Author:
ROBIN ROBERTS
Land Rover is going back to its roots with the next Range Rover being made out of aluminium, like the original Landie.
The substantial 420kg weight saving in the new Range Rover, which reaches showrooms early next year, should help it achieve better fuel economy and lower exhaust emissions, which will help with company car tax costs. Expect prices to start at about £70,000.
The fourth-generation Range Rover in 40 years from Solihull will use the latest versions of its V6 and V8 petrol and diesel engines but it also incorporates an “intelligent” Terrain Response system which monitors and constantly adjusts the powertrain to conditions under the wheels.
The air suspension has been refined to produce better handling at speed without detracting from its absorbent ride quality and it now offers longer rear seat legroom, a complaint about the current model.
The new Range Rover will be at Paris motor show in September, when it will also be available to order for first deliveries early next year.
John Edwards, Land Rover Global Brand Director, said, “The new Range Rover preserves the essential, unique character of the vehicle, that special blend of luxury, performance and unmatched all-terrain capability.
“However, its clean sheet design and revolutionary lightweight construction have enabled us to transform the experience for luxury vehicle customers, with a step change in comfort, refinement and handling.”
The all-new Range Rover has a clean and elegant shape which is derived from a fresh new interpretation of Range Rover design cues. While instantly recognisable as a Range Rover, the new vehicle takes a significant step forward with a bold evolution of the model’s iconic design language.
“Designing the next generation Range Rover, following over forty years of success, came with a huge responsibility to protect the DNA of such an icon,” said Gerry McGovern, Land Rover Design Director and Chief Creative Officer. “Our design team worked incredibly hard to capture the elegant proportions and pure surfaces which have been a feature of the best Range Rover designs,” he added on Land Rover’s latest business car news.
There’s no news yet on CO2 emissions, but the reduction in weight should help – which will be useful for company car drivers fortunate to be able to choose one of these as their next car – as well as fuel economy.
If you’re a small business owner or the director of an SME firm thinking of the new Range Rover for your next business car, check out our company car comparisons before you make your final choice.