Range Rover Electric Launches After Delay, with New GT Model in Testing

2 min read
Source: bbc.com
Range Rover Electric Launches After Delay, with New GT Model in Testing
Photo: bbc.com
TL;DR

Jaguar Land Rover has launched the Range Rover Electric, its first fully electric model, after a one-year delay. The vehicle features 542 horsepower, 372 miles of range, and 800-volt charging. Simultaneously, the brand is testing a new low-slung Range Rover GT, a sedan-like EV targeting German rivals.

Key points

  • The Range Rover Electric, built in Solihull, features dual 260-kW motors, 542 hp, and an 118.5-kWh battery.
  • The vehicle offers 372 miles of WLTP range and charges from 10 to 80 percent in 22 minutes.
  • UK pricing starts at £154,070 for the Autobiography trim, while US SE models start at $138,000.
  • JLR trained 10,500 workers for electric production, including 9,000 in Solihull and 1,500 across the region.
  • The new Range Rover GT is being tested at the Nürburgring against the BMW iX3 and Audi Q6 e-tron.

Background

This launch follows JLR’s earlier announcement of the Range Rover GT in July 2026, a sedan-like luxury EV built on the Electrified Modular Architecture. The current electric rollout occurs amidst financial pressures, including a cyber attack and supply chain disruptions that reduced first-quarter profits to £66m.

How outlets are covering it

BBC highlights the manufacturing scale and workforce training, noting 10,500 up-skilled workers. WIRED focuses on performance specs and pricing, emphasizing the high cost and off-road capabilities. Carscoops details the upcoming GT model, noting its 800-volt architecture and 350 kW charging. Car and Driver provided exterior photos but lacked substantive text due to technical formatting issues.

Why it matters

The launch marks a critical pivot for JLR’s luxury brand, testing consumer demand for high-priced electric SUVs. The introduction of the GT signals a strategic shift toward sedan-like designs to compete with German rivals, potentially broadening the brand’s appeal beyond traditional SUV buyers.

What to watch

The Range Rover GT is expected to launch later in 2026, initially as an EV with a hybrid version to follow. JLR will continue expanding its electric lineup while managing financial restructuring and supply chain challenges.

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