Favoured by rappers and the royal family, the iconic Range Rover has entered its fifth-generation. The nameplate, first seen in 1971, has spanned over five decades and has come to represent the absolute pinnacle of luxury off-roading. The fifth-generation model has just debuted; lets take a look.
Like previous models, the new Range Rover will offer customers various body styles, engine options and seating configurations. The company has said that it will offer both short and long-wheelbase models, as well as varying seating options (four, five or, for the first time ever, seven seats). A number of engine options will be available, including an all-electric model in 2024.
Based on the brand's new flexible Modular Longitudinal Architecture (MLA-Flex) Land Rover promises that the new super-luxury SUV will offer "unmatched capability, agile handling and peerless refinement."
South Africa will receive the big Brit in HSE and Autobiography trim levels, names that have been around for many decades now. In Land Rover tradition, a First Edition model will be made available for the first year of production. It will be based on the plusher Autobiography and feature a unique specification. Five colour choices will be made available, including an exclusive Sunset Gold Satin finish.
With regards to body styles, the SWB and LWB models are available with five seats, while the LWB will be offered with a third row, giving seven seats.
The Range Rover will, says the company, offer "an exquisite interpretation of Range Rover luxury and personalisation from the experts at Special Vehicle Operations." The SV is available in both body styles, with new design themes called SV Serenity and SV Intrepid. A unique four-suite configuration called SV Signature Suite is also available.
Despite retaining a very similar design and body style to the outgoing model, the new Range Rover has a drag coefficient of 0.30, which Land Rover says makes it the most aerodynamically efficient luxury SUV in the world.
Adding to the serenity and comfort levels are the new advanced speaker technology that is uised to aid cabin calmness. "It uses the 1,600W Meridian Signature Sound System to create one of the quietest vehicle interiors on the road, with additional 20W speakers in the four main headrests for the most immersive sound experience."
Aiding the serenity of the luxurious Range Rover is the third-gen Active Noise Cancellation1 system. This technology monitors wheel vibrations, tyre noise and engine sounds that are transmitted into the cabin, and cleverly, it generates a cancelling signal with is played through 35 speakers. "These include a pair of 60mm diameter speakers in the headrests for each of the four main cabin occupants, which create personal quiet zones similar to the effect when using high-end headphones," says Land Rover.
The interior also promises even more tech and luxury. Land Rover says that the 13.1-inch curved, floating Pivi Pro infotainment touchscreen is the largest ever, giving the passengers control over all the major vehicle functions. Importantly, hard switches have been retained for the climate control.
Passengers lucky enough to be seated in the rear can now enjoy the Rear Seat Entertainment (RSE) system, which is made up of adjustable 11.4-inch HD touchscreens mounted to the rear of the front seats. "The eight-inch Rear Seat Touchscreen Controller7 mounted in the centre armrest of Executive Class Rear Seats provides quick and intuitive control for the perfect seating position, elevating the luxurious rear-seat experience."
As mentioned earlier, the all-electric model will only debut in 2024. Until then, a host of petrol, diesel and hybrid models will fill the range. South Africa will receive the Extended Range Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) powertrains, the P440e (323kW) and P510e (375kW). The Ingenium diesel D350 (257kW/700Nm) will also be made available, while the P530 twin-turbo V8 (390kW/750Nm) will sit at the top of the range.
SA pricing will be disclosed closer to the local launch, which is to take place some time in mid-2022.
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