Launch Report: Range Rover

SAY HELLO TO THE NEW

RANGE ROVER

Since its international showcase and launch, several viewers and readers bugged us as to when the new Range Rover will be launched locally. Well, wait no more… Text & Images: Nico Boshoff

South Africa recently welcomed the new Range Rover, which is said to start around R3 million. With a wide variety of models available, we took this new version on the open road around the Cape Peninsula. This British high-tech, exclusive SUV is now somewhat longer and a bit taller than its predecessor, and will include several hybrid units within the range. The new Range Rover borrows the in-line 6-cylinder turbo-diesel engine (257kW and 750Nm) from the likes of the new Discovery and Defender. Should the grunt of a V8 be more appealing, Land Rover also offers a 4.4-litre turbo-petrol unit (390kW and 750Nm). And lastly, the straight-six hybrid engines will complete the range, however, they are only scheduled to arrive by the end of this year. The monstrous V8 is capable of a 0-100km/h dash in just 4.6 seconds, causing many hot hatchbacks to hide their tails between their legs. Obviously, the V8 will be more thirsty compared to the turbo-diesel. The former averages around 14.5l/100km, while the latter presents a igure just above 11l/100km. That model is also said to cover a distance of 113km on electric power alone. Range Rover further hopes to add a fully-electric unit to its armoury by 2024. The new line-up therefore caters for a wide array of customer choices. Another new addition to these vehicles is four-wheel steering. This system works marvelously to decrease the turning radius of this large SUV. The interior has also been upgraded with luxurious and very comfortable leather seats. The infotainment screen as well as the digital cluster behind the steering wheel are larger and more detailed; with improved contents and operation. To add to this, the car now features wireless connectivity and the latest app connectivity (Android Auto and Apple CarPlay). There ’ s also a fridge in the centre console, capable of storing and cooling four water bottles. The Range Rover would not be complete without luxuries such as a wide variety of cameras, seat massaging, and more screens in the second seating row. The large 2.6-ton luxurious SUV certainly attracts a lot of attention, with even the side steps being electrically operated. Yet, some might fear that such a large vehicle must be as dificult to manoeuvre as a large ship. Well, fear not. The new Range Rover feels extremely reined, highly composed and surprisingly light on its feet. Both the V8 and in-line six-cylinder engines provide ample power delivery, while the car itself glides over the road, thanks to air suspension. The cabin is so well insulated that almost no road noise makes its way through. The new Range Rover range simply stands above the rest of the competition and brings with it a new threshold when it comes to status, luxury, technology, reinement, power and ride quality. We would deinitely not shy away from testing this vehicle on the wide open gravel roads of Namibia! For the latest pricing and model availability, we recommend that you consult the nearest Land Rover dealer. Each new Range Rover is sold with a 5-year / 100,000km warranty and maintenance plan.