JLR launches first fully electric Range Rover after extended delays
The luxury SUV, originally announced in 2023, enters the market with a focus on off-road capability and premium pricing, as JLR navigates soft demand in the electric vehicle sector.
Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has officially launched the first fully electric Range Rover, a vehicle that was originally announced in December 2023 but pushed back due to extended development testing. The launch marks a significant milestone for the carmaker, which has cited lukewarm demand for luxury electric vehicles as a key factor in the timeline adjustments. The model is now available for order, with the UK entry-level Autobiography variant priced at £154,070, while the top-tier SV Black long-wheelbase model reaches £225,240.
In the United States, the pricing structure differs, with a lower-spec SE model available from $138,000, plus $2,550 for delivery and destination. This distinction highlights the varying market strategies JLR is employing across regions. The vehicle’s performance specifications include dual 260-kilowatt motors producing up to 542 horsepower and 850 newton-meters of torque. JLR claims this setup delivers 20 percent more torque than other motors of the same size, enabling a 0–60 mph acceleration time of 4.3 seconds.
The electric powertrain is supported by a double-stacked 118.5-kWh battery featuring 800-volt split-charging technology. This system allows the vehicle to recharge from 10 to 80 percent in 22 minutes, or add 137 miles of range in 10 minutes. Under WLTP standards, the maximum range is listed at 372 miles, with a claimed real-world distance of up to 333 miles. These figures are designed to address range anxiety among high-end buyers while maintaining the performance expectations associated with the Range Rover brand.
JLR has emphasised the vehicle’s off-road capabilities to differentiate it from other luxury electric SUVs. The Range Rover Electric features 900-millimetre wading depth and a traction management system that controls motor speed within 50 milliseconds, managing slip up to 100 times faster than equivalent internal combustion systems. Single-pedal driving is effective on climbs up to 45 degrees, reinforcing the brand’s traditional strength in rugged terrain.
The development process involved extensive testing, with live batteries subjected to extreme vibration and shock in temperatures ranging from –40°C to +90°C. The vehicle was driven the equivalent of 38 times around the world, alongside more than 250,000 hours of virtual tests. JLR has filed more than 300 patent applications for the model, the highest number for a single vehicle in the company’s history. This rigorous approach underpins the company’s decision to offer an eight-year or 100,000-mile warranty.
Looking ahead, JLR expects to launch the Range Rover GT, an all-electric grand tourer built on the same Electrified Modular Architecture (EMA) platform, later this year. The GT is currently undergoing final testing. As the company navigates the competitive landscape against rivals such as Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, and Audi, the Range Rover Electric represents a strategic pivot towards a “Range Rover first, electric second” positioning to secure its place in the premium market.
