5 crucial things you should know about the all-new Range Rover

The evolution of the Range Rover is nothing short of amazing. Since the first generation saw daylight in its three-door form in 1970, the car was already marketed as a class of its own.

It was the only car that managed to revolutionise they way people viewed off-roaders, the sort that managed to be luxurious on the inside and had a rugged do-anything-go-anywhere on the outside.

Now in its fifth generation, the all new Range Rover promises this and more. Going through 260,000 virtual tests over the span of five years and having a total of 125 patents after over a million kilometres of real-world testing, this new Rangie is a product of obsession.

We took a quick trip up to Seoul, South Korea, to be the first in Southeast Asia to see the car in the flesh. Here are some of the things you have to know about the car.

1. It's a car with a conscience

Range Rovers have always been known to have large engines and immense power — for the sake of performance both on and off the road. However, things are a tad different with this all new Rangie.

Based on the new MLA-Flex platform that will accommodate full electric, plug-in hybrid (PHEV) as well mild hybrid cars, Singapore can expect both the PHEV as well as the full electric Range Rover to arrive in 2023 and 2024 respectively.

According to Alistair Scott, Managing Director of Jaguar Land Rover, Asia Pacific Region, all the different variants can be made available in Singapore, depending on the demand of the cars.

If so the demand for the PHEV variant is high, there should be two accessible choices — the P440e and P510e — where the 'e' denotes the car's green credentials. Buyers can expect a full electric range of up to 100km with the PHEV.

But for next May, two variants of the car will come in pure ICE petrol variants - the 3.0-litre straight six as well as the BMW-derived 4.4-litre V8.

The top-level Range Rover SV, developed by Land Rover's in-house Special Vehicle Operations division, will also be available then. Prices will only be released closer to the launch date.

2. Quality over quantity with the design

On first glance, the design of the car doesn't seem like the car has changed much. Truth is much of it has been amended. In fact, gaps between different panels of the car have been narrowed and to save weight, an extensive amount of aluminium has been summoned.

As you can see here, the headlamps and grille have been tweaked to make it look more streamlined and the foglights and parking sensors up front now form a single strip just below the head lights. These give the Rangie an altogether cleaner and minimalistic look.

Just as clean is the rear. Signal indicators are now housed behind a gloss black glass panel, which cleverly conceals them from view when they are not turned on, while the foglights have now been discreetly moved to the rear bumper to complete that unclutter look of the SUV's rear.

3. You can people watch... or have a picnic with it

It's also at the rear where the all new Range Rover continues its tradition of having a split tailgate. Like its predecessor, you could electronically split the tailgate and take a seat with your partner and people watch and have a cup of coffee.

Where it differs from before is that the new Range Rover now comes with a foldable back rest that will allow you to sit and lean back whilst enjoying your drink. And despite having more stuff here, the gap lines have been smoothened out and narrowed.

Of course, if people watching isn't your thing, you can always lower the car's suspension at a press of a button and enjoy your Sunday picnic with the family and the family pet. The Rangie will definitely be up for it.

4. It's a palace on wheels

Once you're done with your outdoor activities, you and your family can enjoy the car's lather-swathed cabin as you waft back home in absolute comfort and style.

For the very first time, the Range Rover can be made available in a seven-seater configuration. Hence, fitting the entire family (if you've got more than five, that is) in the SUV will be as easy as breathing.

With an extra length of 75mm over its predecessor in the standard model and 200mm more space in the long-wheelbase option, legroom is the last of your worries — whether you opt for the seven or five-seater configuration.

Needless to say, befitting of the Range Rover brand, everything in here is designed and made suited for royalty.

As a matter of fact, our quick chat with Alistair Scott revealed that his favourite feature on the car would have to be the personalised veneer finishing, thanks to the extensive craftsman that allows buyers to choose.

5. Well-integrated modern technology

And it doesn't end there. Apart from being heavily loaded with creature comforts, there are ample integrated tech within the car that will help make life easier for you and your occupants on the road.

And it's more than just about the large 13.1-inch Pivi Pro infotainment system or the 13.7-inch Interactive Driver Display instrument cluster or the 11.4-inch adjustable high-definition touchscreens at the rear seats.

With the new Range Rover, you'll also get to enjoy the third generation Active Noise Cancellation system, played through the 35-speaker 1,600W Meridian sound system, which is also capable of creating personal quiet zones within the car.

In other words, if the kids are screaming at the back, you can easily activate the system to make life slightly less noisy for you while driving.

This article was first published in sgCarMart.