Imagine, a 2-liter turbo, 300PS Plug-In Hybrid Range Rover Sport for below RM490,000! This could be the luxury SUV many affluent Malaysians have been waiting for. Road tax below RM780.00 under company registration and below RM390.00 for private ownership. A reduced tax incentive from the government just like with the BMW X5 Plug-In Hybrid and the Volvo XC90.
We can just see the long waiting list forming even before its launch at Sime Darby’s Land Rover dealerships nationwide.
This new Land Rover Range Rover Sport will deliver sustainable performance and efficiency with the introduction of plug-in petrol-electric power. The highly capable and dynamic performance SUV features Jaguar Land Rover’s first Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) powertrain and is capable of making trips of up to 31 miles (51km) with zero tailpipe emissions when driven in all-electric mode.
PHEV: performance and efficiency in one
The new PHEV model, the P400e, is the most efficient Range Rover Sport and combines an advanced 300PS (221kW) four-cylinder Ingenium petrol engine with a 116PS (85kW) electric motor. This transformational technology is powered by an advanced 13.1kWh lithium-ion battery giving a total available power output of 404PS (297kW) from the permanent four-wheel drive (4WD) system.
Together they drive Land Rover’s performance SUV from 0-100km/h in just 6.7 seconds and to a top speed of 137mph. With an impressive 640Nm of torque, the new powertrain mixes dynamic and sustainable performance with traditional Range Rover capability, comfort and refinement.
The P400e uses both the Ingenium petrol engine and electric motor to deliver CO2 emissions of 64g/km and fuel economy of up to 101mpg (2.8 l/100km) on the NEDC combined cycle, making this the most fuel-efficient Land Rover. The intelligent system can also capture and store the energy generated when braking to help recharge the battery.
The combination of Ingenium petrol and electric power can be used in two driving modes: Parallel Hybrid mode (the default driving mode) and EV (Electric Vehicle) mode.
In Parallel Hybrid mode the PHEV model can intelligently and seamlessly combine the two power sources to deliver efficient progress. When driven in this way, the new powertrain delivers the best of all worlds. By using its electrical energy reserves intelligently the P400e always has the power and capability customers demand from a Range Rover Sport.
On longer journeys, customers can use the SAVE function to deploy the EV-only range for a specific part of their journey, for example, when entering congested urban areas, while the Predictive Energy Optimisation function uses the vehicle’s Navigation system to maximise fuel efficiency.
In EV mode the P400e can be driven up to 51km with zero-emissions when fully charged. This driving mode is manually selected using a button on the console and gives the new PHEV model a top speed of 137km/h (85mph) while its generous range will allow drivers to complete most journeys without even engaging the Ingenium petrol engine.
Whatever the conditions, the new Range Rover Sport’s exceptional performance and capability are undiminished. Furthermore, P400e customers benefit from its reduced fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, and also entry into areas with access restrictions on combustion engine-only vehicles.
Land Rover’s engineers have delivered a solution that maximises interior space and provides the ideal weight distribution. The 2.0-litre Ingenium engine can be found under the clamshell bonnet, as you would a standard derivative, with the 85kW electric motor housed on the transmission, at the centre of the vehicle.
The access point for the 7kW on-board recharging socket is located behind the Land Rover badge on right of the grille, at the front of the vehicle, while the 13.1kWh prism-shaped lithium-ion battery is mounted at the rear beneath the boot floor.
Charging made simple
The new PHEV model features a plug-in charge point behind a discreet panel on the grille, a 7kW on-board charger, and a charging cable. A full charge can be achieved in approximately 7.5 hours (10 amp) (varies by market, location and the type of hardware used) so the Range Rover Sport P400e is suited to overnight battery top-ups using a domestic plug socket.
The PHEV model is available with three types of cable and includes a home charging lead, which connects to domestic power supplies, as standard.
For faster recharging, a multi-function cable is available for use at higher power 32-amp commercial charging locations and suitably equipped homes. This can reduce the charge time to as little as two-and-three-quarter hours.
Similar performance is available with the public charging cable, which is compatible with AC wall boxes installed at domestic and business premises and service stations, making it ideal for charging on the move.
Timed charging is also available via the Range Rover Sport’s state-of-the-art infotainment system, which allows owners to choose the most appropriate time to begin charging – perfect for customers who want to plug in when they return home, but want to wait until a cheaper energy tariff is available.
Owners can monitor the charging status via two illuminated strips that sit either side of the charging socket behind the grille. A white light signifies the vehicle is connected but indicates that charging has not started, while a blue light shows that timed charging is set but not underway. A flashing green signal shows the car is charging, while a solid green light indicates the battery is fully charged.
When customers are away from their vehicle, they can use the InControl app to monitor the charge status, as well as receive an alert if there is an error, or the cable has been removed forcibly.
Designed and engineered by Jaguar Land Rover in the UK, the new Range Rover Sport will be produced at the company’s Solihull production facility and is available to order now with first deliveries from the end of 2017 (market dependent).
Hopefully the EEV incentive will be accorded to RR Sport PHEV, despite that it’ll not be assembled in Malaysia.
If it does, and the price is below RM490,000 it stands a chance to compete with the luxurious Mercedes S400 Hybrid which sells at RM600,000 as well as tue much cheaper SUV BMW X5 which sells at RM390,000 with 5 yrs scheduked free mntc.
This could be the tipping point for Range Rover in Malaysia, where number of R Rover on the street will dramatically rise, hence lowering mntc costs.