Rearranged Rover

Fifth-generation Range Rover is a story of evolutionary looks, a Bmw-sourced twin-turbo V8, and new heights of luxury

IT’S NOT THE CAR YOU TAKE FOR THAT life-affirming dawn drive on a summer’s morning. But it is likely to be a guilty pleasure amongst many of us. The Range Rover is an evo car but not in the traditional sense.

And here’s the fifth generation, with an evolutionary new look, an interior that puts many first-class airline cabins to shame, and new or updated powertrains to accompany the tech that it’s hoped will keep the world’s original SUV relevant for the decade ahead.

The Range Rover has no direct rival, the competition avoiding going head-to-head to sidestep an unsightly mauling. It means the team behind it enjoy the freedom to focus on what their customers want rather than chasing rivals. And if they’ve nailed the reliability, there’s no reason why the new version can’t continue to be the go-to choice for those with the £94,400 that ownership starts at.

1. Powertrains

Out with the supercharged 5-litre V8, in with BMW’S 4.4-litre 523bhp twin-turbocharged V8. The bulk of the sales will come from the wider choice of Land Rover’s six-cylinder 48-volt 503bhp and 434bhp petrol plug-ins, 394bhp mild-hybrid and two diesel engines with the same electric offering. A full BEV arrives in 2024. An eight-speed transmission is coupled to Land Rover’s latest All-terrain Response technology, while air suspension and four-wheel steering are both standard.

2. Design

If it ain’t broke, etc. The biggest change is at the rear with a swept-in tail to reduce the appearance of bulk and some neat detailing that ‘disguises’ the rear lights and turn indicators until required.

There’s still a split tailgate, although not the 50/50 of old; two wheelbase lengths will be offered from launch, and the window frames are seamless with no exposed rubbers or frames in a bid to improve drag and reduce wind noise. And while the front looks familiar, Land Rover says every area has been redesigned and improved, with a focus on improving the quality of the materials used.

3. Interior

We live in a world where luxury rules and the new Range Rover’s interior takes the marque to a whole new level. Three seating configurations are offered – 4, 5 and 7 – and the choice of materials has been widened. Leather is still an option, but so too are more sustainable materials. Open-pore wood veneers replace the over-polished plastic trim of old, but you can also select anything from cool metals to polished ceramics. Some motorised trim elements are replaced with carefully engineered mechanical parts to provide a more tactile feel.