JLR has been testing a prototype of its upcoming electric sports utility vehicle (SUV) to join the Range Rover’s lineup, with spy photos of the model emerging online for the first time.
Spy photos offered initial insights on JLR’s upcoming SUVs
The spy photos offered electric vehicle enthusiasts an early glimpse into what JLR is planning for its upcoming offerings.
As you can observe in the photos attached to the X post above, the prototype has a low-slung design. It hints at the brand’s emphasis on highway performance superiority rather than off-road capability.
In that sense, the spotted model may not be the highly awaited flagship Range Rover as it will supposedly feature a tall, boxy, and off-road-oriented layout.
Could it be the Range Rover Velar successor?
Considering the spotted electric SUV prototype’s low-slung design, it may arrive as the Range Rover Velar successor. However, it remains unclear if JLR will keep the same nameplate for the new electric SUV.
Although heavily concealed, we can still spot the prototype’s lower roofline and sleek profile. It also has an extended rear overhang, hinting that the model may have three rows of seats.
The prototype also seems to conceal key components, potentially sensors for its advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).
Electric vehicles on the pipeline
JLR initially announced plans to launch six electric vehicle models by 2026, including two Jaguar EVs.
However, it adjusted this plan to include only four new EVs without indicating which two models it decided to delay.
It seems that the British automaker is seeking to prioritize the launch of the Range Rover before introducing the electric Velar successor.
The next-gen Velar will reportedly compete with the Porsche Macan EV, serving as a luxury electric SUV with a focus on on-road performance.
It must be noted that JLR decided to separate Jaguar, Discovery, Defender, and Range Rover to stand as their own brands. Therefore, they will have their own design language and innovations.
“The new brand identity aspires to remove ambiguity and bring to the fore the unique DNA of each of JLR’s brands – Range Rover, Defender, Discovery and Jaguar – as well as accelerate the delivery of the company’s vision to be Proud Creators of Modern Luxury.”
JLR said in a June 2023 press release
All that said, the spy photos essentially gave us a first look at what the Range Rover brand is planning for the future, potentially attracting fans and new customers when the first offering hits the market.
