The Range Rover Sport is going electric, but Land Rover does not appear to be giving its luxury SUV a dramatic EV makeover. As reported by Motor1, the Range Rover Sport Electric will look very close to the combustion-engined model when it makes its full debut later this year. The biggest exterior changes are expected to be a closed-off grille and the removal of exhaust tips.
Keeping the existing shape should help the electric version appeal to buyers who already like the Range Rover Sport’s design. While some manufacturers use new EVs to experiment with unusual styling, Land Rover seems happy to let the electric powertrain provide the biggest difference.
The Range Rover Sport Electric is expected to use the same Modular Longitudinal Architecture as the petrol and plug-in hybrid models. Since the platform was developed to support several types of powertrain, the electric Sport can join the existing range without forcing Land Rover to completely rethink the SUV.
Power will reportedly come from a dual-motor setup, with either 444hp or 542hp depending on the version. Both motors are expected to be identical, creating a 50:50 split between the front and rear axles.
A 118.5kWh battery is reportedly planned, with Land Rover targeting an EPA range of around 330 miles. The electric Sport is also expected to use an 800-volt system and support DC charging at up to 350kW, although Land Rover has not confirmed the final figures yet.
Land Rover also appears determined to preserve the Sport’s off-road ability as it moves to electric power. Air suspension, rear-wheel steering and a one-pedal driving mode designed to work beyond paved roads are all expected to carry over.
The cabin is also likely to remain close to the current Range Rover Sport, with the same premium materials and screen-led layout. Full interior details have not yet been confirmed.
Pricing has not been announced, but Land Rover has already said its EVs will carry a premium over their combustion-engined equivalents. Visually, however, the electric Sport is expected to stay deliberately close to the current version.