The world of electric vehicles (EVs) is evolving at a rapid pace. Finally, traditional car manufacturers are rolling out high-end, attractive electric vehicles that are joining the ranks of impressive EVs from newer companies. After driving a particular plug-in hybrid recently, I am now eagerly anticipating a specific upcoming electric vehicle.
There seems to be a gap in the market for a Range Rover-sized EV.
Land Rover has indeed announced an electric Range Rover, slated for pre-order in late 2023 and a public release in 2024. While some information is out there, many details remain unclear. Despite this, I think there’s not enough excitement around this launch, given that it could be the most luxurious electric SUV yet.
This week, I’ve been driving the 2023 Range Rover SE plug-in hybrid, and I’m already in love with its exterior design. The car features a new design for 2023 that is simply gorgeous, with smooth, slightly curved lines and flush door handles that extend smoothly when you approach the car.
The front of the car is the only aspect I’m not entirely happy with. The headlights are appealing, and there’s a large grille for cooling nestled between them. This is something Land Rover will need to address for the EV version, as it may not need as much cooling as its gas-powered counterpart. There’s also a secondary air intake at the bottom of the car’s front, which makes it look somewhat busy.
Despite this, I’m impressed by the rest of the car’s design, especially the rear, which sports the extended Range Rover logo and a split trunk that makes it easier to load large items. I prefer the rear in the Belgravia Green color as the gray highlights blend better; however, others might prefer a different contrast.
I hope Land Rover retains the handsome exterior when it introduces the electric version. Although car companies often use electrification as an opportunity to change their car designs, the current Range Rover design still has a lot of appeal.
The real luxury of the plug-in hybrid Range Rover becomes evident once you step inside. It’s spacious, comfortable, and modern, clearly built for luxury, reflecting its high price point. It may well have one of my favorite car interiors.
The seats are comfortable and highly adjustable, including the second-row passenger seats. The cabin boasts premium materials throughout and offers ample storage space.
One of the standout features is how modern it feels. If you didn’t know, you might think it was already an EV, given the advanced technology inside. The main infotainment display is bright, colorful, slightly curved, and perfectly positioned. It looks integrated, unlike other cars where screens appear added as an afterthought. The instrument display also looks impressive.
I wouldn’t mind if Land Rover made no changes to the car’s interior for the electric model. It already looks and feels fantastic and should remain so for years.
The need for more electric SUVs is evident, especially at the lower end of the market. There are some high-end electric SUVs out there, which could challenge Land Rover for the title of the best luxury electric SUV.
Rivian and Mercedes-Benz are notable competitors. Rivian, a company focused solely on electric vehicles, offers good range, fast charging speeds, and innovative features. Mercedes-Benz’s electric SUVs are smaller and less boxy, with slightly less interior space, but they also offer great luxury.
For Range Rover to create an outstanding luxury electric SUV, it needs to maintain its luxury standards while mastering the electric components. Achieving a range of at least 300 miles and a charging speed of at least 250 kilowatts would be ideal. We’ll have to wait and see if it can meet these expectations, but for the price it will likely command, there are high hopes.