Range Rover Hybrid: An Environmentally Friendly Land Rover?

When you think Land Rover, you think bike and heavy off-road capable vehicles that are very thirsty for gasoline. But times are changing and governments around the world are looking to carmakers and demanding more fuel efficient vehicles that produce even less CO2 emissions.

You’d think some of the more exotic carmakers would be exempt to these rules but that’s not the car, everyone is going hybrid, full-electric, or some other combination. Companies like Land Rover had to come up with innovative ways to comply with these regulations, even though they are cars of the wealthy. Luxury SUVs can be less harmful to the environment; engineers just need to come up with ways to reduce fuel consumption.

The fourth generation Range Rover is a fine example of engineering excellence. Not only did they make this tough off-road capable SUV lighter, by up to 700 pounds, but it also comes with fuel-efficient engine options and there’s even a Range Rover Hybrid available (in certain markets).

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In Canada we only get the supercharged V8 engine (for now), with 510 horsepower (see my 2014 Range Rover review here). In the United States, they also offer a supercharged V6 and in other parts of the world, a diesel V6 hybrid.

The Range Rover Hybrid is powered by a turbocharged diesel V6 engine that’s assisted by a 47-HP electric motor, for a combined output of 355 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. Power is sent to all four wheels via a ZF 8-speed automatic transmission. According to Land Rover, the hybrid Range Rover gets 37 miles per gallon (6.4 liters/100 km) and produces 26% lower CO2 emissions. The vehicle can be driven in electric-only mode for 1 mile at speeds of up to 30 mph.

The hybrid system is offered on both the full-size and Range Rover Sport, adding about 265 pounds to the vehicle’s weight. Even with the added weight, the full-size is able to do 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 6.9 seconds, while the “Sport” does it in 6.7 seconds.

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As I mentioned in my week-long review of the Range Rover, it’s a very luxurious and capable off-road vehicle; those attributes are also standard on the hybrid version. So now you can go off-roading in true luxury and also reduce your impact on the environment. Check out the video below to see how capable the Range Rover Hybrid is.

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Range Rover Hybrid Photo Gallery

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Faisal

Faisal is the cofounder and automotive photographer at Unfinished Man. He provides insider perspectives on the latest rides through his acclaimed photography. Faisal also serves as the site's watch expert, staying on the pulse of emerging timepieces. His seasoned eye for men's lifestyle products makes him an authoritative voice.

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