New Range Rover Electric gives a taste of things to come
The batteries, with up to 118kWh capacity, are stored in the vehicle's floor, which reduces the centre of gravity for improved handling. The electric Range Rover five-seater has a similar weight to the ICE and PHEV versions and the same cabin and boot space.
Pre-launch testing is taking place before the vehicle goes on sale next year and I had a brief drive in a prototype on an obstacle course set up by Range Rover at the Goodwood racing circuit in the UK last week. Riding on height-adjustable air suspension, the big SUV silently and effortlessly crawled through axle twisters and over steep gradients, displaying the brand's renowned trail-tackling skills honed over five generations.
The electric powertrain does away with the need for a low-range transfer case or a physical driveline, saving weight and complexity. There are two electric motors powering the vehicle — one at each axle — with the computer-controlled drivetrain able to direct power individually to each wheel to maintain maximum traction in all driving conditions.
To further enhance its adventure capability, it has adaptive off-road cruise control, hill-descent control and a unique throttle response for each Terrain Response drive mode. Like other Range Rovers, it has four-wheel steering to help the big car manoeuvre more easily through tight spaces.
A single pedal driving mode provides strong regenerative braking when off throttle, allowing the vehicle to be driven with minimum use of the brake pedal.
In the slow-paced obstacle course the electric Range Rover felt serene, but the company says it will feel just as calm in high-speed driving as it's the quietest Range Rover to date, with active road noise cancellation.
The South African launch date and pricing of the Range Rover Electric have not been confirmed.
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