For 2020, Land Rovers premium SUV line, Range Rover, renames all its 12 trims and brings its first U.S. gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain. With design updates and additional features, there has been a lot of activity in Jaguar Land Rovers design centers. Here’s a few details for you to consider.
Petrol Engines
The two supercharged 3.0-liter V-6 engines in the base (340 hp) and HSE (380 hp) trims have retired. In their place is a 3.0-liter in-line 6 with a turbocharger, an electric supercharger, a belt-driven motor-generator (replacing the alternator,) and a 48-volt subsystem. Power, torque, and fuel economy should all improve with this hybrid setup. The base P360 makes 355 horsepower and 365 lb-ft of torque. In the HSE P400, this engine churns out 395 horsepower and 406 lb-ft.
Hybrid Engines
The biggest news is a plug-in hybrid designated the HSE P400e. The HSE P400e marries a turbo 2.0-liter inline-four with a 114-hp electric motor and a 13.1-kWh battery. At 398 hp and 472 lb-ft of torque, this tiny engine promises up to 31 miles of zero-emission driving. Although the price is $97,245, the PHEV is an attractive alternative to other hybrids even without figuring in the expected federal tax credit of $6295. The best news, the P400e can be ordered in top Autobiography trim. Formerly reserved for the V-8 models, this trim is loaded with tech and the most lavish two-tone interiors available. At $131,595, this is the nicest plug-in SUV on sale today.
Diesel Engines
But despite its green underpinnings, the plug-in hybrid will be hard pressed to top the diesel’s 29-mpg highway rating. Land Rover of North Dade (FL) reiterates that VW is still committing to thrifty, torquey diesels while certain companies are retreating. Renamed from Td6 to D260, the turbo-diesel 3.0-liter V-6 returns with 254 horsepower and 443 lb-ft. The more lushly equipped HSE offers the same engine. Both the D260 and HSE models require a small refill of DEF at each oil change, but no nightly recharging is needed!
Trims
We won’t get into the dozens upon dozens of configurations available to each Rover—or the potential to pay the equivalent of a new Honda Civic for a two-tone paint finish. For 2020, Land Rover has replaced Loire Blue with Portofino Blue and Corris Grey with Eiger Grey. A new 22-inch black wheel is also available. Every Range Rover comes with an eight-speed automatic transmission and off-road goodies including full-time four-wheel drive, a two-speed transfer case, and a height-adjustable air suspension.