land yacht electric suv

This is the stunning new Pininfarina Pura Vision, a luxury electric land yacht

Pininfarina's follow-up to the Battista is this bonkers four-seat luxury EV with rear-hinged doors and much power

In Seventies Top Trumps  land, Pininfarina was one of the kings. As well as clothing virtually every major Ferrari from 1951 until the Prancing Horse took its design destiny in-house in 2011, these guys regularly smashed it out of the park when it came to concept cars. Case in point: the Modulo , which rebodied a Ferrari 512 S endurance racing car as a flying saucer. To this day, it remains the show car to end all show cars, a four-wheeled WTF (not least because using a 512 S as a donor car is majorly punchy).

Now meet the Pura Vision, the follow-up to the Pininfarina Battista . At this point we must remind you that these are the products of Automobili Pininfarina, which is a separate entity to the original carrozzeria . It's effectively a start-up whose goal is to be the world’s leading purveyor of luxury electric cars. Since 2018, a team of 116 has been building and refining the Battista 1,876bhp hypercar, while new CEO Paolo Dellachà, formerly chief product and engineering officer, insists the company’s financials are increasingly robust.

We like the Battista a lot, but the Pura Vision is something else altogether. Car designers will give you chapter and verse on the importance of stance and proportion, but this thing gleefully rips the rule book to shreds. Look how shallow the glasshouse is compared to the body. Check out the Pura Vision’s floating roof. Stare if you dare into its minimalist face and notice the way the cockpit sits within the body. It even has preposterous front and rear ‘suicide’ doors.

It’s also huge, almost six metres long, two metres wide and 1.7m tall, and has the imperious bearing of an automotive super yacht. The nautical parallel is encouraged by design boss Dave Amantea, who says the Pura Vision looks especially like a boat from above. Dave, it should be noted, is also one of the world’s most enthusiastic human beings.

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“The first iteration dates back to 2018. A 40 per cent scale model was presented in 2019, and we wanted to gather, not suggestions as such, but the vibes and understanding of what our customers wanted,” he explains. “We have to bring the customer to the centre of our project. Remember, these guys own everything. They’re probably getting a little bored because they can buy anything they want. This is the most difficult segment to make ‘wow!’ to the people.”

This surely gives Automobili Pininfarina scope, if not total carte blanche, to go a bit nuts. They have delivered. Although its production targets are more ambitious for the quasi-SUV than the Battista – think into the thousands rather than 150 – imagine you’re a cash rich tech bro (or sister) on the hunt for something electrified but outrageous. The Pura Vision manages to look very Silicon Valley while channelling Pininfarina’s history. The lounge doors are a nod to 1956’s Lancia Florida, the roof – currently being co-developed with a Swiss specialist – echoes the Modulo, and the body section where the doors meet is a conscious link to the Battista. A central ‘biscotto’ supports the curved single-piece side windows, which are integral to the doors. The headlights are hidden and use L.E.S.S nanofibre technology; the fibres measure less than one millimetre thick.

It sits on 23 inch wheels, the minimum diameter on a vehicle with proportions as bonkers as these, its tyres wearing an elegant white pinstripe. The rear tapers in beautifully, another aspect best appreciated from above – a vantage point Dave the designer actively encourages. A ring of anodised aluminium runs around the car’s beltline.

Nor is it overcooked. Amantea says that simplicity underpins everything, partly because the purer the surfaces the greater the contrast that can be achieved when clients start spending big in the bespoke department. The body on the show car is finished in Bianco Sestriere Gloss paint, with powerful contrasting exposed carbon fibre on the body’s lower elements.

“Details are vital. You need the unexpected element that pops out to give you the emotion,” Amantea says. “You have to amaze the customer, balance the classic effect with the futurism. The idea of finding beauty in imperfection, it’s in our bones. It’s about finding the perfect emotion not the perfect alignment of line.”

The interior is equally fabulous, contains four ‘floating’ captain’s chairs, and aims for an airier sensation than the exterior suggests. The central display rises into view when needed, disappears out of view when not. Each head-rest has a speaker to create individual sound zones. Charcoal leather on the dashboard and door tops creates an ‘accent band’ that mirrors the aluminium one on the outside. The centre console, upper seatbacks and headlining combine 30 per cent wool and 70 per cent recycled polyester. There’s a fridge hidden between the rear seats.

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Automobili Pininfarina calls the Pura Vision an ‘e-LUV’ – electric luxury utility vehicle – an abbreviation that might get lost in translation anywhere within the M62. We love it all the same, for its colossal ambition and emotive cab-rear design. No news yet on what platform it might use or the extent of its electric powertrain. A deal is being done on the former, with the latter being shared with the Battista. So it will have the performance to back up its presence.

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Artemis (Audi Landjet/Landyacht) will do 450+ miles range [Update]

• Audi's next-generation electric car will be inspired by the Audi grandsphere concept
• Will be made in Hannover, Germany, starting around 2026
• Level 3 autonomous driving, ultra-fast charging & next-gen CARIAD software expected
• Won't replace the A8, which will remain Audi's figurehead for a number of years to come

Update: ‘Platform’ sub-section of ‘Specifications’ and ‘Release Date’ section updated.

The Audi Landjet looks set to take four-ringed brand into the future of motoring, and here’s everything we know about the next-generation Audi electric car:

According to a Top Gear report dated September 30, 2022, the Audi grandsphere concept, unveiled in 2021, is the precursor to the highly anticipated Audi Landjet model. Oliver Hoffmann, BoM member responsible for Technical Development, Audi, told the British publication that the show car “gives a clear view to the first Artemis car.” Hoffmann went on to state that Audi will use both exterior and interior design of the open-top sphere concept for the dealer-bound EV.

The Audi grandsphere is a low-slung, highly aerodynamic, avant-garde four-door. It’s no ordinary sedan by any means. It blends the characteristics of a grand tourer and a shooting brake as well. And interestingly, it’s almost impossible to figure that out if you’re looking at it from the front three quarters. The designers have discretely packaged the dramatic proportions at the rear.

The Audi grandsphere concept has a striking appearance at the front with the concave hexagonal Singleframe and the narrow headlights that look like focused eyes. On the sides, the chief design element is the dynamically sloping arc of the roofline akin to Audi Sportback models. Also worth noting are the 23-inch wheels inspired by the Audi Avus from the 1990s. As for the rear, the boat tail looks like a piece of art, and would be the talking point if translated into production.

The real highlight of the Audi grandsphere is its futuristic interior. In fact, getting the interior right was so important in this case that Audi designed the concept from the inside out. The company is reimagining the interior of its cars with the trio of sphere concepts (Skysphere, Grandsphere, and Urbansphere) for the future when autonomous driving will be the new normal.

With reversed rear doors and no B-pillars, the grandsphere concept gives a grand welcome to its occupants, and in no time, the sense of spaciousness, opulence, and future forwardness starts reeling in. The 2+2 seater provides the most attractions for the passengers in the front seats, not in the rear seats like traditional sedans. It’s ready for Level 4 autonomous driving, on enabling which the steering wheel and pedals disappear. There’s no traditional dashboard either, and effectively, the car becomes a spacious first-class lounge.

The Audi Landjet should be a revolutionary product at Audi, and that’s exactly how Marc Lichte, Head of Design, Audi, described the project while speaking to caranddriver.com in December 2020. At Volkswagen Group’s Power Day event in March 2021, Markus Duesmann, CEO, Audi, had hinted that the development of the dealer-bound Audi Landjet concept (the Audi grandsphere) will begin shortly.

After almost nine months, we have now reached an important project milestone and successfully completed the concept phase for the first model based on the Artemis. We are now starting serial development of this project. Markus Duesmann, CEO, Audi, in March 2021 (Volkswagen Group Power Day)

Neither an ‘A’ nor a ‘Q’ model

In an interview with Wirtschafts Woche in January 2021, Duesmann discussed the branding of the Landjet. He said that “the first from the new Artemis e-car business unit,” internally called Audi Landjet, will belong to a “new vehicle category.” It will be neither a large sedan positioned above the Audi A8 (and thus not an Audi A9) nor a large SUV positioned above the Audi Q7 . It’s not an “A or Q” series car, Duesmann confirmed.

Traditional grille

While all developments so far indicate an unconventional design for the Audi Landjet, some things are likely to be traditional. For instance, the front-end of the car will likely feature a Singleframe grille. Singleframe is a signature design element of Audi, and it won’t go away despite the fact that EVs don’t need large grilles

The German automaker has said that the Singleframe grille will appear on even self-driving Audi models, MotorTrend reported on July 19, 2021. The large front grille is as crucial to aesthetics as functionality, perhaps even more so in the EV era where designs are changing drastically with the flexibility that electric powertrains provide. It will continue being a part of the “electric face,” as the company’s designers refer to the front-end of Audi EVs.

New materials

Norbert Weber, head of Interior Design, Audi, has suggested that the company will use alternative interior materials that are easy on both environment and animals in its upcoming EVs. Speaking to CarBuzz , he said that the company is developing vegan materials and considering surrogate leather. Soon, Audi models will have new materials, textures, and fabrics, the design chief added.

Specifications

According to a report Automobilwoche released on December 5, 2022, an ‘SSP 61’ platform, a version of the Scalable Systems Platform (SSP), will underpin Audi Artemis models. Previously, during Volkswagen Group’s New Auto strategy announcement, Duesmann confirmed mixed usage of PPE and SSP elements as well as a unified battery cell format.

