A new Range Rover doesn't come along all that often - about every 10 years at the current rate - so it's understandable that the roll-out of the L460 has been gradual. There's enough for buyers to get their heads around already, from a new 'MLA-Flex' platform to active anti-roll, to then bombard them with every single model all at one. So, following the launch of the mild-hybrid petrols and diesels comes what will likely be the most popular fifth generation Range Rovers: the plug-in hybrid and SV flagship - both of which are on sale now.
The good news first. The PHEV has improved upon estimates when it comes to efficiency, going on sale with WLTP-certified 70 miles of EV range - which is considered sufficient to cover a lot of real-world journeys. It means CO2 as low as 18g/km and 314mpg as well, albeit only for the five-seat models. And, of course, in the WLTP environment - anyone scoring 300mpg from their near three-tonne Range Rover outside a lab deserves an MBE, although maybe it's possible with that EV range and lots of urban use... Either way, improving on initial predictions is always a good news story. And 50kW charging is handy for a PHEV, meaning the 38kWh battery that supplies that 105kW motor can absorb 80 per cent charge in less than an hour.
The bad news? It doesn't come cheap. The PHEV will be offered with either 440hp or 510hp from the combination of Ingenium 3.0-litre straight six and electric motor, with prices starting at £103,485 for the P440e SWB. But these things are all relative; the Bentley Bentayga Hybrid, likely to be the Range's closest rival thanks to 443hp from an electrified six-cylinder powertrain, starts at £155,000. See the configurator for exact prices on your dream spec, but rest assured that £103,485 is very much a jumping off point.
Those with more traditional tastes might be intrigued by the Range Rover SV, which is also on sale from today. It can be had with the more powerful hybrid powertrain (though only in SWB form), with the D350 diesel and 530hp V8 petrol offered in both wheelbase lengths. Pitched as nothing less than "an exquisite interpretation of Range Rover luxury and personalisation", the SV takes its inspiration from the old SVAutobiography models. Which, because the world loves a plush SUV, proved popular, so of course Range Rover was going to expand the range.
An SV is available in SWB from £146,200 in the UK, which we'd have to assume is with the diesel engine. Those with opulent tastes will be pleased to know that the LWB V8 petrol - the longer wheelbase permitting the four-seat 'SV Suite' cabin layout - starts from £173,200. And wouldn't you know, the Bentley isn't far away - the newly enhanced Bentayga V8 S costs from £179,600.
Range Rover says that more than two million online configurations have been completed for the L460, which is a lot of WFH lunch breaks well used. Expect plenty more with these new models available to order. According to its maker, this is the "most desirable, elegant and capable luxury SUV in the world", an impression which a plug-in hybrid and flagship variant will only help. With orders now open, we'll hopefully know for certain whether that claim is true from behind the wheel. After all, Bentley, Aston Martin, and Rolls-Royce reckon they make pretty good luxury SUVs as well...
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