The fourth generation Range Rover launched at a VIP event in London last week – the first full redesign since 2001 when what is now Tata Motors’ Jaguar Land Rover luxury vehicle unit was still part of Ford’s Premier Automotive Group – will be “the last word” in 4×4 luxury as well as performance, aiming at a burgeoning GBP100,000 plus market, a top executive has said.
These might be straightened economic times for many people but there is plenty of demand for high-end luxury in many parts of the world.
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Global product marketing manager Finbar McFall said: “We will certainly be targeting those buyers but we will not forsake our heartland.”
That means there will be plenty of sub-GBP100,000 models here in the UK, and worldwide, where the outgoing model is sold with only minor regional regulatory and market preference changes from home market versions. JLR will offer a staggering 18,000 option combintations from which to choose taking in the myriad interior and exterior colour and trim choices, including lavish leathers and exotic wood finshers.
At the very top end you can even specify a 29-speaker Meridian audio system with sub woofer which Range Rover claims is the best sound in any car.
McFall said: “Following on from the launch of the Evoque last year this brand has momentum and ambition. Demand for the Evoque remains strong around the world and we have added a third shift and round-the-clock, 24-hour assembly at our Halewood plant.
“With the fourth generation Range Rover we have listened to our customers who told us not to change the Range Rover, just make it better.”
In terms of making it better, engineers and designers set themselves a staggering 175,000 targets for the new model and the result is a lighter, more refined, more efficient and more durable SUV.
It is 27mm longer and has a slightly lower roof line yet provides more head, leg and elbow room.
The engineers have shaved off 420kg of weight which means they can offer a smaller diesel engine, the proven three-litre TDV6 from the smaller Discovery, for the first time. This develops 258hp and accelerates the Rangie to 60mph in 7.4sec.
There is also a re-worked version of the current 4.4-litre TDV8 turbodiesel and a 510hp supercharged petrol V8.
Of the coming hybrid, chief programme engineer Alex Heslop said: it has “all the capabilities on and off road of any Range Rover. It will be the most capable hybrid 4×4 ever.”
The hybrid will have a 50kw lithium ion battery and the 3-litre TDV6.
The latest Range Rover also has a panoramic sunroof like that first used by JLR for the Evoque – their reward is a 70% take up of the option so far.
The 2013 Range Rover makes its show debut in Paris late this month and is due on sale from January.
JLR unveils $466m new Range Rover investment