With the Audi Artemis model, we will be spearheading major modules of the SSP starting in 2025. It symbolizes the transition from the PPE platform to the SSP. And with E3 2.0 and the new unified battery cell format, it already brings an important part of the SSP into serious production from 2026 onwards. Markus Duesmann, CEO, Audi (Volkswagen Group New Auto strategy 2021)

Duesmann indicated at Volkswagen Group’s Power Day event that the Audi Landjet will debut the parent company’s unified battery cell format, which offers the best conditions for the eventual transition to solid-state battery technology. He said:

The model (Artemis) will play a key role in its respective model series. Among other things, it will be the spearhead of our electronic platform. This first model based on Artemis will also be the first one to use a new unified battery cell format. Markus Duesmann, CEO, Audi (Volkswagen Group Power Day 2021)

At the Audi Annual Media Conference 2022 on March 17, 2022, Oliver Hoffmann reaffirmed that the Audi Artemis model will be Volkswagen Group’s first EV to feature battery cells built with unified technology.

In the Group we also opted for a streamlined, harmonized cell technology and the Artemis project, which customers will see in 2025, this harmonized cell format will be applied for the first time in a Group vehicle. Audi has a pioneering role in that, and it also ties in with this unified technology in terms of achieving a volume effect as well. Oliver Hoffmann, BoM member – Technical Development, Audi (Audi Annual Media Conference 2022 on March 17, 2022)

By 2030, the SSP will cover a bigger volume than the PPE and the MEB put together. Volkswagen Group wants to sell more than 40 million vehicles based on the SSP over its lifetime. Duesmann said at the New Auto strategy announcement event that the rollout of the new mechatronics platform and the related reduction in complexity will be faster than ever before.

Battery & Motor

The grandsphere concept offers clues on what Audi has in mind for its new electric flagship and next-gen born-EV models. The grandsphere has two electric motors, one on the front axle and the other on the rear, generating 530 kW (710 hp) of combined power and 960 Nm (708 lb.-ft.) of combined torque. Feeding these high-output motors is a 120 kWh battery pack that can provide a range of more than 750 km (466 miles) when driving efficiently. This would be in the ballpark of the Mercedes EQS sedan which does 770 km (478 miles) in the WLTP metric.

The system voltage is double the norm – 800 volts, so rapid or ultra-fast charging is possible. The maximum DC charging rate is 270 kW, and it allows charging from 5 to 80% in less than 25 minutes. Just ten minutes of charging can provide a range of more than 300 km (186 miles).

Dedicated charging network

Audi is rolling out a high-power charging (HPC) network across Europe that is exclusive to its customers. The company opened a pilot HPC outlet with six reservable charging points with up to 320 kW in Nuremberg, Germany, in 2022. A second compact pilot site is coming up in Zurich, Switzerland by December 2022, followed by more sites in Salzburg and Berlin in Germany. The company’s home market will get additional charging stations in 2023 and 2024. These would be accessible to customers of the Audi Landjet.

New vehicle software architecture

The Audi Artemis will debut a new-generation vehicle software architecture called E³ 2.0, and CARIAD will be responsible for the development of the same. Dirk Hilgenberg, CEO, CARIAD, announced this development at Volkswagen Group’s New Auto strategy announcement event. He said:

We will integrate our stack 2.0 in Audi’s Artemis project for the first time in 2025. Dirk Hilgenberg, CEO, CARIAD (Volkswagen Group New Auto strategy 2021)

With CARIAD, we are fully committed to developing the leading automotive software stack in the industry. We are moving towards a synergetic business model. Most of the software-related R&D costs of the brand have been shifted to CARIAD, which will be reported as a standalone entity in the future. The CARIAD business model foresees a significant upfront investment phase of about 2 to 2.5 billion Euros per year. In the income phase, CARIAD will receive licensable fees paid by the brands or paid by potential third parties for the software use. This already started with the rollout of the ID family architecture. Arno Antlitz, CFO, Volkswagen Group (Volkswagen Group New Auto strategy 2021)

Duesmann talked about the benefits of the E³ 2.0 software architecture at the New Auto strategy announcement event. He said:

When it comes to the advantages and performance of the SSP, E3 2.0 is probably the best example. Especially E³ 2.0 as one of the high-value modules will be the enabler for a growing portfolio of software services. Through this electronic architecture, we will be able to provide new functionalities quickly and efficiently to our customers across the group and we will realize significant economies of scale. Markus Duesmann, CEO, Audi (Volkswagen Group New Auto strategy 2021)

Level 3 & Level 4 autonomous driving capability

VW and Bosch have joined hands to develop the software required to build Level 2+ and Level 3 autonomous driving capabilities for VW Group’s future cars, such as the Artemis project, according to an Automotive News report dated January 26, 2022. Bosch will get the marketing rights in the agreement, and VW will use Bosch’s AOS operating system for autonomous driving.

CARIAD CEO Dirk Hilgenberg told journalists on January 25, 2022, that the Bosch-VW partnership will help Audi catch up with the Artemis Project. Hilgenberg said that even though the brands will start work on Level 2+ and Level 3 technologies, the Artemis will also be Level 4 ready.

Level 2+ and Level 3 autonomous driving require considerable driver intervention and are not fully autonomous. However, Level 4 autonomous driving is a ‘High Automation’ level, where systems do not require inputs from the driver but their functions are limited to some areas—such as in a parking lot or on highways. The driver needs to take control when the vehicle leaves the defined areas, like when it drives into town.

Germany’s federal cabinet has passed the draft for fully autonomous driving, which would serve as the model for other EU countries. Mercedes-Benz already offers Level 3 autonomous driving in the country, as an optional package, with the S-Class. The Audi Landjet will be technically ready for Level 4 autonomous driving. In Level 4 on the highway, the driver would “no longer need to operate the car,” and so, he/she would “no longer have to be able to reach the steering wheel and the touchscreens” with hands all the time,” Lichte said.

Volkswagen Group has allocated the Audi Artemis project production to Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ Hannover plant. The German factory will manufacture a slew of BEVs in the future.

Hannover would entirely change with the ID. Buzz . Launched next year, we are entering the BEV world. The most interesting German premium car, the Artemis, will be built in Hannover as well. In addition, we are expanding our body manufacturing for a new model of Bentley. With the MOIA shuttles and the ID. Buzz AD, this site will be spearheading autonomous driving. Hannover will be a technology driver for the entire group. Dr. Herbert Diess, ex-CEO, Volkswagen Group (Supervisory Board meeting on December 9, 2021)

Release Date

Originally, Audi’s plan was to make the Artemis electric car available to customers in 2024. Various external and internal factors have officially delayed the release date to the second half of the decade.

For a few years now, Volkswagen Group has been announcing new software platforms and autonomous driving functions for its future electric cars, especially those originally scheduled for around 2025. However, these planned groundbreaking innovations are repeatedly pushing back launches, especially those from Audi and Porsche.

According to an Automobilwoche report dated December 5, 2022, the originally conceived Audi Artemis is dead. Oliver Blume, the CEO of Volkswagen Group (and also Porsche), has “pulled the plug” on the former prestigious project, the German publication said. Volkswagen Group hasn’t confirmed this rumor, but Blume has scheduled a new software strategy announcement on December 15, 2022, during which he could share an update on this matter.

For now, it’s best not to pin your hopes on the Audi Artemis electric car. It will probably go on sale closer to 2027 and the final car might not be as radical as Duesmann and other executives were pitching it back in 2020.

Previously, according to a report Automobilwoche published on July 10, 2022, Audi won’t conduct the launch until the end of 2026, perhaps even 2027. Investors, dealers, and prospective customers would surely be disappointed, but the German automaker has come up with an interim solution.

Automobilwoche claimed in the July 2022 report that Audi will launch “a slimmed-down version” of the originally planned model (that will now arrive in 2026 or 2027) with a “higher body shape” to fulfill its promise of releasing an efficient electric car from Artemis by the middle of the decade. Internally called ‘Audi Landyacht,’ this model won’t be as advanced with respect to autonomous driving capabilities, which could mean that it won’t support Level 4 hands-free driving, at least not at launch. Instead of Software 2.0, it’ll settle for Software 1.2.

Audi to focus on luxury models

Audi has confirmed that there would be no successor to the Q2, and the carmaker is not going ahead with developing a new A1. In early 2022, Duesmann told German business newspaper Handelsblatt that the VW Group has redefined the roles of its brands, and Audi has been realigned as a premium carmaker. As such, Audi is limiting its model range downward while expanding upward with cars like the Q8 e-tron, Artemis and Apollon .

Audi activesphere concept

The Audi activesphere concept is the fourth and final member of the Audi sphere family of concept cars. Like the other three EV models introduced progressively since August 2021, it has a unique character designed as per the needs of people with an active lifestyle.

The activesphere concept is a soft off-roader that blends a poised two-door coupe with a few traits of an SUV, such as high ground clearance, black fender flares, knobby tires, etc. The show car flaunts an aggressive face with ultra-slim, angular headlights, an athletic side profile with oversized, protruding wheels, and a taut tail section. The finesse of a coupe is present all around, too. A long, low hood slopes down all the way to the front. The roofline, which is similarly low, swoops down to the short trunk lid. We’ll know more when Audi reveals the concept car in early 2023.

TopElectricSUV says

With some of Audi’s most futuristic technologies for drive components, in-cabin electronics, comfort features, and driver assistance systems, the Audi Landjet promises to be a groundbreaking product. Although it won’t be a sports car, this is likely to be the most exciting Audi to come out since the 2008 R8.

Audi Landjet/Audi Artemis FAQs

What is the audi landjet release date.

2026-27 is the much-awaited Landjet release date, which will ride on the PPE Platform with SSP modules.

What will be the Audi Landjet alternatives?

The Audi Landjet is expected to be an alternative to cars like the BMW i7, Lucid Air , Tesla Model S , and the Mercedes EQS.

What is the expected Audi Landjet price?

The starting price in the United States could be north of USD 90,000.

Featured Image Source: Audi

I got my Master’s in Business Management & Administration and have been an International Automotive News Editor since 2014. I’ve traveled to global motor shows and automotive events, driven various types of vehicles, and focused on hybrid and electric cars in the last 4 years.

