A combination of luxury interior, off-road capabilities and improved environmental credentials makes the latest Range Rover an attractive proposition. By John Challen.

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While driver may have a bit of wait to get their hands on some Range Rover off-roaders, the availability of plug-in hybrid versions – Evoque; Velar; Range Rover and Range Rover Sport – opens up new avenues for drivers.

It’s still a bit of a tough sell – the Range Rover tested here cost just shy of £170,000, but at least there are plenty of choices from within the brand, with prices starting at £103,485. As the shift to EV powertrains continues – and an electric Range Rover still proves elusive (it’s due in 2024) – the plug-in version of the standard Range Rover is as close as many fleet drivers might get to running one of the iconic – and, clearly, very popular – models.

There’s a claimed EV-only range (by Land Rover) of up to 70 miles, although we only managed about 40-45 miles before the internal combustion engine kicked in. Having said that, Land Rover believes that the quoted figure is a real-world driving range that enables drivers to make up to 75% of their journeys with zero emissions.

Get inside the car and it’s a similarly impressive story. Soft touch materials are used throughout the cabin, with thick carpet under feet and seats that drivers and passengers alike can sink into. As you might expect, there’s a wealth of electrical componentry onboard to move, heat and cool passengers, as well as a long list of driver assistance and safety technologies as standard.

On the road, the Range Rover hybrid eats up miles serenely and comfortably. There’s no mistaking it’s a big car – in pretty much every direction – but it doesn’t feel its size and is relatively nimble with limited body roll when going through corners or twisty roads. The switch from electric motor to ICE is naturally seamless – impressive sound deadening preventing any unwanted noise getting into the cabin.

While the hybrid RR we sampled stayed firmly on the Tarmac, we’ve had first-hand experience of the standard car’s capabilities on off-road routes and, like pretty much every other model in the range, it’s good. Even though the majority will be spotted cruising high streets or highways, they truly are built for all terrains.

Which model is right for you?

Range Rover plug-in hybrid drivers have the option of the two variants that use Land Rovers 3-litre six-cylinder petrol engine – one with 440hp and 620Nm of torque, the other with 510hp and 700Nm. Both are equipped with a 38.2kW battery and 105kW electric motor. Three driving modes are available – EV, save and hybrid – to give drivers the option of saving battery power for when it is needed, or best used. The WLTP CO2 emissions figure of 20g/km is an improvement on the original estimates from the vehicle manufacturer and is a figure that is sure to turn a few heads.

The level of equipment across the board is impressive but, at the same time, the cars are customisable down to the finest detail of material, exterior trim and equipment.

It’s fair to say that any Range Rover you step into will be impressive in terms of its performance, luxury and overall driving experience. In the case of the plug-in hybrid version of the car, none of that has been lost with the addition of the big battery and electric motor. It’s a comfortable and serene way to travel, with a decent ride and handling setup to boot. Land Rover has made no secret of the fact that there is typically a long time between order and delivery, but – based on our experience – it’s well worth the wait.

IN BRIEF

WHAT IS IT? 4×4

HOW MUCH? from £103,485

ECONOMY? 318.9mpg

EMISSIONS? 20g/km

KEY FLEET MODEL: P440e

Pros: Interior; powertrain; performance
Cons: Price; instant availability
7-word summary: Range Rover revels in plug-in hybrid performance
Also consider: Aston Martin DBX; Bentley Bentayga; BMW X7