Jaguar Land Rover shocked the automotive world in late July by announcing an all-new model to join the Range Rover lineup, and it’s unlike anything else it’s built. Badged simply as the Range Rover GT, it sits lower than any other Range Rover, and while it may look like a low-riding SUV or crossover, the British brand calls it something else.
In a new video detailing the all-electric GT’s development and philosophy, Range Rover repeatedly refers to it as a “car” and a genuine grand tourer. Prototypes were recently driven from the UK into Belgium and on to Germany’s Nürburgring for testing, giving engineers the perfect opportunity to refine the ride and driving experience for long road trips. The GT has the lowest center of gravity of any Range Rover and is also its most aerodynamically efficient, allowing the brand to maximize the EV driving range and reduce wind noise.
Recent prototypes provide us with a good idea of how the finished product will look. Beneath the camouflage are familiar Range Rover design elements, including the headlights, taillights, flared arches, and sleek roof. It looks like a Velar that’s been squashed and, at least to our eyes, more like a crossover than a traditional three-box sedan. It’s perhaps a little like the Kia EV6, Hyundai Ioniq 5, and Polestar 4 in that it blurs the line between a normal sedan and a crossover, thanks to the design flexibility an electrified platform enables.
The GT will use JLR’s latest electrified platform
Range Rover is eager to point out that despite the sleek design and proportions, the GT will still be “immensely capable off-road” and “class-leading amongst its peers” in this domain. A short clip gives us a quick look at the GT driving on gravel. Inevitably, the relatively low ride height will hinder the vehicle’s off-road credentials, especially compared with vehicles like the Range Rover Sport.
JLR has confirmed the Range Rover GT will use its new Electric Modular Architecture (EMA) and initially be sold as an EV. It may use the same 850-volt electrical architecture as the all-new Jaguar Type 01, and perhaps could also borrow that vehicle’s 118-kWh NMC battery. If so, it should support DC fast charging up to 350 kW. A dual-motor powertrain seems most likely, rather than the fancier, more expensive tri-motor setup of the Jaguar.
Prospective buyers will be pleased to know that Range Rover won’t only sell the GT as an EV, as a hybrid is also in the works, set to arrive after the EV. At this stage, we don’t have a clear picture of whether it will borrow its powertrain from another JLR product, or if it will have a distinct engine, electric motor, and battery setup. The GT’s interior will depart dramatically from any other Range Rover model and share elements with the Jaguar Type 01, including a dramatic two-spoke steering wheel, a floating center console, and a large central infotainment display.