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The Biggest SUVS of 2023: Land Yachts That Rule The Road

Cruising down the highway like majestic land yachts, the largest SUVs on the road make a bold statement with their imposing presence. These automotive behemoths have carved a unique niche in the ever-evolving auto world. From their sheer size and commanding road manners to their luxurious amenities and cutting-edge technology, these mammoth SUVs stand apart from other automotive segments. They undoubtedly capture the attention of both drivers and onlookers. SUVs grew in popularity during the ’90s when it became fashionable to drive a large SUV like the Chevy Suburban or Ford Excursion.

In this article, we’ll delve into the realm of the largest SUVs, exploring what makes them stand out in a sea of automobiles. We’ll take a closer look at the reasons behind their immense popularity, the unique features that set them apart, and how they cater to the demands of drivers seeking both style and practicality. So fasten your seatbelts as we embark on a journey through the realm of land yachts and discover why these impressive SUVs have become the embodiment of automotive luxury and grandeur right here.

Rivian R1S: 200.8 inches

Rivian has been making waves in the auto industry for a few years now. The electric car startup has cultivated a path that’s much different than Tesla in terms of product design and focus. The Rivian pickup truck was already a trendsetting design but the R1S SUV continued the evolution. At a staggering 200.8 inches, this is one of the largest SUVs on the market, with more than enough room to move an entire family (via Rivian ).

Even though the R1S has a high price tag of $70,000 to start, its 300-mile driving range is a huge plus. In addition to its high ground clearance and off-road capability, the R1S has done a great job of offering a competitive family-friendly SUV. When it comes to a big modern family hauler, the R1S is the next generation of SUVs. There aren’t a lot of fully electric models on the road yet and this one is a trendsetter.

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2023 BMW X7: 203.3 inches

The original BMW X5 was a groundbreaking model, changing how we thought of luxury SUVs. It also put BMW on the map with consumers who wanted a luxury family hauler. But the X5 wasn’t the biggest SUV and didn’t compete well with the domestic models. Nonetheless, the modern X7 has changed all that with one of the longest wheelbases on the market (via Current Retail ).

The x7 has a 48-volt mild hybrid system built in, giving it amazing versatility. Fuel economy aside, the X7 also has a massive amount of horsepower behind it. The interior is quite luxurious with plenty of creature comforts for the price. Likewise, the design of the SUV is attractive with the trademark BMW grill on it.

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2023 Toyota Sequoia: 208.1 inches

The Sequoia is one of the most popular full-size SUVs on the road. When it was originally released, it was the first full-sized Toyota SUV offering. The original model was based on the Tundra pickup truck and that’s still the case today. The current model is large, offering an oversized design with plenty of luxury. At a staggering 208.1 inches, the 2023 Sequoia’s wheelbase is much larger than previous models (via Car Scoops ).

With the V8 engine under the hood, the Sequoia is more than capable of handling business on the road. The reliability is at the top of the charts in terms of full-sized SUV models. Toyota has built a reputation for bulletproof SUVs and the Sequoia is one that you can enjoy for a long time.

2023 Nissan Armada: 208.9 inches

The Armada is the first full-sized SUV that the company ever sold in the US. The massive wheelbase of 208.9 inches gives the Armada a massive amount of interior space. The V8 engine was one of the most durable offerings that Nissan has ever put into an SUV. The capability and the interior volume puts the Armada at the top of the segment in terms of quality and seating (via Division Kent ).

The Armada is a massive SUV with a whole lot of capability. It builds on the legendary Nissan reputation for off-roading and quality. Before the Armada originally hit the market the largest Nissan SUV was the Pathfinder, but the Armada is a larger and more capable model in every way.

2023 Infiniti QX80: 210.2 inches

The Infiniti brand was one of the first Japanese luxury brands that were sold in America. The QX80 is a full-sized SUV that shares a platform with the Armada SUV. The well-appointed luxury features have the QX80 at the top of the segment, and it’s one of the largest models that you can buy (via Motor Authority ).

The 8,500 lb. towing capability of the QX80 makes it a capable weekend hauler. The standard features include an infotainment center and heated-cooled seating throughout. The QX80 was one of the most well-known models in the lineup and continues to be a well-appointed full-sized SUV.

2023 Chevrolet Tahoe: 210.7 inches

The Tahoe has been one of the longest-running nameplates in the SUV segment. The current generation of the Tahoe has a staggering 44 inches of legroom. The three rows of seating give the Tahoe a massive amount of interior volume for transporting an entire family anywhere on the road (via Pickup Truck Talk ).

The Tahoe has long been one of the most durable and reliable SUVs on the market. The LS series engines under the hood of the Tahoe are the most well-known and reliable on the road. The beautiful exterior styling and the look and feel of the Tahoe are the things that make it so recognizable.

2023 Lincoln Navigator L: 221.9 inches

The Navigator was the vehicle that saved the Lincoln brand from extinction in the 1990s. The SUV craze was in full swing and it was the first full-sized luxury-clad behemoth on the road. The beautiful styling made it instantly recognizable on the road and its powerful V8 engine made it capable (via Chicago Auto Show ).

The current generation of the Navigator is one of the largest SUV’s on the road. And on top of the large size and curb weight, it’s also one of the priciest models on the road. The beautiful SUV is the definition of luxury and performance and continues to pioneer the Lincoln brand into the future.

2023 Ford Expedition MAX: 221.9 inches

The Expedition has long been one of the most popular models in the Ford lineup. It’s also one of the most notable full-size SUV models on the market with a varied lineup of trims. The beautiful styling is of course the most notable thing about the Expedition but it’s also the massive wheelbase (via KBB ).

The beautiful look and feel of the Expedition is what has made it resonate with consumers for over three decades. There aren’t a lot of traditional full-size SUV’s left on the road. The Expedition was one of the original models and it still has an excellent reputation for quality and refinement.

2023 GMC Yukon XL: 225.2 inches

The Yukon XL was the replacement for the Suburban nameplate in the year 2000. Although the Yukon XL is basically a Chevy Suburban model it offers a luxury upgrade over the standard offerings. In the Denali trim level, the Yukon XL is a full-sized monster with a whole lot of luxury (via Trusted Bulletin ).

The Yukon XL has a powerful standard engine and its wheelbase length of 225.5 inches makes for one of the largest SUVs on the market. The Yukon is one of the most well-known nameplates in the GMC portfolio, and when it comes to a full-sized SUV offering nothing beats a luxury-ridden Denali model.

2023 Chevy Suburban: 225.7 inches

The Suburban is one of the most well-known nameplates in the world. It’s been the largest Chevrolet model on the market for over 60 years and that means other SUVs don’t hold a candle to it. Its wheelbase is a staggering 225.7 inches and that’s one of the longest on the market. The engine is also one of the most reliable on the market with decades of positive reliability ratings among consumers (via Cars.com ).

The Suburban is one of the most popular and well-known models around for a reason. Its off-road capability and the reliability of the Suburban are hallmarks of the brand. When it comes to piloting a large land yacht, there aren’t a lot of SUV models that offer the same kind of value as the Suburban.

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2024 Rolls Royce Spectre EV Is A 6500-LBS Luxury Land Yacht With A 320-Mile Range

First electric Rolls Royce can hit 60 mph in 4.4 seconds and should cost around $400,000

by Chris Chilton

Rolls Royce has unveiled its first ever production EV, the 2024 Spectre, more than 120 years after founder Charles Rolls first mooted the idea of an electric Roller.

The Spectre is a luxury coupe that will be priced somewhere between the $350k Cullinan SUV and $460k Phantom limo , though we won’t know exact prices until closer to the tail end of 2023 when the first cars are scheduled to arrive with their owners.

Riding on a generous 126.4-in (3,210 mm) wheelbase and weighing in at a mammoth 6,559 lbs (2,975 kg), the Spectre is built around an aluminium spaceframe that integrates the giant battery to help make the coupe 30 percent stiffer than any previous Rolls Royce . The company is being particularly tight-lipped about the technical spec, including the size of the battery pack, but given that the batteries alone weight 1,543 lbs (700 kg) and manage to give the Spectre a 320-mile (520 km) WLTP electric range despite its girth, we can presume they’re well over 100 kWh.

More: Rolls-Royce Opening Private Offices For Exclusive Product Previews And Special Commissions

We’re not told the powertrain configuration either, only that the peak output is a relatively modest 577 hp (585 PS / 430 kW), and that its 664 lb-ft (900 Nm) of torque is excepted to send the luxury coupe to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds, and to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 4.5.

That’s probably ample performance anyway for a car that’s built for cruising around Nice, and St Tropez, and not hooning around the mountain roads behind them. Rolls says that that area in the south of France was where it finalised the Sepctre’s “magic carpet ride,” which is down to the Planar suspension system that decouples the anti-roll bars to prevent roll-rock on uneven surfaces in a straight line. The roll bars can then be brought back into play on the approach to a corner, while adaptive dampers and four-wheel steering are also part of the chassis package.

Familiar Looks

Visually, the Spectre draws some inspiration from older two-door Rolls cars like the Wraith and Phantom coupe, but looks wider and lower than either. That’s partly down to the low profile grille, the widest ever fitted to a Rolls (and one illuminated by 22 LEDs), and the fashionable split headlight arrangement. Much like ones on parent company BMW’s most expensive cars , the Rolls Royce’s real headlights are located in a recess below a pair of super-slim LED DRLs.

Even the legendary Spirit of Ecstasy mascot was aero tuned to create a more sporty looking kind of Rolls, while the fastback shape takes cues from luxury boats. And the Spectre rolls on 23-inch rims – the first time a Rolls Royce has had wheels that big in almost 100 years!

Inside, the dashboard architecture looks similar to what you’ll find in other Rolls Royce cars, but features a digital display on the passenger side, while the famous starlight headliner now extends to the doors.

Payne: Sailing the screen-tastic Lincoln Nautilus land yacht

Palm Springs — Welcome to the 2024 Lincoln Nautilus. Call it the Lincoln Not-like-any-cabin-you’ve-seen-before.

