Range Rover Electric: A New Chapter for Luxury EVs

The Long Road to an Electric Icon

It feels like we have been waiting an age for the Range Rover Electric. First announced back in December 2023, JLR's luxury EV SUV was meant to hit the road in 2024, but extended development testing forced the carmaker to push its arrival back. Now it's finally here—one of WIRED's most anticipated rides—the first fully electric Range Rover.

The Range Rover Electric represents a significant gamble for Jaguar Land Rover. After years of delays, this vehicle isn't just another EV—it's JLR's attempt to redefine what a luxury SUV can be in the electric era. The car is built on a new platform, with performance specs that match its legendary off-road pedigree.

Power and Performance at Its Peak

The specs are as mighty as you would expect from a Range Rover. Dual 260-kilowatt motors deliver "V8 levels of power" up to 542 horsepower and 850 newton-meters of torque (20 percent more than other motors of the same size, JLR claims). Inside, a double-stacked 118.5-kWh battery with 800-volt split-charging tech can recharge the cell from 10 to 80 percent in 22 minutes (or, if you prefer, 137 miles in 10 minutes). Max range is supposedly 372 miles (according to WLTP standards), and a claimed real-world distance of up to 333 miles.

The Range Rover Electric will launch from a standstill to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds, which is rapid considering the car's weight. That kind of performance speaks to both the powertrain's engineering and the vehicle's design philosophy.

Price Tag and Market Positioning

All this comes at a price, naturally—one that's high even for Range Rover. Available for order now, the UK entry-level Autobiography model is £154,070, or about $208,000, but this quickly climbs to £225,240 (north of $304,000) for the SV Black long-wheelbase model. It could go higher, too, as the “Ultra” models are listed as “price on application”—shorthand for “If you have to ask, you can't afford it.”

However, US customers can buy a lower SE-spec Range Rover Electric from $138,000—add $2,550 for delivery and destination. That's still quite steep compared to many electric SUVs on the market, but it's reflective of the luxury segment's pricing strategy.

Challenges in the Luxury EV Market

This brings us to the other reason the Range Rover Electric was supposedly delayed: the lukewarm response from wealthy buyers toward the luxury EV market. Indeed, sales of perhaps the Range Rover Electric's biggest rival, the electric Mercedes G-Wagen, have been woeful. Other brands, including Porsche and Audi, have suffered similar fates.

What sets the Range Rover Electric apart is JLR's strategy to separate its success from the failures of other high-end EVs by emphasizing that this is a Range Rover first, electric second. That means combining the brand's legendary off-road capability with the performance and efficiency of electric powertrain technology.

Off-Road Excellence in an Electric Package

JLR claims the traction management controls motor speed within 50 milliseconds and manages slip up to 100 times faster than on equivalent internal combustion systems. Single-pedal driving works on climbs up to 45 degrees. There's even 900-millimeter wading capability, for those worried about an electric SUV's ability to cross water.

"The Range Rover Electric has more than 300 patent applications filed, the most for a single vehicle in JLR's history."

All in all, this is more than just a new EV—it's a reimagining of what it means to be an off-road luxury SUV in an electric world. The company's investment in testing has been substantial: live batteries were subjected to extreme vibration and shock testing in temperatures ranging from –40°C to +90°C. Physical tests saw the EV driven the equivalent of 38 times around the world, alongside more than 250,000 hours of virtual tests.

Inside the Cabin: Modern Design Meets Classic Comfort

Inside, while the cabin is plush, the Range Rover seems to shun the move back to physical switchgear, sticking with a large central touchscreen and steering-wheel controls. While this approach may be more familiar to current drivers, it also risks alienating those who prefer tactile controls for their driving experience.

Looking Ahead: The Future of JLR's EV Lineup

The long delays have not only given JLR time to perfect the Range Rover Electric but have also positioned the brand for a broader shift in its product line. Today's reveal comes after JLR announced it's "the most car-like Range Rover ever created" in July. The Range Rover GT will be an all-electric grand tourer built on the company's Electrified Modular Architecture (EMA), the same platform that will underpin other midsized cars for the brand.

The GT is still undergoing final testing, ahead of a full launch expected later this year. This signals JLR's intent to move away from niche electric models and into a more mainstream EV offering. It's a strategic shift that could redefine how luxury SUVs are sold in the coming years.

Final Thoughts: A New Chapter for Range Rover

The arrival of the Range Rover Electric marks more than just a new model—it's a statement of intent from JLR. After years of missteps and delays, the company is betting on its ability to combine legendary performance with modern electric innovation.

Whether that gamble pays off remains to be seen. But for now, it's clear that the Range Rover Electric is not just another EV—it's a bold reimagining of what a luxury SUV can become in an increasingly electrified world.