Land Rover launches first hybrid Range Rover models

Land Rover has launched its first ever hybrid models - the Range Rover Hybrid and Range Rover Sport Hybrid - which will deliver outstanding fuel economy, significantly lower CO₂ emissions and retain Land Rover's renowned capability and performance.

The two all-aluminium models are based on Land Rover's Premium Lightweight Architecture and share an identical powertrain. They are the world's first premium diesel SUV hybrids.

The new Range Rover Hybrid powertrain features three driver-selectable modes and combines Land Rover's popular 3.0-litre SDV6 diesel engine with a 35kW electric motor integrated with the eight-speed ZF automatic transmission. The hybrid system, including lithium-ion battery pack, inverter and electric motor weighs less than 120kg.

Output of the diesel engine and electric motor together is 340bhp at 4,000rpm and a class-leading 700Nm torque between 1,500rpm and 3,000rpm, resulting in stunning SDV8-style performance. Both models accelerate to 100km/h in under seven seconds, deliver strong transient and mid-range performance with a top speed of 218km/h, combined with a 26 percent reduction in CO₂ emissions to 169g/km.

The latest generation Range Rover models have all been designed with the integration of a hybrid system in mind. Consequently, the liquid cooled battery pack is mounted beneath the floor of the vehicle in a protective boron-steel cradle without impacting on the cabin or luggage space.

The Range Rover Hybrid has the same five-seat capacity and luggage space as the standard vehicle and retains the full-size spare wheel. This no-compromise philosophy is echoed in the Range Rover Sport Hybrid whose interior is unchanged from the standard model, right down to the 5+2 seating.

To demonstrate the capabilities of the new hybrids, three Range Rover Hybrids will embark on an epic trip, starting on 22^nd August, from the home of the Range Rover brand in Solihull to the home of the parent company Tata, in Mumbai, India on 15^th October.

This 'Silk Trail 2013' 16,000km expedition visits 12 countries and takes in some of the world's most challenging roads, passes and trails, including part of the ancient, 6,437km Silk Road connecting Asia with the Mediterranean.

Order books for the Range Rover Hybrid range in the U.K. will open from 10^th September with first deliveries in early 2014.