Amit Saraswat 
The electric vehicle (EV) market is heating up, particularly for luxury SUVs. Late last month, Stellantis unveiled Jeep’s first globally-focused EV, the 2024 Jeep Wagoneer S. This 600-horsepower offering with a 300-mile plus range positions Jeep competitively against established players.
While Chinese carmakers have dominated the EV space, traditional manufacturers are catching up. However, even the best-selling Tesla Model Y faces production challenges due to shifting market demands. The Jeep Wagoneer S Launch Edition, packed with premium features, arrives in the US and Canada this autumn for around $86,000. This hefty price tag begs the question: how long can other carmakers afford to stay on the sidelines?
The answer seems to be “not much longer.” Despite lukewarm market receptions for luxury EVs like the BMW iX and Mercedes EQE SUV, and the recent demise of Fisker, Land Rover is forging ahead. The British marque is developing not only the V8-powered Defender Octa but also a much-anticipated Range Rover EV.
Land Rover has already teased the Range Rover EV, hinting at a design closely resembling the standard L460 fifth-generation luxury SUV. This conservative approach has fuelled speculation about an electric expansion across the entire Range Rover family. With the waiting list for the Range Rover EV open and a potential Range Rover Sport EV on the horizon, digital artist Vince Burlapp (“vburlapp” on social media) has taken it upon himself to envision electric versions of the Range Rover Velar and Evoque.
Burlapp, known for his imaginative car renderings, believes the stylish Velar, nearing the end of its production cycle, is ripe for a refresh. He envisions a next-generation Velar with both internal combustion engine (ICE) and EV options. Similarly, the ageing Evoque could see an electric variant alongside a potential third-generation ICE model.
Land Rover seems to be prioritising form over function when it comes to electrification. Leaked photos of the Range Rover EV reveal a design nearly identical to its petrol counterpart, with only minor tweaks to the grille. This strategy suggests Land Rover is prioritising a familiar look for its electric flagship, potentially to ease customer concerns about adopting a new technology in a luxury segment.
