Available in the Range Rover Sport and full size Range Rover, both of which are now using a lightweight aluminium body structure, the drivetrain combines a 3.0-litre SDV6 diesel engine with an electric motor housed in the eight-speed gearbox.

This can be used as a generator, recovering energy to charge the battery while slowing down, but can also boost performance to an SDV8-matching combined output of 336bhp while overtaking and drive using only battery power for up to one mile at speeds below 30mph.

The entire hybrid system weighs less than 120kg, and because both models were designed to accommodate a part-electric drivetrain there is no compromise in interior and luggage space.

John Edwards, Land Rover global brand director, said: ‘We are excited to introduce the Range Rover and Range Rover Sport Hybrids, the world's first hybrid SUVs with legendary Land Rover capability.  The addition of a smooth electric drive enhances refinement, cuts CO2emissions and delivers staggering performance on a par with our SDV8 engine.’

Customer deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2014.