, the Range Rover is a tech-savvy haven, boasting supple leather, wood accents, and brushed metal surfaces. The vehicle is equipped with a 13.1-inch Pivi Pro infotainment touchscreen that controls various functions, including the All Terrain Info Centre for off-road driving. The Online Pack adds integrated connectivity with features, such as a Wi-Fi hotspot, keeping you connected and informed on the go.
The new Range Rover is available in two body styles and a range of electrified engine options to suit different needs. The 3.0 Plug-in Hybrid Standard Wheelbase Autobiography, which we test drove, marries Land Rover’s refined award-winning Ingenium 3.0-litre in-line six, with an electric motor integrated into the transmission. This combination assures powerful drive delivery and refinement with a 5.0-second century sprint capability, while CO2 emissions are 139g/km (combined).
Impressively, the Range Rover PHEV’s combined fuel consumption can be as low as 0.8l/100km. Its full-electric range of around 100km is ideal for driving into town or across the island without burning a drop of fuel. Additionally, Land Rover’s Remote app provides users with their car’s status and location information, and allows Range Rover PHEV owners to precondition their vehicle before a journey.
When plugged into a 50kW DC fast charger, the Range Rover’s battery charges to 80 percent in just 40 minutes, one of the quickest among Plug-in Hybrids. For less urgent charges, a 7kW wall box brings the battery back to 100 percent in five hours.
For those who are not ready to plug-in, the Range Rover is also available with two mild hybrid engine options—an in-line six and a more powerful V8. The interior of the Range Rover provides a quiet and comfortable driving experience, thanks to features such as laminated windows, and the Meridian Signature Sound System with Active Noise Cancellation. The latter’s third-generation Active Noise Cancellation system monitors wheel vibrations, tyre and engine noises, and sends a cancelling sound signal through the car’s speakers.
The drive is a testament to effortless luxury, with a smoothness akin to a wafting cloud delivered through its Electronic Air Suspension. The Range Rover is designed to make driving a breeze, with the All-Wheel Steering adding to high-speed stability and improved low-speed manoeuvrability.
Off-road driving is made easy with the Terrain Response 2 feature, which ensures the SUV responds optimally to different surface conditions. The 3D camera provides additional “eyes” on the ground, giving you the added confidence to navigate any terrain with ease. The need to go fully electric is around the bend, and Range Rover is aligned with introducing an efficient petrol-electric line-up as its first step in its electrification journey.
