Friday, 05 November 2021 05:24

Range Rover first details, specs and prices

Range Rover first details, specs and prices Range Rover first details, specs and prices

Fifth-generation Rangie showcases luxury and electrification 

 PROS

  • Interior quality far better than old model
  • Two body lengths, now available with seven seats
  • Long electric-only range for PHEV versions

 CONS

  • You'll have to wait until 2024 for EV version
  • Price has risen sharply over old model
  • Option it up, and the price will sky rocket
 

This is Land Rover's new 2022 Range Rover, and although it looks outwardly similar to the outgoing model, there's a lot going on under the skin as the company's luxury flagship moves towards electrification. It's been launched with a pair of long-range plug-in hybrid versions, with a full-electric model following in 2024.

The fifth-generation Range Rover continues the march upmarket with an accent on luxury, and the armoury to fight its arriviste rivals, such as the BMW X7, Mercedes-Benz GLS and Audi Q8, as well as the more exclusive Bentley Bentayga and even the far more expensive Rolls-Royce Cullinan. Considering that once upon a time, the Range Rover had this market all to itself, things are looking a whole lot more competitive now – and yet, no rival has successfully displaced the British icon yet.

In a world dominated by climate change, even luxury SUVs need to bow to social pressure – and prove their green credentials. So, under the familiar yet smoother styling, there are several electrified versions with a lengthy battery-only range. The car looks less intimidating, more environmentally responsible, and loses the old model's fussy visual jewellery.

Range Rover review (2022) profile view
 

What's it like inside?

Although we're months off the launch of this car, Parkers has already sat inside a pre-production Range Rover and can confirm that it feels every inch the £100,000+ luxury limousine now. The choice of materials inside is first rate and the uncluttered cabin feels calm and upmarket – especially the new porcelain door inserts. Yes, really.

The Pivi Pro infotainment system has been upgraded. It's now available with Amazon Alexa voice control, Spotify and Land Rover says it's more reliable, stable and faster-acting than earlier Land Rover touchscreens. We'll reserve judgment until we get our hands on one, but considering how good Pivi Pro is in the Defender, we have high hopes.

Buyers get the choice of a standard or 20cm-stretched long-wheelbase (LWB) model. The 'normal' version has a number of rear seat configurations – as before – but for the first time for a Range Rover, the LWB model is available as a seven-seater with three rows of forward-facing seats. Given all of its aforementioned rivals can be configured as seven seaters, this is welcome move by Land Rover.

Range Rover review (2022) interior view
 What engines are available?

The Range Rover will be available as a pure electric, hybrid or combustion engine car, although the EV version isn't due until 2024. However, every other combination will be available from launch in May 2022. The line-up will look like this.

P400 petrol: The entry-level Range Rover uses a 3.0-litre six-cylinder, with mild-hybrid technology. It develops 400hp, averages 29.7mpg and puts out 215g/km of CO2.

P530 petrol: The V8 option remains, but is now a BMW-sourced 4.4 bi-turbo, tuned to deliver 530hp for a 0-60mph time of 4.4sec.

D300 and D350 diesels: Both of these models are powered by Land Rover's 3.0-litre straight-six diesel, but with two states of tune: the D300 makes 300hp while the more muscular D350 musters develops 350hp. CO2 emissions are 198g/km.

P440e and P510e PHEVs: These plug-in hybrids are the first step to electrification for the fifth-generation Range Rover. Its 3.0-litre petrol is mated to a 105kW motor for 450 or 510hp and are good for 26g/km of CO2 in WLTP testing.

All models are four-wheel drive and come with an eight-speed gearbox, with a low-range transfer ‘box for effective off-road ability. You get all of the Land Rover systems, too, such as dynamic air suspension, Terrain Response 2, and a 900mm wading depth. This ability might not be a priority for many Range Rover drivers, but it's still an important part of the car's DNA.

Plug-in hybrid range and charging

Both PHEV models are powered by a large 38kWh lithium-ion battery for a relatively long range for a plug-in hybrid. They are claimed to offer a 62-mile electric range and Land Rover says that three quarters of customers’ journeys could be driven on silent electric power during daily duties.

Range Rover review (2022) rear view
 
Unlike most contemporary plug-ins, the Range Rover P440e and P510e can be fast-charged at up to 50kW DC, meaning they can be topped up in less than an hour (or five on a 7kW wallbox at home).

What else should I know?

UK sales are expected to begin in May 2022 and UK prices have been confirmed to start at £94,400, which is quite a rise from the outgoing model which starts at £83,525.

(https://www.parkers.co.uk/land-rover/range-rover/review/)

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