2022 Range Rover revealed, gets new flagship turbo V8

Land Rover has broken cover on their all-new Range Rover model. Along with design changes to the interior and exterior, hybrid engines have now joined the lineup, as well as a new flagship turbo V8 motor. 

Sitting on Land Rover’s new MLA Flex platform, the 2022 Range Rover can be had in short and long wheelbase layouts. This platform is 50-percent more stiffer than the old one, while the aerodynamics of the new design has improved by 12-percent. As a result, it is said to be 24-percent quieter than the previous generation. Another first for this model is customers now have the option of a 7 seat configuration, added to the 4 and 5 seater layouts.

Rather than go for a complete makeover, the new Range Rover looks more an evolution of the previous generation’s established design. The front definitely has that familiar Range Rover “face”, with the front bumper adopting a more cleaner look. A feature of the headlight on the higher trims is it has more than a million small mirrors inside it which help diffuse the light according to the environment and not blind oncoming traffic. A cabin air purification system significantly reduce odours, bacteria and allergens including SARS-CoV-2 virus.

The side profile you see noticeably less lines now. The doors blend in to the windows, hiding all the rubbers, giving a nice clean transition. The door handles pop out of the car now while there are optional buttons on the inside of the doors to electrically close them.

The rear is where it gets the main design changes, featuring a black tinted upside-down U shape across the back. The main purpose was to to keep the tail lights and indicators hidden and only shine through when in use, using patented technology. The tailpipes are also hidden and thankfully, there are no fake vents. The top model sits on 23-inch alloy wheels.

Inside, the rear passengers gets more space now, due to the increase in length between the front and rear wheels – 7.5 cm of more leg room to be exact. The long wheel base version gets 27.5 cm of legroom for the rear passengers if you opt for the captain chairs which has no 3rd row seating.

There is no shortage of tech inside. It has speakers in the front head rests to provide noise cancellation. The Range Rover will also be able update its software by itself, much like your phone. The centre console features a 13.1-inch slightly curved screen for the infotainment system, while they have kept buttons to control the AC, and dials for the temperature and fan speed. It gets a short gear lever which, along with some of the rotary dials and buttons, can be wrapped in optional ceramic white to give it a more premium look. There is now also alternatives to leather upholstery which is a new premium textile that combines Ultrafabrics™ and Kvadrat™ wool-blend.

Under the hood, the Range Rover gets new plugin hybrid options for the first time. The 6-cylinder engine coupled with an electric motor has two power options. The standard hybrid engine is rated at 434 hp while there is a higher model with 503 hp. Acceleration on the more powerful version goes from 0 to 100 kph in 5.6 seconds. Driving range in only-electric mode is 100 km and has a top speed of 140 kph.

The base petrol engine is the now a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-6 engine, with two different tunes – 356 hp and 395 hp. It gets mild-hybrid tech to improve acceleration and fuel economy. The top model gets a new V8 engine from BMW, a 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 producing 523 hp and will be more fuel efficient than the outgoing 5.0-litre supercharged motor. A pure fully electric version of the Range Rover is said to join the lineup in 2024.

One big change is the all-wheel steering which comes as standard across the range. The rear wheels turn up to 7-degrees the opposite direction of the front wheels, significantly reducing the turning radius.

The new Range Rover still remains a true off-roader with a ground clearance of 30 cm. The air suspension can be raised a further 15 cm, while wheel articulation is up to half a meter.

At first glance, the 2022 Range Rover does not look like a big change, but significant upgrades have been done under the skin. With 7-seats now on offer as well for the first time, the Range Rover will most certainly keep its status as one of the best luxury large SUVs on offer in the market.

Deliveries of the new Range Rover in the UAE, Saudi Arabia and other GCC countries are expected to begin in January 2022.

Keep track of the latest prices and updates in the Land Rover Range Rover buyer guide.