The Range Rover is the definitive luxury off-roader. Jeep might have come up with the idea of an all-terrain car, but the Brits mixed the supreme off-road capability of the Land Rover Defender with on-road refinement to offer buyers a brilliantly versatile 4x4 from 1970 onwards.
The first Range Rover remained in production for an incredible 26 years, and it's now on to its fifth generation. Land Rover has piled on the opulence with successive versions of the United Kingdom’s ultimate SUV, but it's never lost its blend of effortless comfort and an unbeatable talent for dealing with unforgiving terrain.
Land Rover didn’t do very much to the Range Rover in its first decade. It started as a three-door car, but a five door was finally added and quickly became the preferred choice of buyers. Diesel engines joined the original petrol line-up, while BMW’s ownership of Land Rover improved quality and developed the third-generation model, which arrived in 2002. A period as part of Ford’s stable was followed by the formation of Jaguar Land Rover in 2008, when Indian firm Tata bought the British pair, which were already sharing engines by then.
Land Rover now sells more of its Discovery, Range Rover Sport and Range Rover Evoque models, but the Range Rover remains its flagship and the benchmark for all luxury SUVs, including the Bentley Bentayga and even the Rolls-Royce Cullinan.
Generations: 5
- Range Rover Mk5 (2022-)
- Range Rover mk4 L405 (2012-2022)
- Range Rover mk3 L322 (2002-2012)
- Range Rover mk2 P38A (1994-2002)
- Range Rover mk1 Classic (1970-1996)
Range Rover Mk5 (2022-)
Bodystyle:
- Five-door SUV
Notable features:
- A seven-seat option in the long wheelbase version
- Two plug-in hybrids and more efficient diesel and petrol engines
- Pure electric version from 2024
There’s no doubting that the fifth-generation Range Rover is a fairly predictable evolution in terms of it styling, but who can blame Land Rover for that? There was nothing much that felt dated about the fourth generation at the end of its life, and not wanting to shake the foundations of a model that has such a fixed, recognisable stature in the very competitive super-premium SUV class only makes sense.
Plus, look more than skin deep and there are some huge changes. This Range Rover is the first model to sit on a new ‘MLA-Flex’ platform, which is designed for both pure electric applications as well as combustion-engine and plug-in hybrid models. We won’t see the pure electric version until 2024, but in the meantime there are two plug-in hybrids – the Range Rover P440e and P510e - both with class-leading electric range of 62 miles, rapid charging up to 50kW (also a rarity in PHEVs), and a six-cylinder, 3.0-litre petrol engine to keep you going when the 38.2kWh battery is depleted. CO2 emission of under 30g/km are likely to make it a favourite with company car buyers.
A variety of 3.0-litre, six-cylinder mild hybrid diesels in varying power outputs are likely to be popular with private buyers, while a couple of mild hybrid petrol 3.0-litre, six-cylinder engines and a 4.4-litre turbocharged V8 finish off the lineup. Equipment levels are generous even on the standard Range Rover, while Autobiography models will up the style ante with panoramic glass roof, bigger wheels and more, or the SV (Special Vehicle) model will bring personalisation options and even more style swagger.
Perhaps more importantly for many prospective Range Rover buyers is that this generation brings the option of a seven-seat layout. Only offered in the long wheelbase version, it seats seven adults in comfort, with climate control, cup holders and ambient lighting even for those in the rearmost seats.
This version of the Range Rover is intended to push even further upmarket into Bentley Bentayga and Rolls-Royce Cullinan territory, so the materials and tech are classier than ever. If the seven seat model isn’t for you, there’s a standard rear bench or a two-person executive seat layout that can even be specced with a wood and metal table that rises up in between the seats.
As for the tech, Amazon Alexa is the integrated voice control system for the slick touchscreen system, as is wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Opt for the SV and you can choose from any number of smart, modern finishes ranging from leather-free interior that uses recycled plastics, to ceramic-finishes on the door cards. Naturally, if you want to you can completely personalise your Range Rover in any fashion that you wish… if your pockets are deep enough.
