Explore the New Trusted Range Rover since 1970 , its origin dating back to the 1970s when it became the first luxury SUV in the world, through the years of British luxury, technological advancement and legendary off road attributes.
Origins (1948-1969) the Idea Before the Icon
- Land Rover Roots: The history starts with the first Land Rover Series I which was introduced in the year 1948 by the Rover Company (then British Leyland). It was modeled as a rough utility vehicle to the farmers and explorers.
- Rover engineers had identified an opportunity in the market by the 1960s: to take the serious off-road capability, and the comfort and style of a road car.
- In 1966 the project code-named 100-inch Station Wagon (later to be the Range Rover) started being developed.
The First Generation The Classic Range Rover (1970-1996) The original and traditional Range Rover.
- 1970 Start: The first Range Rover came out on 17 June 1970.
- Design: It was clean and modernly styled in two doors with a split tailgate and permanent four-wheel drive.
- Engine: 3.5L lightweight aluminum V8 of Buick (borrowed).
- Innovation: It was the first SUV to have a full-time 4WD system, coil spring suspension, and disc brakes all around which was not heard of back then.
- Evolution:
o 1981: Four-door version launched.
o 1989: ABS added.
o 1992: Electronic traction control and automatic air suspension were introduced – the first of its type in SUVs.
- This first-gen emerged to be called the Range Rover Classic.
Second Generation – P38A (1994–2002)
- The P38A also called P38A was released in 1994.
- More lux, with options such as leather interiors, wood trim and hi-tech electronics.
- Engines: Revised models using Rover V8 (up to 4.6L) and subsequently a diesel of BMW origin.
- It solidified Range Rover as a status symbol of luxury and retained high off road credentials.
Third Generation – L322 (2002–2012)
- Released in 2002 and created by BMW ownership but published by Ford (who acquired Land Rover in 2000).
- Developed as a luxury SUV that is a real competitor to Mercedes and BMW.
- Shared with the BMW 7 Series (electronics, initially engines).
- Provided TD6 diesel, V8 petrol and eventually Jaguar-based engines.
- Luxuries that were added were touchscreen navigation, high quality sound systems, and adaptive cruise control.
- Was widely considered as one of the best luxury SUV of the day.
Fourth Generation – L405 (2012–2021)
- It was a revolution launched in 2012:
o Lightweight all- aluminum monocoque construction, first SUV.
o As light as 420 kg light than the last generation.
o The Terrain Response 2 feature, whereby the different terrains were set automatically.
- More spacious than ever, and executive seating packages, length wheelbases and state-of-the-art technology.
- Placed Positioned as a universal mark of luxury and ability.
Fifth Generation – L460 (2022–Present)
- Revealed in October 2021 Sales started in 2022.
- Riding on the new MLA-Flex platform – to accommodate petrol, diesel, plug-in hybrid and fully electric powertrains.
- Has mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid models, a fully electric Range Rover will be coming in 2025.
- Features:
o Flatter design with flush door handles.
o Pivi Pro advanced infotainment.
o Agility steering in the rear.
o State of the art luxury that is environmentally friendly.
Range Rover Today
- Range Rover has grown to a family of models:
o Range Rover (flagship)
o Range Rover Sport (2005–present)
o Range Rover Evoque (2011–present)
o Range Rover Velar (2017–present)
- It is one of the standard setters in the luxury SUV category, combining status, comfort, and mythical off-road capabilities.
Heritage: Range Rover may have originated as an experiment in rough-luxury back in the 1970s, but in the twenty-first century it is a world-known icon, with fans among royalty, movie stars and adventurers. It is the ideal combination of the British luxury and the go anywhere ability.
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