PHEV, extra-plush Range Rover derivatives added, NZ-bound

Express your interest now and they’ll be back in touch in a week or so to relate the price.

FACTORY announcement of the order book being open for an electric-assisted version of the next-generation Range Rover has occurred when the New Zealand distributor is still sorting to reconcile pricing.

Kiwi interest in the extended range plug-in electric hybrid variant seems assured.

The Government’s push to elevate electric vehicles in consumer mindset aside, Land Rover has confirmed the model – which precedes a fully electric edition coming out in 2024 - having a 113km electric range, which is better performance than had originally been expected.

In discussion about the UK releasing information now that the NZ distributor would have ideally held back until it could relate a complete story, a spokeswoman for Jaguar Land Rover New Zealand has assured there shouldn’t be disruption.

Morgan Banks says finalisation of pricing of the battery-included derivative - and an extra-plush flagship SV - should be reconciled within a few weeks.

She says even though first examples of these derivatives could show up this year, following the tyre tracks of a large shipment of the regular versions that is set to show from mid-year, they are officially model year 2023 vehicles, and so not subject to the MY2022 pricing the Auckland-based operation has been circulating.

However, the local operation accepts there might be speculation about where the cars might sit now that Land Rover has revealed, along with the car’s specifications, the PHEV’s United Kingdom pricing, which starts at $NZ210,000.

There are P440e and P510e editions, both driven by a 3.0-litre turbocharged straight-six petrol engine mated to a 38.2kWh battery and a 105kW electric motor.  

Land Rover claims a total power output of 323kW and 620Nm for the 440e, while the 510e, through virtue of having an uprated petrol engine, has 375kW and 700Nm of torque. The latter engine also features in the SV. 

Both variants are available in SE, HSE and Autobiography specification levels. P440e models can be selected in long- or short-wheelbase forms, while the more powerful P510e is short-wheelbase only. 

All models gain all-wheel steering, a panoramic sunroof and a host of tech upgrades as standard, including a new 13.1in infotainment system to control most primary vehicle functions, Amazon Alexa speech recognition and wireless smartphone mirroring.

A First Edition model will also be up for purchase in the model’s first year of production. Equipment levels are based on the Autobiography, but the limited-run variant also gains a Sunset Gold satin paint finish or a choice of five other exterior paint colours. 

Land Rover estimates a real-world all-electric range of 87 kilometres and suggests drivers will be able to complete 75 percent of all journeys on electric power alone. The Range Rover also offers 50kW rapid charging capabilities, meaning it can charge up from zero to 80 percent in under an hour, or five hours using a home wallbox. Emissions of as little as 18g/km of CO2 are cited.

Land Rover has also revealed details of the range-topping SV that will use “exclusive materials, curated design themes and greater scope for personalisation than ever from the experts at Special Vehicle Operations.” Is that a signal for expensiveness? You bet it is. The SV models – which until now have held SVAutobiography branding - start at around $350k on home turf.

The SV achieves a unique front bumper and grille design, special SV badging, and optional 23-inch wheels. Exclusive materials include lustrous plated metals, smooth ceramics, sustainably sourced woods and soft near-aniline leather, as well as sustainable non-leather Ultrafabrics. There are also two interior design 'themes' - SV Serenity (oriented towards luxury) and SV Intrepid (more off-road).

Aside from the extended range plug-in hybrid (available in SWB only); the SV can be hard – in the UK at least – with a D350 straight-six Ingenium diesel and the new 400kW petrol V8 Twin Turbo which Land Rover is using under licence from BMW. The new V8 is 17 per cent more fuel-efficient and produces 50Nm more torque than the previous 5.0-litre Supercharged V8, propelling New Range Rover SV to an uplifted top speed of 261kmh.

A long-wheelbase SV can be delivered with the SV Signature Suite, which gives four luxurious seats, including big recliners in the rear, along with a big centre console that houses an electrically powered 'Club Table', electrically deployable cupholders and an integrated refrigerator with SV-etched Dartington crystal glassware. Thirteen-inch infotainment screens can also be optioned.