A handsome, high-definition 48-inch screen wraps the front cabin from A-pillar to A-pillar. Like the twin screen sitting on your office desktop, its expanded space allows you to run multiple applications. Which means you can keep your eyes on the road while scanning information including speed, navigation map, Sirius XM channels, range and more.

Cruising hands-free in Blue Cruise down Interstate 10, I rested my hands on my knees and settled back in the comfy leather thrones. Ahhh, a comfortable day at the office.

With its emphasis on quiet luxury (current slogan: “Power of Sanctuary”), Lincoln has been about comfortable cabins rather than carving corners. Let Bimmer, Alfa and Caddy fly around Nürburgring setting lap records, Lincoln wants to fly you First Class. Now, with its Lincoln Digital Experience, the brand has created a high-tech environment to rival other transformative interiors from Tesla Model S, Mercedes EQS and Cadillac Lyriq.

I first saw a pillar-to-pillar design on the Byton M-Byte, a Chinese electric vehicle, at the 2018 Los Angeles Auto Show. It was a showstopper. Byton promised its 48-inch jumbotron would come to market in 2020. Didn’t happen.

With Nautilus, this is Lincoln’s chance to shine. At a dealer in North Miami Beach recently, I heard audible gasps from customers as they opened the Nautilus doors. I haven’t seen butts jump into seats so fast since the Model S screen wowed at the 2010 Detroit Auto Show.

Tesla opened boutique stores at high-end malls (think Somerset) across the country so casual shoppers could try on their interiors as easily as fitting pants at J.McLaughlin. Lincoln, which has dabbled in the boutique store market, should do the same.

The 48-inch display works as well in practice as it looks. Like a TV screen paired with remote control, the touchless jumbotron is controlled via a console-mounted 11-inch tablet. Lincoln’s native navi system is run by Google — like Android Auto — and either can be used in the panoramic display’s center.

“Hey, Google, navigate to Idyllwild,” I barked, and the route populated the command tablet and megascreen. I gripped the wheel and eased into Palm Springs traffic for my trip to the San Jacinto Mountains.

The simple steering wheel (Tesla simple and square like a Corvette C8) is slick. It’s squared-off so as not to obstruct the megascreen. Like a head-up display, instrument and navigation information is always in your line of sight. The wheel’s simple interface is anchored by twin touchpads (Tesla uses scroll wheels): volume on the right, adaptive cruise control to the left. It shames over-engineered, button-infested wheels like Mercedes.

My instinct was to glance at the closer console pad for directions, but, with time, my eyes focused on the big screen. Its right half contains three more “pages,” which I filled with radio, trip information and clock. Want to change the selection to include tire pressure? Simply drag ‘n’ drop the icon on the command screen and — bingo! — it's mirrored on the megascreen. A muscular Qualcomm chip makes for smartphone-fast touch speeds, a key to Tesla’s early popularity.

Also like Tesla, the Lincoln system is so cool you forgive Nautilus its dissonate notes.

Lincoln’s engine lineup is weak compared to competitors like Genesis and Mercedes (more on that later). Blue Cruise drive assist is sketchy — turning off multiple times during my interstate test. And there’s a wonky Drive Mode button on the console that doesn’t actually control the modes — it just gives you access to them in the command screen. It’s an awkward process not unlike Tesla’s two-button chore to open the glovebox. Happily, most Lincoln drivers will rarely use SPORT mode. Nautilus is no BMW M4.

Like the Bimmer, however, Nautilus is gas-powered. Lincoln teased a Star Concept EV two years ago, but has resisted the Sirens’ call to full-electrification like other small premium brands. Instead of tearing up its playbook, Lincoln’s refining it.

Nautilus’s state-of-the-art interior is executed atop a familiar gas-powered drivetrain lineup. Customers (Nautilus is part of an SUV family including Corsair, Aviator and Navigator) prize the “utility” in sports utility vehicle for summer trips up north or out west.

For all of Tesla’s innovation, the Silicon Valley brand copied Lincoln’s electronic button transmission for its 2024 Model 3 Highland. Tesla’s shifter buttons, naturally, are in the screen, whereas Lincoln offers hard buttons on the console. I played them like piano keys, shifting the DRIVE button with my middle finger and the REVERSE button with my forefinger as I backed in and out of a parking space.

Once on the road, my hybrid turbo-4 cylinder purred along — a distant heartbeat from the hush-quiet cabin wrapped in acoustic glass and insulation. Despite the premium ride, the engine is Nautilus’s weak link.

The base 2.0-liter sounds like the Ford Escape egg-beater it’s shared with, and the hybrid lacks the visceral authority of a Detroit machine. Genesis, Acura, BMW — even Mazda’s premium CX-70/CX-90 — offer six-cylinder mills. Lincoln follows Lexus to hybrid fours, and it’s worth the $1,500 upcharge over the base engine. Coupled with a smooth CVT transmission, the battery provides good low-rev torque-fill to offset turbo lag.

Also worth the extra cents are the seven cabin scents on offer.

The electronic scent cartridges — standard Mystic Forest, Ozonic Azure, Violet Cashmere and additional Cloud Balsam, Serene Seashore, Twilight Embers and Sunlight Retreat — are loaded, three at a time, into a hidden chamber beneath the armrest. I hesitated at dispensing them, fearing my cabin would be doused in incense.

But the odors were mild and pleasant and complemented my refreshing interstate drive.

Passengers will enjoy the ride, too, as Nautilus offers best-in-class rear legroom (43.1 inches) and a giant panoramic roof so they can enjoy the treetops/sky/stars overhead. The hybrid’s 600-mile range will get you to Mackinaw City and back without ever having to stop at a gas station. Or, ahem, sit at an electric charger.

This rolling yacht is wrapped in a bold Lincoln exterior, including soft-squeeze, Packard-like door handles along the shoulder line. Mirroring the brand’s signature horizontal rear taillight, the front LED lamp now wraps ‘round the front. Lincoln also is hell on wheels (remember the turbine wheels on the Navigator?) and offers head-turning 22s that come with the Jet Package.

Big as it is, Nautilus sweats the little things.

Start with the door handles, then note the no-cap gas filler and double-pull hood tab under the dash so you don’t have to fish around the engine bay for the hood latch.

Buy it and you’ll be that guy giving neighbors interior tours.

Next week: 2024 Ford Ranger

2024 Lincoln Nautilus

Vehicle type: Gas-powered, all-wheel drive, five-passenger luxury SUV

Price: $52,210, including $1,595 destination charge (as tested)

Powerplant: 2.0-liter, turbocharged inline 4-cylinder; hybrid-electric drivetrain with 2.0-liter, turbocharged inline 4-cylinder

Transmission: Eight-speed transmission (2.0L); CVT (hybrid)

Weight: 4,517 pounds (hybrid, as tested)

Power: 250 horsepower, 280 pound-feet torque (2.0L); 295 horsepower, 310 pound-feet torque (hybrid)

Performance: 0-60 mph, NA; towing, 1,750 pounds

Fuel economy: EPA est. 21 city/29 highway/24 combined (2.0L); 30 city/31 highway/30 combined (2.0L);

Report card

Highs: Inspired interior tech, roomy, detailed design

Lows: Uninspired 4-cylinder engine lineup; Blue Cruise a work-in-progress

Overall: 4 stars

Henry Payne is auto critic for The Detroit News. Find him at [email protected] or @HenryEPayne

Top 10 Electric Super Yachts

Electric Yachts vessels utilise electric propulsion systems powered by advanced battery technologies, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and minimising environmental impact. EV yachts boast whisper-quiet operation, zero emissions, and enhanced manoeuvrability, providing a serene and eco-conscious cruising experience. As the world increasingly embraces renewable energy solutions, EV yachts emerge as the pinnacle of green luxury, seamlessly blending opulence with environmental responsibility on the open seas.

Amels electric yachts redefine luxury cruising with a sustainable edge. Integrating advanced electric propulsion systems, they prioritise eco-conscious cruising without compromising on opulence. These vessels represent a harmonious blend of innovation and environmental responsibility, offering discerning travellers an unmatched yachting experience on the open seas.

9 | Heesen Yachts

Heesen's electric yachts (EV Yachts) marry luxury with sustainability on the open seas. Equipped with cutting-edge electric propulsion systems, they prioritise eco-friendly cruising without compromising on elegance. These vessels redefine luxury travel, offering discerning travellers an exceptional blend of environmental consciousness and comfort for unforgettable maritime journeys.

8 | Abeking & Rasmussen

Abeking & Rasmussen's electric yachts epitomise luxury and sustainability at sea. Integrating advanced electric propulsion systems, A&R EV Yachts prioritise eco-conscious cruising without compromising opulence. These vessels redefine luxury travel, offering discerning adventurers an unparalleled blend of environmental responsibility and refined comfort for unforgettable maritime experiences.

7 |  Lürssen

Sunseeker's electric yachts combine luxury and sustainability for unparalleled maritime experiences. They offer eco-conscious cruising with advanced electric propulsion systems without compromising opulence. These vessels redefine luxury travel, providing discerning adventurers with a seamless blend of environmental responsibility and refined comfort on the open seas.

6 | Sunseeker

5 | princess yachts.

Princess electric yachts (EV Yachts) epitomise luxury and sustainability on the high seas. With cutting-edge electric propulsion systems, they prioritise eco-conscious cruising without compromising on opulence. These vessels redefine luxury travel, offering discerning travellers an exquisite blend of environmental responsibility and unmatched comfort for unforgettable maritime experiences.

4 |  Oceanco

Oceanco's electric yachts redefine luxury cruising with a sustainable edge. Integrating advanced electric propulsion systems, Oceanco's EV yachts prioritise eco-friendliness and silent operation. With their signature craftsmanship and innovative design, Oceanco EV Yachts offer discerning travellers an unparalleled blend of opulence and environmental responsibility on the open seas.

