{"id":2184,"date":"2025-07-03T18:33:00","date_gmt":"2025-07-03T18:33:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/flatplanplus.io\/car\/?p=2184"},"modified":"2025-07-03T14:13:05","modified_gmt":"2025-07-03T14:13:05","slug":"is-the-electric-range-rover-good-enough-to-wait-for-or-are-these-the-answer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/flatplanplus.io\/car\/2025\/07\/03\/is-the-electric-range-rover-good-enough-to-wait-for-or-are-these-the-answer\/","title":{"rendered":"Is the electric Range Rover worth waiting for… or are these EVs the answer?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text module_class=”article-title-allcaps” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”|800||on|||||” header_text_align=”center” header_font_size=”44px” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]

The best electric<\/span> choices to replace your Range Rover<\/span><\/h1>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_class=”fp-introv2″ _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”|700|||||||” text_orientation=”center” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]

Range Rover\u2019s first ever EV lands later this year, but it\u2019s far from the only luxury electric SUV option <\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_class=”fp-byline” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_orientation=”center” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]

Words<\/b><\/span> Chris Chilton
<\/span>Photography<\/b><\/span> Lee Brimble, BMW, Hyundai & Mercedes<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/flatplan-plus-content.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2025\/07\/01-Range-Rover.jpg” title_text=”01 Range Rover” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text module_class=”text-with-dropcap” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]

The luxury SUV that continues to define the sector even after being out-poshed by Rolls-Royce\u2019s Cullinan and Bentley’s Bentayga is getting an electric variant. On sale later this year and packing a monster 117kWh battery that\u2019ll deliver over 310 miles between charges \u2013 putting the ‘range’ in Range Rover \u2013 it promises to be even more refined than the combustion model on road, and even more capable off it.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]

But if you can find the estimated \u00a3125,000 you\u2019ll need to buy one, there\u2019s still a good chance you\u2019ll miss out. Land Rover has over 60,000 expressions of interests for the 542bhp EV, and though not all of those are guaranteed sales, you can expect a lengthy wait if you delay ordering until the covers come off.<\/p>\n

So assuming you don\u2019t want to wait, or to pay a speculating deposit-holder wildly over the list price for the privilege of skipping the queue, or maybe just don\u2019t think buying a proto-EV from a brand still trying to shake off a terrible reliability record sounds too smart, you\u2019re going to need a plan B.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s early days for luxury electric SUVs, in Europe at least. US buyers have more choice in the shape of the Rivian R1S, Lucid Air and Cadillac Vistiq, some \u2013 possibly all \u2013 of which could cross the Atlantic in the next few years. America can also still buy the Tesla Model X, which is no longer available in the UK as a new car in right-hand-drive form. But there are various choices, and if you want one with a badge that packs the same kind of old-school luxury weight as the Range Rover\u2019s, a Mercedes dealer is a good place to start.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/flatplan-plus-content.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2025\/07\/02-Mercedes-G-Class.jpg” title_text=”02 Mercedes G-Class” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text module_class=”small-subhead” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”|700||on|||||” text_font_size=”12px” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]

Mercedes G580<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]

The electric G-Wagon, or G580 with EQ Technology to give its full, clunky name, looks at first glance much like the G you could buy in the 1970s back when the Range Rover still had a hose-out interior. But don\u2019t be fooled by the military-chic body, external door hinges and flat \u2018aerodynamcs? what\u2019s that?\u2019 windscreen. Under the skin is a quad-motor drivetrain that metes out 579bhp to all four wheels, gets the brutalist box to 62mph in 4.7sec and lets it perform tank turns on the spot.<\/p>\n

Anything a Range Rover can do in the muck, the EQ can match, including wading through close to a metre of water \u2013 it copes with 150mm more than even the combustion Gs can handle. And it has arguably even more street presence than the Brit SUV, but then so it should for \u00a3154,870. At that price the 280-mile range (despite a colossal 116kWh battery) and puny 415kg maximum payload (which nixes most towing adventures) look poor. The brakes are also disappointing, even if the rest of the dynamic package is far better than you\u2019d expect given the 3085kg kerbweight and Etch A Sketch design.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/flatplan-plus-content.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2025\/07\/03-Mercedes-Maybach-EQS-SUV.jpg” title_text=”Experience Mercedes-Maybach Vancouver 2023\r\rExperience Mercedes-Maybach Vancouver 2023″ align=”center” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text module_class=”small-subhead” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”|700||on|||||” text_font_size=”12px” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]

Mercedes EQS SUV<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]

If the G-EV doesn\u2019t do it for you (and reports of flat sales in Germany suggest you won’t be alone), Mercedes has another electric SUV to tempt you. The curvy EQS is nowhere near as statuesque as the Range Rover, but there\u2019s no arguing that it knows how to put on a show inside.<\/p>\n

