The electric motor produces 170 N·m (127 lb-ft) torque to boost acceleration and drives the vehicle in EV Mode. The motor also acts as a generator, harvesting kinetic energy through regenerative braking, charging the battery when the vehicle is slowing.

In driver-selectable EV mode the Range Rover Hybrid can travel at speeds of up to 30 mph (48 km/h) for a range of up to one mile (1.6 km) before the diesel engine seamlessly restarts.

Together, output of the diesel engine and electric motor is 250 kW (335 hp) at 4,000 rpm with 700 N·m (516 lb-ft) torque between 1,500-3,000rpm. Both models accelerate to 62 mph (100 km/h) in less than seven seconds, and deliver strong transient and mid-range performance with a top speed of 135 mph (218 km/h).

The latest generation Range Rover models have all been designed with the integration of a hybrid system in mind. Consequently, the liquid cooled battery pack is mounted beneath the floor of the vehicle in a protective boron-steel cradle without impacting on the cabin or luggage space.

The Range Rover Hybrid has the same five-seat capacity and luggage space as the standard vehicle and retains the full-size spare wheel. This no-compromise philosophy is echoed in the Range Rover Sport Hybrid whose interior is unchanged from the standard model.

To demonstrate the capabilities of the new hybrids, three Range Rover Hybrids will embark on 22 August on a trip from the home of the Range Rover brand in Solihull, UK to the home of the parent company Tata, in Mumbai, India.

This “Silk Trail 2013” 16,000 km (9,941-mile) expedition visits 12 countries and takes in some of the world’s most challenging roads, passes and trails, including part of the ancient 6,437 km (4,000-mile) Silk Road connecting Asia with the Mediterranean. These are the first hybrids to attempt this route, Land Rover said.