With the launch of the new 2018 Range Rover plug-in hybrid electric model at the Design Museum in London this month, the world was able to have a first glimpse of the evolutionary step forward Land Rover has taken. The 2018 New Range Rover features a plug-in hybrid electric powertrain which produces sustainable luxury and greater levels of efficiency and capability. With the latest technology applied Range Rover takes another step forward into the future.
When you think of luxury touring cars, you think Range Rover. Originally produced to supply the country set a 4×4 that could be used in both town and country, Range Rover has built on this tradition and continues to push the boundaries of technology and design to retain their crown as the leading 4×4 producer.
The technology on the new 2018 Range Rover:
• Total power/torque output: 404PS (297kW)/640Nm
• Combined NEDC fuel economy: 101mpg (2.8 l/100km)
• Combined NEDC CO2 emissions: 64g/km
• Electric-only range: 31 miles (51km)
• Rapid charging time: 2 hours 45 minutes
The exterior design has had a makeover to reaching new levels of sophistication in addition to increased comfort with new technologies throughout the cabin.
The new model’s functions have been re-designed to enhance comfort further for the overall travelling experience for both driver and passengers. Front seats come with 24-way movement all thanks to the new seat frames which have wider and deeper foam materials in addition to heated arm rests. Up back, the cabin has been completely redesigned, the seating layout creates a serene cocoon without reducing load space in the rear.
If you’re using Signature’s Chauffeur service with this model you would be able to take advantage of up to 17 connection points. This includes domestic plug sockets, USB, HDMI and 12-volt; 4G Wi-Fi hotspots for up to eight devices which along with convenient storage which makes it an ideal vehicle for business travellers.
For those with a more leisurely journey in mind, the cabin has been enhanced to maximise relaxation. Luxurious seats offer 25 massage programmes thanks to Hot Stone massage technology that lies within the seat themselves.
Every corner of the interior has been given attention; the seats are wider, softer and offer sumptuous comfort. They recline up to 40 degrees with touch button control to make the most of the additional extra legroom which is now 1,206mm in total. Comfort also includes heated and cooled seats along with impressive heated arm, foot and calf rests! Drivers looking for technical features will love the smartphone app that can be used to control such functions inside or outside the vehicle.
Gerry McGovern, Chief Design Officer at Land Rover said “Our customers are very clear about what they want from any new Range Rover. ‘Don’t change it, just make it better,’ they tell us, so everything we’ve done has been about enhancing our flagship SUV. After nearly 50 years the fourth generation Range Rover is the finest so far, ensuring the original luxury SUV remains the choice for discerning customers the world over.”
Advanced technology is included everywhere on the new Range Rover 2018 model including the Touch Pro Duo, codenamed ‘Blade’, which brings together two high-definition 10-inch touchscreens on the centre console for easy accessibility and usability including the ability to swipe from one to the other.
Jaguar Land Rover keeps innovation at the forefront by moving from conventional internal combustion engines to autonomous, connected and electrified vehicles. An efficient new P400e engine provides sustainable performance by using a 300PS (221kW) 2.0-litre four-cylinder Ingenium petrol engine with an 116PS (85kW) electric motor. The 404PS output delivers 0-60mph in 6.4 and an impressive max speed of 137mph.
Land Rover’s iconic 4×4 achieves zero-emission driving with the P400e engine emitting only 64g/km on the NEDC combined cycle and administering an all-electric range of up to 31 miles without the Ingenium petrol engine running. Nothing is compromised; the P400e engine is quiet and does not compromise on the Marques unmatched off-road capabilities.
Drivers of the new PHEV model can choose from two modes of driving; the Parallel Hybrid mode which allows the driver to optimise battery charge or fuel economy by utilising one of two charge management functions. Electric Vehicle mode allows the vehicle to run on the electric motor alone using the energy stored in the battery to achieve zero-emission journeys.
The powertrain’s precision and control, Terrain Response 2 technology, is capable of delivering maximum torque from zero rpm, to all four wheels achieving more control during low-speed when engaging in off-road manoeuvres.
Vehicle Line Director at Land Rover Nick Collins commented about the new 2018 Range Rover, “The new Range Rover takes our luxury SUV to new heights, delivering enhanced refinement, luxury and all-terrain capability. The new PHEV powertrain isn’t simply a no-compromise solution – it builds on the traditions of our flagship SUV and delivers heightened refinement and comfort with impressive performance and efficiency.”
Today speed is everything which is why Range Rover put effort into the changing capabilities of their new 2018 model allowing it to achieve a full charge in approximately 2 hours 45 minutes with a 32 amp wall box at home.
The new Range Rover has been augmented further with technologies that achieve more comfort and convenience for each drive; outlined below:
> Gesture sunblind: opened and closed by an advanced gesture control system that senses an occupant’s hand movement. All it takes to open the blind is a rearward swipe in front of the rear view mirror, and forwards to close
> Air Cabin Ionisation: uses nano-sized charged water particles to cleanse and purify the air for enhanced passenger wellbeing
> Pixel-laser LED headlights: advanced technology is brighter and yet intelligently blanks sections of LEDs to avoid dazzling oncoming drivers
> Activity key: customers can securely lock and unlock their vehicle without the need to carry a conventional key fob