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.
The Range Rover family, including the 2017 Range Rover Velar
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.
Early Range Rover prototypes held the Velar badge, to hide 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.
- Top: From its launch the Range Rover was recognised for its luxurious stance
- Bottom: With its distinctive design the Range Rover is instantly recognisable
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.
- Top: Even more luxury was introduced for the second generation Range Rover
- Bottom:Design inspiration for the vehicle came from The Italian Riva speedboat
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.
- Top:The Stormer concept vehicle showcased a future design direction for Range Rover
- Bottom:The arrival of Range Rover Sport offered enhanced performance
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.
The LRX concept vehicle’s design would heavily influence the design of Range Rover Evoque
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.
The arrival of the Range Rover Evoque brought with it a bold new 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.
- Top:The first Hybrid Range Rover reduced emissions without compromising performance
- Bottom:Luxurious features expected of a Range Rover were retained on the Hybrid
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.
Increased engine power was a key feature of the second generation Range Rover Sport
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 SVAutobiography
The
pinnacle of refinement and luxury, the Range Rover SVAutobiography
redefined the Range Rover experience. Attention to detail shows in the
Brushed Aluminum finishes and the executive seating in the cabin. On the
exterior, a unique choice of colour palette ensured drivers were
getting the ultimate luxury experience synonymous with Range Rover. The
SVAutobiography Dynamic was introduced shortly after, and with its
distinctive design and powerful V8 engine the vehicle’s stance reflected
its power and agility.
- Top:Range Rover Sport SVR combines power and performance for an exhilarating drive
- Bottom:A pinnacle of luxury and sophistication, the Range Rover SVAutobiography
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.
The Range Rover Evoque Convertible was the first Range Rover of its kind
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.