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CarGurus UK first look at the 2022 Range Rover
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2021 Range Rover
- Thread starter Naks
- Start date
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Carfection first look at the 2022 Range Rover
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Carwow first look at the 2022 Range Rover
FiestaST
Honorary Master
This is the brand new, fifth-generation Range Rover
Familiar looks, all-new everything: welcome to *the* luxury SUV
It messes with your head. Is this really the new one? You thought you were good at this car-spotting thing didn't you? From the side profile at least, it just looks like the Range Rover we're familiar with… yet unaccountably better. Smoother, neater, more polished, tightened up. But in ways that aren't obvious.
Gerry McGovern, Jaguar Land Rover's creative director, disarmingly offers an explanation. "It's not that we've become better designers since we did the old generation. It's that technology has moved on, and allows us to do things we couldn't before." McGovern isn't known for depreciating either himself or his team (he's just been slagging off the visually noisy design of some rival products, ending his remarks with an airy "…not that I'm slagging them off, mind"). So his remark carries the implication that the body engineers have been under pretty heavy pressure from the design side to bring those new techniques into play.
Now if I listed them all, you'd think these said technologies were pretty darned tedious. But trust me they have an effect, so I will be come back to them. But first, the headlines.
Bong! The new Range Rover builds on a totally new, mostly aluminium body structure. They thought about re-using bits of the old one but it wasn't possible because they need to make room for, drumroll, the batteries that will enable a full-electric version in three years' time. After all they started work on this car five years ago, and project lead Nick Miller points out this was just as dieselgate was unfolding.
Bong! Right now, the launch versions include plug-in hybrids that'll go 60 miles on their 140bhp electric motor before waking their 3.0-litre petrol engine. Combined power is 510bhp. Other straight-six 3.0-litre launch engines are JLR's diesels (250bhp, 300bhp and 360bhp) and petrols (360 and 400bhp).
Bong! If you want to do 0-62 in 4.6 seconds you'll be needing the 530bhp V8 4.4-litre twin-turbo unit from BMW. Don't scream. The Range Rover has had many borrowed engines, including from BMW - diesel from 1994, diesel and petrol for a bit from 2002. They even made prototypes with a Munich V12. The V8 has had its intake re-routed for the 900mm wading depth, and has a new sump for driving on 45-degree slopes.
Bong! The new body can be had in two wheelbases, and for the first time it adds the option of seven seats in the longer shell. Adults can sit back there, so now Range Rover has a rival to those huge SUVs they sell in rich and fecund parts of the US, rivals that come both from locals and the Mercedes GLS and BMW X7. Options for either length body are a normal five-seat layout or a high-lux four-chair. The dash and controls are recognisably Range Rover, but of course – you knew this didn't you – more stuff has moved from actual switchgear to virtual on-screen buttons.
www.topgear.com
Familiar looks, all-new everything: welcome to *the* luxury SUV
It messes with your head. Is this really the new one? You thought you were good at this car-spotting thing didn't you? From the side profile at least, it just looks like the Range Rover we're familiar with… yet unaccountably better. Smoother, neater, more polished, tightened up. But in ways that aren't obvious.
Gerry McGovern, Jaguar Land Rover's creative director, disarmingly offers an explanation. "It's not that we've become better designers since we did the old generation. It's that technology has moved on, and allows us to do things we couldn't before." McGovern isn't known for depreciating either himself or his team (he's just been slagging off the visually noisy design of some rival products, ending his remarks with an airy "…not that I'm slagging them off, mind"). So his remark carries the implication that the body engineers have been under pretty heavy pressure from the design side to bring those new techniques into play.
Now if I listed them all, you'd think these said technologies were pretty darned tedious. But trust me they have an effect, so I will be come back to them. But first, the headlines.
Bong! The new Range Rover builds on a totally new, mostly aluminium body structure. They thought about re-using bits of the old one but it wasn't possible because they need to make room for, drumroll, the batteries that will enable a full-electric version in three years' time. After all they started work on this car five years ago, and project lead Nick Miller points out this was just as dieselgate was unfolding.
