The latest generation of the Range Rover was recently officially launched in South Africa. The vehicle, available in three-litre diesel and 4,4-litre V8 variants, stakes a strong claim for the title: Best luxury 4×4 in the world.The Range Rover began its development as early as 1996, can best be described as an international project – it was designed by an American, Don Wyatt, features German engineering from BMW and classic British styling.
At a base price of R732 000 (petrol and diesel variants cost the same), the imposing – and in some ways, intimidating – vehicle is competing not only against the BMW X5 and Mercedes M-Class, but also the German manufacturers’ highly-rated 7-Series and S-Class models.
Should a 4×4 – albeit a very luxurious one – take on a grand saloon? Land Rover certainly thinks so. When former Premier Automotive Group (PAG) chief executive, Wolfgang Reiztle, commissioned the Range Rover’s redesign, he said: “The Range Rover must always instil confidence and strike a perfect balance between on and off-road ability”.
The vehicle weighs in at 2,6 ton, is taller and longer than its predecessor and has a very strong presence. It is unmistakably a Range Rover, complete with clamshell bonnet, horizontally split tailgate and upright front end.
However, it appears far more streamlined than its predecessor. Brand new head- and tail lamp designs add a car-like sophistication to the classic Range Rover form, and the exterior is altogether more aerodynamic and smooth.
The interior of the vehicle is plush and functional. Buyers can customise interiors with traditional burl walnut, cherry wood or sporty foundry metallic finishes, a choice of seven leather seat colours, four lower trim colours and two upper trim shades.
Furthermore, the controls for in-car functions have been designed to be chunky and easy to use. There is a strong BMW influence in the vehicle’s switchgear and the multi-function steering wheel, complete with retro metallic hooter arms on both sides of the steering wheel boss, would not look out of place on any saloon.
Range Rover’s engineers have designed the vehicle to handle equally well on dirt or tar roads. Once the driver is accustomed to the dimensions of the vehicle, it’s easy to slice through traffic, especially with the knowledge that the Range Rover’s Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), ABS supplemented by Emergency Brake Assist (EBA) and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) systems were there to help in an emergency.The Range Rover’s handling characteristics are the result of its rigid monocoque body, integrated chassis and independent air suspension (featuring cross-link valves that automatically allow softer wheel rates for enhanced comfort off-road).
The suspension comes into its own in off-road conditions, offering better articulation and ground clearance, Paul Melhuish, Land Rover SA’s sales and marketing director says.
A Land Rover spokesman remarked that the flagship would probably tackle the worst off-road conditions better than other Land Rover products. This was, he said, because of the Range Rover’s added ground clearance and a new torque-sensing centre differential that continuously and automatically changes the torque bias between front and rear axles depending on available traction.
Both Range Rovers feature BMW-derived powerplants. The all-alloy quad camshaft 4,4-litre V8 is an adapted version of the engine used in the BMW X5, producing 210 kW at 5 400 r/min, with 440 N.m of torque at 3 600 r/min. The diesel is the three-litre straight six turbo-diesel from the BMW X5 3,0d, producing 130 kW at 4 000 r/min and 390 N.m at 2 000 r/min.
The Range Rover has a five-speed automatic gearbox with Steptronic sequential manual control. The driver can switch from high to low ranges – and vice versa – while on the move. In addition, the vehicle’s hill-descent control (HDC) system – computer-managed use of engine and anti-lock braking to negotiate steep inclines without sliding – works in both high and low range and both forward and reverse gears. This results, the manufacturer claims, "in the slowest crawl in the business" – 3,65 km/h per 1 000 r/min for the diesel and 3,89 km/h for the petrol.”
The launch of the Range Rover is significant because it is the first of five new Land Rover products to be introduced in the coming five years. Land Rover SA intends to sell 200 units in South Africa this year, and 300 in 2003, but availability of the vehicle will depend on the quotas allocated per dealership. Although the first units will be delivered in July, the current batch of Range Rovers has been sold out until November 2002.