Land Rover embraced the start of the festive season by launching the fourth and latest generation of the Range Rover on the 30th of November 2012 at the British High Commissioner’s residence amidst much celebration. Declared by Land Rover as the world’s first SUV with a lightweight all-aluminium body (39 percent lighter than its steel predecessors), the New Range Rover is available in both petrol and diesel variants. With a maximum speed of 240kmph (petrol) and 217kmph(diesel), the 4,999mm long marque flaunts a V-8 engine and boasts an acceleration of 0-100 kmph in just 5.4 seconds(petrol) and 6.9 seconds(diesel). With horsepower of 2,000cc, it also commands an eight-speed automatic transmission as well as a towing trailer capacity of 3,500kg and a maximum wading depth capacity of 900mm.
The fourth-generation model has been given a more streamlined profile, making it the most aerodynamic Range Rover, with a drag coefficient starting from 0.34. The Land Rover’s Terrain Response 2 system has also been updated to analyse and sustain terrain endurance after being tested in over 20 countries. While the interiors of the car are quite plush—premium leather seats with multi-mode massage, an exclusive Meridian surround sound system and an LED illumination that changes its colour scheme based on the driver’s mood—passengers at the back will enjoy the additional leg space which is 118mm more than the earlier models. The pricing of both variants of the New Range Rover starts at Rs 1.72 crore (ex-showroom); bookings opened from the 1st of December 2012.
Text by Aashmita Nayar