The all-new Range Rover lineup has been unveiled ahead of local sales next year with prices starting from $168,900 for the 3.0-litre TDV6 HSE. The fourth generation of the world’s ultimate luxury SUV breaks new ground with a world-first all-aluminium body structure contributing to a massive weight saving of up to 39 per-cent (420kgs) over the current model.
The new look – roofline is 20mm lower – boasts enhanced aerodynamics with the all-new Range Rover delivering a drag cD of 0.34 (that’s 10 per-cent better than the current model). And while the overall size is around the same as the current model (5.0-metres in length), interior space is significantly improved – there’s 118mm more legroom and enhanced space just for starters.
Overall Range Rover’s stylists have delivered a fresh, contemporary look which is bold but still maintains the classic Range Rover cues. The front retains the hallmark ‘clamshell’ bonnet but there is a more enhanced taper for the roofline and at the rear.
At the front new LED lights with blade technology add an athletic look while the rear lights adopt a square pattern while maintaining the usual ‘stacked’ design.
Of course the renowned Range Rover strengths have been further improved – towing capacity is 3500kgs and the wading depth for off-road action is 200mm higher at 900mm. And Land Rover’s clever Terrain Response system has been re-worked and actively analyses current driving conditions to automatically select the appropriate vehicle settings.
Range Rover says the new body structure, lightweight alloy suspension and enhanced four-corner air suspension means the new fourth generation model is the most refined yet.
Under the bonnet is a choice of three engines. The diesel lineup comprises the new 190kW/600Nm, 3.0-litre TDV6 and the 250kW/700Nm, 4.4-litre SDV8. Petrol power comes from the superb 375kW, supercharged 5.0-litre V8 LR-V8 which can accelerate from zero to 100km/h in 5.4 seconds (0.8 seconds faster than the current model).
Drive is via an eight-speed automatic transmission.
As expected the weight reductions and improved aerodynamics have delivered significant cuts in fuel consumption and emissions – up to 22 per-cent. A diesel-hybrid version of the all-new Range Rover due for launch later next year will deliver even better figures.
Naturally the interior luxury and technology which are the hallmarks of all Range Rovers have been given the once-over for the all-new model. Amongst the additions are soft door closing with automatic power latching and electronic opening of both the upper and lower tailgates.
There’s also more adaptive technology such as active lean control for the body, ‘Reverse Traffic Detection’ to warn of potential collisions when reversing and an enhanced four-camera surround view system with T-junction view and Trailer Reverse Park Guidance and Trailer Hitch Guidance.
Seating too is enhanced with new materials and designs including an Executive Class model with two individual rear seats which incorporate a massage function. The dashboard comprises a 12.3-inch high resolution colour display for the main instruments and an eight-inch touch-screen for the Meridian audio systems and navigation.
Overall Range Rover buyers will have much to ponder – 17 interior colour schemes, three interior veneers at launch with more to come, three headlining colours, 15 paint colours and eight alloy wheel designs from 19-inch to 22-inch.
