‘I’m a car expert – this new car is the most important coming in 2026′
One brand-new electric vehicle set to launch in 2026 could be the most important release of a decade for one simple reason. Range Rover is one of the market leaders in the SUV space but faces major opposition from Chinese manufacturers that is only set to intensify.
Range Rover’s last major release was its fifth-generation L460 model in late 2021 with facelifts and updates for models scoring annually. Since the L460, Range Rover has gone from a position of dominance at the top of the luxury SUV market to one that may be starting to look over its shoulders.
China is the hot-topic and new affordable SUVs are already proving to be popular alternatives. Over 20,000 Jaecoo models were sold in 2025, with families already dubbing the model a “Temu Range Rover”.
Jaecoo models are fitted with luxury interiors that are packed with tech and a price tag £40,000 cheaper than the average Range Rover makes them an attractive proposition. Other cheaper Chinese SUVs which could provide strict opposition to Range Rover include the Kia EV9, XPeng G6 and Chery Tiggo 7.
Range Rover has its chance to fire back in 2026, with the Range Rover Electric expected to hit the market this year. The model was tipped to launch by the end of 2025, but sales were delayed to allow for extra testing.
The Range Rover is hotly-anticipated and will be JLR’s first EV since the Jaguar I-Pace released back in 2018. The new car will be equipped with dual electric motors, fitted with a 118kWh battery. The vehicle will also have 800V charging, topping up cars from 10-80% in just 20 minutes.
The Range Rover Electric is also expected to come with over 300 miles of real-world range and all of the offroad versatility that customers have come to expect. Range Rover has already revealed the new model can be submerged in water with a wading depth of up to 850mm.
The electric Range Rover comes with four-wheel steering, with early reviews suggesting the model offers plenty of level ground clearance. The car has also been praised for offering excellent drivability, especially with the off-road traction control.
However, the Range Rover Electric is set to come at an extreme cost, with predictions around £130,000, pricing many customers out of the next generation.
Range Rover’s model may be pricey, but the Electric launch in 2026 has to soar if the British manufacturer wants to retain its status at the top of the SUV market. The car could be pivotal in fending off the Chinese opposition battling to take its crown.
