Range Rover SE Plug-In Hybrid Review: Incredibly Proficient, Yet Modestly Reserved

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      When does an icon stop being an icon? This is a question I pondered several times during my drive of the Range Rover SE plug-in hybrid, a vehicle that excels in many aspects traditionally associated with Range Rovers, such as subtlety and strength. It upholds the legacy of its predecessors, maintaining exceptional capability and versatility without being overbearing. It may seem hard to believe in the context of a $135,000 SUV, but I don’t feel that those purchasing this vehicle care too much about others knowing what they drive—that sentiment seems more applicable to the Defender.

      I can appreciate that, particularly in a time when numerous cars are built to suggest a connection to nature, especially for those who lack it. Naturally, the Range Rover's off-road capabilities do not require any embellishment; it stands out for what it can accomplish. I only wish it conveyed that feeling of distinction when stationary.

      The Essentials

      The L460 Range Rover, now in its fourth year, is available in three trims: the standard SE, luxury Autobiography, and sporty SV, featuring three powertrain options. There is a 3.0-liter turbocharged “Ingenium” inline-six, which can come with or without electric assistance, generating 395 horsepower on its own. The other option is a BMW-sourced, 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8 that produces 523 hp (or 607 hp if you opt for an SV). All variations, of course, distribute power to all four wheels through an eight-speed transmission.

      Now, let’s talk about that plug-in hybrid six-cylinder option; it’s the focal point of today’s discussion, and it certainly stands out in terms of specifications. This “P550e” model (though that designation is strangely absent from the vehicle’s window sticker) boasts 543 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque, courtesy of a 38.2-kWh battery that delivers up to 50 miles of electric-only range. It also features standard adaptive air suspension with rear-wheel steering and Dynamic Response Pro, which incorporates electronically actuated anti-roll bars to reduce swaying. The result is a vehicle that feels, unsurprisingly, quite enjoyable to drive.

      One additional note: Although the Range Rover is available in short- and long-wheelbase configurations, you cannot combine the plug-in hybrid powertrain with the extended body style.

      Driving the 2025 Range Rover SE PHEV

      Let’s dive straight into the driving experience, as it is the Range Rover’s strongest point. This is a hefty 6,000-pound vehicle, yet it moves effortlessly. Instant electric torque plays a significant role off the line, and the powertrain prefers to utilize the battery before switching to the gas engine, unless you choose Hybrid or Save mode on the large touchscreen mounted on the dashboard. When the straight-six engine kicks in, the vibrations inside are well-dampened, and the transition is so seamless that the only indication is a muffled, distant high-pitched whirr.

      This machine offers a smooth, almost disorienting experience as it quickly accelerates through the environment. I treat every car I drive with care, but the untroubled way this vehicle reaches highway speeds, combined with the elevated seating position and exceptional sound insulation, creates a cocoon where you become indifferent to what happens outside. I could press the pedal, hit 80 mph on the Interstate, and feel as if I were only doing 60. It’s like a fortress.

      It either helps—or hinders, depending on your perspective regarding the Range Rover's solitude—that this vehicle changes direction with an unexpected level of precision, confidence, and stability. The steering is very light in any mode but never leaves you guessing what is happening beneath the front tires. The rear-wheel steering is a blessing in such a large vehicle.

      The chassis is equipped with an array of sensors working in a sophisticated harmony to provide a sense of control over this spacious automotive haven, excelling at cornering, braking, and accelerating with minimal tilt and effort. This is the true secret of the Range Rover. It’s not something you grasp just by looking at it or reading the window sticker. The plug-in starts at $131,350, which may seem exorbitant for a car, but once behind the wheel, you might find yourself understanding why.

      The Pros and Cons

      However, stepping away from the driving experience, there are mixed feelings regarding the modern Range Rover. There’s a note of caution accompanying most positives. While I appreciate the understated design inside and out and the level of elegance that is uncommon in many cars today, I can’t help but feel they may have taken the simplicity a bit too far.

      Many, including myself, regard Phil Simmons’s L322 Range Rover design as one of the most aesthetically pleasing vehicles ever created, highlighting clean, simple lines