There are few automobiles as iconic as the Range Rover. This prestigious model from UK brand Land Rover dates back to 1970 when it was launched by British Leyland and is now on its fourth generation. The full-sized luxury SUV is a highly desirable vehicle that combines style, comfort and grace with a rugged off-road performance which makes it well-suited to a wide range of motorists.
So, which is the best Range Rover model? Here is a close look at the different generations.
First Generation (1970-1996)
Known as the ‘Classic’, this model was a long time coming for the Rover car company who had wanted to build a larger and more comfortable Land Rover since the 1950s. This model set the foundation with V8 power, permanent four-wheel-drive and self-levelling rear suspension for a smooth yet powerful performance behind the wheel. At the time, this was not considered to be a luxury vehicle and had a somewhat basic interior.
Second Generation (1994 – 2002)
The second generation was sold alongside the first for a few years and was given an upgrade in the form of a more luxurious and spacious interior along with more modern exterior styling and tech upgrades, such as satnav.
Third Generation (2002 – 2012)
The third generation of the Range Rover was when it really started to become a luxury vehicle — this was, in part, due to the vehicle being planned and developed under BMW ownership which resulted in sharing major components with the 5 and 7 Series. BMW later sold Land Rover which eventually resulted in Jaguar Land Rover in 2008.
Fourth Generation (2012 – present)
The current model certainly is a stunning vehicle with an all-aluminium monocoque platform and body and sleek interior which is more like a high-class lounge than a vehicle interior. The joined the range in 2013 and is a good option for eco-conscious motorists.
Expanded Line
There is also an expanded line of Range Rover which includes the Range Rover Sport, Evoque and Velar. These all come with a range of minor adjustments to modernise the range and can be found for affordable prices from places like Peter Vardy.
The Range Rover range has a long and interesting history and has dominated the SUV market for nearly 50 years. Each new generation modernises and adds a healthy dose of style and luxury to the range so it will be fascinating to see what the future holds for this prestigious car.
