Does the Range Rover need an eight-cylinder?
The classic Range Rover still exists with a generous range of powertrain options. But which is the best? ntv.de has driven both the six-cylinder PHEV and the traditional V8. The supercharger is still available as well.
Have you ever considered spending a lot of money on a Land Rover and buying a Range Rover? The first step is to deal with the configurator, as PDF price lists are currently not available from the British manufacturer. After a few mouse clicks or moves on the phone display, you'll learn that the 300 hp 3.0-liter diesel is the most affordable way to enter the Range Rover world at 140,200 euros. And those who think that 300 horses under the Range's hood are enough (and they certainly are) will be treated to an impressively economical fuel consumption for the vehicle class at 8 liters per 100 kilometers.
ntv.de would love to take it for a test drive, but the Land Rover press team finds the little supercharger not good enough. In their own fleet, the Range Rover entry begins with the powerful PHEV with 550 hp, and they don't have anything smaller. And what comes next in the hierarchy? Of course, the coveted V8! It's only fair to say, though, that customers are snapping up the Range Rover from Land Rover. Every unit is needed for the paying customers, and the press has to take a back seat.
But let's get back to it. For the weaker PHEV (460 hp), an additional 9,000 euros are due. And for the PHEV model tested here with the more powerful drive (550 hp), Land Rover charges a hefty 169,900 euros. From this, it's already clear: saving on fuel costs is not an easy way to recoup the additional costs.
But theoretically, it could work. After all, the Range Rover is taxed as a company car based on half of the net list price, which saves a significant amount of money. And if a Range Rover is not a classic company car, what car is? Now you'd only need to transfer around 30 kWh of electricity from your own photovoltaic system to the large traction battery of the 4x4 every day. And then drive purely electrically with the now 218 hp strong electric unit of the plug-in hybrid without the combustion engine - the practical range is a respectable 109 kilometers in the combined WLTP cycle.
The PHEV is only truly sovereign with both engines
And that's where the catch is. Anyone who moves the Range Rover with its heavenly comfortable seats and smooth suspension will quickly be tempted by the creamy 3.0-liter inline-six with an additional 400 hp. And with the electric motor and combustion engine working together, the mighty Brit becomes a truly sovereign affair (five seconds to highway speed and a top speed of 242 km/h).
The powertrain is noble, no question. And it's somehow fun to watch the bar fill up when you can simply regain energy by braking. Regeneration is part of the hybrid, after all. It creates a good feeling. And with external charging from regenerative sources, 2.8 tons of curb weight can be driven guilt-free. Really? No, of course, a Range Rover is not for people with a strong ecological conscience. Too heavy, too big, too unnecessary. But unfortunately, as the Germans say, "too cool for school."
Land Rover understands all too well how to make classic car fans happy. The drivetrain has become even more refined. While simpler, it's still refined. For the new Range Rover generation, the Brits have negotiated well with BMW to use their best piece - the mild hybridized 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8. However, it doesn't roar loudly, but rather exercises restraint, fitting the understatement that the British are known for. With 530 horses (and a new top model with 615 PS), the V8 Range Rover, compared to the PHEV, is about 200 kg lighter and accelerates to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds and a top speed of 250 km/h.
Understatement? Not with the Range Rover
A Range Rover, with its 5.05 meters in length and 1.87 meters in height, has nothing to do with understatement. And to push it further, ntv.de tested the so-called P530 (V8) in the 5.25-meter long LWB version. In this case, the wheelbase grows from 3 to 3.20 meters. Then, the legroom is truly abundant. However, Land Rover could have shown off more in the rear equipment for demonstration purposes. Then, the second row would be first class with two separate seating niches. Even luxurious sofas in the living room can hardly keep up.
The charm of a Range Rover lies in the fact that, despite its lavish luxury, it is ultimately the ultimate tool. Sitting in the back among fine materials with top-notch infotainment while the driver pulls a 3.5-ton trailer out of the mud? No big deal. And the Range can also handle real terrain. Lockers, low-range, and a variable air suspension make the luxury liner a luxury climber.
By the way, the long V8 requires at least 198,100 euros. Those who make use of the extensive individualization options can quickly reach 250,000 euros or more. How is that possible? Some of the many special paint finishes already offered in the factory cost more than 11,000 euros alone. The multimedia system with screens in the rear adds another 3,300 euros. And quirky things like seating on the electrically extendable underside of the tailgate construction, of course, also cost extra - at a cost of 1,200 euros. And the list of extras is quite long.
PHEV only makes sense with high electric driving
Finally, a conclusion on the drive types. The variously hybridized (both mild and externally chargeable) gasoline engine now makes up nearly 60% of the Range Rover lineup. The reasons for this can only be speculated, but it seems that customers in this price segment want a suitable drive, which the V8 represents particularly well.
The plug-in hybrid is also quiet and refined. And in terms of operating strategy, the engineers have tuned the complex system with 8-speed automatic, electric motor, and combustion engine quite well. There are no jolts or power interruptions. However, the PHEV only makes sense if you charge it often and drive it in electric mode, which is possible with the only available battery option, even on long-distance trips. A purely electric version of the Range Rover is also in the pipeline.
"By the way, what's the deal with the long version? You could call it the cherry on top of an already exquisite cocktail. But seriously, dear Land Rover press team, and a nod to the marketing folks: If you're going to include a (nearly) top-equipped V8 in long version in your fleet, please do it in a vibrant color, not a dull gray. The resale value doesn't always have to be the top priority. Next time, alright?"
When considering different powertrain options for the Range Rover, you might be interested to know that other vehicles in Land Rover's fleet, such as the Range Rover Sport, also come equipped with a PHEV system. This option offers a balance between performance and fuel efficiency, similar to the one in the Range Rover you're considering.
Furthermore, when comparing the Range Rover with other luxury SUVs in the market, it's worth noting that other vehicles also include hybrid options in their lineups. These vehicles aim to provide a blend of driving dynamics, luxury, and environmental consciousness, similar to the Range Rover PHEV.
