Range Rover LRX hybrid confirmed for production

First revealed at last year’s Detroit Auto Show, the LRX Concept got much praise for its dynamically design and a stunning looking. The standard version of the LRX was just confirmed for retail in March. Now, according to UK magazine Auto Express and thanks to a £27 million ($44 million) loan from the UK government for the development of an all-new model, the hybrid version of the LRX will enter production.

The LRX's hybrid powertrain is expected to run in three modes: electric-only, petrol only and hybrid drive mode. It will take another two years to bring the advanced hybrid system to market, however. In the mean time, stop-start and brake-energy regeneration will be launched across the Land Rover lineup. The complete cost of the project is estimated at around the £400 million ($650 million) mark.

The LRX was conceived with new technologies in mind, including a lightweight design and a 2.0 litre turbo-diesel hybrid powertrain achieving 4.7 l/100km on bio-diesel - a phenomenal figure for a vehicle of its size.

It features full-time four-wheel drive, Hill Descent Control and Land Rover’s Terrain Response to optimise traction on difficult surfaces ranging from icy roads to wet grass, gravel and snow. The interior of the LRX is designed to be roomy, practical and versatile, trimmed in soft leathers in rich tan and dark chocolate complemented by polished aluminium details.

Production will be handled at Land Rover’s Halewood facility in the UK, which employs about 2,000 people and is currently responsible for the LR2 (Freelander 2) and the Jaguar X-Type.