WOLVERHAMPTON, England — For over five decades, Range Rover has defined the luxury SUV segment, from the original 1970 model to today's opulent Range Rover and Range Rover Sport. But now the British marque is plotting a dramatic departure: an all-electric grand tourer that ditches the SUV body for a low-slung, aerodynamic coupe profile. Dubbed the Range Rover GT, the new model is expected to launch in 2028 and will go head-to-head with the Lucid Air, Porsche Taycan, and the upcoming Tesla Roadster.

Ars Technica, which was flown to the UK for an exclusive preview, reports that the GT has been spotted testing at the Nürburgring and in the Arctic Circle, initially mistaken for an electric Velar replacement. The heavily camouflaged prototypes now reveal a sleeker silhouette than earlier boxy spy shots suggested. Range Rover still isn't ready to show an uncamouflaged version, but the car appears to be a four-door coupe with a fastback roofline, similar in spirit to the Porsche Taycan or Aston Martin Rapide E.

What We Know So Far

While Range Rover has not confirmed technical details, the GT is expected to ride on a dedicated electric platform, likely using an 800-volt architecture for ultra-fast charging. Battery capacity is rumored to be around 100-120 kWh, with a target range of over 400 miles. All-wheel drive with dual or tri-motor setups is anticipated, producing upwards of 600 horsepower in base form and potentially over 1,000 hp in a high-performance SV variant. Car and Driver speculates the GT could hit 60 mph in under 3 seconds, rivaling the Lucid Air Sapphire.

The interior is expected to be a showcase of sustainable luxury, with recycled materials, minimalist design, and advanced infotainment. Range Rover's trademark commanding driving position may be sacrificed for a lower, more sporting stance, but the brand promises the same off-road capability in a grand tourer package — perhaps with adjustable air suspension that can raise the ride height for rough terrain.

Stepping on Jaguar's Tail?

Wired raised an interesting question: Is the Range Rover GT encroaching on Jaguar's turf? Jaguar is also transitioning to an all-electric lineup, with a four-door GT due around 2025. However, Jaguar's offering is expected to be positioned below Range Rover in price and luxury. Range Rover's GT will likely start around $150,000, while Jaguar's could be closer to $100,000. Both brands are part of JLR (Jaguar Land Rover), so cannibalization is a concern, but JLR may differentiate them through design and performance focus.

Comparison with Rivals

The Weekly Driver compared the Range Rover GT against the Mercedes-Benz G-Class and Porsche Cayenne, noting that while the G-Class remains a boxy off-roader, the Cayenne is sharper and more sporty. The Range Rover GT aims to blend the best of both worlds: luxury and off-road capability with electric performance. The Rolls-Royce Spectre, another ultra-luxury EV, starts at over $400,000, so the Range Rover GT will compete in a different price bracket.

AutoEvolution's speculative renderings show the GT with a low nose, slim headlights, and a muscular rear haunch, reminiscent of the Range Rover Sport but with a coupe roofline. The design language is expected to be evolutionary, with flush door handles, a closed grille, and aerodynamic wheels.

Production and Timing

Range Rover has not announced a production timeline, but industry insiders expect the GT to debut in 2026 as a 2028 model. It will be built at JLR's Solihull plant in the UK, alongside the electric Range Rover and Range Rover Sport. JLR has committed to investing £15 billion in electrification, and the GT is a key part of that strategy.

The GT also signals a broader shift for Range Rover: from SUV specialist to a full-line luxury automaker. With the GT, Range Rover is answering the question, "What if we built a not-SUV?" — and the answer appears to be a stunning electric grand tourer that could redefine the brand.

Expert Views and Implications

Analysts see the GT as a smart move to capture a growing market for luxury EVs. "Range Rover has unmatched brand cachet in the luxury space," said an industry analyst. "An electric GT could attract buyers who want a Porsche Taycan but also need the versatility of a Range Rover." However, some question whether the brand can execute on the promise of a true grand tourer, given its SUV heritage.

JLR is also navigating a challenging transition to EVs, with the I-Pace showing mixed results. The GT will need to deliver on range, performance, and reliability to compete with established players like Tesla and Lucid.

Conclusion

The Range Rover GT represents a bold new chapter for the British brand. As spy shots continue to surface and teasers trickle out, the automotive world waits with bated breath. If Range Rover can translate its SUV excellence into a stunning electric grand tourer, the GT could become a landmark vehicle — not just for JLR, but for the luxury EV segment as a whole.