LAND ROVER has lifted the lid on its first four-wheel drive plug-in diesel hybrid model at the Geneva Motor Show.
Named the Range-e, it features an advanced plug-in hybrid diesel-electric powertrain that the company expects to use in future models following the launch of its diesel-electric hybrid in 2013.
Range_e is based on the Range Rover Sport and uses the current 245PS 3.0-litre TDV6 diesel engine, working with an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission and a 69kW electric motor.
Using a parallel hybrid system, with a 14.2kW/h lithium-ion battery that can be recharged from an external 240V power source, Range_e can be driven on electric power alone for more than 20 miles with zero emissions.
A full recharge from a standard domestic power supply should take around four hours.
Overall CO2 emissions are just 89g/km, yet Range_e has a maximum output of 339PS and a top speed of around 120mph, delivering a fuel figure of 85mpg. Improved efficiency from the hybrid system makes 690 miles possible on a full tank of fuel.
Range_e is also engineered with the same full 4WD capability as the standard Range Rover Sport, with high and low range in the transmission, front and rear differentials and a mechanical locking centre differential.
Dependant on driver demand, the car's system decides the most efficient method to deliver the power required, whether this is by electric, diesel or both.
The Range_e also features regenerative braking to capture energy usually wasted in heat energy via the brakes.
John Edwards, Land Rover global brand director, said: "This system is the first example of a premium plug-in hybrid that also provides the full four-wheel-drive capability that you would expect from a Land Rover.
“It is an evolution of the production intent diesel-electric hybrid technology which will be launched in our next generation of SUVs and will be available for customers within the next two years."
Land Rover has also announced that the new Liverpool-built Range Rover Evoque range will cost from £30,000.