Range Rover 2018 revealed ahead of March debut

Following last week's reveal of the Range Rover Sport facelift, Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has whipped the covers off its updated Range Rover flagship, which is also headlined by the addition of a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) variant.

On sale in Australia from March next year, the luxury SUV range will be strengthened by the P400e PHEV that combines a 221kW/400Nm 2.0-litre 'Ingenium' turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine with an 85kW electric motor for total system outputs of 297kW/640Nm.

Claiming a fuel consumption figure of 2.8 litres per 100 kilometres on the combined cycle test, the efficient P400e's carbon dioxide emissions have been tested at 64 grams per km.

The PHEV's 13.1kWh lithium-ion battery can be fully charged as soon as two hours and 45 minutes when using a dedicated 32-amp wall box, and offers 51km of pure-electric driving range, according to NEDC standards.

Two driving modes – 'Parallel Hybrid' (default) and 'EV' – will allow P400e drivers to switch between petrol/electric or pure electric drive.

'Parallel Hybrid' features two charge management functions, with 'Save' preventing battery charge from dropping below a pre-selected level, while 'Predictive Energy Optimisation' uses built-in GPS altitude data to maximise fuel economy when a satellite navigation route is selected.

Available in standard wheelbase (SWB) and long wheelbase (LWB) body styles, the PHEV can dash from 0-100km/h in 6.8 seconds on the way to a top speed of 220km/h.

Like the rest of the Range Rover line-up, the P400e is paired exclusively to an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission, with power put down via a permanent four-wheel-drive system with a new transfer case.

Aside from the PHEV's arrival, the fourth-generation Range Rover's mid-life update is characterised by refreshed exterior styling, an upgraded interior and the addition of new technologies.

Depending on the variant, a redesigned front grille features a 'Gloss Black' surround and 'Graphite Atlas' mesh, while the new-look front bumper includes wider vent blades.

Furthermore, the clamshell bonnet is longer, the lower side accents and vent graphics have been restyled, and the tweaked rear bumper now integrates the exhaust tailpipes.

Six new alloy wheel designs and four LED headlight options are on offer, while 'Rossello Red' and 'Byron Blue' have been added to the list of metallic exterior paint colours.

Inside, front-row seats are wider and comfier, with adjustment controls moved to the door panels, while the 60/40 split-fold second row provides wider pews that can recline up to 40 degrees and offer up to 1206mm of legroom (LWB).

Inside, front-row seats are wider and comfier, with adjustment controls moved to the door panels.

Other additions include a 'Nanoe' cabin air ionisation system, a gesture-controlled sunblind and three-zone ambient lighting.

Technology upgrades extend to JLR's dual 10.0-inch 'Touch Pro Duo' touchscreen multimedia system, 'Nuance' voice control, a 12.0-inch digital instrument cluster, a 10.0-inch full-colour head-up display, two 10.0-inch second-row entertainment touchscreens, 4G Wi-Fi hotspot for up to eight devices, and up to 18 connectivity points (LWB).

Rear passengers get two 10.0-inch entertainment touchscreens.

Standard safety and driver assistance technologies include a reversing camera, lane departure warning, autonomous emergency braking, front and rear parking sensors, cruise control and speed limiter.

Alternative powertrain options include turbocharged diesels (190kW/600Nm 3.0-litre V6, 250kW/740Nm 4.4-litre V8) and supercharged petrols (280kW/450Nm 3.0-litre V6, 386kW/625Nm 5.0-litre V8, 416kW/700Nm 5.0-litre V8).

The most powerful 5.0-litre V8 resides under the SVAutobiography Dynamic's bonnet, with power and torque up by 12kW and 20Nm respectively.

Finishing the triple-digit run in 5.4s, the spiciest Range Rover variant picks up several exclusive flourishes inside and out to distinguish itself from its more discrete siblings.

While full local specifications and pricing will not be confirmed until closer to launch, the revised Range Rover line-up will kick off from $190,000 before on-road costs, which is $6700 dearer than its current starting price.

Has Jaguar Land Rover done enough to keep the Range Rover fresh against its rivals? Tell us what you think in the comments below.