Hold on to your steering wheels, because Range Rover is gearing up to reveal a spectacular mid-size electric SUV in 2026 that promises to electrify the auto industry! Imagine the next stage of luxury and innovation being packed into a compact frame—this is the electric baby Range Rover that many have been buzzing about. With our exclusive sneak peek at the design, we can only hint at the stunning visual feast that awaits. Not to be confused with the flagship Range Rover Electric debuting around the same time, this mid-size marvel is set to introduce a revolutionary design language and cutting-edge technology, all built upon the innovative Electric Modular Architecture (EMA). As anticipation builds, we know that this sleek electric SUV will be comparable in size to the current Range Rover Velar, putting it in direct competition with other big hitters like the new BMW iX3, Audi Q6 e-tron, and the electrifying Porsche Macan Electric.
Can’t wait for the debut of the baby Range Rover or perhaps find the anticipated price tag of around €75,000 a bit heavy? Fear not! You can take a spin in a brand new Range Rover Velar starting at approximately €61,000 or grab a used model for as low as €20,000, offering a fantastic entry point into luxury driving. Manufacturing for this groundbreaking EV will take place at the newly revamped Halewood factory in Merseyside, which has undergone a significant overhaul to meet the standards of the state-of-the-art EMA platform.
In preparation for this electric shift, Jaguar Land Rover has invested a stunning €290 million into the Halewood facility. This funding has allowed the establishment of a new electric body-assembly building, extensive upgrades ensuring that the approximately 4.8-meter-long SUV can be precisely trimmed and painted on advanced production lines. The paint shop's capabilities have been expanded to allow for striking contrasting roof colors that will surely captivate future buyers. Early glimpses of prototype vehicles suggest that the new electric Range Rover will boast an even sleeker silhouette than the Velar. With a noticeably lower roofline and a trim glasshouse that enhances its agility, the design leans into a coupé-SUV aesthetic that proudly diverges from its predecessors. Industry insiders are buzzing about how this fresh design elevates Range Rover’s reputation for modernism and minimalism.
The new Range Rover EV is set to redefine not just its appearance but also its technology. As JLR CEO Adrian Mardell explained when introducing the EMA architecture, “Originally conceived for hybrid technologies, it will now be exclusively electric. We're looking at at least three to four vehicles built on this platform.” This electric future comes packed with features that enhance performance and efficiency, courtesy of the technologies drawn from the flagship Range Rover Electric. Although the components for smaller vehicles will be more compact, they will incorporate a modular design that allows for easy integration across the lineup. The state-of-the-art batteries will initially be prepared in the Midlands, with assembly later shifting to Tata’s impressive €4 billion Gigafactory in Bridgwater, Somerset. These innovative prismatic cells are designed to fit together seamlessly, enhancing space efficiency and ultimately delivering weight savings and cost reductions.
While the flagship Range Rover Electric uses a robust 118 kWh battery, the mid-size EMA SUV will employ compact battery packs of around 100 kWh and 80 kWh. These flanking sizes should enable impressive ranges that easily exceed 480 kilometers on a single charge, particularly with the sophisticated thermal management systems in place. JLR is confidently boasting a remarkable efficiency increase of 40% over its original electric offering, the 2019 Jaguar I-Pace. The next-generation thermal system allows for heat recovery even in chilly conditions, optimizing cabin warmth, while intelligent software keeps battery temperatures at their peak for charging.
Boasting an 800-volt electrical architecture, this groundbreaking SUV will be capable of ultra-fast DC charging at an impressive 350 kW, enabling head-spinning battery replenishment from 10% to 80% in about 20 minutes. JLR has designed its electric motors in-house, tirelessly searching for technology that harmonizes low-speed off-roading with high on-road efficiency. Each axle will be powered by its own Electric Drive Unit (EDU), offering a combined output of approximately 550 hp and 1,150 Nm of torque. This formidable performance sets the stage for a driving experience that will thrill enthusiasts.
While the full drivetrain details are yet to be confirmed, there's speculation on whether the EMA Range Rover will feature an exclusive AWD system or if a single-motor long-range variant will emerge, aligning beautifully with its sleek road-oriented design. Careful attention to aerodynamics ensures that every kilometer is maximized from the EV's impressive range. Additionally, a single-pedal driving mode will enhance regenerative braking, making the electric experience seamless.
Though the baby Range Rover EV lacks an official moniker, one thing is clear: it will not take on the Velar name. Instead, this exciting addition will coexist with the Velar, continuing to provide gasoline options at Jaguar Land Rover’s Solihull plant. Of course, as a Range Rover, expect nothing less than exceptional off-road capabilities. The Electric Range Rover will feature the brand's iconic Terrain Response system for tackling diverse terrains, seamlessly transitioning between sand, snow, gravel, and rugged paths. With integrated traction management software capable of detecting slip troubles a hundred times faster than traditional systems, the electric motors will offer precise control that traditional combustion engines can only dream of.
The interior of the mid-size Range Rover EV promises to be a haven of comfort and spaciousness, despite its striking aerodynamic profile. With production slated to commence in the spring of 2026, this will be one electrifying vehicle that is sure to turn heads on roads and trails alike. Estimated to hit the market starting around €75,000, it’s a luxury ride that promises to deliver all the sophistication and performance you would expect from the iconic Range Rover brand.