Tech geeks will love the pillar-to-pillar Hyperscreen triple-display digital dashboard, which is standard along with a third row of seats and dual motors whether you go for the \u00a3129,480, 355bhp EQS 450, or step up to its \u00a3139,480, 537bhp EQS 580 big brother. Let loose for the pricey \u00a3200,870 and unambiguously titled Mercedes-Maybach EQS 680 First Class SUV and you swap that third row for individual aircraft-style chairs.<\/p>\n

Every EQS impresses with its comfort, quiet, and interior quality, but Mercedes\u2019 problem is it\u2019s asking top dollar and other E-SUVs are almost as slick, better to drive and cost tens of thousands less. One of those is BMW\u2019s iX.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/flatplan-plus-content.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2025\/07\/04-BMW-iX.jpg” title_text=”04 BMW iX” align=”center” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text module_class=”small-subhead” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”|700||on|||||” text_font_size=”12px” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]

BMW iX<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]

Compared with a Range Rover the biggest electric BMW is a foot shorter and boot-face ugly to most eyes, despite a recent facelift. You\u2019re also restricted to five seats because it\u2019s a closer match in size to the Range Rover Sport than the real Range Rover. For the same reason the boot is a modest 500 litres, and for reasons best known to BMW there\u2019s no frunk for your charging cables.<\/p>\n

So why do we think the iX could be one of the best cars BMW currently makes? One reason is the iX is quieter than a Maserati showroom. Another is that it\u2019s as adept as the Range Rover at smoothing bumps \u2013 though only when equipped with the air suspension that\u2019s optional on the entry-level xDrive45 and mid-spec xDrive60 models, and standard on the speedier but slightly less supple M70.<\/p>\n

And if the upcoming electric Range Rover could learn a thing or two about refinement from the iX, it shouldn\u2019t stop taking notes there. The iX feels agile for such a big car, and while it was always rapid, the recent refresh gave it endurance to match. Even the base 402bhp \u00a375,405 xDrive45 hits 62mph in 5.1sec, and a 30 per cent bigger battery gives it a 374-mile range.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s the pick of the iX line-up, though with a Range Rover-sized budget you could afford to upgrade to the \u00a393,205 xDrive60 (537bhp, 4.6sec, 426 miles) or blow \u00a3114,305 on the xDrive M70 (650bhp, 3.8sec, 366 miles), which we wouldn\u2019t advise. But all of this is moot if you don\u2019t like a design that is not only polarising, but about to be rendered old hat by the Neue Klasse BMWs filtering through over the next few years.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/flatplan-plus-content.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2025\/07\/05-Volvo-EX90.jpg” title_text=”05 Volvo EX90″ align=”center” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text module_class=”small-subhead” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”|700||on|||||” text_font_size=”12px” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]

Volvo EX90<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]

Hitting most of the same markers as the iX, while avoiding being hit with the ugly stick, is Volvo\u2019s EX90. This American-built, Chinese-backed Swedish-ish SUV gives off a classier, less shouty vibe than the BMW, though the German crushes it on a bang-per-buck basis. The new entry-level, single-motor model costs \u00a382,660 but needs 8.4sec to reach 62mph.<\/p>\n

You\u2019ll need to throw another \u00a37k at your dealer to step up to the 402bhp Twin Motor powertrain that drops the 62mph time to 5.9sec. Or you could fully torch your wallet to the tune of \u00a399,460 and plonk yourself in a posh Ultra-grade EX with the optional 510bhp Twin Motor Performance set-up.<\/p>\n

But the most expensive Volvo ever is still no faster than a base iX, and can only match the BMW’s 375-mile official range despite packing a large 107kWh battery. The BMW\u2019s also infinitely more fun when you’re in a mood to hustle, and more comfortable when you\u2019re not.<\/p>\n

An elegant interior helps soften the blow of the EX\u2019s \u00a3100k price, but the control interface relies too heavily on the portrait touchscreen for our liking, and although the EX has the third row of seats missing from the iX, there\u2019s less room back there than in the similarly-sized but less expensive Kia EV9.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/flatplan-plus-content.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2025\/07\/06-Kia-EV9.jpg” title_text=”06 Kia EV9″ align=”center” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text module_class=”small-subhead” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”|700||on|||||” text_font_size=”12px” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]

Kia EV9<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]

Wait, a Kia? I know what you\u2019re thinking. We started out talking about Range Rovers, and you were willing to let it slide when we lowered the tone to BMWs and Volvos, but a Kia? Come on! But that\u2019s the thing about electrification: it\u2019s been an incredible leveller, emboldening traditionally non-premium brands like Kia to push into luxury territory, confident that their EV technology and cutting-edge designs make a vehicle like the EV9 a viable rival to BMW, Mercedes and Land Rover SUVs.<\/p>\n

