In the heart of the Al Badayer desert, where sand dunes tower like golden skyscrapers and temperatures rival the surface of Mercury, Land Rover is putting its first all-electric Range Rover through its paces.
The test site, nicknamed “Big Red,” features 300-foot dunes that would make even the most adventurous SUV pause for a moment of quiet contemplation. But the Range Rover Electric? It’s not just climbing these dunes—it’s redefining luxury off-roading while it’s at it.
A Desert Proving Ground
Let’s start with the conditions: 50°C (122°F) heat, 90% humidity, and a terrain so soft it swallows lesser vehicles whole. Yet, this electric SUV isn’t just surviving—it’s thriving.
The engineers tasked it with repeatedly ascending Big Red five times in a row without losing performance, a feat that demands both grit and cutting-edge tech. Spoiler alert: it delivered, and then some.
Behind this success is a new thermal management system designed to keep the cabin cool and the battery optimized. It’s a balancing act that’s critical in extreme environments like this, and Land Rover claims it surpasses the performance of its iconic internal combustion models.
Smarter Torque, Smarter Climbing
At the core of the Range Rover Electric’s off-road prowess is its Intelligent Torque Management system, which adjusts power delivery to each wheel with jaw-dropping precision. While older systems reacted in 100 milliseconds—a blink of an eye by most standards—this one does it in just 1 millisecond.
That’s like swapping a snail for a cheetah, ensuring maximum traction even on loose sand. And yes, this also means you’re less likely to get stuck, which is always a win when you’re miles from anywhere with only camels for company.
Built for Luxury, Designed for Adventure
True to its heritage, the Range Rover Electric blends rugged capability with refinement. Visually, it mirrors its gas-powered sibling, maintaining the sleek lines, pop-out door handles, and minimalist grille that scream understated opulence. The only major visual difference? A more aerodynamic grille design, a nod to the reduced cooling needs of an EV.
Inside, the cabin remains a sanctuary, no matter how unforgiving the landscape outside. Think serene minimalism, plush materials, and tech that feel intuitive rather than overwhelming. Range Rover’s commitment to luxury hasn’t wavered—it’s just evolved to include zero tailpipe emissions.
Range, Power, and the Elephant in the Room
Details about the Range Rover Electric’s powertrain are still closely guarded, but it’s expected to feature a dual-motor system with four-wheel-drive capabilities.
While exact figures remain a mystery, it’s rumored to rival the 523 horsepower of the V8-powered Range Rover. That kind of power will be crucial, given that the addition of a large battery could push the SUV’s weight from “hefty” to “small moon.”
As for range? Don’t expect Tesla numbers. The emphasis here is on capability and experience rather than record-breaking efficiency. After all, this is a vehicle that’s more likely to wade through rivers (up to 33.8 inches deep, besting even the GMC Hummer EV) than set hypermiling records.
Beyond Big Red: What’s Next?
This desert testing follows earlier trials in the Arctic Circle, where the SUV tackled -40°C temperatures with equal confidence. Clearly, Range Rover is positioning its electric flagship as the ultimate “go anywhere, do anything” luxury vehicle.
Whether it’s scaling dunes, navigating icy tundras, or cruising through city streets, this EV promises to deliver the same versatility that has defined the brand for decades.
And the competition? With rivals like the Rivian R1S and Mercedes-Benz EQG in the mix, the electric luxury SUV segment is heating up faster than the Al Badayer desert at noon. But if these tests are any indication, the Range Rover Electric is more than ready to lead the charge.
Charge Complete
The Range Rover Electric represents a bold step into the future, combining the brand’s legendary off-road capability with cutting-edge electric technology. From tackling the scorching Arabian desert to maintaining its signature luxury, it’s clear this EV isn’t just about keeping up—it’s about setting a new standard.
With a 2025 launch on the horizon and over 48,000 eager customers already on the waitlist, the only question is: can you resist joining them?
About flaming time!!