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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FAQ
Q: What does the new Range Rover cost in South Africa?
The fifth-generation Range Rover starts from around R2,300,000 for the HSE model, while the top-spec Autobiography will set you back closer to R3,200,000, with the exclusive First Edition commanding an even higher premium for its first year of production.
Q: Is the new Range Rover worth buying over a BMW X7 or Mercedes GLS?
The Range Rover offers superior off-road capability and more distinctive styling than its German rivals, but you'll pay a premium of around R400,000 to R600,000 over comparable BMW X7 and Mercedes GLS models for that privilege.
Q: What engine options are available in the new Range Rover?
Land Rover will offer multiple petrol and diesel engine options at launch, with an all-electric version joining the lineup in 2024, though specific power figures and fuel consumption numbers for South African models haven't been confirmed yet.
Q: How many seats does the new Range Rover have?
You can spec your Range Rover with four, five, or seven seats depending on your needs, with the seven-seater configuration only available in the long-wheelbase model and the four-seat SV Signature Suite being the ultimate luxury option.
Q: When will the new Range Rover be available in South Africa?
The fifth-generation Range Rover is expected to arrive in South African showrooms during 2022, with the First Edition models being delivered first before the regular HSE and Autobiography variants follow.
Should You Buy It?
The new Range Rover is absolutely worth buying if you have R2,300,000 to R3,200,000 burning a hole in your pocket and want the most capable luxury SUV money can buy in South Africa. This fifth-generation model perfects the Range Rover formula with improved aerodynamics, more seating flexibility, and the promise of electrification, making it the best ultra-luxury SUV under R3,500,000 in SA. Yes, you could save serious cash with a BMW X7 or Mercedes GLS, but neither offers the Range Rover's unmatched combination of off-road prowess, royal pedigree, and sheer road presence that makes other drivers move out of your way on the N1.
