A WEEK WITH THE RANGE ROVER P550e PHEV
When Range Rover offers you their latest P550e Plug-in Hybrid for a scenic drive to the Audain Art Museum Gala in Whistler, you don’t say no. When they then suggest you keep it for an extra week to really get to know it – you absolutely say yes. And that’s exactly what we did.
The Range Rover P550e in standard wheelbase is one of those vehicles that doesn’t scream for attention – it simply commands it. With its clean, unmistakably Range Rover lines, it carries itself with the kind of timeless sophistication that defines the brand. No unnecessary flash, just refined style from every angle.
Under the hood, or rather, bonnet, is a 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine paired with a 160 kW electric motor. Together, they create a seamless driving experience that switches effortlessly between electric and gas power. Whether you’re doing city errands or heading up to the mountains, the P550e delivers up to 85 km of fully electric driving before tapping into its gasoline reserves – more than enough for most daily drives. In Hrid mode we managed an average consumption of around 6.5l/100km, whilst without the extra electric support, we managed a still very acceptable 9.5l.
MODERN LUXURY INSIDE AND OUT
Our test model came with Ebony perforated Ultrafabrics™ and Kvadrat™ textile seats, paired with a matching Ebony interior. Sustainable materials meet high-end design – a theme that runs through the cabin. The panoramic roof, which comes standard, floods the interior with light, creating an airy, open space that makes every drive feel a bit more like a scenic escape.
Then there’s the sound system. The Meridian™ 3D Surround Sound System pumps 750 watts through 17 strategically placed speakers, and it shows. Crisp, immersive audio made even better when you’re cruising silently on electric power alone.
EFFORTLESS DRIVING, TAILORED TO ANY ROAD
Where the Range Rover really shines is on the road. Thanks to electronic air suspension, all-wheel steering, and eight selectable terrain modes, the P550e adapts itself to whatever lies ahead. Whether you’re gliding through the city, cruising the Sea-to-Sky, or navigating the backroads around Whistler, the ride remains composed, confident, and undeniably comfortable.
ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT
Now, let’s talk tech. The Pivi Pro1 infotainment system is housed in an elegant 11.4-inch curved touchscreen – and while it looks great and performs well, it did take some time to get used to. Finding some settings required a bit of a digital treasure hunt. With so many controls pushed into the touchscreen interface, we often found ourselves wishing for a few good old-fashioned physical buttons for the essentials. There’s something to be said for tactile convenience, especially while driving.
THE VERDICT
After a week of city commutes, highway runs, and even a luxury gala, we came away truly impressed. The Range Rover P550e PHEV is the kind of luxury SUV that delivers on every front – elegance, comfort, versatility, and electrified power.
Pricing for the standard wheelbase P550e starts at C$142,420, but with our options and, of course, our dear taxes, the one we drove came in at just around C$175,000.
For more information, check the RANGE ROVER CANADA website
