In what might be the most predictable yet terrifying development since someone decided toast needed avocado, Range Rover is going electric. The 2026 Range Rover Sport EV has been caught testing at the Nürburgring, probably confusing the locals with its lack of V8 rumble. The prototype, wearing enough camouflage to hide a small army, reveals the most obvious change - a sealed grille. Because apparently, electric motors don't need as much cooling as a thirsty V8. Who knew? The rest of it looks properly Range Rover though, which means it'll still intimidate small cars in the school pickup lane. Under the skin, it's using JLR's MLA platform that can handle everything from petrol engines to full electric powertrains. They've fitted it with an 800-volt electrical system, which in normal people speak means it'll charge faster than your phone. Though given how often Range Rover owners actually plug in their plug-in hybrids, that might be a moot point. JLR's being more secretive about the range figures than MI6 with their Christmas party plans, but industry experts reckon we're looking at around 300 miles. That's assuming you're not using the heater, air conditioning, or thinking about using the radio. It's part of JLR's master plan to launch six EVs by 2026 - four Range Rovers and two Jaguars. Though one has to wonder if they've sorted out their electrical gremlins before adding even more computers to their cars. They're promising over-the-air updates and clever apps to help maximize range, which sounds suspiciously like they're turning our beloved British bruiser into a very expensive iPhone on wheels. Next thing you know, they'll be asking if you want to update its terms and conditions while you're trying to drive. The electric luxury SUV market is getting more crowded than a Dublin pub during happy hour. BMW's iX, Mercedes EQS SUV, and others are all fighting for the attention of wealthy environmentalists - a phrase that still feels odd to type. Will it be any good? Well, Range Rover hasn't forgotten how to make luxury SUVs that make their owners feel like minor royalty, and now they're just doing it without the guilty conscience of running a V8. Though I suspect most buyers will still have a proper Range Rover in the garage for when they want to remember what an engine should sound like. Expected to launch next year after its bigger brother, the full-size Range Rover Electric, pricing will probably start at "if you have to ask, you can't afford it" and go up from there. Now, I'm off to mourn the V8 while pretending I'm not slightly curious about what an electric Range Rover feels like at full chat.
