X

Range Rover Hybrid: Go anywhere with more eco cred (pictures)

The Range Rover has been given a hybrid setup, so we took it off road to see whether water and electricity can safely mix.

Drew Stearne
For over 16 years Drew has been producing video content on technology, video games and entertainment but now spends his days looking at, talking about, or indeed driving, fast cars.
Drew Stearne
IMG_7395.jpg
1 of 20 Nick Wilkinson
The Hybrid Range doesn't scream "eco."
IMG_7374.jpg
2 of 20 Nick Wilkinson
...but does scream "luxury."
IMG_7401.jpg
3 of 20 Nick Wilkinson
That's a good thing, as people who shout about how eco-tastic they are...
IMG_7413.jpg
4 of 20 Nick Wilkinson
...tend to be the most irksome people in the world.
IMG_7405.jpg
5 of 20 Nick Wilkinson
The RR Hybrid uses a diesel/electric setup.
IMG_7415.jpg
6 of 20 Nick Wilkinson
The 3.0-litre V6 diesel model is pretty efficient for a 2-tonne car.
IMG_7419.jpg
7 of 20 Nick Wilkinson
But adding a small electric motor pushes its economy to 44 mpg (UK).
IMG_7422.jpg
8 of 20 Nick Wilkinson
Which, when you think about it, is pretty good.
IMG_7420.jpg
9 of 20 Nick Wilkinson
All of the eco gubbins doesn't screw with its off-road ability, though.
IMG_7425.jpg
10 of 20 Nick Wilkinson
Land Rover took a selection of Hybrid prototypes along the 10,000-mile Silk Trail in India.
IMG_7427.jpg
11 of 20 Nick Wilkinson
It's a challenging route that took over 50 days to drive.
IMG_7430.jpg
12 of 20 Nick Wilkinson
Not one of the cars has a mechanical malady. There were a few punctures, but that's about it.
IMG_7435.jpg
13 of 20 Nick Wilkinson
Land Rover says the Range Rover Hybrid is for captains of industry and the like who don't want to lose the prestige of a Range...
IMG_7439.jpg
14 of 20 Nick Wilkinson
...but want to be seen as environmentally responsible.
IMG_7446.jpg
15 of 20 Nick Wilkinson
Great in theory, that. But the Hybrid is only available in the top "Autobiography" spec.
IMG_7450.jpg
16 of 20 Nick Wilkinson
Which costs over £98,000. The same as the supercharged 5.0-litre V8.
IMG_7457.jpg
17 of 20 Nick Wilkinson
Surely if you're dropping £98k on a car, you can afford the performance of a V8?
IMG_7462.jpg
18 of 20 Nick Wilkinson
All told, the hybrid setup is remarkably smooth -- the switch between engine and EV is largely seamless.
IMG_7463.jpg
19 of 20 Nick Wilkinson
And cruising around in a 2-tonne car using EV mode is pretty cool.
IMG_7467.jpg
20 of 20 Nick Wilkinson
It's an excellent blend of econess and capability.

More Galleries

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera
A houseplant

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera

20 Photos
Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra
magic-v2-2024-foldable-1383

Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra

10 Photos
The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum
Samsung Galaxy S24

The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum

23 Photos
Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design
The Galaxy S24 Ultra in multiple colors

Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design

23 Photos
I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites
img-0368.jpg

I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites

34 Photos
17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About
Invitation for the Apple September iPhone 15 event

17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About

18 Photos
AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?
img-1599-2.jpg

AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?

17 Photos