Range Rover Sport's new P400e plug-in hybrid is the first SUV to successfully climb one of the world’s most challenging highways

An electric Range Rover Sport has officialy become the first SUV to ascend the steep hairpin turns and 999-steps of one of China’s most revered national landmarks.

The P400e plug-in hybrid 4X4 recently made the ascent to the top of the ‘Heaven’s Gate’ steps in Hunan Province. The challenge began at the bottom of the legendary serpentine seven-mile Tianmen Mountain Road with 99 hair-pin bends.

 The epic climb which achieved in under 23 minutes was made by Panasonic Jaguar Formula-E electric car racing driver, Ho-Pin Tung, and he was warned before-hand that if he crashes, he will die.

 

Features of the car
On sale: Now (first deliveries in Spring)
Price: From £70,800 (P400e in HSE trim)
Length: 4,879mm
Height: 1,802mm
Width: 1,983mm
Engine: 2.0 litre Ingenium 300PS horse-power (296hp) turbo-charged 4-cylinder petrol engine
Electric motor: 85kW electric motor (110PS)
Total power: 410 horse-power (404bhp)
Range on battery power only: 31miles
Battery: High voltage lithium ion
Full charging time: Rapid charge (on 32Amp charger): 2 hours 45 minutes
Domestic charge (10Amp): 7 hours 30 minutes
Top speed: 137mph
0-60mph: 6.3 seconds
Gears: 8-speed auto with manual overdrive
CO2 emissions: 64g/km