Bong! Right now, the launch versions include plug-in hybrids that'll go 60 miles on their 140bhp electric motor before waking their 3.0-litre petrol engine. Combined power is 510bhp. Other straight-six 3.0-litre launch engines are JLR's diesels (250bhp, 300bhp and 360bhp) and petrols (360 and 400bhp).
Bong! If you want to do 0-62 in 4.6 seconds you'll be needing the 530bhp V8 4.4-litre twin-turbo unit from BMW. Don't scream. The Range Rover has had many borrowed engines, including from BMW - diesel from 1994, diesel and petrol for a bit from 2002. They even made prototypes with a Munich V12. The V8 has had its intake re-routed for the 900mm wading depth, and has a new sump for driving on 45-degree slopes.
Bong! The new body can be had in two wheelbases, and for the first time it adds the option of seven seats in the longer shell. Adults can sit back there, so now Range Rover has a rival to those huge SUVs they sell in rich and fecund parts of the US, rivals that come both from locals and the Mercedes GLS and BMW X7. Options for either length body are a normal five-seat layout or a high-lux four-chair. The dash and controls are recognisably Range Rover, but of course – you knew this didn't you – more stuff has moved from actual switchgear to virtual on-screen buttons.
This is the brand new, fifth-generation Range Rover
Familiar looks, all-new everything: welcome to *the* luxury SUV
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Nine of the new Range Rover’s most important numbers
A brand-new Rangie is a Big Deal. Here are the stats from *the* SUV
www.topgear.com
A brand-new Rangie is a Big Deal. Here are the stats from *the* SUV
Nine of the new Range Rover’s most important numbers
A brand-new Rangie is a Big Deal. Here are the stats from *the* SUV
FiestaST
Honorary Master
2024 Range Rover EV: BMW iX rival could get FCEV option
Land Rover reveals that Range Rover's new MLA architecture can house hydrogen fuel cell system
Thierry Bolloré’s radical reinvention plans for Jaguar Land Rover centre on the electrification of both brands. Under the plan the firm will launch six pure-electric variants over the next five years, starting with the Range Rover EV in 2024.
All Land Rover models will offer a fully electric powertrain option by the end of the decade in line with the brand’s ambition to achieve a 60% EV sales mix by that point. The electric Range Rover, which will serve as a rival to the BMW iX and Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV, remains under wraps (even camouflaged prototypes have yet to hit public roads), but visually it is unlikely to differ substantially from the ICE-powered car. The subtle evolution of the Range Rover’s design over the years suggests its recognisable silhouette is intrinsic to the nameplate, so it is likely to be maintained for all powertrain variants.
Originally, it was planned that Land Rover’s debut electric car would share the MLA underpinnings with the long-promised Jaguar XJ EV, but that model has now been cancelled as it was deemed incompatible with Bolloré’s vision for the brand. It has also yet to be confirmed where else in the JLR line-up the MLA hardware will be deployed, with Jaguar set to usher in a completely bespoke architecture for its ownall-electric cars from 2025, and smaller Land Rover SUVs to move across to the EV-biased EMA platform.
www.autocar.co.uk
Land Rover reveals that Range Rover's new MLA architecture can house hydrogen fuel cell system
Thierry Bolloré’s radical reinvention plans for Jaguar Land Rover centre on the electrification of both brands. Under the plan the firm will launch six pure-electric variants over the next five years, starting with the Range Rover EV in 2024.
All Land Rover models will offer a fully electric powertrain option by the end of the decade in line with the brand’s ambition to achieve a 60% EV sales mix by that point. The electric Range Rover, which will serve as a rival to the BMW iX and Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV, remains under wraps (even camouflaged prototypes have yet to hit public roads), but visually it is unlikely to differ substantially from the ICE-powered car. The subtle evolution of the Range Rover’s design over the years suggests its recognisable silhouette is intrinsic to the nameplate, so it is likely to be maintained for all powertrain variants.
