The new Range Rover Mk5 (codenamed L460) has finally arrived and well my first impression is that it’s very much like the previous Range Rover MK4 generation (codenamed L405). The exterior is more of an evolution than a complete re-design and inside, all is very much the same too.
Engine choices are also pretty similar too. You get two three-liter inline-6 diesel options, two petrol inline-6 options, two hybrid options, and one V8 option. The main change though is that the V8 model utilizes a BMW 4.4 twin-turbo V8 now rather than a JLR 5.0 V8 Superhcraged unit. The Hybrid models now use the 3.0 turbo inline-6 unit instead of the previous four-cylinder turbo unit.
The least powerful engine pushes out 246hp (D250 diesel inline-6) and the most powerful engine pushes out 523hp (P530 V8 model). That’s pretty decent, and more powerful models are expected to be released in the future. In fact, by 2024 there will be an all-electric Range Rover on sale.
The new Range Rover comes in both standard and long-wheelbase spec. However, there are a few new changes to the configuration of the seats within the car. You can still get five or four-seat specifications, but for the first time ever Land Rover is offering the new Range Rover in seven-seat form. It’s about time since all of its American rivals offer a third row, and they have done for years.
So, what are my thoughts on the new Range Rover? What are the real changes? Is it still the best SUV in the world? Let’s find out.
picture via: motor1.com
An Iconic Design.
As mentioned earlier, the new Range Rover looks pretty much like the old one. However, there are some obvious changes. These include the new rear lights which look very cool indeed. The lights are somewhat hidden and only appear when they’re turned on. The brake lights are the thinner lights placed on each side at the rear. The indicators are housed within the central black piece.
It’s very minimal at the back. No exhausts pipes on show, and unlike the Range Rover’s German rivals there are no fake exhaust tips either. The rear wiper just like the previous model is hidden under the rear roof spoiler which is very smart indeed.
The side of the car features fewer lines than before, so it is so much smoother. There is one dominating line just above the door handles which stretches from the front headlight all the way to the rear light. The front door also includes the iconic Range Rover door vent. All very similar to the old car indeed. The main change though is the new pop-out door handles which look very futuristic indeed.
The front of the new Range Rover is again very similar to the front of the old Range Rover. It is a lot more smooth and sleek but there isn’t much change at all. The sensors and all are housed within the grille on the lower part of the bumper, which makes everything look so much sleeker.
All of these little changes here and there with the design make a huge difference. The new Range Rover now is so much more aerodynamic than ever before which increases fuel economy and in the case of hybrid and electric models, the electric range. It’s a very smart-looking car indeed, and it certainly is very fitting to 2022. Quite possibly the best-looking SUV on sale today. We cannot wait to see the Overfinch and Urban tuned models as they will look very special.
Its competitors cannot touch this car when it comes to exterior design. the new Range Rover just looks so much classier and modern.
A Somewhat Fantsastic Interior.
The new Range Rover features a state-of-the-art interior. However, in my opinion I feel that the interior of the previous facelift Range Rover is far better. I will admit that I am not feeling the new “stuck on” touchscreen seen in the new Range Rover at all. It’s not very clean at all and it looks somewhat like an afterthought.
The toiuchscreen is 13.1 inches which is pretty big. The graphics are crystal clear, as you would expect on such an expensive car. The driver’s cluster is a tad larger being at 13.7 inches, again the graphics are crystal clear. I do like the shape of the new seats as they are a lot more comfortable, plus you can now spec the new Range Rover in vegan form with a vegan leather free interior.
In the rear, you get two 11.4 inch displays. If you opt for the executive class model, you get a further 8-inch touchscreen display in the centre arm-rest. You also get on the four-seat models an electrically folding table which is made form very sturdy wood indeed.
However, the best bit is the sound system. If you opt for the Autobiography model, you get 35-speaker 1600 watt Meridian Signature Sound System. It has noise-cancelling technology which makes the cabin so much quieter and there is even 20-watt speakers in the four main headrests which according to Land Rover, simulates the use of high-end headphones. This car then truly is a concert house on wheels.
Everywhere is leather-lined, even at the back within the third-row. The third-row cfan also accommodate adults with ease and the boot is still very spacious even with the third-row seven seats up. The rear tailgate includes a new function where you can have event-seating whereby a backrest raises electrically.
To conclude, the interior overall is pretty good. The design isn’t the best but all of the luxuries and the sound system make up for it all. The leather looks beautiful, the materials are higher quality and finally you can get one in seven-seat form.
Amazing Off Road Technology.
The Range Rover is one of few luxury SUVs that can actually go off-road. Crazy right? The car rides on adaptive air suspension with a new five-link rear axle that uses the navigation system to tweak the suspension for the terrain head. Previously, you would have to manually adjust the adaptive air suspension for the set road terrain. It also works with the adaptive cruise control and steering assist to smooth things out based on what the tech is doing.
The car also includes electronically controlled roll bars which not only improve the off roadability of this car, but also makes this much more comfortable. This syetm reacts a heck of a lot faster than a hydraulic system. It of course makes the car less soulful to drive, but genuinely who cares? This is a luxury car.
All wheel steering is included too which makes manovirtbility a heck of a lot easier. So whilst this car may be huge, it is actually pretty easy to move about. At slow speeds, the rear wheels can turn up to 7 degrees in the opposite direction to assist turning. The overall turning circle is 11 meters. This makes the car feel a lot more nimble which is great for not only off-roading but also everyday life.
The body is also a lot more rigid and aerodynamic. This helps with safety and handling of the car massively which againis another huge plus point in such a large car.
To Conclude.
The new Range Rover is a fantastic car that beats it’s competitors in every single way bar interior design and one other crucial thing. It looks classy and modern without trying too hard. It’s brilliant off-raod (far better than anything else) and it pretty much has the best car stereo system in the world.
The engine choices are all pretty decent and it starts at just $104,000 which is decent if you think about it since this car offers the same luxuries as say a Bentley Bentayga for so much less. It’s not like there is any badge snobbery too, since Range Rovery is an exquisite luxurious marque.
The biggest issue though is reliability. All this new tech just screams expensive repair bills which is what will happen. Land Rover customer service is awful anyways and build quality all round (despite the nice interior) is pretty shoddy. This is a car that will break down and in the future be a pain in the ass to live with. Hence why it will depricate like a rock. Othe than that, great car.