RANGE ROVER SPORT GOES ELECTRIC

words by FELICITY CARTER

The first fully electric Range Rover Sport pairs a 374-mile range with 550PS and the most torque of any model in the line-up. Built in Britain and tested in Italy’s Carrara marble quarries, it's now available to order.

all images courtesy of RANGE ROVER

Range Rover has added a fully electric model to the Sport family for the first time. The new Range Rover Sport Electric has been designed to retain the pace, comfort and off-road ability associated with the name, only now without a petrol engine. And, the power comes from two 260kW electric motors producing a combined 550PS and 850Nm of torque -- the highest torque figure of any Range Rover Sport. With Dynamic Launch Mode engaged, it can reach 60mph in 4.3 seconds, matching the performance of the P540 V8 model.

Its 118.5kWh battery provides a claimed WLTP range of up to 374 miles, with Range Rover estimating a real-world figure of up to 333 miles. An 800-volt electrical system allows it to add as much as 136 miles of range in 10 minutes when connected to a suitable rapid charger (charging from 10  to 80% takes about 22 minutes).

Range Rover managing director Martin Limpert says, “Range Rover Sport is the most dynamic expression of Range Rover. With Range Rover Sport Electric we’re taking that spirit of visceral engagement and desire into the electric age. It is first and foremost a Range Rover Sport. The seamlessly-integrated electric propulsion system means we’ve been able to unlock new levels of responsiveness and precision, with a uniquely tuned chassis set-up, performance-focused torque delivery, and distinctive sound profiles that ensure our clients enjoy the very best driver engagement in a sporting luxury SUV.”

A stiffer body and a centre of gravity 73mm lower than that of any previous Range Rover Sport underpin the car’s handling; all-wheel steering helps it negotiate tighter corners, while air suspension, adaptive dampers and electronic roll control are intended to keep its considerable weight in check.

The electric model is a proper Range Rover away from the road, yes it can wade through water up to 900mm deep and climb inclines of as much as 45 degrees, assisted by virtual all-wheel drive and a traction-management system developed specifically for the car.

To complete its testing programme, Range Rover took the electric Sport to the open-air Carrara marble quarries in Italy where the route climbed towards Gioia Peak through marble dust, polished surfaces, tight hairpins and steep gradients between mountains rising to 3000 feet to give it a good old test against the elements. It's the latest in a string of deliberately testing Range Rover Sport demonstrations. Previous models have climbed the 999 steps to Heaven’s Gate in China, driven up an Icelandic spillway and set a record on the Pikes Peak hill climb.

The electric version doesn't announce itself too loudly from the outside, after all, the familiar Range Rover Sport shape has remained, but it's joined by a revised grille and new alloy-wheel designs intended to improve aerodynamics; together, the changes can add up to 10 miles of range at motorway speeds.

Inside, Range Rover has developed its own sound design for the car, using cool electronic tones that change with the selected driving mode. Those who prefer to make their presence known in other ways can use the Range Rover Bespoke service, available to Autobiography customers, to choose from an extended selection of colours, materials and personalised embroidery.

Designed, engineered and manufactured in the UK, Range Rover Sport Electric will be built in Solihull on the same production lines as the plug-in hybrid, petrol and diesel models. Order books are open for the Dynamic SE, Autobiography and First Edition. Prices start at £109,810, rising to £122,780 for the Autobiography and £126,290 for the First Edition.