Land Rover Range Rover History, Generations & More: The Pioneer Of Luxury Off-Road SUVs
It is an SUV that pioneered the luxury off-road SUV segment. In production since 1970, the Land Rover Range Rover was initially designed as a larger and more luxurious version of the Land Rover Series I.
The iconic British luxury SUV has been a staple of the elite with countless celebrities and wealthy people owning one more of them. Over the decades, it has evolved through five distinct generations. In this DubiCars Car Spotlight article, we take a look at the Land Rover Range Rover, its history & generations.?
Origins Of The Range Rover
The Rover Company was a British car manufacturer established in 1878. The company produced motorcycles, bicycles, and cars. During the Second World War, it even started producing gas turbines to help in the war effort. However, its true success would come after the war ended.?
The Land Rover Series I was launched in 1948 as a go-anywhere rugged utility vehicle with 4WD. This bare basics vehicle would over the years evolve into the mighty Land Rover Defender. The Land Rover Series I also spawned the Range Rover, as the Rover Company decided to produce a larger and more luxurious version that would eventually be named Range Rover.
First Generation | 1970 - 1996
The first-generation Range Rover, often referred to as the "Classic," made its debut in 1970. Conceived as a more luxurious alternative to traditional off-road vehicles, it combined rugged capability with refined comfort. The design was characterized by its boxy silhouette and clamshell bonnet. Despite its large size, it remained a 3-door SUV until 1981.
Underneath its utilitarian exterior, the Range Rover featured advanced engineering, including an advanced yet rugged four-wheel drive system and pioneering coil-spring suspension. This bestowed it with exceptional off-road prowess without compromising on-road comfort. It quickly gained popularity among both urban elites and outdoor enthusiasts.?
Throughout its 24-year production span, the first-generation Range Rover underwent several updates and improvements, including the introduction of fuel injection, automatic transmission, and electronic traction control. Petrol-powered versions used the Rover V8 with capacities ranging from 3.5-litres to 4.2-litres. Diesel versions used 2.5-litre inline-4 engines.
Second Generation | 1994 - 2001
In 1967, Leyland Motor Corporation took over the Rover Company and in 1978, the Land Rover brand was created. In 1994, the Land Rover brand was sold to BMW. Therefore, BMW had a small role to play in the development of the second generation of the Range Rover.
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In 1994, Land Rover introduced the second generation of the Range Rover with the model code P38A. This iteration aimed to refine and modernize the iconic SUV while retaining its off-road capabilities and luxurious appeal. The second-generation Range Rover featured a more aerodynamic design, with smoother lines and updated styling elements.?
Inside, it offered improved comfort and convenience features, including a new air suspension system, and enhanced safety technologies. Under the bonnet, the Range Rover received updated engines, including a new Rover V8 available in both 4.0-litre and 4.6-litre capacities. The old inline-4 diesel engines were discontinued and it now used BMW’s 2.5-litre inline-6 diesel.?
Third Generation | 2001 - 2012
Fourth Generation | 2012 - 2022
Fifth Generation | 2022 - Present
Most Popular Range Rover Generations In The UAE
Range Rover Prices In The UAE
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