I'm looking to buy my wife a Defender P400e PHEV through work, mainly in order to take advantage of the BIK before it no doubt gets scrapped, but I've noticed that the "battery only" range on this car is only 27 miles (real world reported as around 20!).

Before I place an order, does anyone know if there are any imminent plans to release an updated version of this car with an improved battery range?

I can't comment on any specific plans JLR have with this but my own observations across all manufacturers since I started looking at PHEVs about 5 years ago is that none of them look to have made much improvement to the electric range.
Are PHEVs going to be obsolete come the great changeover?, if so it strikes me as unlikely that anyone will be putting much effort into improving them.

Thanks Cass - I've since learned that there are no tax breaks associated with the Defender PHEV, as the CO2 is over 50g! So, looks like I'll be scrapping that idea.

aja500 wrote:

I've noticed that the "battery only" range on this car is only 27 miles (real world reported as around 20!).

The Defender uses the D7 platform. The new Range Rover, with extended OHEWV range / battery uses the modern MLA platform. It is the MLS platform that enables more battery space, so, no, I do not think the Defender will get better PHEW range any time soon. As an L405 PHEV owner, I will say that the 20 miles or so is still quite useful from a driver experience point of view . MPG or cost-wise I do not care so I cannot comment. All-told the Defender is epic, it certainly looks marvellous, so I would go for it and enjoy it for what it is. Or buy a Leaf and add a trailer!  L405 P400e Autobiography (MY2020)... Silicon Silver / Espresso

20 miles electric range will be useful for a lot of people, but if you’re buying based on the tax benefits then to get a decent saving you need at least 40 miles range as well as co2 below 50. MY23 Panamera E-Hybrid
MY19 SDV8 Autobiography - Sold