We’ve spotted another prototype for Land
Rover’s fifth-generation Range Rover SUV testing on the track, still hiding its
evolved design details under yards of camouflage. While the camouflage hides a
number of details, we can see the model will have a prominent grille that is
flanked by new headlights with distinctive daytime running lights. Moving
further back, there’s an evolutionary hood and streamlined bodywork. We can
also see a more pronounced shoulder line and a familiar greenhouse. It’s also
interesting to note the model uses traditional door handles rather than the
flush-mounted ones featured on the Velar and Evoque.
The evolutionary design continues out back
as the redesigned model has an upright tailgate with a small lip beneath the
rear window. We can also get a glimpse of a four-tailpipe exhaust system and
vertical taillights. While the interior of this prototype is camouflaged,
previous pictures have shown a new steering wheel with an assortment of
buttons. We can also expect a more upscale cabin which places a greater
emphasis on technology. Speaking of the latter, there should be a digital
instrument cluster and a TouchPro Duo infotainment system.
Land Rover has been tight-lipped about the
upcoming Range Rover, but the model will ride on the Modular Longitudinal
Architecture (MLA) which supports internal combustion engines as well as mild
hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and fully electric powertrains. The new platform will
also be more aluminum-intensive and this could enable the 2022 Range Rover to
be lighter than its predecessor. Engine options remain unconfirmed, but we can
expect both mild and plug-in hybrid options. If choices carry over from the
current model, there could be a hybridized 3.0-liter inline-six with outputs of
355 hp and 395 hp.
Likewise, the plug-in hybrid variant could
use a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, an electric motor, and a
lithium-ion battery pack. This setup gives the current model a combined output
of 398 hp and 640 Nm of torque. Jaguar Land Rover
has also inked a deal for access to BMW’s Gen 5 electric drive unit. It is
expected to be used in an electric Range Rover and there have also been rumors
about models equipped with a BMW-sourced twin-turbo 4.4-liter V8.
Of course, we still have a wait ahead of
us as the redesigned Range Rover isn’t expected at least until later next year.