The next-generation Range Rover has been
spotted once again in fully-camouflaged prototype form, this time near the
Nürburgring Nordschleife. Yes, the 2022 Range Rover has arrived in Germany for
dynamic testing and, while it continues to be fully disguised, these photos of
a parked prototype taken from a short distance enable us to take the best look
yet at the upcoming flagship luxury SUV.
The close up shots reveal details like the
pop-out door handles, parts of the LED headlights and taillights, as well as a
view of the SUV’s underbody. We can see that this particular prototype features
real quad exhausts that suggest it features the range-topping V8 engine. We
also get a peek inside though there’s not much to talk about as the dashboard
is covered by a cloth. Only the multifunction steering wheel is partially
exposed but it’s pretty clear it’s a work in progress.
In the looks department, it’s obvious that
the 2022 Range Rover will remain an imposing SUV – for reference, just look at
the photo in which a Mercedes-Maybach GLS appears next to it. The styling will
be evolutionary, with many design cues picked up from the Range Rover Velar.
The interior is expected to be more high-tech and luxurious than ever before,
with at least three digital screens (for the instrument panel, infotainment
system and climate control) dominating the dashboard.
While its distinctive shape will carry
over, the fifth-generation Range Rover will switch to an all-new platform, the
Modular Longitudinal Architecture (MLA) shared with the next-generation Range
Rover Sport and the upcoming Jaguar XJ.
The aluminum-intensive platform will help
the Range Rover shed a significant amount of weight as well as get up to speed
with the latest technological advancements. The flagship SUV is expected to
offer mild-hybrid, plug-in hybrid and all-electric variants, including a PHEV
with an all-electric driving range of around 50 km.
The fully-electric Range Rover should
debut at least one year after the launch of six- and eight-cylinder petrol and
diesel powertrains. Speaking of which, a BMW-supplied 4.4-liter twin-turbo V8
petrol will reportedly replace the supercharged 5.0-liter V8. Rumor has it the
Bavarians will offer other engines and electric drive units too. The all-new
Range Rover should arrive in dealerships sometime in 2021, which means the auto
show debut could happen towards the end of this year.