Land Rover is launching a pair of hybrid models that it claims are the world's first premium hybrid SUVs. Not sure quite how the Cadillac Escalade Hybrid feels about that claim, but never mind.
Whatever about being the first, the Range Rover Hybrid and Range Rover Sport Hybrid are certainly impressive on paper. Both use the 3.0-litre SDV6 diesel engine combined with a 35kW electric motor and a lithium-ion battery pack. All told, the electric motors, batteries and inverter add only 120kg to the weight of both cars.
Combined, the hybrid system can produce 340hp at 4,000rpm and 700Nm of torque from 1,500rpm. That translates into a sub-seven second 0-100km/h time, performance that Land Rover says matches the V8 diesel model.
Despite this brisk performance, emissions have been slashed by 26 per cent to just 169g/km, which means an Irish motor tax bill of just €570 per year. Land Rover quotes average fuel economy of 44mpg on the combined cycle.
Furthermore Land Rover claims that the hybrid installation has not reduced boot space or cabin room, because the PLA architecture that underpins both Range Rovers was designed to accommodate the system from the start.
Anything else?
To prove the ruggedness of both Range Rover Hybrid models, Land Rover is taking them on a 16,000km expedition from their factory in Solihull near Birmingham to the home of Land Rover's owner, Tata, in Mumbai, India. The route will take in 12 countries and includes the legendary (and treacherous) Silk Road route between Europe and Asia.