Originally, it was planned that Land Rover’s debut electric car would share the MLA underpinnings with the long-promised Jaguar XJ EV, but that model has now been cancelled as it was deemed incompatible with Bolloré’s vision for the brand. It has also yet to be confirmed where else in the JLR line-up the MLA hardware will be deployed, with Jaguar set to usher in a completely bespoke architecture for its ownall-electric cars from 2025, and smaller Land Rover SUVs to move across to the EV-biased EMA platform.
Fresh pictures of electric Range Rover as it completes second round of winter tests | Autocar
Land Rover brand's first EV is pictured testing in extreme conditions as it approaches launch
www.autocar.co.uk
FiestaST
Honorary Master
In pictures: the all-new Range Rover
Fifth-generation Range Rover arrives to tackle recent new competitors in the luxury SUV class
https://www.autocar.co.uk/slideshow/pictures-all-new-range-rover
Fifth-generation Range Rover arrives to tackle recent new competitors in the luxury SUV class
https://www.autocar.co.uk/slideshow/pictures-all-new-range-rover
FiestaST
Honorary Master
New 2022 Range Rover begins reinvention of Land Rover
Luxury SUV’s top-down revamp brings new platform, overhauled interior, long-range hybrid and potent BMW V8
Land Rover’s bold new era has begun with the unveiling of the long-awaited fifth generation of its full-sized Range Rover. The flagship model has been completely redesigned, updated and upgraded in all respects and substantially electrified in line with the company’s radical plan to slash emissions across its line-up.
The new Range Rover is making its debut following the culmination of a five-year, seven million-hour testing programme and ahead of its market launch in spring of next year. The reinvented Porsche Cayenne rival will spearhead a top-to-bottom overhaul of Land Rover’s line-up, in which each model will be offered with a fully electric option by the end of the decade. The pure-electric version of the new Range Rover, which has been confirmed for launch in 2024, will be the brand’s first all-electric model.
Revealed here in both standard and long-wheelbase forms, with the latter giving the option of seven seats for the first time, the reinvented luxury SUV is available to order now from £94,400 ahead of customer deliveries getting under way next spring. A range of petrol and diesel powertrains are also available from launch, to be followed in around three months’ time by a choice of petrol plug-in hybrids.
www.autocar.co.uk
Luxury SUV’s top-down revamp brings new platform, overhauled interior, long-range hybrid and potent BMW V8
Land Rover’s bold new era has begun with the unveiling of the long-awaited fifth generation of its full-sized Range Rover. The flagship model has been completely redesigned, updated and upgraded in all respects and substantially electrified in line with the company’s radical plan to slash emissions across its line-up.
The new Range Rover is making its debut following the culmination of a five-year, seven million-hour testing programme and ahead of its market launch in spring of next year. The reinvented Porsche Cayenne rival will spearhead a top-to-bottom overhaul of Land Rover’s line-up, in which each model will be offered with a fully electric option by the end of the decade. The pure-electric version of the new Range Rover, which has been confirmed for launch in 2024, will be the brand’s first all-electric model.
Revealed here in both standard and long-wheelbase forms, with the latter giving the option of seven seats for the first time, the reinvented luxury SUV is available to order now from £94,400 ahead of customer deliveries getting under way next spring. A range of petrol and diesel powertrains are also available from launch, to be followed in around three months’ time by a choice of petrol plug-in hybrids.
New 2022 Range Rover makes motor show debut in California | Autocar
Luxury SUV’s top-down revamp brings new platform, overhauled interior, long-range hybrid and potent BMW V8
www.autocar.co.uk
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Lady + Dog.
FiestaST
Honorary Master
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Harry’s garage review of the 2022 Range Rover
FiestaST
Honorary Master
The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Gets Three Rows And A Future Electric Version
The first new Range Rover in a decade starts at $105,350.