3 | Feadship

Feadship's electric yachts represent the pinnacle of sustainable luxury at sea. Integrating advanced electric propulsion systems, they prioritise zero emissions and silent cruising. With impeccable craftsmanship and innovative design, Feadship EV Yachts offer an unparalleled blend of opulence and environmental responsibility for discerning travellers.

2  | CRN

CRN electric yachts redefine luxury cruising with a commitment to sustainability and innovation. Incorporating advanced electric propulsion systems and cutting-edge battery technology, CRN's EV yachts offer unparalleled performance and eco-friendliness. These vessels prioritise zero emissions and silent operation, providing an exquisite cruising experience while minimising environmental impact. With meticulous attention to detail and impeccable craftsmanship, CRN EV Yachts exemplify the future of green luxury on the open seas, setting a new standard for responsible maritime travel.

1 | Benetti

Benetti electric yachts epitomise a harmonious blend of luxury and sustainability on the high seas. Benetti's EV yachts offer a revolutionary cruising experience with cutting-edge electric propulsion systems and state-of-the-art battery technology. These vessels prioritise eco-consciousness, boasting zero emissions and whisper-quiet operation while maintaining the exquisite craftsmanship and opulence that Benetti is renowned for. From sleek design to unparalleled comfort, Benetti EV Yachts redefine luxury cruising, setting a new standard for environmentally responsible maritime travel.

***********

Make sure you check out the latest edition of  EV Magazine  and feel free to sign up to our global conference series -  Sustainability LIVE 2024.

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The Land Yacht Is Here to Stay: How Toyota Flexed With the 2024 Grand Highlander

For some parents, minivan ownership requires handing over their cool cards and surrendering to a cringe-worthy few years of carting the kids around in a cliché. Still, the thought of pulling the trigger on a massive gas-guzzling SUV sends equally unpleasant shivers down their spines. It’s a paradox, but one that isn’t without a solution, thanks to Toyota. For buyers looking to retain their pre-kid image without sacrificing practicality, consider the all-new 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander .

A new entrant into the large SUV category, the Grand Highlander appropriates its best-selling sibling’s name but ventures into an entirely different breed of family ute. Toyota’s newest land yacht replaces the bulky Sequoia with a family and climate-friendly version that’s long on style. Infused with Toyota’s industry-leading hybrid powertrain technology, the Grand Highlander ekes out a spot in the lineup without detracting from the Japanese automaker’s “Beyond Zero” carbon-neutral corporate goal.

The Grand Highlander isn’t just another large SUV; it’s an ambassador of change that lights a path forward for manufacturers to continue satisfying overwhelming consumer demand for large SUVs without the opposing force of emissions reduction. With the most fuel-efficient Grand Highlander offering a combined 36 MPG of fuel economy, buyers can feel comfortable going big without leaving a massive carbon footprint in their wake. That’s good news for the industry since extra space still sits high on the list for busy families.

Why Bigger Is Still Better for Families

Large SUVs have shown remarkable resilience in the face of increasing calls for more fuel-efficient alternative fuel vehicles, but exactly which features keep buyers preferring a massive SUV over a full-size three-row alternative or a minivan? Perhaps it’s the extra dose of cool, the available luxury trims and features, or the baked-in performance and capability features that smaller utes and minivans simply can’t match. Whatever the secret sauce, sales remain brisk.

Automotive sales tracker carsalesbase.com reports that nearly all large SUV models experienced a unit-sale increase in 2022, with domestic nameplates leading the category. Sales of the GMC Yukon increased by 15% in 2022. The Chevy Suburban was not far behind, with an 11% increase. Overall, large SUVs represented 3.4% of all vehicles sold in 2022, an increase over the previous year. Though Toyota hasn’t fared well in the category due to the Sequoia’s dated architecture, gas-guzzling powertrain, and less-than-stellar reviews, the popular Japanese automaker is locked and loaded to eclipse the aging competition with the all-new Grand Highlander.

The sales figures are no surprise since families have consistently demanded more interior space and cargo -hauling capability for years. What has surprised automakers is the segment’s younger age demographic. Enter millennials, who have aged into parenting with strong preferences and a more educated and intentional car-buying mindset. According to a 2017 USA Today article, more than one-third of large SUV buyers are 35 to 44 years old.

Despite escalating concerns about climate change and the effects of carbon emissions on the planet, it’s apparent that families are still prioritizing space and utility. With the 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander, Toyota is poised to meet that growing demand without sacrificing its long-term plan to achieve carbon neutrality and a zero-emissions fleet. Meanwhile, the popular Chevy Tahoe caps its fuel economy ratings at 28 MPG when equipped with a high-cost diesel engine.

Is Guilt-Free Family Cruising Possible?

Remember the Hummer? Made famous by uber celebrities like Arnold Schwarzenegger, these 8,500-pound behemoths gravitated from the battlefield to the valet line in the early aughts, and though their excessive weight excluded them from the EPA’s MPG rating system, estimated fuel economy ratings hovered at a dismal 11 MPG. In 2006, at the height of the massive SUV’s reign, annual sales totaled more than 70,000; a steep decline followed until sales dwindled to under 4,000 in 2010 before the Hummer’s 2011 discontinuation.

Many automotive insiders blame the Hummer for the large SUV’s lingering social stigma. Stained by the Hummer’s blatant cult-like appeal among Hollywood’s glitterati, the large SUV category bore the brunt of America’s distaste for excess. Some argue that the category still carries the weight of its forebearer’s sins. Thus, automakers faced a vexing hurdle; how to appeal to size-craving, anti-minivan families without tarnishing the category further.

With the 2024 Grand Highlander’s advanced hybrid technology , Toyota sets the category on a different path. By reducing emissions and increasing fuel efficiency, the Grand Highlander’s value proposition allows families to benefit from an oversized SUV while remaining environmentally conscious. Vehicles like the Grand Highlander lend credibility to the large SUV segment at exactly the right time and offer an efficient gas-powered solution during the industry’s rocky transition to electrification.

The Grand Highlander comes with three available powertrains: a 265-hp gas engine, a hybrid that generates 245 hp, and a zesty 362-hp Hybrid MAX that vaults from zero to sixty in just 6.3 seconds and provides 5,000 lbs of towing capability. The three powertrains offer 24, 36, and 27 MPG combined, giving buyers free rein to strike the right balance between fuel efficiency and performance. The standard Drive Modes, Sport, Eco, and Normal, included with all three options, give drivers even more freedom to dial in the right performance-to-economy mix. Optional all-wheel drive reduces fuel economy somewhat, but the difference is minimal.

Toyota Strikes First: Fusing Space and Efficiency

Fuel efficiency isn’t the only flavor of efficiency on most families’ minds when considering which vehicle to purchase; time economy also matters . Today’s modern families often grapple with dizzying schedules, from errands, work, and carpools to sports and school events, road trips, and long lists of home improvement projects. Unfortunately for these families, it’s not always possible to live their values (e.g., reducing one’s carbon footprint) alongside the metric ton of responsibilities they face every day.

Toyota understands that many families simply don’t have the luxury of spending months researching alternatives, nor can they sacrifice space and utility for the greater good. Defaulting to a gas-guzzling large SUV is often a decision of need, especially for larger families with more than two children. Here, Toyota and Grand Highlander buyers strike gold. In a world of complexity and schedule overload, choosing Toyota’s newest land yacht is akin to hitting the ‘easy’ button.

From the outside, the Grand Highlander looks a lot like the competition, but slide into the driver’s seat or the cavernous third row, and the differences are vast. Not only is the Grand Highlander spacious: it is also intelligently designed to optimize every crevice, nook, and contour. With a max cargo capacity of 97.5 cu.ft., the Grand Highlander transforms into the perfect weekend project companion. With a full load of passengers, the seven USB-C ports accessible from every seat demonstrate the occupant-friendly cabin layout.

It’s the myriad of small but well-thought-out extras that set the Grand Highlander apart. By offering families an SUV that keeps everyone safe, comfortable, fully charged, and entertained, Toyota has elevated the Grand Highlander to something more than just transportation. Yes, the Grand Highlander is more of a partner in crime, there to streamline family logistics with versatility and leveled-up comfort.

Large on Space, Easy on the Planet: Changing the Land Yacht Calculus

As the industry enters a new era of electrification and carbon-neutral engineering innovation, the large SUV has no choice but to evolve. Once notoriously thirsty for fossil fuels that churned puffs of noxious carbon emissions into the earth’s atmosphere, these massive people movers are experiencing a more sustainable renaissance. Toyota is pioneering the trend, and in the process, the legendary automaker proves that size and sustainability are not mutually exclusive.

The 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander, with its advanced hybrid powertrains, embodies Toyota’s dedication to a cleaner planet, as well as its “Beyond Zero” future. Does a world exist where passenger vehicles achieve net zero emissions and positively impact our planet? For the answer, it might be wise to pay close attention to Toyota.

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• Navigator Reviews

2021 Lincoln Navigator Review | The new land yacht

It’s one huge, opulent and quick boat of an suv.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator is true American luxury done in a distinct and proper fashion. It’s Lincoln ’s flagship product with the highest level of opulence and glamour that a truck can possibly offer. The Navigator isn't just a dressed-up F-150 or Expedition with makeup on, either. There’s still mechanically related to that pair with a truck chassis riding on an independent rear suspension hiding underneath, but everything above is pure, luxe bliss.

You’d be hard pressed to find elements missing from the Navigator’s formula in this latest generation of the SUV that came out in 2018. The interior is elegance turned up to the max with a design that evokes old-world charm while fully embracing modernity. It’s not trying to be youthful or edgy. Instead, the Navigator exudes a quiet, grown-up confidence that looks expensive and high class. It brings the guests to the table by adopting its own language of classical luxury, then keeps them there with the tech and capability we expect in a truck approaching a six-figure price. Three rows, two different lengths, one seriously powerful engine and truck-level towing capacity makes the Navigator a heady choice for the luxury truck buyer who wants to do everything with one big vehicle.

What’s new for 2021?

