An all-electric version of the Range Rover Sport is set to hit the market later this year, presenting a formidable rival to Porsche’s popular Cayenne SUV.
Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) reported its highest quarterly profit since 2017 in Q4, highlighting strong demand for its premium models. The Range Rover brand achieved record quarterly wholesale figures, with the highest-spec Range Rover SV already surpassing last year’s sales in the first three months of 2024.
The Range Rover EV, described as the “most refined Range Rover ever created,” is generating significant interest, with over 16,000 potential buyers on the waitlist. JLR has begun testing the electric SUV on the streets ahead of its official debut later this year.
JLR’s initial plans, announced in 2021, aimed for six all-electric models across the Range Rover, Discovery, and Defender brands by 2026. However, the company recently revised its target, aiming to launch four EVs over the next two years.
CEO Adrian Mardell explained the delay, stating, “We talked about six Land Rovers by 2026. The reality is we’re likely to have six JLR products by 2026.” The electric Range Rover and Sport EV models will be based on JLR’s MLA platform, which powers the current gas-powered models.
JLR’s Solihull, UK, plant will produce the electric Range Rover and Sport EV models, with a new $77,000 (£60 million) EV underbody line being installed. The Halewood plant is also near completion for smaller EVs built on the EMA platform.
Range Rover’s upcoming EV features new active road noise cancellation technology for a quieter cabin experience, along with towing, wading, and all-terrain capabilities that surpass other luxury electric SUVs. The Range Rover Sport EV will be capable of wading through up to 850 mm (33.5″) of water, surpassing the GMC Hummer EV at 32″.