Land Rover has announced the fifth-generation of its Range Rover luxury SUV. The 2022 Range Rover brings some giant screens, a third row, hybrid power and the promise of an electric model on the horizon. This new standard in Brit lux comes in at a starting price of $105,350.
Like the Range Rovers that came before it, this one doesn’t make any huge design changes, sticking to gradual evolution. Its lines are a little smoother and the brand says that the SUV embraces the modernist design that you can find just about everywhere. Gerry McGovern, the brand’s chief creative officer says “Range Rover is not about radical change for the sake of it.”
The interior is said to be “truly aspirational” with its mosaic marquetry wood, aniline leather and sustainable fabric. I wanted to laugh at it but it actually looks like a fantastic place to plant your butt. Those rear seats look straight out of a private jet.
It also gets a three-rows in its long-wheelbase version, which makes it better equipped for going after others in this segment like the Mercedes-Benz GLS-class, BMW X7 and Cadillac Escalade.
The 2022 Range Rover is packed with technology. You’ll notice the interior’s huge screens, but there’s a lot of action happening below the surface, too. The SUV rides on Land Rover’s MLA-Flex architecture, which the automaker says consists of 76 percent aluminum. Every 2022 Range Rover has all-wheel steering and the rear axle has up to seven degrees of steering angle. This helps the SUV achieve a tight turning circle. At speed, the system helps with stability.
Speaking of speed, body roll is controlled by Dynamic Response Pro, a roll control system with a torque capacity of 1,000 lb-ft designed to keep body roll in check. A fully independent air suspension further insulates the occupants from feeling burdened with such things like potholes.
Of course, it is a Land Rover, and it still has some off-roading pretensions. It has an Active Locking Rear Differential and a driving mode system designed to reduce driver fatigue on road and off.
jalopnik.com
The first new Range Rover in a decade starts at $105,350.
Land Rover has announced the fifth-generation of its Range Rover luxury SUV. The 2022 Range Rover brings some giant screens, a third row, hybrid power and the promise of an electric model on the horizon. This new standard in Brit lux comes in at a starting price of $105,350.
Like the Range Rovers that came before it, this one doesn’t make any huge design changes, sticking to gradual evolution. Its lines are a little smoother and the brand says that the SUV embraces the modernist design that you can find just about everywhere. Gerry McGovern, the brand’s chief creative officer says “Range Rover is not about radical change for the sake of it.”
The interior is said to be “truly aspirational” with its mosaic marquetry wood, aniline leather and sustainable fabric. I wanted to laugh at it but it actually looks like a fantastic place to plant your butt. Those rear seats look straight out of a private jet.
It also gets a three-rows in its long-wheelbase version, which makes it better equipped for going after others in this segment like the Mercedes-Benz GLS-class, BMW X7 and Cadillac Escalade.
The 2022 Range Rover is packed with technology. You’ll notice the interior’s huge screens, but there’s a lot of action happening below the surface, too. The SUV rides on Land Rover’s MLA-Flex architecture, which the automaker says consists of 76 percent aluminum. Every 2022 Range Rover has all-wheel steering and the rear axle has up to seven degrees of steering angle. This helps the SUV achieve a tight turning circle. At speed, the system helps with stability.
Speaking of speed, body roll is controlled by Dynamic Response Pro, a roll control system with a torque capacity of 1,000 lb-ft designed to keep body roll in check. A fully independent air suspension further insulates the occupants from feeling burdened with such things like potholes.
Of course, it is a Land Rover, and it still has some off-roading pretensions. It has an Active Locking Rear Differential and a driving mode system designed to reduce driver fatigue on road and off.
The 2022 Land Rover Range Rover Gets Three Rows And A Future Electric Version - Jalopnik
Land Rover has announced the fifth-generation of its Range Rover luxury SUV. The 2022 Range Rover brings some giant screens, a third row, hybrid power and the promise of an electric model on the horizon. This new standard in Brit lux comes in at a starting price of $105,350.
jalopnik.com
Naks
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I loved the rear end until he showed the indicators... what a design fail!
