Taking the Range Rover brand further in the lap of luxury and state of the art technology, Land Rover premiered the Long Wheelbase (LWB) edition of the Range Rover Hybrid at the 2014 Beijing Motor Show. This also marks the debut of China’s first diesel hybrid to be offered by any manufacturer in the country. Keeping in mind China’s love for back seat luxury, the LWB edition offers extra legroom and a spacious cabin for Chinese passengers. The diesel hybrid on the other hand has been recognised to have a strong market potential in the country.
The Range Rover Hybrid is powered by a 3.0-litre SDV6 diesel engine combined with a 36 kW electric motor producing 47 HP and 170 Nm of torque. The combined output of the diesel and electric motor is 340 PS at 4000 RPM and 700 Nm of torque between 1500-3000 RPM. The hybrid powertrain is mated to the 8-speed ZF automatic transmission with power sent to all four wheels. The complete electric system including the lithium-ion battery pack, inverter and electric motor; all weigh less than 120 kgs.
The Range Rover Hybrid can travel up to 1.6 kms at the speed of 48 km/hr on electric power alone, after which the diesel engine takes over. The electric motor uses kinetic energy through regenerative braking to charge the battery, when the car is slowing down. The hybrid SUV allows the driver to select from three different drive modes to maximise performance or efficiency as required. In terms of emissions, the hybrid delivers 26 percent of lower CO2 emissions at 169 gm/km and returns a combined fuel economy of 15.6 km/l.
The Range Rover diesel hybrid retains Land Rover’s Terrain Response system and all-wheel drive technology that are seen on the conventional petrol and diesel powered models. The water wading depth is at a class leading 900 mm. With respect to styling, there are few hybrid badges that distinguish the LWB hybrid from the regular models. The cabin on the other hand comes with additional 186 mm of legroom for rear seat passengers and the option of executive seating package offers an increase in the rear seat angle of recline to 17 degrees. Orders for the Hybrid model will commence in May globally, with first deliveries to customers in China are expected by the end of the year.
