Since the reveal of the first ever Range Rover in 1970, the vehicle has continuously evolved. The world’s most luxurious SUV features superb levels of sophistication, inherent capability and design inspiration, together with technological advances that set it apart. We look back at the history of the series of luxury SUV’s known as the Range Rover family.
1969 - Prototype Range Rover Velar
In order to keep the prototype for the first ever Range Rover a closely-guarded secret, the designers and engineers behind this revolutionary new vehicle gave the top-secret prototype the name ‘Velar ’, derived from the Italian word ‘velare’, meaning to veil or cover. The first 26 prototypes were even fitted with a badge of the same name to disguise its identity.
1970 - First Production 3-Door Range Rover
Following the successful testing of the Velar concept vehicle, the first Range Rover was revealed to the world. It was met with widespread critical acclaim, thanks to rare combination of capability and elegant design. It was the first vehicle to deliver permanent 4 Wheel Drive and feature split tailgate, clamshell bonnet and continuous waistline
1981 - 4-Door Range Rover
After 11 years on the market, the Range Rover Classic was made available as a four-door vehicle, giving greater options to the vehicle’s ever-growing fan base.
1994 - Second Generation Range Rover
More luxurious than its predecessor, the design accents of the second generation vehicle, such as the iconic silhouette and the introduction of rectangular headlamps in place of the circular ones have stood the test of time, making the vehicle instantly recognisable to the present day.
2001 - Third Generation Range Rover
Ever evolving, this Range Rover was the first to be built with a monocoque single shell body. The design inspiration for the hull was taken from the tapering of The Italian Riva speedboat, while the pulleys on the luxury yacht prompted the metallic finishes inside the vehicle.
2004 - Range Stormer Concept
The Stormer concept car would become known for showcasing the future design direction of Range Rover, as well as the bold approach to the adoption of new technology within the vehicles.
2005 - Range Rover Sport Production
The introduction of the first sports SUV in the Range Rover family showed Land Rover’s commitment to performance. Engine options included a Supercharged 4.2 litre Petrol engine which delivered rapid performance. The Range Rover Sport also offered cross-linked air suspension, giving drivers optional ride height, which optimised comfort and 4x4 driving, both on and off-road. The varying height was one of the many distinctive new features which reflected the dynamic performance in the appearance of the vehicle.
2008 - LRX Concept
This cross-coupé concept vehicle was an ambitious and progressive step for the Land Rover design team. Targeting drivers who would rarely go off-road, the concept vehicle still retained Land Rover’s legendary capability but also housed an interior dubbed as ‘futuristic’ by the press.
2011 - Range Rover Evoque Production
Named ‘Car of the Year’ by numerous outlets, the Range Rover Evoque made a splash as soon as it was unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in 2010. Many features seen on the LRX concept vehicle made their way into the luxurious cross-coupé, including the fresh interpretation of the classic Range Rover design.
2012 - Fourth Generation Range Rover
The fourth incarnation of the Range Rover was the first to feature a lightweight all-aluminum body and was instantly recognisable due to its long wheelbase and floating roof. The vehicle also featured the next-generation version of Land Rover's Terrain Response® system. This in-built driving technology automatically selects the best vehicle setting for the terrain.
2013 - Range Rover Hybrid
The first Hybrid of the Range Rover family not only delivered improved fuel economy and reduced emissions, but most importantly, did not compromise on capability. To prove it, the vehicle embarked on a 16,000km journey from Solihull to Mumbai via the ultimate off-road driving test, the Himalayas.
2013 - Second Generation Range Rover Sport
Unveiled by James Bond actor Daniel Craig, certain streets in New York were temporarily shut down to launch the upgraded Range Rover Sport which featured increased efficiencies from the 3.0 litre V6 engine.
2015 - Range Rover Sport SVR Launch
Engineered to deliver a high performance SUV with optimum power, the Range Rover Sport SVR was the first to be produced by the Special Vehicle Operations Team. As the fastest Land Rover ever, the vehicle offers an unforgettable drive. The vehicle’s power is reflected in design features such as the quad tailpipes and unique rear spoiler.
2015 - Range Rover
The pinnacle of refinement and luxury, the Range Rover
2015 - Range Rover Evoque Convertible
The very first convertible Range Rover, the Evoque Convertible combined the Land Rover’s renowned capability with eye-catching features such as a Z-Folding Roof, whilst maintaining the strong visual stance crafted by Land Rover designers. The result is the world’s first premium compact and the most capable all-terrain 4x4 convertible SUV.
From the top-secret Velar concept vehicle to the first ever Range Rover Evoque Convertible, the evolution of the Range Rover is clear. Never compromising on capability, the luxury SUV continues to set the bar in car design, capability and performance.
2017 – Introducing the New Range Rover Velar
A new addition to the Range Rover family is revealed. With its compelling clean lines and visionary design cues, the Range Rover Velar promises to deliver an SUV with the same effortless capability, luxury and refinement expected of all our vehicles.
NEW RANGE ROVER VELAR
DISCOVER THE AVANT-GARDE RANGE ROVER
OUR MOST VISIONARY SUV YET
COMPELLING. REFINED. CAPABLE.
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