That said, the EV9\u2019s \u00a365k jumping-off price is still going to raise a few eyebrows, even if it\u2019s half what Land Rover will charge for the electric Range Rover. And in reality you\u2019re probably going to want to spend another \u00a38k-\u00a312k for the GT-Line or GT-Line S because the 197bhp single-motor base model\u2019s 9.4sec 0-62mph time makes even the EX90 look like a Rimac Nevera.<\/p>\n

Go for one of those pricier dual-motor EV9s and you\u2019ll trim the range from 349 to 313 miles, and slash the sprint time to 5.3sec. And more importantly you double the base 9\u2019s 258lb ft to make light work of hauling the masses of luggage you can fit in a boot that\u2019s 45 per cent bigger than the EQS SUV\u2019s.<\/p>\n

Human cargo \u2013 seven bodies by default, six in the top-spec GT-Line S \u2013 also has plenty of space to stretch out, but the relentless grey plastic saps some of the joy from the onboard experience. If you\u2019re already struggling with the idea of a Kia being a credible \u00a380k luxury car, the EV9\u2019s interior ambience isn\u2019t going to help sway you in the Korean company\u2019s direction.<\/p>\n

That\u2019s a real shame, because the EV9 looks almost as imposing as a Range Rover from the outside, and its 800-volt electrics and 350kW charger compatibility \u2013letting you fill to 80 per cent from 10 in less than 25 minutes \u2013 is a match for anything in the class.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/flatplan-plus-content.s3.eu-west-1.amazonaws.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/8\/2025\/07\/07-Hyundai-Ioniq-9.jpg” title_text=”07 Hyundai Ioniq 9″ align=”center” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text module_class=”small-subhead” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”|700||on|||||” text_font_size=”12px” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]

Hyundai Ioniq 9<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]

But the EV9 isn\u2019t the only kW-slurping, social-climbing electric SUV from Korea. Its Hyundai Ioniq 9 cousin packs most of the same hardware into an even more futuristic body with an even more spacious 908-litre boot and even bigger battery.<\/p>\n

There\u2019s more tech, too, including active noise cancelling, acoustic glass, 100-watt USB ports and lay-back relaxation seats for rows one and two. Shame Hyundai stuck with steel coils rather than the air springs buyers deserve on an EV likely to be in the \u00a370k-\u00a385k range.<\/p>\n

The EV9 and Ioniq 9 use the same E-GMP platform, but while every UK Kia comes with the 99.8kWh underfloor power pack that\u2019s optional in some markets, the Ioniq 9 ups that to 106kWh, and promises 385 miles between charges.<\/p>\n

Base cars slum it with a single 215bhp motor slotted between the rear wheels, but for true Range Rover-style waftability you\u2019re going to want to splash out for the Long Range AWD (308bhp, 6.7sec to 62mph, 372 miles) or the Performance AWD (429bhp, 5.2sec, range tbc, but probably 320 miles). Want more? Judging by the recent appearance of a \u00a382,185 Kia EV9 GT, a 502bhp flagship Ioniq 9 N could be along in a year or two.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_class=”small-subhead” _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”|700||on|||||” text_font_size=”12px” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]

The verdict<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.4″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content” sticky_enabled=”0″]

Waiting might be your best option. Before too long there will be a Porsche Cayenne Electric (we discounted the Macan Electric here for being too small), a Bentley electric SUV built around the same VW Group platform, and, of course, the Range Rover EV itself.<\/p>\n

But until then, if you can live with five seats and a face only a mother could love, you could do worse than BMW\u2019s iX. And if three rows of seats is a deal breaker, Volvo\u2019s EX90 is the closest match to a Range Rover\u2019s style and prestige \u2013 but it\u2019s the unconventionally attractive Ioniq 9 that gets us charged up.<\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Love the Range Rover but can’t wait for the electric version? Here’s the EV for you<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":14,"featured_media":2192,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[21],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2184","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-feature"],"acf":[],"modified_by":"kschwarz","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/flatplanplus.io\/car\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2184","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/flatplanplus.io\/car\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/flatplanplus.io\/car\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/flatplanplus.io\/car\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/14"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/flatplanplus.io\/car\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2184"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/flatplanplus.io\/car\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2184\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2199,"href":"https:\/\/flatplanplus.io\/car\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2184\/revisions\/2199"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/flatplanplus.io\/car\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2192"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/flatplanplus.io\/car\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2184"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/flatplanplus.io\/car\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2184"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/flatplanplus.io\/car\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2184"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}