After 10 years on the market, the fourth-generation Range Rover will be replaced by an all-new model for 2022, featuring a variety of different powertrains. We’ll see a plug-in hybrid and an all-electric version coming soon, though yes, you can still get a V8 (a twin-turbo claiming 0 to 60 in 4.4 seconds) if you’re so inclined. All models are tech-loaded, and while the design doesn’t lose the signature Range Rover silhouette, the vehicle’s whole look takes a big step into an ultra-modern aesthetic.
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What Happened
Yesterday, Land Rover did a worldwide reveal of the latest, brand-new 2022 Range Rover at the Royal Opera House in London, United Kingdom. According to the official press release, it’s based on a brand new chassis and will be the first Range Rover to feature seating for seven and four-wheel steering. The latter is no joke: its turning circle is a minuscule 36 feet, the smallest of Land Rover’s entire range. Additionally, to satisfy increasing emission requirements and be a bit kinder to mother nature, a plug-in hybrid powertrain will be available in 2023 that features up to 62 miles of range on electric power alone, as well as a first-ever all-electric model the following year.
Why It Matters
When we say “after ten years on the market,” what we really mean, is “after ten-whole-freaking-years on the market.” That’s a long time for any generation of vehicle to stick around. In fact, the badge was first affixed to a truck way back in 1969. Five generations in just over fifty years is, well, kind of unheard of among most automakers.
As far as keeping the old badge hip with the times, a forthcoming plug-in hybrid and electric version is music to our ears. Though, one could say that it’s about time: Land Rover’s sibling Jaguar has been doing full-EV with its I-Pace for a few years now. Also, a plug-in hybrid is certainly good news, but not exactly new news, as this has been an option for a while. Still, the upcoming 2023 version features nearly double the all-EV range as the previous.
Finally, the way Land Rover designed the new Rangie is what really matters to us: it’s gorgeous. This is subjective, but we think it’s the best-looking generation since the P38. It takes a lot of the fourth generation’s design and, well, just cleans it up and makes it so much more handsome. We also really dig the taillights -they’re kind of weird, but in a very good, well-pulled-off way.
What To Look For Next
The previous Range Rover was offered with the option of having an extensive amount of customizable luxury with the brand’s Special Vehicle Operations. From what we gather, they’ll offer even more this time around with this latest Range Rover SV (maybe they dropped to O to avoid being compared to old, turbocharged Mustangs?). According to Land Rover: “materials for exclusive Range Rover SV design details include lustrous plated metals, smooth ceramics, intricate mosaic marquetry, as well as a choice of high-grade leathers or sustainable non-leather Ultrafabrics. Additional design themes including SV Serenity and SV Intrepid introduce two-tone front-to-rear contrasting interior colorways, while the sumptuous four-seat SV Signature Suite features functional enhancements including an electrically deployable Club Table and refrigerator.”
What all this means: It’ll be easier than ever to exceed the new Range Rover’s $104,000 base price.
On the opposite end of all of this, we’re hoping the Range Rover will still be an immensely underrated off-roader. We found out ourselves what a 2021 six-figure Range Rover can do off-road, and hope the Coventry brand doesn’t lose sight of this crucial tradition. I guess there’s only one way to find out -stay tuned for us to get our hands on one as soon as possible.
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