Range Rover’s new longer, greener model doesn’t appear to be much different than what we’re accustomed to seeing on the roads in the United States. In fact, it’s almost identical to the standard long wheelbase model from the outside. However, inside you will find an extra 186 mm of legroom and an upgraded seating package that includes a recline feature.
While that’s all well and good, it’s inside the hood where the new model really differentiates. The new Range Rover is the first ever diesel-electric hybrid car to go on sale in China. It has a 3.o-liter, SDV6 diesel engine that has been mated with a 35kW electric motor. The result – a 26% reduction in CO2 emissions and a combined cycle fuel economy of 44.1 mpg. For those of you worried about the torque on this vehicle, fear not, its 700Nm – equal to that of a V8 fuel-powered vehicle.
It’s the same all-terrain vehicle that has made Range Rover one of the most popular SUVs on the planet. The new model doesn’t jeopardize any of the class-leading terrain and all-wheel drive systems found on the new version. The new hybrid should hit the market after it completes its grueling real-world tests all over the globe. For those of you who are wondering what that is, a team of Range Rover engineers drove a fleet of the new hybrid models from Birmingham to Central Asia. After the test the new models are stripped down, analyzed and then tweaks are made.
Expect first deliveries in May – sounds pretty good to me!
Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images
