2018 Range Rover Plug-In Hybrid - Sport model

Plug-in hybrid versions of the Range Rover and Range Rover Sport have been spotted testing ahead of a possible launch in 2018. The current fourth generation Range Rover had some mild updates for the 2017 model year, but these are the latest pictures of forthcoming hybrid models which could be introduced to the range with more updates for 2018.

The test mules get a new front bumper and grille, which is believed to house the charging port, while the lights at the front and back are also a new design. Warning stickers on the front and rear of the car indicate that these are electrified models. It's thought that the Range Rover is powered by a hybrid unit which incorporates a 295bhp four-cylinder Ingenium petrol engine and a lithium-ion battery, which is stored under the boot floor.

According to an engineering presentation last year, the company decided to build its own hybrid electric motor. However, the new Electric Drive Module (EDM) had to fit into the structure of the existing Range Rover model line-up and mate up with an eight-speed ZF automatic gearbox.

The battery pack is packaged under the boot floor, although its capacity has not yet been confirmed. To be competitive, future JLR plug-in hybrids will need to have a real-world EV-only range of more than 20 miles and probably nearer 30 miles.

This ‘production-intent’ project is technically more complex than the one for the Range Rover because it uses both a new EDM and a prototype three-cylinder Ingenium diesel engine equipped with an electrically powered turbocharger. This prototype also has a 48V electrical system that powers the water pump and air-con. Using a three-cylinder diesel engine raises refinement problems, so the compact hybrid module (just 168mm deep) incorporates both a dual-mass flywheel and a pendulum absorber to help smooth out the diesel motor’s inherent imbalance.

The hybrid Range Rover will be capable of driving on electricity alone for about 25 miles, meaning it will retain access to busy city centers in China even after officials ban gasoline-powered cars in a bid to curb air pollution. Alternatively, the hybrid drivetrain will propel the behemoth from zero to 60 mph in under six seconds. Visually, the battery-electric Range will stand out thanks to model-specific lights on both ends, and a redesigned grille believed to incorporate the charging port. Inside, the changes will include a hybrid-only instrument cluster with a gauge that indicates how much juice is left in the battery pack.

Recent spy shots indicate the plug-in hybrid Range Rover is nearly ready for production. Land Rover hasn't revealed when we'll see it, but we wouldn't be surprised if it makes its debut at a major auto show before the year draws to a close. If we're right, it will reach showrooms in time for the 2018 model year.

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