All the other vital Range Rover traits remain. Fully adaptive air suspension and a new generation of Land Rover’s Terrain Response 2 system promises to maintain its famous off-road prowess and towing capacity. It’ll still wade in 900mm of water (PHEV versions included) and tow up to 3,500kg with a braked trailer. On top of that, standard all-wheel steering is now said to improve low-speed manoeuvrability.
Range Rover mk4 L405 (2012-2022)
Bodystyle:
- Five-door SUV
Notable features:
- More fuel-efficient engines and lower running costs than its predecessor
- Aluminium body shaves half a tonne from weight
- PHEV plug-in hybrid model offers lowest CO2 emissions in the line-up
Land Rover threw everything at the fourth-generation Range Rover when it was launched in 2012. It sported improved off-road technology for its Terrain Response system, but what made the most headlines at the time was the fact that it was made mostly from aluminium. This helped save around half a tonne in weight over its predecessor, instantly making this one better on fuel economy and carbon dioxide emissions.
At launch there were 3.0-litre V6 and 4.4-litre V8 turbodiesel engines, and a 5.0-litre V8 petrol in both regular and supercharged forms. Some markets also received a supercharged 3.0-litre V6 petrol. Buyers looking to reduce their running costs will be tempted by the P400 mild hybrid with its 3.0-litre six-cylinder engine, but the P400e PHEV plug-in hybrid model from 2018 onwards is a better bet. It combines a 2.0-litre petrol engine with an electric motor to offer up to 91.1mpg and just 64g/km of carbon dioxide emissions.
Cheaper to run, cleaner, and significantly better to drive in every situation, the fourth-generation Range Rover also wants for nothing when it comes to luxury. The entry-point Vogue has an infotainment system with touchscreen, DAB radio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on later models, and even a television. Leather upholstery is standard, along with electric seat adjustment, heated front seats, and three-zone climate control. The Vogue SE gains soft-close doors, ventilated front seats, and even more sophisticated off-road electronics.
Choose the top-spec Autobiography and you get a sliding panoramic glass sunroof and four-zone climate control. There are also massaging front seats, while long wheelbase versions have 10.0-inch entertainment screens. The performance SVAutobiography model has a leather headliner, individual rear seats and quilted hide upholstery. For more bespoke options, Land Rover’s SVO department will help you out.
In 2020, Land Rover marked 50 years of the Range Rover with the Fifty model. Based on the Autobiography, it could be painted in the same choice of three colours as the original 1970 version.
Read our expert review of the Range Rover mk4
Range Rover mk3 L322 (2002-2012)
Bodystyle:
- Five-door SUV
Notable features:
- Radical styling and body design compared to predecessor
- Facelifted in 2006, and given new petrol and diesel V8 engines
- In 2010, Land Rover built its one millionth Range Rover model
The third-generation Range Rover arrived in 2002 and was a radical departure in every sense. As well as bold new styling inside and out, and a big step up in luxury, the most notable change was a shift from the separate body and chassis engineering of previous Range Rover models. This new design made the car’s body much stiffer for better handling and refinement, and was much safer in the event of an accident. It also adopted Land Rover’s sophisticated Terrain Response system, which could adapt the car's settings to suit different off-road terrains.
Developed while owned by BMW, the third-gen Range Rover, codenamed L322, shared a lot with the contemporary 5 Series saloon. However, Land Rover decided against using the German firm’s iDrive infotainment set-up, preferring a simple system with optional screen in the centre of the dash. In 2005, there was a switch to Jaguar electronics that saw Bluetooth become standard across the range
Under the bonnet were BMW-derived engines, with a choice of a 4.4-litre petrol V8 or a 3.0-litre turbodiesel, but the only gearbox was an automatic. Most buyers in Europe opted for the turbodiesel, which felt fine at the time but feels underpowered by today's standards.
That was addressed in 2006 when the car was facelifted and Ford-based V8 engines were adopted. This brought a 3.6-litre V8 turbodiesel, later replaced by a 4.4-litre unit, and a different 4.4 V8 petrol. Or, if you wanted the ultimate Range Rover, you could order the supercharged 4.2-litre V8. The new engines also brought a new form of gearchanging mechanism; out went the standard gear lever, replaced by a rotary control. The ignition key slot also moved from the transmission tunnel to further up the centre console.
