We
thought were the first spy photos of the next-generation Range Rover Sport
luxury SUV. Well, things turned out to be a bit more complicated than that. Carscoops photographers have confirmed from a safe source that the prototype you see here
undergoing winter testing is the new Range Rover flagship and not the Range
Rover Sport.
This makes sense as the Range Rover was
always revealed before the Sport in earlier iterations. Mind you, if that’s not
a valid enough argument for you, the fact that this prototype is a
long-wheelbase model should convince you. That’s because the Range Rover Sport
has never been available as a long-wheelbase model, with only the flagship
Range Rover offering two wheelbase configurations.
The
fact we’re looking at a LWB model is obvious as the rear doors are longer than
the front doors, and the distance between the axles is generous. The extensive
camouflage keeps the design details of the all-new Range Rover hidden from view
but it’s easy to see that the distinctive shape of the bodywork will not
change. It looks as if this prototype features the production body and
headlights, which should be inspired by the Velar. There’s a good chance the
final version of the taillights is also hidden underneath the camo.
While the fifth-generation Range Rover
will continue to look familiar, big changes will take place underneath its
imposing bodywork. The flagship luxury SUV will adopt an all-new platform, the
Modular Longitudinal Architecture (MLA) shared with the next-generation Range
Rover Sport and the upcoming Jaguar XJ. The new platform will allow the 2022
Range Rover not only to get up to speed with the latest technological
advancements but also to shed a significant amount of weight thanks to the
extensive use of aluminum.
The upcoming Range Rover is expected to
offer mild-hybrid, plug-in hybrid and all-electric variants, including a PHEV
with an EV driving range of around 50 km. The Range Rover EV is
expected later on, at least one year after the rollout of the usual assortment
of six- and eight-cylinder petrol and diesel powertrains.
Exect a BMW-supplied 4.4-liter twin-turbo
V8 petrol unit to replace the current supercharged 5.0-liter V8, with the
Bavarians also rumored to offer other engines and electric drive units to their
former brand. The all-new Range Rover is expected to arrive in dealerships in
2021, which means the auto show debut could happen later this year.