FiestaST
Honorary Master
All-new Range Rover revealed with advanced tech and BMW power
The all-new Range Rover has been unveiled after a number of leaks. The new luxury SUV brings with it an array of powertrain options together with a series of advanced technological features. The flagship offering will be available with a choice of two wheelbases as well.
Where design is concerned, the Range Rover has been kept traditional in most parts with its falling roofline, broad waistline and rising sill line. This has been modernised by a modern head- and taillamp cluster. The final design gives the large SUV a drag coefficient of 0,30.
The cabin experience of the Range Rover has been built around the MLA-Flex body architecture. Passenger well-being is ensured by a 1 600W Meridian Signature Sound System that consists of 35 speakers. These are not only used for entertainment purposes but also act as an active noise cancellation system to funnel out wheel vibrations, tyre noise and engine sounds.
A Cabin Air Purification Pro package is included in the cabin of the Range Rover as standard. This combines dual-nanoeTM X technology for allergen reduction and pathogen removal with a CO2 Management and PM2.5 Cabin Air Filtration system.
www.carmag.co.za
The all-new Range Rover has been unveiled after a number of leaks. The new luxury SUV brings with it an array of powertrain options together with a series of advanced technological features. The flagship offering will be available with a choice of two wheelbases as well.
Where design is concerned, the Range Rover has been kept traditional in most parts with its falling roofline, broad waistline and rising sill line. This has been modernised by a modern head- and taillamp cluster. The final design gives the large SUV a drag coefficient of 0,30.
The cabin experience of the Range Rover has been built around the MLA-Flex body architecture. Passenger well-being is ensured by a 1 600W Meridian Signature Sound System that consists of 35 speakers. These are not only used for entertainment purposes but also act as an active noise cancellation system to funnel out wheel vibrations, tyre noise and engine sounds.
A Cabin Air Purification Pro package is included in the cabin of the Range Rover as standard. This combines dual-nanoeTM X technology for allergen reduction and pathogen removal with a CO2 Management and PM2.5 Cabin Air Filtration system.
All-new Range Rover revealed with advanced tech and BMW power
The all-new Range Rover has been unveiled after a number of leaks. The new luxury SUV brings with it an array of powertrain options together with a series of advanced technological features. The flagship offering will be available with a choice of two wheelbases as well.
www.carmag.co.za
FiestaST
Honorary Master
BMW power for new Range Rover
Jaguar Land Rover has officially revealed the 5th-generation Range Rover, replete with BMW engines and some new American infotainment technology. The latest iteration of the British marque’s first-class SUV will debut in South Africa towards the middle of 2022.
The iconic luxury 4×4 continues to evolve its renowned silhouette with simple details. This new version remains instantly recognisable. With a minimalist styling theme, relying on form and proportion, instead of outrageous grille styling (like many of its rivals), the new Range Rover is a picture of elegance.
Built on JLR’s new MLA platform, the Range Rover is offered in standard and LWB versions, both of which feature lengthened wheelbases compared with their predecessors (2 997 mm and 3 197 mm respectively). This has allowed for an even more spacious cabin architecture and a 7-seater configuration, which is available in the LWB version.
The interior design features significant digitisation. Instrumentation functions are relayed via a 13.7-inch TFT cluster, with the centre infotainment touchscreen being 13.1-inches in size. Amazon Alexa has been added to enhance the user experience, too.
Rear seat passengers have access 11.4-inch entertainment screens, which are embedded into the front seatbacks. If you opt for the comfiest executive-class rear seats, there is also an 8-inch touchscreen embedded in the centre armrest.
www.cars.co.za
Jaguar Land Rover has officially revealed the 5th-generation Range Rover, replete with BMW engines and some new American infotainment technology. The latest iteration of the British marque’s first-class SUV will debut in South Africa towards the middle of 2022.