Changes for 2021 consist of new paint colors and minor equipment adjustments. Lincoln has added Asher Gray, Flight Blue, Green Gem and Signature Navy to the paint options. But it’s also deleted Iced Mocha, Silver Jade, Blue Diamond and Rhapsody Blue. Both the limited-slip differential and heavy-duty trailer tow package have also been made standard on the Black Label.

What’s the interior and in-car technology like?

The standard and Reserve Navigators are mighty luxurious on their own (including the interior shown in the top two photos above), but if you step up to an expensive Black Label trim, you’re in for an absolute treat. Its interior offers a choice of “Themes” that go far beyond the usual color choices of black, beige and gray, with maybe a different wood type or two. Of the three, "Chalet" is the most conventional with its blend of tan and black, but the oxblood red "Destination" (above bottom-left) and cool blue "Yacht Club" (above bottom-right) are unlike anything offered by another brand (OK, maybe you could special order a Bentley or Rolls-Royce). Lincoln complements all of its colors with beautifully paired trim options and control finishes that match the high level of luxury throughout the interior. 

The infinitely adjustable (30-way) seats can be made comfortable for most, but it may take a year before you find the “Perfect Position” promised by their name. Backseat passengers will be met with a high level of comfort and support, as the high-mounted captain's chairs offer nearly as much comfort as those up front. With its broad space, big center console, household-style power plug and in-car WiFi, we've even used the Navigator's back seat as a mobile office during a road trip . 

Lincoln basically re-skins infotainment tech from Ford for the big 10-inch screen stuck to the center of the dash ( read and watch our full review here ). It's ultimately a functional and effective system, but it obviously doesn't put on as much of a show as the massive OLED screens found in the new Cadillac Escalade . Our biggest complaint is its distance from the driver — the dash is so wide that it’s difficult to reach the far-right edge, and there are no physical controls to back up the touchscreen. Thankfully, Ford’s latest Sync software is generally bug-free and simple to use. You get physical controls for both the radio and climate control under the screen, and the push-button gear selector strip is positioned in the middle of it all. The instrument cluster is totally digital, but it’s as basic as it gets with a minimalist and simple design. 

How big is it?

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator is huge, and it can get even bigger if you get a Navigator L that adds 11.9 inches of overall length and 9.1 inches to the wheelbase. It appears gargantuan in person, towering high above everything that isn't a truck and taking up every inch of available room in parking spaces. Don’t come near it if you dislike large cars.

Thankfully, the Navigator actually puts all that real estate to good use – which isn't always the case among full-size SUVs. Three rows of seats are standard, and the second row can be made up of either captain’s chairs or a bench for maximum capacity. No matter the size or row, you’re going to have more than 40 inches of legroom and enough space for even tall adults. That includes the third row, which we've found to be more spacious and comfortable than any other, period. That includes those of crossovers , minivans and other full-size SUVs. 

Note that passenger space is the same in both regular and Navigator L models. They differ in terms of cargo space. While the regular model's 19.3 cubic-feet of space behind the raised third row is better than most three-row vehicles and is capable of carrying the same amount of stuff as the Expedition , it may not be enough room for a longer trip when all those seats are being used. To that end, the L's added length yields an extra 15 cubes of cargo room, which is the equivalent of a sedan's trunk. If you have the room to park it, the L is definitely the way to go if you plan to routinely use all three rows. 

What’s the performance and fuel economy?

There’s only one engine available for the 2021 Lincoln Navigator: the high-output versions of Ford's 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 that also sees service in the mighty F-150 Raptor . It produces 450 horsepower and 510 pound-feet of torque, which is far more than the Cadillac Escalade . It's mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive is standard, but four-wheel drive is available.

Fuel economy varies depending on the drivetrain and model length. The most efficient Navigator is the standard-length model with rear-wheel drive. This truck achieves 16 mpg city, 22 mpg highway and 19 mpg combined. Adding four-wheel drive causes a small drop to 15/21/18 mpg. The rear-drive Navigator L receives the same ratings at 16/21/18 ( EPA ratings are not available for the Navigator L 4WD). These figures are much better than those of the Escalade , but fall short of the six-cylinder BMW X7 and Mercedes GLS models. 

What’s it like to drive?

There’s a lot to like about how the Navigator drives. In conjunction with electric power steering that provides consistent, appropriate and reassuring weighting, the Navigator doesn't feel like an ancient, cumbersome truck like most of its competitors do. For something that weighs about 5,800 pounds, the Navigator is able to maintain a reasonable clip through twisty mountain roads.

Despite the ride’s improvement over an F-150 or similar truck, it ultimately disappoints. The independent rear eliminates truckish crashing and jiggling over bumps, but there’s an omnipresent nervousness over what seems to be perfectly acceptable pavement. That's an unavoidable consequence of the Navigator's body-on-frame truck construction, but the 22-inch wheels fitted to most Navigators aren't helping the cause. At least it’s much quieter than any truck with a Ford badge, with a smidge of road noise from those big tires being the worst culprit of interior disturbances.

There are no disappointments under the hood. It’s as cool and quick as it sounds, as the Navigator rushes forward with a smooth, torquey ease free of its competitors' truckish V8 roar. Given its weight, a 0-60 time south of 5.5 seconds seems reasonable. Roll the windows down to hear the turbo whooshing away, or leave them up and jam to the high-quality Revel audio system. Each will surprise and delight in different ways.

What more can I read about the Lincoln Navigator?

2018 lincoln navigator first drive | from black sheep to flagship.

Our first drive of the totally redesigned and hugely improved Lincoln Navigator .

2018 Lincoln Navigator Black Label Road Test | 900 miles in mid-century opulence

As a mobile office or a living room, this "Destination" Black Label with its exquisite red interior kept encouraging us to drive even further. 

2018 Lincoln Navigator Black Label Drivers' Notes Review | American luxury

Our editorial staff goes for a spin in the top-shelf Black Label.

Lincoln Sync 3 Infotainment Review | Clean and eminently usable

We review the Lincoln-skinned version of Sync 3 in the Navigator.

What features are available and what’s the price?

The Navigator is available in three trim levels and two sizes. The trims are as follows: Standard, Reserve, Black Label.

Pricing for the Standard begins at $77,480, including the $1,295 destination charge. For this price, you get 20-inch alloy wheels, LED lighting all around, power-deploying running boards, tri-zone climate control, auto-dimming rearview mirror, heated and ventilated seats, heated steering wheel, power-folding seats, rain-sensing wipers, wireless charging pad and Lincoln’s suite of Co-Pilot360 driver assistance systems. You're definitely not short changed. 

The Reserve and Black Label add on more indulgent creature comforts and enhanced style. We’ll list the prices for all models below, but you can check out the Navigator’s full list of various standard and optional features, along with specs and local pricing here on Autoblog .

• Navigator Standard: $77,480
• Navigator Reserve: $83,260
• Navigator Black Label: $99,420
• Navigator Reserve L: $86,485
• Navigator Black Label L: $102,620

What are its safety equipment and crash ratings?

The 2020 Lincoln Navigator received a five-star overall crash test rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration . It received a full five-star rating in every category but rollover, where it earned four stars. The IIHS has not yet rated the latest generation of the Lincoln Navigator.

Lincoln makes its CoPilot360 group of driver assistance systems standard on the Navigator. The package includes automatic emergency braking , lane-keeping assist, automatic high beams and blind-spot warning. Lincoln’s “Enhanced Active Park Assist” system also comes standard to help you into parallel parking spots. Adaptive cruise control is optional, and it includes a traffic jam assist that will bring the car to a full stop. However, it's not paired with a true lane-centering steering assistance system that some of its competitors offer. That's a shame to see at this price point.

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Autoblog accepts vehicle loans from auto manufacturers with a tank of gas and sometimes insurance for the purpose of evaluation and editorial content. Like most of the auto news industry, we also sometimes accept travel, lodging and event access for vehicle drive and news coverage opportunities. Our opinions and criticism remain our own — we do not accept sponsored editorial.

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When it comes to American classics , a few things come to enthusiast's minds. Muscle cars may be the most thrilling and iconic types of old-school American cars, and it's hard not to love their tire-shredding V8 power and un-apologetic brutal spirit . But, when it comes to luxury and comfort, a type of American classic known as "land yachts" is some of the best you can get for a pure luxury experience.

Incredibly, and often unnecessarily large, V8-powered, and plush on the inside, a land yacht refers to full-size luxury cars of the '60s and '70s, back when some genuine craftsmanship was used to make luxurious interiors, and massive bodies gave some boat-like handling, gliding over the road in great comfort . Often playing second fiddle to muscle cars, there are many truly luxurious classic American land yachts out there you can buy for not all that much money. So, read on, to see 8 such cars you can get for under $15,000.

9 Cadillac Eldorado (9th Generation)

The very definition of a "land yacht," when it comes to big and comfortable American cruisers, really doesn't get better than an old-school Cadillac. Especially so, the Eldorado stood out as the top-of-the-line model within GM's crowd of luxury cars.

A nameplate representing the top end of Cadillac's already high-end lineup since 1953, the Eldorado was a massive 2-door luxury beast fitted with the best luxuries whatever period it was sold in had to offer. For its 9th generation starting in 1971, the Eldorado shared a platform with the Buick Riviera and Oldsmobile Toronado, but was the supreme luxury model, with seats inside that are plusher than most sofas could ever hope to be, as well as a massive 500 cu-in V8. Not too hard to find in good shape for around $15,000 , the Eldorado is about the most luxurious car you can buy for this price.

8 Buick Riviera (3rd Generation)

Back when Buick used to stand for great luxury and style, the Riviera was a long-running model within Buick. Evolving with an incredible boat-tail design for its 3rd generation, this Riviera was a proper luxury car through and through.