In 2010, new 5.0-litre petrol engines arrived in time for Land Rover to sell its one millionth Range Rover.
As before, Range Rover offered many special editions of the Range Rover. Towards the end of its life, the Westminster replaced the Vogue and Vogue SE variants.
Read our expert review of the Range Rover Mk3 L322
Range Rover mk2 P38A (1994-2002)
Bodystyle:
- Five-door SUV
Notable features:
- Only ever offered in spacious five-door form
- Autobiography personalisation options introduced
- 2.5-litre turbodiesel engine supplied by BMW
- Vogue SE limited editions now sought-after for rarity and extra equipment
The second-generation Range Rover, codenamed P38A, had one of the toughest jobs in motoring – replacing the much-loved Classic. Some criticised the styling, but at its launch in 1994 this was a huge leap forward for Land Rover in design and technology. Even so, the good old V8 engine remained, now in 4.0-litre and 4.6-litre sizes. There was also a BMW-sourced 2.5-litre turbodiesel that was lifted from the superb 5 Series saloon and gave the diesel Range Rover the refinement its predecessor was sorely missing.
Land Rover put a lot of effort into making the cabin look and feel more upmarket, to make it more distinct from its sister car, the Discovery. It was also based on the long-wheelbase version of its predecessor, which provided greater rear passenger and boot space.
Among various special editions, such as the HSE+, Vogue 50 and CARiN, this Range Rover is notable for introducing a much greater level of personalisation for buyers through the Autobiography programme. It offered customers unique paint colours, one-off leather interiors and more choice of wood trim finishes.
Land Rover offered an early version of satellite navigation in this Range Rover, which runs off a CD-ROM and appears slow and clunky by today’s standards. There were also integrated mobile phones on offer.
Despite this, the P38A was not as loved as much as the original, and it lasted only eight years before it was replaced. In that time, it sold 167,259 of all versions compared to 326,070 of the Classic model.
Range Rover mk1 Classic (1970-1996)
Bodystyles:
- Three-door SUV
- Five-door SUV
Notable features:
- Five-door model launched in 1981
- In Vogue limited edition was a first step up the ladder of luxury
- 2.4-litre Turbo D diesel engine joins petrol V8 in 1986
- Original Range Rover Velar prototype gave its name to the current Velar model
The first Range Rover was launched in June 1970 as a three-door car with a starting price of £1,998 in the UK. It was designed as a utility vehicle for those who needed the four-wheel-drive ability of the basic Land Rover models, but also wanted a car that could cover long distances in comfort.
At the heart of this new type of luxury off-roader was a near-indestructible chassis frame, with supple suspension that soaked up farm tracks and motorways with equal composure. Full-time four-wheel drive and a robust 3.5-litre V8 engine proved the ideal powertrain, so long as you could afford the fuel bills.
Not much changed with the Range Rover until 1981, when a five-door model was added in response to customer demand. At the same time, Land Rover offered the In Vogue special edition, with creature comforts such as wood trim, headrests and a radio.
Sales passed 100,000 in 1982 and a 2.4-litre turbodiesel engine was added in 1986, setting 27 world records for endurance. By now, most new Range Rover customers bought the car for its style. To reflect this, Land Rover increased the V8 motor to 3.9 litres in 1989, just before it notched up 250,000 sales in 1990. The same year, 200 of the 20th anniversary ‘CSK’ three-door limited edition cars were produced.
Further evidence of the Range Rover’s shift upmarket came in 1992 with the arrival of the long-wheelbase LSE, complete with a 4.2-litre V8 engine, air suspension and electronic traction control, which were both world firsts in an SUV.
1994 marked the arrival of the second-generation Range Rover, but the original proved so popular it remained in production for a further two years, now called the Classic. By then, it was offered with the same 2.5-litre 200TDi engine used in the Defender and Discovery. However, in February 1996, Land Rover called time on the original Range Rover.