The iconic luxury 4×4 continues to evolve its renowned silhouette with simple details. This new version remains instantly recognisable. With a minimalist styling theme, relying on form and proportion, instead of outrageous grille styling (like many of its rivals), the new Range Rover is a picture of elegance.
Built on JLR’s new MLA platform, the Range Rover is offered in standard and LWB versions, both of which feature lengthened wheelbases compared with their predecessors (2 997 mm and 3 197 mm respectively). This has allowed for an even more spacious cabin architecture and a 7-seater configuration, which is available in the LWB version.
The interior design features significant digitisation. Instrumentation functions are relayed via a 13.7-inch TFT cluster, with the centre infotainment touchscreen being 13.1-inches in size. Amazon Alexa has been added to enhance the user experience, too.
Rear seat passengers have access 11.4-inch entertainment screens, which are embedded into the front seatbacks. If you opt for the comfiest executive-class rear seats, there is also an 8-inch touchscreen embedded in the centre armrest.
BMW power for new Range Rover
The 5th-generation Range Rover features BMW engines (plus some new American infotainment technology) and will debut in South Africa towards the middle of 2022.
FiestaST
Honorary Master
New Range Rover fully revealed - and SA details confirmed
Although last week’s leak ruined the surprise, we now get to see the new Range Rover in all its understated glory, with Land Rover having fully revealed its new luxury land yacht.
The local importer has also confirmed that the new-generation SUV is due to hit South African showrooms around the middle of 2022, with pricing to be divulged closer to the time.
Built around a new architecture which Land Rover calls MLA-Flex, the new Range Rover will be available in standard- and long-wheelbase guises and buyers also be able to choose from four-, five- and seven-seat interior configurations.
With a new platform, comes fresh engines, including two plug-in hybrid variants and a brand new 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8. The latter is good for 390kW and 750Nm, as well as a 4.6 second 0-100km/h sprint, according to claims.
The plug-in hybrid models are powered by a 3-litre straight-six Ingenium petrol engine paired with an electric motor, and the drivetrain is available in 323kW and 373kW guises. Thanks to a 38.2kWh battery, the hybrid models are able to cover up to 100km on electric power alone, according to factory claims. South Africans will also be able to opt for a D350 turbodiesel model, boasting outputs of 257kW and 700Nm.
Land Rover says it will launch a fully electric variant of the Range Rover in 2024. Although the EV hasn’t been officially confirmed for SA, given the strides JLR has made in electrification locally, its introduction would certainly seem likely.
www.iol.co.za
Although last week’s leak ruined the surprise, we now get to see the new Range Rover in all its understated glory, with Land Rover having fully revealed its new luxury land yacht.
The local importer has also confirmed that the new-generation SUV is due to hit South African showrooms around the middle of 2022, with pricing to be divulged closer to the time.
Built around a new architecture which Land Rover calls MLA-Flex, the new Range Rover will be available in standard- and long-wheelbase guises and buyers also be able to choose from four-, five- and seven-seat interior configurations.
With a new platform, comes fresh engines, including two plug-in hybrid variants and a brand new 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8. The latter is good for 390kW and 750Nm, as well as a 4.6 second 0-100km/h sprint, according to claims.
The plug-in hybrid models are powered by a 3-litre straight-six Ingenium petrol engine paired with an electric motor, and the drivetrain is available in 323kW and 373kW guises. Thanks to a 38.2kWh battery, the hybrid models are able to cover up to 100km on electric power alone, according to factory claims. South Africans will also be able to opt for a D350 turbodiesel model, boasting outputs of 257kW and 700Nm.
Land Rover says it will launch a fully electric variant of the Range Rover in 2024. Although the EV hasn’t been officially confirmed for SA, given the strides JLR has made in electrification locally, its introduction would certainly seem likely.
