‘The body weighs less than a 3 Series’
Range Rover lays bold claim to having not only “the world’s most refined”, but also “most capable” luxury SUV, so obviously special attention’s gone into offroad systems. As usual there’s a Terrain Response control knob in the console to individually select settings for snow, mud, ruts, sand and so forth, but now there’s also an Auto setting for those who’d rather let the car decide what’s best. In addition there’s adjustable ride-height air suspension, but now with even more range in it with a full 195mm of lift. Total wheel travel of 260mm at the front and 310 at the rear means it’ll trudge effortlessly over the most treacherous hills and daunting dales, even if most will spend their lives in immaculately surfaced suburbias. Even so, that air ride will provide royal levels of waftability.
Four engine choices will be offered internationally, but South African derivatives will stay in line with what’s offered locally in the current generation. A 4.4-litre TDV8 makes 250kW and 700Nm, while a 5litre supercharged petrol gets 375kW and 625Nm. Both are paired with a new 8-speed automatic transmission. Performance is quoted at 6.9 and 5.4 seconds for the 0100km/h sprints respectively, and Range Rover says towing capacity’s rated at 3.5 tons (or seven Olympic jumping horses).
Other interesting talking points include side steps that deploy for boarding and retract for more ground clearance, neat looking headlight surrounds that resemble an old-fashioned camera lens, a labyrinth-shaped intake system that helps increase wading depth, and three individual radars that monitor the car’s surroundings.
Range Rover connoisseurs will also be glad to know the split tailgate system is retained, but now both upper and lower panels are motorised.
The new Range Rover will arrive in South Africa early next year with pricing yet to be confirmed. Expect a ballpark figure of around R1.5million.