Be it traversing the infamous Darién Gap through the tropical jungles of Central America or taking on the mighty Sahara in North Africa, the Land Rover Range Rover has seen it all and is a 4×4 that has built its reputation over the past five decades by thriving in some of the world’s most inhospitable environments. That spirit continues in the prototype of the upcoming all-electric model. First revealed in late 2023 and based on the L460 platform, the Range Rover Electric is in the final stages of testing. Over the past two winters, prototypes have racked up 45,000 miles of cold-weather testing in Arjeplog, Sweden.
Under the skin, it’s a major technical leap for JLR. For any EV, the estimated driving range can vastly vary based on the ambient temperature, especially in cold climates. Land Rover has come up with a clever new thermal management system called ThermAssist, which reuses waste heat to keep the cabin and battery pack warm. This system helps cut the heating energy used by 40%. What this means is a consistent range and faster charging times, even in the frigid temperatures of -14°F, high up in the Arctic Circle. Speaking of range, expect it to be around 300 miles.
The 117 kilowatt-hour (kWh) 800-volt battery architecture powers a twin-motor setup across both axles, putting out 540 horsepower. While the 6,100+ pound curb weight is substantial, the placement of the battery low in the chassis means a lower center of gravity, improving high-speed stability and reducing body roll. Even things like the pitch during acceleration and braking from the instant electric torque are now more controlled, courtesy of a recalibrated switchable twin-chamber air suspension system designed specifically for the Range Rover EV.
Single-pedal driving integrates with Terrain Response for a superior 4×4 setup. The Intelligent Driveline Dynamics technology instantly transfers rear torque from 100% to 0% to prevent loss of traction. Combined with the Integrated Traction Management system, grip is maintained, controlling motor speed within 50 milliseconds. According to Land Rover, this is up to 100 times quicker than its ICE counterparts.
While the competition from other full-size all-electric luxury SUVs from the likes of Mercedes, BMW, Cadillac, and Lucid is starting to gain steam, one thing that continues to set the Range Rover apart from the rest of the field is undoubtedly its off-road prowess. Expected to arrive sometime in late 2025, this all-electric model will mark a new chapter in the Range Rover story, which stays true to its lineage while adopting the tech of tomorrow.
Watch JLR’s vehicle engineering director, Matthew Becker, share some truly interesting insights as he puts the Range Rover Electric through its paces in the video below.
Image Source: Land Rover