Introduced for 1971 and lasting until '73, the unique Bill Mitchell-directed boat-tail design 3rd gen Riviera has also had a distinct interior design compared to its predecessors and successors. Designed with a dashboard that envelopes the driver and passenger, the Riviera's interior is among the most well-appointed for its time. Also supremely comfortable and powerful, the 3rd gen Riviera came equipped with a Buick 455 cu-in V8 with up to 265 hp. While you'll have to look for a '73 model if you want one at this price, the boat-tail Buick Riviera can be found for around $15,000 .

RELATED:  10 Coolest Features Found In The 1972 Buick Riviera

7 Buick Electra/Electra 225 (3rd & 4th Generation)

While the Riviera is a properly luxurious land yacht, it was slightly sportier and slightly smaller than its big brother - the Electra. One of Buick's range-topping luxury cars, the Electra was a massive uncompromising luxury cruiser.

Taking over the Super and Roadmaster nameplates in 1959, these two cars became the Electra, and Electra 225 respectively. As one of the top-end Buick models, the Electra 225 was and would continue to be packed with all the greatest features of the time. Entering its 3rd generation in 1965, the Electra could be had with engines like the Buick 455 cu-in V8 laying down 370 hp, and continued to use it through its 4th generation starting in '71 (though choked down by new emissions requirements). Incredibly large and luxurious, Electra examples from both the 3rd and 4th generation can be had in good shape for around $15,000 .

6 Lincoln Continental (5th Generation)

Ford's most luxurious car of decades past, the Lincoln Continental is iconic as a ridiculously big and luxurious coupe, being the ride of choice for past Presidents. Massive in every sense, the 5th generation Continental offers some great land yacht value.

A historic nameplate for Lincoln, the Continental first came about in 1940 as a stylish and luxurious coupe and convertible. Using large V8s for most of its model life, the Continental received a  462 cu-in V8 in 1966 , though shrunk slightly for the '70s, remaining at 460 cu-in up until 1979. Sold from 1970 until '79, the 5th gen Continental brought it up to modern specs and was packed with the greatest luxuries and features of its day - aiming squarely at Cadillac and their previously mentioned Eldorado. Not hard to find for around $15,000 in good shape, a 5th gen Continental fits the land yacht bill like few other cars do.

RELATED:  A Detailed Look At The Lincoln Black Label Continental

4 Oldsmobile Toronado (1st Generation)

You won't be finding a perfect examples at this price point, but when it comes to running and driving ones in need of a little work, you can own Oldsmobile's most unique looking stand-out luxury cars from their golden age for not much money at all.

Introduced in 1966, the Toronado replaced the Starfire as Oldsmobile's stylish personal luxury coupe , with plenty of innovation, power, and luxury inside. Getting its power from an Olds 425 V8, the Toronado made 385 hp and was the first FWD American car since the 1930s. The Toronado lasted until the '90s, but generations following the first became less spectacular and were choked down significantly by new regulations, dying in the '90s as an unremarkable machine, de-valuing the Toronado name significantly. Shockingly cheap for how innovative, luxurious and awesome it is, a '66-'70 Toronado can be found in decent condition for around $10,000 .

3 Oldsmobile 98 (8th & 9th Generation)

One of the longest-running names in Oldsmobile's history, the 98 stood out as the flagship luxury land yacht within Oldsmobile's lineup, being more conventional than the Toronado. Similarly seeing its nameplate dragged, a 98 can be found for relatively cheap.

Originating in 1940, the Oldsmobile 98 (also referred to as "Ninety-Eight") stood for the top dog in Oldsmobile's lineup. With their Series 60 being the small entry-level car for 1940, the Series 90 was the full-size king, and with an inline-8 (later a V8) under the hood was known as the 98 (Series 90 + 8 cylinders). Remaining on sale until 1996, the best mix of affordability and classic luxurious land yacht spirit can (arguably) be found in the 98's 8th, and 9th generations, spanning 1965 until 1976. You'll be looking at a price of over $15,000 for a decent '60s example, but the still large and luxurious early '70s ones can be found for around $10,000 in good condition.

RELATED:  10 Coolest Oldsmobile Classics You Can Buy For Peanuts

2 Pontiac Grand Prix (2nd Generation)

A nameplate dragged as far down as possible, the Grand Prix's final generations were frankly terrible plastic-filled commuters, but the early ones stood out as fantastic blends of power, luxury, and style rolled into one awesome personal luxury coupe.

Re-designed for 1969 , the Grand Prix's 2nd generation broke from the previous elegant styling, and combined tough muscle car looks with its land yacht proportions. Those muscular looks weren't just for show either, as the 2nd gen Grand Prix was powered by a choice of big V8s up to a 428 cu-in-unit pumping out 390 hp in '69. A similar mix of muscle car and luxury cruiser on the inside, the 2nd gen Grand Prix's styling may not be to everyone's taste, but at under $15,000 for a decent running and driving example offers a great deal for a big and luxurious classic muscle car.

1 AMC/Rambler Marlin

One of the most distinct-looking and unique of AMC's '60s classics, the Marlin was a short-lived model based on the personal luxury coupe formula, but with some unique twists to its design. Mostly forgotten today, the Marlin offers a great classic luxury bargain.

Debuting at the 1964 Chicago Auto Show as the Tarpon concept, designer Richard "Dick" Teague penned the flowing lines and dramatic fastback. Built on the Rambler American platform, the Rambler Marlin debuted in 1965 as a luxurious fastback coupe. A slow seller for AMC, the Marlin was updated in '67, now built on the AMC Ambassador platform as an AMC model - but was killed off that same year. A widely ignored, but comfortable cruiser, the Marlin can be found for around $10,000 in good shape.

NEXT:  This Is How Much A Classic AMC Marlin Is Worth Today

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August 21, 2024 5:24 PM

• Bill Chappell

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If you’re a potential family car customer who’s holding off on buying an electric vehicle because of high prices and road trip anxiety , Ford is thinking about you. In fact, the automaker is hedging its electric vehicle plans, betting that most consumers would rather buy a hybrid than a full EV.

“When you look at the three-row SUV, hybrid technologies or multiple propulsion technologies, for those customers, is the best solution.,” John Lawler, Ford vice chair and chief financial officer, said on Wednesday in a conference call with journalists.  

Ford, which is the No. 2 U.S. EV company, had been working to produce an all-electric three-row SUV. But it tapped the brakes on that vehicle earlier this year, and now, Lawler and Ford say, it’s stalled. Instead, Ford will offer hybrid versions of the SUVs. The next EVs in its pipeline are now pickup trucks and commercial vans — areas where Lawler sees a competitive edge.

Ford says all its new vehicles must make a profit in 12 months

The strategic shift reflects Ford’s new requirement for any vehicle to become profitable within 12 months after its launch date — a tall hurdle for an all-electric three-row SUV. Add that to an EV market that’s been cooling on the consumer side even as businesses ramp up their offerings and competitive pressures, and Ford’s leadership saw fit to change course.

“We're seeing a tremendous amount of competition” in the SUV segment, Lawler said. “In fact, S&P Global … said that there's about 143 EVs in the pipeline right now for North America — and most of those are two-row and three-row SUVs.”

The change comes as Ford tries to flip the numbers around on EVs. As NPR reported earlier this year, the company has been losing money on every EV it sells . It’s had to scale back sales projections as it prepares for more changes, including an anticipated wave of new Chinese competitors. The company says it’s still working on producing a smaller car, for instance. And it’s moving battery production to North America to let it take advantage of production and consumer incentives.

Spiking the SUV EV comes with a cost: Ford says it will take a “special non-cash charge of about $400 million for the write-down” related to manufacturing assets, with additional expenses possibly rising up to $1.5 billion.

Ford will keep selling its current fully electric vehicles — the Mustang Mach-E and the F-150 Lightning pickup, along with commercial vans. The company isn’t yet saying whether it will offer plug-in hybrid SUVs. But the switch from EV to hybrid SUVs could ease the strain on its bottom line.

It’s all about battery size

“With EVs, it's all about the battery,” Stephanie Valdez Streaty, director of industry insights at Cox Automotive, told NPR. Depending on the variables, she added, batteries can account for up to 40% to 45% of a vehicle’s cost.

That’s particularly true for a big SUV with long range. For carmakers, shifting from full EV to hybrid offers more wiggle room.

“When you can take down the battery size, whether it's a plug-in or some type of extended-range type vehicle — on these larger vehicles, like a three-row SUV, the profit profile is better,” Lawler said. “Because … the cost of the battery is so outsized for vehicles like this.”

Streaty says the equation will change a bit as battery technology advances. But she also says consumers may simply need to evaluate how much range they really need — and get used to the idea that a bigger battery means a bigger price tag.

“That's why I think plug-in hybrids are a good option for consumers who want to go electric, but really need to have that option to [also use] gas if they need to go on a long trip,” she said.

As for the changes announced by Ford, the carmaker isn’t alone in adjusting its plans, Streaty said, noting that GM and Tesla have also seen production cuts.

“There's still consumer demand,” Streaty said. “We had a record quarter last year for EVs in the U.S., but the pace of growth is slowed down.”

“I think the big thing is, this should be expected. Pure battery electric transition is hard, right?”

Carmakers like Ford, she said, must track a moving target as they try to match consumer demand. That ranges from manufacturing and charging infrastructure to consumers adapting to a different car ownership experience, Streaty said.

“We're going to have ups and downs,” she said.

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Electrified vehicles from lexus to lambo appear at monterey car week.

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Lamborghini launched the Temerario, a high-performance hybrid, at the 2024 Monterey Car Week events. ... [+] (Photo by Matt Jelonek/Getty Images)

Monterey Car Week is a launchpad for many splashy ideas and soon-to-be dream cars. This year’s iteration was no different, with brands big and small using the coastal California venue to show off electrified ideas. In the past week, a mix of brands put on display different all-electric, hybrid prototypes, pre-production vehicles and more outlandish concepts—all for the first time at the niche, luxury-focused show.

Here are highlights of the battery-powered premieres that made it to the California coast for 2024.

Acura Performance EV Concept

Acura Performance EV Concept.

