Hot on the heels of the Range Rover Electric reveal earlier this month, Range Rover has now revealed a fully-electric variant of its sportier and slightly more affordable brother, the Range Rover Sport. It becomes the second fully-electric model currently on the market from JLR, and we expect the Jaguar Type 01 to make that a trio once it goes on sale next year.
Fully-electric Range Rover Sport launches as latest EV from JLR
While still a very expensive and premium vehicle, the Range Rover Sport has always complemented the more expensive flagship Range Rover by offering a lower entry price, slightly smaller footprint, and a larger focus on driving feel. That’s also the case in this latest EV variant, which becomes one of the most powerful models in the Range Rover lineup. In top-specification, the electric motor delivers 550PS and 850Nm of torque, the latter figure making it the torquiest Range Rover Sport ever produced. That’s enough for a sports car-like 0-60mph time of 4.3 seconds.
Despite all that performance, Range Rover still claim that the Sport Electric will remain a capable off-roader, with the ability to climb inclines of up to 45 degrees, a maximum water wading depth of 900mm, and advanced traction management systems.
When it comes to battery range, a hefty 118.5kWh battery will deliver a WLTP combined range of 374 miles, but Range Rover say that in the real world, this will be more like 333 miles – still pretty impressive for such a large electric SUV. Around 136 miles of range can be added in 10 minutes on a suitable 350kW public charger.
Order books have already opened in the UK, confirming that the Range Rover Sport Electric will start at £109,810 for the entry Dynamic SE. That’s still a lot of money, but it’s considerably cheaper than the flagship Range Rover Electric, which starts at £154,070.
Much like the full-size Range Rover Electric, the Range Rover Sport Electric looks pretty much identical to its petrol and diesel siblings. That’s clearly a deliberate choice from JLR, which wants to make clear that its EVs are still proper Range Rovers with the same capabilities. The main difference, of course, is that owners of these will no longer be exposed to rising fuel prices.
Martin Limpert, Managing Director, Range Rover, commented:
“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.”
