In the Range Rover Vogue PHEV, luxury and power complement each other

At first glance, it looks just like a normal luxury SUV. PHOTO FROM LAND ROVER

Air pollution and vehicle emissions have been increasing concerns in recent years. Conventional vehicles are a big source of particulate-matter pollution globally. As a result, a number of automobile manufacturers have been pushing forward with the electric-vehicle direction, making use of electric power as an alternative energy source.

A Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicle (MHEV) contains a small battery pack, storing electricity for the electric motor. The battery is charged within the vehicle by a generator or through regenerative braking. A Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV), meanwhile, has a larger electric motor and can be charged externally by plugging it to a wall charger.

Land Rover, a brand known for luxury off-road vehicles, is joining the hybrid fray with the Range Rover Vogue 2.0 Petrol PHEV. The Vogue now combines typical Range Rover character with the efficiency of a plug-in hybrid.

And then you realize this is a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle. PHOTOS FROM LAND ROVER

The Vogue PHEV’s powertrain, known as the P400e, has a combined maximum power of nearly 400hp at 5,500rpm (284hp from the 2.0-liter turbocharged Ingenium petrol engine and 114hp from the electric motor), and offers 640Nm at 1,500-4,000 rpm. An integrated hybrid eight-speed automatic transmission is paired with the engine.

Hybrid components underneath this flagship Range Rover include a 13kWH high-voltage battery, a 7kW on-board charger, as well as an integrated starter generator. With the larger electric capacity of a plug-in hybrid, the Vogue PHEV has the ability to run on EV mode in the city, with an average range of 24-28km around Metro Manila. Instead of running on gasoline, the vehicle uses electric energy. Apart from using electricity an as alternative energy source, the Vogue PHEV delivers zero emissions during this function. Owners can make electric-only trips around the metro, while the engine can be utilized for long-distance travel. That said, combined PHEV range is in excess of 700km.

With the larger electric capacity of a plug-in hybrid, the Range Rover Vogue PHEV has the ability to run on EV mode with an average range of 24-28km

As a hybrid, this Range Rover also has a regenerative braking system, recirculating kinetic energy when coasting and braking into electricity to charge the battery and increase energy efficiency. Charging is care of an AC wall-box charger with a type-2 plug, providing a maximum capacity of 7kW and an approximate charging time of 2.75 to three hours.

The off-road capability of this luxury SUV is just as superb as that of other Land Rovers. PHOTO FROM LAND ROVER

This Range Rover has a host of plug-in hybrid features, such as Intelligent Plug-In Hybrid Display, which shows how efficiently you’re driving, as well as info on how the electric motor is working in connection with the engine. The display is incorporated with the Touch Pro Duo and the Interactive Driver Display. Intelligent Routing, meanwhile, points out charging points on a particular route, as well as identifying the most efficient direction, taking into consideration gradient and road surface. This feature works together with In Control. As mentioned earlier, the Vogue PHEV delivers zero emissions in EV mode. During longer drives, the electric motor and the engine work hand in hand to yield exceptional numbers of less than 64g/km carbon-dioxide emissions, reducing environmental impact. This is indicated by the Plug-In Hybrid Fuel Economy feature.

Are you a techie? This vehicle’s high-tech cabin will delight you. PHOTO FROM LAND ROVER

With the PHEV providing a near-silent drive in EV mode, this is the quietest Range Rover thus far. The hush enhances the interior’s luxury and refinement, with the sliding panoramic roof magnifying tranquility within. Windsor leather seats with Navy/Ivory interior, and Espresso seats with Espresso/Almond interior are offered. The Touch Pro Duo infotainment system (featuring two 10-inch touchscreens) complements the cabin, while the 19-speaker Meridian sound system powered by an 825W amplifier offers the kind of noise you want to hear. By means of Trifield technology, the system can identify the length and the width of the soundstage from each seat for the best clarity.

Land Rover has transplanted the idea of an efficient plug-in hybrid electric system into its most luxurious model with impressive results. This is a luxury SUV worth checking out.

This branded article was produced in partnership with Land Rover Philippines.