#8

Range Rover

By Junior Gaya

Land Rover having fully revealed its new luxury land yacht. It is immediately recognizable as it stays true to the trademark profile and Range Rover DNA, continuing to refine driving luxury. Built around a new architecture which Land Rover calls MLA-Flex, the new Range Rover is available in standard- and long-wheelbase guises and buyers are able to choose from four, five and seven-seat interior configurations.

Engines

With the new platform, comes fresh engines, including a brand new 4.4-litre twin-turbo petrol V8 and two plug-in hybrid variants. The former is good for 390 kW and 750 Nm, as well as a 4.6 second 0-100km/h sprint, according to claims from the British come Indian manufacturer. 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 323 kW and 373 kW guises. Thanks to a 38.2 kWh battery, the hybrid models are able to cover up to 100km on electric power alone, again according to claims from the shop floor. Kenyans will access a D350 3.0-litre, 6-cylinder turbo-diesel model, boasting outputs of 257 kW and 700 Nm. A 375 kW Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV) version will be offered.

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 the Kenyan market, given the strides JLR has made in electrification in South Africa, its introduction here is likely. Kenya Power (KPLC) has already announced plans for electric car charging stations along major highways, at parking lots, in malls et al plus lobbying for the State to lower import taxes for non-fuel driven cars; a push in the right direction.

Technology

The chassis on the new Range Rover benefits from advanced technology in the form of electronic air suspension, integrated chassis control with dynamic response pro and standard all-wheel steering, which results in a turning circle of under 11 metres for this behemoth of a car.

The new Range Rover is whisper quiet on the road, thanks to a third-generation active noise cancellation system that generates a cancelling signal, which is then played through the 35 speakers of the meridian signature sound system.

With preference and depending on the model and options selected, well-heeled owners can also look forward to power assisted doors with integrated hazard detection, a new rear seat entertainment system with adjustable 11.4-inch HD touchscreens and a tailgate event suite that features special lighting, audio features and tailored cushions for picnicking or tailgating at events like the Safari Rally or the Rhino Charge if they’re willing to take their prized possessions out into the natures elements.

A new 13.1-inch curved, floating infotainment screen is the centerpiece in the cabin, which provides haptic feedback for the first time. This new Pivi Pro system works in tandem with a semi-floating 13.7-inch digital instrument cluster with new high-definition graphics.

Other available features that grace the new Range Rover include remote park assist, which allows owners to manoeuvre the car from their smartphones – giving one a cool party trick when trying to park in all these malls with questionable pillars, as well as adaptive cruise control with steering assist. The flex list also includes a cabin air purification pro system, which reduces bacteria and allergens.

Design

The new Range Rover is available in HSE and Autobiography trim grades in the first instance, followed later with a First Edition liquid cash to flash. Those seeking a bit more individuality will also be able to order a bespoke, ultra-luxurious SV model, featuring various exclusive features and design themes. Developed by special vehicle operations (SVO) the simply-named Range Rover SV is the first model to wear a ceramic SV roundel which will also be used on future products developed by SVO.

The SV model is available in either short- or long-wheelbase guise with 2 distinct design themes including SV Serenity or SV Intrepid. Customers are able to not only choose from a wide selection of colours, including 14 colours from the SV bespoke premium palette, but can create their very own colour via the SV bespoke match to sample service.

The SV Serenity features Corinthian bronze exterior accents as well as an optional Corinthian Bronze contrasting roof. Optional 23-inch diamond turned dark grey gloss alloy wheels with Corinthian Bronze Satin inserts is optional. Specific interior details include duo-tone mosaic-pattern embroidery which differentiates the front from the rear cabin. Clients can match the light semi-aniline perlino rear seats with either liberty blue, sequoia green or caraway near-aniline leather for the front seats.

As for the SV Intrepid, it’s identified with its anthracite metal plated and graphite atlas exterior finish for a stealthy appearance. This look is enhanced with a narvik black contrast roof and 23-inch dark grey satin alloy wheels with narvik black gloss inserts and optional red brake calipers. Specific interior details include Black Satin ceramic elements and a semi-aniline Ebony leather which can also be combined with near-aniline Rosewood front seats and semi-aniline Ebony rear seats for a duotone interior look.

The optional SV Signature suite takes passenger comfort to the next level. The luxury touches continue with a continuation of the smooth ceramic finishes found on the gear lever, terrain response and volume controls, combined with anonymised metal finishes and a selection of fine wood trim.  Near-aniline leather and sustainable non-leather ultra-fabrics (SV Intrepid) can be specified by customers which combine with kvadrat remix textile for a dual-tone look.

For ultimate rear passenger comfort, buyers can opt for the optional SV Signature suite which provides ultra-comfortable seating for 2 passengers with 24-way adjustment – long wheel base (LWB) only, and incorporates a convenient deployable club table. All Range Rover SV derivatives are also equipped with large 13.1-inch rear-seat entertainment screens and SV-specific headphones.

In terms of engines, the Range Rover SV is available in petrol, diesel and hybrid guise. A powerful 390 kW /750 Nm 4.4-litre twin-turbocharged V8 petrol engine hides under the bonnet as well as a 3.0-litre, 6-cylinder diesel engine with 257 kW and 700 Nm. A 375 kW Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV).

Verdict

The new Range Rover’s modernist design makes an incredible and powerful statement, while cementing its segment leading position with its 50 years of evolution, pedigree, new levels of sophistication and aesthetic grace.

Do feel free to walk into Inchcape Kenya’s showroom in Westlands, Nairobi, Kenya, for a look and feel moment of silence, as you admire what belongs to the few with tremendous cash to drive around in.