The two biggest automotive stories of recent weeks have undoubtedly been the reveal of Land Rover's new Defender and the launch of Porsche's all-electric Taycan; one attempts to modernise an iconic classic, while the other heralds the start of a new era for one the industry's biggest names. And sitting somewhere in ethos between the two is this, the Bollinger B1.
A back to basics off-roader, the Bollinger's rugged design lends it a familiar Land Rover/Wrangler/Hummer-esque aesthetic, it being beneath the bodywork where the B1 sets itself apart. Two electric motors - one for each axle - deliver a combined 614hp and 668lb ft of instantaneous torque. Those units drawing their power from a 120kWh battery, providing an estimated 200 miles of range on a single charge.
And unlike Audi's AI:Trail concept this isn't just a design study; prototypes of both the B1 and pick-up B2 are set to begin on- and off-road testing soon. With up to 20-inches of ground clearance, 10-inches of wheel travel, high- and low-range modes and all that torque, the rough stuff ought to be a breeze, while a 0-60 time of just 4.5 seconds, 100mph top speed and 7,500lb towing capacity sound like plenty for the tarmac too.
The vehicle is based around a simple aluminium chassis and steel roll cage, with a spartan cabin containing just four seats - a rear bench having been vetoed to allow longer items to be stowed through the interior. Such design features pointing to Bollinger's utilitarian alternative to Ford-backed EV rival Rivian's relatively plush bells-and-whistles approach.
More details, including pricing, are set to be announced over the coming months, with production scheduled for 2020. There'll be no surprises in hearing that Bollinger is concentrating on the US market initially, but PH understands that it does have one eye on eventual expansion into right-hand drive territories. And if the concept of a back to basics, Defender-style 4x4 appeals to you, but the batteries do not, well, there's always the forthcoming INEOS Grenadier to look forward to. Something for everyone, then.
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