JLR has opened bookings for the Range Rover Electric in India, a crucial step towards the arrival of the luxury SUV maker’s first all-electric Range Rover. A mere Rs 10 lakh is required in order to reserve the premium electric SUV. It has the usual Range Rover design, all-electric powertrain, big battery pack and high-end specifications for the ultra-luxury EV market.
The Range Rover Electric is expected to be placed at the top end of India's electric SUV market. Although JLR has not yet announced the final India price, the model is expected to start around Rs 3.5 crore, ex-showroom. Moreover, the Rs 10 lakh booking on these vehicles will be a premium one given that the SUV will be imported as a completely built product.
At the heart of the Range Rover Electric is a 118.5kWh battery pack and a twin-motor system. The electric powertrain offers 543hp and 850Nm of torque, with a four-wheel drive system and Intelligent Driveline Dynamics employed to distribute torque between the axles at the driving points. The SUV can accelerate to 100kmph in 4.5 secs, which is on par with other high-performance luxury SUVs, it’s claimed.
Range is still one of the biggest points of the new electric Range Rover. JLR claims a maximum WLTP range of up to 600km on a single charge. The company also said a real-world range of around 535km. As with all WLTP figures, actual range will vary depending on traffic, driving style, weather, road conditions, passenger load and use of the climate-control system. For Indian customers, the real-world figure will therefore be more relevant for everyday driving.
The battery is based on 800V electrical architecture and uses a double stack setup of 344 prismatic cells. The setup is designed for fast-charging capabilities and the Range Rover Electric can use up to 350kW of DC fast-charging power. JLR claims that the SUV can reach 220km of range in 10 minutes under a suitable charging scenario. A 10-80 per cent charging session takes approximately 22 minutes.
The battery also comes with a warranty of 8 years or 1.60 lakh km. This offers customers of high-value electric SUVs further reassurance in a high-end vehicle because the battery lifespan and replacement cost are critical for luxury EVs in the luxury segment.
Another tool to improve efficiency is JLR's ThermAssist system. It is claimed to reduce the amount of energy required for cabin heating by up to 40 per cent in cold weather. And, in optimum circumstances, this can provide 40km of additional range, according to the carmaker. Such efficiency-oriented technologies are especially necessary for large luxury SUVs because of their size and weight.
The Range Rover Electric in design is in tune with its combustion-powered cousins. Instead of any new look in general, JLR has retained the familiar Range Rover shape and proportions and premium design. The SUV does not have “Electric” branding and is hard to discern from the ICE-powered Range Rover at first glance.
The redesigned front and rear grille and wheels are aerodynamically optimized. Despite an electric powertrain, the SUV retains Range Rover's off-road capabilities. The water-wading ability is also claimed to be up to 900mm with the electric model which is to have the go-anywhere feel of the Range Rover name.
In India, bookings will accommodate different configurations including standard-wheelbase Autobiography, long-wheelbase SV, SV Ultra and SV Black. A standard-wheelbase First Edition will also be offered with colour options including Belgravia Green, Santorini Black and Varesine Blue.
The Range Rover Electric is going to be quite pricey at around Rs 3.5 crore in the ultra-luxury category. The final price point will depend on JLR’s India launch strategy and import costs. The SUV will be targeted at those who want the traditional Range Rover appeal and high performance and the benefits of an electric powertrain.
The Range Rover Electric is now available for bookings and will be one of the most expensive and powerful luxury electric SUVs available to Indian customers. It will have 543hp output, 850Nm torque, 600km claimed WLTP range and fast charging ability for JLR’s electrification strategy. The final India price and delivery will be key factors to watch as the company gets closer to its market launch.
