Electric Range Rover prototype shows off radical new shape

The first electric Range Rover prototype has been spotted testing, as the brand prepares to reveal its first EV in the coming months. It is not clear whether this is a prototype for the full-sized electric Range Rover due to launch later this year, or a separate model line entirely; it has been suggested the electric version of the flagship Range Rover model itself, launching later this year as the first EV to wear the Land Rover badge, will closely resemble today's car. JLR is also preparing an electric successor to the Velar, though, which is closer in silhouette and ride height to this new test mule. Indeed, the roof profile, window line and ground-hugging suspension would seem to suggest that this is our first look at Range Rover's Porsche Macan EV rival, which is due to be one of three electric SUVs built in Halewood, Merseyside, atop the brand's new EMA platform. Related articles A sibling to similarly sized replacements to the Land Rover Discovery Sport and Range Rover Evoque, the electric Velar is tipped to enter production as early as this year, as the current model approaches the natural end of its lifecycle, having launched in 2017. Details of the next-generation model remain firmly under wraps, but clearly the company remains committed to its more overt road-going focus than the other models in the Land Rover line-up.  Notably, in these images, its body looks long enough behind the rear axle to accommodate a third row of seats. JLR has yet to give any indication that it plans to upsize the Velar - but a roomier interior would certainly mark it out more clearly from the Discovery Sport, which is seen as key to boosting sales. Last year, the Velar was the lowest-selling model in the Land Rover line-up with 18,626 sales, second only to the Discovery's 13,164. By contrast, the Discovery Sport notched up more than 21,000 sales and the Evoque more than 34,000.  JLR refused to comment on the images. This breaking news story is being updated.