New Range Rover fully revealed - and SA details confirmed
Although last week’s leak ruined the surprise, we now get to see the new Range Rover in all its understated glory. Here’s what we know about the SA line-up so far:
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Top Gear first look at the 2022 Range Rover
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- Jun 3, 2009
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Honorary Master
Top Gear goes behind the scenes at the Range Rover reveal
It's a big car, the new Range Rover, in more ways than one...
Out of the fog of champagne and celebrity chatter emerges a figure with a wry, faintly bemused expression. He speaks with a singsong French accent, but there's steel underneath.
Land Rover CEO Thierry Bolloré has not long celebrated his first birthday at JLR. He kicked off his time there by cancelling a billion pounds’ worth of investment in future products like that new electric XJ we’d been promised, and a Land Rover EV. He’s not afraid to take the tough decisions. His well worn blue double-breasted jacket stands out in this crowd of influencers and that famous person you recognise from somewhere. Wait, is that David Starkey over there by Clare Balding?
Bolloré is just a brief warm-up act before the headliner swaggers on. Here’s chief creative officer Gerry McGovern in trainers and a polo shirt that anyone else would surely have been turned away in. He flashes a mood board on the big screen that looks like the advert section from a posh in-flight magazine. “The great luxury brands have this thing called emotional connection,” he explains in a flat monotone. Tough crowd. He spends five minutes explaining how “less is compellingly more”.
And then 2017 Britain’s Got Talent winner Tokio Myers ambles on stage to perform a virtuoso three minutes across grand piano, drums and steel pans before ambling off again. Compellingly, it turns out less is more. There’s smoke coming from behind the curtain, hopefully it’s not the car.
The room lights with the glow of a hundred influencers firing up their ‘grams, the curtain drops, sheets are positively fired into the air and the Range Rover is revealed, a vision in beige.
“Breathtaking in its modernity,” oozes Gerry. Even if he does say so himself. But then if Land Rover can’t get excited about its flagship product how can anyone else be expected to? He gently caresses the side of the car, waxing over its gently falling roofline. “Look at those magnificent wheels,” he implores. “It’s a chariot.”
www.topgear.com
It's a big car, the new Range Rover, in more ways than one...
Out of the fog of champagne and celebrity chatter emerges a figure with a wry, faintly bemused expression. He speaks with a singsong French accent, but there's steel underneath.
Land Rover CEO Thierry Bolloré has not long celebrated his first birthday at JLR. He kicked off his time there by cancelling a billion pounds’ worth of investment in future products like that new electric XJ we’d been promised, and a Land Rover EV. He’s not afraid to take the tough decisions. His well worn blue double-breasted jacket stands out in this crowd of influencers and that famous person you recognise from somewhere. Wait, is that David Starkey over there by Clare Balding?
Bolloré is just a brief warm-up act before the headliner swaggers on. Here’s chief creative officer Gerry McGovern in trainers and a polo shirt that anyone else would surely have been turned away in. He flashes a mood board on the big screen that looks like the advert section from a posh in-flight magazine. “The great luxury brands have this thing called emotional connection,” he explains in a flat monotone. Tough crowd. He spends five minutes explaining how “less is compellingly more”.
And then 2017 Britain’s Got Talent winner Tokio Myers ambles on stage to perform a virtuoso three minutes across grand piano, drums and steel pans before ambling off again. Compellingly, it turns out less is more. There’s smoke coming from behind the curtain, hopefully it’s not the car.
The room lights with the glow of a hundred influencers firing up their ‘grams, the curtain drops, sheets are positively fired into the air and the Range Rover is revealed, a vision in beige.
“Breathtaking in its modernity,” oozes Gerry. Even if he does say so himself. But then if Land Rover can’t get excited about its flagship product how can anyone else be expected to? He gently caresses the side of the car, waxing over its gently falling roofline. “Look at those magnificent wheels,” he implores. “It’s a chariot.”
Top Gear goes behind the scenes at the Range Rover reveal
It's a big car, the new Range Rover, in more ways than one...