New Range Rover is a desirable as it is capable

The Range Rover has set the standard for luxury sports utility vehicles (SUVs) for more than 50 years, and the latest is no exception. Now in its fifth generation, the new Range Rover will arrive in SA midyear 2022, raising the bar for design, luxury, technology and off-road ability.

The new design will continue to make the Range Rover an object of desire, a symbol of status and success. Changes penned by Jaguar Land Rover design director Massimo Frascella and his team follow a reductionist theme, removing unnecessary lines to give the latest generation an even more stylish and purposeful look.

There are small differences across models too, from the effect on the grille to the use of ceramics on badges for the first time, as well as the debut of the sophisticated Serenity and sporty Intrepid SV models.

It all follows four characteristics of modernism, integrity, purpose and desirability, elements that have attracted buyers to each generation of the Range Rover since it first debuted in 1969.

Then there is design that blends with the latest technology and engineering. This includes the black arch at the rear, which cleverly hides the lighting. Achieving this successfully required a clean sheet approach, eventually leading to some of more than 125 patents in the new Range Rover that set it apart from all its rivals.

The choice of models is wider than ever too, ensuring there is a Range Rover to suit every need, from family adventures to business class luxury. There is the option of short or long-wheelbase versions, the latter featuring up to seven seats for the first time in the Range Rover’s illustrious history.

Alternatively, you can have two sumptuous reclining rear seats in the Signature Suite, placed either side of a long central console that features an infotainment tablet, a table that rises from within that could be described as a work of art in itself, and a fridge between the seats for your champagne. It is the definition of upper-class travel.

Elsewhere in the interior, the theme of simple but sophisticated continues with less lines, high-quality materials and alternatives to leather such as the combination of Ultrafabrics and Kvadrat wool-blend. Then there is the best in connected technology, including a new 13.1-inch Pivi Pro touchscreen infotainment system that provides access to not only many of the key functions of the SUV, but also the world outside.

If you want to relax and not be bothered by the noise of the outside world, the new Range Rover is available with the next generation of active noise cancelling, using speakers in the headrests.

Now, more than ever, we also want to breathe clean air and the engineers have created a tranquil sanctuary environment using filtration and nanoe X technology to reduce bacteria and odours in the interior.

Whether you want family luxury or to conduct business on the move, the new Range Rover really does have it all.

This is also true of the choice of engines, with the debut of a new 390kW twin-turbo V8 petrol engine, which features Dynamic Launch and can reach 100km/h in just 4.6 seconds. Diesel models are also available and in 2023 the range will be bolstered by the arrival of highly efficient, low-emission plug-in hybrid electric vehicle versions. These not only offer power of up to 375kW, but can travel in silent and environmentally friendly electric mode for up to 100km.

A year later, in 2024, the first all-electric Range Rover will arrive for the ultimate in emission-free luxury motoring.

Luxury motoring also means the most comfortable ride and the new Range Rover has Integrated Chassis Control and electronic air suspension to keep the journey as serene as possible on all road surfaces. Should you choose to leave the roads behind then the legendary off-road capability remains, with 295mm of ground clearance, the ability to raise the suspension by as much as 145mm and a wading depth of 900mm. Nothing can take you to more places or on as many adventures as the new Range Rover.

Whether you want to make an entrance arriving at an evening soirée, relax and be driven across the country in luxury, or go off in search of new memories, the new Range Rover is the ultimate companion for those who truly appreciate the very best.

* This article was paid for by Land Rover.