Return of the SUV KING

Range Rover’s latest iteration promises to be the most opulent and refined example yet, making it one of the more significant new car launches of the year, and certainly the biggest for a new SUV

- Damian Adams

The original Land Rover Range Rover was the first-ever luxury off-road SUV when it began life 52 years ago. This new model aims to continue to raise the bar in terms of comfort and performance for true 4x4s. The BMW X7, Mercedes-Benz GLS and Lexus LX are just a few of its rivals. The top of the Range Rover market is also targeted by the Aston Martin DBX, Bentley Bentayga and Rolls-Royce Cullinan. Facing stiff competition on all sides, the Rangie doesn't follow the crowd and attempts to do it all with power, luxury, off-road capability and an elegant new design both inside and out.

DESIGN DETAILS

It may not look like it up front, but the fifth-generation Range Rover is completely new. It adopts the brand's well-known profile and removes a lot of unnecessary design details to create a minimalist aesthetic appearing to have been carved from an aluminium billet. It is as exquisite as always, sporting crease-free surfaces and precise panel gaps. The previous bling chrome trim has also been removed. Given the success of the previous L405 Range Rover, it is no surprise much about the new car feels familiar. The front-end design is clearly linked, although the new L460 gets narrower headlights thanks to LED projector technology. The side-on profile is similar, demonstrating a lengthy rear overhang, vents reaching into the front wings and a gently falling glass line.

The grille is high and flanked by largely rectangular headlights up front, giving the nose a similar appearance to the previous model's. The lower air intake, on the other hand, is now a horizontal cut-out, which is straight and has a central insert housing the fog lights. The grille mesh pattern has changed, too. The rear features a blacked-out taillamp design and horizontal and vertical parts. The body tapers after the rear wheels, making the SUV seem smaller than it is.