Starting at $87,350, the 2018 Range Rover is chock-full of small but welcomed updates over the pre-facelift. For the U.S. market, the 2019 model year will see the introduction of the plug-in hybrid Range Rover, which is referred by its maker as the P400e.
The P400e badge stands for plug-in hybrid, 400 actually means 404 metric ponies, and “e” is for electric. Combining the 2.0-liter Ingenium turbocharged four-cylinder an electric motor, the P400e features an electric range of 51 kilometers (31 miles), 398 horsepower (297 kW), and 472 lb-ft (640 Nm).
The 13.1 kWh lithium-ion battery mounted beneath the trunk floor powers up the 85-kw electric motor, which can work together with the 300-PS powerplant during hard acceleration. The on-board charger is a 7-kW system that takes its mojo from a plug-in point located behind the front grille.
Beyond the plug-in hybrid, the 2018 Range Rover features Premium Headlights as standard, combining 24 LEDs with Signature Daytime Running Lights. As an option, Auto High Beam Assist is also available. The widened vent blades work together with the flush glazing and sharp separation of the D-pillars and redesigned taillights to improve the drag coefficient to Cd 0.34.
Land Rover says that the clamshell-like hood is physically and visually longer, and for what it’s worth, the supercharged 5.0-liter V8 in the SV Autobiography Dynamic now offers 557 horsepower. Lesser engine options include the 3.0-liter supercharged V6 and 3.0-liter turbo diesel V6.
It’s the interior, however, that serves as the highlight of the mid-cycle refresh. Borrowing the 10-inch dual-screen setup from the Velar and Sport, the 2018 Range Rover boasts seats which provide greater recline and legroom, as well as a wider foundation. New types of foam and high-quality leather upholstery are on the menu as well. The vehicle’s front seats, on the other hand, are asymmetrical on the outside, easing access for the driver and front passenger.
“Our approach was to find ways of enhancing the Range Rover’s traditional appeal without making too dramatic a change,” says Gerry McGovern, head of design at Land Rover. “The result is the best looking Range Rover yet.”
After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well. Full profile
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