Luxury SUV Model Range Rover successfully passes Arctic Circle endurance test, aiming to establish itself as the globe's most competent luxury vehicle.

Luxury SUV Model Range Rover successfully passes Arctic Circle endurance test, aiming to establish itself as the globe's most competent luxury vehicle.

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The all-electric Range Rover is closing in on its big reveal later this year. With its improved performance and cutting-edge technology, the British brand's latest creation is primed to be the most capable luxury SUV on the planet[1].

After a punishing second winter in the Arctic Circle, prototypes covered some 45,000 miles on frozen lakes and tracks[1]. These sub-zero conditions are the ideal testing ground for the vehicle's advanced thermal management system, which balances heat output for maximum battery and motor efficiency[1].

Recovering heat from the drivetrain and cabin to keep things toasty for well-heeled customers even in temperatures as low as -10C, the ThermAssist technology played a key role in these challenging tests[2]. Land Rover's JLR's Thomas Mueller highlights the critical importance of extreme weather testing: "Range Rover Electric's real-world reliability and resilience rely on rigorous and unpredictable conditions like those experienced in Arjeplog."[2]

Aside from refining the ThermAssist system, cold weather testing also put the Range Rover Electric's twin-chamber air suspension through its paces[3]. This upgrade, designed to account for the increase in bulk from the large battery pack and all-wheel-drive system, has been tuned to deliver unmatched driving dynamics[3].

Details on the EV's performance statistics and price tag are being kept under wraps[1], but the company has confirmed the vehicle will be equipped with a 117kWh battery pack[3]. So what does that mean for its driving range?

This eagerly anticipated all-electric beauty has just completed its second winter season in the Arctic Circle and is set to redefine luxury SUV performance.

Why push it to the limit in the Arctic Circle?

Arjeplog's freezing temperatures are the optimum environment for testing the Range Rover Electric's ThermAssist technology[2], an advanced on-board system that reduces heating energy consumption by up to 40%, allowing the car to charge and drive more efficiently[2]. That means toasty cabins for customers despite morning frosts and polar chill[2].

The icy conditions also provided the perfect environment for fine-tuning the EV's single-pedal driving characteristics[3]. Once the driver lifts off the accelerator, the regenerative braking system slows the car while sending energy back into the battery[3]. Combined with Range Rover's Terrain Response system, this setup lets the EV come to a complete stop and engage the Hill Hold assist without the driver ever needing to apply the brakes[3].

A true Range Rover experience

By increasing the electric luxury SUV's torsional stiffness, Land Rover's engineers have managed to maintain the 'customary Range Rover driving experience', ensuring that the EV feels familiar to existing customers[2]. "We have delivered on this promise by marrying all the essential Range Rover elements with new and advanced technologies," added vehicle engineering director Matt Becker[2].

To ensure consistency, the company even shipped out examples of every generation of Range Rover for reference purposes[1]. Four models spanning back to the iconic 1970 original were used to benchmark the electric vehicle's characteristics[1].

The Range Rover's second season in the Arctic Circle has seen extreme cold tests follow an extended period last year when prototypes were being refined in the United Arab Emirates in temperatures as high as 50 degrees Celsius with 90% humidity[1]. The company's vehicle engineering director claims the EV retains the 'customary Range Rover driving experience' and promises to feel familiar to existing customers[1].

1. In preparation for its release in 2025, the all-electric Range Rover has been subjected to challenging testing conditions, including the Arctic Circle, to optimize its ThermAssist technology and driving dynamics.
2. The Arctic Circle's frigid temperatures are ideal for testing the Range Rover Electric's ThermAssist technology, which reduces heating energy consumption by up to 40%, ensuring efficient charging and operation in extreme cold.
3. The electric Range Rover's single-pedal driving characteristics have been fine-tuned in the Arctic Circle, allowing the vehicle to slow down through regenerative braking and send energy back into the battery, without the need for substantial manual braking.
4. To maintain the traditional Range Rover driving experience, Land Rover's engineers have increased the EV's torsional stiffness and married essential Range Rover elements with advanced technologies.
5. As part of the development process, Land Rover has incorporated reference models of every generation of Range Rover, going back to the 1970 original, to ensure consistency in the electric vehicle's characteristics.
6. The Range Rover's 2025 electric model is anticipated to push the boundaries of luxury SUV performance, while delivering a familiar driving experience to its customers, thanks to rigorous testing in diverse climates and advanced technology integration.

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