Acura previously showed what became its first all-electric SUV, the ZDX , at the Monterey festivities. This year, it’s another EV concept. This next EV will start production late in 2025 and be the first EV made at the Honda EV Hub in Ohio. It has a coupe-like shape and will flaunt the new Acura font on the backside to mark it as an electrified model. Acura calls the front design “aggressive” and showed off its "Moonlit White Pearl" paint coating.

BMW M5 Touring

BMW M5 Touring.

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Set for launch in November, the hybrid M5 Touring made its arrival in Monterey on the heels of the M5 sedan . The wagon version with a new look and more cargo space still boasts zero-to-62 mph acceleration in 3.6 seconds. With a 18.6 kWh battery, it can go up to 42 miles on pure battery power, which BMW sees as a benefit for city driving.

Cadillac Opulent Velocity Concept

Cadillac Opulent Velocity concept.

Cadillac dropped a luxury hypercar concept at the swanky car show. Based somewhat on the American carmaker’s V-Series.R hybrid racecars, the fully electric and self-driving machine is a two-door coupe with butterfly doors.

The name shows the two sides of the car: Opulent for the Level 4 autonomous experience with augmented reality, and Velocity for the driving experience based on the brand’s Blackwing track performance. In this mode, the steering wheel and driving pedals emerge and the vehicle transforms into a powerful racecar.

Karma Ivara

Karma Ivara.

Karma Automotive, the California luxury EV maker, took advantage of Monterey to reveal a new “GT-UV,” or a Grand Touring Utility Vehicle. The concept was announced as Ivara: a four-seat electric concept that can handle different terrains.

Lamborghini Temerario

Lamborghini Temerario. (Photo by Matt Jelonek/Getty Images)

A performance-ready wedge-shaped machine, Lamborghini unveiled its new Temerario with a hybrid V-8 engine. One of the major product announcements at the festivities, the twin-turbo 4.4 liter V-8 engine and tri-motors give it a whooping 907 horsepower. It goes from 0 to 60 mph in 2.7 seconds with a 213 mph top speed. It’ll be drivable in pure electric mode for an unspecified number of miles—but no matter the distance, it’ll be a first for the performance brand.

Lexus LF-ZC and LF-ZL Concepts

Lexus LF-ZL concept.

Lexus dropped two luxury all-electric concepts: LF-ZC (Lexus Future Zero-emission Catalyst) and the LF-ZL (Lexus Future Zero-emission Luxury). A fully digital cockpit secures these vehicles as 21st century, but Lexus is also looking back at its 35-year history with these future-ready EVs.

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Plug-in Hybrid SUV With The Highest All-electric Range In 2024

As the Jaguar Land Rover group prepares for its all-electric future in the coming years, the British marque has begun rolling out an extensive electrified line-up with some impressive all-electric range claims. The all-new Range Rover Sport P550e enters the competitive PHEV SUV realm as the champion, with a class-leading range claim. The new-generation L461 Sport sits on JLR's MLA-Fex platform, which it designed specifically for full electrification.

The P550e is the top-of-the-range PHEV option and the only hybrid derivative available in the U.S. It replaces the short-lived P440e, but introduces a higher specification, more power, and improved EV capabilities, albeit at a much higher price point. Most luxury carmakers are heavily investing in electrification, but it looks like JLR's unwavering dedication to disbanding the ICE motivates it to create class-leading PHEV options.

UPDATE: 2024/05/04

New and relevant information has been included to bring this article up to date, including updated links and related information. This also includes adding alternative and less expensive vehicles.

In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from Range Rover's websites and other authoritative sources, including the EPA, Car And Driver, and Edmunds.

Photo Gallery: First Spy Shots Reveal The 2025 Land Rover Electric SUV

The range rover sport p550e hybrid covers over 50 miles in electric-only mode.

The EPA still needs to test the Range Rover Sport P550e, so we don't have realistic consumption and battery electric range estimates. Range Rover claims that its 31.8 kWh battery is enough to drive the SUV 53 miles before you need to plug it in for recharging.

The previous P440e boasts a 51-mile EPA range estimate. The model features the company's AJ300 twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter straight-six and permanent-magnet electric motor driving all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Performance Specifications

(Data sourced from Range Rover)

This system generates a combined 542 horsepower and 516 pound-feet, resulting in a claimed 4.7-second 0-60 MPH time and 150-MPH top speed. The P550e is an all-new model yet to be tested by reputable publications, so we don't have a realistic indication of how it performs in real-world conditions. For reference, tests reveal the non-hybrid P360 to accelerate from 0-60 MPH in 5.7 seconds, but this only produces 355 horsepower.

The Range Rover Sport P550e Costs $118,200

Range Rover's decision to make its PHEV option a flagship Autobiography trim results in an eye-watering $118,200 starting price, making it significantly more expensive than its European and American rivals. The trade-off is an impressive specification and a near-unrivaled in-cabin luxury experience. Range Rovers are traditionally more expensive options that bridge the gap between premium European manufacturers and more high-end marques from the likes of Bentley and Rolls-Royce.

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The Sport is a more compact variation of the Range Rover , which is also available with the P550e powertrain, boasting a $141,100 starting price. This model is just a bit slower than the Sport, but it boasts similar EV range claims. This information is redundant, however, as Range Rover has already sold its entire P550e allocation in the USA.

The Range Rover Sport P550e Can Tow Up To 6,614 Pounds

The Range Rover Sport appears as an urban crawler, but the brand ensures it has enough gusto to do some hard work as well. The turbocharged PHEV system boasts an impressive, but not class-leading, 6,614-pound towing capacity , and 1,576 payload limit. Its trunk size is 29.5 cubic feet. To make the most of the Range Rover Sport's towing abilities, you'll have to fit the $750 tow hitch receiver and the $450 Advanced Tow Assist package.

You can make the most of its decent payload abilities via various storage and cargo packages. This includes a $5,000 Equestrian Pack, which adds an array of trimmings and equipment you can use for an enjoyable ride across the countryside on your horse. There's also a Convenience Pack, which adds powered gesture control to the tailgate and a cargo space partition net.

2023 Range Rover Sport: Performance, Price, and Photos

The range rover sport offers a luxurious cabin experience.

The Range Rover Sport's MLA-Flex chassis results in some generous interior space, with the front row accommodating 38.8 inches of headroom, 40.3 inches of legroom, and 60.8 inches of shoulder room. The rear features 39 inches of headroom, 37.7 inches of legroom, and 59.1 inches of shoulder room. If you want to carry some larger items, you can fold the second row down to increase cargo space to 65.7 cubic feet.

Interior Dimensions

Range Rover prioritizes luxury in the Sport's cabin, as the Autobiography trim lays host to perforated Semi-Aniline leather upholstery, natural black wood veneer, and suede cloth headlining. Sportier or more luxurious finishes are optionally available. Range Rover's catalog is famously diverse , so there is a lot of potential to create a truly individual and unique specification.

Warranty And Reliability

Range Rovers are famous for their undependable mechanical components. Thus far, the Sport appears to embrace a more reliable reputation , as the 2024 model only has one recall attached to it , relating to improperly bonded body panels. Considering its extreme price and poor reputation, Range Rover's standard warranty is a bit of a let-down.

As standard, you get a full warranty covering 48 months or 50,000 miles. This includes all powertrain defects with roadside assistance. It covers corrosion for 72 months over unlimited miles, but its hybrid battery warranty sits way below the industry standard at 72 months or 60,000 miles.

The Range Rover Sport P550e Takes Six Hours To Charge

The Range Rover Sport's 31.8 kWh lithium-ion battery benefits from the MLA-Flex's 160 kW output, affording it impressive charging times for a PHEV. Using a Level One household plug at 110 volts, the battery takes just under six hours to recharge from empty to full. A 240-volt Level Two system takes 3.8 hours.

The Range Rover Sport P550e is one of the very few plug-in hybrids that you can charge using a DC Level Three fast charger . It is limited to 50 kW, so it'll take a full hour to recover 10 to 80 percent of the charge. The Range Rover Sport P550e comes standard with a portable charging cable. The brand offers licensed Level Two wallboxes , which we recommend if you plan to make full use of the car's electrical abilities.

Plug-in Hybrid Alternatives

The Range Rover Sport P550e may be the best plug-in hybrid vehicle available right now, but that doesn't mean there aren't other options out there, especially when it comes to pricing. There are other options from premium brands that are almost as good as the Range Rover and cost half the price. A few examples are:

Porsche Cayenne S E-Hybrid: $100,750

The Cayenne is one of the best luxury SUVs on the market and adding a plug-in hybrid solidifies that notion. While there is a more powerful turbo model, that one is also more expensive, and doesn't offer more range, so the S E-hybrid is the perfect choice. It is the closest competition to the P550e in terms of powertrain and electric range.

Mercedes GLE 450e: $69,500

This packs the full suite of features expected of a Mercedes product with a hybrid powertrain. It has a good electric range of almost 50 miles and has the lowest starting price.

BMW X5 xDrive50e: $73,100

This is currently the only midsize plug-in SUV available from BMW , and it fits right in with this competition. It was refreshed in 2023 and received improvements in many areas, including a new larger battery, but managed to weigh 150 pounds lighter than its pre-facelift model. This is another solid alternative to the Range Rover.

Volvo XC90 Recharge: $71,900

Apart from the Range Rover, this should be one of the best-looking SUVs on sale. Volvo is known to be at the forefront of safety tech and the XC90 Recharge is no different. It also has three-row seating and is easily the most practical hybrid SUV available. It has one of the smallest batteries here, but with an EV range of 42 miles, you're good to go, but it does have the longest charging time.

Lexus RX450h+: $70,580

Some people may want a luxury car, but they also want a brand that's known for reliability and this is where the RX comes in. Lexus has had great success with this midsize SUV with repeat customers, so it only makes sense to give them a version with better fuel efficiency. But it has the smallest battery with the least range and costs as much as the competition.

Powertrain Specifications