Range Rover announced upgrades and pricing on its 2018 lineup and said it would be adding a plug-in hybrid version of the luxury SUV during the 2019 model year. The changes include a freshening of the exterior design, upgraded interior amenities and a new model in the new Range Rover SV Autobiography Dynamic. The 2019 Range Rover P400e combines a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine with an electric motor to produce a combined output of 398 horsepower and 472 lb-ft of torque.
“Our customers are very clear about what they want from any new Range Rover. ‘Don’t change it, just make it better,’ they tell us, so everything we’ve done has been about enhancing our flagship SUV,” said Gerry McGovern, Chief Design Officer, Land Rover. “After nearly 50 years the fourth generation Range Rover is the finest so far, ensuring the original luxury SUV remains the choice for discerning customers the world over.”
Subtle design changes
The subtle exterior design changes include the grille incorporating a gloss black surround and mesh along with new LED lighting, while the all-new front bumper has widened vent blades. The clamshell hood is longer, giving the driver a cleaner view ahead. Refreshed lower side accents and vents incorporate two design schemes–Satin Body-Colored and Atlas Accent Finish–that further highlight the vehicle’s profile. At the rear the updated bumper integrates the exhaust tailpipes across all Range Rover powertrains.
“Our approach was to find ways of enhancing the Range Rover’s traditional appeal without making too dramatic a change,” said McGovern. “We therefore set out to create an uncluttered graphic that embodied a cleanliness and quality of design, with flush detailing and a greater emphasis on overall cohesion. The result is the best looking Range Rover yet.”
Also: Get your first look at the new and redesigned cars of 2018
New seats
Inside, the new seats provide greater recline, legroom and foot space. Both driver and front passenger seats are now asymmetrically wider on the outside to enable easier access. The front seat frame provides a wider foundation and deeper foam with comfort interlayers. The seats are covered in high quality leathers, while the seat controls have been relocated to the new door panels for easier access. Depending on specification, the seats offer 16-, 20- and 24-way adjustment.
Other upgrades include thicker laminated glass to reduce outside noise and a new executive seating package for the second row, a power retractable rear seat center console and even hand gesture controlled rear sunscreens.
Pricing for 2018 Range Rovers start at $87,350 for 340-horsepoewr 3.0-liter V6 SE models; $94,050 for 385-horsepower V6 HSE; the SE Td6 254-horsepower V6 diesel is $89,350, and the HSE Td6 is $96,050. Supercharged and Supercharged LWB (Long Wheelbase) models with 518-horsepoewr 5.0-liter V8s are $104,850 and $108,895 respectively. Higher trim level Autobiography and Autobiography LWB models, which share the same engine, are $141,995 and $148,296. The new range-topping 557-horsepower SV Autobiography Dynamic is $177,200.
2019 Range Rover P400e
With nearly 400 horsepower on tap, Range Rover expects the P400e Plug-in Hybrid to accelerate to 60 mph in 6.4 seconds on the way to a top speed of 137 mph. The full-time 4-wheel drive model operates in a parallel hybrid mode as well as being able to function as a full electric with a range of 31 miles. On longer trips, the system also allows the driver to save energy for the pure EV mode until they reach an urban area for instance. Also, the pure EV mode has a vehicle top speed of 85 mph. Pricing and the on-sale date for the 2018 Range Rover P400e will be announced closer to its on-sale date next year.
